I am discussing with fabricators a custom 19" chassis for a tube preamp. Currently debating on what materials to use.
I am inclined to use 1.5mm steel for the rear panel and the sides as it would provide a more rigid structure than with alluminium - there are heavy power transformers and other components mounted at the back.
The issue I am concerned with is noise from the power transformer which could be coupling with the steel chassis.
From the research I have done the solution would be as simple as spacing the power transformer away from chassis about 1-2mm with insulating washers.
Since the transformer needs to be grounded for safety reasons, how to do this ?
By the way, does the same apply to audio transformers too ?
Alternatively I was thinking to use stainless steel type 340 which is not magnetic, however I am reading that depending on the heat treatment and hardening process it could become partially magnetic.
I am wondering at what point this could pose a problem. Am I overthinking this ?
I am inclined to use 1.5mm steel for the rear panel and the sides as it would provide a more rigid structure than with alluminium - there are heavy power transformers and other components mounted at the back.
The issue I am concerned with is noise from the power transformer which could be coupling with the steel chassis.
From the research I have done the solution would be as simple as spacing the power transformer away from chassis about 1-2mm with insulating washers.
Since the transformer needs to be grounded for safety reasons, how to do this ?
By the way, does the same apply to audio transformers too ?
Alternatively I was thinking to use stainless steel type 340 which is not magnetic, however I am reading that depending on the heat treatment and hardening process it could become partially magnetic.
I am wondering at what point this could pose a problem. Am I overthinking this ?
