Which outdoor speakers?

[bigboss]

I'm going to landscape & deck my garden, thinking of adding some outdoor speakers. I've got 2 channels free on my Yamaha RX-V1900, which I can use, either by drilling a hole to the outside wall & running a speaker cable out, or buying the Sonos system to avoid the drilling.

Which option would be better? Is there any degradation in quality on the Sonos?

Which outdoor speakers would suit the best? I've listened to Bose, & was disappointed with all three models. How's Monitor Audio climate 10? Any other suggestions?

 

[Juzzie Wuzzie]

I've got a no name set of $20 outdoor speakers running off of Zone 2 and they do just fine for background music at dinner or a party on the deck. Seems strange to me to spend a large amount of money on outdoor speakers.

 

[Anonymous]

I got one ot these -

Very decent sound for out doors (goes loud) and it runs for approx 8 hrs of it's own on board rechargeable battery.

Benefits are - you can control volume, playlists etc rather than running back in doors (unless you have a RF remote set up)

See what you think.

 

[bigboss]

soulton:

I got one ot these -

Very decent sound for out doors (goes loud) and it runs for approx 8 hrs of it's own on board rechargeable battery.

Benefits are - you can control volume, playlists etc rather than running back in doors (unless you have a RF remote set up)

See what you think.

That looks nice! Hmm.......maybe I shouldn't spend so much for something I won't use often. Is it waterproof?

 

[bigboss]

Actually, on second thoughts, I won't take it outside when it's raining!!

I'll check it at Maplins. Any other suggestions for something similar?

 

[Clare Newsome]

The Soundcast Outcast speakers are great - details of both here, including links to our review. But that Ion rocks for the money, too (we have reviewed it favourably, but our CMS appears to have eaten it

)

 

[Big Aura]

Given permanent outdoor speakers are going to be extremely rare/specialist and probably sound gash due to their being little competition for audiophile background barbecue music, you might do well to look at other options...

I have a cheap docking system for my iPod in my study that can, given 3 minutes fumbling, be carted outside (and has been on both occasions the sun glimpsed through cloud-cover this summer).

Alternatively, you could bore your hole and run cables through and protect the ends from the elements with a bag and an elastic band, and then get some decent budget speakers, that will sound a lot better than what Maplins have to offer... You can take them in and use in a bedroom system when the weather's rubbish (always).

 

[Anonymous]

bigboss:

Actually, on second thoughts, I won't take it outside when it's raining!!

I'll check it at Maplins. Any other suggestions for something similar?

You beat me to it bigboss or I was going to suggest an umbrela

As I said the sound is decent, lets face it outdoors most things are not going to be hifi quality, but I find it really versatile. I teach martial arts (you have an interesting name which got me into Kung Fu some 27 years ago) and at presentations it is a cheap PA and again you are near it for controls etc. They do a better quality one but it adds a bit more money and with the number of sunny days we have the one I got ticked all the right boxes and was the exact money that I was prepared to part with.

Cheers Si.

 

[Anonymous]

Forgot to add this - lots and lots of outdoor speakers.

 

[Anonymous]

Big Aura:
Alternatively, you could bore your hole and run cables through and protect the ends from the elements with a bag and an elastic band, and then get some decent budget speakers, that will sound a lot better than what Maplins have to offer... You can take them in and use in a bedroom system when the weather's rubbish (always).

Or use something like the below with a speaker outlet plate for a permanent job.

http://www.alertelectrical.com/Wiring-Accessories-Others/Weatherproof-Sockets/1-Gang-IP65-Accessory-Box-SSBE.asp

 

[bigboss]

Clare Newsome:The Soundcast Outcast speakers are great - details of both here, including links to our review. But that Ion rocks for the money, too (we have reviewed it favourably, but our CMS appears to have eaten it

)

The Ion has been rejected by my better half as she finds it ugly.........can't veto her!

The Soundcast fits the bill perfectly, but it's very expensive. I've been reading about it for a while. How's the junior version? It's a bit expensive as well, but I think I can convince her if it's really good.

I'm looking for something like the Soundcast in the Ion price range but better looking than the Ion.

 

[bigboss]

Big Aura:

Given permanent outdoor speakers are going to be extremely rare/specialist and probably sound gash due to their being little competition for audiophile background barbecue music, you might do well to look at other options...

I have a cheap docking system for my iPod in my study that can, given 3 minutes fumbling, be carted outside (and has been on both occasions the sun glimpsed through cloud-cover this summer).

Alternatively, you could bore your hole and run cables through and protect the ends from the elements with a bag and an elastic band, and then get some decent budget speakers, that will sound a lot better than what Maplins have to offer... You can take them in and use in a bedroom system when the weather's rubbish (always).

You've given me a nice idea Big Aura! Obviously, I'll need an amplifier to run it. Something portable, which will be used even indoors. What about this: http://www.richersounds.com/product/mini-hifi-systems/sharp/xldab257dab/shar-xldab257dab

I couldn't find any reviews of it.

This forum is realy very useful....with so many ideas.........& I almost bought specialist outdoor speakers which will only be used a few times in summer!

So far, I've liked the Soundcast & the Sharp player. I'll have a listen & check them out. Let me know if you have better suggestions.

 

[bigboss]

soulton:Forgot to add this - lots and lots of outdoor speakers.

Thanks for the link! I like this as well............but not sure of the sound quality: http://www.cybermarket.co.uk/ishop/923/shopscr7759.html

Any experience with this?

 

[Clare Newsome]

bigboss:
I'm looking for something like the Soundcast in the Ion price range but better looking than the Ion.

This Vivanco is great for the money - and you can pick them up for @£140 or less.

 

[Big Aura]

You could use the Yamaha RX-V1900 to power some speakers, it should sound better than an iPod dock...

Alternatively, I bought my brother a Klipsch RoomGroove for Christmas, which cost me £130 (but I think they're more spenny now). It sounds really good for the money. If you get a few of them, you can connect them wirelessly....

I have a KEF Picoforte which is only okay, and seriously lacking in the low frequency range so no good for parties, but fine for me, wifey and a bottle of sancerre. Except it's raining now.

 

[bigboss]

Clare Newsome:bigboss:

I'm looking for something like the Soundcast in the Ion price range but better looking than the Ion.

This Vivanco is great for the money - and you can pick them up for @£140 or less.

This looks really nice & well within my budget! Ok, so if I want to play a CD on my BD60 or PS3, should I connect the transmitter to the headphone jack of my Yamaha, or can I connect it to the 2 channels on the back? Sorry if it sounds a bit daft.....

 

[Messiah]

bigboss:
How's Monitor Audio climate 10? Any other suggestions?

These speakers are pretty good. Sound very similar to other MA speakers as you would expect but a little light on the bass.

Still, I had mine out all winter and in all weathers and they certainly stand up to the elements.

 

[bigboss]

Big Aura:

You could use the Yamaha RX-V1900 to power some speakers, it should sound better than an iPod dock...

Alternatively, I bought my brother a Klipsch RoomGroove for Christmas, which cost me £130 (but I think they're more spenny now). It sounds really good for the money. If you get a few of them, you can connect them wirelessly....

I have a KEF Picoforte which is only okay, and seriously lacking in the low frequency range so no good for parties, but fine for me, wifey and a bottle of sancerre. Except it's raining now.

Sorry my laptop crashed while I was replying yesterday.

I would love to use my Yamaha, but it's enclosed in a custom cabinet. The 2 options I have are: either drill a hole in the back wall to get the speakers cables out, or use something like Sonos. And, if I do that, I might as well use speakers like climate 10 recommended by Messiah or something cheaper, but dedicated outdoor speakers. The problem is, I won't be able to select or change songs while sitting outside in the garden unless I use Sonos which is quite expensive. Sometimes, I feel like going for the Sonos......it's like an investment for wireless multiroom audio....maybe in the future.

Klipsch RoomGroove looks good, but will I need 2 of these for the wireless option?

So far, the Vivanco looks like the best option. It's cheap, waterproof & flexible.

 

[bigboss]

Seems like Vivanco is the best option for me! Just found one for £80.99: http://www.mymemory.co.uk/Portable-Speakers/Vivanco/Vivanco-CHS5500-Outdoor-Wireless-Speakers