I like blingy watches, except for the modern style of having an enormous dial, that just looks stupid to me.
But I like my hi-fi equipment to look functional and purposeful, if possible. What it looks like wouldn't put me off buying it if the sound was what I wanted and the price was right. So it isn't a deal breaker for me if it has gold stripes and all that crap all over it. But I'd prefer not to have that, all else being equal.
On the other hand I always liked the look of the Marantz 'champagne gold' finish kit. Which is a bit 'Abu Dhabi' I know. Maybe I'm just confused?
Current Lash Up:
TEAC VRDS 701T > Sony TAE1000ESD > Krell KSA50S > JM Labs Focal Electra 926.