I am putting together a portable speaker with amp and power source. I already have an amp. AMP
I am trying to keep this compact and needs to be able to run all day. I am more interested in the volume than the best sound. I need this to get loud. So I need some input on some speakers. I really don't want to go with 6.5-inch speakers unless I have to to get some decent volume. They need to be marine speakers as this will be outside in the elements. I am trying to keep the cost down aswell. Seems like a tall order but I hope someone has some suggestions.
I am trying to keep this compact and needs to be able to run all day. I am more interested in the volume than the best sound. I need this to get loud. So I need some input on some speakers. I really don't want to go with 6.5-inch speakers unless I have to to get some decent volume. They need to be marine speakers as this will be outside in the elements. I am trying to keep the cost down aswell. Seems like a tall order but I hope someone has some suggestions.
For maximum volume look for a sensitivity rating in excess of 90dB/W/m.
Unfortunately this does not come cheap.
e.g. Polk Audio DB401 (4" coaxial; 91dB; 45W rms):
Get 2019's Best Deal On Polk Audio DB401 Marine Speakers | Rock The Boat Audio
Unfortunately this does not come cheap.
e.g. Polk Audio DB401 (4" coaxial; 91dB; 45W rms):
Get 2019's Best Deal On Polk Audio DB401 Marine Speakers | Rock The Boat Audio
These are a bit less affordable (also priced for a pair) and have 90dB sensitivity:
Get 2019's Best Deal On Audiopipe APSW4032BK Marine Speakers | Rock The Boat Audio
Get 2019's Best Deal On Audiopipe APSW4032BK Marine Speakers | Rock The Boat Audio
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The main point I was making is to go for the highest sensitivity you can get for the price you want to pay. A few dB extra makes a big difference to the loudness.
If the Polk Audio marine speakers do not meet your requirements it would be helpful if you explained why not.
A 6.5" speaker of the same sensitivity as a 4" speaker will give you the same midrange volume level, but will obviously have more extension in the bass.
Wow, those are expensive. A little to much for this project. Thanks for the link though.
These are cheap. Have you tried them yourself? I am wondering what the sound is like and how durable they are.
If you are looking, for example, at the Visaton FR 10 FP 4" speaker then please note that it is below average sensitivity at 85 dB/W/m and will play much quieter than the 91dB/W/m speakers mentioned earlier. You can't even compensate by applying more amplifier power as these speakers are rated at only 20W. There's no such thing as a free lunch so take both power rating and sensitivity into consideration when making your final choice, if maximum loudness is still your objective.
FR 10 WP - 4 Ohm (black) | Visaton
Moving up, the Visaton FRS 10 WP 4" has a sensitivity of 90dB and a power rating of 25W - this is worth considering if the price is right.
FRS 10 WP - 4 Ohm (black) | Visaton
FRS 10 WP - 8 Ohm (black) | Visaton
P.S. The specifications of your amplifier say that an 8 ohm speaker load is the 'best' (2 x 40W into 8 ohm both channels driven).
FRS 10 WP - 4 Ohm (black) | Visaton
FRS 10 WP - 8 Ohm (black) | Visaton
P.S. The specifications of your amplifier say that an 8 ohm speaker load is the 'best' (2 x 40W into 8 ohm both channels driven).
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Here is my final project. Sounds pretty good and plenty loud. I wanted to keep it small so this seemed to be my best bet. I know each speaker should have its own box, but I would have had to use a bigger box. Would adding any filler be of any benefit?
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That's a great functional design! Well done!
In stereo, the bass usually comes equally from each speaker so I think you can get away with having both in the same enclosure without one overly affecting the other.
One improvement I would suggest would be to stiffen up the front panel internally with a plywood sheet.
Adding some internal damping would be a good idea (perhaps the fibre filling from an old pillowcase) to reduce enclosure resonances.
Keep the absorbent material well away from the amplifier though, perhaps by containing it inside a cotton bag.
In stereo, the bass usually comes equally from each speaker so I think you can get away with having both in the same enclosure without one overly affecting the other.
One improvement I would suggest would be to stiffen up the front panel internally with a plywood sheet.
Adding some internal damping would be a good idea (perhaps the fibre filling from an old pillowcase) to reduce enclosure resonances.
Keep the absorbent material well away from the amplifier though, perhaps by containing it inside a cotton bag.
Thanks, Galu. I couldn't think of a filler to use. I bet the pillow stuff will work perfectly. I actually had this setup to go in a dry box have the size of the one I used. I was going to have to cut the speaker covers in the areas that they hung over the edge of the box. I ended up going with the bigger box because my battery was about a 1/4 of an inch to big. It wouldn't slide in behind the speakers.
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