Outdoor Speaker Set Up

ekuhn

Well-Known Member
I'm looking to add some outdoor speakers under my soffits to enhance my patio and hot tub experience. I only have (3) real requests, 1. Easy for my wife to use via app etc. 2. Possibly have (2) zones that could run independent and together if I decide to add an outdoor TV. 3. Bluetooth compatible.

I need to pull the soffits down to add some additional lighting so now is the time to install blocking, additional outlets etc. to support the system.

What do you mountain biking audiophiles suggest?
 
I’d recommend AirPlay over Bluetooth, but also depends on how you want them wired and if you have good WiFi coverage. I have a centralized network rack with some older Nuvo amps we got. They do support Bluetooth, but they’re in the basement so Bluetooth doesn’t reach. I’m using an old Apple AirPort just for the AirPlay functionality with 3.5mm aux split to each amp. One amp is for interior ceiling speakers, and one for the exterior soffit speaker by the deck. Speakers themselves are all Sonos. So if I want to play music, I can do Pandora, Spotify, Amazon, etc. directly from the Nuvo app, or set the input to aux and then Airplay from YouTube or something to the Nuvo system and can play to all zones or just one. This stuff isn’t cheap though normally btw if you want to run Ethernet amps, and if I was paying for the amps myself, I’d probably go with Sonos and make sure they support AirPlay directly without having to hack it with more hardware. If you want Bluetooth, probably better off with some kind of standalone speaker unit that just needs power so it’s in range where you need it.
 
Sonos. I have them throughout my house. But I also have the amp. The amp can be used with the sonos app to power any speakers, I use it to control Polk outdoor speaker by my pool.

Pretty much the same here, minus the pool. You can also build out the system with additional stand-alone sonos speakers throughout the house. My sonos stuff has been going strong for 11+years at this point.

@ekuhn there are a few different products you can potentially use. if you have an existing theater setup or an unused HT amp laying around, you can run the Port unit that will essentially make Sonos an AUX input into the amp. You'd need to figure out zoning the Outdoor speakers separate from the HT setup. I actually split the output to 2 separate amps, one to my HT and another to a separate amp running the outdoor speakers. I lose the ability to play different audio to the separate listening areas, but in reality I never play different audio in different parts of the house.

If you do not have an extra amp or HT and you just want to power external speakers with Sonos, get the Sonos Amp.
 
I’d recommend AirPlay over Bluetooth, but also depends on how you want them wired and if you have good WiFi coverage. I have a centralized network rack with some older Nuvo amps we got. They do support Bluetooth, but they’re in the basement so Bluetooth doesn’t reach. I’m using an old Apple AirPort just for the AirPlay functionality with 3.5mm aux split to each amp. One amp is for interior ceiling speakers, and one for the exterior soffit speaker by the deck. Speakers themselves are all Sonos. So if I want to play music, I can do Pandora, Spotify, Amazon, etc. directly from the Nuvo app, or set the input to aux and then Airplay from YouTube or something to the Nuvo system and can play to all zones or just one. This stuff isn’t cheap though normally btw if you want to run Ethernet amps, and if I was paying for the amps myself, I’d probably go with Sonos and make sure they support AirPlay directly without having to hack it with more hardware. If you want Bluetooth, probably better off with some kind of standalone speaker unit that just needs power so it’s in range where you need it.
Didn't realize that airplay would be an option without an Airport Express. I like this because it could be wife friendly.

Pretty much the same here, minus the pool. You can also build out the system with additional stand-alone sonos speakers throughout the house. My sonos stuff has been going strong for 11+years at this point.

@ekuhn there are a few different products you can potentially use. if you have an existing theater setup or an unused HT amp laying around, you can run the Port unit that will essentially make Sonos an AUX input into the amp. You'd need to figure out zoning the Outdoor speakers separate from the HT setup. I actually split the output to 2 separate amps, one to my HT and another to a separate amp running the outdoor speakers. I lose the ability to play different audio to the separate listening areas, but in reality I never play different audio in different parts of the house.

If you do not have an extra amp or HT and you just want to power external speakers with Sonos, get the Sonos Amp.
I have a second home theater amp 8/9 years old in a box, in the basement. My concern there would be where to mount it. I'll have to dive back into the Sonos options - just when I was considering (4) speakers that got costly.
 
here is the problem I have.

I want the audio stream sourced directly from the "receiver" to the speakers, not played through my phone.
Basically, i could leave, and the music still plays (that is a Country song about my funeral)

I think Play-Fi does that. There is an app that runs in windows, on the tv, and phones.

this is somewhat similar to casting and DLNA stuff.

---

Oh, you mac people - i have an apple tv, which has the music apps loaded. Can i do the reverse of normal and get my apple tv screen to appear on my ipad, so i can control the apple tv (set up music there)?
 
I have a second home theater amp 8/9 years old in a box, in the basement. My concern there would be where to mount it. I'll have to dive back into the Sonos options - just when I was considering (4) speakers that got costly.
lol yeah, you left out the budget. Sonos adds up…

You can get stuff off eBay, just make sure it’s S2 compatible (second generation Sonos software)
 
You can also use wired speakers, then run them to whatever media player you want. If they are powered you can use something like Amazon Echo dot. Otherwise a powered media player. The good part is you can change your mind when a better media player comes out and you get to keep your speakers, so you can afford to buy nicer speakers.
I used a previous generation of these unpowered Bose speakers long time ago before Bluetooth. they sound amazing once you get over the Bose shame 😉
 
here is the problem I have.

I want the audio stream sourced directly from the "receiver" to the speakers, not played through my phone.
Basically, i could leave, and the music still plays (that is a Country song about my funeral)

I think Play-Fi does that. There is an app that runs in windows, on the tv, and phones.

this is somewhat similar to casting and DLNA stuff.

---

Oh, you mac people - i have an apple tv, which has the music apps loaded. Can i do the reverse of normal and get my apple tv screen to appear on my ipad, so i can control the apple tv (set up music there)?

I use an old phone with a broken screen for streaming I keep attached to my stereo via Bluetooth. If I was to spend money it's probably super easy to just use a cheap Samsung tablet or old phone just for the easy interface so can use bluetooth streaming off it, or use it as a remote for things like Sonos.
 
I just went through this exact decision process for our new patio area and i ended up with a couple options. I knew i wanted a pair of outdoor speakers and i wanted to be able to wirelessly stream Spotify over them and control the volume from my phone. I came up with 2 options at 2 very different price points that would offer the same.

Option 1: The Sonos route. A Sonos amp would be the heart of this. Spotify direct streaming and powerful integrated amp built into 1 device. Pair with a set of outdoor speakers and you're all set. Sonos amp's aren't cheap though, however, they are premium and give a seamless and easy integration. I liked this route and explored sourcing a refurbished amp but its still a little more expensive than option 2. I believe these amps can drive 4 speakers, but still only 1 zone. If you want general multi zone capabilities, Sonos is the answer but the cost start to rise quickly. This route will cost you upwards of $1000 if you also source expensive speakers.

Option 2: Amazon Echo + solid state amp. Spotify can be streamed to any Amazon Echo device and many folks seem to have a extra kicking around (And if not, the basic puck models are dirt cheap). These have a line level audio out that can be piped into a mini amp to then drive outdoor speakers. This was the route I took since i had a spare Echo Dot and when paired with a 2 channel solid state Fosi amp off amazon, the total cost was very reasonable. This amp plus the Yamaha speakers will absolutely flood our backyard area even on just 50% volume. I dont see a need for any more power from the amp, power supply or speakers that i chose for casual outdoor listening. I was all in for about $200 with this route.

Here's links to some of these items:

Fosi TB10D 2 channel amp ($80)

Echo Dot gen 2
These are no longer available on amazon as they are superseded by the gen 5. I'd suggest sourcing a cheap NOS model from ebay or marketplace for simplicity.

Outdoor speaker cable ($25)

YAMAHA NS-AW390 PAIR Outdoor 6.5" 2-Way Speakers Refurbished ($80, normally $200 MSRP new)

I bought these Yammy speakers as it was too good to pass up for a 6.5" driver model. Typical outdoor Polk's and Klipsh's cost many more times that amount but wont offer many times more performance or sound for casual outdoor listening. When they arrived I could not tell they were refurbished in any way. Packaging was new, all mounting accessories included and speaker condition was perfect--definitely not "used" in any way. Maybe they are returns?

The only other items you may need are some optional wall brackets for the audio equipment if you dont have a place to set them. Mine are on a wall in the garage adjacent to the patio. You shouldn't need any additional mounting hardware for the speakers since you can screw them to either the wall or the ends of your roof joists under your soffit if you have typical gable roof with vinyl siding and soffits. YMMV if your construction is different.

Hope this helps.
 
I just went through this exact decision process for our new patio area and i ended up with a couple options. I knew i wanted a pair of outdoor speakers and i wanted to be able to wirelessly stream Spotify over them and control the volume from my phone. I came up with 2 options at 2 very different price points that would offer the same.

Option 1: The Sonos route. A Sonos amp would be the heart of this. Spotify direct streaming and powerful integrated amp built into 1 device. Pair with a set of outdoor speakers and you're all set. Sonos amp's aren't cheap though, however, they are premium and give a seamless and easy integration. I liked this route and explored sourcing a refurbished amp but its still a little more expensive than option 2. I believe these amps can drive 4 speakers, but still only 1 zone. If you want general multi zone capabilities, Sonos is the answer but the cost start to rise quickly. This route will cost you upwards of $1000 if you also source expensive speakers.

Option 2: Amazon Echo + solid state amp. Spotify can be streamed to any Amazon Echo device and many folks seem to have a extra kicking around (And if not, the basic puck models are dirt cheap). These have a line level audio out that can be piped into a mini amp to then drive outdoor speakers. This was the route I took since i had a spare Echo Dot and when paired with a 2 channel solid state Fosi amp off amazon, the total cost was very reasonable. This amp plus the Yamaha speakers will absolutely flood our backyard area even on just 50% volume. I dont see a need for any more power from the amp, power supply or speakers that i chose for casual outdoor listening. I was all in for about $200 with this route.

Here's links to some of these items:

Fosi TB10D 2 channel amp ($80)

Echo Dot gen 2
These are no longer available on amazon as they are superseded by the gen 5. I'd suggest sourcing a cheap NOS model from ebay or marketplace for simplicity.

Outdoor speaker cable ($25)

YAMAHA NS-AW390 PAIR Outdoor 6.5" 2-Way Speakers Refurbished ($80, normally $200 MSRP new)

I bought these Yammy speakers as it was too good to pass up for a 6.5" driver model. Typical outdoor Polk's and Klipsh's cost many more times that amount but wont offer many times more performance or sound for casual outdoor listening. When they arrived I could not tell they were refurbished in any way. Packaging was new, all mounting accessories included and speaker condition was perfect--definitely not "used" in any way. Maybe they are returns?

The only other items you may need are some optional wall brackets for the audio equipment if you dont have a place to set them. Mine are on a wall in the garage adjacent to the patio. You shouldn't need any additional mounting hardware for the speakers since you can screw them to either the wall or the ends of your roof joists under your soffit if you have typical gable roof with vinyl siding and soffits. YMMV if your construction is different.

Hope this helps.

This is interesting - i have an amp that would need to be turned-on running my outdoor system now - it has an SXM satellite receiver. My extra echo-dot could go into a different input. (i could get a phone driven IR remote too.)

Do you just tell alexa on your phone to "play xxx" on the "outdoor echo" ??

hmm xxx on the outdoor might not be a good example.
 
This is interesting - i have an amp that would need to be turned-on running my outdoor system now - it has an SXM satellite receiver. My extra echo-dot could go into a different input. (i could get a phone driven IR remote too.)

Do you just tell alexa on your phone to "play xxx" on the "outdoor echo" ??

hmm xxx on the outdoor might not be a good example.
Essentially yes. You register your echo devices with Spotify via the Alexa phone app. Once the two services are connected, the echo devices will appear in Spotify when clicking on the "play on device" list. I've named mine Patio Audio to delineate it from the other junk on the network.
 

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I have been very disappointed with the latest Sonos app. It is wonky and not user friendly at all. I went with a portable Sonos Move for outdoor listening. It works well when we are out there and I get the added benefit of having another Sonos speaker in the house when we are inside. Just need to remember to bring it outside when we want tunes out there
 
Option 2: Amazon Echo + solid state amp. Spotify can be streamed to any Amazon Echo device and many folks seem to have a extra kicking around (And if not, the basic puck models are dirt cheap). These have a line level audio out that can be piped into a mini amp to then drive outdoor speakers. This was the route I took since i had a spare Echo Dot and when paired with a 2 channel solid state Fosi amp off amazon, the total cost was very reasonable. This amp plus the Yamaha speakers will absolutely flood our backyard area even on just 50% volume. I dont see a need for any more power from the amp, power supply or speakers that i chose for casual outdoor listening. I was all in for about $200 with this route.
I do Option 2 with SMSL amps. I can stream my favorite Apps though the Echo, and have one in the hangout rooms and garage.

My other option is a 1st Gen iPad with my full music library, played via Bluetooth speaker.

I am following this thread as I would like exterior options for the deck at our new place...
 
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