Inexpensive 2.1 System

[Good E Nuff]

I’m building a 2.1 system for a friend powered by this Lepai LP210PA plate amp:
Lepai LP210PA 2x30W + 60W 2.1 Channel Mini Plate Amplifier TPA3118

It’s obviously not intended to be an audiophile level piece of equipment. The subwoofer and amp will be installed in a .75 cubic foot wooden wine case from her wedding and the satellites will be built into a pair of cigar boxes also from her wedding. The appearance and sentimental value of the enclosures are at least at important as the sound quality.

Having said that, I do want them to sound as good as possible. I’m planning to build a “box inside the box” out of 1/2” MDF for the subwoofer box. She will want the subwoofer box to do double duty as a seat or footstool, (Did I mention they live off the grid in a tiny house?), so it will need to be a downward firing driver.

My question is, how far from the floor does the driver need to be? Plan A is to use some little rubber feet from the hardware store that would lift the bottom of the box about 3/4” from the floor. Is that enough?

I’m also interested in any advice or comments about the project.

Thanks.

 

[wiseoldtech]

A downward firing sub would ideally be more than 3/4 inch off the floor. I'd suggest 4 wood blocks as feet on the corners, 2 inches square, with felt bottoms. Or, a 2 inch dowl, cut into 2 inch lengths. Both fastened from the inside of the box, or drilling a partial recess in the "feet" for flushing the screw heads if driven upwards into the box. Internal bracing is a must as well, particularly if it's to be sat on. Glued and screwed is the best construction.

 

[Good E Nuff]

Thanks. I hadn’t thought of internal bracing, but it will definitely be needed.

 

[mikejennens]

If you already have the amp, disregard my post.

Otherwise, take a look at this amp: Amazon.com: AOSHIKE DC12V-24V 2.1 Channel TPA3116 Subwoofer Amplifier Board High Power Bluetooth Audio Amplifier Board (Bluetooth Amp): Home Audio & Theater

This sub: Tang Band W3-2108 3-1/2" RBM Micro Subwoofer 4 Ohm

And two of these: Peerless by Tymphany TC9FD18-08 3-1/2" Full Range Paper Cone Woofer

I set up a small system with these three pieces and am extremely impressed. The drivers don't need large enclosures, so what you have will work well.
I'd recommend going with something thicker than 1/2 inch MDF. I doubled 1/2" MDF, for 1-inch walls, for the sub enclosure and it's still small. However, it puts out plenty of clean bass.
The TC9 drivers are very clear and do a great job when the bass is augmented with a sub.

Mike

 

[mikejennens]

If you already have the amp, disregard my post.

Otherwise, take a look at this amp: Amazon.com: AOSHIKE DC12V-24V 2.1 Channel TPA3116 Subwoofer Amplifier Board High Power Bluetooth Audio Amplifier Board (Bluetooth Amp): Home Audio & Theater
It has controls for bass frequency, bass volume, treble, and master volume. It has Bluetooth input as well as two connectors. It is switchable for using with or without a sub. And it sounds great. I use a 19volt laptop power supply for it.

This sub: Tang Band W3-2108 3-1/2" RBM Micro Subwoofer 4 Ohm

And two of these: Peerless by Tymphany TC9FD18-08 3-1/2" Full Range Paper Cone Woofer

I set up a small system with these three pieces and am extremely impressed. The drivers don't need large enclosures, so what you have will work well.
I'd recommend going with something thicker than 1/2 inch MDF. I doubled 1/2" MDF, for 1-inch walls, for the sub enclosure and it's still small. However, it puts out plenty of clean bass.
The TC9 drivers are very clear and do a great job when the bass is augmented with a sub.

Mike

 

[Good E Nuff]

If you already have the amp, disregard my post.

Otherwise, take a look at this amp:

I have the amp... but I also have one of those Aoshike boards that is going into a suitcase boom box. 🙂

I’m using the Lepai in this case because it seemed to work better on 12volts than the board. The home is wired for 12volts when they are on the road and 110 when back at home base. They also don’t need Bluetooth. It will be fed by an Echo Input.


This sub: Tang Band W3-2108 3-1/2" RBM Micro Subwoofer 4 Ohm

Thanks for the advice on the subwoofer driver. I was thinking about a 6” or 8” driver, but a smaller one might be better.

And two of these: Peerless by Tymphany TC9FD18-08 3-1/2" Full Range Paper Cone Woofer

Those look good. I have a few of these sitting around as was planning to use them:
Dayton Audio PC68-8 2-1/2" Full-Range Poly Cone Driver

The cigar boxes that will house the satellites are pretty small. I’m not sure a 3.5” speaker will fit.

While I’m at it, do you guys have any advice on using paper cone drives in a semi-outdoor environment? The tiny home is basically a camping trailer. They won’t be out in the rain, but they will have the windows and doors open. There might be dew. Just a thought.

I'd recommend going with something thicker than 1/2 inch MDF. I doubled 1/2" MDF, for 1-inch walls, for the sub enclosure and it's still small. However, it puts out plenty of clean bass.

The box I’m using for the subwoofer is 1/2” wood, probably poplar. With the 1/2” mdf, that gives me 1” walls. Will that work?