May Q&A Summary: OUTDOOR AUDIO

Outdoor Audio Systems have very different needs compared to an indoor system. If you plan to play your music (or podcasts) outdoors on a regular basis, you will be much better served installing a proper outdoor audio system.

An outdoor audio system can be powered in a couple of different ways.
1. The number one way Is to use a regular stereo amplifier or receiver connected to your outdoor speakers. This is the most common way to achieve this.

2. Secondly, you can also use a commercial 70 V amplifier. This would be used if you are using more than four speakers in the system.

To either amplifier you can add either a streaming device, such as Sonos, or a CD player, as well as an FM tuner.

Wiring an Outdoor Audio System
. I have seen too many outdoor systems wired with indoor rated lamp cord! NO NO NO! Wiring must be direct burial rated. You can also put wiring in conduit -- either PVC or metal.

This is the part of the system that needs the most attention, especially for connections. I can't tell you how many installations I've seen with regular wire nuts used to make underground connections! At the very least use the gel filled ones! Water, hence corrosion, can find its way into the copper wiring, turning the wire green with corrosion.

This is why we use only Coastal Source cabling and equipment. All of their cable systems lock together creating a watertight seal and connection. AND they have a lifetime guarantee!!!

Including Outdoor Audio Systems in You Smart Home Automation
We can also successfully integrate our outdoor systems, both audio and lighting, into an automation system. It takes more expertise and a little more equipment, but it can be done. Especially if we do the installation!

Speaker Styles available for Outdoors
There are MANY various styles of outdoor audio speakers that will satisfy your listening preferences, as well as the aesthetics of your home. You can find fixtures that look like landscape lighting, ones that hang on a wall like a picture, and ones that look like rocks, and so many more! You can even mount speakers in your pool!

See our website page: https://www.bentleyelectronicsystems.com/audio for examples and more details. OR, contact Bob for a free, no-obligtion, in-home demonstration. You won't believe your ears!