So I'm a complete beginner when it comes to electronics and wanted to take on a project as a gift for someone. Basically, I have used a Raspberry Pi and RuneAudio to create a streaming device in my house and really like it. I wanted to build a vintage style radio and implement a Pi using RuneAudio, but have the speaker within the radio itself, so the whole thing is one self contained unit. I am trying to make something that looks a bit like this (but in black and minus the screen and most of the buttons):
I have a few questions that hopefully someone far more intelligent than I can help me with! I will obviously need an amplifier to power the speakers. I was thinking about something like the Adafruit MAX9744 20W stereo amplifier. Due to the size of the unit, I will only be able to fit one 4" speaker. I want this to be sufficiently loud to fill a small to medium sized room but don't want it to be too loud. I also want it to have volume control via a knob and an on/off switch. This is where my questions start to come in:
1) Is this amp suitable? Would something like the MAX98306 3.7W amplifier be better or even the 2.8W TS2012. I potentially could put two speakers in (as the speakers I am buying come in pairs) but again am worried the output will be too loud with the 20W amp.
2) Do you think my choice of speakers is wise for such an application? I would like the best sound quality possible, but it does not need to be audiophile quality.
3) Can I use a power supply with a lower voltage to deliver less power to the speaker?
4) Can I easily have the sound from both stereo channels in mono?
Ideally I'd only want one power cable going to the device that would power both the amplifier and the raspberry pi. Therefore:
5) What is the best way to power both the Raspberry Pi and the amplifier using only one power cable?
Thanks in advance, I realise these are probably stupidly simple questions for most of you, but I am starting out here and wanted to get some advice!
