Beresford Bushmaster DAC

[MartinT]

Just thinking, Stan, isn't 'Toslink' a proprietary name? Wouldn't you be better off calling them Optical (in line with Coaxial) which defines the input type and avoids a potential demand for compensation should Toshiba ever want to get funny?

[Gazjam]

Looks Good Stan
Have to agree with above though Re: lettering, looks a bit busy?

Just for fun, a quick Photoshop.

[Werner Berghofer]

Lee,

Personally, I would do something with the lettering on the fascia

indeed, there’s a lot to be done. Replace “Power” with “On/Off”, “Select” with “Input” and “Toslink” with “Optical”. All these designations need to be horizontally aligned on a common baseline, no type rotation should be used. The golden accentuation on the volume control feels cheap. Why are the LEDs differently coloured? Do the input LEDs really need to be numbered? The “Beresford” logo in the top left corner looks outdated and old fashioned, and the variant used on the photo of the prototype shown here does not match the original “Beresford” logo.

The appearance of this box gives me the impression this might be the result of an ambitioned DIY hardware technician trying to place the required holes on the front plate. This certainly is not a professional industrial designer’s work.

Maybe this device does sound good, but does it really have to look that ugly?

Werner.

[Gazjam]

Opinions vary Werner

I had noticed the Beresford logo had changed as well though?
Must admit I'd lose the bling myself, including the gold input button.
Could look good shined black to match the Power button?
The gloss black controls and "corner bolts" if all black would contrast nicely with the "off black" colour of the case.
(Like the black Cambridge Audio kit?)

Rather than the "bling" headamp volume pot, how about plain black with a gloss black "dot" to match the corner bolts?
This (and the above) are subtle changes that might add to the design in making it "feel" a bit more upmarket.
The current volume is like a gold version of that on the Rega Brio-R amp, which works in that context due to the simplicity of the design elsewhere.

Just some friendly observations Stan, feel free to ignore!

[Barry]

Why not offer a "stealth" front pannel
No text, plain black knob, black select button

that way no one can moan...

I had guessed that your analog issue might have been to do with the size of the text ... that would also be "solved" ...

Its funny actually ... id never noticed before, but the caiman all of a sudden seems too wide for the desk, you see how the headphones are being pushed off the side and there is a lot of dead space in front of it ... I just dont think it is right for me any more ... i need something that is less wide but maybe a bit deeper

A "stealth" model !!?

Why not go the whole hog and remove the LEDs along with all the legends. Then you could call it the Beresford "Zen"!


Sorry - I'm being facetious. I would prefer to see the input designation and switching to remain the same as the 7520. I think the Beresford logo might do with being a little more stylish - a change of font maybe?

I loath 'bling' so would prefer a plain black knob.


Regards

[Nice Voigtlander camera peeping round the corner - I nearly bought one 45 years ago!]

[magiccarpetride]

Lee,



indeed, there’s a lot to be done. Replace “Power” with “On/Off”, “Select” with “Input” and “Toslink” with “Optical”. All these designations need to be horizontally aligned on a common baseline, no type rotation should be used. The golden accentuation on the volume control feels cheap. The “Beresford” logo looks outdated and old fashioned, and the variant used on the photo of the prototype shown here does not match the original “Beresford” logo.

The appearance of this box gives me the impression this might be the result of an ambitioned DIY hardware technician trying to place the required holes on the front plate. This certainly is not a professional industrial designer’s work.

Maybe this products does sound good, but does it really need to look that ugly?

Werner.

If Bushmaster sounds as good as Stan is implying, I wouldn't mind even if it shipped with Adolf Hitler's ugly mug plastered on the front panel.

[Gazjam]

Only a matter of time on Internet forums before someone compares something to Hitler, nice one Alex!

It looks fine Stan, an evolution I guess of the Caiman look, which is no bad thing if you want to keep Brand Identity.

[NRG]

Flippin' 'eck, everyones a critic and an 'expert' to boot...it looks fine as it is Stan, I like to listen to my Hi-Fi rather than admire it from the arm chair...

[webby]

Looks Good Stan
Have to agree with above though Re: lettering, looks a bit busy?

Just for fun, a quick Photoshop.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

IMO, what you've done there gaz has made subtle but significant improvements.

Well done.

[Werner Berghofer]

Gary,

no bad thing if you want to keep Brand Identity.

right, but this certainly would work much better if the original “Beresford” logo was used in an unaltered way.

Werner.