Looking for a budget bluetooth amp for outdoor speakers

[WoodworkerJon]

Hello everyone.

I have searched the forums already for this so forgive me if this has already been answered, but I couldn't find an answer.

I am looking to purchase an affordable (<$150 US) bluetooth-capable 2-channel amplifier for use with outdoor speakers on my deck. I tend to have reasonably high audio standards, compared to the average consumer, but for this application (small speakers, no sub, outdoors) it doesn't make sense to be overly critical regarding sound quality (although I don't want "trash").

What is important is bluetooth connectivity and stability, ease of use, cost and small footprint.

Any thooughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Joe Smith]

If you don't need a ton of power, the SMSL AO100 I use has a good bluetooth connection, digital volume control, and a decent remote. That model is a couple of years old so there may now be something newer in their lineup. Cost at the time I purchased was around $120 US.

 

[Joe Smith]

I just checked, the AO100 is still listed on their website. It uses the Infineon chip rather than TI. There are other good models also with bluetooth if you need a bit more power than the 100, which is rated at about 45 wpc at 8 ohms.

 

[staticV3]

I'd buy an Arylic B50 or B50 SE.

They have built-in PEQ for frequency response correction, configurable via Bluetooth on your phone or via USB on a PC.

If you want good sound out of suboptimal speakers, then that's the ticket.