Boom Box

[MrBoat]

The Tang Band W4-1720 woofers finally went on sale at Parts Express. I already have had a pair of the Fountek Neo CD1.0 ribbon tweeters. I want to base this on Paul Carmody's "Speedster" speakers. Thinking of an integrated unit based on streaming, both BT and WIFI, and with speakers that have the ability to detach from from the main unit. Not sure if I will add battery capability. My commando days of being out in the wild away from the grid are very few, and I don't really need or want music when I am. Otherwise, the truck has a jammin Alpine stereo in it.

Not going to start today. Still have to work out a design, weights etc. Thinking something mid (or earlier) 20th century retro looking, perhaps with wood or wood/metal combination.

Why the "Speedsters?" They are really nice in the near field and decent ambient performance in room.

I have a well built TPA 3255 chip amp/fan and a 48v power supply already.

Here's one of the Fountek ribbons.

May take me awhile. At the very least, I have drivers for another pair of Speedsters, or can 'borrow' the woofers from the Speedsters for Carmody's TMM TL version of the Speedsters.

 

[Eppie]

Looking forward to the build posts.

 

[highfigh]

Why use 4"? 86dB/2.83V and 60W input power- any personal experience?

 

[MrBoat]

Why use 4"? 86dB/2.83V and 60W input power- any personal experience?

There's a pair currently in a pair of speakers I use in my bedroom. Paul Carmody's "Speedster" design. Excellent bass for such a small speaker. Also already had an 'extra' pair of the Fountek ribbons.

I end up taking these speakers and an amp with me when I travel. Just figured to integrate it into a unit that I can carry without having to pack them up in a cardboard box every time I go.

So, not really a "boom" box. More like a nice sounding internet radio.

 

[lovinthehd]

For the portability aspect, have you checked out something like the old Cambridge Soundworks Model 11/12? Nice little flite case with a sub built in, room for speakers to then spread out properly, and space for small integrated amp for power.

 

[m. zillch]

Now that we have nice small high quality class D amps those "speakers in the sub" portables make even more sense.

 

[lovinthehd]

Now that we have nice small high quality class D amps those "speakers in the sub" portables make even more sense.

"speakers in the sub" portables?

 

[m. zillch]

These things:

Cambridge Soundworks Model 11/12? Nice little flite case with a sub built in, room for speakers to then spread out properly, and space for small integrated amp for power.View attachment 79968

For transportation purposes the little satellite speakers and amp are placed inside what is later the subwoofer box in actual use. The entire hard shell suitcase when emptied of the speakers and amp and then resealed shut becomes the subwoofer cabinet.
If I recall correctly some members of Fleetwood Mac used these as their hotel room sound systems when touring.
UPDATE: https://ledge.fleetwoodmac.net/vintage/Cambridge-SoundWorks-Mick-Fleetwood-Signature-Speaker-System-BassCase_398065076752.html
"The BassCase™M subwoofer enclosure doubles as a carrying case, making it perfect for musicians, audiophiles, and travelers."

I didn't read this whole interview but what I did makes it seem like he really did use these sorts of things.

 

[MrBoat]

For the portability aspect, have you checked out something like the old Cambridge Soundworks Model 11/12? Nice little flite case with a sub built in, room for speakers to then spread out properly, and space for small integrated amp for power.View attachment 79968

Is kind of how I do it now, but with a cardboard box.
It's not really that inconvenient with the little Fosi BT amp I use with them. Just trying to use up some of these parts that's not just another pair of speakers.

I just did a once over search of "diy portable stereo system" and I get the feeling that the car guys have their hand in it. Some neat stuff, although, I'm thinking something more retro looking, or with retro styled materials, maybe. Will have to look around. Maybe something like those '90s boom boxes with the detachable speakers but that looks nicer than those.