A client has an outdoor system that consists of a crown CDI 2000 amp (The specs state it's 800watts per channel in 70v), a buried sub, and 6 8" satellite speakers tapped at 60w. One channel of the amp is powering the sub in 8ohm mode and the other channel is powering the satellites.

How many more satellites can I add to this system?

Also, if the client wants it louder, would the best solution be max number of speakers at max tap (60w)? Or lower the tap and go higher on number of speakers?

You need a 20% overhead, so based on that, you would have about eleven 60 watt speakers on one 800 watt channel.

Interested in hearing answers to your other question!

The decision here will depend on how far the speakers are from the listening area where they want it louder. If they're already placed near the listening area, a higher tap setting will be better. If they're far away, adding additional speakers closer to the area will make that seem louder. It will all depend on the SPL and distance from the speakers.

My multiplication and division, addition and subtraction were wrong in this post. I've crossed out the original numbers I somehow came up with, and added the correct numbers:


6 speakers tapped at 60W is a setup to use 360 watts.

...Let's use 680 watts since all of these maxima only really matter when you're FULLY CRANKED.

You're set to use 360 watts now, so 520 320 watts are available. At 60 watts each, that's 8 2/3 5 1/3 more speakers.


8 2/3. Okay, 9, probably, at this setting. I'd add five. If I had to, I'd add six, since the system very likely won't ever be run at full volume.

More speakers at lower volume in answer to your question of more vs. louder

Also, since nobody has mentioned it in this thread, are you aiming the speakers away from the building and firing outward, or are they firing toward the building? The latter is a much more efficient way to make sure the level is adequate and won't disturb people in nearby buildings. In addition, the sound reflecting from the building reinforces what's coming from the speakers, so it may be possible to cover the whole area better AND achieve a high SPL. Firing from the building is just being a glutton for punishment and requires a lot more power.

Currently all of the speakers are around a pool area. One in each corner and one in the middle of the longer sides. Its not a large pool. My understanding is the client wants to add more to this same area. If I went with Tuck's number and added 5, im guessing the speakers would end up about 20' apart.

Ernie, unless im not following your math, it looks like you came up with a total of 880 watts, which is more than the 800watts Crown says the amp can do. what am I not following with your explanation?

This above will always be better, in 99% of install scenarios.

Highfigh has a point with using the house/building/pool house as a backdrop to stop the sound from travelling the open air.

Ernie, WTF?? Without the proper MATH, you can't have a proper design.

Fins, if he wants it louder and doesn't want to add more speaker locations, you can always change out those landscape satellites to a more full range speaker.

JBL Pro, please stand up!!

Number one fix to SPL (louder) is make sure you have the appropriate balanced +6db signal going to the amp. Is that already taken care of via cleanbox or similar?

3 things to point out:

1. If it's am existing system it probably has a cleanbox already. If it doesnt, then adding one can help your volume levels.

2. 20' apart between speakers is way too much.

3. BBQ season is here, someone start up that thread again.

No, you're awake and aware. I wasn't. My math is wrong. I've corrected it (Post 4).

1. There is a cleanbox already on the system. In my opinion, the system is painfully loud now. It's already resulted in at least on visit from the police.

2. This is a shot of the pool area. The speakers on the sides are near the fence. The four corners are just at the starting edge of the bushes. On the side at the steps, that means they are about 6' from chairs.

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3. Three words. Alabama white sauce. Next weekend is my wife's family annual reunion. I'm already itching to fire up the smoker and cook all week.

if you werent a stupid inbred from the southeast you would know this... lmfao

No one asked you. You aren't even a US citizen anymore. You are in Florida. Lol


Btw Ernie, this system almost always runs at full volume. His neighbors love him.

Ed just amazed me, and I've seen some pretty amazing things come out of his keyboard's mouth.

As for the neighbors, a rapper client in Sherman Oaks got a Doorbird installed. One of the first images saved in the cloud was a pair of cops at the front door at 3:45 on a Thursday night/Friday morning