Boomboxery Boombox!?

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jimmyjimmy19702010

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Hi Guys,

With all the recent hype around the awesome Bumpboxx Freestyle, my enthusiasm for starting another build is building!

This time around, I thought it would be super cool if we, as a community could design and build our own, unique 'Boomboxery' spec box. :-)

Whilst the target audience for the Bumpboxx is outdoor performers and people wanting a 'loud as hell' box, I think there is a gap in the market for a box that is one size down and has an intense focus on sound quality.

Think of this box as something a roadie would build for his/her own use - the same heavy duty plywood construction used in concert speaker cabinets!!

The C100F size is the sweet spot IMHO. This size allows the use of 10 inch drivers for solid bass and also allows for easier transportation.

Ira''s awesome RC550 stereo build confirms the use of 10 inch drivers in a C100F sized cabinet:
View attachment 31393
Now, this new box won't quite compete with the Bumpboxx for shear loudness. Don't worry, it will crank HARD but the sweetness of the sound will be maxed out!!!

HiFi spec speakers traditionally don't offer PA style sensitivity levels. What they DO offer is vastly superior sound quality which is very important for indoor use. I estimate this new Boomboxery box will have a 70/30 indoor/outdoor usage which is about my usage pattern for my DIY boxes.

These are the basic specs I think are required for this new box:

Conion C100F size cabinet
50 watts RMS per channel.
24 volt D class Tri Path Stereo amplifier.
Bass & treble controls
10 inch drivers (95dB+)!!!!!!!! :-)
Silk dome tweeters (95dB+)
2 way passive crossovers (Hi fi spec)
Monster style cabling
Plywood reinforced cabinet for lightweight and durability against the elements
Bass reflex cabinets - tuned for 40 htz
Bluetooth 4.0 stereo receiver
Two inputs (RCA or 3.5mm jack)
Twin SLA batteries (24 volt) or Lithium Ion pack (if the budget allows)
Vinyl wrap covering is optional
LED light bar is optional (proper spectrum analyser displaying input level - not output level)

Collectively, I know we can design the ultimate Bluetooth speaker - ****, we all know what works and what doesn't - sound quality and build quality will be off the charts!!

With so many people on this site giving input, I'm sure this box will be the king of boxes!!!!!

Anyone interested??? :-)
 
J

jimmyjimmy19702010

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May 5, 2012
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trippy1313 said:
Norm (SuperDuper) started a thread about an idea very similar to this.
Click to expand...
Yes, I remember Norms thread - he was talking about a custom amp etc for his cool design.

I'm thinking the use of off the shelf components will allow for a quicker project completion - there are literally thousands of amps, crossovers, battery charging circuits etc out there ready to go.
 
Reli

Reli

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Yeah C100 woofers look too small for the box, IMO.
The skinny trim rings don't help. That's why TC999 and C126 look better IMO.
 
Reli

Reli

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Hydro-dipping is possible if the wood is varnished. You could dip it a carbon fiber or a nice brushed metal pattern. That would add a couple hundred to the price, though.

IMG_0865.JPG

IMG_1033.png
 
mellymelsr

mellymelsr

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If overall sound quality is the ultimate goal wouldn't a 3 way speaker design offer better sound quality. The Telefunken and Sony FH 3 way offer the best sound in portables. If we're gonna do it let's go all the way. Power source for 100 watt rms should be 12 to 15ah for extended use. Those choices should easily garner 8-10 hours of high volume use. Maybe 10" woofers, 5" mids, and 2" silk tweeters with an active crossover. Multi amp unit would be most efficient for optimum sound...but more expensive.
 
redbenjoe

redbenjoe

I Am Legend
May 6, 2009
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the big spender advice is :
if its a once-in-a-lifetime high end build --that will be kept forever -
then the extra $$ for the BEST components will be worthwhile
 
J

jimmyjimmy19702010

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May 5, 2012
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On most of my past builds, I've steered clear of 3 way setups to minimise the frontal area required to house 3 speakers. I also didn't want to have the hassle of finding or building custom crossovers that were setup specifically to work right with 3 speakers that may not all come from the same vendor.

A two way is a lot easier in comparison - if 3 way is the way people want to go, then a bigger cabinet may be required. Maybe moving the bass port from the front to the rear panel would be one way of fitting more speakers into the frontal area.

Salvaging a set of used 3 way HiFi speakers with factory 3 way crossovers would be one easier method to overcome this issue - unfortunately, this wouldn't be a 'repeatable' way of doing this project.

The selection of speakers and crossovers is one of THE most important aspects of this project.

This the sort of amp I had in mind. 'Sure' brand gear is good quality stuff. It has a handy 4-position adjustable gain:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/321407746198 View attachment 31396
 
Superduper

Superduper

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www.AnalogAlley.com
jimmyjimmy19702010 said:
Salvaging a set of used 3 way HiFi speakers with factory 3 way crossovers would be one easier method to overcome this issue - unfortunately, this wouldn't be a 'repeatable' way of doing this project.
Click to expand...
Jimmy,

I agree with what you are saying as well as the "problem" of selecting products that would be "repeatable" and also the reason why I advocated for selecting modules that everyone can buy, and using off the shelf products. Also, the too many chefs in the kitchen scenario where everyone has a different set of suggestions and or wants or needs. It's not that getting input is not valuable. It's just that I've discovered that finding consensus is virtually impossible so really, you just need to take charge, do your product, publish the specs and parts used, and show people what can be done. Then everyone can follow or modify to their hearts content. Heck we modify M70's and M90's. The temptation to customize a custom box a little further would simply be too much to resist. If you read my thread again, you'll see that there are a lot of similarities between what you are saying here, and also the suggestions.... it should be small, it should be big, it should be 2-way or 3-way or 4-amps with subs. It should have touch screen controls, it should be wood, or not.

Anyway, I know that I haven't updated my own thread in what seems like forever, but I've been slowly accumulating parts. I finally got my transformers here. Much of the parts come from China so there is a delay each time I buy more or if they didn't work out. As well, gathering the parts is slow because it's been a difficult year for me with lots of medical and other unexpected expenses causing us to pinch pennies so I only buy parts when I have a bit of play money which is few and far between nowadays. Anyhow aside from the transformer, I also got a few switching regulators to supply power to the non-amp modules but now thinking that maybe I might want to go with linear regulators instead. Anyhow, I probably should stop and just piece them all together and see what happens.
 
J

jimmyjimmy19702010

Member (SA)
May 5, 2012
3,578
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Sunny Brisbane, Australia
Superduper said:
Jimmy,

I agree with what you are saying as well as the "problem" of selecting products that would be "repeatable" and also the reason why I advocated for selecting modules that everyone can buy, and using off the shelf products. Also, the too many chefs in the kitchen scenario where everyone has a different set of suggestions and or wants or needs. It's not that getting input is not valuable. It's just that I've discovered that finding consensus is virtually impossible so really, you just need to take charge, do your product, publish the specs and parts used, and show people what can be done. Then everyone can follow or modify to their hearts content. Heck we modify M70's and M90's. The temptation to customize a custom box a little further would simply be too much to resist. If you read my thread again, you'll see that there are a lot of similarities between what you are saying here, and also the suggestions.... it should be small, it should be big, it should be 2-way or 3-way or 4-amps with subs. It should have touch screen controls, it should be wood, or not.

Anyway, I know that I haven't updated my own thread in what seems like forever, but I've been slowly accumulating parts. I finally got my transformers here. Much of the parts come from China so there is a delay each time I buy more or if they didn't work out. As well, gathering the parts is slow because it's been a difficult year for me with lots of medical and other unexpected expenses causing us to pinch pennies so I only buy parts when I have a bit of play money which is few and far between nowadays. Anyhow aside from the transformer, I also got a few switching regulators to supply power to the non-amp modules but now thinking that maybe I might want to go with linear regulators instead. Anyhow, I probably should stop and just piece them all together and see what happens.
Click to expand...
Hi Norm,

It's great to hear your mega build is still in the works. I'm really looking forward to seeing what you come up with. This new thread is really an ideas fest. I know there will never be complete consensus on what each and every person wants.

I'm going to build another box anyway. I just thought it would be fun to come up with a box that most people would love to own if they could buy one off the shelf. It might even inspire some members to build their own box. As this isn't a retail box where profit making is the name of the game, we can afford to throw more money at quality components to truly make a box to last a lifetime (well, the life us old farts have left anyway). :-)
 
Reli

Reli

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I think 10" woofers is more of a style thing than a sound improvement. I would be perfectly happy with 8", and I bet they would be easier to find than 10". Heck the DJ Tech boombox only has 5" drivers, and they sound great.

As for 2-way versus 3-way, maybe coaxial mid/tweets could give you a 3-way while saving space?

I would also recommend pushing the mids/tweets out as far as possible for best separation. It's just a minor detail, but it works. Separation is important for indoor use.
 
samovar

samovar

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Jun 7, 2014
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Wonderful project and wonderful thread. A box must be beautiful, not ony loud. I'm sure yours will certainly knock off a lot of heralded units in terms of sound. And it will be quality sound too. So I humbly suggest not to forget the design -- Ira certainly didn't with his stunning creation.

I also love the way all members with the right know-how and experience are contributing ideas and suggestions. This thread is already a sticker in my book :-)
 
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