Outdoor Speakers What are my options

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Loismustdye

927 posts

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#2792739 10-Oct-2021 16:34

As much as I hate to admit it, we’ve got 3 UE booms we use when entertaining outdoors, put them where we want, and can add to it further if we want in the future. Have had zero issues connecting to our various household iPhones and iPads, and they sit on a buffet hutch thingy next to the outdoor area n the same spot where we have a charging station for our devices. I contemplated getting a permanent install and running cables to the amp in the lounge but this was going to be a pain in the a$#e giving the linmited amount of room in the roof.

They have the added bonus of being able to take to the shed or bedrooms if we want to use one there.

heaps less gaffing about with installs etc, just buy the speakers, hook them up with the app and it’s all done.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

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#2792748 10-Oct-2021 17:08

richms:

If you have a pressure difference working the cone all the time, it will sound crap when its windy, and it will possibly damage the speaker when you get the first decent storm.

I have never heard of this issue - not in a month of Sunday's...

In-ceiling speakers won't sound as good as a dedicated box speaker at the same price, nor should they.

But to say that the wind could possibly damage them - do you have proof? Multiple examples?

I'd suggest water ingress is easily the biggest killer of loud speakers.

In regards to what I would put outside in my home, it would be dedicated outdoor rated passive speakers connected to my multi-room system. It's easy enough if the wire access is there and frankly any 'dumb' amp can be linked into a multi-room system easily these days.

If you can't afford to run the cables / buy the speakers - sure grab a UE Boom or JBL type unit, but I hate many products with captive batteries that just end up becoming filthy waste in landfills. Those non-serviceable 'things' should be banned for the damage they do to our planet...

kiwis

832 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2792757 10-Oct-2021 17:43

openmedia:

We've got some Sony Bluetooth speakers, but their a long way from reliable. Some days no connectivity issues, and other days lots of drop outs. Hence we're tending towards permanent speakers.

Well it's up to you. I'm not making a sales pitch on it.

I'm just saying, I also had an old Bluetooth speaker which sounded 'tinny' battery was poor and the range was a few meters. So was looking at wired speakers..

In the end I was amazed in on far technology had come. I can play if off a phone inside sitting on the charger, no issues. It lasts several days with multiple hours use between charges and it can compete on sound quality with most other sound systems I've previously had.

Perhaps you're better off going into a shop and trying one for yourself. Or see if you can borrow one off a friend for the day.

davidcole

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#2792760 10-Oct-2021 17:50

Haven’t put my speakers back up yet after painting. Will do soon. Just cheapies from Jaycar.

got a tpa3116 amp hooked to my main stereo. But this year I’ve also got a raspberry pi with a suptronics x400 amp and volumio to try instead. Volumio has Spotify connect and airplay. Sorted.

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richms

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#2792768 10-Oct-2021 18:07

Dunnersfella:

I have never heard of this issue - not in a month of Sunday's...

In-ceiling speakers won't sound as good as a dedicated box speaker at the same price, nor should they.

But to say that the wind could possibly damage them - do you have proof? Multiple examples?

I'd suggest water ingress is easily the biggest killer of loud speakers.

Only one example at a friends place, happened twice first was some pioneeer marine ones in a soffit for years that fell apart after a massive storm 3 years back or so (I guess, time is very fluid at the moment), replaced with some cheap jaycar ones and the surround failed within 6 months and was noticed right after a decent blow, but even in moderate winds the sound would really cut out with a gust hitting the place from certain directions. The holes have been reused for some downlights now, and some box speakers put up, not as bassy because theyre only 4" in a tiny tupperware sized thing, but theyre lasting ok.

Richard rich.ms

cshwone

1070 posts

Uber Geek

#2793099 11-Oct-2021 12:38

I have a couple of Polk Audio speakers bolted to the side of my workshop overlooking an outdoor area. They are wired to an amp in the workshop which is, in turn, getting it's input from a Sonos Connect. Gives me access to the home NAS and a range of streamimg services. The Polks are great speakers and totally weatherproof.

Maybe overkill but works well for me.

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Outdoor-Speakers-Enclosure/dp/B00378KMGE/ref=sr_1_3?crid=YPN2SRBV33RY&dchild=1&keywords=polk+outdoor+speakers+atrium+6&qid=1633909122&sprefix=polk+outdoor%2Caps%2C357&sr=8-3

kiwis

832 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2793105 11-Oct-2021 12:54

cshwone:

I have a couple of Polk Audio speakers bolted to the side of my workshop overlooking an outdoor area. They are wired to an amp in the workshop which is, in turn, getting it's input from a Sonos Connect. Gives me access to the home NAS and a range of streamimg services. The Polks are great speakers and totally weatherproof.

Maybe overkill but works well for me.

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Outdoor-Speakers-Enclosure/dp/B00378KMGE/ref=sr_1_3?crid=YPN2SRBV33RY&dchild=1&keywords=polk+outdoor+speakers+atrium+6&qid=1633909122&sprefix=polk+outdoor%2Caps%2C357&sr=8-3

At $600 you could get yourself 3 blueetooth speakers and be ready to go in under a minute. No delay in shipping no extra parts/wiring required. If not 3 units, at least two with change.

Everyone's needs and wants are different though, so if wired is what you really want go for it. But keep an open mind is my only advise.

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MileHighKiwi

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#2793120 11-Oct-2021 13:12

I just purchased a Sonos Roam ($339) which is perfect for our new outdoor area, a lot of quality sound for a small speaker. Probably not loud enough for a big party but fine for low key drinks, BBQ etc. I looked at their proper outdoor passive speakers but $1399 was out of my price range, and they need the amp. We already have other Sonos speakers which sealed the deal, running all from the Sonos app.

Battery life is around 10 hours on the Roam.

They also do a larger portable one called the Move ($800) which was really tempting. Maybe one day if we out grow the Roam.

I really can't be bothered running cables anywhere, wireless all the way.

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