I see what you mean but I also can see that this would appeal to some people.
The one big difference between valve and SS design aesthetics is that in valve design you have a strong focal point.......the valves (ok tubes if you prefer).
A good design takes the main focal point and then builds a design around it. The example you showed does do that quite well even if you don't like the switches and knobs.
Why? What's wrong with the thing looking like it sounds?
Show the Aloha, my bruddah!
Poinz
AudioTropic
In my opinion it doesn't display the tubes/valves well enough.
It could almost be a transistor design (almost as the valves are visible).
Poindexter design is clever, in one chassis he gives ample space between PS and signal circuitry, besides you can't say is ugly (really you CAN'T).
Maybe but you can put things on top of it, like the picture of your beloved one
or some flowers
WAF
Maybe but you can put things on top of it, like the picture of your beloved one
or some flowers
WAF
I think that one is great. It's classic, timeless tubeamp design with attention to detail.
I'd say you can't go wrong w/ something like that.
I think that poindexter one people keep talking about is amazing. The function came first keeping the PS away from the amp. The design incorporates everything good about the standard style tubeamp design, but takes to the next level.
I'd say you can't go wrong w/ something like that.
I think that poindexter one people keep talking about is amazing. The function came first keeping the PS away from the amp. The design incorporates everything good about the standard style tubeamp design, but takes to the next level.
Sorry my comments about the Poindexter (Eric's) amp weren't meant to be personal. This is a thread about personal taste and as such there is no right or wrong.
I do this this one better (aesthetics) as it displays the valves.......
http://www.audiotropic.net/Products/mmPortrait.jpg
No wood on any of my amps yet, though the next one will probably be a bit more "traditional" wood box design.
I love poinz's work - both the circuitry and the cabinetry. I can only wish to have the level of skill that his stuff displays.
I personally like his pre-amp design asthetically, but also from a practical perspective - it allows the unit to be "stacked" with the power amp (in its full exposed tube glory) on top. And toggles are practical, efficient and simple - what more could you want?
The high-bling factor stuff kinda turns me off - I like the look of an all aliuminium case for smaller stuff - headphone amps, phono-pre's etc but for full format gear the simple approach leaves you free to appreciate the electronic architecture and the music, and timber and aluminium is an easy to do (although some do it better than others), relatively inexpensive, reliable and robust.
I think anything that can pass WAF would be impressive. Generally that means invisible. Anyone have any successes to showcase?
The mono-blocks in post #44 are very nice. I like the wood, symmetry and simplicity. They just look classic (even though most vintage amps were built on cheap aluminum or steel boxes).
The amp in post #1 is nice, but would look better if the placement of the large and small transformers were reversed. As it is, the rest of the amp slants outwards while the transformer horizon slants inwards. Or perhaps put a cover on the transformers+capacitors.
Poindexter's amp is very nice too. Nice blend between classic and modern. You can see the tubes if you want, but they don't stick out in a distracting manner. I've had a lot of guests that come to my house ask "is it normal for the tubes to stick out like that?".
The amp in post #1 is nice, but would look better if the placement of the large and small transformers were reversed. As it is, the rest of the amp slants outwards while the transformer horizon slants inwards. Or perhaps put a cover on the transformers+capacitors.
Poindexter's amp is very nice too. Nice blend between classic and modern. You can see the tubes if you want, but they don't stick out in a distracting manner. I've had a lot of guests that come to my house ask "is it normal for the tubes to stick out like that?".
Definitely not invisible, but the wife approves. They normally reside in the living room, but this picture was taken at BAF 2009. More grandma HiFi for you 🙂
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
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I liked "Why all of those funny looking light bulbs. Do they light up in different colors or something?". This question was asked by my wood shop teacher when he asked what I wanted to build and I showed him some pictures. He is old enough to remember TV's that took a while to warm up, but had no idea what was inside.
DESIGN: to listen, to impress visitors, for a Frankenstein Movie?
I've been to Architecture school. I'm 61 years old and semi retired. I've been an audiophile since I was seven and build my own equipment. First I think you should map out what your intended purpose of the amp is. Form should follow function. I fail to see why a component needs to look like a piece of jewelry. I fail to see why a component needs a Jacobs ladder or a front panel fish aquarium with Pirannahs in it. If you think your creation should look like a piece of jewelry or needs a Jacobs ladder with it's sparks then maybe you should be a set designer or production designer for a Hollywood Frankenstein movie. Start with a bubble diagram. Make a bubble for each function (must haves); ie must be near loudspeaker so outputs need to be bannanas or Cinch 142 on the left or the right, must be mono block or two channels on one chassis, must have balanced inputs, must haves. Then group the bubbles as to where they go. Maybe your left hand dominate or maybe you are blind or a TAB (temporarily able bodied). Maybe you would want to keep the amp until old age and cart it around on a wheeled conveance, I don;t know but arrange your must haves in the form the amp will take. Ray
I've been to Architecture school. I'm 61 years old and semi retired. I've been an audiophile since I was seven and build my own equipment. First I think you should map out what your intended purpose of the amp is. Form should follow function. I fail to see why a component needs to look like a piece of jewelry. I fail to see why a component needs a Jacobs ladder or a front panel fish aquarium with Pirannahs in it. If you think your creation should look like a piece of jewelry or needs a Jacobs ladder with it's sparks then maybe you should be a set designer or production designer for a Hollywood Frankenstein movie. Start with a bubble diagram. Make a bubble for each function (must haves); ie must be near loudspeaker so outputs need to be bannanas or Cinch 142 on the left or the right, must be mono block or two channels on one chassis, must have balanced inputs, must haves. Then group the bubbles as to where they go. Maybe your left hand dominate or maybe you are blind or a TAB (temporarily able bodied). Maybe you would want to keep the amp until old age and cart it around on a wheeled conveance, I don;t know but arrange your must haves in the form the amp will take. Ray
Hey, I have a masters in architecture and another in urban design, and I said the exact same thing.. form should follow function. Classic timeless design doesn't need anything extra or fancy.
If you want to design something that's really trendy and will sell right NOW, but people will laugh at it in 5 years.. well sure.. add all the flashy stuff.. But that design will show its age in no time.
If you want to design something that's really trendy and will sell right NOW, but people will laugh at it in 5 years.. well sure.. add all the flashy stuff.. But that design will show its age in no time.
To my surprise, DynaMutt passed the WAF and I have made prettier amps 😱
What she DOESN'T like about it... "It's too loud!"
(she's used to my 2W/ch. SET)
Cheers!
Hi Jeb-D,
Those are very nice looking amps, care to share some technical details or point to where they can be found? What is the tube to the right(left) of the 6C33?
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