Amp for Garden Speakers

[Goldberg]

Bought some 50w 'Rock' speakers for the Garden last week.

I wired them up at the weekend, putting the cable through the wall to a Phono socket which I can then plug in either an iPod or direct from my Airport Express.
It all works but the maximum volume is just nice and subtle. I would like to add a little more 'ooopmh' occasionally so I feel an amp is required.

I do not want something huge nor expensive, I simply want an amp that I can plug the audio source into that then feeds the speakers. Again they are only 50w and the Garden is only 4m x 15m
I have placed the speakers in a location where you can hear them all around the Garden, I just need the extra kick.

From the iPhone/iPod Classic I found it was louder then an iPad or the Airport Express so I know there is more volume available.

Any pointers appreciated.

[Goldberg]

Would something like this do?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50W-Stereo...item3cd111a027

[Goldberg]

Thought so, thanks

anyhow, I ordered one of the above (or similar) - I am sure that this will be fine.

[Lighty]

Got a lot more to do with the speakers mate than anything else, what ohms are the speakers, also what are the physical dimensions of these rock speakers? When you say oomph, that the problem you see you need enough airspace inside the speaker containers to give you that punch of air release in order to create a fuller bassy sound. Basically that volume limit is set for a reason.

[Goldberg]

I think the problem is I was trying to power them just from the iPod/iPhone which is designed to power headphones.
I have gone for a 20w amp, it was only £10 with a PSU so if it does not improve it then not a problem.

The volume at the moment is 'Ambient' on full, but I would like just a little bit more for when we have more people round chatting etc..
Unfortunately I have nothing with powered speakers (at least with an output) to test so my only option is to try this.

[Zoots]

I think you'll be fine with that.
Had a similar problem myself and wired the speakers up to a portable active jobby with an output so essentially an amp. I find keeping the amp volume low and cranking the (boosted) volume on the ipod gets best results.

[Goldberg]

Thats the plan, have the Amp volume set and then control it with the iPod/iPad.

The overall plan is to use Airplay via the Airport express in the back room, but I do have the bonus of been able to plug things directly into it should I feel the need.

If only my Zeppelin Air had an 'output' then I wouldn't need the Amp as it sits next to the Airport Express..

[BigBird]

Bought some 50w 'Rock' speakers for the Garden last week.

As soon as I saw this a Gary Larson Far Side cartoon materialised in my head.

Picture two gardens side by side. In one garden you have Goldberg putting up his garden speakers. In the other garden you have an old couple quietly relaxing in their garden recliners. By his clothing it is clear that the old guy is a retired army general. In the ex-general's garden and just off to the edge of the cartoon you partly see a chieftain tank which the general has obviously acquired as a souvenir from his army days. The caption: 'Trouble Brewing'.

If you are a fan of Gary Larson's Far Side you will understand why this popped into my head as soon as I read Goldberg's post. Wish I could draw to create the cartoon. (">

[Goldberg]

We have a Geordie Bloke living one side, so I have someone I can chat to footy too (Talk Sport in the Garden and there will be no complaints from him). On the other side we have a Homosexual Couple who have just moved in. They practice Opera every night and shake the pictures on the wall in our back room!!! Payback with some hardcore Drum and Bass me thinks!

[Goldberg]

Update on this, Amp turned up (from Korea, hence the time...) - came with power adapter which would have been fine if I was plugging it into my car..

Anyhow, a quick Amazon purchase and last night I had it all set up. Sounds very very good! Shame it did not turn up last weekend for the BBQ I had, but an excuse for a few more before the summer begins/is out.

What I like is I am playing the music through one of the Airport Express I have. This means when I am in Ibiza this weekend and the Wife is at home with the In-laws visiting, I could have a bit of a laugh and start playing random shite through the Garden speakers when I know they will be sat out in it.

[muttleymacclad]

Surely you can only use the airport express for airplay when it's in your home network. Or have I missed a trick over the last few years with mine?


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[Goldberg]

I use Logmein to remote in then play through iTunes choosing the Airport Express as the output.

[muttleymacclad]

Lol, of course.

I should try that at home one day.



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