Welcome
I would like to build a portable Bluetooth speaker. I know that there are a lot of threads on this topic but I did not find anything for my design. I know a little about electronics but less about audio, so I ask you colleagues for help.
Main assumptions:
Power - the loudspeaker is to be more powerful so that it is sufficient for outdoor events (grill, fireplace), I assume about 2x20W
Communication - connection with a Bluetooth speaker, Aux line input and a second for connecting an acoustic guitar with an active amplifier (the speaker should be relatively universal)
Working time - about 4 hours at maximum power
Dimensions and weight - the smallest and lightest possible, while maintaining good sound quality and the above assumptions - I would not like to exceed 6kg
Sound quality - I want it to play clean and in a wide range, the bass should be clearly audible
Price - and the worst assumption disturbing the others, the loudspeaker is to be reasonably budget, built of some elements used, such as loudspeakers - I assume about PLN 350, probably with a slight twist
Design questions and doubts:
1. Speaker and channel layout
I haven't decided yet whether the speaker should be mono or stereo. The second option would probably be better also in terms of smaller speakers. I would like to use broadband speakers and separately tweeters behind the crossover. There may be only a problem with the low tones, I thought it might be worth using a 2.1 amplifier and use one woofer on a separate channel and the other pairs on two channels. This only generates more speakers and more power consumption. Is it better to leave Mono in such a system, i.e. 1.1. And you can completely give up the bass speaker only give a medium tone with a lower frequency range and top up with second tweeters. I have been thinking about this issue for the longest time, so I am asking for advice.
2. Speakers
In addition to the layout itself, I'm thinking about the speakers. With all the construction I would like it to be the best quality element. I would like to buy used but I don't know much about the producers in which to look. I assume that the power should be slightly higher than the power of the amplifier and the efficiency should be above 90db. I am still thinking about the resistance, 8 Ohm or 4, does it matter if the amplifier can work with two? Do you want to look for used car speakers?or from home audio? Maybe some specific models someone would recommend, or at least producers, relatively inexpensive and decent players.
3. Amplifier
As an amplifier, I would like to use a ready class D pulse system with a built-in Bluetooth module and a line input. Power is about 2x20-25W. However, if I decided on the 2.1 system, the 2x20W + 50W amplifier would be analogous. I was also thinking about the class A amplifier, which can be removed from the 2.1 speaker set, but has less efficiency, so does it make sense for the portable design to go in this direction or is it better to stay with the energy-saving class D?
4. Power supply
For powering, I would like to use a switch mode power supply with a battery module to support gel batteries and a 12V and 7Ah battery, I will calculate the capacity. The power supply capacity is 12V and 3A.
5. Housing
Here I wonder whether to do it yourself or use it after e.g. a damaged guitar stove. Making your own gives you more flexibility. What material would it be best to make 12mm thick plywood from OSB? For such a speaker it would be better if it is closed or with a Bass reflex channel?
Thank you in advance for any tips and advice.
I would like to build a portable Bluetooth speaker. I know that there are a lot of threads on this topic but I did not find anything for my design. I know a little about electronics but less about audio, so I ask you colleagues for help.
Main assumptions:
Power - the loudspeaker is to be more powerful so that it is sufficient for outdoor events (grill, fireplace), I assume about 2x20W
Communication - connection with a Bluetooth speaker, Aux line input and a second for connecting an acoustic guitar with an active amplifier (the speaker should be relatively universal)
Working time - about 4 hours at maximum power
Dimensions and weight - the smallest and lightest possible, while maintaining good sound quality and the above assumptions - I would not like to exceed 6kg
Sound quality - I want it to play clean and in a wide range, the bass should be clearly audible
Price - and the worst assumption disturbing the others, the loudspeaker is to be reasonably budget, built of some elements used, such as loudspeakers - I assume about PLN 350, probably with a slight twist
Design questions and doubts:
1. Speaker and channel layout
I haven't decided yet whether the speaker should be mono or stereo. The second option would probably be better also in terms of smaller speakers. I would like to use broadband speakers and separately tweeters behind the crossover. There may be only a problem with the low tones, I thought it might be worth using a 2.1 amplifier and use one woofer on a separate channel and the other pairs on two channels. This only generates more speakers and more power consumption. Is it better to leave Mono in such a system, i.e. 1.1. And you can completely give up the bass speaker only give a medium tone with a lower frequency range and top up with second tweeters. I have been thinking about this issue for the longest time, so I am asking for advice.
2. Speakers
In addition to the layout itself, I'm thinking about the speakers. With all the construction I would like it to be the best quality element. I would like to buy used but I don't know much about the producers in which to look. I assume that the power should be slightly higher than the power of the amplifier and the efficiency should be above 90db. I am still thinking about the resistance, 8 Ohm or 4, does it matter if the amplifier can work with two? Do you want to look for used car speakers?or from home audio? Maybe some specific models someone would recommend, or at least producers, relatively inexpensive and decent players.
3. Amplifier
As an amplifier, I would like to use a ready class D pulse system with a built-in Bluetooth module and a line input. Power is about 2x20-25W. However, if I decided on the 2.1 system, the 2x20W + 50W amplifier would be analogous. I was also thinking about the class A amplifier, which can be removed from the 2.1 speaker set, but has less efficiency, so does it make sense for the portable design to go in this direction or is it better to stay with the energy-saving class D?
4. Power supply
For powering, I would like to use a switch mode power supply with a battery module to support gel batteries and a 12V and 7Ah battery, I will calculate the capacity. The power supply capacity is 12V and 3A.
5. Housing
Here I wonder whether to do it yourself or use it after e.g. a damaged guitar stove. Making your own gives you more flexibility. What material would it be best to make 12mm thick plywood from OSB? For such a speaker it would be better if it is closed or with a Bass reflex channel?
Thank you in advance for any tips and advice.
