So I want to build a speaker box and set it up so you can just plug in a USB to play music and I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of how to do that.
I think USB decoders are offered on EBay for low cost.
You'll also need a power amp and a power supply.
You'll also need a power amp and a power supply.
Thank you! I knew I needed the amp and power supply. I build those as a hobby. I just didn't know what I needed for usb .
The C-Media USB sound chips are cheap/common but decent. "Music Fairy" is one brand you can find on ebay which I believe uses them, or just search. Ignore the 5.1 or 7.2 claims; that's just a feature of an optional/unnecessary Windows driver.
You may find worthwhile USB sound things locally; Radio Shack had one which turned out to be quite listenable; a thrift store yielded a new-in-box ADStech "Instant Music" usb audio box (uses a respectable Burr-Brown codec); a yard sale got me a Turtle Beach headset for $8 (uses a rather more dubious sound chip where the only data I could find was at Baidu).
You may find worthwhile USB sound things locally; Radio Shack had one which turned out to be quite listenable; a thrift store yielded a new-in-box ADStech "Instant Music" usb audio box (uses a respectable Burr-Brown codec); a yard sale got me a Turtle Beach headset for $8 (uses a rather more dubious sound chip where the only data I could find was at Baidu).
So, you'll need...
- a USB soundcard (2-channel)
- a power amp capable of running on a 5V single-ended supply
- speakers, enclosure, etc
Since the USB soundcard will have a connector already, I'd run a couple of wires from the +'ve supply and ground to the amp board, then a couple of other bits to go between the USB soundcard and amplifier. Hook up the speakers and you're all set.
Chris
- a USB soundcard (2-channel)
- a power amp capable of running on a 5V single-ended supply
- speakers, enclosure, etc
Since the USB soundcard will have a connector already, I'd run a couple of wires from the +'ve supply and ground to the amp board, then a couple of other bits to go between the USB soundcard and amplifier. Hook up the speakers and you're all set.
Chris
You can use a cheap USB DAC like the one based on TI PCM2704 and a PAM8403 amplifier (class D 3+3W)... Works well from USB power and gives a nice powerful sound if coupled with sensible speakers.. Just remember that PAM has balanced output, so no common ground between channels (possible problems with headphones wiring).
- Status
- Not open for further replies.