Bruce C. Miller wrote:
I'm looking to creating what will eventually also be a HT system,
starting with the power supply and buy components as I get money.
Aesthetics are as important as functionality for me, and I'd like a
system with components that don't visually clash with each other. I
know a lot of guys who put a lot of money into hi-end equipment, yet
some are wood-grain, some brushed metal, some black, some with rack
mount handles... They usually sound good, but look worse than a shelf
system from Kmart.

I'd like amps with VU meters. I really liked the old Carver TFMs. And
of course McIntosh amps look great. Are there any other amps out there
with backlit VUs? Another problem is that the ones I know about are
all stereo amps. I assume that most of you are using multi-channel amps
for your HT systems. How common is it to use stereo amps, what do you
do about the center channel? 2 stereo amps and a monoblock?

Any suggestions for amp setups and other components that would match
them are appreciated.

Hello.

I may be a tad late here, but the Accuphase E-308 integrated amplifier
has dual VUs on its front display. I have not experienced one of these
units in person, but the specifications look promising. I'd definitely
check it out if that is what you're into. Plus, it’s a currently
produced model, which is a definite advantage in my book over vintage
equipment. For instance, scratches--regardless of how light in
appearance they may be--annoy the hell out of me, and, of course,
non-grounded power supplies would be enough to make my wallet shake.

Hope this helps,

Michael