View Full Version : Amp in a Box.
This is a little project I did a few months ago. It is a little amp in a box or AIB (pronounced abe). Basically, it is the amplifier board from an old set of computer speakers that I riped apart and then threw into a project box. I desoldered the old wires and connectors and soldered new wires on and attacked them to RCA plugs. According to the sticker on the bottom of one of the speakers it puts out 5wpc RMS. The original speakers were 4ohm so it happily drives most anything I throw at it. It can be run either off of the built in batteries or a power adapter. It is great for when I go and do recordings. I take it and my minimus 7's out with me for monitoring and mixing. Cost me about $10 to build.
If you look carefully in this picture you can see the labels. Black sharpie on a black box. Very vibrant.
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=75962&stc=1&d=1201147971
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=75963&stc=1&d=1201147971
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=75965&stc=1&d=1201147971
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=75966&stc=1&d=1201147971
I forgot to mention one of the other things I am going to use it for. It will be great for testing out speakers when I go garage sale hunting. :yes:
mhardy6647
01-24-2008, 06:12 AM
A case of parallel evolution :-)
The execution of yours is nicer than mine, though (and yours is battery-powered). Nice job!
http://audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11962&d=1143557253
A case of parallel evolution :-)
The execution of yours is nicer than mine, though (and yours is battery-powered). Nice job!
Great minds think alike. From the looks of it though the amp in yours is a lot nicer. Also, any illusion that mine was preplanned and layed out are just that, an illusion. I had a general idea of what I wanted to do and then it was just a case of modify to fit. :yes: One of my greatest talents is being able to fudge things to make them fit or work the way they are supposed to.
Stuart Pedaso
01-24-2008, 02:10 PM
Those are cool!
Did the quick & dirty with mine -- left it in its original box. Just removed the driver and wired in a 2nd speaker-out jack (donated from the matching passive unit's input jack).
The little Radio Shack/RCA speakers are about 7/8 the size of Minumus 7s but only about half the sound. Still, they sound better -- and louder -- than the typical docking unit.
The whole system with FM/Media player fits in a small backpack when traveling. Also have a small powered Altec "sub" that works with this, but it's cumbersome for travel.
Those are cool!
Did the quick & dirty with mine -- left it in its original box. Just removed the driver and wired in a 2nd speaker-out jack (donated from the matching passive unit's input jack).
The little Radio Shack/RCA speakers are about 7/8 the size of Minumus 7s but only about half the sound. Still, they sound better -- and louder -- than the typical docking unit.
The whole system with FM/Media player fits in a small backpack when traveling. Also have a small powered Altec "sub" that works with this, but it's cumbersome for travel.
Cool Idea leafing it in the box. My sister has those same altec speakers. Thay actually sound pretty decent.
willyrover
01-24-2008, 03:39 PM
I forgot to mention one of the other things I am going to use it for. It will be great for testing out speakers when I go garage sale hunting. :yes:
That would be handy! All it needs is "source" contained within the box. Maybe a cheap little MP3 player.
That would be handy! All it needs is "source" contained within the box. Maybe a cheap little MP3 player.
I just plug in the MP3 player that I carry with me into he input. :yes:
jrsh92
01-25-2008, 09:30 PM
Those are cool!
Did the quick & dirty with mine -- left it in its original box. Just removed the driver and wired in a 2nd speaker-out jack (donated from the matching passive unit's input jack).
The little Radio Shack/RCA speakers are about 7/8 the size of Minumus 7s but only about half the sound. Still, they sound better -- and louder -- than the typical docking unit.
The whole system with FM/Media player fits in a small backpack when traveling. Also have a small powered Altec "sub" that works with this, but it's cumbersome for travel.
I actually cannibalized an identical set of speakers for parts. The subwoofer unit contains a large 14+14 volt toroidal transformer if you can manage to open it (involves hacksaws, screwdrivers, hammers, jigsaws, table saws, and precision). Decent little amp in there too, more than enough power (what was the last time your meters ACTUALLY hit 5 watts, anyway?).
(what was the last time your meters ACTUALLY hit 5 watts, anyway?).
Earlier today. :yes:
Stuart Pedaso
01-27-2008, 02:59 AM
The subwoofer unit contains a large 14+14 volt toroidal transformer if you can manage to open it (involves hacksaws, screwdrivers, hammers, jigsaws, table saws, and precision).
I have two of those subs. Used to run 'em both off a Y-adapter until one developed a soft hum. Tried to open it up for examination but after removing all the screws the case still wouldn't budge. Figured they must've used adhesives -- now you've confirmed it.
Toroidal, huh?
Where'd I put that hacksaw ...
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