Audio suggestion

Topic: Audio suggestion (Read 1568 times) previous topic - next topic

Audio suggestion

January 23, 2011, 08:05:05 PM

Sooo... I have this little winter project... I picked up a 60's Seeburg Consolette and I want to replace the speakers and maybe drive it with an iPod. In order to keep it 'portable' so that I can place it wherever and not need be near a power source, I also want to replace the lighting with LEDs by using a battery inside.

Any suggestions for an audio source and speakers? The space is fairly tight so I can't go too big on speakers.

Anyone have any experience with color changing LEDs.

Audio suggestion

Reply #1 – January 23, 2011, 09:47:23 PM

I can't tell the size by looking at the picture, but amplified PC speakers are nice when space is tight. Take them apart and they usually have 3" drivers or so, and a small amplifier with an 1/8" input jack (same as an iPod's headphone output).

If you need a special size speaker to fit, check partshagpress.com - they have many speakers to choose from, and an awesome clearance section.

Audio suggestion

Reply #2 – January 23, 2011, 10:38:49 PM

Thanks for the input and that link....looks like lots of good stuff on there. Have you ordered from them before?

The unit is about 14" x 14" so I won't have a lot of room but computer speakers may work.

I may have to run a power source to it to avoid opening it up to change batteries since it's not the easiest thing to open when it's not attached to something. If so powering amplified speakers wouldn't be a problem. I suspect that's the way I'll get the most/best sound in a limited space.

It's not big but it's heavy.....almost 40 pounds!

Audio suggestion

Reply #3 – January 24, 2011, 06:07:48 AM

That's going to be a great project.

This company can supply a LOT of the stuff you're going to need: http://www.allelectronics.com/
They're based in CA, they ship amazingly fast and their prices are very, very reasonable. I buy most of my electronic parts and tools from them.

I don't have experience with color-changing LEDs, but I have worked a lot with 12VDC modules for under-cabinet lighting. Modern LEDs put out a ton of lumens from where they were in the '80s and '90s.
You might consider using EL strip/panels for other lighting.

I restored a 1958 Motorola Hi-Fi (monophonic) console last summer. I rebuilt the amp with new caps, rewired the tone arm, refinished the veneer and replaced the grille cloth. It shakes the floor with its bass.

Before and after:

More photos here.

Audio suggestion

Reply #4 – January 24, 2011, 07:12:43 AM

I have ordered from both partshagpress and allelectronics. Both are great places to deal with.

Audio suggestion

Reply #5 – January 24, 2011, 09:24:06 AM

Quote from: cougarcragar;350695

That's going to be a great project.

This company can supply a LOT of the stuff you're going to need: http://www.allelectronics.com/
They're based in CA, they ship amazingly fast and their prices are very, very reasonable. I buy most of my electronic parts and tools from them.

I don't have experience with color-changing LEDs, but I have worked a lot with 12VDC modules for under-cabinet lighting. Modern LEDs put out a ton of lumens from where they were in the '80s and '90s.
You might consider using EL strip/panels for other lighting.

I restored a 1958 Motorola Hi-Fi (monophonic) console last summer. I rebuilt the amp with new caps, rewired the tone arm, refinished the veneer and replaced the grille cloth. It shakes the floor with its bass.

Cool project, you did an awesome job with it! Never saw one like that before. It's amazing how much neat old stuff is out there.

Thanks for the parts link, I'll check it out and consider EL too.

Thanks for sharing the pictures of your project!

Audio suggestion

Reply #6 – January 24, 2011, 07:39:46 PM

Thanks. It was in poor condition when I got it, but I was able to turn it around. It sounds great, too. I don't think I could ever sell it after the work I put into it. Plus, it's been in the family since 1958. :D

You could make that Seeburg sound great again. Is it tube or solid state?

Audio suggestion

Reply #7 – January 24, 2011, 08:44:26 PM

Actually it's a 'remote control' unit that sat on a diner table or at the counter so it only has relays and mechanical switches and speakers to receive the music from the main box. They run off of 24V AC and are not too difficult to make work if you have the main box. With out that, they are kind of useless which is why I planned on making a retro table top unit out of it. I found some multi color LED strip lights with sound activated controller which might be neat but haven't decided yet.

That's nice that you fixed up something that has been in the family that long.....not that it's -that- old!;)

Audio suggestion

Reply #8 – January 25, 2011, 06:38:11 AM

So, you need to set up your own amp and speakers inside that unit? Then all you would need is an 1/8" phono jack input so you can plug in your iPod, right?

You might be able to take the guts out of an old, small boombox and use some components there.

Audio suggestion

Reply #9 – January 25, 2011, 09:45:20 AM

Yea, that's a good idea too. Besides I love tearing things apart! :hick: