2. misc-audio
  3. 1166592014

Advice for music outdoors


OK, so I'm going to be installing some outdoor speakers for tunes in the backyard. I've got the speakers part covered, but what do others do for electronics?

I'm thinking of locating an integrated amp in a closet near the door to the deck, with an iPod hookup and a CD player. Speaker cables would end up about 25' long, with the speakers mounted to the house. For the most part, people will face away from the house with the sound coming from behind, and of course will also be moving around, talking, etc.

I want 'good' sound, but it doesn't have to be great sound. I was thinking of the lower end Arcam, Rotel, Cambridge audio, etc, stuff. It seems like spending more money would be wasted due to the long speaker cables and non-ideal listening environment - but I'd like to hear the experiences of others.

Another question is on the remote, is there any practical way to have remote control from outside (where the kids may occasionally leave the remote - rain, etc). An RF setup with a weatherproof remote would be good, but not sure if that exists.

So, has anyone 'been there, done that' and have any advice they could offer?

Thanks!

...Ken
kjweiss
ethanh
48 posts
 
I work as an installer for these type of systems, as well as security and home theater. The volume controls are convenient to have, and I wouldn't shy away from them over concerns about degradation in sound quality. Just be sure to get one designed for outdoor use and put it in a gasket sealed housing. Same goes with the wire and any necessary crimp caps - use the weatherproof stuff.
Also, various animals find certain brands of speakers delicious. I can't say why, but I know that squirrels and deer seem to prefer outdoor speakers from Mirage over most "rock" speakers. They can really do some damage, so be prepared.
kjweiss OP
10 posts
 
Great advice, thanks. I was prepared for the rain and sun, but not critters chewing on my speakers !

On a similar note, anyone have ported speakers outdoors? The new speakercraft line looks interesting, but they are ported. The ports are in the front behind the grill, so the bugs shouldn't be able to get in but I'm wondering about issues with driving rain getting into the cabinet.
ecruz
402 posts
 
If you're still looking for electronics, check out this thread.
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1168547857&openmine&zzEcruz&4&5#Ecruz

I just bought a couple of receivers off of ebay, to run in-wall speakers. The Nakamichi sounds very good so far, I haven't received the Carver yet.
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