I respectfully disagree with the WAF thing. Here are some unimportant but hopefully amusing points :
1) Wives dont give a @#$% about the color of a faceplate, only whether the gear is taking up space in the room or is too complicated to play a dvd for themselves or the kiddies when MR. audiophile is not around
2) Whether you want to admit or not, even the purist audiophile out there is somewhat influenced by the look of the equipment. I, like most of you have owned a lot of gear. I will readily admit that I have purchased some of it on looks as the deciding factor on gear--of course only after i have confirmed sonics. I have also bought very relartively inexpensive and ugly gear becasue the sound is so good (see restored classic sherwood integrateds). See PS below
3) A silver faceplate will increase AVA sales. I am, of course speculating here but im sure there are others who have not purchased ava gear based on looks.
4) maybe its possible that Frank--who I dont know at all-- likes his businesss the way it is. That is selling alot of gear as is whilst keeping it personal. Maybe its possible he does not want to offer a silver faceplate becasue he will need to expand, costs workforce service etc. etc.
5) im not asking frank to stock all different color faceplates, just a silver option. Would it be that expensive from a manufacturing end to stock two colors?
PS Ok now that i have vented. Should I buy the AVA integrated or a blue circle CS - which both cost about the same and both have an approx. 8 week waiting list. The Blue circle is available in differnet color face plates and different color wooden knobs......but AVA has a 30 year tradition that IMHO (being around the audio game alot) has not been equalled in value per cost. Plus its made in the USA