I've got an idea for what I'd like to do in the backyard, but I'm not sure of the best way to go about it. I'd like to permanently mount two speakers on my covered patio and two more on the pergola across the yard. Connecting them to power shouldn't be too difficult. Running all four to an amp would definitely be trickier. And I'd like to play spotify on them via phone/iPad/computer. Any suggestions on setup or specific speakers? Thanks nerdery.

Bookmaked

If they are within the range of bluetooth, buy two pairs of outdoor bluetooth speakers. Control from your ipad/whatever sitting in your lap.

That seems easiest, but bluetooth range is usually limited, right? Could it stretch ~50 feet across a yard?

Probably not (50 ft.). More like 30-ish, but open air has more range.

I have a some what similar setup here and use Sonos connect amps to run all my music thru. A little pricey but they are fantastic pieces of equipment, provided you can get wifi to them...

Pics

Nice setup. So you use the connect amp with non-sonos outdoor speakers? Where do you keep the amp?

I have a powered weatherproof enclosure, with a fan for it, as well as for a mini dish receiver for a TV. I have it hooked up to 4 6 in outdoor speakers in the ceiling.

Sounds good! Can you start tomorrow?

Just thought I'd bump this to see if anyone else has a take.

Not a permanent solution, but I just purchased a Big Jambox. I like the fact that its portable and I can use it in the backyard, front yard, or any room in the house. I can use iTunes Home Sharing from my mac to stream wirelessly to my home theater via Apple TV and the Big Jambox at the same time (bluetooth range from mac to jambox is the only limiting factor). Ill only use both at the same time when having people over probably. Otherwise bluetooth from a wireless device to the Jambox on the back porch will suffice.

Great sound for a portable device! Very pleased with this alternative before I take the plunge on something more permanent/substantial.

I'm also using a Sonos Connect (not the amp version, as I have it connected to an AV receiver) to 4 outdoor speakers (2 mounted under patio and 2 rock speakers by pool). My Connect and AVR are inside in a closet, and the speaker cables run outside via the attic and down through my patio overhang ceiling.