Outdoor Speakers - Any Recommendations

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cshwone

1069 posts

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#65329 2-Aug-2010 20:15

Hi,

Looking for a pair of outdoor speakers to run from the Zone 2 output of my Yamaha 3800 Receiver. Doesn't seem much available so would appreciate any recommendations.

I visit the US very frequently so can easily buy offshore if that is where the best purchase lies.

Thanks

bazzer

3438 posts

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#362131 3-Aug-2010 10:01

I have these Polk Audio Atrium 60s. They sound great, considering they're used outdoors. Supposedly military spec weather resistance. They also have the new Atrium 7s that look as good or better probably.

The only downer is that the grilles are not very secure. They are apparently removable and paintable (to match your decor) which I haven't done, but one of them keeps coming loose so I don't know what would happen if it were fully removed. Maybe I should take it off totally and see if I can get it to fit better...

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jjnz1

1356 posts

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#362163 3-Aug-2010 10:54

If you are going to be installing the speakers underneath your eves outside, then I would recommend a pair of JBL Control Ones. They are not completely weather proof but I install these all the time outside at clients houses, and they last at least 5 years+!

The JBL control ones can get as low as $199 per pair too (retail $450?), and I think Harvey Norman can get them in.

Also, from a sound point of view, they would be up there in terms of audio quality in the high-mid to high frequency range.

They come with wall mounting brackets also.

I give them a 9/10.

Malpaso

52 posts

Master Geek

#363864 5-Aug-2010 20:01

Totally agree with the Polk Audio Atrium 60's, good price and excellent quality sound with a good bassy amp. Crank 'em up, no distortion. Can be painted to match the colour of your walls so they blend in.

cshwone

1069 posts

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#364008 6-Aug-2010 06:06

Thanks Guys - going for the Polks - good reviews all round = just the grill issue.

CYaBro

4560 posts

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#364017 6-Aug-2010 07:20

I've seen a couple of places that had those rock like speakers sitting in the garden.
From memory they were Speakercraft and they were very good surprisingly.
Also went bloody loud considering they were out in the open.

Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

bazzer

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#364028 6-Aug-2010 08:08

cshwone: Thanks Guys - going for the Polks - good reviews all round = just the grill issue.

It's not that bad, just a bit annoying. One of mine is good as gold. The other just comes loose in one corner, it doesn't fall right off. I might look at popping a drop of something on it to hold it in place, but I wonder if I do that will it just mean a different corner comes loose?

Dunnersfella

4085 posts

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#364031 6-Aug-2010 08:17

The 'rock type' speakers are B&W's are they not?

k1wi

484 posts

Ultimate Geek

#364044 6-Aug-2010 09:13

I got my outdoor speakers from audioshop - got a couple of the 4" skytec speakers and mounted them under the eaves of our house for our deck. They apparently need a degree of shelter from the elements.

I'm not sure what sort of fidelity you're looking at, but when we're listening to the radio/music outside, the speakers are more than powerful enough and sounds perfectly fine for our requirements.

Even at 195H x 140W x 130D they aren't very discrete and they're a significant bit smaller than the Polks.

k1wi

http://www.audioshop.co.nz/loudspeakers/loudspeaker2.htm#4

jjnz1

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#364046 6-Aug-2010 09:15

Dunnersfella: The 'rock type' speakers are B&W's are they not?

The B&W ones i know of cost around $2K, but sound awesome. I have seen some sub $500 ones that sound crap though- not sure what brand.

bazzer

3438 posts

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#364163 6-Aug-2010 12:05

k1wi: I got my outdoor speakers from audioshop - got a couple of the 4" skytec speakers and mounted them under the eaves of our house for our deck. They apparently need a degree of shelter from the elements.

I'm not sure what sort of fidelity you're looking at, but when we're listening to the radio/music outside, the speakers are more than powerful enough and sounds perfectly fine for our requirements.

Even at 195H x 140W x 130D they aren't very discrete and they're a significant bit smaller than the Polks.

k1wi

http://www.audioshop.co.nz/loudspeakers/loudspeaker2.htm#4

The Polks are big, but I'm ostentatious like that :)