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taalas · 2011-10-31, 14:37

Hi everyone,

I am in the process of planning my second HTPC...and this time I would like one that fits with my other HiFi components.

I am currently using an Antec Fusion, which I still like design-wise...it is too wide for a standard HiFi cabinet though (by about 4mm).

I saw this case in Eskros thread:
Silverstone ML03B

Do you have any further recommendations for cases with the standard width that look like any other HiFi device?

On a totally unrelated side note: Are there any prebuilt devices right now that one should consider instead of building one from scratch? I saw the Asrocks but these are way too expensive and I dont need the BD drive. Any recommendations I should be aware of in the nettop range?

thanks!

Balinus · 2011-10-31, 16:11

The Wesena E5 and E6 are slightly narrower than the Antec Fusion :
http://www.shop.perfecthometheater.com/H...C-e5-B.htm
http://www.shop.perfecthometheater.com/H...C-e6-B.htm

taalas · 2011-11-02, 16:24

These are actually very beautiful...but I can't order them locally it seems. Are there any similar cases to these?

bigbw · 2011-11-02, 17:58

taalas Wrote:Hi everyone,

On a totally unrelated side note: Are there any prebuilt devices right now that one should consider instead of building one from scratch? I saw the Asrocks but these are way too expensive and I dont need the BD drive. Any recommendations I should be aware of in the nettop range?

thanks!

Really depends on what you want to do and what you plan to use it for.. I have a prebuilt zotac that i got for $250 including memory and HD.. I have xbmc live loaded and it works great for me.. Mostly SD content, but i have some ripped blue rays and they work fine as well.. I have read there might be some issues streaming hd audio with pre built units, but this is not a big deal for me.. I run the audio thru my yamaha system and it sounds fine to me.. I also have one i built from scratch and it works just as well.. All things considered, if i was doing it again, i would go pre-built..

Balinus · 2011-11-02, 18:13

taalas Wrote:These are actually very beautiful...but I can't order them locally it seems. Are there any similar cases to these?

where do you live? Because you can buy the wesena in america and also in europe through amazon or wesena.co.uk

taalas · 2011-11-02, 19:49

Europe it would be for me...I just checked and you are right, these would be available from amazon.co.uk (as they ship to germany). The price tag is a little steep...although the e5 seems to be exactly the case I have been searching for for quite a while now.

To buy or not to buy... Wink

Balinus · 2011-11-02, 20:13

taalas Wrote:Europe it would be for me...I just checked and you are right, these would be available from amazon.co.uk (as they ship to germany). The price tag is a little steep...although the e5 seems to be exactly the case I have been searching for for quite a while now.

To buy or not to buy...

I was about to order a cheaper case (and admittedly uglier) case for my HTPC. The wife then said : "I don't mind paying for something less ugly". I went for the ITX7 then! hehehe Ordered yesterday.

If you need info on the e5, read the missingremote review : http://www.missingremote.com/review/wese...pc-chassis

**voip-ninja** · 2011-11-02, 20:15

I was very close to pulling the trigger on the E5 but was worried I would have issues with getting my Pico PSU to reach from where they put the power inlet for the chassis all the way over to the headers on the Mini ITX motherboard.

So, I opted for ITX7. It's a very nice case too although it's a little bit more of a "box" shape than the E5, which looks like a nice piece of rack mounted gear.

taalas · 2011-11-03, 16:31

Thanks for the suggestions and for the missingremote link...I didn't know that site yet.

It seems we all have similar taste Wink

I am really tempted to order the E5, although I am a little worried about the built in IR (I had waaay to much trouble wit the iMon in my current case) and MCE compatibility. The ITX7 looks vory nice as well, although I would prefer a full width case to fit my hifi rack. If I go for a cube I might choose the ITX2 though I think, because it doesn't have the ITX7's rounded top.

Are there any other cases you know of with similar design (to the E5 and/or ITX) that are non-plastic?

Balinus · 2011-11-03, 16:42

For the IR sensor, you can just put your own trusted IR receiver behind the IR slot. No need to pay to include one of their own.

For the ITX2, keep in mind that the case is smaller than ITX6 and ITX7.

Similar design (cube), for cheaper : Habey EMC-600 and EMC-800. For ~75, you have an 120W PSU included. But they doesn't have any ports in the front and you should be careful with the airflow as they are smaller than ITX6/7 (similar to ITX2 size).

For mATX, I like the Silverstone GD04/05. Very good airflow, designed for good performance HTPC.

Happy hunting Smile

**voip-ninja** · 2011-11-03, 17:22

Well, just keep in mind that Silverstone GD04 or GD05 are absolutely massive compared to something like a Habey EMC-800 or Wesena ITX7.

The Wesena cases are VERY good. Yes they are pricey but the quality is better than any other enclosure I have worked with.

Apple still makes the best enclosures but not everyone wants a Mac.

Balinus · 2011-11-03, 17:34

voip-ninja Wrote:Apple still makes the best enclosures but not everyone wants a Mac.

And the Apple enclosures doesn't come barebone either!

Indeed, the Gd04/05 are massive, but for me the selling point was the reduced depth (~13" inch) vs the Wesena e5 (~16"inch). My cabinet is a little bit less than 16". The GD04 is higher though.

**voip-ninja** · 2011-11-04, 05:48

GD04 is almost 6" tall, that's huge. The E5 is something like 2.75".

bluray · 2011-11-04, 06:57

Balinus Wrote:And the Apple enclosures doesn't come barebone either!

Indeed, the Gd04/05 are massive, but for me the selling point was the reduced depth (~13" inch) vs the Wesena e5 (~16"inch). My cabinet is a little bit less than 16". The GD04 is higher though.

how about this high quality steel case? it seem to be perfect size for most cabinet-

hec Black 0.7mm Thickness SECC Steel 7K09BBA30FNRX Micro ATX Media Center 300W Power Supply / HTPC Case

since most owners love the structure and durability of the case but they don't like the fan and psu, it can be replaced with these silent fan and better psu-

SeaSonic SS-300TFX Bronze 300W TFX12V v2.3 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply - OEM and Vantec Stealth 80mm Double Ball Bearing Silent Case Fan - Model SF8025L

prongATO · 2011-11-04, 08:43

Balinus Wrote:The Wesena E5 and E6 are slightly narrower than the Antec Fusion :
http://www.shop.perfecthometheater.com/H...C-e5-B.htm
http://www.shop.perfecthometheater.com/H...C-e6-B.htm

Just fell in love with the e5. Looks like I'll be rebuilding my small form factor in one of these soon. It's in the HabeyUSA small case now.