Full Range Speaker recommendations for portable audio

[quincylala]

Hi all,

I am trying to build a compact portable speaker as DIY project. I am new to building audio equipment and i apologize if my questions sound trivial. I am looking for some recommendations regarding the kind of speakers i should be using for the project , here is what i think i am looking for :

• Small size 3-4"
• Good sound quality ( something on par the logitech boom-box)
• Full range ( so that i can simplify the construction)
• Fairly loud ( enough for a 400-500 Sq.Ft room)

Thanks in advance,
Quincy

 

[xrk971]

Check out this thread, it uses the Alpair 10, but there is no reason you can't substitute driver with your choice of 4 in. http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/full-range/227806-retro-style-airplay-boombox-alpair-10-maop.html

Use of Alpair 10's in a boombox is kind of a waste. Check out Tang Band full range W4 drivers. Or Mark Audio CHR-70's are good too and more economical - an example here:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/full-range/184476-mahagoni-ipod-speaker-dock-chr-70-a.html

 

[quincylala]

Thank you very much for the suggestions, i will purchase two of each and test them out in my design.

I have found one more driver The Madisound Speaker Store . they are built by Fostex, how would you rate them in comparison to the Alpair's and CHR-70's ?

Also is there anything specific i should be looking out for when I am designing a portable speaker, such as power efficiency etc. Do Neodymium magnet speakers perform better?

 

[xrk971]

You will not get as much bass out of Fostex but that driver is pretty efficient. I would go with CHR-70. Go with class D amp for low power.

 

[quincylala]

Thanks for the suggestion i am building the unit now, will post back with the details ....

 

[zman01]

Good suggestions xrk971... my CHR-70 boombox project with Class-D is loooong overdue. Quincylala, look forward to updates.

 

[Buckapound]

+1 on the CHR 70 for a smallish boombox. Very pleasant and accurate speaker in my experience.

I've swapped a few in and out on my project, including the CSS fr125s and the 4" Tangband Bamboo. I've gotten the best sound in a small box out of the CHR 70. A benefit is that the front is all plastic/rubber, with no gaps that dist or liquid can get into.

I did add a pair of the little cheap tweeters that Apex Jr. sells--I think they're made by Audax. Gives a little more top-end sizzle, but not mandatory.

--Buckapound