Simple Christmas Boom Box

[chad1376]

I've been inspired by several boombox builds here, and decided to build one as a gift for my brother/sister in-law. Neither are "audiophiles", and will likely use this to listen to audio books or (gawd forbid) country music - so I'm aiming at simple, cheap and durable.

These 4" buyout speakers look well built and fit the budget pretty nicely:

http://www.parts-express.com/wfr0400215-4-cast-aluminum-frame-woofer-4-ohm--299-346

My box alignment provides the "boom" in boombox. Both speakers in 0.35 cuft, tuned to 65 hz. I'm just sharing the same enclosure volume for both to simplify construction. They're not going to be used for critical listening anyhow.



Here's the quick-n-dirty cad layout. The box is 18"x8"x8" outside dimensions.


And progress so far:


I'm going to finish this "guitar amp" style, with red vinyl, tan grill cloth, and metal corners. Power will be via a 2x15 watt amp board:

http://www.parts-express.com/2x15w-at-4-ohm-ta2024-class-d-audio-amplifier-board-only--320-330

With a built-in power supply, 1/4" mini-pin jack, and volume control.

Parts are on order, so I'll post back with more progress.:D

[[email protected]]

Re: Simple Christmas Boom Box

nice so far.

[Nsanderas]

Re: Simple Christmas Boom Box

I hate to push, but any more on this? I LOVE boomboxes!!!

[chad1376]

Re: Simple Christmas Boom Box

I got front/rear baffles cut, but still need to do the grill frame. I got sidetracked with another project (..hey look, a butterfly) Parts won't be here until Friday, so I don't really have anything more interesting yet.

[Nsanderas]

Re: Simple Christmas Boom Box

I got front/rear baffles cut, but still need to do the grill frame. I got sidetracked with another project (..hey look, a butterfly) Parts won't be here until Friday, so I don't really have anything more interesting yet.

I know that feeling, I have at least 5 projects going at any time! Gotta kee..... Oh look, a butterfly!!!

[WesL]

Re: Simple Christmas Boom Box

Just a heads up,

Test out the amp on a similar device to what they are using. The input is fairly insensitive and no way to boost it on board, it wanted just over 1000mv input voltage according to Sure literature. I added a 12v preamp inline with the headphone jack on the one I built. Once I was driving it with a clean, well powered signal it made a big difference in loudness and distortion.

http://sure-electronics.net/Sure%20Electronics%20Audio%20Amplifier%20Product%20Manual.pdf

That box is going to be beautiful!

[Gordy]

Re: Simple Christmas Boom Box

Just a heads up,

Test out the amp on a similar device to what they are using. The input is fairly insensitive and no way to boost it on board, it wanted just over 1000mv input voltage according to Sure literature. I added a 12v preamp inline with the headphone jack on the one I built. Once I was driving it with a clean, well powered signal it made a big difference in loudness and distortion.

http://sure-electronics.net/Sure%20Electronics%20Audio%20Amplifier%20Product%20Manual.pdf

That box is going to be beautiful!

The Sure BT 4.0 board has a line driver built it. It has significant volume gains over a standard line in. I concur in regards to clean signal going in. It makes a world of difference in the loudness and distortion.

[chad1376]

Re: Simple Christmas Boom Box

Thanks for the input (no pun intended) :p

The most likely source will be a cell phone or iPod headphone jack. They may also use it for better sound for their TV/DVD at their cabin. I'll test it with my phone and a variety of other sources to verify if there's any issues.

The entire rear baffle of the box will be removable, so it should be pretty easy to add a line driver (or other tweaks) if needed. I hope not, since this is a "value" build - for lack of a better term.

[Gordy]

Re: Simple Christmas Boom Box

This project has a great start. I have a soft spot for Boom Boxes.

[chad1376]

Re: Simple Christmas Boom Box

Oh yah..it was your Rockster that really got me motivated to do this. I'm going for the same look, except I have red vinyl. I hope you don't mind a little plagiarism. I should have some good progress this weekend.

[Gordy]

Re: Simple Christmas Boom Box

Oh yah..it was your Rockster that really got me motivated to do this. I'm going for the same look, except I have red vinyl. I hope you don't mind a little plagiarism. I should have some good progress this weekend.

I don't mind at all . I did one in red tolex as well and it really pops. It really looks good with chrome corners and the black,white & silver grill cloth. I really like to see the variations on all of the designs. There a a lot of great builders on this site. We get to make each project our own and take pride in it.

[chad1376]

Re: Simple Christmas Boom Box

Some more pictures. I still need to finish the front grill and install the electronics.

[Lutkeveld]

Re: Simple Christmas Boom Box

Very clean!

[illnastyimpreza]

Re: Simple Christmas Boom Box

awesome, you using an Padding or high pass?

[chad1376]

Re: Simple Christmas Boom Box

awesome, you using an Padding or high pass?

No crossover or EQ - just a little amp with little speakers. I do plan on some damping material, but I don't want to use too much. I want to be sure there's good ventilation for the electronics inside. Strategic placement of the P/S and amp near the port should help a little here.