If You Had To Chose A Speaker Solely Based On Looks

[theMaximus]

Inspired by the Wife loves the B&W looks thread by nkb, I thought it would be interesting to discuss what speakers appeal to you the most for their looks. When it comes to loud speakers or any other audio electronics for that matter, the first and foremost factor is the sound quality, but one can't help getting drawn to certain speakers because they have beautiful looks.

I really like the B&W designs from 700, 800, and the new CM series more than any other brands (especially 802, 800, and Nautilus). I would love to have the Nautilus (a.k.a the snail), even if they sounded mediocre since I would admire them even as statues that serve no practical function. Martin Logans also look very appealing to me. Granted if I had the money, I may go for Wilson speakers, but they just seem like someone stacked a few speakers on top of each other and look very ugly. I'm sure there are people who like the macho(?) looks of Wilson.

So, here is the question. Regardless of performance, if you had to chose a speaker solely based on looks, which speakers would you go for?

[fauzigarib]

So, here is the question. Regardless of performance, if you had to chose a speaker solely based on looks, which speakers would you go for?

Cool thread, Maximus,

I have a few very solid favorites, topped off actually by the B&W 802.

After that, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way the older Focal JM Lab Electra 936 looks. Although, frankly, the picture I've included doesn't nearly do it justice.

But most of all, I love the classic Klipschorn! To my eyes, it's just a majestic beast that has its own awe-inspiring presence, and most of all, my wife hates them! The KHorns included in this pic are ours.

Will think of some more... Hope to see some cool pictures!

Fauzi

[Aldo]

Shure the 802D.. One day someone lend me a pair of DALIs and they are beautiful!

[theMaximus]

I don't know much about Bosendorfer speakers, but they sure look nice. I also think a pair of B&W Signature 800 w/ grey tiger eye finish with Classe Delta series in the middle would look very nice in anyone's listening room. Then of course there is the Nautilus.

[tboooe]

I would get the Usher Be-10 or Avalons..they are incredibly gorgeous!!!!

[WI Rotel]

IMO the XT is the supermodel of home cinema, minimalist, modern look and they sound good too!

[jim777]

Sonus Faber Stradivari (I also like the Avalon's)

The picture just does not honor the true great look of these..

[theMaximus]

Sonus Faber Stradivari (I also like the Avalon's)

The picture just does not honor the true great look of these..

Dang, they look sweet.

[jim777]

Dang, they look sweet.

Looks like plastic in the photo but it is some really awesome wood work

[PavelL]

Looks like plastic in the photo but it is some really awesome wood work

that's leather - no cheap plastic

[bigburner]

I have a love hate relationship with this one - the Avantgarde Trio.

[Aussie Geoff]

Hi,

I'm moving this to the Audio Hideout as it is not really B&W related (fun topic though!) :banana:

Geoff

[r100gs]

Legacy Whisper, They remind me of a grandfather clock.

[jim777]

that's leather - no cheap plastic

That is what I meant, it looks like cheap plastic on the photo, but it is great wood work (and leather).

[fatcat]

I've heard the Bosendorfer speakers. They are designed to be used exclusively for piano music, believe it or not. Classical piano sounded amazing, as you might expect, although I'd hate to imagine putting anything else through these.

[PavelL]

That is what I meant, it looks like cheap plastic on the photo, but it is great wood work (and leather).

and those colors are well matched - all the drivers are the same color, the see-through grills look fab too

[jim777]

and those colors are well matched - all the drivers are the same color, the see-through grills look fab too

Thanks. That photo is better!

[David Meek]

Either the Avalon Eidolons, the Sonus Faber Stradivari (both shown above) or the Magnepan MG 20.1s. I don't know why, but the Maggie aesthetics really work for me.


Another speaker I like is the Rockport Antares. It may not be "pretty" but it has this monolithic impressiveness about it.

[Boombox]

1. Dynaudio Contour S3.4

2. Von Scweikert VR2

[Rolex]

audio physic virgo III

[joetama]

To me I like the fat look of the 801D's but I must be weird. Also, I would have to say the clean and sexy look of a Meyer UPA or UPJ would have to go into my best looking class.

[r100gs]

1. Dynaudio Contour S3.4

2. Von Scweikert VR2

The VR2 is a classy looking speaker. ;x(

[r100gs]

I would get the Usher Be-10 or Avalons..they are incredibly gorgeous!!!!

I love the look of the Usher. It has the look of speed.

[theMaximus]

How about these?

Focal Electra 1027 Be
Martin Logan Summit

[scottielee]

Acapella Violon


Tannoy Westminster Royal


i also love the B&W Model Nautilus and Avantgarde Trio mentioned above :T ;x(

[Chris D]

Yeah, the high-end Maggies are just about the perfect speaker for me. Now if I can just afford them...

[wkhanna]

Dali

Mega Link

Euphonia MS5 Link

[Alloroc]

Here's a speaker from Ireland's only speaker manufacturer.......

http://www.oheocha.com/index.php?g=products&p=32

It's an amazing design - I've never heard it mind you.

V.

[Armand]

Here's a speaker from Ireland's only speaker manufacturer.......

http://www.oheocha.com/index.php?g=products&p=32

It's an amazing design - I've never heard it mind you.

V.

That looks like it would scare the hell out of Tom Cruise.

[Alaric]

A love-it or-hate-it look , but it does have it's own look.

Oops.Can't get link to work right. Was referring to the MBL Radialstrahler mbl 101e

[tonych31]

I have seen the Sonus Faber Amati. Not as expensive as the Stradivari though.
A very elegant speaker at mid range price. My wife likes the woodwork finish.
Can't afford it the Amati, so I settled for the Sonus Faber Domus Grand Piano instead.

[Kal Rubinson]

That looks like it would scare the hell out of Tom Cruise.

Always scares me.

Kal

[David Meek]

Here's a speaker from Ireland's only speaker manufacturer.......

http://www.oheocha.com/index.php?g=products&p=32

It's an amazing design - I've never heard it mind you.

V.

Yessir, it's uh. . . unique. . . yeah, that's it. . . unique. But, what does it sound like?

[Kal Rubinson]

Yessir, it's uh. . . unique. . . yeah, that's it. . . unique. But, what does it sound like?

Dunno. I've seen it at CES a few times but I find the appearance too off-putting and, of course, time is fleeting.

[Alloroc]

Yessir, it's uh. . . unique. . . yeah, that's it. . . unique. But, what does it sound like?

Haven't heard them. They get do get some good reviews in the British hifi press - if that means anything!

Next time I'm in Galway, I'll check them out.

[Race Car Driver]

Just saw the thread.

When I read the title 3 came to mind. The Nautilus, Avantgard Trio, and the Stadivari.

Seeing that Acapella Violon is pretty neat too.

[RebelMan]

For me it would be either the B&W Nautilus for its unique mixture of sleek lines and smooth curves or the Avalon Eidolon for its rich and elegant marble like sculpture.

[Jim85IROC]

My favorites are the B&W 800D, the Sonus Amati and the Usher CP-8871.

[tboooe]

My favorites are the B&W 800D, the Sonus Amati and the Usher CP-8871.

Good call on the Ushers! The BE-10 look tremendous!!!! I should know!

[sirbogey]

very good thread. I chose the Piega for my HT setup based primarily on looks. Polished metal. http://www.piega.ch/en/products/

[Alloroc]

very good thread. I chose the Piega for my HT setup based primarily on looks. Polished metal. http://www.piega.ch/en/products/

I happend accross a HiFi store in St. Moritz (during my summer hols.) that sold them so took the time for a quick audition of their C40. Very, very nice with smooth and natural detail but expensive - like anything from Switzerland! About €50k!

[sirbogey]

The C40s are indeed awesome, but not for my budget. I was very lucky indeed, I ran into a guy who was working for the company and ended up getting a nice discount directly from the factory, but they stopped doind that right then...

On my last trip to Zurich I saw the C10s and C8s. They are going for USD12K and USD8K respectively (ex-demos). I listened to them 4 years ago, but they cost twice as much back then.

[digital]

Visual Jonesn'

.
Maggie 3.6's - So ugly... that they're beautiful! And the sound... ah, man, the sound...!



Andrew D.

Cdnav

.

[chinets]

B&W 800 series with a big "D" !!!!!!!!

B&W ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! 800 SERIES "D" 4 DIAMONDS!!!!! :T 8)

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;x(

[Lex]

This is interesting to see so many people select Sonus faber speakers on the basis of looks, since so few seem to select them overall. I personally love the look of the Extremas I already own. I suppose it could be argued that Amati Homage and Stradavari both beat out Extrema.. All 3 are an artistic delight, IMO. Even if my Extremas are obsolete, and were always stand mounted speakers, not floor standers.

I love Sf designed speakers though. Truly artfully inspired, and as Italian as a Ferarri.