Assemble a Good USB C Speaker

[terrafield]

Hi

I'm new to DIY Audio and in fact I'm new to custom audio. I am using speakers and headphones from different brands but I'm not satisfied due to ease of use, portability

I would like to design my own stereo speaker with below spec

1. USB Type C speaker (takes both audio and power from usb c port. Should be compatible with android phones and laptops)
2. Cirrus Logic or AKM DAC
3. A good valve amplifier if possible (Recommendations please)
4. 4 inch full range driver. Prefer smooth, natural, organic sound signature (Recommendations please)
5. A good small MDF cabinet with a volume control, on/off switch

My main concern is, what would be maximum power that we can draw from USB type c port. Will it be enough to power valve amplifiers and speakers

Experts, Need your help in designing this speaker and please let me know what are the components I need in addition to the above

Appreciate your help

Thanks
Terrafield

 

[Earfanatic]

From USB you can draw only enough current for headphone drive. Exact specification you'll find on Google. You need more research on power requirements of electronics. But don't give up making your own speakers, this is diyaudio after all.

 

[Lingwendil]

USB C will not supply enough current to comfortably power any valve amplifier, unless you go to a hybrid arrangement (that will be a mess of compromises) or want to be stuck with very low power in the realm of 1/4 watt or so using battery/subminiature tubes. For the power amplifier aspect you are better off looking into Class D types of designs, and a switching power supply to generate rail voltages.

 

[perceval]

Or maybe get a couple of LiPo batteries, rechargeable via USB.

That way, you can get reasonable power, and the ability to recharge them.

For around 4" drivers, with a smooth and natural FR, it would start with the Tymphany TC9FD/TG9FD, then with a price hike, it would go up to the ScanSpeak 10F/8424 or the Visaton B80.

 

[AIM65]

According to ST, it's news USB-C sink controller can provide up to 20V/5A; enough to run many audio amp, maybe even small bulb ones. Of course you'll need some complicated power supply to get the required voltages but it may be doable.
You'll also need an USB C source able to provide 20V/5A. Pretty sure it exists : ie my laptop has a type C power brick able to supply 20V/2,25A or 15V/3A or 9V/2A or 5V/2A depending on the result of the negociation with the sink controller.


Link to ST new part : All the Ways Our USB-C Sink-Only Controller Builds Your Application

 

[Lingwendil]

Or maybe get a couple of LiPo batteries, rechargeable via USB.

That way, you can get reasonable power, and the ability to recharge them.

For around 4" drivers, with a smooth and natural FR, it would start with the Tymphany TC9FD/TG9FD, then with a price hike, it would go up to the ScanSpeak 10F/8424 or the Visaton B80.

Faital Pro 3FE25 too, little more money, but a better sensitivity, good for low power apps.