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Outdoor Speakers
With summer coming up and outdoor entertaining back on the cards, it’s the perfect time to consider using speakers to bring the music outside. Learn more about outdoor speakers and how they can help you create the perfect outdoor entertaining area.
Introduction to Outdoor Speakers
When it comes to outdoor speakers, it is not as simple as placing your spare speakers outside. You need speakers that are waterproof, will resist the elements and give you great sound for years. The two most common types of speakers are plastic moulded speakers and those that are designed to blend in with the landscaping. If you are able to hide the speakers, plastic moulded types are great as they sound fantastic but you don’t have to pay for the façade. To blend in with the landscaping, choose speakers that look like rocks or are in the shape of planters. From a distance, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference!
Integrated or Independent Outdoor Speakers
When selecting your outdoor speakers, one of the biggest factors is whether you want the system to be run by your indoor stereo or if you want an independent audio source. An integrated system uses the indoor stereo for both indoor and outdoor use and, if you choose to go this way, you will need to ensure that your amplifier will support an extra set of speakers. Most amplifiers have A and B speaker outputs for this reason. Something else you will need to consider with an integrated system is how far you will have to run speaker cable. It is possible to run cable for long distances but it is usually only best if you can run it under the floor. Otherwise wireless speakers may be the best option.
An independent outdoor system will mean that you have to purchase a dedicated amplifier but the flexibility means that you won’t have to run cable in awkward places. You can choose an amplifier that is located inside or you can choose speakers that have the amplifier built in. Powered speakers have a built in amplifier and this gives you the advantage of being able to control the volume and input source from outside. However, you will need to plug the audio source directly into the speakers - fine if you are using a portable media player but potentially troublesome if you are using a stereo that requires mains power. Un-powered speakers will give you much better quality for the same price as powered speakers as you are not paying for the amplifier.
Wireless Outdoor Speakers
If running cable is inconvenient, then wireless speakers may be an option for you. Infrared speakers can operate for distances of up to 10 metres by direct line of sight. However, if trees or other objects get in the way, they may not perform great. Radio frequency is the more common technology for wireless outdoor speakers and they can operate for up to 100 metres, regardless of what objects are in their way, as the signal can pass through walls. Wireless speakers do require batteries so it is a good idea to look for wireless speakers that switch off after a period of inactivity so that you are not replacing the batteries all the time.
Placing your Outdoor Speakers
Outdoors is a different listening environment than you get in your inside living area. Inside there are walls to reflect and contain sound. This is not available in your outdoor entertaining area and there is more background noise to contend with.
When placing your speakers, try and mount them high up, as this will help to give a good sound projection over a larger area. Many speakers will come with wall brackets or mounting kits. Place the speakers against a wall as this will help with the bass output. If speakers are not near a wall, you may find that the speakers sound like they have no bottom end as the bass frequencies dissipate quickly when there are no walls to reflect sound. It is a good idea to mount the speakers so that they tilt slightly downwards as this improves performance and also allows any moisture that may get onto the speakers to drain better. Also try and keep your speakers out of the weather – placing them underneath a roof or awning is perfect. If you live in a coastal area consider using speakers that are rated for marine conditions.
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Garden Designer
Landscape Architecture
Landscaping & Gardening