Introduction: DIY Computer Speaker+DAC Featuring Recycled Parts

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About: I am a high school freshman who enjoys electronics, music, 3D printing, aviation, cooking, and DIY, as well as open-source hardware.

My favorite electronics projects involve creating devices that handle audio, be they speakers, DACs, audio switches, mixers, etc.. A while back, I built my first audio peripheral, a two-input audio switch that was made out of cardboard because I did not yet have a 3D printer or woodworking skills. It took the output from a DVD player and chromebook and switched the two audio channels between the switch's output. Later on, I upgraded my DVD player to a Blu Ray player which required a DAC for digital audio, and I also added speakers to the back of my monitor. As a matter of fact, my awesome aunt gave me her old "Apple Pro Speakers" that came with her iMac G4 in order to take apart, from which I rescued two high-quality drivers. (ačiu labai asta!!) In this project, I will show you how I combined all three of these aspects into a single, clean package. Lets get started!

Supplies

This project came to be after I realized I had all the right parts laying around. I don't have the exact links to where I got some of the materials from, but I'll do my best to give you similar parts. Additionally, the speaker drivers are rescued so they probably can't be purchased individually. That being said, the Fusion 360 file uses parameters so that you can adjust the enclosure to fit your speaker drivers.

TOOLS:

  1. Soldering Iron
  2. 3D Printer
  3. Wire Strippers
  4. Hot Glue Gun
  5. Adjustable Wrench

MATERIALS:

  1. Speaker Drivers
  2. Audio Amplifier Board
  3. Audio Jacks (the project requires two, but this is a pack of six.)
  4. USB Type C Breakout Board* This specifically wasn't used in the project, but I recommend it if you do it yourself*
  5. Digital to Analog Converter
  6. DPDT Three position rocker switch
  7. 3 mm LED
  8. Wire* You will need a lot of thin flexible wire from a hook-up kit

Step 1: 3D Printing

You will almost definitely have to modify the fusion file in order for your drivers to fit the faceplate. The dimensions are parameters in the user parameters section of the “Modify” menu.

The speaker prints in thee parts: Faceplate, Enclosure, and Backplate.

Printing is regular:
Layer height - any
Support - 45 degrees

You will need some glue for the parts to go together later.

Step 2: Modifications & Adjustments

There are a few modifications that you need to do to the hardware in order to make everything fit and work. Firstly, desolder the potentiometer from the amp and bridge the switch and audio adjustment pads. This will ensure that the amp is always on when powered and that the amp audio always passes through untouched as the volume will get controlled farther upstream. Next, using side cutters, snap off the RCA, Toslink, and 5V barrel connectors from the DAC board so that the board will fit. NOTE: you will also have to shorten the digital input switch stem on the DAC board. Make sure that it is in the COAX position before cutting the stem with side cutters.

Step 3: Wiring

Next, you will need to wire everything up. Use ample wire to allow for convenient installation. When wiring the switch, thread the wires outside the case and solder them there so that the switch can be clicked into place. Consult the wiring diagram.

Step 4: Assembly and Completion

Almost there. Use hot glue and super glue to secure all the connectors, boards, and speaker drivers. Use a nut and washer to secure the potentiometer, and install the nob. Apply superglue to all three parts and press together until cured. You are done!