What Is The Cost Of Amplifier Casework?

What are the chances of a manufacturer getting the internal amp design to sound right if they can’t get casework that is functional and looks good?

Why does having the case look good, reflect on how it sounds.

It’s what’s inside that counts. Many times it’s prototypes that sound better than the production versions. This is why Schiit are making a big impact on the hiend, great internals average budget exterior.
This way you can have hiend sound without the exorbitant costs of "glitzy" casework that does nothing for the sound.

But then there are "pseudo" audiophiles that buy the most expensive "glitzy’est" looking equipment/racking, just to show it off for it’s looks, but have no idea if it sounds good or not, as they have no ear.
These are usually the ones that stack their "glamour" pieces in-between the speakers so they can ogle it and the led lights while listening, but they have no idea that the "stereo image is being greatly compromised" with all that racking and equipment and sometimes a tv as well, in-between the speakers.   

Cheers George

It’s what’s inside that counts.

So you would pay Porsche prices for a Porsche built car that looked like a Gremlin?

BTW, Schitt Audio clearly pays attention to how their products look.  As does PS Audio, NAD and other "budget" audiophile brands.  Their cases are not cheaply made.  Making it look good is relatively easy.  Getting it to sound good is harder.  If you can't do the easy part, how you going to do the hard part?

So you would pay Porsche prices for a Porsche built car that looked like a Gremlin?

IMO, car is more status symbol than an amp.   You drive a car in public and listen in private.   I enjoy listening in the dark so who cares?

The best is TriPoint with 200000000 ... Steinway coating housing a pile of mineral.  Are you buying furniture or a ground box??

So you would pay Porsche prices for a Porsche built car that looked like a Gremlin?

With sound it depends if you are an "audiophile" with sound as your 1st preference. Or if what you look at is more important. You'll never see a MacIntosh owner with all his gear off to the side, except for the speakers. 

I've seen it too many times, many (not all) rich guys ask me what's the best, who just want the best to show off to their rich mates, even though they are all deaf, and can't tell the difference.
And then set it up like an 'advert" with all the gear on $$$$$ racking in-between the speakers, trashing the stereo image and depth. 

Cheers George

George,

Those, rich or poor, that place speakers too close to side and especially rear walls are trashing imaging and depth. Getting the speakers out from the rear wall greatly reduces the impact of rack location IME. Combine the two issues and it's hopeless.

Dave