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Ubet
Avid Contributor III
June 12, 2023
Answered

adding non sonos speakers to current system

  • June 12, 2023
  • 18 replies
  • 1117 views

I want to add two outdoor speakers that carry some punch. And I see there are cheaper options than the sonos outdoor speakers. Specifically I was looking at klipsch aw350. Being 350w speakers, is the sonos amp enough to power them properly? Or is there a better speaker for outdoors? I want a lot of sound but I’m not going to drop thousands to do it. 

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Best answer by Jamie A

Hi @Ubet,

As they are 85 watt, you can use them but I would recommend placing a volume limit on the Amp in the Sonos app at around 65%. While it shouldn’t damage the speakers if you go higher than that, you may hear clipping and it could decrease the speakers lifespan.

The Sonos Amp is 125 watts per channel, if you’re under 125 watts, then you’ll want a volume limit to prevent the speakers from blowing or being damaged. If you’re worried about this, then I’d suggest looking for speakers that are 130 watts and above. You can still use the speakers you are talking about, but definitely with the volume limit to prevent any issues.

I hope this helps!

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buzz
Grand Maestro
July 23, 2023

If you use “direct burial” speaker wire, the pipe is not required, but the pipe might result in a more “official” looking installation. This is a judgement call. It’s possible that you could run the wires along a siding seam, painted the same color as the siding, and the wire will essentially disappear. Another scheme would be to run the wires up to an attic, then out to the speakers from under the roof eves. Imagination is your friend.

UbetAuthor
Avid Contributor III
July 23, 2023

We have a three decks, two in the front, that are connected by a ramp, one is higher than the other. The other in the back does not see much use. The upper deck is covered and I was thinking I would mount two of the speakers to the 6x6” beam and point them towards the lower deck, a third speaker over a small over hang on the lower deck that covers a swing and maybe the fourth speaker on the same 6” beam but pointed back to the house. I am not sure if that would mess up the imaging though. Or I could install them under the over hang, against the house too, not sure what would be better. We use both porches often but spend more time out in front of them in the drive and towards the road. I don't have to worry about neighbors being pissed off either. 

But I have been reading up on the definitive technology speakers that are rated up to 200w, could the Sonos amp power just two of those correctly? Looking at the aw6500s to be specific. 

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Grand Maestro
July 23, 2023

As I discussed above, speaker ratings are not worth much. If the 200W DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY speakers make you feel more secure, go with them. If they are 8-Ohm speakers, ARC can drive two pairs. I recommend the most efficient speakers.

If you gave me a job “please blowup these speakers”, the last amplifier I’d choose would be a SONOS product because they will make my job harder. I prefer to use a cheap receiver in the 60-80W range.

    UbetAuthor
    Avid Contributor III
    July 31, 2023

    So doing more research, the aw650 is 85 watts with a 340w peak, and that is from Klipsch website. So even running it at 80-90% which won't happen often, they should be ok, correct? With the 125w Sonos amp

     

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    Grand Maestro
    July 31, 2023

    Similar to the accelerator in a car, while sliding the Volume control higher will result in more output, there is no guarantee that limiting to 40, 50, 60% is safe under current conditions.

    There are options in professional equipment that can make operating at damaging levels extremely difficult. These options are not available for home equipment. Overall, the SONOS AMP is one of the safest home products available.

    There is a Volume Limit option for AMP that could be used to limit the Volume control range, but similar to placing a block under the car’s accelerator to limit travel, this does not guarantee safety.

    UbetAuthor
    Avid Contributor III
    August 1, 2023

    Ok thanks. 
     

    Adding a klipsch outdoor sub, if I get two speakers can the sonos amp also power the sub or do I need a second amp?

     

     Yes I’m new to all this

    buzz
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    Grand Maestro
    August 1, 2023

    You will need a powered subwoofer or a 3rd party amplifier for the subwoofer.

    I prefer a powered subwoofer that connects to AMP’s subwoofer output, not a subwoofer that connects to AMP’s speaker output.

      UbetAuthor
      Avid Contributor III
      September 2, 2023

      So I just got everything in as of today (sonos two day shipping is NOT two day). But I digress, sonos amp, 14gauge wire from crutchfield and two klipsch aw650. I got home late tonight, threw some banana plugs on 5’ of wire and set it up temporarily just to try it. 
       

      These speakers sound AWESOME! Even with the bug zapper going off constantly in the background. I think they’re better than the 5s I have inside. Didn’t turn them up past 50% though because it’s 0008 here, the kid and wife wouldn’t appreciate it probably. I’m really happy so far and super excited to get them mounted to tomorrow. 
       

       

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