@aeonofdiscord
If you don't like what either of those sites have to offer projects-wise, perhaps you could consult your local library (if you have one) to see what electronics books they have - ones that focus on audio electronics would have a detectable result with a speaker or audio jack of some sort

I guess one BIG barrier would be the power supply though, I think those have a fairly hefty pricetag unfortunately. Perhaps see if you can get one at a better price on craigslist or similar?

you can build your own but twiddling with mains voltages is scary stuff

@marlyn I did pick up a couple of books, I have 'Practical Electronics for Inventors' and an arduino one. audio stuff is definitely the line I'd be wanting to look into but I've had trouble finding explanatory materials.

power supplies are crazy expensive what a heck. can't I just use a 5V USB out? dang

@aeonofdiscord
That should work, yeah
A regulated power supply shouldn't be needed unless you're doing something power-hungry

@aeonofdiscord
What sorts of explanatory materials are you looking for?

@marlyn this is a difficult question to answer because I haven't looked at this stuff in a while and kind of don't know what I don't know

@aeonofdiscord
very fair

I'd be glad to answer any questions as they come up, at least

@marlyn cheers!