Streaming companies and “borrowed” music libraries are underneath fireplace proper now. Gen Z, particularly, appears to acknowledge the worth of true possession over bodily media. In the case of music, good old school CDs are arguably the best choice for bodily media. They provide incredible audio high quality and, when correctly saved, are typically resilient. However most fashionable stereo gear choices — and even most computer systems — lack CD drives. Chad Boughton needed so as to add a CD drive to his Klipsch The Three stereo and constructed this ultra-thin add-on that tucks away properly beneath.
Klipsch is a stable model for folks dipping their toes into high-quality audio, however who don’t have the funds for true audiophile-grade gear. Boughton owns a Klipsch The Three (sure, “The” is a part of the official title), which is a extremely stunning all-in-one stereo unit. As is at all times the case, some homeowners discover the sound high quality to be lower than excellent. However, basically, most individuals actually like The Three and report very respectable sound high quality.
One of many key options of The Three is the audio supply connectivity. It helps WiFi (for linking with different Klipsch units), Bluetooth, RCA-style analog, 3.5mm TRRS, phono pre-amp, and USB type-B connections. To play a CD, the simplest choice could be to attach one thing like a Discman through an auxiliary cable. However that may end in decreased audio high quality and would require inserting an unpleasant Discman subsequent to the attractive The Three.
Boughton’s resolution maximizes audio high quality and retains the visible attraction of The Three. Beneath the stereo, Boughton positioned a slim 3D-printed tray that may slide out when vital to achieve entry. That tray accommodates a laptop computer DVD drive and a Raspberry Pi 3 Mannequin B single-board pc.
Below regular circumstances, the Raspberry Pi is at all times on. The DVD drive connects to the Raspberry Pi via USB and when Boughton places a CD within the drive, the audio begins taking part in. The Raspberry Pi pumps that out via a second USB connection to The Three. As a result of it’s all digital till The Three receives the music, the audio high quality is as excessive as doable — The Three has an excellent DAC (digital-to-analog converter) for working with all of these potential audio sources.
Lastly, to regulate playback, Boughton added an IR receiver that connects to the Raspberry Pi’s GPIO pins. When configured with the codes from any IR distant, he can play, pause, skip tracks, and so forth. He may management playback via a terminal and SSH connection on his smartphone or pc.
Now Boughton can take heed to CDs on The Three, whereas sustaining its clear aesthetics.
