[fajimr]

HI everyone....

well my amp and pre-amp have been quietly sitting waiting for this semester to end so that I have time to build them.  consequently, I am trying to get all my ducks lined up...  After looking through all the options on the AKSA site, I would really like to find something more worthy of Hugh's design regarding finding a nice ecnlosure.  

I have got a line on a nice chassis for the amp but am looking at my GK-1 manual preamp.    I was considering the chassis linked below, largely because it has a nice option for the face plate and machined knobs.  In addition, it would match the chassis I just bought  

 http://www.digitalanaloguediy.com/entry60.html

I realized it is a bit small with dimensions of:
Chassis height: 60 mm/2.4"
Chassis width: 390mm/15.4"
Chassis depth: 295mm/11.6"

So my question is:  Has anyone had success mounting the tubes on their side so that they could fit in one of these enclosures (or something similar)?   Would there be any negative consequences (besides a few expletives littered along the way)?

I suppose the other option would be to cut holes and have them peak out which I think I've seen somewhere in the AKSA archives.

[andyr]

Hi Jim,

There's nothing wrong with having the toobs poking out the top - and it gives you a nice visual indication that they, at least, are not the culprit if one day no sound comes out!  

If you lay the boards and transformers out on a piece of paper the size of the enclosure you're thinking of, you'll soon be able to see whether they fit OK.

There were some posts a while ago about the effect on the sound of different enclosure materials.  While I'm strictly a "functional black" kinda guy (with two nice glowing tubes sticking out the top), I think Jens' idea of a wooden - not metal - case will give you the best sound.  However, I believe you'd need to go to the extent he did (well, almost!    ) ... lining the inside of the wood with copper foil, to exclude RFI.

Regards,

Andy

[Builder Brad]

Hi Fajimr,

I used the Entry100 enclosure for my GK 1R and was able to mount everything inside without a problem. I did not want the tubes on display and found that I had enough room to mount the analogue board inside the enclosure with room to spare. I know this is not the size case you are considering but thought I would share my experiences with you.

The fabrication of the case is excellent, high quality, heavy gauge alu is used and this appears to be anodised. The additional fittings supplied could not be used as the GK 1Rs output PCB has the phono connectors soldered directly onto the PCB.

Just a note on that fascia - I have found that the aluminum is not anodised which makes it very susceptible to surface damage.

Brad

[rabbitz]

Have a look at the AKSA Gallery sticky as there is some good ideas there.

I have just completed a GK-1EL and spent more time agonising over the case and layout than it took to build Hugh's kit.

I too at one stage thought about having the tubes horizontal, but with the PCB width at 80mm would have meant a tall case of 85mm+. Then there's a selector shaft to get past from the font to the back on the M version.

Ended up with a 1U case (44mm H x 420mm W x 255mm D) with tubes poking out.

[fajimr]

Andy/ Rabbitz,

thanks.. yes, I am now thinking that might be the best route to go especially as rabbitz says the PCB board would be too wide/tall anyway (and this is something I couldn't check myself as all the materials are in canada and I am in the u.s. ... loooong story).    What I like about the enclosure I linked to is that it would match the one I am going to buy.

hmmm, I can't figure out how to upload a picture here or I would.  

Builder brad,
actually the amp enclosure I mentioned above is a modified Entry100 ...  but with a different rear panel and a nice thick aluminum front panel. unfortunately Ken is currently out of the 100s.. so with andy and rabbitz' encouragement above, I'll probably go the 60 route.

thanks all.... can't wait