Speakers for a Gym

[tvolgirl]

I teach PE in a small gym probably 100' x 50'. I have a VERY limited budget and am looking for some speakers to hook up to an ipod for music during activities. The sound quality does not have to be excellent, but would like clear sound. Any recommendations? I absolutely have no clue. Thanks in advance!

 

[sdifox]

define limited budget. and how loud do you need it to play as in how many people will be in the 100x50.

 

[tvolgirl]

Limited budget means I am given $100 dollars a year to buy items needed for my PE classes, but I could probably go to the PTO for another $50 or so with a specific request. I am also willing to kick in some of my own money for something durable. The classes consist of primary school students with around 20 per class.

 

[sdifox]

Limited budget means I am given $100 dollars a year to buy items needed for my PE classes, but I could probably go to the PTO for another $50 or so with a specific request. I am also willing to kick in some of my own money for something durable. The classes consist of primary school students with around 20 per class.

So you don't really need to fill the room, just where the kids are right? I am assuming music is for instructor led exercises like aerobic type activity?

Why not ask parents for old unwanted amp and speakers? Or check garage sales. there is bound to be some old amp + speakers for sale. Even an old mini component with auxiliary input would suffice.

something like this is definitely loud enough for your purpose. Just an example, I am not saying buy this one, rather look into this type perhaps.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MHCEC709i...mini+component

 

[tvolgirl]

Thanks for the suggestions. Loudness is definitely the #1 priority.

 

[sdifox]

Thanks for the suggestions. Loudness is definitely the #1 priority.

It's 20 kids, you really don't need it to be loud. You don't want them to lose hearing at such tender age.

They can do it on their own time with their earbuds :awe:

I guess it is equally probable your definition of loud differs from mine :biggrin:

 

[kornphlake]

The best solution would be some PA equipment, but that's not going to be cheap. I'd look for some used Hi-Fi gear at pawn shops, thrift stores, craigslist, yard sales, etc. It shouldn't be hard to find an old receiver and a pair of floor standing speakers for under $100. You might try contacting some of the local pro audio shops (guitar center, etc) and see if they'd let you put a want ad in the store, there's a good chance someone would donate some old gear.

For that matter I've got an older yamaha stereo receiver with a temperamental selector knob (it works but requires a very gentle touch, it could be jumpered internally if you only plan on using one source.) I'd give it to you for free, shipping to would probably cost $25-30, which is more than the receiver is worth though.

 

[alkemyst]

Yeah like above, hit up a good will and look for a reciever and a pair of speakers.

Put up a craigslist ad and if you can provide a tax deduction form for a donation of a setup.

 

[joetekubi]

Here's a great pair of speakers for you in Southeast TN. Add a $30 garage sale receiver and you will be rocking.
http://techtalk.parts-express.com/s...Infinity-SM-120-Studio-Monitor-Floor-Speakers

 

[_Rick_]

Classically people used boom-boxes for this. Just burn a CD with the tracks you need, and use that?
They ought to be well within your budget.

 

[HaukSwe]

I'd just get a bass 2.1 computer system? You can easily plug those into any ipod or wherever you want to play music from.

Bassy sound should be good if you're meant to workout to it. Those will definitely be loud enough. Logitech or Creative for instance. It's new and will last, comes with a warranty...

Can you leave it there or do you have to take it with you after class?

 

[Howard]

The problem with gyms is that all the surfaces are hard and reflective. Echoing and slow decay will be a problem.

 

[alkemyst]

I don't think the OP is trying to get ultimate sound quality as just getting enough volume.

 

[HutchinsonJC]

http://www.amazon.com/Coby-CSMP80-10...pd_sim_sbs_e_5

These are pretty loud for the price, easy to move around, and would connect directly to an earphone jack on pretty much any mp3 player out there. For a 100' x 50' room you might not even need the full volume they put out.

With this you're not paying for the ability to play cds, listen to the radio, or have some kind of clock functionality. It's just speakers. Pretty much exactly like what you'd hook to a home computer. The difference between these and what you'd expect to find for speakers on grandma's desktop, is that these come with a little sub which makes turning up the volume sound a lot more natural in any music with any kind of bass to it.

I like them; pretty sure they'd suit your need just fine /shrug

Edit:

They probably aren't the kind of speakers that you'd want to bunch up in your arms day after day when it's time to pack up and move them/store them. I'd imagine they wouldn't last very long. If you have a cart or something that they largely could sit stationary on and you're not constantly tugging the speakers around/twisting the wires about, they'll be fine.