Beauty in the eye of the beholder

[scotty38]

Probably not something I'd spend my money on but I think they look ok.

[TheMadMick]

I think the title says it all. I don't buy my kit for its looks but I do expect it to be well finished - particularly a Chord prices.

[Theo]

There's an industrial 'chic' about them that some will find appealing, but their main appeal seems to be that they 'look' expensive: cue far east purchasing frenzy.

I like my boxes simple, black and mysterious...

[CN211276]

Totally fugly. They look like they've escaped from the bridge of the Liberator in Blakes 7.

Dr Who sprung to my mind.

[29mile]

Looks like a cash register/till from Star Trek to me.

Proper bling can been seen in the NVA website archives section especially the original TDS statements floating on their pedestels.

[Classicrock]

The problem is the fancy casework is costly so you are not just paying for performance. Also I believe they use switch mode power supplies which is a big turn off for me. When I have heard them at shows have been underwhelmed by the sound for the price tag.

[jandl100]

I quite like the looks of them.
Must be expensive to make, though, but upper echelon Chord was never meant for the budget conscious.
If I was prepared to spend the £££££ I'd be happy to own them.

I currently have a 2Qute DAC and it sounds very good and I like the (small scale) distinctive looks.

[Fretless]

If you look around AliExpress you see a lot of bling (empty) Hifi casework for peanuts.
Sourcing bespoke cases from China cuts costs (and raises profits).

[Alfi]

I wholeheartedly dislike gratuitous "look at me" aesthetics.

However, for those who do like this aesthetic, sonically they would probably be better off ripping the guts out and replace the innards with NVA philosophy driven hardware - even though the massive amounts of aluminium casework would have our beloved Doc spinning in is grave.

Best looking amps, I have ever seen anywhere were Docs early Statement range. Shiny and bling yes, but an aesthetic and design hit with me. Other than those, (in my view) the black box range are so capable at reproducing music, whilst looking so clean and understated they should be good enough for anyone with ears and an eye for style.

Alfi.

[valvesRus]

If you look around AliExpress you see a lot of bling (empty) Hifi casework for peanuts.
Sourcing bespoke cases from China cuts costs (and raises profits).

Not so good value when you include transport costs.