Backyard Speakers

[sully]

I have 4 Polk Atrium5 (8 ohms) speakers installed in my backyard and I'm wonder the best way to power them is. Either use a Connect:AMP and have two speakers per channel, or use a Connect with a separate 4 channel amplifier. If I had an external amplifier I would also need to rig it to turn on and off automatically. For economic and simplicity reasons I would prefer to just use a Connect:AMP, but I'm not sure it will be able to power them.

[blewispunk]

I had the same dilemma and opted to get a connect and separate amp. The reasons I decided to do this opposed to the connect amp are:
1. Cost. For $150 more I didn't feel like the amp had enough value. I decided to apply that $150 towards an amp that had more functionality. I ended up with a nice Denon amp from Craigslist for $75.
2. Speaker outs. I wanted to have 2 zones of outside speakers. It would be nice to be able to turn them on or off remotely but that would require two connect:amps. Using the Denon amp I have 2 selectable zones from the one sonos connect but I do have to go to my amp to change what zones are on / off (but this is not a common occurrence so not too much hassle).

I do just leave this amp on all the time so from a electrical waste standpoint there is something to be said about that. But, I'm not sure how much draw this constantly pulls when not in use compared to what a connect:amp would pull. May not be significant but I really don't know.

Best of luck with your setup! I found that my backyard experience is so much nicer now that I can bring my music outside. It is such a great feeling to be listening to music in the yard then walk inside to grab a beer and have the exact same music playing in the kitchen for a seamless transition.

[danielschell]

I reckon the Connect:AMP would be fine powering the Polk Atriums.

I have a Connect:AMP powering a pair of (8 Ohm) Definitive Audio 6500 speakers which are massive and they go LOUD.

Even with large parties or just alone and in the mood I never have the volume past half way...

Pictures here: http://danonit.blogspot.com.au/2011/...-of-house.html