HiFi 2000 Audio Enclosures

[SRMcGee]

Folks:

Does anyone have any direct experience with audio chassis manufactured by an Italian company called "HiFi 2000"? The products on their website are very attractive (check them out at http://www.hifi2000.it/default.asp?id=3&mnu=3). I am especially drawn to the "Slim Line" series (with optional 10mm thick front panels -- forgive me for being seduced by the Dark Side).

If you have any personal experience with these units and can speak to their value, quality, and fit and finish, I'd be grateful.

Regards,
Scott

[dr.strangelove3]

Hi Scott,

I've bought a couple of the 'Pesante Dissipante' cases. They are really very nicely made. The 10 mm frontplates with the handles look very sturdy. However, the bottom, top and backplates are made of thin normal coated steel. Not that those plates are very weak, but 2mm black anodized alu would have fitted the case better. Also the cheap plastic feet don't really match.
Still I like the case, and I'll probably will order one more for my Krell-KSA100 clone.

Regards,
Patrick

[SRMcGee]

Patrick:

Thanks for the response. The HiFi 2000 website indicates that the rear panel on the 'Pesante Dissipante' cases is 1mm, whereas on the 'Slim Line' the rear panels are 3mm. The extra 2mm is appealing -- everyone likes rigidity. On the other hand, the cynic in me suspects that their statement that the Slim Line case sides are "10mm wide, black oxidised sides in shaped aluminum" means that the sides are really made of a thinner (1mm?) aluminum sheet bent to a 10mm width.

An inquiry to HiFi 2000 is in order....

Before I proceed, has anyone else had any experience with their cases?

Thanks,
Scott

[Nisbeth]

I haven't got any experience with the Slimline-series as such, but I have quite a few of the Galaxy-cases which I believe are similar in construction (looks that way from the website) as well as a few of the larger Pesante cases.

The side panels are a 10mm custom alu extrusion, so they are not solid, but still considerably more rigid than bent sheet metal. The rear panels on the Galaxy cases are 3mm anodized aluminium compared to 1mm (or is it 1.2mm) steel on the Pesante. Top and bottom are 1mm steel on all types. The standard Pesante chassis (haven't tried the heatsink types) are a little to wobbly for my taste, but the Galaxy-series is quite well built, well finished and good value. The only but's I can think of are A) the high shipping costs to the US which would reduce the value-for-money a little and B) the steel panels are a little difficult to machine unless you have access to proper tools. Otherwise, they are highly recommended.


/U.

[kevinkr]

Scott, if you decide to proceed with an order and want to possibly reduce costs by combining orders let me know as I would be interested.

[SRMcGee]

Kevin:

Makes sense to me. I sent HiFi 2000 an email asking for more information on the Slim Line series before Nisbeth posted his comments (which answered my principal questions), but they haven't responded yet. That was several days ago, and I just have to accept that it's the Italian way.

I have a friend who also may be interested in a chassis or two. What is your timing on a chassis purchase -- can you afford to wait a little while if we opt for less expensive surface shipping instead of air freight?

Regards,
Scott

[Cobra2]

http://www.audiophonics.fr/boitiers-hifi2000-c-84.html

Arne K

[Nisbeth]

Originally posted by SRMcGee
I sent HiFi 2000 an email asking for more information on the Slim Line series before Nisbeth posted his comments (which answered my principal questions), but they haven't responded yet. That was several days ago, and I just have to accept that it's the Italian way.

IME their normal response time is 2-3 business days. Anything more than that adn I would try to resend the email.


/U.

[kevinkr]

Hi Scott,
Timing not urgent, I can definitely wait as I think the savings that way would be worthwhile.

Kevin

[Peteruk]

May I ask how you actually order from these people?

I'm guessing it's via email, but I haven't recieved a reply yet.

Don't suppose being able to speak Italian is essential is it?