* Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

[hongrn]

Guys,

Just want to post my latest project, the Sonata Soundbar. We got a 55" flat screen that came with 2 puny speakers, so I use the opportunity to build more speakers. The box is 12" deep, dressed in glossy formica to match the flat screen, and sits on top of a dresser, so this will allow me to stack the DVR and the bluray player on top.

Drivers are the Designer Series DS90-8 3" woofers in parallel, complemented by ND16FA tweeters, crossed at 3,500Hz, 2nd order LR. The system is powered by the Lepai T2020 for now, but will be replaced by a LM4780, since the Lepai creates lots of distortion when cranked up anywhere close to loud. Fb is around 72.50Hz, and impedance is 4.57 ohms at 326Hz, the lowest point. I'm really surprised by the quality sound that these 3" drivers put out, so I'm really happy overall with the results. Can't complain about a project that cost a little more than $100, a couple of weekends, and time well spent in the man cave.

Hong

[dthomas]

Re: * Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

Very nice. Measured performance looks excellent.... what are the midwoofers

[Kingo]

Re: * Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

Nice,,,what is the length and height?...I'm thinking of maybe doing something similar for my 55" Viera

[hongrn]

Re: * Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

Designer Series DS90-8. Thanks Dave.

Very nice. Measured performance looks excellent.... what are the midwoofers

[hongrn]

Re: * Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

Nice,,,what is the length and height?...I'm thinking of maybe doing something similar for my 55" Viera

Here you go. Thanks.

[[email protected]]

Re: * Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

nice build. ive been entertaining such a build myself, except, LCR.

[greywarden]

Re: * Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

Where'd you get the glossy black formica? Does the "lid" attach some how? Very nice looking! Have any off-axis measurements?

[hongrn]

Re: * Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

I'm not quite done yet, but the lids will be held down with magnets. In my area (Orange County, CA), the local lumber store (Ghanal Lumber) carries all kinds of formica, but the glossy one is a special order that took a week. I didn't do any off axis measurements, because it's going to be straight in front of us in the bedroom. I'll do a set this coming weekend to see how it looks. Thanks.

Where'd you get the glossy black formica? Does the "lid" attach some how? Very nice looking! Have any off-axis measurements?

[Paul Carmody]

Re: * Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

I'd like to see a pic of it in its final home, if possible.

[hongrn]

Re: * Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

Here you go Paul.

[hongrn]

Re: * Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

Just a small update on this build. I needed to control the volume remotely, and since my Samsung flatscreen only has a fixed output, there was no way to use the existing remote to do that. I took out the Lepai amp, installed this PE amp board, and added a motorized IR volume pot ($12 on eBay). The amp is powered by an old laptop brick which puts out 19.5VDC/4.5A, while the volume pot by a separate 5VDC wall wart. The flatscreen, DVR, DVD, and now volume are all controlled by a RF remote unifier, which eliminates the need to point to execute a command. So, this may be a solution for those with a TV with fixed output and a DIY soundbar.

Hong

[Paul Carmody]

Re: * Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

Wow! Fantastic upgrade. I think there are a lot of fellas here who have pondered how to do what you just did with the remote volume control. Excellent solution. (I hope you other guys are taking notes)

[fwiler]

Re: * Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

Very nice job, and good job on finding a solution for remote volume.

I really think there's a large market for having a remote gain, small amp (all in one) that has codes for universal remote. Most commercial sound bars have this so it can't be too expensive.

I remember sub amps used to have this too, unfortunately not any more.

[hongrn]

Re: * Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

Yeah, I had to come up with a solution. For a while, I was the wife's remote volume control when the Lepai was used. She would bark out the order, and I would run for the volume knob. Joking aside, the key is to find a RF remote with learning capabilities, so you can teach it IR commands from virtually any remote.

[andykriech]

Re: * Sonata SoundBar Project Done *

Hong, this is a nice diy project.
I was wondering if you have any experience with the Hi-Vi 3" (like the B3N) to compare against the DS90?
The B3N is a little cheaper and has been used in many good sounding designs.
I see it is a little less sensitive and doesn't go as low. Any other reasons you used the DS90?

Thanks, Andy.