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DIY Boombox: Tips & Advice.

selby - 2013-10-10 05:02

I'm 17 and I'm pretty new to owning a Boombox though i'm in love with the looks of some of the old retro ones like the JVC RC-M90 or the Tecsonic Intersound Promax J-1 Super Jumbo and I really want a good sound system like them.

I've been saving for quite a while now and I've had the idea of making my own retro boombox that i can use inside or outside and as i'm still at school where they have a decent Design department with plenty of tools which can help.

I just need some advice concerning things such as amplifiers, speakers, Battery options etc. 

General things about the boombox i want to make are..

- I would like the sound quality to be pretty amazing while also being LOUD. If you know what amps are good and what speakers to go with them etc.

- Gonna make it bigg about 100 (maybe more) centimetres across and plenty of depth and height. Weight isn't such a big factor.

- What type of batteries you would recommend. Only needs to last a few hours anything longer and it's likely i'll be using it near a plug for charging.

- Cost is a factor but this is a big project I want to undertake and am willing to spend a decent amount of my dosh.

 

Finally i'm not so good with tech speak so keep it understandable for dummies like me please

Thanks!

deliverance - 2013-10-10 05:16

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smeats1976 - 2013-10-10 09:11

Nice link Del! some of theses projects are amazing!

 

hello Selby

I put a TA2020 amp, a 12v power supply and some old alpine car speakers into this old 50s valve radio as a DIY project.

front

new speak

This was designed for indoor listening and wouldn't be much use outdoors. I did think about making it portable but at almost 20kg without a battery you would need to attach an axle and wheels from a wheely bin and a tote handle to make that happen(can you imagine)

If I was to do another DIY box from scratch (and I am tempted!) here's what I'd do! S2Go member Northener had a brilliant but simple idea, he suggested getting a cheap 2nd hand 5.1 surround sound system, gut out the bits you need and fit it to your cabinet. If you shop around you could get an awsome amp speaker combo for not much coin!

Not sure about the Voltage/DC in situation is though, one with a 12v dc option to use a motorbike battery would be ideal! if it exists.

 

Anyway look forward to seeing what route you go down, good luck mate!

brutus442 - 2013-10-11 03:54

I love the DIY project Smeats!

 

I'll never pass by another old radio without thinking of the possibilities!

smeats1976 - 2013-10-11 08:49

thanks Brutus! even my wife likes this one, so It stays in my living room and gets used regularly

northerner - 2013-10-11 09:03

I've put 5.1 surround sounds on several old radios. I've one beautiful Art Deco radio in the living room that has the mega bass sound system from a gaming chair in it...it pounds!!!...yet looks all original

northerner - 2013-10-11 09:05

in not on lol

smeats1976 - 2013-10-11 09:35

I will use your idea on somthing one day Si!

I've just got a project box yesterday but its going to be the outside I'm modding (when time allows) this time