[kkirt1]

I would like just a couple simple things but after lots of research have not been able to put my finger on exactly what I need.  I member from a boating forum sent me here.

I have an Iphone and a computer with Itunes loaded with tons of music.  I would like to have a couple outdoor speakers around the pool - nothing fancy.  I can protect the components from the weather but that protection would prevent easy access to the unit and from using an IR remote.  The remote for choosing music and volume would be nice.

Your help for an admitted newbie would be appreciated.

[srb]

Assuming you have a WiFi wireless router, you could get an Apple Airport Express to stream the library from your iTunes computer and use an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad to control music selection and volume with the Remote app from the iTunes app store. (Provided you have WiFi coverage in your pool area)

Yes, you would be using a digital volume control versus the analog control on an amplifier, but in a casual setting it works pretty good.  That's what I do on my patio.

If you use ~ 90dB sensitivity outdoor speakers, something like the Dayton DTA-100a amplifier from Parts Express ($80) may be all you need for amplification.

Steve

[Wayner]

Many communities have ordinances against loud music from private homes, so I would check with your local government folks on the restrictions for volume. In my town, 50 feet is the limit for neighbors hearing other neighbors amplified "what ever", and violations are a misdemeanor. My motto is that I love my own music, but probably don't like my neighbors.

Wayner

[jarcher]

I'd do as Steve sugests - or honestly sometimes it's better to just get one of those portable bluetooth speakers w/ rechargeable batteries (like a Logitech Wireless Boom). 

Refurb : $86.06 shipped
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?InvtId=RU-802-120-0001&utm_source=GoogleProducts&utm_medium=ShoppingSites&utm_campaign=RU-802-120-0001&zmam=2003677&zmas=15&zmac=241&zmap=RU-802-120-0001

New: $125 shipped
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/866962-REG/Logitech_984_000181_Wireless_Boombox.html

Also seen them at local Sears.

I have the previous non-bluetooth model and it's surprisingly loud and nice sounding for the money. And you don't have to worry about mounting speakers or running wiring, etc.  And at that cost you're not too worried about damage.

I have some Yamaha outdoor speakers - my only suggestion if you go that route : don't get them in white as after a year or so they'll look pretty gunky. Not unless you want to try to repaint them or replace them.  Better to go w/ something in black or darker color. 

[BobM]

The hardest thing to reproduce in the great outdoors is bass. There's just no boundaries so there's no reinforcement. And you can't just make it louder because then the top end will get REALLY loud. Best thing I've found is using an older integrated amp with a loudness button.

I have a pair of Near's that I just love by my deck/pool.

[electricbear]

You could use a Sonos Connect Amp with a pair of Klipsch AW650 outdoor speakers. The Sonos amp is 55wpc and the Klipsch have a 95db efficiency. They will play plenty loud and the Sonos via it's app will give you total control over it all. The Sonos Amp runs around $500 and the Klipssh retail for $550pr.

[cody69]

Assuming you have a WiFi wireless router, you could get an Apple Airport Express to stream the library from your iTunes computer and use an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad to control music selection and volume with the Remote app from the iTunes app store. (Provided you have WiFi coverage in your pool area)

Yes, you would be using a digital volume control versus the analog control on an amplifier, but in a casual setting it works pretty good.  That's what I do on my patio.

If you use ~ 90dB sensitivity outdoor speakers, something like the Dayton DTA-100a amplifier from Parts Express ($80) may be all you need for amplification.

Steve

In your setup, is the Airport Express and amp located inside the house, with cables running outdoor to the speakers? Or have you located these electronics outdoor in a "sheltered" area?

Not knowing for sure, and concerned with the effect of relative outdoor humidity on the electronics, I went the route of locating the Airport Express/amp combination indoors, with a long cable run to a screened in gazebo.

[gregfisk]

When using an IR remote with equipment that is put away a simple solution is to buy a repeater and mount the IR sensor with line of sight to your location. Here's a link to a product that works great. The suggestions above are also good ones IMO.

http://www.xantech.com/

Hope this helps......

Greg

[srb]

In your setup, is the Airport Express and amp located inside the house, with cables running outdoor to the speakers? Or have you located these electronics outdoor in a "sheltered" area?

My patio has an outside access utility room where the Airport Express and amplifier are located, so they are well protected and my speaker cables are only ~ 15 feet.

While a Sonos is nice and combines wireless and amplifier in one box, the modularity of the Airport Express ($90) and the Dayton DTA-100a amp ($80) or similar is also nice if either of them should need replacement due to environmental conditions or otherwise.

With the addition of a pair of speakers like the Yamaha NSAW350B ($90), you can put the whole system together for just a little over $250.

Steve