 My First HI-FI 
Project Duration: 14 weeks, Individual Tools: Physical Computing, Solidworks, Aspire CNC, Keyshot, Prototyping

High quality audio equipment is more affordable than ever, but the entry level products are often cheaply made and aesthetically uninspired. 

Buying an affordable sound system often means integrated speakers. I’d like to encourage beginners to create their own set of “separates,” allowing them to upgrade based on their preferences without having to replace the whole system. 

This led to the creation of Speaker 1, the first in a line of entry level audio components.

HiFi Preface:
To anyone who may have an extended knowledge of speaker design; I’d like to clarifiy that the cabinet design was more of an experiment for myself, in terms of audio treatment. This project is a demonstration of industrial design concepts, prompting people to set up their own system of separates by giving them a greater understanding of how their products work. I wanted to see how a non-ported enclosure and open baffle tweeter would sound, and learned a lot about speaker design in the process! 




❷ Unboxing
The speakers are sold partially disassembled to be completed by the user in two easy steps.

Including the user in the fabrication process encourages greater understanding and authority over the speakers, while also allowing for more efficient packaging.




❸  Design/Inspiration


I set out to make these inexpensive to produce at a small scale. Every part is either sheet material or already mass produced.

All of Speaker 1's components lie in plain view, providing insight on its inner workings and allowing for easier repair.


“Proto-speaker” to nail down proportions and final design changes. 

I was inspired by speakers from the 50‘s which often had their electical components outside for easy access, as well as the clear tech craze of the 90’s, which seems to be making a comeback today.


Finishing


I debated what color to paint the MDF, trying not to chose anything too polarizing. I decided to go with just sanding sealer to promote the ongoing theme of transparancy and understanding of inner workings. 

I was surprised how many people had no idea what MDF is, despite having it in their own homes. 


❹ Construction

I was able to mimic most of the manufacturing process in house, plus one custom powder coated aluminum part. The only thing that would be changed for production would be to produce a proper PCB for the electronics. 
Insets for the main speaker driver and the extruding arm were made on the CNC router. 
MDF requires thorough clamping for a proper bond.

Spray finishing is made easier by holes in the cabinet.
After all components are connected to the “PCB,” the final connections join them to the cabinet.



❺ Specs 
Configuration: 2-way bookshelf speaker
Dimensions: 7×7×11.5"
Weight: 13.16 lb
Woofer Diameter: 4"
Power Handling: 25 watts RMS/50 watts max
Frequency Response: 45–20,000 Hz (−3 dB) 
Impedance: 8 Ohm 
Sensitivity: 83 dB 1W/1m
❻ My First HI-FI



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