13 replies to this topic

[flukeyluke]

Guys,
What do you use for outside speakers. I have a large covered Alefresco area and want some nice sound out there.
My last speakers were Rock Solids which were a moulded metal frame and quite robust and sounded nice. Sadly they also stayed when the house was sold.

The ones I have seen so far are weather resistant which I dont think is what I need and white which I definately dont want.
Being that the area is covered, any reason why you couldnt just use a pair of rears or small bookshelfs?

Worst case they might get a spider or 2 living in them.

[SDL]

I have some bookshelf speakers outside under cover and they have worked well for the four years I have been in the house. Haven't even seen spiders around them.

[miata]

flukeyluke, on 20 January 2012 - 10:21 AM, said:

Guys, What do you use for outside speakers. I have a large covered Alefresco area and want some nice sound out there. My last speakers were Rock Solids which were a moulded metal frame and quite robust and sounded nice. Sadly they also stayed when the house was sold. The ones I have seen so far are weather resistant which I dont think is what I need and white which I definately dont want. Being that the area is covered, any reason why you couldnt just use a pair of rears or small bookshelfs? Worst case they might get a spider or 2 living in them.

I don't like anything BOSE usually, but they used to make an outdoor speaker that actually didn't sound too bad. They were available in black or white and were from memory, reasonably priced.

[MarkTecher]

miata, on 21 January 2012 - 11:29 AM, said:

I don't like anything BOSE usually, but they used to make an outdoor speaker that actually didn't sound too bad. They were available in black or white and were from memory, reasonably priced.

It was the 101 envirnmental speaker.

Flukeyluke, the olny thing that might prevent you from using a pair of book shelves outside is moisture where the humity (hot climates) or condensation (cooler climates) can soak in and make the enclosures swell or even come apart over time.  This is why many "outdoor" speakers are made with plastic enclosures.  If moisture or humidy is not a problem, then go for it.

Edited by MarkTecher, 21 January 2012 - 02:17 PM.

[rtlnath]

I highly recommend the JBL Control series Indoor/outdoor speakers. You have probably heard them in beer gardens and they were used around Darling Harbour too.

They are paintable and reasonably priced.

This is the smallest version:
http://asia.jblpro.c...x?PId=180&MId=2

You would need to buy them from a JBL Professional dealer though, heaps in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane... good luck in other cities.

[Robbks]

have been looking at replacing my aging outdoor speakers myself
The above JBL's can be had for about under $300 including postage from
http://www.bhphotovi...ra_Compact.html

[blybo]

Still to get around to getting my speakers for our Zone 2/Alfresco area. We are in Melbourne so humidity is rarely an issue. Was thinking of getting a cheap pair of in ceiling speakers from The Cable Connection that have plastic baffles and rubber driver surrounds (forget the name of that part of the driver ) .

http://www.thecablec...NASC822R-1.html

Edited by blybo, 24 January 2012 - 01:37 PM.

[Space Hi-Fi]

flukeyluke, on 20 January 2012 - 10:21 AM, said:

The ones I have seen so far are weather resistant which I dont think is what I need and white which I definately dont want.

Many of the white speakers are paintable. Not sure if you want to go down that path but thought I would mention it.

[JK71]

I'm waiting for some niles os5.5 to arrive from USA. About $350 delivered with price-USA. Specs look good on paper and some decent reviews. Will be installed under the eaves on my patio/pool area up hear in BrisVegas. Can't wait. will post back when installed with an opinion on the sound.

[flukeyluke]

At my last house I had B&W Rock Solid's and they were fantastic for their size. I would love another pair but they are hard to find these days.
I want something that can generate some low end, because being zone 2 speakers you have no adjustment over them like you would mains.
I would be interesting in hearing about the Niles once you have them in JK.

[amg]

I'm waiting on a delivery of speakercraft AIM7 Two's from the US but haven't ordered any outdoor speakers yet.  Good to read this thread with some of the suggestions.  JK, I'm also looking forward to hearing about your Niles experience.

[flukeyluke]

I think I am going to try a pair of Usher Audio S520 for my outdoor area and just get a good pair of wall mount brackets for them.
The reviews are very very good and they can be bought for $338 on ebay.

Cheap enough that I wont be pissed if they turn out to be average.

[mmu16]

Steve from eastwood hifi has some yamaha outdoors for sale for a pretty decent price. worth checking them out.

[flukeyluke]

rtlnath, on 24 January 2012 - 09:44 AM, said:

I highly recommend the JBL Control series Indoor/outdoor speakers. You have probably heard them in beer gardens and they were used around Darling Harbour too.

They are paintable and reasonably priced.

This is the smallest version:
http://asia.jblpro.c...x?PId=180&MId=2

You would need to buy them from a JBL Professional dealer though, heaps in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane... good luck in other cities.

I took your advice and picked up a pair of Control 28's that should do the job.
I will give them a go and see how they sound.