Music

Bluetooth module gets vintage speakers back in the game

Bluetooth module gets vintage speakers back in the game
Unlike some other "speaker-recycling" devices, SoundUp doesn't simply use the speaker cabinet as an acoustic resonating chamber – it actually utilizes the speaker's existing electronics
Unlike some other "speaker-recycling" devices, SoundUp doesn't simply use the speaker cabinet as an acoustic resonating chamber – it actually utilizes the speaker's existing electronics
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The back of the device, which includes a battery charge display
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The back of the device, which includes a battery charge display
Unlike some other "speaker-recycling" devices, SoundUp doesn't simply use the speaker cabinet as an acoustic resonating chamber – it actually utilizes the speaker's existing electronics
2/3
Unlike some other "speaker-recycling" devices, SoundUp doesn't simply use the speaker cabinet as an acoustic resonating chamber – it actually utilizes the speaker's existing electronics
SoundUp doesn't require a wall socket
3/3
SoundUp doesn't require a wall socket
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As is the case with things like road bikes and film cameras, there are now tons of old high-end speakers that are still in great condition, but that go unused simply because they aren't modern. The SoundUp device addresses that problem, by converting vintage speakers to Bluetooth.

Currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, SoundUp is made by Danish company LastObject. The idea is that the gadget will allow buyers to utilize premium-quality classic wooden-bodied passive speakers – which can be picked up for just a few bucks second-hand – as opposed to cheaply made plastic modern speakers that come with built-in Bluetooth.

Contained within the device's cuboid body is a Class-D 100W amplifier, a 108-Wh lithium battery, and a Bluetooth 5.1 module that wirelessly communicates with the user's smartphone music library.

The gizmo itself physically connects to a third-party classic speaker via an included speaker cable that clips into two spring terminals on the back of the SoundUp, and on the back of the speaker. That cable provides both the audio signal and the electricity, so no wall outlet is required.

The back of the device, which includes a battery charge display
The back of the device, which includes a battery charge display

SoundUp technically delivers up to 100 watts of peak power, although LastObject states that it's likely closer to 50 to 90 watts under real-world usage. It should be safe for most 3- to 8-ohm vintage hi-fi or bookshelf passive speakers. One charge of the battery ought to be good for 40 hours of runtime at mid-volume, or seven hours at full volume.

If a single SoundUp is plugged into one speaker, it will play back in mono. If two of the devices are plugged into two separate speakers, however, they will automatically pair with one another and play back through both speakers in stereo.

Assuming everything goes according to plan, a pledge of €135 (about US$158) will get you one SoundUp, while €229 ($269) will get you two. Those figures are 21% and 33% off the planned retail prices, respectively.

SoundUp - Revives old speakers

Source: Kickstarter

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5 comments
5 comments
Toivo_
Is there a way to plug them into an outlet and not be concerned about battery life? Do we need to download an app, or can they be run without an app?
Username
What ever happened to stereo?!
ash
power is maybe 50rms, and as Username says, if you connect 2 devices you will get louder mono... quality < convenience, but you can buy this idea cheaper already from aliexpress, and with good quality dacs and stereo output
Rocky Stefano
Or... you could type "bluetooth amplifier" in Amazon and buy any of at least 25 technically superior products (https://amzn.to/4nBNo0H 300Wx2 for $136) they're already available overnight and not subject to the risk of a Kickstarter campaign
GLB
So this is nothing but a battery powered amp that I can wirelessly connect my iPod to.. (iPod * rolls eyes*) and connect to any speaker u the world... this is NOT about old speakers, this is not about anything, there are tines of products that can accomplish this. What I ws really hoping for was to see some kind of glue tooth dangles that connected to my amp. and speakers, and removed the need for freakin' speaker wires all over the place. This is what we really need... inventors.. make speaker wires obsolete in OLD SCHOOL systems. then you have my attention and money and respect and my sisters phone number.