I have 3 zones of audio that I sometimes run simultaneously. The audio from the Bose outdoor speakers is a buzz kill. While I know that there are better outdoor speakers they all seem like a concession in terms of audio quality.

My patio is covered and screened facing the pool area. The speakers are mounted about 8' from the floor and 8' back from the edge of the roof - no chance for direct weather or sun.

As we spend a significant amount of time out there I am very interested in better speakers. With the non-paper drivers being used in many speakers as well as composite boxes, are outdoor speakers really necessary in my case?

Anybody have thoughts or examples of something different?

Outdoor speakers are either weather proof or weather resistant. They are also usually not made of wood. When outside, wood can shirnk/expand a lot more due to higher humidty levels. This can crack your enclosures over time.

IMO - if mounted permanently, an outdoor speaker should be used. I recently purchased the Energy Tempest outdoor speakers at a really good sale. Sound quality wise, they sound actually not too bad (better than I thought they would) with surprising bass extension. I would leave a wood enclosed speaker in the home.

However, being in Florida, I would imagine your humidity level is probably pretty consistent, though if you're by the ocean not sure what the 'salt' will do to them.

Hope this helps - just bear in mind you're not going to get 'audiophile' sound out of outdoors speakers, but you can get very good sound from them.

James Loudspeaker has some awesome outdoor speaker options. Waterproof cabinet speakers made from teak wood and an amazing sub/sat system.

I have a set of Klipsch AW-650's. They're made of ABS and they sound very good. Klipsch makes a whole line of All-Weather speakers at different price points:
https://www.klipsch.com/products/lists/view-outdoor-speakers.aspx

Craig

Hmmm......it sounds unanimous so far. Don't use anything but outdoor speakers. Thanks for the suggestions.

There is always the option of carrying out and plugging in a pair of 'indoor' speakers and bringing them inside when you are done for the day. The improved sound may be worth the inconvience of setting up every time. I would experiment with some relatively inexpensive 'indoor' speakers first to evaluate the effects of heat, humidity, sun etc...

There is always the option of carrying out and plugging in a pair of 'indoor' speakers and bringing them inside when you are done for the day. The improved sound may be worth the inconvience of setting up every time. I would experiment with some relatively inexpensive 'indoor' speakers first to evaluate the effects of heat, humidity, sun etc...
That is really not a good option. The bare wires would be left dangling outside. The potential to short the amp would be great.

Craig

That is really not a good option. The bare wires would be left dangling outside. The potential to short the amp would be great.

Craig

Also, the speaker wires come out of the wall 8' off of the ground which would make the tear down difficult. I appreciate the ideas though.

That is really not a good option. The bare wires would be left dangling outside. The potential to short the amp would be great.

Craig

Even with a banana plug type connector?

The existing speaker wires (at 8ft height) could easily be extended to floor level and have banana connectors attached to facilitate a test.

Even with a banana plug type connector?

The existing speaker wires (at 8ft height) could easily be extended to floor level and have banana connectors attached to facilitate a test.
All you would need to do is touch the positive and negative terminals together and you could short the amp.

Craig