Keeping an amplifier outdoors during the summer...?

sparticus

Quick question for those with experience with outdoor speakers:

I've got some Atrium 4's wired to a micro-amp (a small Lepai 25 watt unit). I am reluctant to drill holes through the walls of my house to run the speaker cables into the house to the amp. The amp itself is hooked up to a logitech bluetooth speaker adapter, so physical access will not be frequent, and I really don't have anywhere convenient inside my house to house this setup.

I was wondering...could I just get one of those rubbermaid rubber bins and run the power and speaker cables into there, and keep the logitech and lepai amp in there during the summer months with the lid closed tightly? The amp generates basically zero heat, and if I kept the bin in a shaded area, do you think it would survive? Or would condensation become an issue and eventually fry the amp? I live in Saskatchewan, Canada.

If you have any alternative ideas or thoughts, let me know. Thanks!

tonyb

Electronics need some air, enclosed tub would offer you condensation which is bad. You have no convenient spot for a small lepai amp in the house ? Can't believe that my friend. Get over your fears of making a hole the size of a dime in your house. Maybe you could use a roof vent under your eves to gain access inside if drilling a small hole is going to keep you up at night.

Glen B

You could install a receptacle box on an outside wall, with a speaker terminal wall plate and "CodeKeeper" in-use outdoor cover. The latter come in solid metal and clear plastic, and allow you keep AC power cords plugged in and in use outdoors during wet conditions. I have one in my backyard at an outdoor outlet. These covers can be used for other purposes. I am thinking of adding something similar to what I suggest, to connect my party system speakers outdoors, versus routing wires through the kitchen window every time we have a party in the backyard.

sparticus

It's more of a question about where I would put the Lepai and the bluetooth adapter box inside the house than my unwillingness to drill a hole through the wall of the house (though I am reluctant to do that).

I have found some waterproof cases online that seem to fit the bill; I just need to install water tight wire seals/grommets to handle the cables into the box. This means the box will be portable, and I can just hide it under the deck if necessary.

CCNJ

I used to bring speakers and integrated amp in and out for years. Finally drilled a hole right above where the cable wire came into the house to be sure I didn't drill thru some existing electric. Love the convenience. I never installed a volume control outside but don't really see the need since I just play a low volumes usually

HK_VIP

I would recommend keeping the receiver in-doors. Receivers have vents at the top to allow proper airflow. The manufacture would likely also advise not to cover the air vents. Removing air circulation is bad enough but you might also have to deal with other factors such as moisture build-up.

Some receivers have Internet based applications to allow you to control the receiver wirelessly. If yours has that feature, take advantage of it. You can also invest in wireless speakers if you would like to cut the cord. Or even purchase a IR remote repeater which would allow you to send signals to your receiver from different locations in your house.

B Run

I know it's not the best idea, but my outdoor Yamaha sits on top of a beer fridge under a covered patio exposed to the elements. I've had it 3 years without ever having an issue or having to cover it/unplug it. Not the best advice, but i'm just sayin they can take it. I'd make a small cover with a flip up lid and you'd be good to go.

cnh

Welcome to Club Polk!

If you're going to mount this outside? Why do you need to have a "bottom" plate? You only need to protect it from rain, right? And if mounted high enough some "venting" on the bottom of the unit would resolve condensation issues, no? just have to protect the unit itself. You're right, those Lepai T-amps, generate very little heat.

cnh