attractive, compact case for chipamp?

[albireo13]

I am building a LM3886 chipamp kit (bought the boards, scrounging the parts)
This is for a single source system for my bedroom. I will use our Mac for iTunes and internet audio as the source. Output levels are modest and I am designing for 25w/ch or even less. That would be fine. My style is relaxing, easy listening.

I picked up a 22X2, 160VA toroid xfrmer (1.75" tall). My goal is an amp that is attractive yet compact. I will set it on my desktop, near the Mac so space is limited. I think a 10" X 10" footprint is in the ballpark (+ or -).
Requirements are simple .... one stereo input (RCA pair), one spkr pair output, on/off switch, and volume knob on front..

My biggest challenge right now is finding a decent, attractive enclosure. Most are too large or too industrial looking (rack mount, sheet metal, etc).

Any help or ideas would be great. I would consider modifying a case but my abilities are limited. I seem to be striking out with my internet searches.
My budget is keep enclosure < $100 for sure, < $75 preferable, so custom cases are out.

Thx,
Rob

[EBM_dude]

Take a look at the Chipamp photo thread for ideas. There are plenty of possibilities for cases. I especially like the cases that are constructed of nice looking wood and have the heatsinks as the case's side walls.

Edit: something like this.

[culture]

take a look at hifi2000.it

chees,

c

[EBM_dude]

Hey culture, that URL gives me an error 404.

[Nisbeth]

then try modushop.biz (their webshop).


/U.

[SRMcGee]

alberio13:

I agree with culture and Nisbeth -- the HiFi2000 products are very, very nice. Shipping to the US isn't cheap, but the net cost is still reasonable under the circumstances. If you're looking to cut costs, consider starting a group buy (shipping costs will drop from Italy, though you'll have domestic shipping to deal with). And if you can afford it, their 10mm front panels are gorgeous. My younger daughter wanted a small amplifier and we built the attached unit together (JADE = Jamie And Dad Experiment), using a Galaxy Maggiorato enclosure (model GX 288), which is 80mm high, 230mm wide and 280mm deep.

Regards,
Scott

[SRMcGee]

alberio13:

I agree with culture and Nisbeth -- the HiFi2000 products are very, very nice. Shipping to the US isn't cheap, but the net cost is still reasonable under the circumstances. If you're looking to cut costs, consider starting a group buy (shipping costs will drop from Italy, though you'll have domestic shipping to deal with). And if you can afford it, their 10mm front panels are gorgeous. My younger daughter wanted a small amplifier and we built the attached unit together (JADE = Jamie And Dad Experiment), using a Galaxy Maggiorato enclosure (model GX 288), which is 80mm high, 230mm wide and 280mm deep.

Regards,
Scott

[albireo13]

Scott,
That looks gorgeous! Who did the front panel ... knobs, holes, engraving? Did you order it that way?

Rob

[SRMcGee]

Rob:

[hmmnn... how do I delete the duplicative post?]

The front panel was a blank slate -- I designed the front and rear panels using Front Panel Express' software and services. Not cheap (I think about $100 total for the two panels), but they do a great job. Here is a lousy photo of the rear panel.

If you decide to get a Galaxy Maggiorato chassis and want a starting place for designing your enclosure, you are welcome to my files for the front and rear panels -- just drop me a line.

Regards,
Scott

[Ted205]

Originally Posted by SRMcGee

alberio13:

I agree with culture and Nisbeth -- the HiFi2000 products are very, very nice. Shipping to the US isn't cheap, but the net cost is still reasonable under the circumstances. If you're looking to cut costs, consider starting a group buy (shipping costs will drop from Italy, though you'll have domestic shipping to deal with). And if you can afford it, their 10mm front panels are gorgeous. My younger daughter wanted a small amplifier and we built the attached unit together (JADE = Jamie And Dad Experiment), using a Galaxy Maggiorato enclosure (model GX 288), which is 80mm high, 230mm wide and 280mm deep.

Regards,
Scott

Hi Scott


Thats one very professional amp.

I'd be interested to know how you implemented the backlight on the volume pot