Outdoor Speaker System Help

[MoeTE87]

Good morning All,

I am looking at installing two speakers outside underneath our covered area on our back deck. We entertain alot and would like something better than just a JBL portable speaker that we use for when we have people over.

A few things I am looking at is:

Amp: Sonos (able to stream a variety of music services via bluetooth)

https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/amp

Speakers: (2) Bose outdoor speakers.

https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/...ml#v=251_black

I'm not looking to break the bank with this. I will be doing all of the labor. Any other suggestions for amp and outdoor speakers would be great.

The amp will be installed in my basement on the wall right next to the covered part of the deck. I do not see any issues with being able to stream music and the ability to change songs...etc.

Thoughts on the type of speaker cabling? I will be running conduit.


Thank you,
Jeff

[Murf993]

I have 3 sets of Sonos 1 speakers outside and have been running this set up for over 5 years. I have them tucked up under the eaves. I decided to to go this route using the Sonos 1 as they say they can be used in a humid environment like a bathroom. I live in Canada and get temp extremes between -30C and +30C with high humidity in the summer. They have worked flawlessly and despite some dust and cob webs they look like new.

We have 1.5 acre waterfront property, the speakers are on the back of the house facing the lake. the house is set back from the waters edge about 95'. When I have the speakers at moderate 3/4 volume I can easily hear them at the waters edge while sitting on our dock. Last winter we were out on the ice about 100' from shore, I had them cranked pretty loud and could hear them out there.

Sonos sound great and work well in this application, also no need for an amp as they are built into the speakers. You need 120V outlet for them but if you have to run speaker wires you can run discrete extension cords and they work great.

[MoeTE87]

Thanks for the reply and info.

I will look into those Sono's speakers.

Also, how is the range of the amp? Are you able to control music without any issues?

[ZL9M2]

I've run Sonos for a long time and love it. What I don't love is that my hardware is so old that its not supported anymore, but I'll live with that. My setup is somewhat unique however, in that my house was originally wired for central sound. So I have all the Sonos units on one shelf in my living room along with a multi channel amp. The Sonos units are not distributed throughout the house. I then have 6 different "zones" including the garage/shop and outside.

I believe your question on wire gauge to run form the Amp to the speakers would depend on the length of the run.

[MoeTE87]

Thanks for the info.

Wire run would be 50ft to one speaker then about 65-75ft to the other speaker.

[MoeTE87]

Anyother suggestions?

I know the Sonos is pretty pricey, if I can get something that does the samething for 1/2 the price, then I would for sure. I know alot of the receivers are going bluetooth now when it comes to streaming music. Just want to make sure I am able to do that when there is a concrete wall in the way. So I will be about 10-20ft from it at any given time.

[Murf993]

Originally Posted by MoeTE87

Thanks for the reply and info.

I will look into those Sono's speakers.

Also, how is the range of the amp? Are you able to control music without any issues?

I'm not sure what you mean, they work on wifi, which in my house is pretty decent so I get pretty good range through exterior walls etc. My biggest problem is using my phone to control them has somewhat limited range when I"m outside to hit the router. But my iPad works great range wise.

[MoeTE87]

Went with a Sony Bluetooth Receiver and Bose 251 Outdoor speakers. Everything has been delivered except for the Bose speakers, those should be here within the next hr or two. Cant wait!

[rwheels]

Originally Posted by MoeTE87

Went with a Sony Bluetooth Receiver and Bose 251 Outdoor speakers. Everything has been delivered except for the Bose speakers, those should be here within the next hr or two. Cant wait!

Was looking for your post in the Are you waiting on something? thread; didn't see it. Guess you received them already.

[MoeTE87]

I have a quick question for you guys that know about receivers and stuff.

I bought this receiver for my Bose 251 outdoor speakers.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-2-...?skuId=6187501

My questions is, I will be installing 4 outdoor speakers to the receiver above..will that be enough power? 2 Bose 251 outdoor speaker and 2 Rock shaped outdoor speakers.

Or do I need to upgrade the receiver that has more power to handle 4 speakers as opposed to 2? I want the sound to be strong and clear. I dont want any issues.

[Custom Install]

Originally Posted by MoeTE87

I have a quick question for you guys that know about receivers and stuff.

I bought this receiver for my Bose 251 outdoor speakers.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-2-...?skuId=6187501

My questions is, I will be installing 4 outdoor speakers to the receiver above..will that be enough power? 2 Bose 251 outdoor speaker and 2 Rock shaped outdoor speakers.

Or do I need to upgrade the receiver that has more power to handle 4 speakers as opposed to 2? I want the sound to be strong and clear. I dont want any issues.

This amp should be fine. It has speakers A/B so you can connect 2 pairs easily.

[rwheels]

Originally Posted by Custom Install

This amp should be fine. It has speakers A/B so you can connect 2 pairs easily.

But the issue becomes if he can play both A and B at the same time. I don't think that is possible on most amplifiers.

[MoeTE87]

Thank you Custom Install

So you think it will be enough power to run the 2 bose speakers and the 2 rock speakers? I think the Bose in itself take 100 each to perform.

[MoeTE87]

Originally Posted by rwheels

But the issue becomes if he can play both A and B at the same time. I don't think that is possible on most amplifiers.

I was just thinking that when I read his comment.

This is the other receiver I am looking at. Just $150 more.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-72...?skuId=6187502

[MoeTE87]

I just verified..you can play both A and B speakers at the same time.

[rwheels]

Originally Posted by MoeTE87

I was just thinking that when I read his comment.

This is the other receiver I am looking at. Just $150 more.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-72...?skuId=6187502

This could be another option, or something similar. All bluetooth without the need for wires.

https://www.amazon.com/Channel-Wirel...157075&sr=8-20

[MoeTE87]

Thanks for that. I was reading some of the reviews on that Pyle company and heard they are a nightmare to deal with.