Make speakers go boom!

[marf]

Hi, brand new to the forum, don't know anything about electronics. I want to put together a powered speaker box for audio output.
I have two unpowered speakers. I wanna use these for my guitarport (by line 6) they would be something like powered computer speakers in a box.

What I'm curious about is how can I power them and what parts do I need? I want to use AC power (120v)

[J M Fahey]

Hi marf.
*what* are those speakers?
Any labels, inscriptions?
What size, impedance, rated power?
Are they unmounted or in some kind of box?
Can you post any pictures?
This will help us suggest you something. :tu:

[marf]

I guess that was really vague. I have a pair of 4 ohm 3 inch speakers by altec lansing. nothing great but these are unpowered and won't produce sound alone. They came with a set including a powered sub; a cheap computer speaker system. They have RCA style plugs.

[marf]

the two smaller speakers here are what I have remaining

[joecool85]

Sounds like you should build a simple Little Gem or Ruby circuit for each one.  Easy to do, runs on 9v and if you wanted to plug the guitar straight into it you could, or you could plug in through your Line 6.

http://runoffgroove.com/littlegem.html

http://runoffgroove.com/ruby.html

[marf]

Thanks for the suggestion, that's not a bad idea at all. I'm not looking to use batteries tho. Could I adapt the little gems to use ac?? I'm gonna be using this next to my computer so there's no reason not to plug it in.

[joecool85]

Thanks for the suggestion, that's not a bad idea at all. I'm not looking to use batteries tho. Could I adapt the little gems to use ac?? I'm gonna be using this next to my computer so there's no reason not to plug it in.

You could supply power with a 9v wallwart (transformer that plugs in the wall).  Or you could build your own PSU like this: http://www.smallbearelec.com/Projects/SmWart2/SmallWart2.htm