After the hardware has been mounted, it's time to string it all together. I use twisted Cat5e wire for the signals and twisted 18gauge solid core copper for the power supply wiring.
One input means no switches and an ultra pure signal path.
Cigar Box Boozehound Labs Phono Preamp
This phono preamplifier was built using a Boozehound Labs phono preamplifier kit.
The capacitors used in this kit are all Russian paper in oil caps. The preamp calls for a 24 volt power supply, so it can be run from two 12 volt SLA's in series.
Fleawatt Whimsical Atomic Class D Amplifier
This is part whimsical sculpture and part audiophile amplifier. Many recycled parts were used in this amplifier, including a tin can, two crossover inductors, used CO2 cartridges, a hard drive part, copper tubing, vintage functioning Triplett panel meter and solid brass needle valves. The glass "atomic" beads were hand made by my sister-in-law who makes lampwork beads in her home studio. The amplifier is a battery powered, Class D, TPA3110 that makes 5 watts.
Frugal Horn Sachiko with Fostex 206ESR
I built this pair of Frugal Horn Sachikos around 2006. This was one of two pair that I built.
This pair was made from Birch ply are equipped with a Fostex Special Edition 206 driver. The magnet on these drivers is nearly the same dimension as the cone. Giant. They are rated at 98db.
This pair now resides in a friend's home and are still playing sweet music.
Saba Greencone Hinged Open Baffles
Each side is piano hinged and can be moved for control over imaging and bass response.
These are stunning full range drivers. It's either the Alnico magnets, the super thin paper cones or both, that give them an absolutely beguiling sound.
Fleawatt TPA3122D2 Soft Maple Amplifier
Fleawatt Wild Burro Betsy "Donkey Kong" Baffles
Finished the Wild Burro Betsy open baffle speakers. My audio pal, Lucky, affectionately named them the "Donkey Kong" baffles due to their size. They do fill the room with sound. Both the Wild Burro Audio Betsy and Betsy K full range drivers are tremendous values and I highly recommend them.
Fleawatt CAO cigar box stereo
These CAO cigar boxes are hard to find! They get snapped up quickly as they are very attractive boxes.
I'm selling this and several others this weekend at a craft show in Bowling Green, OH.
It's a blast seeing how each one sounds different. Most of the smaller boxes, using this particular Tang Band full range driver benefit from some Acousta Stuff brand polyfiber stuffing.
Acid Cigar Audiophile Amplifier - Exposed Circuit Board
I've been wanting to build an amplifier with an "exposed" circuit board
for awhile. I finally got around to it. My favorite sounding chip currently, the TPA
3110 was installed in this handsome Acid cigar box. I added an analog DC volt meter below the board. Since I use a SLA battery, it's nice to see what my charge level is. I found out yesterday that the TPA3110 shuts down at 7.8 volts. It took me about 3 hours to charge my SLA battery up to 12.5 volts. I hadn't charged it in over a month!
Cusano Cigar Box TPA3110 Amplifier
Another cigar box integrated amplifier is born. This one is equipped with a Class D TPA3110 amplifier board, Neutrik RCA connectors, Dayton gold plated five way binding posts, a volume pot and power switch.
Saba Greencone speaker discovery!
I recently acquired a Made in Germany, Saba Breisgau 8 console, which contained a Dual 1004
idler drive turntable, a tuner, a mono EL84 amplifier, but most importantly....
four Alinco magnet Saba greencones! I've been on the hunt for greencones, but they are very
rare in the US. Another reso cabinet, to house these drivers, is in the works!
Brickhouse Cigar Box Stereo
Class D TPA3110 amplifier with Tang Band neodymium, full range speakers.
Fleawatt Perdomo Cigar Box Stereo
I wasn't expecting this box to sound as good as it does! I used a liberal amount of acoustuff fiber in this box and the sound is amazing for such a compact enclosure. It has a very natural, yet peppy sound. It is equipped with audiophile quality Tang Band neodymium magnet speakers and a Class D amplifier. It is powered with a DC power pack and uses any phone or portable audio device as a source.
Camacho El Legend-Ario Stereo
This is the largest and nicest cigar box I've come across so far. Not only does it look nice, but the size and type of wood make beautiful music. This stereo has a class D amplifier, volume pot, power switch, mini plug input, DC power pack and Vifa audiophile quality full range speakers.
Perdomo Signature Cigar Box Stereo
 |
| This is the only box I've built with recessed speakers. It is also lacks a volume pot, so the volume must be controlled with your iPhone or iPod. This box was signed by Nick Perdomo Jr., CEO of Perdomo cigars. This music machine is equipped with a Class D amplifier and Vifa brand audiophile quality, full range speakers. |
Heathkit Class D Amplifier
What's old is new again! I purchased this mono tube preamp on Craigslist. It was an absolute mess when I bought it. I gutted it, buffed out the front panel, added new knobs, all new hardware and painted the rest of the chassis black. It puts out 5 flea butt-kicking watts.
Fleawatt JFR Cigar Box Stereo
This cigar box stereo is equipped with a Class D TPA3110 board and Tang Band neodymium magnet, full range, three inch speakers. It has a power switch, volume control, 12 volt DC input and 1/8" mini plug for connection to an iPod, iPhone or other portable source. Every cigar box stereo has it's own sound signature due to the wood type, size of the box and wood thickness. I thought this was poplar, but it seems too soft to be poplar. It perhaps isn't one of the best looking, but definitely is the best sounding I've built so far.
Technics SL-5 Linear Tracking Turntable
I acquired this Technics SL-5 on Craigslist for $20. It needed a thorough tune-up, cleaning and lubrication, but it now sounds fantastic. I also installed a new Audio Technica P mount cartridge.
My research indicates this table was made in 1982/1983.
My research indicates this table was made in 1982/1983.
Fleawatt Cigar Box Amplifier
 |
This amplifier was built by request. The customer requested I mount the inputs on the front, near as possible to the potentiometer. The signal path and power supply wiring is ultra short.
The outputs are on the back. This is a 5 watt per channel TPA3110 board and is powered with a 12 volt rechargeable SLA battery or DC power pack.
Gold plated binding posts, gold plated RCA connectors and teflon coated Cat 5 wiring throughout.
   |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)