@ Jeff
I was thinking of designing a custom case in Cinema4D (simple right-angles, no curves) and then having the plates laser-cut from brushed aluminium sheets. That would mean perfect port cutouts and the smallest possible design. I reckon I can do the Cinema4D design to spec (get a good DXF) because I have made houses in 3D from 2D plans/measurements. And if I stick to a desktop design along the lines of late 80s Tecnics HiFi designs I can get something that is simple but looks classy. I've dabbled with semi-opaque polyethylene too, so I may get something that is predominantly silver, with a door or front plate that is semi-opaque/smoked and some discrete LEDs for power and drive access etc.
Well that's what I think I can do. I just need to find time for it.