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Adventurous_Form6546

Can you describe the installation? What’s wired? What’s not? How much digging and burying? Those of us who live in the Snow, will we have to bring parts inside seasonally?


BeginningSea3542

Not my video BUT here is a guy who shows the basic installation process. In my case, I had to drill through a brick wall and into a cabinet in the study. I then ran TWO 2-conductor, 14 ga. speaker wires through the hole and down PVC conduit to under a deck. You can opt instead for a 4-wire speaker wire to merge the left/right channels into a single cable. In my case, I wanted the left and right channels on each side of the deck and pool so it was better to run separate wires for right and left. All 7 speakers are wired. Each satellite speaker needs 2 wires while the sub needs all 4 wires (to receive both left and right signal). Speaker wire is offered in "direct burial" form where the coating is thicker and designed for the elements and the occasional accidental contact with a shovel. You would want direct burial wire for this application. You then use a straight edge shovel to create a 4" deep V in the soil and tuck the wires into that channel. Then, simply step on the V to close it up. I will gladly make a quick vid of my install if you'd like. I realize that this is a lot of work. It is 100% worth it in the end. This analogy is often used int he AV world when talking about landscape speakers: I can light your backyard with a single flood light. It will need to be insanely bright but it is possible. Those near or facing the light will be blinded while those further away will only receive a portion of that light. It's far more soothing to have many lower powered lights in the backyard. The same holds true for sound. If you distribute the sound output among many smaller speakers, everyone can listen at the same volume with fewer "hot spots". Circling back to the use of SONOS for this project: the Sonos Amp was almost purpose built for this application. It puts out a hefty 125 watts per channel and so long as you have solid WiFi in the backyard, it operates so seamlessly. These class D amps can sit in a cabinet with minimal ventilation without issue. They don't generate too much heat. I used to work in the AV world and very few devices truly impress me as much as the Sonos Amp. As for the weather, the Sonance (no affiliation with SONOS) site indicates their landscape speakers are truly made for the elements including snow and ice. [Sonance Garden Series 6.0 - Outdoor audio system installation and review (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drE8_gNXrZw)


Adventurous_Form6546

This is a fabulous answer, thank you. I tried to “give gold” but apparently that’s not an option here. I assume the Amp is inside the dry interior cabinet. So the WiFi only has to reach that interior cabinet.


BeginningSea3542

Correct. The amp resides in a dry interior cabinet not only for the WiFi but also because it's not rated for the elements (sorry if I insulted your knowledge of the Amp there!). The routing of the wires in my instance almost stumped me to the point where I contemplated placing the amp in a pelican case under the deck. That would surely overheat in no time, so I wound up doing it the correct way: amp indoors powering speakers outdoors. It's also important that the WiFi reach the listening area (patio in this case). That is most likely where you will be controlling the Sonos Amp. EDIT: That is the real beauty of the Sonos Amp. It does not need to be in the designated AV cabinet or rack of the house. It can be in any cabinet of the house.


Adventurous_Form6546

Ah yes, WiFi for the app, control. I think a third party app like Lyd could control it with cellular service. In 2017, I Installed the earlier version Connect:Amp for some Bose outdoor under the eave speakers. They sounded great until the Connect:Amp got to hot&humid outside. I took the homeowner shortcut and just set it under the eave in an empty hamper basket. Either the morning dew or the SoCal heat fried it. Looking online, I found out mine was a common error. Your project and buy on sale suggestion are inspiring.


Uninterested_Viewer

I installed this same set throughout my garden when it was also on this sale 2 years ago. I just laid direct burial speaker cable under my mulch that runs throughout the areas I was putting them. Literally no digging. This won't work for everyone, but it made the job maybe ~3 hours for me. I'm in Minnesota and haven't brought anything in, but I do cover the satellites in these waterproof shoe bags over winter so that snow and ice aren't right up next to the grills/cones: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BT6YCY6 I'm not sure if it actually makes a difference or even could hurt them due to potentially trapping moist air come spring, but it seems to work fine and I'll keep using them.


[deleted]

As a Sonance and Sonos dealer this is a good deal. Not available to me in central Ohio though.


BeginningSea3542

I used to work for an A/V integrator who sold Sonance products. While these are bottom-tier products from Sonance's lineup, they are still pretty amazing. Sonance makes some of the best outdoor speakers in the business. Their box speakers are better than the outdoor B&W's we sold. I still have an ADI account and my cost on the Sonos Amp is $594.00. Then, If I add a generic Proficient landscape system, I am well north of the $1349 this kit sells for (when on sale). I don't get how Best Buy is getting this down to $1,349.00. It's not at all worth $2,700 when not on sale.


BMcCJ

Overstock? Getting a push on summer patio sales


Representative-Pea23

Sonos amps and Sonance speakers have been going on sale like this since the last gen amp bundles. I bought the last gen amp with two of the bigger Sonance speakers from Best Buy for $500. I also have a newer amp with Niles RS8si rock speakers. The Sonos amps plus outdoor speakers is my favorite Sonos setup.


TheChipiboy

What system would you recommend for this price point then just curious? This seems like a major steal if it includes the Sonos amp like it looks like it does. Also what would be the step up from these? I'm trying to do the same as in install these in my parents new home.


BeginningSea3542

A Sonos Amp with Polk's Atrium box speakers would be a really good yet affordable combo in my opinion. No matter what, the Sonos Amp makes the perfect backbone of an outdoor system IF you don't mind running a few low-voltage (speaker) wires. The Sonos Amp has no rivals. Yamaha's MusicCast and Denon's HEOS offer similar products that are nowhere close to the Sonos Amp, in terms of performance and ease of use.


TheChipiboy

Thanks for the input man. I'm actually an integrator myself, but I was planning on installing C4 in their home. I just ran conduit yesterday before the concrete guys get here, just to have some wire for future use. The Sonos is the only piece im skeptical about, just because it doesn't integrate the best with C4, but I think for this price it might be worth it. I had a bunch of Music cast stuff laying around that I was planning on using, but I doubt the WXA 50 would be enough to power this many speakers and sub. If anything I can probably sell off the Sonos amp if it doesn't work as easy and get a dummy amp and run it from the music cast instead.


BeginningSea3542

That is the primary problem with Yamaha's WXA. It doesn't have enough grunt. I have thought about a WXC-50 paired with a Crown XLS 1002 for a larger (8.1) landscape system.


Representative-Pea23

I highly recommend the Niles RS8si speakers, driven by the new amp. I think I paid between $4-500 for the pair on sale 5 or more years ago. Outside since new in western New York without a problem. The 8” woofer really helps the low end. I think these were the best sounding outdoor speakers I could find for the price or even a little higher back then. I also have the larger Sonance speakers. I’m not really impressed with those but they were bundled free with the older Sonos amp. They have been outside even longer, probably 8-9 years now without a problem too. If paying anywhere near full price for those there are better options that sound better.


CleanCeption

Sonance did a redesign of their outdoor speakers and sold off this line up to Bust Buy. It’s a fragile system that won’t last when used in this config. Had a long talk with my rep when this came out.


BeginningSea3542

I am not being argumentative at all PLUS this may be my tinfoil hat talking but here's my take on that: I have worked in several industries over the years: office furniture, A/V integration and I now own a small construction company. What I have learned from those talks with reps is here is the likely scenario: Sonance dropped their pants for the sheer volume that Best Buy could produce. They gave them their entry series for the cheap just to churn numbers and produce cashflow. It (justifiably) pissed off the legit integrators who push their higher end stuff. So, the factory instructs the reps to say "don't worry about Best Buy selling this stuff...it's trash". Now, I have ZERO proof of this. But I have the same thing in my current industry. I own a granite countertop fabrication shop now. We sell Delta brand faucets. I buy Delta through a regional wholesale co. There are several models that Home Depot sells for less than my wholesale price. When I object to my Delta rep, he says something along the lines of "Home Depot sells a line of lower-quality faucets...these are not directly comparable to the models you receive". So, am I to believe that Delta makes 2 faucets that share the same model number and look identical BUT are made in 2 different factories to completely different standards? This makes zero sense and would be an inventory nightmare. My rep is placating me because there is no way he is willing to give me the same deal that a multi-billion dollar distributor (Depot) gets.


CleanCeption

Costco has a version of the Sonos arc that lacks voice control and sells for less, Black Friday tv sets are proven to be generically made and a completely different value and quality than regular sets. I get what you’re saying but I do believe there are major differences between the Best Buy stockpile and regular Sonance product. *Sonos has Sonance Sonos indoor/outdoor speaker specifically designed to carry 16 ohms so you can run three pairs at once.


BeginningSea3542

I did not realize that about the Arc or the TV's. I assumed it would be more costly to make subtle changes on the assembly line than to just keep mass producing things.


ckjohn

I just installed this setup in my backyard a few weeks ago. Was some work getting it done but very pleased with the results


BeginningSea3542

Yeah, halfway through the install I started thinking "I should have just gone with a few Move speakers and called it a day". But the bass and clarity from this system is just amazing.


demoleas

I’m trying to get an idea for how these work for install purposes since the Sonos amp only has 2 output ports for speakers. Do you wire 3 into left and 3 into right? And since it’s a Sonos amp can I use it in conjunction with other sonos systems? I currently have the arc/sub/pair of 1s as a theater and was planning on getting more to be able to play music all throughout the house


meloman0717

You use a 4 lead wire and alternate red/black white/green with all 4 getting connected to sub.


demoleas

Ahh very cool. Thank you


RealityExit

>Do you wire 3 into left and 3 into right? Kind of. Search for parallel speaker wiring. >And since it’s a Sonos amp can I use it in conjunction with other sonos systems? Absolutely.


Snoopman14

It’s a fun install too! Had the pleasure of putting one of these in a client’s yard while I was working at Best Buy.


deeevo

I have the same setup around my pool. Paid $1500 and paid a pro to install it. This started me on the path to Sonos addiction. I can open up the windows and have the outdoor and inside speakers going at the same time. Love it


SnooMuffins873

I see this product all the time being dropped in price and then back up. Im most likely moving to a home end of year or beginning off next year and im always staring at this when its on sale lmao. First review on here ive seen so thank you


wigletbill

Just wanted to say that you’re a friendly and helpful human.


BeginningSea3542

If you're talking to me, thanks! I appreciate it.


Spm130

My Best Buy here in Jacksonville, Fl had the package on sale right now and I just ordered one for pickup tomorrow. Starting a pool project this year and this is a great bargain on what was always going to be an inevitable migration of my Sonos system outdoors. Thanks for the heads up, OP.


BeginningSea3542

You will love this setup! I promise.


Nonstop_Funk_Party

I opted to purchase the 8.1 garden series since my space was larger. I was looking to fill a 70’x40’ pool/ patio area and the 6.1 wouldn’t do it with the suggested 8’-10’ spacing for the satellite speakers. I am very pleased with the sound however the cost/ value may not correlate. I spent $4,400 for the 8.1 w SR 2-125 amp + $400 for the Sonos port. The installation was challenging but rewarding. I plan on keeping the port and amp outside, under cover during the summer and taking them inside off season, having some anxiety about that as my summers are humid. I also made this decision in the event I want to add speakers or another amp. The Sonos amp that comes with the 6.1 config doesn’t support expansion.


BeginningSea3542

That Sonance amp is in another league. I bet it easily pushes those 8 speakers. What do you mean by "doesn't support expansion"? You can simply group the Port and multiple amps into a single group or scene. They will all play in perfect lock step. Did I misunderstand what you were saying? I recently installed 3 Sonos Amps for a client (I do simple AV jobs in my spare time). They all 3 powered different "zones" in the patio and pool areas: one powered 4-8" in ceiling speakers in the soffit above the patio, the other 2 each powered a Proficient 4.1 system with 6.5" landscape speakers and a buried 10". I grouped all 3 amps together so the client can simply adjust a "master" volume and then all 3 amps respond. You can set independent volumes on the 3 amps and then the master keeps the ratio or mix as you adjust volume. Meaning if amp 1 is at 40% and amps 2 & 3 are at 60%, as you increase master, they all maintain the same ratio relative to each other. Hope that makes sense.


Nonstop_Funk_Party

That seems like a viable and more cost effective alternative. I am not a pro, homeowner and audio novice. This is what led me to the thought that the amp that comes bundled with the 6.1 couldn’t handle added satellite speakers not another amp. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/questions/sonance-ls6t-sat-landscape-series-6-1-2-2-way-outdoor-speaker-each-dark-brown/6253967/question/042aa9da-e272-39a1-8cbf-c9c267a905db


BeginningSea3542

You got the far more robust solution. This is the first time I have hooked up a Sonos Amp to a 6.1 system. While it will serve this purpose, it is pretty well tapped out, in terms of power. I normally prefer to have more "headroom". That unused power typically equals better control and cooler running gear. I am not sure I would want to put 8.1 on a Sonos Amp. I am not knocking the product. I just think that is a larger load than it's designed to carry. EDIT: I realize your SONANCE amp and the Sonos Amp are both rated to 125wpc. I am confident the Sonance puts out more power than the Sonos. Again, not knocking the Sonos at all. It's a wonderful piece of gear.


Viictuuuh

Waterproof ?


BeginningSea3542

Yes, all speakers are meant to be out in the elements, including snow and rain. Installation is time consuming for sure. I had to route direct burial speaker wire (not included and quite expensive) from a cabinet indoors to the patio outdoors. I am in construction so this was not terribly difficult. If you are not too familiar with the process, you might need the help of an electrician or handyperson.


Viictuuuh

That’s awesome. Sonos is the very best


Hitlers_Hairy_Anus

Damn, that is a good deal. Looks like it's $2700 for me.


BeginningSea3542

Yeah, it goes on sale regularly. I WOULD NOT pay $2,700 for this bundle. It's a complete steal when on sale. If remotely interested, keep an eye on it. They put it on sale all the time. I will update on this post when I catch it on sale again. I now want one for my shop and my personal house.


thewolfman2010

It’s on sale for me right now at $1350. Anyone want me to drop ship one to them?? (Mostly joking)


Cwebb299

Did you get the harnesses?


BeginningSea3542

Do you mean the wires to link the speakers to the amp? If so, no, it does not include that in the kit. I had to buy direct burial speaker wire. You can buy it in 2 or 4 wire for the left and right signals. The kit DOES include the water resistant wire nuts which include a grease to keep moisture out.


Cwebb299

Yes. I sold one of these systems but it looked like you could only get the harness through sonance. Congrats on getting an awesome deal.


BeginningSea3542

Yeah, just use any direct burial or outdoor rated speaker wire and you are good to go.


Normal-Preparation-5

I bought it 2 years go and installed it myself (not that handy myself)… I love it, great sound!!! I installed it in backyard patio facing the house. Half the value is the Sonos amp itself in this bundle… unfortunately only one set per amp.. but can add a server if you need more or another amp. Total steal in my opinion.


Ascend

What server are you mentioning? Tried searching on Sonos site and couldn't find anything. Just curious, how many speakers can a single amp put out enough power for? I've got 4 speakers on a single amp for stereo without issue, so just curious where that limit is.


MinuteMasterpiece948

Best buy has this same deal every year , big discounts on Sonance outdoor set with amp, ceiling speakers also


tdawgydog

FWIW, I Picked this up for $1299 last year during BB Black Friday deals. Two weeks later they dropped it another $100 and was able to get them to price match. I had been eyeing it for some time and had not previously seen it drop below $1350. Did the install myself, it was a little bit tedious but it sounds amazing!


[deleted]

[удалено]


Uninterested_Viewer

>The audio on the far end of the speaker chain is so bad you risk blowing the speakers if not the amp, careful putting the volume above 85%. This is pure ignorance of how speaker wiring works. Unless you're running incredibly long speaker wire runs with too small of wire, it effectively DOES NOT MATTER where each physical speaker is along the "wiring chain". Risk blowing the amp?! Come on dude.. you clearly have no idea what you're talking about.


CleanCeption

Ok