So if the OP wants looks over performance, then......
I clearly stated that I like what SS8 brings even though I didn't listen to them at all. However, it turned out the choice will have too meet my and wife's cafeterias. That's why I started this thread.
Price wise, the $9000 is MSRP set at the release date. The price was not adjusted to dollar to euro ratio which changed a lot recently. One can get them much cheaper nowadays Lacquer for around $7000, and regular (black ash) sides for $5500, but that's not the point.
The looks in not the only thing she complained (she also mentioned resale value as these are "custom, unkonwn" speakers). I don't care much about the resale part, and she said: ok, it's your part of savings.
The looks, the looks issue remained. That's actually it what gives me
If you look at the subject topic, this reveals my (wife's) issue with these speakers so I started this thread in hope there might be some nice facelifts proposed by other members which might/might not result is SS8 II.
I truly understand if I am the only guy with such an issue, that this is hopeless.