First Build – Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers

Designer:
Lovynash Dookhee

Project Category:
Freestyle Speakers

Project Level:
Beginner

Project Time:
8-20 Hours

Project Cost:
$100 – $500

Project Description:
I decided to replace my desktop 5.1 Creative speakers with a Bluetooth system to free up some space on my desk. Although the quality of the sound was top priority, I wanted to design a set of speakers that would stand out and be part of the interior design too.

Design Goals:
– Decent bass (I’m using a 2-1/2” full range driver so can’t expect much low frequencies)
– Clear mids and highs
– Aesthetically pleasing blending in with the current interior design (not a typical driver in a box)
– Overall cost $150

Driver Selection:
– Dayton Audio ND65-4 2-1/2″ FULL RANGE
– Dayton Audio ND20FB-4 Rear-Mount 3/4″ TWEETER

Enclosure Design:
– Vented/Ported box; thank you Parts Express for helping me work out the port dimensions!
– PVC Tube used as a port

Enclosure Assembly:
– Tweeters mounted in aluminium tubes (sand blasted finish)
– Gloss white box with foam on inner walls and filled with poly fill
– European walnut feature to blend the aluminium tube with the box

Crossover Design:
Parts Express assisted me greatly on this as I’ve never heard of the term “crossover” until I decided to build these speakers – thank you guys!

Conclusion:
I’m over the moon! I never thought they would sound this good. My choice of music is varied, with with lots of background instruments and I could hear everything through those speakers. It was like re-discovering my entire music library; I am now considering adding a sub-woofer to improve the bass.

About the Designer:
I am an industrial designer with an interest in almost anything that can be manufactured.

Project Parts List: