Outside or outdoors speakers
Discussion
We've got some Bower and Wilkins AM-1s driven by a cheap (but reasonable quality) Cambridge Audio amp from Richer Sounds which is connected to a Sonos Connect (or whatever they call it these days).
Gives great sound quality and controlled via iDevice. You could connect your iPod into the back of the amp via a docking station.
We tested the outdoor Bose speakers and thought B and W sounded better.
Waterproof so stay up outside all year round, amp is tucked away in a waterproof cupboard outside.
Gives great sound quality and controlled via iDevice. You could connect your iPod into the back of the amp via a docking station.
We tested the outdoor Bose speakers and thought B and W sounded better.
Waterproof so stay up outside all year round, amp is tucked away in a waterproof cupboard outside.
A friend of mine has a pair of JBL Control X speakers outside, they sound pretty good.
I'm toying with the idea of putting some speakers outdoors too, but think I'd probably go for Monitor Audio CL50s, as have MA stuff throughout the house and really like it.
If you're after just a simple Bluetooth speaker, something like the JBL Flip would do the job. Heard one of those recently and it sounded decent enough.
I'm toying with the idea of putting some speakers outdoors too, but think I'd probably go for Monitor Audio CL50s, as have MA stuff throughout the house and really like it.
If you're after just a simple Bluetooth speaker, something like the JBL Flip would do the job. Heard one of those recently and it sounded decent enough.
I have Monitor Audio Climate 50's on my roof terrace.
They are powered by a Sonos Connect Amp that's rated at 50watts per channel and I find I need to drive them pretty hard especially if there's a bit of a crowd up there.
Ideally I'd like a bit more bass but understand its difficult with them in open space. The neighbours probably could care less for extra bass.
There's another one on the pole behind the olive tree.
They are powered by a Sonos Connect Amp that's rated at 50watts per channel and I find I need to drive them pretty hard especially if there's a bit of a crowd up there.
Ideally I'd like a bit more bass but understand its difficult with them in open space. The neighbours probably could care less for extra bass.
There's another one on the pole behind the olive tree.
I have a JBL extreme on the balcony. Way better sound quality than my sonos system. You can buy multiples and then link them via Bluetooth. Waterproof, last about 6 hours on a charge, portable, can be used as a spare power source for 2 phones. Bluetooth or USB sourced. Also acts as a speaker and mic for phone calls. Only £250 ish quid each as well. I believe it's actually HK gear inside.
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/audio-and-headphones/...
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/audio-and-headphones/...
Edited by Markbarry1977 on Thursday 8th June 06:03
Bluetooth speakers are a different thing to outdoor speakers.
I used to use a Bose SoundLink on the terrace before installing the Sonos Connect Amp and outdoor speakers.
The lack of sound quality and inconvenience of the Bluetooth speaker is what made my mind up to not be tight and do it properly with a permanently installed solution that's integrated perfectly with the rest of the music system inside.
I used to use a Bose SoundLink on the terrace before installing the Sonos Connect Amp and outdoor speakers.
The lack of sound quality and inconvenience of the Bluetooth speaker is what made my mind up to not be tight and do it properly with a permanently installed solution that's integrated perfectly with the rest of the music system inside.
Warmfuzzies said:
The B&W would get my vote, but now need to persuade the better half.
Just over 10 years ago we put a pair of B&W WM-6 outdoor speakers on the patio mounted on the external house wall with speaker cables coming inside and driven off a Denon amp (100wpc RMS I think - you need a reasonably powerful amp to drive them - same as the current B&W AM1s). It's linked to the line level out from the hifi in the back room, so essentially plays whatever is on that system but at a separately controlled volume, giving a choice of sources including Sonos connect and turntable. There are patio doors linking the back room and patio, so if using the turntable it's quick and easy to get to it to change LPs. The wifi works fine on the patio too so the Sonos can be controlled with iPad or phone.The speakers are exposed to the elements, although when we're not using the patio, and especially over winter, I'll usually put a plastic rubble sack over them.
They originally came with a 5 year guarantee. They've worked flawlessly over the last 10 years and I will not be surprised if they continue to do so for another 10+ years. We couldn't be happier with them.
They were £400 for the pair at the time, but have been discontinued, however, it appears there is a pair of what seem unused ones on ebay at the moment - 6 days left.
[quote=C&C]
The speakers are exposed to the elements, although when we're not using the patio, and especially over winter, I'll usually put a plastic rubble sack over them.
They originally came with a 5 year guarantee. They've worked flawlessly over the last 10 years and I will not be surprised if they continue to do so for another 10+ years. We couldn't be happier with them.
They were £400 for the pair at the time, but have been discontinued, however, it appears there is a pair of what seem unused ones on ebay at the moment - 6 days left.
You sir, are a starWarmfuzzies said:
The B&W would get my vote, but now need to persuade the better half.
Just over 10 years ago we put a pair of B&W WM-6 outdoor speakers on the patio mounted on the external house wall with speaker cables coming inside and driven off a Denon amp (100wpc RMS I think - you need a reasonably powerful amp to drive them - same as the current B&W AM1s). It's linked to the line level out from the hifi in the back room, so essentially plays whatever is on that system but at a separately controlled volume, giving a choice of sources including Sonos connect and turntable. There are patio doors linking the back room and patio, so if using the turntable it's quick and easy to get to it to change LPs. The wifi works fine on the patio too so the Sonos can be controlled with iPad or phone.The speakers are exposed to the elements, although when we're not using the patio, and especially over winter, I'll usually put a plastic rubble sack over them.
They originally came with a 5 year guarantee. They've worked flawlessly over the last 10 years and I will not be surprised if they continue to do so for another 10+ years. We couldn't be happier with them.
They were £400 for the pair at the time, but have been discontinued, however, it appears there is a pair of what seem unused ones on ebay at the moment - 6 days left.
Thank you.
Also decided to get B&W AM-1, based on the feedback I'd found about them (only very positive feedback, no negative feedback whatsoever it seems!)
For now, we just ordered 1 (mainly as only 1 connection is readily available, might extend to 2 later on).
Should be installed by Fri at the latest so could report back if anyone would like me to.
For now, we just ordered 1 (mainly as only 1 connection is readily available, might extend to 2 later on).
Should be installed by Fri at the latest so could report back if anyone would like me to.
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