First DIY: 80's Console TV Multimedia Jukebox!

[hoffsta]

Hey guys,

I've been lurking the forum for a while but this is my first post. I'm working on a really fun project right now that involves repurposing a 1984 Quasar console TV set (the kind with the huge and awesome wooden cabinet). I'm trying to turn it into a modern multimedia player / jukebox that will play old school 80's content (music videos, movies, classic video games), and keep it's vintage look.

The heart of the system is based on a hacked first generation Apple TV (which may prove too slow and be replaced by a Mac Mini). Cool enhancements I plan to add are: Find a way to make the rotary VHF and UHF knobs change videos in a playlist, add wireless NES controllers to play old emulated Nintendo games, and finally, replace the internal speakers with a much better sounding system, and use the original TV volume knob for volume control.

The system will be used to entertain party guests in a three-car garage and possibly to be rented out for parties if it comes out cool enough. I want it to be able to put out some pretty good sound but it doesn't need to be as loud as a full PA or anything, more like a good living room stereo system. I can also hook it into my existing stereo to augment the volume if needed.

First, I must admit that I have very little experience in electrical engineering, I'm better at hooking stuff up so I'm not looking to build my own amps or power supplies, more interested in finding inexpensive yet high performing components that can be more or less bolted in.

The stock system has paper full range 4x6" speakers that pump out through an opening just 2.5" wide. I cannot do anything to improve this opening without ruining the look of the front panel. I can however, expand the opening to be 16" tall (2.5"x16") if desired for more drivers.

I'd also like to add some sort of subwoofer for added bass response. The cabinet itself is pretty spacious, 46" wide, 29" tall, 15" deep but does have the big tube occupying a good portion of the center.

My initial thoughts after lurking the forums would be to use a tripath amp, either TA2020 or TK2050 to drive some efficient full range speakers (or two-ways) and add a 10" sub in a sealed enclosure or possibly 2 8" subs firing out the sides of the cabinet. I have no idea how much power I'll need for this use. I'm not looking to spend a fortune on audiophile grade gear, just looking for clean output from low volume up to party background volume with decent bass response.

Of course another concern will be magnetic shielding with speakers so close the CRT tube.

Questions:

What kind of power should I be expecting to need to drive a pair of full ranges (TA2020 or TK2050 enough?)
What kind of speakers would be a good match for the openings I'm dealing with?
What about shielding?
Will the openings being just 2.5" wide limit my sound output or directionality?
Should I consider a second set of drivers to fire out the sides or the top to better fill a room?
How much power will I need to get the sub(s) matched to the mid/highs?
What would you recommend for a sub woofer driver & amp and will it likely rattle the TV's guts to pieces if placed inside the cabinet?


This is the first of what I'm sure will be many questions. Please feel free to help me out in any way you see fit! Thanks!