Outdoor Audio System

[jmcmathortho]

Any suggestions on an outdoor audio system (Amp +/- Receiver). I want a system I can install outside by the pool so I can control the source and volume at poolside instead of going into the house to mess with the receiver.
I have looked at Marine Audio amps and head units, but with the 12 volt supply being an issue I would need a high power supply 12V 50Amp or a deep cycle battery with a trickle charger. Then I would need to worry about lightning surges and weatherproofing and overheating/ventilation. I am looking for something as simple as possible with good power and options to expand. I could run the system from inside but I would need a way to control the amp and I don't know if a RF remoted would be able to satisfy this. I would like to play an IPOD, FM radio, sat radio. I need at least a four speaker system that will require probably at least a 4 channel amp (500-600 watt range). Thanks for any suggestions. This has me stumped. I also want to keep the cost below $2000.

 

[pzaur]

This seems to be what you're looking for.
Marine Amplifier

Never used it and have no experience with the company other than what I've read.

-pat

 

[jmcmathortho]

Pat, Thanks for the suggestion. I have studied their selection of speakers. That is an amp I have not seen before on there site. This looks similar to the TIC 10 outdoor amp. It only runs 2.5 watts per channel and the sound quality is suspect. I'll have to wait on their description but the price seems too low to have any significant power. I have thought about getting a weatherproof outdoor rack enclosure for a good power amp. But haven't found any enclosures reasonably priced. JM

 

[Rickster71]

Maybe something like this:
http://www.outdooraudio.com/index.htm

 

[Rickster71]

Found another: http://www.ticcorp.com/outdoor_amplifiers.htm

Do you have a pool house or gazebo, some type of enclosure?
Most of systems need to be sheltered from direct sun and rain.

 

[jmcmathortho]

I do not have a pool house. I will need to mount the equipment in a weatherproof enclosure/case.

Check these out:

trcelectronics.com/Meanwell/se-600-12.shtml

abt.com/product/27326/Sony-XM604M.html?utm_source=scfroogle

hodgesmarine.com/Fusion-Ms-Ip500g-Ipod-Marine-Stereo-Unit-Grey-p/fusms-ip500g.html

outdoorspeakerdepot.com/ostfrosp4.html

I am concerned that the other recommendations will not have enough power to drive 4 speakers. Plus I can always add speakers if I add a balanced volume control.

I like the idea of being able to plug my ipod into the unit and not have to fumble with cables. I could then put the head unit in the listening area and hide the amp and transformer in an enclosure.

Any ideas on a fiberglass or plastic enclosure I could open during operation and close to weatherproof the equipment when not in use? I would like to mount it to a wall behind my outdoor fireplace where the pool pump/filter is.

Thanks, JM

 

[fast1]

anybody here dealt with the companies mentioned? seems really interesting

 

[Sounds Good]

what is your indoor setup? is an IR extender and second universal remote possible? i think that might be your easiest/cheapest route (assuming you have a indoor set up that will alow zones and and IR extender)

another note, ive seen it brookstone/shaper image stores, weather proof speakers with built in ipod docks and remotes...

http://www.brookstone.com/store/product.asp?product_code=497362&wid=11&cid=1101&sid=110106&search_type=subcategory&prodtemp=t2

 

[MPatterson]

Your Solution

Go to: Outdooraudio dot com

Weatherproof. Permanent.

Simple to install and operate. Convenient localized control over your music.

Allows an entire outdoor stereo system to be setup in under an hour.

Designed for use in areas such as a deck, boat dock, hot tub, swimming pool, patio, sports court and more.

Love It or Return It

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I just use zone 2 from my AVR, it goes out to the patio and controls the plasma and outdoor audio using Niles IR gear and a cheap Harmony remote.

 

[highfigh]

RTI makes a waterproof remote but I don't remember if it uses RF. Harmony RF extenders act as repeaters, so if you need better range, you can add one, even if it's not actually being used to send commands to anything- the only possible problem may be the speed of commands issued by the remote.

Re: weatherproofing the outdoor equipment- you don't say where you are, so it's hard to recommend ways to do this. If you're in AZ or some other dry place, it's far different from New England Noreaster storms.

I don't know why you're worried about lightning surges with a 12VDC system.

How loud do you want it and how loud can it be without annoying your neighbors?

 

[Rickster71]

Go to: Outdooraudio dot com

Weatherproof. Permanent.
Simple to install and operate. Convenient localized control over your music.
Allows an entire outdoor stereo system to be setup in under an hour.
Designed for use in areas such as a deck, boat dock, hot tub, swimming pool, patio, sports court and more.
Love It or Return It

This was already mentioned in post #4

 

[audiofox]

This was already mentioned in post #4

Seems that this company is about to go through some sort of change:

http://www.outdooraudio.com/products.htm