I was really lucky and was able to find a really great computer grade Middle Atlantic UQFP-4DRA fan panel for 170 bucks (750 retail

). I wanted it in part because it is exposed in my rig and I wanted something that was quiet, durable, moved a lot of air, and looked good doing it:
While this is probably their most expensive unit, they also have less expensive panels that look more "technical" I guess you could say, for lack of a better term. I think my wife would call them "industrial"

.
Anyway, there are a lot of different types of hobbyists looking for fan panels like us HT buffs, the DJ industry and music biz, and the commercial computer industry. The computer industry seems to be the most demanding and they also seem to sell off boatloads of equipment frequently and cheaply. I usually look there to identify what I want or need then look to source some good used equipment.
I think the knock on a lot of the other components you may find (not speaking to anything directly suggested in this thread) is that fans are noisy, break down quickly, or begin to squeal after a month of use.
Poke around EBay in the business and industrial area if the piece of equipment is going to be hidden especially

. This goes for power equipment as well. You can find some really great surge protectors with digital power on delays for your amp for 50 to 80 bucks. Try that when hunting strictly for AV equipment.
MIDDLE ATLANTIC PDS-615R 6 STEP SEQUENCER POWER STRIP UNOPENED BOX | eBay