Pimp Your Cheap USB Speakers

In this project, we will have a look at a simple way to convert your cheap USB speakers to something that sounds better, looks unique and is Bluetooth.

Treasure chest Bluetooth Speaker

I made one of these a year ago. I was impressed with the sound, look and the Bluetooth function, so I decided to make another improved version.

What do you need?

• Mini treasure chest
• USB Speakers
• Bluetooth 3.5mm Audio transmitter

You can get them super cheap on eBay

• Illuminated rocker switch
• Cable with the plug
• 2 x USB wall chargers
• Female spade connectors
• Heat-shrink tubing or electrical tape

You can also see the video.

I drilled holes for the speakers, cable and the switch.

I used some acrylic paint, so newly drilled holes don't stand out.

At this point, I thought I'll go for the same look that my old speaker had. That's why, I painted more parts that it was necessary.

I took apart the cheap USB speaker.

It sounded very bad.

What can you expect from a thin plastic, that you can cut with the knife?

To avoid unnecessary soldering, I cut out all the cables from the plastic case.

I decided to use the front part from the speakers.

Using nail polish remover, I got rid of the logo.

Then, I glued speakers to the plastic.

I took off the plug from USB chargers and glued them together.

Then, the wire was fed into the treasure chest and knot tied, so it can't be pulled out.

I decided to use fake leather to decorate around the switch.

I am not sure if it was a good idea. It might have looked better without it.

Then, I attached the connectors to the cables and connected them to the switch.

Connection will depend of the switch you are using.

Not all illuminated switches are wired the same.

I used the plastic fixing from the original speakers, to secure the board.

Then, I plugged in speakers and Bluetooth dongle and the audio cable.

There is not need to access the volume control as all Bluetooth devices can regulate the volume.

I turned the volume to maximum and then turned it down just a little bit.

After making sure that it works, I attached the speakers to the treasure chest using screws.

The sound is very good. Much better and louder than original speakers.

The reason I used 2 x USB chargers instead of a chargers with 2 USB ports is because of the noise.

When I was making my first speaker, there was a noise introduced if Bluetooth dongle and the speaker were powered from the same charger.

Using 2 chargers solved the problem.

In the picture you can also see my first speaker.