So I don't really know too much about setting up an audio system, but I'm trying to make some upgrades and I don't know the best route. Basically I have a 5 channel reciever that I have hooked up to the TV and my apple tv. I have surround sound set up in the living room, but I'd like to get some speakers outside to use for cookouts and things of that nature. I'd prefer something wireless, but what I'm wondering is whether I'll need to get a new reciever, or if there is some sort of switch I can set up to toggle between the outdoor wireless and the indoor speakers.

Also, any recommendations on wireless speakers? Ideally looking for something relatively cheap, but decent.

5/2/2011 12:47:14 PM

99% of the time when discussing outdoor speakers you have to take some tradeoff between sound quality, weatherproofing, and portability.

I've used these. They work well, but you can forget about bass response - they're basically a water resistant $20 boombox type sound. The base is really just a 3.5mm plug- you're not pinned to an ipod. They also come in 1 and 2 packs to reduce cost. Of course eCost and Geeks stock them if you want refurbed for half the cost. I liked these because when we do cookouts you can spread the multiple units around and cover a large area with sound.

http://www.amazon.com/Unlimited-SPK-VELO-4KIT2-Premium-Wireless-Transmitter/dp/B003N6SBFE/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1304429204&sr=1-4

My best friends' dad got one of these for tailgating. It does a dang good job - excellent sound, weather resistant, and it can run off a case of D cells. I think it's also available in-store from brookstone.

http://www.amazon.com/Weather-Resistant-Indoor-Outdoor-Wireless-Speaker/dp/B003E6NP3G/ref=sr_1_16?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1304429204&sr=1-16

In the end if you're installing in a house or want something with good sound you definitely need to go ahead and run some wires. Better sound and no need to fool with batteries and the like. If you've just got a porch or small area to cover the big pod looking thing i listed is definitely the way to go. I can only recommend the small speakers if you want to place them across a larger area

5/3/2011 9:38:40 AM

What you want is an Apple Airport Express. Hook that up either to a set of computer speakers (or any powered speakers with a 3.5mm jack), or to a simple 2-channel amp and hook that up to outdoor speakers.

With this setup (assuming you use iTunes), you can switch the outdoor speakers on/off within iTunes, or through the 'Remote' app (free) on your iThing. As bonus, you can also use these speakers with any AirPlay-enabled app (I use it for better sound while watching movies on my iPad.)

I've got this setup in just about every room in my house.

^I'll second the above notion. Wireless speakers kinda suck.

[Edited on May 3, 2011 at 9:59 AM. Reason : h]

5/3/2011 9:56:54 AM

^^ I think I like that top choice there. Not really looking for anything super, just something decent enough to get music outside. I'd ideally like something like that since I can just plug it straight into my reciever. I'll be controlling the music through XBMC on the TV and just wanted the ability to switch from my inside speakers to outside.

My question is this though - with that first set - if I plug them into the headphone jack of my reciever will I have to switch outputs from my normal speaker set to those, or will it play music through both?

5/3/2011 11:50:51 AM

what about regular wireless surround sound speakers?
will be getting a new receiver... get one that does wireless (do any?) or go normal receiver instead?

5/3/2011 9:04:32 PM