Outdoor Speaker mounting?

[Bryce_H]

So I purchased a pair of Klipish AW-500 as Ultimate Electronics was going out of business for our new deck. I will be mounting them on the back wall of our house. The 2 pictured eves are about 18 feet apart. The left eve is 9'7" from our deck and the right is 8'10"

I am looking for thoughts on where to mount them and how.

1) Should I mount them under the eves (even thought they will be differnt heights?

2) Should I mount them horizontally and angle them down somewhat?

OR

Should I mount them vertically and angle them in slightly?

OR

Should I mount them at an angle (say 30 degrees off horizontal) and able them slightly - this would result in a both a down and in angle

3) We live in Colorado where we get quick heavy thunderstorms - how should I protect the back terminals?

 

[Rickster71]

What do you think about mounting them under the bench seats on the deck? You could run the wire under the deck, the speakers would be semi protected under there too.

 

[Bryce_H]

Intesting idea I had not thought of - my initial response is I would like a wider dispersion across the yard. Primary would be deck, but also want sound in the yard for when the kids are playing.

 

[XEagleDriver]

From my experience (limited) with outdoor speaker installs on a porch and a deck:

1) Definitely use eaves (or benches) to protect speakers from the sun and precip. (No air in CO = lots of UV )

2) If using the eaves, use your ~30 degrees both down and in angle idea.
Place the extended intersection of where the two speakers are pointing at the edge of the deck farthest from house, at about seated ear height on your permanent bench.
The two speakers will have different down angles due to different install heights.
This will provide as decent stereo coverage as possible over as large a part of the deck as possible.

If I had to do my own install over, I would buy "dual voice stereo speakers" where each speaker has the entire stereo signal. Due to the generally large distances between speakers, this type actually provides better outdoor coverage and more flexible install options.

One example (Not recommending the brand, just first one I found on web)

Cheers,
XEagleDriver

 

[Rickster71]

Part of the reason I suggested you run the wires and speakers under you deck, is that it's easier than snaking them up your outside wall.
I'm not saying it can't be done; I just don't know your experience level.
I agree with putting them under you soffit, they get a nice rebound off the wall and they're protected. Since the frequency response is only 80Hz-20kHz +/- 3dB the rebound will help with bass.
I have two under a soffit, along with another two 8" rock speakers on my patio.
With my vinyl siding it was easier to run the wires from my basement and under the siding.

 

[Bryce_H]

Experience is definately not an issue - it also dawned on me that under the bench sometimes fills with snow - of course I could (or probably should) take them down in the winter.

 

[Rickster71]

Experience is definately not an issue - it also dawned on me that under the bench sometimes fills with snow - of course I could (or probably should) take them down in the winter.

I don't leave mine outside all year. They go out in May and I put them away after labor Day.

 

[Guavamanh]

Anyone with any recommendations in terms of protecting the connections? Do we have to wrap it with electrical tape or anything? I'm in a similar situation (2 speakers under an awning.. ) Speakers aren't geting to get totally drenched, but wondering what happens when everything gets a little wet...