Building a Retro Style Bluetooth Boombox Speaker - by SoundBlab

*Parts Express Discount Code: SOUNDBLAB
Get $10 off an order of $100 or more - Valid for one use per customer - (expires on 12/31/2017)
The design of this Bluetooth Boombox Speaker is 'Vintage Inspired' for a trendy retro appearance. It uses a 2x15Watt Class-D bluetooth amplifier and two full range drivers from Dayton Audio.
►YOU CAN BUILD YOUR OWN SET BY PURCHASING THE BUILD PLAN HERE: soundblab.net/build-plans
Please be sure to subscribe to this channel and don't miss out!
►►Subscribe to my channel ►► goo.gl/EWMSXV
==========================================
►PARTS used in this build:
►Electronics, Speaker Drivers, Crossover & Related Parts:
- 2x 3-1/2” Dayton Audio ND90-4 Aluminum Cone Full Range Speaker Drivers -
(US) parts-express.sjv.io/BXm23x , (EU) bit.ly/3jB1pzT
- Weather Stripping - amzn.to/2g0Pgir
- Polyfill - amzn.to/2gnQ8l1
- Female Crimp Terminals - amzn.to/2kY7cAm, amzn.to/2yyuS3l, amzn.to/2zl21gp
- 1x Dayton Audio KAB-215 2x15W Class D Audio Amplifier Board with Bluetooth 2.1 - (US) parts-express.sjv.io/6b3g6V , (EU) bit.ly/3E8jxsb
- 1x Dayton Audio KAB-BE 18650 Battery Extension Board for Bluetooth Amplifier Boards - (US) parts-express.sjv.io/vnGZKO , (EU) bit.ly/3JLecud
- 1x Dayton Audio KAB-LED Red/Green/Blue LED Package for Bluetooth Amplifier Boards - (US) parts-express.sjv.io/yRJmKv , (EU) bit.ly/3wYXekv
- 1x Dayton Audio KAB-FC Function Cables Package for Bluetooth Amplifier Boards - (US) parts-express.sjv.io/DV9k6o , (EU) bit.ly/3XovAIF
- 1x 38x26x26mm Aluminukm Knob - goo.gl/d6hvVr
- 4x 30x13mm Aluminum Feet - goo.gl/sgog9R
- 2x Speaker Cabinet Port Tube 1-1/2" ID x 4" L Flared - (US) parts-express.sjv.io/e4yA0D , (EU) bit.ly/40AvEaY
- 1x Vintage Leather Handle - goo.gl/gZcrPZ
- 3 x 18650 2500mAh 3.7v Rechargeable Flat Top Batteries - amzn.to/2jcS6nx
- 8x M3 Male x M3 Female 6mm Hexagonal Thread PCB Standoffs - amzn.to/2AqtYHt
- 8x M3 PC Mounting Computer Screws M3x1/4" - amzn.to/2ikbgH8
- 1x 2.5x5.5mm Panel Mount DC Power Socket - amzn.to/2iidmY3
- 1x Mini Toggle Switch On/On or On/Off - amzn.to/2ALUdZt
- Laptop Power Supply 19V-4.74A - amzn.to/2kjnILp
►Finishing:
- Universal Sanding Sealer - amzn.to/2yYaDJy
- Grey Spraypaint Primer - amzn.to/2zkxK1h
- Finishing color Spraypaint (I used light blue) - amzn.to/2Auuwdn
►Materials, Tools & Hardware:
- 6x13mm Screws (x8) - This can be Chipboard, Stainless, Galvanized or Black screws - tinyurl.com/y7xex7te
- 6x25mm Screws (x12) - This can be Chipboard, Stainless, Galvanized or Black screws - amzn.to/2AP3kZm
- 20mm, 40mm, 65mm & 80mm Forstner Bits and/or an 80mm Hole Saw, or an Adjustable Circle Cutter - amzn.to/2jNdP4I, amzn.to/2npX1pD, amzn.to/2yymRva, amzn.to/2jNkSdL, amzn.to/2yxOULa
- Measuring tape - amzn.to/2gQP7jo
- Wood glue - amzn.to/2zlypPT
- Masking tape - amzn.to/2yyn8yl
- Woodworking Square - amzn.to/2x52C4V
- Drill - amzn.to/2x7Fl2f
- Drill Bits - amzn.to/2hOSS8O
- Hot glue gun - amzn.to/2kZo4qs
- Screwdrivers - amzn.to/2xPTkcM
- Router with 45 degree bevel and 12mm (1/2”) round over Cutting bits - amzn.to/2xOVRDY, amzn.to/2nqOQti
- Finishing or orbital sander with 120 and 240 grit sandpaper - amzn.to/2zljy7Y, amzn.to/2zljUeO
- Wire Strippers and Crimping Tool - amzn.to/2hPV6EH
- Wire Snips - amzn.to/2zkGh44
- Soldering Iron and Solder - amzn.to/2yydWd2
- Center Punch - amzn.to/2zkfOUi
- Utility Knife - amzn.to/2l0v3zl
==========================================
Follow me on Instagram: / soundblab
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Recommended Tools from Amazon.com:
- Makita 18V Cordless Drill & Impact Driver: amzn.to/2b56Oev
- Makita Finishing Sander: amzn.to/2b57nVG
- Makita Random Orbit Sander: amzn.to/2aC8GXa
- Makita Beltsander: amzn.to/2aHi63k
- Makita Circular Saw: amzn.to/2bbhKGP
- Makita Jigsaw: amzn.to/2bbiM5H
Music: Basement Floor - Electronic Medium by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/ #soundblab

[@chadgrimes5119]

the most disappointing thing about watching speaker builds is when they end the vid without playing it. what a boring way to end.

[@Newb1eYou_]

very

[@lestergranger1685]

Agreed

[@nomadism_harshu6180]

correct

[@nomadism_harshu6180]

where is the sound test???? you dufferrrrr.......💩💩😠😒😒

[@robyone7729]

I spent many days watching tutorials and in the end I can say with certainty that yours is one of the best! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks man!

[@AbhishekYadav-dg4gi]

You are awesome speaker builder and I love your channel

[@manjulwalia1995]

awesomeness ... thanks for telling that awesome "sanding sealer" i used it today and its amazing

[@Darieee]

Awesome word, as always ! You know, you could also set up the equaliser of the Bluetooth Board ... It's probably more hassle than making the filter for the first time you try it, but, in the long run for setups where you only want to correct the sound (and not do crossovers) it would be quite a bit more elegant/efficient

[@captainjim1010]

WoW finally someone who knows the basics of speaker building...

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@ABDULMANNANsam]

hiiii.... i am from india 🇮🇳 and learn sooo much from your videos ....

[@mavoMC]

Thanks for this guide! all steps are well explained! I built the speaker and the sound is great! Thank you!

[@SoundBlab]

Thank you Martin. I am very pleased that you are happy with the build plans and the speaker! Your support is appreciated and helps to keep my channel going!

[@dghouse7140]

Nice Bluetooth box! I love it! 🔊

[@himanshudj]

Man i love that handle....

[@modustrial]

Another gorgeous build! Nice work.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks man!

[@borisfwZ]

Thx for showing up this build. Amazing finish! Respect and thx again.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@TheHoodik]

I’m here 50% for the build and 50% for the accent! 😉 Lovely build as usual! Really inspiring!

[@NWGR]

Amazing. I love the color and style.

[@SoundBlab]

Thank you

[@GrumpyTheElder]

The Style is amazing!

[@SoundBlab]

Tx

[@markandersonsa]

As always. A great build. Great share

[@nonfakecreativechannel5765]

Perfectly done

[@paulf6768]

Wow looks great and so professional like all your projects, can't wait to hear it!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks Paul.

[@Smilog]

dude this is great quality

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks man!

[@ishraransari]

Oh man too good video ,hope there chance i can learn from you these awesome things, music is my life and this video made my day.

[@timonarthur]

Great Video! I was literally going to build a speaker similar to this one but with passive radiators on the sides. I hope you do a sound test at any time in the future so i can kind of compare the two designs.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks. Yes, I will do a sound test in the upcoming week.

[@mmarfe]

Nice! It´s a pitty I live in Brazil and it´s so hard to get a hand on this tipe of accessories and quality speakers ... I so wanted to build that kind of stuff.

[@easonliu1117]

very nice color matching!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@Bjonstrand]

Great style!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks!

[@richardbmw320]

Looks fantastic. Great build

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, man!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@ironlegion3174]

I like your speakers so preety and smooth finishing

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@perea77]

Quedo muy bonita!

[@batesdesignandbuildltd.6529]

Very professional. Great job.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@NafisZzamanrgb]

Really nice. Its looks great.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks!

[@AbhishekYadav-dg4gi]

speaker is very pretty

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks!

[@Buster345678]

YES!! MOOOOAAR ! :) Love your vids! Keep up the good work!

[@silver771000]

Just a beautiful build '

[@SoundBlab]

Tx

[@GerhardGroesbeek]

Dutchman, love your work! Keep up with the great videos!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@bosckrobyne6365]

SUPER JOB!

[@SoundBlab]

Tx

[@JustAnotherAsianGuy2]

you did a great job !

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@zegzezon5539]

*very neat and awesome build!* 👍

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@nvdwalt]

Beautiful AGAIN!!!!!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks Nico

[@correia707]

Very cool looking speaker. Would love to see next video on sound test

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@MarkErikEE]

Nice clean build! And I like the color.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks!

[@rogerbuffalobill]

Bello ed elegante !!

[@converdb]

Hi, love the style of your builds. You sure have an eye for design. Could you please develop a little, for those of us lost in audio theory, what is the coil+capacitor filter you install and where to find it? It'd be great to have like a basic explanation or point us in the direction of one basic video that could do that. Thanks in advance mate!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks man. I can def consider doing that in a future project.

[@Ssawekboomboxdiy]

Cool boombox

[@SoundBlab]

Tx

[@paulvanzweel8287]

I immediately recognised your accent as SA. Well done! you have created a very nice channel. I will be following. Nice projects!

[@SoundBlab]

Thank you very much!

[@sirdouglashowel5thseat776]

really liked this one... parts express ftw

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@JeanmarcW]

Nice work as usual. Looks great. Another Paul Carmody's Sprite variation Certain that it will sound great.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks! Yes, definitely similar to his design, however I used different enclosure volume, dimensions and crossover parts.

[@nvdwalt]

Flippen mooi!!!!

[@SoundBlab]

Dankie Nico

[@georgleiter7836]

Awesome great Job i love it

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@obysan266]

Very nice boombox. you are good. what autonomy does the boombox have? on average if you can tell. Thamks

[@p.v.jayaprakash4494]

Amazing

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@karlnicolasnavarro6731]

Put bass reditator good work!

[@mambobond]

Very cool. I have never built a speaker enclosure, but enjoy watching the build there of. Non speaker related question - your circle cutting bit in the drill press, where did you get it? I am also in SA and can't say I've seen it on the shelves anywhere. Cheers

[@SoundBlab]

I think I got mine from Builders Warehouse, but you can also get it online here: www.tools4wood.co.za/product/circle-hole-cutter-adjustable-30-200mm-tccc30200/ and this one www.tools4wood.co.za/product/circle-cutter-large/

[@AdarshBenny]

build is pretty cool tho : )

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks!

[@medelhousseini]

Very Nice Speakers

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@albatrossrock]

Good, very pretty.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@rnytixxer]

Wonderful!!!!!!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@mikoajwerbel9815]

I am from Poland and i am very like your videos 😉

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks man!

[@klangfreund5244]

I am from germany and i like yor videos too , somtimes i build speakers too

[@mikoajwerbel9815]

Me too i am build one speaker

[@TheMegaDenzel]

Mikołaj Werbel Języka sie naucz bo wstyd robisz Polakom...

[@fedor7378]

Здравствуйте, подскажите что это за катушка и два остальных компонента на видео 10:32? (И как они рассчитываются?)

[@ficopoki164]

Where can i buy parts to buil correction filter at 10:39 ? Thanks for help

[@nicolael.cardei476]

Awesome stuff! I bought the plans, thank you for making it available to purchase. How long the battery last on a charge?

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks for the support! I honestly have not tested it yet. It will also depend on the batteries you use and their capacity.

[@yaghiyahbrenner8902]

the sanding sealer what product is that ? by the way good work really good work.

[@modustrial]

also curious - do you have an amazon link for the sealer?

[@SoundBlab]

I am using a Plascon brand here in South Africa, but you can get a Universal Sanding Sealer on Amazon that is similar - amzn.to/2yYaDJy

[@humberto.o_o4715]

Perfecto

[@shubhamshukla167]

nice

[@SoundBlab]

The sanding sealer is a Universal Sanding Sealer - amzn.to/2yYaDJy , amzn.to/2ADv175 (Amazon links). Different brand from what I use here in South Africa, but will do the same thing. I will also do a SOUND TEST in the coming week.

[@hififriend4512]

SoundBlab Looks nice, but doesn't the capacitor interferes with the inductor in the crossover?

[@fabricefauconnier4617]

hello, I bought the plan and I realized the bluetooth speaker thanks to your excellent advice and your video. the result is good. I would like to know if it is possible to modify it to have a little more power, should I change only the amplifier, or have to change everything ...?

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks for the support! You could try this amp form Parts Express: bit.ly/2VDp02u . It is a bit more powerful, but be careful, it might be too much for the drivers if you go full volume. It should be a direct drop-in replacements for the specified amp in this build though.

[@sense083]

Can you school me on the point of a crossover on a two channel stereo build? As I understood it a crossover is used to differentiate signals for a high (tweeter) and low signal?

[@SoundBlab]

It is a circuit to flatten the frequency response and does not fulfil typical crossover function.

[@carlosdylanspain8852]

A very good video Comment a detail. Could I activate subtitles in Spanish? Thank you.

[@Bekim8310]

Hi I have actually watched this video a couple of times and enjoyed and learned from it. I have made 2 Bluetooth speakers with MDF. I have a question if you don't mind me asking. Once you round off the edges how to do you get it so smooth that once its painted the porous edges don't show? Does the sanding sealer all by itself seal it all in? Thank you very much!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks. The sanding sealer is best applied and sanded in between layers a couple of times. Not just one layer. Then I apply an undercoat of spray paint, then top coat onto that.

[@Omlet221]

The driver is rated for 80-15,000 hz so wouldn’t you want to do a crossover with a tweeter or maybe something like the nd65 which can do 80-20,000 hz?

[@SoundBlab]

I could and have before, but for this one I didn't.

[@craigdiaz4143]

crossovers are not listed in the description.

[@theraghavs]

And no sound test? missing the cherry on ice. Although this is a great looking boombox and sure will sound great, because of that logo.

[@SoundBlab]

Sound Test coming next week.

[@MrKjfisher26]

Wouldnt it be cool if the music through the video was the soundtest from the actual speaker.

[@jonasudris6228]

Beautiful work! How does it sound?

[@SoundBlab]

Tx. Check out the sound test in the next video on my channel.

[@billbird9625]

Nice build and great channel! Can you provide more detail on the parts you used to mount the amplifier board - specifically the screws and stand-offs used? The parts listed don't seem to match what's in the video. Thanks.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks. The stand-offs are what is typically used for mounting PCB boards. I got them from my local electronics supplier. You should be able to find them online from a similar supplier. They should also be able to pride you with the screws. The stand-offs come in different lengths. Try these at Amazon: amzn.to/2Dmzvx4 , amzn.to/2BiNNNK

[@Bafoonloon]

The music is literally shaking my ear buds

[@SoundBlab]

Cool

[@supersteef]

It looks very good! Is it inspired by Paul Carmody's Sprite boombox? 😉 Also, Where did you get the aluminum knob?

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks! It was not the intention, but definitely similar to his design, however I used different enclosure volume, dimensions and crossover parts.

[@gedaskilnusis4443]

Hi mate. Awesome work. Your all projects looks very nice. I'm also going to do my 3rd boombox. And have few questions for You. How long does it play without recharge on full volume? What do you use for charging? How much mAh do these batteries have? You running 12v or 24? My first built was very simple, just a stereo from car and batterie from motorcycle, but you probably imagine how much it wighted lol. Now I'll try to build it with creative 5.1 system, as it has everything what i need - speakers and amplifier. And you van buy it used musch cheaper than new speakers and d class amplifier. Ofcourse it won't have bluetooth. But you can mode ir to. With these batteries that you use the speaker is much lighter, but i need speaker that will play on full volume without recharge atleast 24 hours.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks. I have not done test to see how long this speaker will run on a full charge, so I honestly have no idea. In this configuration I charge the unit with a 19V 4.74A laptop power supply. These batteries come in various mAh versions. The one I have is 2600 mAh each.

[@antoniocabrera6033]

ok very good

[@ochetv4726]

Good...

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@korikkk]

Не понял, зачем LC фильтры на широкополосник?

[@sirioussergey]

ага , и фазики как будто на 60 литров )))))

[@revelairfanman6171]

DIY builds rule. No company manufacturing retail style BT speakers is going to give you the quality and power offered by a high quality and well designed DIY build for the $$$s invested.

[@mdsoyeb773]

Sir plz told me the box size

[@TheAngelmiguel4u]

Awesome video I just love watching this type of stuff and I would love to build something like this but I'm pretty sure there are a lot of subscriber or people that watch that's that don't have the tools to actually make them like myself it would be cool if someone would make it and just sell it as a kit so the person can just screw some screws in plug some stuff tie some wires together and get it up and running maybe you should consider that just making everything and then selling it as a kit so the person can just build it at home kind of like those guys that build model cars all they do is put everything together and then paint it being that when they buy it it brings everything that they need now that would be cool and like I said maybe you should consider that and sell it at a decent price I'm pretty sure a lot of people would love that

[@SoundBlab]

That is definitely an option some day, but right now I do not have the capacity to manage such an endevour.

[@TheAngelmiguel4u]

@@SoundBlab I mean if anything you can have a patreon account to help you fund it or open up a GoFundMe account and that can help start in some kind of way I mean you could just start off with maybe two or three of them and then go from there I'm pretty sure your followers or anyone that sees this video and you let them know that they can get this and they can make him themselves I'm pretty sure everybody will back you up and maybe you should make a video asking people if they're into that type of stuff and then go from there that would definitely give you an idea if people would want that

[@ARGU1ILLO]

Esperaba la prueba de sonido

[@SoundBlab]

Check out the next video on the channel after this one.

[@ashitanojoe69]

Great job!! How much it cost? And how long do you need to built it from the start? Thanks ;)

[@fullpeladas]

Probably 2 days from scratch I also make bluetooth portable boombox. I do sell them starting at 599. Leather wrap

[@jorgerivera2674]

How much would you sell one for

[@ppitekk]

hello . nice work !! where are you get from dose logo stickers

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks. They are resin dome badges. You can Google it.

[@GHANUKARMAKAR]

For 4s bms ,if i use 18 volt charger it is possible or not plz tell me

[@SoundBlab]

I don't know. I do know that the 4s will require 16.8V, but not sure if the higher voltage will be a problem. Maybe someone else in the comments can reply if they have the anwser?

[@TheFlyingKiwiNZ]

Where do you get your logo stickers from? And please do a sound demo at the end, please!

[@SoundBlab]

They are resin dome badges. Do a Google search to find a supplier in your area. The sound demo is a separate video after this one!

[@TheFlyingKiwiNZ]

@@SoundBlab great thank you! Great content, I'm intending to follow your plans soon!

[@SoundBlab]

Great, thanks!

[@KugelXFanger]

Any reason you did not go with pasive radiators?? Just curious

[@SoundBlab]

These Dayton Audio drivers can go quite low for their size, and I wanted to try this out in a vented enclosure with ports.

[@stanmarshall8202]

what was the total cost of the build?

[@shaunkaufmann6091]

hey boet, great build! was wondering if the amp was a bit under-powered for the speakers or does that not make a difference ? bit of a noob here.

[@SoundBlab]

This amp works well in this combination, but I have also wondered if the 30watt per channel amp from Dayton Audio will make a big difference. I think it might help a bit at higher volumes where the smaller amp seems to run out of oomph a bit. It is an easy switch to the larger amp though. They use the same connections and are the same size board. I can definitely recommend trying it.

[@shaunkaufmann6091]

SoundBlab thanks for the info!

[@lonhetrick]

Really well done! Where did you get the speaker feet?

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks. There should be a link in the video description :)

[@lonhetrick]

Thank you! I also wonder why most people recess the drivers and chamfer the edge of the hole. Is it for sound or just because it’s easier than flush mounting?

[@SoundBlab]

It's for aesthetics and to avoid reflections. If you mount the driver from the front you will see the flange, which in this case is not pretty. But if you mount the driver from the back it looks better, however you need a chamfer to avoid nasty reflections from the edge of the hole that can influence the sound.

[@inhhuutuan9879]

Đẹp quá !

[@fUP420babe]

is there a reason you use mdf instead of a nice birch ply? is it just cheaper?

[@SoundBlab]

When applying a spray finish to the final product, MDF gives me a better finish than wood with a grain.

[@SoundBlab]

And yes, it is also cheaper!

[@TheRealDoubleT]

10:38 These 3 parts are not listed in the description box, could you update with the links to parts-express?

[@SoundBlab]

All the parts are listed in the build plans that you can purchase on my website www.soundblab.net

[@perea77]

La vendes?

[@ktozjadlciastka]

I've never build any "adult" speakers and have a small questions to understand everything better... 1. Why have you glued reinforcements after you painted the enclosure? I think It would be easier to make all sticky parts in the first place. 2. How the paint layer quality looks like? Are there some artifacts due to spraying in dusty enviroment? I have always problems with it :/ 3. Wouldn't wood screws with plastic tubes hold amp/bat PCBs better? 4. Is it a standard practice to hot glue "speaker related passive components"? I see a lot of people doing this. 5. For how long the batteries last? 3xAA is not a lot for 2x15W amp...

[@SoundBlab]

1. A build sometimes evolves as you go along and that is something I realised I did not do only after painting. 2. The paint finish is smooth. I usually make sure my workshop is clean before I painting. 3. Yes, if I had them on hand at the time. 4. It is a convenient, easy and effective solution. 5. These are 3.7V 18650 rechargeable lithium batteries, not AA. The last very long when fully charged.

[@ktozjadlciastka]

Thanks!

[@rishi1427]

How do you select the correction filter?

[@SoundBlab]

The driver was measured in the enclosure and then I used Xsim crossover software to model the filter.

[@silteczneuerkanal6764]

Very great Video but i guess you did a little mistake in the beginning when you Put the frontplate With the speaker holes on the wrong side ;) still a great build

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks. Well spotted! I fixed it off camera.

[@mastroitek]

wow that is great! What about battery life? :)

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks! I have never really tested it for that, but it also depends on the capacity of the batteries you use. But its definitely more than a couple of hours that I have had them play continuously in the past.