desktop/micro system diy

[cosmos///95lux]

I want to design a simple micro/desktop system to get me started in diy audio. I was thinking something along the line of a simple integrated stereo amp, cd transport and d/a converter in a single box powering small full range single driver speakers. The end result should be small enough to be placed on a desk or nightstand. Anyone have any ideas of where to look for kits or where to start?

The end result should be something like this only without the remote if that would make it way too complicated.

http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?model...L027205&page=3

[phn]

I think it's fairly safe to say, you can't. But if I wanted a small system, I'd buy a Gainclone amp kit and build a CD-transport based on a CD-ROM. The CD transport kits I know of all require more or less a full-size cabinet. There are control units for the CD-ROM you can buy, including display and remote. I only know of the Rockna DIY kit. Scott Nixon's DAC is really small (and keeps you in America) and MIGHT be fitted in the transport. I know nothing about speakers. But there should be readily available kits with the Jordan 4" full-range unit (or something similar). The expensive parts here, if you want a professional-looking system, are the cabinets. This will cost a lot more than the JVC system. On the other hand, you'll get the system you pay for. And it's a damn good one.

[phn]

Just realized I might be talking out of my rear. I don't know what diy speakers cost. I only know roughly what the transport/DAC and Gainclone would cost. And that custom made cabinets can be very expensive.

[djQUAN]

There are control units for the CD-ROM you can buy, including display and remote. I only know of the Rockna DIY kit.

do you have any links? I'm also interested with those.

[phn]

http://www.rockna-line.com/diy.htm

[sam9]

I did something like this. The basic unit derives from a Randy Slone design (Fig 6.10 in "The Audiphiles Project Sourcebook"). This is a 12W (yes only 12W) that can be stuffed in to a very compact enclosure. Speakers are a pair of 4" Gallo spheres, but if want to DIY the speakers as well I suggest you look at full range Tang-Bands.

I skimped on sources: inputs for a Walkman-type AM/FM radio ($10) and for a Discman type CD player ($25). This is embarassing on two counts - first that I use such non-audiophile sources and second that they sound as good as most full size units. Actually the AM/FM is interesting - reception is cleaner than I get from a Pioneer AVR although stereo separation isn't as good (it does exist though).

In any case, the Slone unit is fun and informative to build even if impractical comparred to an IC based amplifier.