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Outdoor Speakers

IEHAGY

IEHAGY

Active Member
Hi all,

Is there a consensus on passive vs. active speakers for outdoor use? I am think in particular for hooking up to an ipod or macbook, nothing serious, just something for bbqs and lying in the hammock.

It seems like having a power amp permanently outside would be a bad idea, and yet I am having a hard time finding powered outdoor speakers.

What do you guys do?

Thanks.
 
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In my garage, I use a Lepai 2.1 amp that I bought on Parts Express to drive a pair of Infinity speakers, and when my back deck is complate, I bought another Lapai amp to drive a pair of Monoprice (6 1/2) speakers.....The amp will be under cover as well as having a plastic bag around the amp when not in use..The Monoprice speakers are a rip off of Klipsch design (they are currenty under lawsuit by Klipsch) With that being said, they do sound very good and I only paid 27 for the amp and 30 for the speakers. A modest investment for good sound and not worried about loss of eqt due to weather....
 
I have a set of Definitive AW6500s connected via a Sonos Amp in the house and it is simply the best setup I ever imagined outside. Just so easy to deal with as I can control everything from the phone or iPad while running the BBQ, or working in the yard. I have a couple other Sonos devices in other systems, but the patio is why i bought it in the first place and still the one that i care most about.
 
Small & Easy

If you are looking for small and easy for outside check out the Realistic Minimus 0.6 battery powered speakers. Phone, ipod or MP3 plugs right in and like all the Minimus they sound quite good. They pack up into a handy little carry case and are extremely portable. I also have a set of Indoor/Outdoor Mini Advents hooked up to my 2270 and I leave them on a shelf I built off the window sill just above the receiver. I leave them out all summer. They sound very nice and have been trouble free. There's 2 inexpensive and easy options
 
You won't see too many powered speakers for outdoor use. The moisture and attendant condensation will destroy an amp in short order.

The mechanics and materials of a speaker are more easily adaptable to such a harsh environment.

There are many choices in outdoor speakers but be aware, like anything else, you get what you pay for.

Bose, Infinity and JBL all make quality speakers that sound good for their application and are affordable. Pop a pair of those under the eaves or along the deck rail and run your wires to a convenient spot. Pair those with a small T amp like the Lepai that you can bring in the house/garage when not in use. Smart shopping and your done for $200 new, less if you can find some used speakers.
 
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