Types of Outdoor Speakers
There are generally 3 types of outdoor speakers that you can find out there and here we will explain what these types are. Generally, these types can be classified into outdoor speakers for portable, rugged use, outdoor speakers under the eaves or on the patio, and outdoor speakers for the garden. Based on the type of outdoor speakers you need, there are different requirements to satisfy when choosing these speakers.
The Rugged Speaker
“These outdoor speakers are designed to withstand whatever you throw at them so you don’t have to worry about getting wet or facing the rough elements”
The rugged portable outdoor speakers are speakers that you can totally rock with under outdoor conditions – be it on your bicycle, on the beach, or just running through the jungle. These all-weather speakers are designed to withstand whatever you throw at them so you don’t have to worry about getting wet or facing the rough elements. We’ve featured some of these extreme speakers right here so do have a look around and enjoy their funky eye-catching design. Our favourite kind of speaker for this type is the speaker that you can take around the world without having to worry about ruining it or affecting the sound quality.
Outdoor speakers under the eaves or on the patio
“These types of outdoor speakers are designed to blend in with the surrounding environment which makes it look like part of the furniture and add a visually compelling sight to your patio/eaves”
These are common types of outdoor speakers and probably the easiest type of outdoor speaker to install in your home. Speaker wires can be run through an attic and the speakers are well-protected against the elements so they last longer. Furthermore, be sure to choose speakers that weather resistant so that they can stand up to the elements or whatever you throw at them. Some outdoor speakers are designed to blend in with the surrounding environment which makes it look like part of the furniture and add a visually compelling sight to your patio/eaves. A useful way to attach speakers to your patio is to use top mounting speakers that are mounted overhead and that point slightly downward for better sound projection.
Top mounting speakers usually provide the best range and sound quality, because this style of speaker often increases sound projection. If they are placed higher than ten feet, they tend to thin sound, however. Most outdoor speakers come with mounting brackets, simplifying the installation process. These speakers should be mounted somewhere that is strong enough to support the weight of the speakers such as a solid wood or masonry surface. Once mounted, the speaker wires will need to be run (ideally through the walls) to a stereo receiver.
Outdoor speakers for garden/poolside use
“These all-weather speakers come in all shapes and sizes and are made to look like rocks, tree stumps, flower pots and even benches.”
The final type of outdoor speakers we’re going to look at are the garden/poolside type of speakers, These speakers are exposed to all the elements out there so you can expect to buy speakers with a super-rugged and sturdy construction. These all-weather speakers come in all shapes and sizes and are made to look like rocks, tree stumps, flower pots and even benches. They are simply the best way to decorate your garden and giving an extra musical kick to it, so get creative with whatever outdoor speaker you choose to settle on. Installing such speakers in the garden can get a little tricky though, and some digging will be required to bury the speaker wires and route the wire beneath or around obstacles. Be sure to find a route and measure the distance required for these outdoor speakers to purchase the correct wires. We generally recommend running the wire through a pipe to protect it from external elements.
A subset of outdoor garden speakers, rock speakers are outdoor speakers that are shaped like rocks. These speakers are designed to blend into the landscaping of a yard and can vary in durability, color, shape, material, and audio specifics. Manufacturers, such as Niles, offer both weatherproof rock speakers and planter speakers in three different sizes. These speakers are available in coral, granite, sandstone, shale brown, and speckled granite, with each color type shaped differently to better match the type of stone from which they take their name. Other manufacturers, such as Speakercraft, make rock speakers from a polyresin material. These rocks also feature a UV and weather resistant coating. Rock speakers come equipped with burial wire so that buyers can place the rocks strategically throughout the yard and bury the wires, hooking up the ends to a stereo receiver.