Desperate In Mexico

[beachgal]

First, I want to apologize for my ignorance in stereo equipment. I own a small bar in Mexico on the beach and need some basic advise. Here's the dilema: I only use a receiver for two things, 1) to use XM radio and 2) to hook a cable to connect the receiver to the TV so the tv sound runs thru the speaker system. Because we are right across from the beach - the elements ruin equipment quite frequently. Receivers are very hard to come by and crazy expensive here. About twice a year I have friends bring them to me from the states. Well, this has worked fine but now I have added a deck and need 6 speakers and the receivers I have will not handle this. Is it possible to find a relatively inexpensive receiver that will allow me to hook up 6 speakers to it? I am on overload at looking at information becasue I don't understand what I am looking for to buy a receiver that will do this. Plus the fact that my last receiver finally died and I now have two days to figure out what receiver to buy so a friend can bring it to me. ANY information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for helping get music back in my bar!!!!

 

[agarwalro]

Electronics might be a touch one due to the climate. I can only recommend getting professional grade electronics rather than Home Theater grade.

As for speakers, this site lists some Outdoor speakers for deck/ patio use.

http://www.outdoorspeakerdepot.com/patiospeakers.html

 

[rnatalli]

If you're looking for dirt cheap, I'd say Onkyo and Yamaha make some good receivers for very cheap. If your looking for a receiver to push 6 speakers at background volumes, almost anything will work. If you want some real volume and thump, then you have to move up the chain. Unfortunately, electronics and where you are don't go well so anything you get will last only so long.

 

[markw]

Is it possible to find a relatively inexpensive receiver that will allow me to hook up 6 speakers to it?

Yes, but you should invest in an "impedance matching speaker selector". Here's some examples.

http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=acc_selector

Remember, three pairs is six speakers and six pairs is twelve speakers. This may have some bearing in your decision here.

Also remember, more speakers will require more power (and be able to handle a four ohm load) from your receiver. Wimpy units need not apply.

 

[beachgal]

Thanks so far!

Thanks for your replies. I do understand that anything I buy will only last so long here - trust me, we have tvs, wireless internet, music, sat tv, etc - and all equipment is replaced regularly. I am looking up this impedance matching speaker selector to see what it is, I only need to connect 6 speakers - not 12. I have decent outdoor speakers - they are readily available here. In order to have "more power" what do I need? Whether I am looking at a dirt cheap (which I am not) or mid priced model - what type of info do I need to make sure is listed in the specs? All of the pics I look at on line show the back of the receiver with space for 2 sets (4) speakers. Is this where the impedance selector comes in? Sorry to sound like an idiot but I am learning! Thanks.

 

[darien87]

I think pretty much every receiver out there, (this year's models), will drive 6 speakers, as 7.1 surround sound has pretty much become a standard. Look at mid-level receivers by Yamaha, Denon and Onkyo. You can't go wrong with any of those. My Yamaha 661 will do 7.1 and I got it online for $400. I think the 661 would work just fine for what you want to do. Find a way to protect it from the elements though, so you don't have to keep spending the same money over and over again.

Here's some links to help you out.
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/avreceivers.html?CTID=5000200

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/AVReceivers.asp

http://www.us.onkyo.com/prod_class.cfm?class=Receiver

 

[AVRat]

If all you have is 6 speakers, you could use a 7.1 channel receiver and run it in all channel stereo mode. What might the budget be for recommendations.

 

[beachgal]

budget

Really don't have one - would like to spend less than $500 if possible. But it seems like in that price range there is only 5.1 available - not 7.1 - and I am understanding that I need the 7.1 to run 6 speakers - is that correct? Thanks. You are all invited for margaritas if I can get this resolved

 

[ParadigmDawg]

You can get a Yamaha 659 for less than 300 bucks that will drive your 6 speakers. You dont need a 7.1 to run 6 speakers that's just what you get; you can hook "up to 7" speakers and the .1 is the sub.

With a name like beachgal and you running a bar; I feel certain that some of us guys will bring you the gear and install it for free!!!!!

 

[AVRat]

Not sure where you friend will purchase it, but if you check Best Buy and Circuit City's sites you'll find something that'll suit your needs.

 

[beachgal]

Will let you know

I have some friends coming this week - they have purchased 3 different units for me - will let you know how it goes! Thanks for everyone's help - will update soon

 

[gguerra]

There are many options and I am only familiar with Yamaha not Onkyo.. The HTR-5940 offers 105 WPC x 6 for only $199 + shipping. Check B&H Photo online
bhphotovideo dot com and click Home Entertainment.. Best Buy and Circuit City are way overpriced. I would also check fleabay if that's an option. That's where I got my unit (HTR-5960) and I am very pleased with it.