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Vintage audio setup in a detached garage...

seely

seely

Well-Known Member
I have a large 100 year old garage I am in the process of rebuilding, and nearing the point of having walls again! My mind has started to wander to a possible audio setup. I'd like to upgrade my home system and move my current TT out to the garage and pair it with a cheap (but decent) 80's receiver and possibly my set of Minimus 7 speakers.

What are the primary concerns about keeping electronics in a garage with no climate control? Is there any way to "weatherproof" or should I just look into purpose built outdoor speakers and a bluetooth setup? In the winter I will be running a propane cabinet heater while I'm out there, but it will get below freezing for extended periods here in MI.
 
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My car stereos over the yrs have been subjected to all kinds of temperature extremes so most likely that won't be an issue. As for corrosion from being in the garage, well I doubt you have the issues we have here in S Fl but just get a cheap receiver and forgetaboutit lol.
 
The thought occurred to me that maybe it would be worth it to coat boards and other non-moving parts in NeverWet? Maybe a hare-brained idea, but I'm wondering if that would help with condensation from the temp swings.
 
seely said:
The thought occurred to me that maybe it would be worth it to coat boards and other non-moving parts in NeverWet? Maybe a hare-brained idea, but I'm wondering if that would help with condensation from the temp swings.
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I've been in repair garages here in Fl with old receivers driving some old ratty speakers for decades. Again, just get a cheap used vintage receiver and enjoy, too much obsessing will take the fun out if it.
 
I've had an Onkyo TX-4000 and some Best Buy Insignia speakers in my garage here in MN for many years. Double-digits below zero in the winter to well into triple digits above zero in the summer (garage is not insulated and no HVAC system).

I don't use the gear at the extremes of temp because it's too extreme for me but the gear survives and still works to this day.
 
Years of temp swings , humidity, salt air (depending where you are) don't do any electronics any good.
That said, if the conditions aren't too harsh, it should be fine. Most vintage gear has lasted way longer than anybody had any right to think they would (40-60 years ).
Chances are what you propose should work fine.
If conditions are really harsh , maybe consider the fact that after several years you may need to repair or replace something. There's plenty of quality pieces filling hoarders basements, closets, attics, storage units. Some of us have come to the conclusion we don't need 5, 10, 50, 200......, pieces we're not using. There will be suitable, inexpensive replacements available as the need arises.
 
whoaru99 said:
If conditions are really harsh , maybe consider the fact that after several years you may need to repair or replace something. There's plenty of quality pieces filling hoarders basements, closets, attics, storage units. Some of us have come to the conclusion we don't need 5, 10, 50, 200......, pieces we're not using. There will be suitable, inexpensive replacements available as the need arises.
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Good perspective, thanks! I certainly won't be putting anything I'm deeply attached to out there.
 
I've kept gear in the garage, What I've noticed is the contacts, (switches, tone controls, etc.) need a good cleaning. Dust and grime is a problem unless you cover the gear.
 
seely said:
I have a large 100 year old garage I am in the process of rebuilding, and nearing the point of having walls again! My mind has started to wander to a possible audio setup. I'd like to upgrade my home system and move my current TT out to the garage and pair it with a cheap (but decent) 80's receiver and possibly my set of Minimus 7 speakers.

What are the primary concerns about keeping electronics in a garage with no climate control? Is there any way to "weatherproof" or should I just look into purpose built outdoor speakers and a bluetooth setup? In the winter I will be running a propane cabinet heater while I'm out there, but it will get below freezing for extended periods here in MI.
Click to expand...

Based on the environment, the concern may be about humidity more than temperature. Most components do not invite water or possible condensation of any type into its circuitry. If there is a possibility of accommodating this there should be no worries.
 
jcamero said:
I've kept gear in the garage, What I've noticed is the contacts, (switches, tone controls, etc.) need a good cleaning. Dust and grime is a problem unless you cover the gear.
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I mean to add that I will be planning to throw an old shower curtain over the stuff when not in use, and probably even partially covered when in use. My shop area is in the back and the stereo will be on the other side of the partition, but knowing saw dust it will find a way over/around the wall :dunno:
 
I have an insulated but rarely heated garage. Sometimes it gets a little condensation (particularly between hot/cold seasons) and being on a dirt road can get pretty dusty. I just relegate garage duty to "throwaway" gear...stuff I have no investment in and thus no qualms about taking care of. I found a cheap Optimus receiver and a set of Sony speakers from a bookshelf stereo...maybe $20 all in. Sounds good enough when playing in the background while I'm out there working on something.

If I really cared, I might just throw a sheet or something over them to keep the condensation at bay...but it's been working fine for years as-is.
 
seely said:
I mean to add that I will be planning to throw an old shower curtain over the stuff when not in use, and probably even partially covered when in use. My shop area is in the back and the stereo will be on the other side of the partition, but knowing saw dust it will find a way over/around the wall :dunno:
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Not sure that I'd use plastic as it will hold humidity even when the ambient air is dryer. I just use an old pillow case to keep the dust out. Thick enough to keep the dust out. Thin enough to allow it to still get air, although I usually remove it when in use.
 
stereofanboy said:
I think I'd use different
speakers in a large building.
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Me to, I'm thinking in a large building it would be awesome to fly a set of Altec A7 horn loaded speakers! Man would that sound awesome.

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BillWojo
 
stereofanboy said:
I think I'd use different
speakers in a large building.
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Guess that depends on if the point is background music or a concert hall (or both, perhaps).

If you look carefully you can see the background music Insignia speakers on wall mount brackets behind the concert system. :)

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Make sure the speaker are mouse proof. We have an ancient system in my shop, a detatched occasionally heated pole barn. Biggest issue I have is keeping mice under control, they manage to get in no matter what I do (I'm currently insulating it by adding interior studs and fiberglass) and even with aluminum flashing glued to the inside of the Cellite panel insulation they get in.

For cheap speakers a piece of 1/8" hardware cloth over the fronts will probably do. Won't look pretty, but will work better than speaker with the cones chewed up by mice.

As far as the dust goes, put your system on a shelf of some sort with a solid shelf above the unit. Sawdust, especially from band saws, is very fine and floats through the air. You need to prevent it from settling on the guts of your equipment, as it will conduct when damp and blow it up. Worst time is spring, when warm wet weather sweeps through and the garage is cold yet. Condensation everywhere, worse if you have a concrete floor without a vapor barrier under it.

I heat mine enough most years now that I don't have the condensation problem much.

Gonna get a pair of cheap outdoor speakers and see if I can get that old system going, there are times it would be nice to have a radio out there.
 
Did the OP mention his location?

I can have any gear I want in my detached garage. I use a Sansui S-X1200 and JBL L100's.

Also, when I test systems I'm working on out there, the Minimus 7W's can do a decent job.

Rob
 
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