Great thread - from above posts, I've had the good fortune of combining the good looks of B&W 802Ds, SF Amati Futuras, SF 803Ds, and Canton 5Ks in current or past systems with the primary benefit of sonic bliss. While I get that the 802Ds' "bowling ball" look doesn't work for everyone, I find that speakers that look good to me bring another element of enjoyment. That element is often complementary to listening to classical or jazz especially, where more traditional good looks fits those vibes (no pun intended!).
I've heard some excellent speakers that don't appeal aesthetically to me and therefore I wouldn't really consider them. That's a function more of having other wonderful choices in the market than making any sonic compromise.
Strads and Aidas are in a class all their own over the years.
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Sources: Vinyl: Clearaudio Innovation Wood turntable with 9" Universal tonearm, Da Vinci V2 cartridge, Stillpoints SS & Stillpoints clamp, McIntosh MVP 901, Apple Mac mini via Benchmark DAC 1, Aurender N100C via Schiit Yggdrasil
Control: McIntosh C1100, Mcintosh MX151
Power: Mcintosh MC2301s (front), McIntosh MC501 (center), Mcintosh MC402 (rear)
Speakers: Sonus Faber Amati Futura (front and back), SF Vox center
Power/connections: PS Audio Power Port receptacles, RGPC 400 pro (2) WireWorld interconnects and speaker cable
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