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Re: 1st Boombox Project - The Madeleine
BLUETOOTH UPDATE:
Yesterday, I received 2 of the 3 Sure Electronics BT modules that I ordered from China. They were slated to arrive at the end of the month, but sooner is always better. I wanted to stick with 12v modules to alleviate the need for step down circuits that would be needed for 5v modules. I was hoping to mitigate several issues with the Milennia BT modules. I also tried a Fusion BT-100 module as well. I have the BT-100 hooked up in my garage to a 13V power supply and a 22 year old Linear Power 652i car audio amp. This powers 2 in-ceiling speakers. I experienced all of the below except it had less turn off pop. Both the Milennia and Fusion BT modules are version 2.0
1. Data EMI Feedback - There was a fair amount at zero volume but it did seem to disappear once the volume increased. It did impact the quality of sound. It still sounded descent, but after hearing a direct line-in (3.5mm to RCA) it did not do the project justice.
2. Sound Quality - If comparing this module to a direct line-in on the amp there was a pretty big difference in sound quality. But this is BT right? The highs were cut off, the mids were muffled/muddy but the lows were pretty good. This is a result of the version of BT used. I have hours listening to the Milennia BT module and line-in direct to the amp. As time went on, I became more disappointed with the BT module and considered scrapping the BT idea and just having a 3.5mm input.
3. Gain – There was considerably less gain with both BT modules compared to a direct line-in connection. Neither module is large enough to house any type of line driver circuit. At 100% volume from my iPhone was really not that loud. Depending on the recording it might increase some. I had decided I could live with it. But, see above #2 – going over my options again.
4. Turn Off POP – It does not impact sound quality but it was pretty bad.
Enter the Sure APT-X Bluetooth 4.0 Audio Receiver. At first glance is looks very well put together like other Sure products. But after installing, I call this the miracle BT module. All of the issues above are 100% eliminated.
1. Data EMI Feedback - The description for the module states that it utilizes independent power supplies for an isolated 12v independent power supply taking care of the data EMI. I found this to be true. It is no longer present.
2. Sound Quality - APT-X also is advertised to have different compression codec that has increased sound quality and wider frequency response. The difference if very night and day. It sounds better that a direct line-in connection. The highs are back and bright, the mids are tighter and more crisp and the lows are a little tighter as well. Again, I cannot stress enough…night and day.
3. Gain – It is obvious that the board has some sort of line output driver. It is 2x-3x louder that the direct line-in connection. 100% Milennia BT volume = 25% Sure BT volume.
4. Turn Off Pop – Gone, just not there anymore.
The SURE BT module transforms this project and is a game changer. I am very happy with the unit and it was worth the wait. I will be ordering more for additional projects. PE needs to carry this module as it is 12v and at a good price point. It offers consistency if you are pairing it with a Sure amplifier. It also connects very fast. This module really lets the amp open up. It is hard to believe the small 15x2 watt amp can produce that much sound. The APT-X transforms the way the amp is used and sounded.
INSTALLATION:
It does not have a screw terminal connections for 12v and ground. I had those already on order from PE and received them today. I soldered one on to the BT board and the amp board as well. It allows power to be daisy chained and reduces the power connections from the source and cleans things up.
As you can see below the updated mounting solution is a little neater. Another plus is the RCA jacks are the same distance apart and only a barrel connector is needed to connect the two parts. I was hoping this would be the case but was not sure until I received the unit. Side Note: I might be experimenting with the Sure volume control as well and it looks like the RCAs might line up
Thanks for all of the kind words. This project is pretty my much complete. The electronics work and extensive testing (listening) will be done over the next few weeks. It was a long haul to get the BT right but with the Sure module it solved all of the outstanding issues. For the record, this is a prototype. I will be building at least one more and another to potentially sell. I learned a a lot on this build and it was my first attempt at building a stereo speaker box. I have built a few sub enclosures before but nothing like this.
All the pics of the build can be found Here
Plans for the build can be found here The Madeleine Plans.pdf. I included ad MDF cut sheet and a hardwood cut sheet.
Additional info, per my scales the Madeleine weighs in at 20.6 lbs
Paul's design is rock solid and one of the best sounding speaker sets I have ever heard. I would like to build a few variations of the OSs possibly standard speakers with matching hardwood amp. Thank you Paul. After cruising Paul's site I have taken an interest in the Swopes. I am already starting to design the enclosures and hope to start them in the next few months (after I build a few Madeleines). I have some nearly new Infinity towers, center and rear for my home theater and these little speaker blow them all away. And of course, I will construct everything out of hardwood.
Also as soon as the black PVC arrives today I will post pics and measurements as well. I really hope it is a good substitute to PVC because getting rid of the white port would be nice.
BLUETOOTH UPDATE:
Yesterday, I received 2 of the 3 Sure Electronics BT modules that I ordered from China. They were slated to arrive at the end of the month, but sooner is always better. I wanted to stick with 12v modules to alleviate the need for step down circuits that would be needed for 5v modules. I was hoping to mitigate several issues with the Milennia BT modules. I also tried a Fusion BT-100 module as well. I have the BT-100 hooked up in my garage to a 13V power supply and a 22 year old Linear Power 652i car audio amp. This powers 2 in-ceiling speakers. I experienced all of the below except it had less turn off pop. Both the Milennia and Fusion BT modules are version 2.0
1. Data EMI Feedback - There was a fair amount at zero volume but it did seem to disappear once the volume increased. It did impact the quality of sound. It still sounded descent, but after hearing a direct line-in (3.5mm to RCA) it did not do the project justice.
2. Sound Quality - If comparing this module to a direct line-in on the amp there was a pretty big difference in sound quality. But this is BT right? The highs were cut off, the mids were muffled/muddy but the lows were pretty good. This is a result of the version of BT used. I have hours listening to the Milennia BT module and line-in direct to the amp. As time went on, I became more disappointed with the BT module and considered scrapping the BT idea and just having a 3.5mm input.
3. Gain – There was considerably less gain with both BT modules compared to a direct line-in connection. Neither module is large enough to house any type of line driver circuit. At 100% volume from my iPhone was really not that loud. Depending on the recording it might increase some. I had decided I could live with it. But, see above #2 – going over my options again.
4. Turn Off POP – It does not impact sound quality but it was pretty bad.
Enter the Sure APT-X Bluetooth 4.0 Audio Receiver. At first glance is looks very well put together like other Sure products. But after installing, I call this the miracle BT module. All of the issues above are 100% eliminated.
1. Data EMI Feedback - The description for the module states that it utilizes independent power supplies for an isolated 12v independent power supply taking care of the data EMI. I found this to be true. It is no longer present.
2. Sound Quality - APT-X also is advertised to have different compression codec that has increased sound quality and wider frequency response. The difference if very night and day. It sounds better that a direct line-in connection. The highs are back and bright, the mids are tighter and more crisp and the lows are a little tighter as well. Again, I cannot stress enough…night and day.
3. Gain – It is obvious that the board has some sort of line output driver. It is 2x-3x louder that the direct line-in connection. 100% Milennia BT volume = 25% Sure BT volume.
4. Turn Off Pop – Gone, just not there anymore.
The SURE BT module transforms this project and is a game changer. I am very happy with the unit and it was worth the wait. I will be ordering more for additional projects. PE needs to carry this module as it is 12v and at a good price point. It offers consistency if you are pairing it with a Sure amplifier. It also connects very fast. This module really lets the amp open up. It is hard to believe the small 15x2 watt amp can produce that much sound. The APT-X transforms the way the amp is used and sounded.
INSTALLATION:
It does not have a screw terminal connections for 12v and ground. I had those already on order from PE and received them today. I soldered one on to the BT board and the amp board as well. It allows power to be daisy chained and reduces the power connections from the source and cleans things up.
As you can see below the updated mounting solution is a little neater. Another plus is the RCA jacks are the same distance apart and only a barrel connector is needed to connect the two parts. I was hoping this would be the case but was not sure until I received the unit. Side Note: I might be experimenting with the Sure volume control as well and it looks like the RCAs might line up
Thanks for all of the kind words. This project is pretty my much complete. The electronics work and extensive testing (listening) will be done over the next few weeks. It was a long haul to get the BT right but with the Sure module it solved all of the outstanding issues. For the record, this is a prototype. I will be building at least one more and another to potentially sell. I learned a a lot on this build and it was my first attempt at building a stereo speaker box. I have built a few sub enclosures before but nothing like this.
All the pics of the build can be found Here
Plans for the build can be found here The Madeleine Plans.pdf. I included ad MDF cut sheet and a hardwood cut sheet.
Additional info, per my scales the Madeleine weighs in at 20.6 lbs
Paul's design is rock solid and one of the best sounding speaker sets I have ever heard. I would like to build a few variations of the OSs possibly standard speakers with matching hardwood amp. Thank you Paul. After cruising Paul's site I have taken an interest in the Swopes. I am already starting to design the enclosures and hope to start them in the next few months (after I build a few Madeleines). I have some nearly new Infinity towers, center and rear for my home theater and these little speaker blow them all away. And of course, I will construct everything out of hardwood.
Also as soon as the black PVC arrives today I will post pics and measurements as well. I really hope it is a good substitute to PVC because getting rid of the white port would be nice.
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