Want to build my own equipment.

As a subset of this thread, does anyone know any "high end" metal fabricators that might supply the industry or otherwise be available to make a chassis for a custom amp, preamp etc.

Check the net, Check the net, and once again check the net.

If you want to build amps, check out barns and nobel's online service.
I got some very good amplifier construction manuals from there, cant remember the name off the top of my dome tho.

Just go there and look for books on loudspeakers or amps, there are plenty that will give you some excellent knowledge.

It doesent really look difficult either.

Custom metal cases?
Once again i would just search the net. Look for any type of Metal Fabricators. Certain you will find something that will suit yer needs.
As far as "High end" goes, im not sure metal workers will understand what you mean by high end, but if you tell them what you want im sure they can fab it for ya, and im sure they can make it every bit as good as say, a jeff rowland amp chassis

No problem, just have a lot of money laying around and you'll probably do just fine......It will likely cost 5-20 limes as much and take five times as long as you anticipate it will take and cost is the only problem.....If you are really tight then you will likely break even in a few years as set-up costs and layout/electrical design are expensive.....

Good Luck!

Bob Crump
CTC Builders

Look at tubes4audio.com or diytubes.com Both have kits and are a good starting place. I love my st-50 and st-80, which are quite musical and competitive with the big name amps I've had. Roy at tubes4audio can have a very nice top plate fabricated. It actually looks better than the photos on the website. A poplar or walnut box from welbornelabs.com makes for a professional, nice looking tube amp. Bottlehead.com for intro to preamps and single-ended amp. Good luck.

Have a look here:http://www.diyaudio.com/