Caiman - New Case?

[Carson]

After a couple of minor dimension changes, here are the final renders of the proposed case:




Only thing now is I have to work out how to attach all of the parts together in a clean manner so as not to ruin the look of it. Suggestions anyone?

Thanks for that James - roughly halfway between a "standard" hifi size and the current Caiman, then - is there a particular reason for the width at 350mm? I'll wait to see the new images before saying anything else, if the proportions differ.

Not really no, I want enough space inside the case to not be restricted by component size, etc. I thought if I was making a custom case, i might as well make it big enough to accommodate some extra gubbins.

I know that the bdac case CAN be changed to make positive changes to the sound.
I lined the case of mine with aluminium flash tape (effectively Dynamat type stuff) and the sound tightened up nicely.

Will be watching this one closely

good render by the way, nice table texture.
What 3d software did you use?

Im using Autodesk 3DS Max 2010

[Rare Bird]

The render of most of the case has completed. What are everyone's thoughts?


I will sort out a render of the back of the case soon.

Thats great. I've always had issues with the Beresford Asthetics, they look terrible,the actual DAC i'm cool with.... that looks nice, i thnk the back pannel doesnt need overlapping like the front looks a bit odd...

Oi Stan the man you gotta agree

[Carson]

Thats great. I've always had issues with the Beresford Asthetics, they look terrible,the actual DAC i'm cool with.... that looks nice, i thnk the back pannel doesnt need overlapping like the front looks a bit odd...

Oi Stan the man you gotta agree

Something like this?

[Rare Bird]

Aye thats better all flush at the back...Nice work.Knobs would be better Chrome

[Rare Bird]

First off, I hope everyone had a great Christmas

I have been umm and arr'ing about designing and building a new case for my Caiman. Mainly so I can fit more goodies inside it and not be restricted by the size of the case, but also because (to my knowledge) no one else has done it yet.

I planning on giving it a solid aluminium front and back, with CNC milling/engraving for the buttons, power, inputs/outputs, volume, headphones, etc and then having only minimal text on the front to keep it sleek looking. I might even consider changing the buttons, etc but that depends largely on what my wallet will allow.

I am undecided on what the sides of the case should be made off (stained hardwood maybe?), but the top will likely be transparent.
The base will probably just be a sheet of aluminium with fixings attached for mounting the boards on.

When I get some free time I will draw up a model of what I'm planning for people to provide some input.
This will be my first adventure into building a case for something and hopefully not the last, so if anyone has done something similar before, I'd love to hear from them.

With the flush back it's not a million miles away from the nene valley audio cases, He bonds Acrylic to wood sides..

[Ali Tait]

Have a look for cases here-

http://www.hifi2000.it/default.asp?Langid=1

I think they will also make you a bespoke one if you wish.

[Marco]

Great project, James! Do keep us regularly updated on this one. Potentially the interest in this could be huge if your project is successful, so good luck with it

I'm sure that if correctly implemented your modifications will result in not only improved aesthetics, but also in significant improvements sonically!

Marco.

[Covenant]

I think it looks superb-upmarket without being blingy. Personally I would not go for wood on the cheeks. Dont put any more writing on-the name is enough.

[steveinspain]

For me, a remote would be a fantastic addition, and the looks would not go amiss.
Put me down as seriously interested if a remote were a possible..

[Carson]

Thanks for everyone's comments. Its nice to hear some positive feedback on the looks and design, etc.

I am very much a minimalist person (hell....I dont even have any icons on my desktop ) so the more sleek and minimal I can make it (whilst keeping it tasteful) the better.


I have almost completed the process of trying to find all of the components to make the case. Buttons, sockets, dials, CNC front & rear panel, etc and working out a rough price for the parts.

I've chosen and located most of the parts. I'm just waiting on a mail back from Stanley B regarding the correct Pot for the volume dial and a couple of other minor details then I'll start to get the bits.
Also got to ask for a couple of quotes for the front and rear panels to me made and also the smoked perspex cut to shape for the top.

Due to the design, I shall be removing all buttons, sockets, outputs, inputs, etc from the PCB's and then connecting them to ones attached to the case panels. Lots of work, but should pay off.
Just really hoping I dont brick the DAC by doing all of this

My main problem at the moment though is how im going to fix all the case parts together without the fixings ruining the exterior and interior design.
Suggestions anyone?


Can't say its going to be a cheap project, but then im going to enjoy every bit of build process and the satisfaction upon completion, so im not too worried. Also, I can't really skimp on quality for something like this