Designer:
Dave Starks
Project Category:
Freestyle Speakers
Project Level:
Beginner
Project Time:
1-8 Hours
Project Cost:
Under $100
Project Description:
A table top miniature music center with a beachside flair. The Conch Shell on top of the box acts as a wave guide and an equalizer. One speaker fires up into the shell while the other faces down at the table.
Design Goals:
To make a music system that sounds more than the sum of it parts. A Design that makes people smile.
Driver Selection:
Tectonic 2″ full range speakers
Enclosure Design:
The Box was purchased from Michael’s Item # 10358118 for $8.99. I added wood feet to facilitate the down firing speaker. The box measures 395 cubic inches and has been port tuned to 110hz for max bass response.
Crossover Design:
The speakers are direct wired, with no crossover. The Conch Shell acts a bit like a equalizer.
Tips & Tricks:
In choosing a shell I have auditioned quite a few. As pictured there are Melon Volutes, Triton’s Horn and Conch Shells of different sizes. The Shell that I chose for this project gives the best tone for the Tectonics. I use a Dremel tool for grinding the hole into the bottom of the shell.
Conclusion:
The Conch Shell amplifies and contours the sound of the Tectonic drivers. It gives a low range boost and makes it sound much bigger than it is. The look is very beach casual and the sound is very pleasant.
About the Designer:
Retired Red Wing Shoe store manager with a music equipment hoarding disorder/hobby. I love to restore and repair amps and speakers. The collection includes Altec Lansing A7-500’s currently on the patio. Stacked Advent NLAs in the family room. Fisher tube amp Console restored with Parts Express drivers and crossovers.
Project Parts List:
| Part# | Description | Qty. |
| 320-642 | Bluetooth 5.0/FM/Media Player 2 x 25W Max Amplifier Board | 1 |
| 297-216 | Tectonic TEBM35C10-4 BMR 2″ Full-Range Speaker 4 Ohm | 2 |