MP3 connection to speakers

Happy_Macomb

I have an MP3 player, and I am about to buy some Polk All-Weather speakers (Atrium 55).

My question: I want to be able to play tunes on my MP-3 at outdoor parties on the Atrium speakers - nothing more. What equipment do I need to connect my MP-3 (an IPod) to the speakers? I don't want to pay more than I have to and don't want to buy features I don't need.

I don't need to connect my TV, CD player, computer, etc., to the new speakers. I don't need to listen to the radio. (I have a good Onkyo receiver to do those things indoors -- that is not the issue.)

All I want to do is be able to connect the MP3 to the outdoor speakers and have the sound be adequately amplified so I can play it outside for parties (specifically, my daughter's high school graduation party). The receiver (or do I just need an amp?) will sit inside -- it doesn't need to be "all-weather." My regular Onkyo receiver is too far away to be convenient -- plus I don't want my daughters' friends messing with it!

Thanks!

cfrizz

Welcome to Club Polk.

All you need is an IC connection that you would plug into one of your open inputs (I use my VCR input) left/right and the other end of the connector plugs into your mp3 player.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Belkin+-+7'+Stereo+Audio+Cable/9887935.p?id=1218189763075&skuId=9887935

Happy_Macomb

Thanks for your response, but I'm confused. You mention open inputs -- open input in what? I'm trying to connect the MP3 to the speaker. Are you saying I can connect the MP3 directly to the speaker without an amp or anything to power the MP3 signal?

Specifically, you wrote: All you need is an IC connection that you would plug into one of your open inputs (I use my VCR input) [do you mean an open input in the speaker??? In the manual I only see the usual binding posts] left/right and the other end of the connector plugs into your mp3 player.

I am trying to avoid buying a receiver for this setup, or if I have to get one, only getting a minimalist one designed to do only what I need (amplify the MP3 signal going to the speakers.

Am I missing something in your response?

Echosphere

Happy_Macomb wrote: »

Thanks for your response, but I'm confused. You mention open inputs -- open input in what? I'm trying to connect the MP3 to the speaker. Are you saying I can connect the MP3 directly to the speaker without an amp or anything to power the MP3 signal?

Specifically, you wrote: All you need is an IC connection that you would plug into one of your open inputs (I use my VCR input) [do you mean an open input in the speaker??? In the manual I only see the usual binding posts] left/right and the other end of the connector plugs into your mp3 player.

I am trying to avoid buying a receiver for this setup, or if I have to get one, only getting a minimalist one designed to do only what I need (amplify the MP3 signal going to the speakers.

Am I missing something in your response?

Yes, you need an amp. The headphone output from the iPod, while it does have a volume level, isn't powerful enough.

Grab this cable and this little VERY sweet amp:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=240-098
Dayton DTA-1 Class T Digital Amplifier 15 WPC

Use the cable to plug your iPod headphone output into the Dayton input on the back, then run some speaker wires to the Atrium 55 and you are ready to rock.

Btw, Dayton runs on batteries. It has space for an AC plug in. Just take it to Radio Shack and they find you the right power supply.

You'll be amazed at the amp! I know some will not agree, but I almost like the sound better than my Mark Levinson at lower volumes. It's sound better than your Onkyo!

Happy_Macomb

Thank you! So I don't need a receiver then, just an amp?

And will this have enough power to run the speakers outside for a party (15 teenagers, 15 adults)? We don't want to blast them, but we do want the music to be heard. Sorry, I don't know what decibels that would be. The speakers are rated 100 watts per channel, whereas the Polk seems to be 10 to 15 watts, though I may be comparing apples and oranges.

packetjones

you definitely need an amp. Some receivers have a zone 2 output as well that you could use as well. the little amp above seems like a pretty cost effective solution. Don't worry about the watts listed. Just be mindful of the volume. dont try to turn it up to loud using a 15w amp.

Happy_Macomb

Thanks, Packetjones. Is there any way I will know that I am reaching the limits of the amp? And if I exceed those, is the only problem that wither the sound will be distorted or worse, that I will damage the amp -- or could I possibly damage either the speakers or the MP3 (each of which costs way more than the amp, so that would be a bad outcome)?

Echosphere

Awww! Had forgotten about the possibility of the Zone 2, good thinking! Though, I get the distinct feeling though he doesn't want a dozen crazed HS kids touching his beloved Onkyo?

Packetjones is on a roll here, especially in regards to the 15watts. Yes, there is a chance, if it cranked up real loud, which can be easy in an outdoor environment, easier than you think... of damaging the speakers. The amp and iPod would be fine, but there is a possibility of frying the tweeter.

This is how it goes:
An underpowered amp, if cranked up insanely loud for long periods can "clip" the tweeter. Meaning, it is not sending enough juice to the tweeter and thus cuts in and out creating a connection issue that finally destroys the tweeter. Tweeter are usually expensive to replace.

An over powered amplifier, played real loud for a long time can cause the woofer to bounce so far in and out that it's literally snaps and breaks. Woofer are usually cheaper to replace.

Now I know your next question. What if you I buy an amp with the exact same ratings as the speakers? Can that hurt them? Yes it can, if played real loud, for a long time especially hard rock music and such. You also have the ability to fry your tweeter and/or woofer. Though, this is a bit less of a chance than the two scenarios above.

If you won't be rocking it, though, with a dozen teenagers, how can they not? then the Dayton would be great! Plus, you'll love that amp! Great sound for 2 channel stereo, in the office, use for the computer, or for parties on the go.

It really has a sweet sound! Oh, just remembered, you gotta read this review at 6 Moons!
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/sonicimpact/t.html

Happy_Macomb

Ok, that's really helpful, Echosphere, and final question I promise: How can I know if I am doing something that might damage the speakers? Should I be listening for the woofer to bounce around -- in other words, whopping distortion and breaks in the sound?

And yes, zone 2 is out because I don't want the teens playing with the receiver. "Beloved" might be saying a bit much, but I'm pretty happy with it.

With regard to the review you linked to, that is for a different amp than the Dayton, yes? Are you recommending that over the Dayton?

Echosphere

Happy_Macomb wrote: »

Ok, that's really helpful, Echosphere, and final question I promise: How can I know if I am doing something that might damage the speakers? Should I be listening for the woofer to bounce around -- in other words, whopping distortion and breaks in the sound?

And yes, zone 2 is out because I don't want the teens playing with the receiver. "Beloved" might be saying a bit much, but I'm pretty happy with it.

With regard to the review you linked to, that is for a different amp than the Dayton, yes? Are you recommending that over the Dayton?

Yup that is pretty much it. If you start to hear the sound distort, just ease off the throttle SLOWLY.

Btw, a member is selling one here new for $40. Grab it and have a great party! Take care!
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102163

Happy_Macomb

Thanks thanks thanks! I don't have the history he wants, but I'll see if he's willing to sell. I need it by Friday, though.....

Happy_Macomb

By the way, if anyone else is considering the Dayton, according to its write-up on Parts Express (quoted below) it includes both the MP3 connector (just 6" long) and the switching power supply (with quick-release US and European style plugs), so you don't have to rely on batteries.

Here is what Parts Express says: "Don't let the compact size fool you; Dayton Audio's DTA-1 amplifier has the heart of a serious performer. A proprietary Class-T amplifier chip makes the DTA-1 88% efficient while producing imaging, dynamics, and sound quality that rivals esoteric tube amplifiers. This makes the DTA-1 T-Amp an obvious choice for powering high efficiency single driver speakers. Up to 15 watts of power per channel is on tap to push desktop and bookshelf speakers for the ultimate portable hifi setup at home, or in your office. The Dayton DTA-1 T-amp can run off of 8 AA batteries for total portability, or the included switching power supply (with quick-release US and European style plugs). A rear mounted 3.5 mm stereo (1/8") audio input. Includes a 6 in. 3.5 mm coiled male-to-male cable for making connections to iPods, MP3 players, PCs,and portable CD or DVD players. Spring-loaded push terminals are designed for quick speaker wire termination. Intelligent short-circuit and over-temperature protection ensure amplifier longevity.

* Palm-size Class-T 30 watt amplifier
* Battery or AC powered—power supply included—for perfect portability
* 88% efficient
* Superior sound quality
* Soft turn-on eliminates annoying speaker pop
* CE and RoHS rated design

Specifications: • Power output: 2 x 15 watts RMS (into 4 ohms @ 10% THD), 2 x 10 watts RMS (into 4 ohms @ 0.1% THD) • Efficiency: Greater than 88% • Dynamic range: 102 dB • Dimensions: 2" H x 6-1/8" W x 3-3/4" D. "

Echosphere

Happy_Macomb wrote: »

Thanks thanks thanks! I don't have the history he wants, but I'll see if he's willing to sell. I need it by Friday, though.....

Eh, for $40 I'm sure he won't care.

Echosphere

Happy_Macomb wrote: »

By the way, if anyone else is considering the Dayton, according to its write-up on Parts Express (quoted below) it includes both the MP3 connector (just 6" long) and the switching power supply (with quick-release US and European style plugs), so you don't have to rely on batteries.

Here is what Parts Express says: "Don't let the compact size fool you; Dayton Audio's DTA-1 amplifier has the heart of a serious performer. A proprietary Class-T amplifier chip makes the DTA-1 88% efficient while producing imaging, dynamics, and sound quality that rivals esoteric tube amplifiers. This makes the DTA-1 T-Amp an obvious choice for powering high efficiency single driver speakers. Up to 15 watts of power per channel is on tap to push desktop and bookshelf speakers for the ultimate portable hifi setup at home, or in your office. The Dayton DTA-1 T-amp can run off of 8 AA batteries for total portability, or the included switching power supply (with quick-release US and European style plugs). A rear mounted 3.5 mm stereo (1/8") audio input. Includes a 6 in. 3.5 mm coiled male-to-male cable for making connections to iPods, MP3 players, PCs,and portable CD or DVD players. Spring-loaded push terminals are designed for quick speaker wire termination. Intelligent short-circuit and over-temperature protection ensure amplifier longevity.

* Palm-size Class-T 30 watt amplifier
* Battery or AC powered—power supply included—for perfect portability
* 88% efficient
* Superior sound quality
* Soft turn-on eliminates annoying speaker pop
* CE and RoHS rated design

Specifications: • Power output: 2 x 15 watts RMS (into 4 ohms @ 10% THD), 2 x 10 watts RMS (into 4 ohms @ 0.1% THD) • Efficiency: Greater than 88% • Dynamic range: 102 dB • Dimensions: 2" H x 6-1/8" W x 3-3/4" D. "

That's cool! The original Sonic Impact one didn't come with a power supply and that can cost $10-15 at Radio Shack.

You might want to ask the seller if he has it, just in case.

Hope you get it!

Happy_Macomb

Ha! Turns out there is a 10-post minimum before I can post a private message, so I think I'm out of luck on the Dayton that is for sale on this forum. But the difference in price is small enough that it isn't worth worrying about. Still, thanks for telling me about it. Come to think of it, if I keep posting I might get to that 10-post minimum pretty soon.

Echosphere

Happy_Macomb wrote: »

Ha! Turns out there is a 10-post minimum before I can post a private message, so I think I'm out of luck on the Dayton that is for sale on this forum. But the difference in price is small enough that it isn't worth worrying about. Still, thanks for telling me about it. Come to think of it, if I keep posting I might get to that 10-post minimum pretty soon.

Sooooo, tell me how your day was?

Happy_Macomb

LOL. Decided just to order from Parts Express.

Echosphere

Happy_Macomb wrote: »

LOL. Decided just to order from Parts Express.

Great! Let us know how it sounds.