Streaming providers and “borrowed” music libraries are beneath fireplace proper now. Gen Z, particularly, appears to acknowledge the worth of true possession over bodily media. In relation to music, good old style CDs are arguably the best choice for bodily media. They provide incredible audio high quality and, when correctly saved, are typically resilient. However most trendy stereo gear choices — and even most computer systems — lack CD drives. Chad Boughton wished 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 strong 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 identify), which is a extremely lovely all-in-one stereo unit. As is all the time the case, some homeowners discover the sound high quality to be lower than excellent. However, usually, 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 best choice could be to attach one thing like a Discman by way of an auxiliary cable. However that may end in diminished audio high quality and would require putting an unpleasant Discman subsequent to the beautiful 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 crucial to achieve entry. That tray incorporates a laptop computer DVD drive and a Raspberry Pi 3 Mannequin B single-board pc.
Beneath regular circumstances, the Raspberry Pi is all the time 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 DAC (digital-to-analog converter) for working with all of these potential audio sources.
Lastly, to manage 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 also 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.