DIY iPod Speaker Project (noob)

[wizer]

Hi Chaps

I have been thinking about making an iPod speaker which will be portable. I'm a woodworker with a full workshop, so the case is not a problem. Here are a couple of examples of what I want to do:

The Podzuma - This is nice but I think it's going over the top on the amount of speakers. Perhaps this is an 'Audiophile' quality unit. Also this project requires the crossovers to be built from scratch.

thodio iBox - This is absolutely spot on what I want to achieve. My design will change the appearance somewhat. But I want it to function just like this.

For a Amp I was looking at the TA2020 T Amp. This appears to give me all I need and is quite compact in size.

I'm having problems working out how to get the dock to charge the nano as well as play audio from the bottom connector. My thoughts at the moment are to use a standard nano dock that has an audio outlet, and use a 3.5 to phono jack adaptor.

Ok so before I ask questions I should say that I have ZERO audio experience. Until this morning, I didn't know what a crossover was or what a full range speaker was. A day's worth of research has started to clear the mist. I think what I need is a pair of full range speakers.

I've found some a few listed on eBay but have no way of telling the quality. I'm looking for 'good' sound quality, not audiophile territory. As long as it doesn't distort obviously, then I'll be happy. My budget is tiny.

So could anyone recommend a pair of budget full range drivers that would work in this situation?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm based in the UK, but am willing to import if the product and prices are right.

[wizer]

For example, would these work ok?

BOSS-AUDIO-BLADE-BLX-350-WATT-5-25-FULL-RANGE-SPEAKERSBOSS AUDIO BLADE BLX 350 WATT 5.25" FULL RANGE SPEAKERS on eBay (end time 22-Nov-09 00:54:53 GMT)

I know they're meant for cars, but is there a massive difference?

[johnnyfive82]

i planning a similar project. Im going to use the same amp. its takes 12v like a car so i was thinking of getting the ciggarrette car lighter and attaching it to the box and using a car charger for the ipod. or they have the ipod pin connector kits on the web that you can solder together.

[Richard Ellis]

Wizer:
There is a thread somewhat similar called "The Boominator", you can get lots of ideas from this.

__________________________________________________ _____Rick...

[h@kan]

If you're not afraid of some woodworking this one was fun to build.
Transmissionline Ipod Docking Station
It uses a TA2024 amp and Peerless P830986 fullrange drivers combined with cheap ebay ribbon tweeters. Placed in a corner the sound fills up a normal room quite nice.

Regards H@kan

[dangus]

I've heard good things about a Pioneer full-range. This is probably it:
Parts-Express.com: Pioneer A11EC80-02F 4-1/2" Full Range Driver | full range driver extended range driver 4-1/2" woofer pioneer

You could find worthy speakers at a car boot sale or thrift store. I've bought decent mini-monitors for as little as $6 a pair here in Canada.

[chris661]

If you're in europe, have a look at visaton. I've used the FRS8 and M version both to good effect. Alternatively, they also sell co-axials (where the tweeter is mounted at the middle of the woofer, usually on a frame). For something of this size, you'll need to look at the efficiency rating. Too low (low 80s), and your amp won't have enough power to get them to decent volumes. Remember - for 3dB increase in SPL, you'll need double the amp power.

Here's an idea - pull apart a pair of PC speakers (2.0 ones), take the drivers from those. The drivers themselves are usually reasonable, but it's the box construction that lets them down.