2. misc-audio
  3. 1060617176

Who designs casework for audio components?

Are there industrial design firms that specialize in designing audio component casework? How many manufacturers design their own products in-house? The design of the casework is an important part of brand recognition/appeal and unless cost is an extremely important factor it deserves serious attention. Lots of factors to think about: dimensions, shape, color, materials used, layout, user interface, etc. Who does the design work?
budrew
pbb
1,140 posts
 
At Edge, someone with no training and worst yet, no taste. Judging from such brands as CJ, Pass Labs, Manley and many others too numerous to mention by name, most are refuges from Chrysler.
thsalmon
348 posts
 
Hey Pbb, I sure wish someone would design some components with the huge tailfins of the early 60's Chryslers and DeSotos. Yeh baby!
budrew OP
467 posts
 
I agree the Edge stuff is unbearable. They probably wanted to make a statement, but in my view it's the wrong statement. Expensive to make too.

One thing that I definately prefer is a volume knob instead of buttons. A knob is quick and easy to use. Buttons are generally fixed in how fast they change the volume. Give me a big cherry-wood Blue Circle knob anyday!
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
As someone who loves and makes a living in the art+design field I totally agree. I wish more manufacturers that charge high dollar for their gear would put a little more effort into the industrial design of their products.

Obviously, Gilbert Yeung of Blue Circle puts a premium on design [and concept], but I think he should add a set of brassiere headphones to go along with his purse preamp and high heel pump monoblock amps.
budrew OP
467 posts
 
Actually, I heard Gilbert mention on his web site forum working on a top secret headphone system project. But it's probably shaped like a big, blue hat (with built-in earspeakers?)!

I like Gilbert's understated, somewhat funky styling.
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