Mid-Century Stereo Console

Project Category:
Furniture

Project Level:
Intermediate

Project Time:
20+ Hours

Project Cost:
Over $1,000

Project Description:
I’ve always been a fan of mid-century stereo consoles. These clunky wood veneer boxes stuffed with generally mediocre electronics were a beacon of upper-middle-class-ness of the post-war era. They also did something a little more subtle – they made music a physical focal point of the living space.

This got me thinking.

Could I design a console stereo borrowing the mid-century aesthetic, but purpose-built to be as-good-or-better-than the current high end offerings? It’s one of those dumb ideas I have late at night that keeps me up until there is no turning back.

I designed the cabinet and electronics layout and then had a friend / woodworker (at JD Lohr School of Woodworking) construct the cabinet for me.

I had the control panel and rear input plate laser cut by MojoTone out of North Carolina.

I completed the final assembly with all the electronics once it arrived here.
Design Goals:
• Aesthetically true to mid-century design

• Near-audiophile sound quality

• 100w x 2 plus subwoofer

• Bluetooth connectivity

• RCA / Aux connectivity

Driver Selection:
Tang Band W8-2145 8″ Paper Cone Full Range Driver 8 Ohm

Enclosure Design:
3/4″ Walnut with main chamber for both front speakers + separate .5 cu ft chamber for 8″ subwoofer.

Crossover Design:
No crossover needed for the full range front speakers. The sub includes an adjustable high pass filter and gain.

Conclusion:
This has been a great learning experience that combined my love for physical product design, music, and electronics.

The final piece is now the focal point in my living room and sounds just as warm and inviting as it looks.

About the Designer:
I’m a graphic designer / art director / creative director in advertising, but have had a life-long love for music and I consider myself a speaker and electronics hobbyist / nerd.

My work can be found at bradkayal.com

Project Parts List: