Anyone Ever Build an Amp in a Computer Case?

[casajr]

I'm currently living in China at the moment and am considering another amp build. I have most of the parts from other builds but no chassis. Getting one here locally is next to impossible and importing one would cost a fortune. However, computer cases are dirt cheap here so I'm considering using one for a chassis. Has anyone tried this? I see all sorts of layout, cooling and mechanical mounting issues for the transformers and tube bases. My be fun to try to work it all out tho.

[Phil_S]

If you can get one of those smaller ones we see in newer computers, I think it would make an ideal platform. The old style tower-on-the-floor should work, but I think it is large enough to be awkward. OTOH, no problem fitting in whatever you have in mind. You could even put the transformers inside!

You might look for a rack-mount type case.

You might find the metal a bit on the thin side, but that's only a problem if you mount transformers on the exterior.

Good luck.

[dimitris]

Check this photoessay:http://www.tonepad.com/photoessay.asp?p ... quenceNo=1

[briane]

I've seen some very nice looking builds done in old computer cases.

One guy even put the case on a bench press and reformed the shape.

Its a bit more work, but totally doable. Have you thought about the cake pan idea? Its seems like that might be less work to get what your after.

I've started chopping up old rack mount units (free from work) and will be using those soon. Just strip off the front panel, make a new one, and it should look great.

[casajr]

Thanks for the replies. I'm hoping to stuff everything inside an AT minitower case. Probably room for at least an 18W type of thing, but I've got these 60W Dynaco trannies I'd sure love to use. I can get the cases for about $10 here.

I never thought of the cake pan or roasting pan. I can get those at IKEA in Beijing. Sounds like another way to go and I can see the marketing now....Special anodized chassis with Teflon lining gives you the TONE! Plus they have side handles already.

[tonelab2]

Here's a mod you'll like.....

[casajr]

Thanks for the replies. I'm hoping to stuff everything inside an AT minitower case. Probably room for at least an 18W type of thing, but I've got these 60W Dynaco trannies I'd sure love to use. I can get the cases for about $10 here.

I never thought of the cake pan or roasting pan. I can get those at IKEA in Beijing. Sounds like another way to go and I can see the marketing now....Special anodized chassis with Teflon lining gives you the TONE! Plus they have side handles already.