Just learned the term "Shelf Queen"
- Thread starter Fishfood
- Start date
Well, given how many products are stunners looks-wise, if money was no object, I'd be buying them for the shelf factor too... 
What have you bought based on appearance?
What have you bought based on appearance?
never just on appearance, but the Linn CD-12 back in the day was a stunner to look at. and the Mark Levinson No.32 preamp, and No.33 Mono Blocks were both works of hifi art. the Kharma Exquisite 1D speakers were also very 'arty' i think. still my wife's favorite speaker 'in room' to look at.
i'd say only the ML No. 32 preamp was the only real 'shelf queen' that sounded pretty veiled and opaque. those others performed at high levels.
of my current gear, i'd say that my CS Port LFT1 turntable seems to be universally admired for it's 'zen' beauty, possibly the Esoteric Grandioso T1 tt might be like that, i view my Wadax in that light but it's a controversial as people seem to either love it or hate it (and the price get's people's panties in a bunch too). my dart 468 mono blocks are certainly a strong looking design, i view it as beautiful, it's gold/red 'ironman' look an acquired taste maybe. none of these current loves are not performing.
i'd say only the ML No. 32 preamp was the only real 'shelf queen' that sounded pretty veiled and opaque. those others performed at high levels.
of my current gear, i'd say that my CS Port LFT1 turntable seems to be universally admired for it's 'zen' beauty, possibly the Esoteric Grandioso T1 tt might be like that, i view my Wadax in that light but it's a controversial as people seem to either love it or hate it (and the price get's people's panties in a bunch too). my dart 468 mono blocks are certainly a strong looking design, i view it as beautiful, it's gold/red 'ironman' look an acquired taste maybe. none of these current loves are not performing.
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I almost kept my Micro Seiki SX8000II because it was so cool looking. Just to have it on the top shelf of my rack. It sounded great too, but I figured I would always prefer to listen to my new table. Some of these Beyond Components just increase in value also.
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Well, given how many products are stunners looks-wise, if money was no object, I'd be buying them for the shelf factor too...
For me it's space limitations just as much as money but I've tried to keep the ogling to the lower end: I've had a Music Reference RM-10 MK1 sitting on our fireplace stoop for months. I kept my LP12 for WAY longer than I should have. I have a B&O turntable in the garage just waiting for us to move to a bigger space for a extra system somewhere. I have an amp and preamp by Sparkler that is just for looks. There will be so much more after we move. I have a friend who has a museum in his house of cool audio stuff. I'd like one of those.
It is crazy how audio kinda falls into one of two aesthetic camps -- box with a button and artistic flair. And it doesn't seem to matter how good sounding a product is as to which side it is on. Companies like CH Precision and Lamm sound great but fall in the box with a button camp. My former speakers -- vivid spirits -- definitely fell in the artsy design category. Not sure I have had any real artsy electronics with maybe the exception of the Lampizator pacific all polished brass look.
Maybe I will take note at axpona how many artsy looking components there are.
Maybe I will take note at axpona how many artsy looking components there are.
I bought my Ref 160 Stereo Amplifier for sound but the ghost meters always get a favorable response from friends.
Ron, it depends on the waters where those moorings and docks are located. It certainly varies.
Surely, the Adriatic sea sounds like a great place for a dock to house the dock queen... Can't get enough of those clear coasts...
Joking around with my neighbor who just informed me that this is all derived from the term "size queen". I won't go into what that means.
I built the Garrard 401 as a Covid project to keep my busy. When I finally set it up I was surprised, and honestly a little dissapointed that is surpassed my flagship Acoustic Signature Ascona in everyway. The Ascona, with integrated stand, is one of the coolest looking tables ever made. But it was bested and it was sold.
I have a bunch of cartridge's:
MM: Signet TK-7ea, TK-7su (my favorite), Grace Ruby, Victor X1
MC: Ortofon SPU A95, VDH Crimson Stradivarius, Fidelity Research 1, Denon 103R
We know about water length and the size of the car’s hood. More practical women look at loafer size.
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