Help with this set up!

[Deacon]

My BIL just had a house built and he has a back patio with an outdoor fireplace. He had the builder install outdoor speakers (2) over the fireplace. The speakers are terminated at a wall plate right behind the TV mount over the fireplace. So just in case you didn't connect the dots, the wall plate that the speaker wires connect to is on the outside of the house. It is under the shelter of the awning that the patio provides but in no other way is it protected from the elements.

Now it seems the only way to get these speakers to work is by using an external amp which is simple and I told him I would just give him one of my old HT receivers that should do the job. My only problems is I can't help but think having a receiver sitting out in the open elements like that is a potential fire hazard or could lead to other problems.

What say you? Can an external amp like a receiver sit outside without problems?

 

[Flint]

Perhaps, but the ventilation openings are VERY likely to allow spiders and bugs to get inside the unit and over time dust will very aggressively collect on the spider webs and other stuff inside the chassis.

I have a covered patio and chose to use a super tiny $60 Class-D amplifier which has no openings on the chassis as it runs super cool. It also only cost me $60, but if it does fail, I can easily justify buying a new replacement. I then put an Amazon Echo out there as the music / radio source and I leave it all turned on 100% of the time. I did that almost a decade ago and all of the gear, including my self-built speakers, are still working just fine and I use them several times a week.

 

[Deacon]

Yeah, I was also worried about dew and condensation moisture collecting inside the chassis, didn't even think about bugs. I'm sure he wants to view sports etc. out on the patio so the TV will be the source but I knew the TV wouldn't run the speakers. Sounds like a small 2 channel amp would do the trick then. Can this be configured to run the speakers like a soundbar?

 

[Flint]

If a TV is a source and price matters, most TVs have either a line level stereo output or an optical digital output which can be configured for stereo. With the former, a simple line level cable (either RCA to RCA, or 3.5mm to RCA) can be used. With the later, there are little USB powered DACs that can be purchased for less than $20 (I use one for my Family Room TV to stereo preamp interface and it sounds perfect). The only drawback to a $60 Class-D amp I can think of is they typically do not have remotes for volume control. On my patio I placed the amp where I can easily reach it, and the Amazon Echo can be verbally instructed to alter the volume with ease.

If, however, his choice in a TV does not have analog stereo or Toslink digital outputs, then I guess he'd have to either get an amp with HDMI Arc input, or a converter from ARC to analog to feed a cheaper amp. If he is willing to spend more, like $250, there are many digital amps on the market which are both physically smaller AND have inputs for multiple digital sources, including HDMI Arc. I believe Wiim makes one the audiophile world is very fond of.

 

[Flint]

This is the WiiM amp that has an HDMI input (and is controlled via one's phone). It is also a killer streaming device, if he's interested in streaming.

WiiM Ultra | The Ultimate Digital Hub for Your Music

The WiiM Ultra redefines your audio experience by bringing Hi-Res streaming capabilities, advanced room correction, and smart home integration to your existing setup, be it powered speakers or amplifiers. It seamlessly connects with a wide range of devices, offering a versatile audio solution.

www.wiimhome.com