Jukebox/Multimedia Project

[SteveJ34]

I've been playing with different ideas for a mp3  jukebox  and/or  a multimedia box over the last several weeks.

One component I've been considering is the line of VIA mini-itx motherboards with embedded everything, some with fanless CPUs for near silent operation in a very small form factor. Probably one with a  CL266 chipset as these are more geared  towards multimedia situations. Anyone  have experience with these line of boards?

Also, I've been toying with different approaches for quality sound.....not necessarily topline high fidelity but something more than the computer speaker hack to Happs shielded speakers as I took with my upright cab.

I've read several threads, considered:

a. auto amp + speaker approach

b. better computer speaker  hack approach (Creative Labs Intrigue or other system....possibly this as a base to hack in better speakers)

c.  output to home audio amp and then speakers

I'm sure (c) would probably represent the best sound but any suggestions as to something that  won't cost me an arm and a leg?

Again, I'm not trying to create top of the line sound here but want something I will be happy with.

I welcome any and all replies.

Steve

[Zathras]

I went with C on my juke because I knew it would sound the best and if you plan right it can be not much more expensive than other options.  Hacked computer speakers work great for mame type stuff but for something that you will mainly only listen to that is the one are you don't want to skimp on.

I used a Radio Shack/RCA SA-150  - it is a very small nice amp with plenty of power.  You can find them on ebay in the $20 range typically.

And I used some Dayton in-wall speakers from parts express but you could just use any full range speaker.



Hope this helps!

[SteveJ34]

I went with C on my juke because I knew it would sound the best and if you plan right it can be not much more expensive than other options.  Hacked computer speakers work great for mame type stuff but for something that you will mainly only listen to that is the one are you don't want to skimp on.

I used a Radio Shack/RCA SA-150  - it is a very small nice amp with plenty of power.  You can find them on ebay in the $20 range typically.

And I used some Dayton in-wall speakers from parts express but you could just use any full range speaker.



Hope this helps!

Yes it did!

Picked up an Optimus SA-155 for $20 BIN which I received today,  hooked up a spare set of bookshelf speakers for test and I am *very* pleased with the results.

No distortion whatsoever and crisp, clear, full range sound.

Thanks for  the heads up on this little amp idea.

I have also acquired a 12.1 LCD....trying to decide whether to add a touchscreen kit to this, use buttons, or perhaps an IR/RF remote control.

And then there's the case design for it all.....time to piddle and ponder.

Steve

[AlanS17]

I just mounted a quality set of computer speakers inside the machine. They work very well. I didn't get fancy surround sound. I just spent the extra money on a really great pair of stereo speakers with a sub. Adding speaker grills over port holes worked for me.

I used a mini-itx board in mine and was satisfied with it. However, it's not the cheapest soution I thought it would be (though it's probably the easiest). You can find a complete used 400MHz PC on Ebay for considerably cheaper. Unless you already have a spare hard drive and memory, you're probably going to nearly double the cost of a mini-itx system by buying these 2 very necessary items.

[SteveJ34]

....
I used a mini-itx board in mine and was satisfied with it. However, it's not the cheapest soution I thought it would be (though it's probably the easiest). You can find a complete used 400MHz PC on Ebay for considerably cheaper. Unless you already have a spare hard drive and memory, you're probably going to nearly double the cost of a mini-itx system by buying these 2 very necessary items.

Ya, I keep debating on whether to go the mini itx route lookin at the costs however the fanless setup is appealing.

Still debating how best to build the case that will house all these pieces and parts.

Thanks for the input tho'.

Steve