Hi all. I have a computer that I use as my media center. I would like to be able to play music from it to speakers on my outdoor patio. The thing is, I don't want to use wireless speakers. I had some (top of the line too) and they sounded like crap. So I'm looking for either a wired solution or a high quality (digital solution). Also, I would like something inexpensive. I can't just run audio cables as there are too many corners, doorways, etc. to go around so if it's wired it will have to use my existing house wiring (phone lines, power lines, etc.). Any suggestions?

-Ryan Adams
http://members.cox.net/rtadams89/

If not wireless then it must be wired. Your other wireless option is a wireless network, but then you would have to have a computer plus amp at your outdoor location.
I have not used wireless speakers, but wireless headphones. They worked fine. I am wondering if your bad experience with wireless speakers was with improper connection of the sending unit.

I've been looking at those wireless media products from Linksys, D-Link, etc. and they all have some major flaw. I have a computer I can spare for just playing media, but it cannot go outside as it would fry in the Arizona heat and dust. I would be ok with wireless speakers if they were digital, but I am unaware of any affordable ones in that category. IS there any way to use the power lines to send audio? Or perhaps the phone wiring?

-Ryan Adams
http://members.cox.net/rtadams89/

Just because their digital won't make wireless speakers any better, only a lot more expensive.
An alternative is a small FM transmitter and use boom box for your receiver, amplifier and speakers. But this is still the wireless that you don't want. Some of the reasons of your bad experience could be interference or improper connection to your transmitter(s). Most common being impedance mismatch and overdriving into the distortion area.

So wireless is out then. Are there any optiosn for usign existing wireing in my house. Phone lines, power lines, etc.?

-Ryan Adams
http://members.cox.net/rtadams89/

If you are going to use phone lines then you might as well pull speaker cable. You can use the power lines with some sort of carrier current induction method. However originally the fidelity was like that of phone lines, definitely not hifi.

If you are not using the patio in the sun I would suggest trying broacasting by using infra-red.

My choice would be to give wireless FM another chance. Installed properly it is the cheapest for the distance, has the highest audio quality and the easiest to use.

Reading along I have to agree with wizard-fred, I have used his method of rebroadcasting over an F.M. transmitter to a boom box. Over driving the input of the transmitter would certainly cause a very muddy sound in the end, look into tweaking the output of the source "keep it low" and just use the volume control of the receiving radio, I would suggest not using live phone wire for any type of an analog signal due to crosstalk on the wires "you would hear the music over the phone when in use" also if the installed phone cable is only 2 pair you would end up 1 wire short for stereo to work not to mention the voltage drop on such a small conductor over any kind of distance……HTH and let us know what you come up with for a solution….

Keep the old stuff running