1st speaker project - was: New Idea For a Small Business, at age 15! (Moved)

bobbyg2 · 03-03-2007, 11:09 PM

I was thinking of starting a small business at age 15, and when I thought of Home Theater, I thought "Hey, maybe I could make money building speakers!" So, out of my garage, I'd build speakers. It actually shouldn't be too hard, the only hard part being carpentering the box. Here's an example on a top-of-the-line 200-watt front speaker would be like:

Woofer:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=295-130

Mid-Range:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=287-020

Tweeter:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=270-145

Then build a case for it all to go in. My uncle makes furniture, another makes cabinets, another does houses. I'm sure they all can teach me how to make a speaker box.

What do you guys think?

*EDIT*
Lol, those links look perverted. Instead of looking like "Parts express" it looks like "part sex press"... Lol, that's funny...

*EDIT2*
The original name of this thread was "New Idea For a Small Business, at age 15!". It was moved over here as it fits here best.

Alon Goldberg · 03-03-2007, 11:46 PM

Hi Bobby - I say go for it, follow your dreams! Many excellent speaker and subwoofer manufacturers started just like this, and went on to great success. I look forward to hearing about how your first project turns out.

BrianW · 03-04-2007, 12:19 AM

Bobby, it sounds like it's in your blood.

I think it's a splendid idea, and one you actually have the resources to accomplish. Keep us posted on your progress. When you become the next Bob Carver, don't forget us little folks.

bobbyg2 · 03-04-2007, 01:35 AM

I'll get started on my first project after I buy my computer, a little bit after March 16th (my 16th birthday, b-day=money!) I have a job right now as a baggage boy, and if this works out, I'll say good-bye to my favorite coworkers and walk "casually" out after I give my boss a few words...

Thanks guys, I wont forget 'bout ya. I'll stick this in my favorites in my new computers hard drive as I plan on having it for quite a while. And, all of you home theater enthusiasts out there, have you ever opened up a speaker before? Not much special huh? Well, that's what makes this a pretty easy job.

All I have to do that could really consider work is building the box. Which isn't very hard either. I'll probably aim to be an SVS or HVU type of company. Quality, not quantity.

Alon Goldberg · 03-04-2007, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbyg2

I have a job right now as a baggage boy, and if this works out, I'll say good-bye to my favorite coworkers and walk "casually" out after I give my boss a few words...

Words of wisdom: never burn any bridges

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbyg2

And, all of you home theater enthusiasts out there, have you ever opened up a speaker before? Not much special huh? Well, that's what makes this a pretty easy job.

It's not quite that simple (as you'll soon realize)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbyg2

All I have to do that could really consider work is building the box. Which isn't very hard either. I'll probably aim to be an SVS or HVU type of company. Quality, not quantity.

Just remember, Dr. Hsu achieved his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from MIT. It takes a lot of hard work, education, and dedication to build a company as successful as Hsu Research or SVS.

**HTF Ads**

Henry Gale · 03-04-2007, 02:03 AM

delete

Chris · 03-04-2007, 02:20 AM

Here's my thoughts on this:

If you have the resources, give it a try. If nothing else, this can be a great learning experience as to what goes into handling a business. Put thought and effort into it. Really, play it through. Get help to figure out how much your investing vs. how much your making. Think about your project and set goals.

You may find that you don't meet them. You may exceed them. But this could be a great chance for you to get that experience and get some ideas about what you might do next.

A lot of kids leave their ambition at the door and don't try something like this. So, kudos to you for having ambition. Now, learn to use your ambition for this project to not just do well at this project, but to improve who you can be as a business person. Those kind of life lessons can be big as you move forward. Oh, and keep track of everything for your academic resume in applying to universities. If you do well, you'll have a great story, if you don't do so well, you'll have plenty of material for postmortem analysis that college hunters love

bobbyg2 · 03-04-2007, 02:23 AM

I opened up my bookshelf speakers, not much special... 2 wires. But I guess since these are only 2-ways the "high-quality" speakers I'm aiming on building are gona have A LOT more...

The bookshelf's (I had a low budget at the time! Be quiet!):Dual LS205EB 5 1/4" 2-Way 160-Watt Bookshelf Speaker

Quote:

A lot of kids leave their ambition at the door and don't try something like this. So, kudos to you for having ambition. Now, learn to use your ambition for this project to not just do well at this project, but to improve who you can be as a business person. Those kind of life lessons can be big as you move forward. Oh, and keep track of everything for your academic resume in applying to universities. If you do well, you'll have a great story, if you don't do so well, you'll have plenty of material for postmortem analysis that college hunters love

I now have a job, a nice-sized shed to work in, and the interest in speakers. I'm also interested in computers, and will build my computer, but that's just for fun. I will try to make a career out of it but I don't know... Maybe this can turn from a 15 year old working in a shed to a 50 year old owning a multi-billion corporation. Who knows what may come from it.

*EDIT*
How much do you think this would sell for?:

2x the above 15" woofers
2x the above midranges
1x the above tweeters

All in a good looking box and pt together right.

Jesse Skeen · 03-04-2007, 05:48 AM

Jeez- my speakers are older than YOU are!

SethH · 03-04-2007, 06:37 AM

My question is this:

How are you going to differentiate your speakers? I think that's the main thing you need to consider right now. With the furniture building resources in your family, I think I would try to differentiate by making really high quality cabinets. Do some research on the acoustical properties of various types of woods -- then look into to some exotic wood veneers to create some beautiful speakers.

Also, I would personally reconsider the size of your drivers. What would your crossover look like going from a 15" to a 2" midrange? I also question how large the market it for a main speaker with 2x15" drivers.