I have a computing background and have taken a Raspberry Pi and some software called Squeezeplug and converted it into an audio device whereby it can playback radio or any music that I have stored on my home network. The RPi is a small cheap Linux base computer, the size of a credit card, that costs around twenty quid. I've plugged it into a cheap Tripath 2020 amp and it is currently powering two old Mordaunt Short speakers. It works brilliantly and I can control what music or radio I listen to using an app on my mobile phone. It works like the Sonos devices that you can buy on the high street.
All was well until the wife decided that she did not like the sight of a computer, amp, power block, speakers and miles of cable on show in the kitchen. I've had the idea of incorporating the whole lot into an old wine box the type that is used to protect expensive bottles of wine - made out of cheapish light wood. I want to put the tweeters and speakers in the bottom so that when I want to listen to music in the kitchen I just put the wine box on its side revealing the hardware.
Although my knowledge of computing is pretty good I don't have any electronics experience. I can use a soldering iron but have never put together a load of capacitors and resistors onto a circuit board. Therefore I'm thinking along the lines of buying two passive crossovers, two tweeters and two mid range speakers to suit off the web and wiring it all up.
I suspect I'll need to strengthen parts of the cabinet and include some sort of noise dampening on the inside. Heat should not be a problem as I will be able to drill ventilation holes on the back, which will become the floor when the box is turned onto it's side. Obviously I'll attach small feet so that there is an air gap with the worktop.
Is this worth giving a go or should I give up now?
Any suggestions on small speakers, tweeters, crossovers (cheaper the better really) and size wise they need to be on the small side.
Noise dampening, electronic interference, heat issues advice?
Cabinet construction on the inside? Can I just strengthen it with plywood or similar?
Many thanks, in anticipation.
Dafydd
All was well until the wife decided that she did not like the sight of a computer, amp, power block, speakers and miles of cable on show in the kitchen. I've had the idea of incorporating the whole lot into an old wine box the type that is used to protect expensive bottles of wine - made out of cheapish light wood. I want to put the tweeters and speakers in the bottom so that when I want to listen to music in the kitchen I just put the wine box on its side revealing the hardware.
Although my knowledge of computing is pretty good I don't have any electronics experience. I can use a soldering iron but have never put together a load of capacitors and resistors onto a circuit board. Therefore I'm thinking along the lines of buying two passive crossovers, two tweeters and two mid range speakers to suit off the web and wiring it all up.
I suspect I'll need to strengthen parts of the cabinet and include some sort of noise dampening on the inside. Heat should not be a problem as I will be able to drill ventilation holes on the back, which will become the floor when the box is turned onto it's side. Obviously I'll attach small feet so that there is an air gap with the worktop.
Is this worth giving a go or should I give up now?
Any suggestions on small speakers, tweeters, crossovers (cheaper the better really) and size wise they need to be on the small side.
Noise dampening, electronic interference, heat issues advice?
Cabinet construction on the inside? Can I just strengthen it with plywood or similar?
Many thanks, in anticipation.
Dafydd
Cool, I would suggest integrated solutions do work but stick with the current speakers if you want better sound. Go for a full range speaker 3" - 4.5" with a pair of 15 Euro each drivers, for that box. Speakers do make a large difference in sound, as does mounting and the rooms effects which is why you should not get the budget 4 Euro Speakers.
I would put the electronics in the box and make it easy to clean and splash proof.
Far more work than starting from scratch. Why not just mount your electronics in the box your wife gave you and be done for now, even if its big enough to put speakers in.
I can't stick with the current speakers as it has to be a one box solution or a divorce!
So you suggest that I just go for two speakers, forget the tweeters and therefore the crossovers? Cheaper and simpler to do I suppose.
What about sound damping the inside and avoiding any electrical buzz etc? What stuff should I fill the box with? Do I need to make the box more rigid on the inside so that it cuts out any vibrations/reverb etc?
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