Speakers for Bar Top

[WillyByte]

Hello,

Is there an existing thread that provides information about sound and speakers to accommodate bar-top sized arcades?  My build is at the point (probably past the point) where I need to know.  My questions include the basics such as options, costs, how to install and hook-up, etc.  I am looking for inexpensive options and would be delighted to learn what used sound-systems that people might trash or sell cheaply could be great for stripping parts from.

Thank you.

 

[BadMouth]

Monitor sound bars are cheap:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR8.TRC1.A0.H0.Xmonitor+sound+bar.TRS0&_nkw=monitor+sound+bar&_sacat=0

I haven't done a bartop, but on a 3/4 scale cab I just removed a set of cheap computer speakers from their housings and screwed them down inside the marquee area (facing down, firing through holes).

USB speakers are hit or miss.  Fairly often you'll get unwanted noises coming through them since they're powered by same PC that's sending the audio signal.

[JDFan]

I usually use something like the Logitech S-120s ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/Logitech-S120-2-Piece-2-Channel-Multimedia-Speaker-System-w-Headphone-Jack/351448179882?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131017132637%26meid%3D52f24a1b043b4d618a9db6270b0d1b95%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D351448179882 )



Figure for the $10 shipped you get 2 decent speakers and they come with the AC outlet plug that you can just splice into your incoming Power Line and are usually small enough to use right in the cases but can be taken apart if you need to and also come with a headphone jack and volume/on-off control that can be relocated to the bartop case. and the amp in them is decent enough to put out good sound levels for a bartop.

So for the $10 you get everything you need for an easy hook up of the sound system and the controls you need along with all of the wiring so hard to beat !

IF you prefer USB powered rather than AC powered the s150's are pretty much the same as the 120's except they are USB for a few $'s more ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/Logitech-S150-USB-Speakers-with-Digital-Sound-For-Computer-Desktop-or-Laptop-/251940953528?hash=item3aa8d9ddb8 )

[newoski]

I have tried probably 10 different speaker sets at this point. Started with the exposed cones that they sell as compatible with bartop kits. I ended up with horrible buzzing/vibration from resonant frequencies on all the ones I tried. I've also tried a number of USB/1/8" jack computer speakers. Most are a complete burden, in that you need to disassemble them, solder wires back together, and then you end up with poor sound anyway. The  speakers below are, in my opinion, the best all around compromise for bartops. Great sound. Super low height, which prevents them from casting shaddows on your marquee, and... super cheap!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JTHO3U?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00

[Alejo I]

It's a bartop. Any AC fed garbage bin special is going to work just fine, although USB powered speakers are less of a hassle.

I can absolutely vouch for the quality of the S150. They aren't terrific, but I think we already suspected as much. Solid sound quality in a small package. A sound bar may be a simpler option, but I know nothing about how they sound.

As for naked "bartop cones", I wouldn't recommend them. Those are generally cheaply made, require separate amps (cheap ones can sound like crap, good ones cost like some half passable PC speakers, which defeats the purpose) and may mess up you stuff with their magnets. Avoid if possible.

[WillyByte]

Wow, these are ALL very inexpensive.  I'm pleasantly surprised!  It is so good to know that this important phase of the project won't need to be delayed while I search for funding.  Thank you very much for the input. 

[Peabo]

I've used these in 2 builds.  They pop apart easily and the speaker is a 2" diameter.  Drill a 2" hole in your panel, then hit it with a round over bit in the router and done.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HPQ0JVC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Speakers decased:


Hole cut and routed:


Speaker installed:

[WillyByte]

Nicely done Peabo.  How did you mount the volume control?  Anything special or did you just leave it dangling inside the cab?  I'd love to see pictures of finished cabs.

[Peabo]

Nothing special, the pcb is mounted with double sided tape and the volume pot is just mounted to a piece of metal via the shaft recessed in the side of the cab.  It's my brothers bartop, I'll see if he'll send a pic as he lives 700 miles from me .  My Mini pinball just has the volume pot in the backbox on a piece of double sided tape, it never gets adjusted on that machine.