i have this little amp with some small book shelf speakers and i love it http://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-LP-2020A-Lepai-Amplifier-Shipping/dp/B00FOK6974/ref=sr_1_5?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1405229745&sr=1-5&keywords=hifi+mini+amp best 20 bucks spent

and these are the small speakers i use to check mixes out in the living room and sometimes just to enjoy some tunes while cooking (condo, living room or kitchen? the lines blur),.they sound fair for the price
http://www.amazon.com/PLMR24-3-5-Inch-Weather-Speaker-System/dp/B001CXXDBM/ref=pd_sim_MI_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=12SZHXF0FR2DA98B7T3Y with a separate amp you can always upgrade the speakers.

these are 3 way but a little less cheap http://www.amazon.com/Dual-LU43PW-Indoor-Outdoor-Speakers/dp/B000A5S926/ref=pd_cp_e_0.

when it comes to near fields, to do actual pro work, for a good price, i went with the blue sky exo2.1 , they are full range with the sub, shielded because they are made for the desk, no bass reflex port on the satellites (the sound from the port holes comes out delayed, bad for mixing, unless very well engineered) and the woofer has separate control so you can turn it down because small rooms amp up the low end, all for for 500 bills (the price to value ratio is great, no doubt). if you find them used, the price is even lower. blue sky products are legit and you will have no need to buy monitors for a long, long time. i would save up, like 20 bucks every other day or so and in no time, you will have a legit, full range monitoring system that will gets even better with a little room treatment. all i know is "buy cheap, buy twice" http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/eXo2/

next is the equator d5 with dsp. i have not heard these live yet, but sometimes they are on sale direct from equator and they seem great on paper for the price http://www.equatoraudio.com/D5-Coaxial-Studio-Monitors-p/d5.htm but since i have not heard them like i have with my blue skies, i cant be anecdotal. here is a sound on sound review for a pro break down of their performance http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec12/articles/equator-d5.htm

and if you want to save money and have a truly great output to feed any monitor for 50 bucks, try the hifime diy sabre dac http://www.amazon.com/HiFiMeDIY-Digital-Analog-Converter-Optical/dp/B00AOH5JTQ/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405237210&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=hifi+diy+dac, i using it now in between digital to analog converter upgrades and if you plug right out of the usb port on the computer (no hubs) it sounds great, like really even compared to dac's in several price ranges above. read the first review, http://www.amazon.com/review/RIXL3WSR02G6/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00AOH5JTQ you will get a little smarter about digital analog converters. its one of the best reviews on amazon i have ever had the pleasure to read, and check out the users other reviews, he does a few headphone units comparing their price to performance ratio and will blow you away with his technical know how and fluid writing style. like the one on the Beyerdynamic DT-990-Pro: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2BUTFCE473Q9V/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

i dont know much about recording gear, as im mostly a listener, i use an adc/dac from behringer and it sounds decent for 30 bucks and no drivers http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA222-U-Control-Ultra-Low-Downloadable/dp/B0023BYDHK/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1405238098&sr=1-2&keywords=behringer+dac
sounds better than a tascam i had, that was overbuilt and 3-4 times the price. i choose this not be cheap, my focus is just on listening, it was what i wanted.

sorry about the long post but i dont half ass my posts. its like playing those brain training apps for me but not boring and actually productive/practical. take care. my hands are injured, so im not bothering with punctuation and formatting!

Thanks. I don't have a link but I'll try to explain step by step.

1. In the past I had various audio inputs fed to my receiver and video inputs fed to my TV. The problem was keeping things in sync when you changed inputs. I knew that the DVD player was Input 1 on the TV and Aux 2 on the receiver but no one else in the family could ever remember the combinations.
   
   
2. With HDMI carrying both audio and video the obvious answer was to feed it all to the TV and then take one digital audio output from there to the receiver. This worked great. When you switch sources on the TV you don't need to switch anything on the receiver. Everybody was happy.
   
   
3. But now I wanted to listen to Pandora (or iTunes, or the hockey game, ...) outside on my deck and driveway. My receiver can handle my 5.1 surround in the family room but does not have another set of speaker outputs. Even if it did how could I control the volumes separately? I found that my receiver does have an analog audio output that can be fed to a recording device BUT this output does not work when the input to the receiver is digital. This is true for most receivers on the market unless you spend $$$$ to get a high-end one with multiple zone capability.
   
   
4. I eventually realized I would have to get the signal for the outdoor speakers AHEAD of my receiver. My TV, like most on the market today, does not have multiple sets of audio outputs. The only choice for me was to take the digital fiber optic one I was already sending to the receiver and split it. I read a lot of reviews and decided to go for a powered splitter that actually recreates the signal. Passive ones that split the light signal using a mirror/prism are cheaper but can be unreliable. I bought this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1UWSR6/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and it works perfectly.
   
   
5. So now I have an SPDIF out from that device into my receiver and another one to use for my outdoor audio. These amps however do not have an SPDIF input as they do not contain a digital-to-analog converter. So I had to convert from SPDIF to RCA analog. I went with this converter: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008EPW7O0/ref=oh_details_o04_s01_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
   
6. But now I have a single set of RCA ouputs and two amps that need inputs. RCA is easy to split so I bought these cheap cables to do it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I94FAE/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
   
7. From there the RCA is fed into two of the amps that OP shows above. From there it goes into 100' of high grade speaker cable: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239&cs_id=1023902&p_id=2820&seq=1&format=2 and then into these Polk speakers (one set for the deck and another for the driveway): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00378KMEG/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
   So the setup is: TV inputs --> TV --> digital splitter --> D to A converter --> RCA splitter cables --> these two amps --> Polk speakers. It sounds surprisingly good with strong bass and crisp highs. I can control all three volumes independently (family room receiver and each of these amps). I just used it for a big party we had Saturday night (80+ people). I had a playlist in iTunes on my computer served up by my Plex server. This was then picked up by my Roku 3 attached to the TV. It worked flawlessly.

I need some advice, it's not specifically Rasp Pi, but it involves it, so any help would be great.

I just build a patio and I'm going to install some speakers out there to use while listening to music. My computer desk shares a wall with the patio, and the Fiber line comes in through that wall, I'll add the speaker wire.

On my computer, I plan to put a receiver/amplifier (haven't purchased one yet) to push the sound.

My rasp pi question:

I have a mini projector that we pull out onto the patio and play movies on. I'm using a Pi 3 with Kodi connected via HDMI to the projector. The projector has an audio out, where I have it connected to one of those tiny wireless boom boxes. I would love to use these outdoor speakers instead. What is the best way to connect the Rasp Pi to the amplifier? Will bluetooth work, assuming I purchase a bluetooth capable receiver/amplifier?

None of this stuff is in my "wheelhouse" so to speak.

Thanks for your help.

Sorry if there are formatting errors and such I am on mobile.

Basics

You should really consider a better HUB/products if you want this level of automation. You are going to want an offline hub such as Vera or Homeseer (what I use). Homeseer I know will interface with the echo Vera should. Hubs like wink/SmartThings end up not working when...

1. Your router doesn't work
   
2. Your ISP's connection drops
   
3. Hub's service provider (AWS most likely) goes down
   
4. Hub cloud service doesn't work or needs maintenance
   
5. Random outages/problems
   
   Similarly, you should NOT get a nest (or EcoBee). I have a nest and while I love the design it is fickle. I would instead recommend a z-wave thermostat. With a z-wave thermostat you can do almost everything nest can (no auto scheduling). Already Purchased
   
    
   
   You should seriously consider a different HUB
   
   

   Dimmers and Wall Switches
   

   
   Here is a good place to start. Lutron dimmers are fantastics although they can be a bit pricy (I don't think you mentioned a budget...). Other options include the GE 12724 for dimming if you want to go z-wave over Lutron. And, the GE 12722 for regular on/off. Or Homeseer is releasing new switches soon that look fantastic (Also z-wave)!
   
   Here's some more info. 1 2 3 4
   
   

   Garage Opener
   

   
   Chamberlain is great!
   
   

   Security
   

   
   If you cannot change/return your system that fine but I would recommend a DSC power series system as they almost universally integrate with automation systems Homeseer has a plugin as does Vera.
   
   

   Audio
   

   
   Sonos is fine. It can be controlled via Homeseer/Vera (Think announcements). Or you can get an Echo Dot and connect it to the sonos connect via an audio cable. GET a WHA controller (Check the Outdoor speaker section for recommendations)
   
   

   Front Door Cam/Doorbell
   

   
   Either Doorbird a doorbell and camera (expensive) or a normal doorbell with an IP camera with motion record. The integrated solution is better but of course more expensive. If you end up with IP cameras you should consider Hikvison they seem to make the best cameras for the money.
   
   

   Outdoor Light
   

   Just install the smart switch of your choice.
   
   

   Fan's
   

   Not sure sorry. :-( GE has a fan controlling switch but I doubt it would work as you mention remotes...
   
   

   Under Cabinet Lighting
   

   Hue lightstips, Aeon lightstrips or a WIFI / Z-wave LED controller with regular strips. (Will edit later with links)
   
   

   Outdoor Speakers
   

   The Daytons are fine you could also go with Yamaha NS-AW150. For integration you could connect them to the MONOPRICE 6 Zone Controller and AMP. You could also connect the Sonos CONNECT to the monopice and have outdoor audio + sonos audio and send audio to any other zones you have!
   
   
   
    
   
   PM me or comment if you need any more info :-)
   
    
   
   *Will edit and add more info when I get to a keyboard.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/10-Zone-2-4-6-8-Pair-Speaker-Selector-Switch-Switcher-with-Volume-Level-Control-/261444643684?nav=SEARCH

This is what I mean by a speaker selector. Yes it's expensive, but it is cheaper than getting a 20 channel power amp (non existent) and 10 seperate volume control knobs.

I prefer vintage speakers, but they can be a pain (expensive) to up-keep. New speakers generally have better value and more features.

You can either staple the wire along the bottom of the wall of your room or you can have someone install it in-wall. For wireless, you could get the Sonos speakers. This would probably add up to more than the amp+speaker selector + speakers. But it is wireless and easier to work with.

I would reccomend getting either a Bluetooth receiver or a Sonos connect. The only advantage the Sonos connect has is the Sonos software and a bigger range.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/reviews/B00RJKRYVC/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001CROHX6/


For speakers, dirt cheap, I would reccomend the Micca MB42X. Cheap, reliable and they sound pretty great.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00E7H8GG2/

You can also get outdoor speakers for the outdoor areas. So if you have 2 outdoor areas, buy either 1 pair (1 speaker per area, mono) or 2 pairs (2 speakers per area)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000A5S926/


If you really want even cheaper the Dayton B652 Air is a good choice.

http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-b652-air-6-1-2-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-with-amt-tweeter-pair--300-651

For amps, the Behringer A500 will give you 500watts of sweet sound. That's 25watts a speaker. Okay.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000CZ0RL0/

The Behringer iNuke 1000,3000,6000 will give you 50, 150, 300 watts a speaker. Honestly I would get the iNuke DSP1000. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005EHIN3A

You need these cables:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00WRK0SW6/

x2: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002BERXW6/ comes out of iNuke, wire speaker wire to the connector and then to the switcher.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BWSCXT0/

IIF YOU GET ALL OF THE SAME SPEAKER, YOU CAN SKIP THE SPEAKER SELECTOR WITH VOLUME CONTROL. just get one with switching. The only reason to have volume control is if you are using different speakers.

Going for bang for the buck here for you but... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00081NX5U/ good for el cheapo according to the many many reviews. Of course you'd need an amp. I already had a set of PC speakers the amp died in so I installed one of these under my desk. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DN77GJO/ takes a 5a 12v power, not included but they are pretty common or 10 bucks on amazon. I even put a 12 inch sub with it I had lying around, granted that bumps the cost, btu it's nice having the option. it is a very powerful cheap system. loud as F*** lol. It isn't the best sound out of the box, it's nice and all but generic bass treble controls. I found it really shines when you use the equalizer APO program for windows. It's the best my PC has ever sounded. even with expensive logitech setups.

Alternatively for a bit more there's this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D93Z6ML/ which is a little bit above budget but a hell of a refurb for what it costs.

If you dont need something quite as beefy those 17.99 speakers another user linked are probably fine.

Another in between option. with sub. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W3XPFWJ/ good luck to you.

I did some research on this recently and found Klipsch to be one of the more recommended for outdoor.

Here's Amazon top 100 selling outdoor speakers:

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Electronics-Outdoor-Speakers/zgbs/electronics/12097477011

Here's the Klipsch 650:

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-AW-650-Indoor-Outdoor-Speaker/dp/B00096ZRJ4

Polk and Yamaha had decent reviews also for cheaper.

Check camelcamelcamel.com for Amazon price history on whatever you're buying to ensure it's not often on sale and just not at the moment. Black Friday usually a great time to buy electronics.

Good luck and happy shoppin!

Well, if he loves placebo effect, he'll absolutely love listening to records through a cheap DAC and tinny laptop speakers. Tell your friend that he can either waste his money now, or he can save up and make a proper investment that will really do the music justice. $200-$300 could buy entry level components that will sound much better than his laptop ever could.

Receiver

Turntable

Speakers

He'll also probably need speaker wire.

He can get all that for about $260 (plus shipping, tax, etc.). If he just wants to listen to headphones, he doesn't even need the speakers. Note, I did not shop around that much to find the best deals or best hardware. I did not read reviews. However, I do have a previous version of the receiver I linked. It may say Insignia on the label, but if that model is anything like the model I have, it is made by Sherwood and re-branded. I would look into that claim, though, because it is just a hunch on my part.

Sound waves have length based on their frequency, called wavelength. Higher pitched sounds have shorter wavelengths. Any sounds which reach a full wavelength within the distance from the driver to the edge of the baffle are reflected back to the listener and sound louder, and any which leave the baffle before hitting a full wavelength are not, and are quieter as a result. This is called "baffle step loss".

One way to minimize this effect is to spread it out - if the tweeter is the same distance from two sides (or even three sides, if it's close to the top), the baffle reinforces the same frequency range in every direction. If you offset the tweeter so it's a different distance from each edge, it reinforces a slightly different frequency range in each direction, giving it a smoother response across the frequency range. This sounds better on its own, and may also make it easier for the designer to incorporate a "baffle step compensation" into the crossover, toning down the reinforced frequencies.

Another reason it's done, in "MTM" or bigger speakers with multiple low-frequency woofers and a single tweeter, is to get the big drivers a bit closer together.

Now, tweeters aren't always offset on homemade speakers. There are plenty of designs with centered tweeters, and some sound very good. And sometimes they're offset on commercial speakers. It just happens that a few very common DIY designs, like the Overnight Sensations here, use offset tweeters. If I had to guess, I'd say that commercial speakers are either more concerned about symmetry for aesthetics, or are designed using more custom components that make the baffle step easy to deal with, while DIY speakers are more likely to worry about getting the best performance possible without tricks.

Are you sold on that speaker set? I'm sure it will sound amazing compared to a TV but it's really not much of a step up from a HTiB setup. Small sats (they are two way so that's good), small sub (8" isn't horrible but probably too small for your decent sized room) and low efficiency makes me think this is more for a small size room.

Any 5.1+ channel receiver will work for what you're going to setup.

Lets go new with this build.

AVR - Yamaha RX-V381 $280

Speakers - BIC DV52 mains $70, DV32CLR center $50 and a set of DV32 rears $55 These are all small and have keyholes built in them for wall mounting. They versatile little speakers that actually sound pretty good.

Sub - Dayton Sub1200 $130 & a sub cable $13

All you will need is some speaker wire and whatever HDMI/Optical cables you need to interconnect the sources.

In the $20ish range, I have several of these. They're great for road trips, immensely improving the motel experience. I've also sacrificed a power cord so I can hook it up to a car battery, as it's 12 volt, so handy for car camping, too. Of course, you'll need speakers, but they aren't terribly expensive, either, and you can often find used ones at thrift stores. I keep a suitcase ready for travel with these and some rope lights, it's awesome.

It was easier to do than I thought. I installed just above the outdoor outlet so didn't have far for power cable to go. I used TayMac 2-Gang Weatherproof In-Use Cover, cut the siding the exact size of case and screwed case directly to wall. I also used an Echo2 wall mount and centered it within the case. I connected sound output to Bluetooth Outdoor Planter Speakers setup on each end of the patio and it is always connected.

Absolutely love the setup. We have a gas firepit and jam to chill music by the fire. We were watching the birds this afternoon and asked Alexa to play bird sounds- it was fun.

I have a planter right next to it so it is partially hidden. I don't need to worry about neighbors bc they are far enough away that Echo wouldn't pic up if they tried. Don't have smart locks, garage door opener doesn't connect alexa. If somebody ordered something, i'd catch it quick (get notified by text when amazon order goes through) so could cancel quickly. Honestly, don't have any worries about it outside.

The mic isn't as sensitive picking up my requests as when it was indoors (case muffles sound), but if there is a clear path and I am clear, she picks me up. Alexa has a harder time picking up my requests if the planter is blocking the line of sight between me and Echo.

Before i did this I was looking around for waterproof Echo setup but didn't find anything, wanted to share what I did for others looking to do the same. I highly recommend doing it if you spend a lot of time on your back patio.

​

​

Hello! I'm looking for a bit of advice on an outdoor system I'm trying to set up to go all over my property. Here's my idea for the set up.

1. I already own a Pioneer VSX-1020-K amp. It says 245W on the back and speaker impedance section says 6-16 ohms.
   http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/AV-Receivers/Pioneer+Receivers/VSX-1020-K
   
   
2. I want to run wire all over my property for some outdoor speakers. Some runs are 50ft some are 100-120ft. I happen to have two 500 ft rolls of 12ga braided copper wire.
   
   
3. I want to use a speaker selector with individual area volume control. This one seems to fit my specs and takes 12 ga wire.
   http://www.smarthome.com/smarthome-select-2-source-6-zone-speaker-selector-with-volume-control.html
   
   
4. For speakers, I'm just going to use something basic for outdoors since it doesn't have to have the best sound in the world. Maybe something like these 8 ohm:
   http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Atrium-Outdoor-Speakers/dp/B00378KMF0/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1452802977&sr=1-6&keywords=outdoor+speakers
   
   As far as I can tell, the wire size is good for my length of run but I just want to make sure I'm not going to blow my amp by putting a bunch of speakers on one output channel. The way I figured I'd do it is to output from the amp's center channel into the selector. I have four areas of the property that I want to get sound.
   I have to admit that while I know a bit about a lot of stuff, speakers and audio stuff tends to be a weak point in my knowledge. I know enough to get myself in trouble usually. Any advice would be much appreciated.
   Thanks!

I am looking for bookshelf speakers and a Bluetooth speaker. I would like to play music from my phone and allow others to connect to the bookshelf speakers with their phones. I was looking at these as a cheap option, but they seem too cheap to be very good quality. The Bluetooth speaker would just be to have in the bathroom/bedroom for myself so it isn’t as important. Budget <$300. I was also looking at the mica speakers but they seem pretty small and said they require an amp?

Amplifier

PA horn

CB to Amp cable (standard 3.5mm aux cable)

You’ll need speaker wire to run from the Amp to the PA and you’ll need to power the amp somehow. They sell an AC to DC power supply but if installing in a 12VDC vehicle you can run 12v to it directly but you’ll just need the barrel connector / plug end. You can buy those on amazon as well or if you have access to electronic scraps or spare laptop power supplies you can hack one off there and wire it to your system.

To use the speaker without the amplifier, not sure how loud it would be, probably not very because the CB can only put out like 12-15 Watts on PA, you can use this cable to hook the speaker to the CB

Hope that helps.

I bought a pair of these 3 years ago and have been pretty satisfied. They're hooked up to a regular ol non weather proof stereo inside, and a pair of speaker lines just go through the wall to outside. They still sound fine after being flooded, burried under a couple feet of snow, 100 F summers, golfball sized hail, and 3 small children treating them like a seat. My yards about a half acre 'L' shape, with the 2 speakers in the corner of the L, they more or less fill the yard with sound.

T-amps are very small and have plenty of power to make some bookshelf speakers sound awesome. T-amps have a great sound in general:

https://www.parts-express.com/Search.aspx?keyword=T-amp&sitesearch=true

As for speakers, these sound really nice for the price:

Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor Speakers (Pair, White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00378KMEG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_qYVMzbFACWBP4

They're advertised as outdoor but are great in or out.

Edit: Another option is a USE Boom or a JBL Charge, both of which are waterproof. I think the JBL Charge 3 even has a USB out which you could use to power the CC, but don't quote me on that.

If they will be wired in all the time, why is the built in CCA so important? I have re purposed all kinds of speakers with CCA's.


Master Bedroom - Using a free Bose Wave Radio that was given to me.

Girls Room - I bought these Logitechs for $3.50 at Goodwill

Other Girls Room - Got this Yamaha on Craigslist for $25. Hooked it up with a $15 T-Amp off Amazon.

Living Room - CCA hooked up to a $70 Craigslist Onkyo receiver and some $70/pair Polk Atrium 4's. And a $20 Yamaha Subwoofer. Wall mounted the outdoor Polk's in a room that gets some rough housing so not worried about them breaking.

Kitchen - Google Home for $110 when it was new.

Office - Google Home for $75 deal at Walmart.


All works perfectly with multiroom and didn't spend more than $25 on any of the CCA's. So total cost for all six rooms was ~$540 total including all speakers and CCA's. Cheapest room was $23 with $20 CCA and $3 goodwill speakers. Most expensive was living room at $185 (reciever, polk speakers, subwoofer, CCA). The other benefit of not having it build in, is when the speaker dies you just swap it out.

Thank you. Wow, that seems to be complicated... but I could use the sonos amp with any passive speaker, right? E.g https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QTAXEQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=yamaha+aw194&qid=1571575343&sr=8-2
Maybe that would be a better solution for me...

Thanks! I picked up a pair of Bose 151 Indoor/outdoor speakers off facebook a few years back with the intention of mounting them outside in the future, but they were just sitting hooked up to a receiver in the garage until this weekend. Sound great and I picked them up for like $40.

These are what I have:

https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Indoor-Outdoor-Speaker-White/dp/B00007AJ8B

I've been collecting vinyl for close to 8 years but my current setup would make most vinyl fans cringe, It's listed below on this comment.
I'm currently looking to upgrade to a better setup, but since money is usually tight I'll most likely be upgrading one at a time over the next year or so. I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion of what I should upgrade first. I'm thinking step 1 should be turntable based on the comment below:

Denon dp-dj151: Was gifted to me, used to belong to my father, i've discovered recently that it converts the analog audio to digital audio so this turntable will obviously need to be replaced.

AUVIO 4-Inch 3 Way Speakers (100w): Just some extremely basic bookshelf speakers I've had for years.

Insignia 200W 2.0 Channel Stereo Receiver: Stereo Receiver I bought in college because it was cheap and I didn't make much money

What do you guys think? Thanks!

I guess you're all right, u/Appljuze & u/voucher420. According to this it's 14W RMS per channel. However, according to an Amazon review of the speakers, they're not very bassy even with an amp, though others are saying otherwise.

Anyway, I still intend to get two additional speakers and I expected I'd need an amp for the fronts in case I got more wattage stuff. But what's my best course of action right now?
Should I look for a four channel 50W amp, run my rears off of it and stick to some 50W speakers for the front?
Or should I just get an amp for my rear speakers and buy an amp for the front when I decide what speakers to get?
Or should I get two separate amps no matter what speakers I choose? As I imagine it's best to have an amp close to the speaker.
Any recommendations?

I had the same issue. I bought a stereo outdoor speaker instead called Polk audio atrium 8 SDI. Very happy with my purchase. It’s super on sale right now too. Normally $200 but on sale for like $140 on amazon.

Here’s the link Polk audio Atrium 8 SDI

I recently put a pair of OSD AP670's in my garage and I like them. Mountable, loud, good sound/decent bass response, durable. $100/pair on Amazon. Grab 3 pair of these and an old beefy receiver and you're good to go.



AP670 6.5-Inch 120W Architectural 2-Way Indoor/Outdoor Weather-Resistant Patio Speakers - OSD Audio - (Pair, White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006X7SYQG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xZLvzbF52CEGY

Thanks for the reply!

Do you think these would be better?

Is this the cable you're referring to? And I would have to get a male-male 3.5mm headphone cable right?

Parts:

1. $9 - 4" PVC Pipe from Home Depot
   
2. $8 - Bluetooth / Amp 50x50 - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32913615792.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.73dc3cfeH0W0DM&algo_pvid=9254ff6e-d924-43d1-8986-a81dc363cbbf&algo_expid=9254ff6e-d924-43d1-8986-a81dc363cbbf-44&btsid=5ec874fc-5013-44cc-8719-7fe5056e4789&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_52
   
3. $16 (x2) - Speakers - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GRG5O24/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
4. $26 - Tweeters - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009QOU5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
5. $9 - Vinyl - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L9J4JRG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
6. $13 - LiPo voltage protection - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018TW0KN2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
7. $12 - 1800mAh 3s (12v) battery - https://chinahobbyline.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=50
   
8. $6 - Switch - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PYVBZ99/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
   If you just want to plug it in without a battery, you can just use a cheap 12 power source like this one:https://www.amazon.com/inShareplus-Mounted-Switching-Connector-Adapter/dp/B01GD4ZQRS/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2T2QLKKWS5A2A&keywords=12v+power+supply&qid=1569933646&s=lawn-garden&sprefix=12v+power%2Clawngarden%2C160&sr=1-4
   
   ​
   
   Total without lipo - $97, with battery power, add another $20. I bet if you get these parts of alibaba, you can save quite a bit of $$$

This one looks like it would be fun to test. I could see some folks flanking their computer monitors with them. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00081NX5U/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468453490&sr=1-1&refinements=p_4%3ANamsung&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

I honestly have no idea. They don't sound amazing I'm pretty sure they are old car speakers. I'll see if I can find the model #. Edit: They are Dual model LU43PB http://www.amazon.com/Dual-LU43PB-Indoor-Outdoor-Speakers/dp/B00081NX5U

amp and some mid-range outdoor speakers and you'll be good.

you can get 4 of these polk speakers
for like $180. Get a 2 zone amp and you can have only 2 on, or all 4.

So i sort of went the “cheap” route for my outdoor system. Got something like this:

Lepy Amplifiers Audio Component Amplifier, Black (LP-2020A Class-D) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FZKA28Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HufwCbN9SN0FR

Then this:

4 Zone Stereo Speaker Selector Switch With Impedance Protection by AVX Audio https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TBF90C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.vfwCbEFM605G

Then got 4 cheap outdoor speakers.

Then i mounted an echo dot on the wall in my covered patio, and put a thermostat cover over it.

It delivers decent sound, and all Alexa-enabled functionality is there. I wanna say all of it only cost like $250.

TayMac ZTC100 Low Profile Thermostat Cover, Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008LY8900/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3yfwCb8Y4CC0D

Dual Electronics LU43PB 4 inch 3-Way High Performance Indoor, Outdoor & Bookshelf Studio Monitor Speakers with Swivel Brackets & 100 Watts Peak Power https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00081NX5U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xzfwCbAWJDGDQ

Again - very cheap, but we don’t spend enough time outside to need to spend $1,000+ on a system. This one works just fine. I remove the amp and echo dot in the winter.

EDIT: Alternatively you could get 2-3 small amps, then hook up echo inputs to them. I think they’re still $20 each on Amazon.

Definitive Technology AW 6500 are great for outdoor speakers

a possible config would be hdmi source --> hdmi in, L/R stereo out --> RCA stereo in, 3.5mm out --> 3.5mm line level input, sound out

another with powerful speakers would be hdmi source --> hdmi in, L/R stereo out --> RCA in, 100W powered speaker wire out --> 100W, 50W rms unpowered speakers

Oh, snap...I didn't realize that the $166 for the Alesis was for the pair, not just one.

Sorry about that. Um...At this price level I have no idea in terms of real monitors.

At the moment I'm actually using an old pair of Bic America Adatto Dv52Si but are obviously not studio monitors. But check out Bic America, they're really good for cheap.

Ok, so here's an update:

Here's a very VERY crude drawing of my house and what I'm trying to accomplish: http://imgur.com/a/nQnMa

1. The Outdoor Speakers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00378KMEG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T2_OlAuzb3V0BJK8
   
   2,3,4,5) Audio devices I currently own that I need to hook up to the new receiver:
   
   
2. Audio Technica Turntable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00378KMEG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T2_OlAuzb3V0BJK8
   
   
3. Blu-ray Player (buying this week): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BTTHXZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T2_uoAuzbYZXJBTF
   
   
4. Apple TV
   
   
5. XFinity X1 receiver
   
   Just need a receiver that can accommodate all of my devices, and be a 2 zone receiver so I can disable the outdoor speakers when needed. Hope that helps. I am also going to update this in the OP.

Dang - so 4 of these $350 boxes?

This wouldn't be an option?

Can you recommend an AV receiver?

I mean...depends on the bookshelf speakers, doesn't it? If this guy has an Echo plugged into a $500 receiver and a pair of LS50s, that's a respectable setup. If he has it plugged into these...

Pretty much any basic bookshelf speaker would be an upgrade from what's in there.

You can usually find some nice Klipsch outdoors in that price range. I have some compact outdoor ones CP-4s or 5s. Here's a few examples:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00096ZRJ4/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687682&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00096ZRIK&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1VGBZDRCCB7Y1AWCJ75W

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0011YR8UE/ref=psdc_12097477011_t3_B00096ZRJ4

Sonos Amp - The Versatile Amplifier for Powering all your Entertainment - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LD8NN37/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Y8t4DbX2KW2NQ

Down to $480 from $600

I'm hoping to get these once I get my fence put up. Swoons

https://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Technology-Outdoor-Speaker-Single/dp/B00170O1HK?th=1&psc=1

As far as speakers go, I would recommend a T Amp with a pair of 2 or 3" speakers. Mount the T amp somewhere discrete so you can adjust it if you'd like but it won't be in the way.

I always used cheapo Dualindoor/outdoor speakers. They do the job just fine.

Alright, looking at your suggestions and the little research I've done, here is my presentation of what might work for us. Don't laugh

In front

In back

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0001VGFKW/ref=psdcmw_12097477011_t3_B0001VHARE

Could these work for what I need


(https://www.amazon.ca/Yamaha-NS-AW294BL-Indoor-Outdoor-Speakers/dp/B007QTAXEQ)

the plan so far is to get a few wall-mounts and hook them up to a receiver using long speaker wires.

i narrowed down my selection to polk audios or yamahas. the source will be airport express so we can all stream music from our machines.

Yeah I was thinking about that too. Some forum peeps said it would be no big deal but I wasnt sure. What about these?

Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor Speakers (Pair, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00378KMF0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_LbrOwbE3HMNGM

Those, but not sure we have room for 8 speakers...

When building this i focused on weather proofing modularity and cost.

Materials

• 75x2 watt amp
  
• Polk Atrium 4 speakers
  
• Seahorse SE-520
  
• Chromecast Audio
  
• Powercube w/ USB
  
• Banana plug wall plate
  
• Silicone adhesive
  
  I disassembled the Powercube and drilled a hole in the wall of the case then reassembled the cube with the cord running through the wall. The banana plug wall plate was attached similarly by cutting a whole in the side and sealing/attaching with the silicone liquid nails.
  
  The amp is not perfect by a long shot but should my father ever decide to upgrade there is ample room to do so, as nothing is permanently attached to the case aside from the plate and Powercube.
  

You can have these for 25 Euros, but shipping and handling will kill you: https://www.subito.it/audio-video/casse-altoparlanti-aiwa-sx-l700-taranto-219928657.htm

These are not audiophile speakers, to say the least. They come with a component sound system, and are essentially boombox speakers.
Nobody on this continent seems to be offering a pair of these for sale, but maybe I just didn't look hard enough. If I understand your needs correctly, these might be useful to you: https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Electronics-LU43PB-Performance-Bookshelf/dp/B00081NX5U/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1510356676&sr=8-8&keywords=home+stereo+speakers

i already have these hooked up

https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Speakers/Pioneer+Speakers/SP-PK52FS

Wasn't sure, figured adding more to RX would be bad. So was considering a cheap stereo amp just to power 2 additional speakers for out on my deck area. also with the amp it would give me control as to whether i have them on/off and volume control.

something similar to these

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00378KMF0/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i1?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00378KMF0&pd_rd_r=495D1H2TSRYC8BT71D71&pd_rd_w=auFpw&pd_rd_wg=eXC7g&pf_rd_m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=H62GN7FDR11RTFAMQPZE&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=7eef9c1b-376b-4be5-b407-d721444e78f1&pf_rd_i=desktop