New man cave, new speakers . . .

[bikemig]

So we're moving soon to a new house. I'm setting up a shop to mainly work on bicycles in the detached 2 car garage located in the back yard. 1/2 the garage is for the family, 1/2 is for my toys, . So I get to set up a new stereo system in the garage. Does it matter whether I get outdoor speakers or not? I was looking at the NHT O2 Outdoor speakers since they're on sale at $149 each, O2 Outdoor Speaker | High End Audio. I imagine it's overkill getting outdoor speakers for my intended use but it probably couldn't hurt. Or am I better off getting just a pair of bookshelf speaker? The NHT classic 2s are on sale at $229 each:Classic Two (Black) | Bookshelf Speakers | Premium Audio Equipment.

I'm not totally stuck on NHTs so I'm willing to look at other speakers. One thing I do like about NHTs is that they are a sealed design which I think is helpful since I plan on mounting them on a wall and there won't be much, if any distance, for a rear ported design. The 02 outdoor speakers look like they'd be a snap to set up on a wall.

Oh and I get a new stereo receiver as well but I'll start a different thread on that later,

 

[fuzz092888]

I think it just depends on how well sealed and insulated the garage is. As long as it's not dropping too low temp wise, and there won't be a ton of moisture getting in you shouldn't need outdoor speakers. If you like NHT I would go take a look in the for sale section. There are a pair of NHT absolutes for sale for like $240ish bucks when they usually retail for $199 a speaker!

 

[bikemig]

Iowa winters

It's in Iowa so it's going to get cold in the garage in the winter. But I thought that cold didn't matter that much as long as you didn't try to actually operate your electronics when it was too cold? When they ship this stuff around, it must spend time in some real cold weather. I'll check out the sale section though; good tip.

 

[fuzz092888]

Extreme temperature changes can help deteriorate some of the driver materials, plus if it's cold and you go out there to do any work and just fire them up that's not good for them either (non outdoor speakers). Usually when speakers are shipped during the colder months you let them warm up indoors before you actually put any power or signal through them just to make sure everything will function correctly.

Operating in cold weather isn't bad per se, you just have to make sure you start very softly and build up and let them thoroughly warm up before you crank them up.

 

[zieglj01]

Add the PSB CS1000, to your look at list
PSB CS1000 Outdoor/Indoor Loudspeakers

 

[bikemig]

Add the PSB CS1000, to your look at list
PSB CS1000 Outdoor/Indoor Loudspeakers

I'm a PSB fan so it's good to know that they make outdoor speakers as well. They seem to be an easier load to drive than the NHTs which is useful with outdoor speakers (nominal impedance of 8 ohms vs 6 ohms for the NHTs); heck the reviewer drove the speakers with a fairly minimal amp (nuforce icon amp). These look cool; thanks for the link.

 

[Bryceo]

I've come to you in your hour of need, cold weather does damage
To your equipment whether you like it or not

 

[bikemig]

I've come to you in your hour of need, cold weather does damage
To your equipment whether you like it or not

Would you take your gear indoors in the winter? That wouldn't be hard to do but I would think that's overkill as long as you don't run it when the temperature gets too cold.

 

[Bryceo]

Would you take your gear indoors in the winter? That wouldn't be hard to do but I would think that's overkill as long as you don't run it when the temperature gets too cold.

I'd have to see the area it was goin to be set up in be for I was to make up my mind

 

[fuzz092888]

If it's getting down to freezing and well below in the garage and then heating up to 80s and above in the summer then I wouldn't leave good speakers out there. Like those NHTs I pointed you towards in the for sale section. I wouldn't leave those out in my garage year round.

So you're not going to be using the speakers at all in winter? If it were me I wouldn't leave speakers I cared about in a garage that is going to feel the kinds of temperature changes I get in NY. Either get some cheaper speakers that can be easily replaced should anything go awry with them, insulate the garage and heat it just enough so that the temperature doesn't drop below like 50, or bring the gear in for the winter. That would be something like the decision I'd be looking at if I were in your situation.

Heck I'd probably bring my outdoor speakers in for the winter unless I knew I was going to be using them (you know, if I had them).

 

[bikemig]

yeah I'm thinking that is what I will do. The speakers and receiver can winter over in the basement, . The fridge will stay full of beer year around but I might just unplug it in the winter . . .

 

[fuzz092888]

Sounds like a good plan to me

 

[Bryceo]

I have out door speakers in my sheed that Recive covers in the winter

 

[zieglj01]

yeah I'm thinking that is what I will do. The speakers and receiver can winter over in the basement, . The fridge will stay full of beer year around but I might just unplug it in the winter . . .

I would still not cheap out on overall sound quality - plus having
a good system to listen to, tends to bring more enjoyment. Even
with some restrictions, or circumstances.

 

[bikemig]

I appreciate the advice but one thing I'm not clear on. The garage is well built and dry. I suspect that I don't really need to pay the xtra expense of outdoor speakers as long as I take them in during the winter? Just wondering because I was thinking of picking up something that doesn't cost too much on accessories4less.

 

[zieglj01]

I appreciate the advice but one thing I'm not clear on. The garage is well built and dry. I suspect that I don't really need to pay the xtra expense of outdoor speakers as long as I take them in during the winter? Just wondering because I was thinking of picking up something that doesn't cost too much on accessories4less.

I look at it this way, if the garage is not too cold or hot for the
electronics to work, then the speakers will be fine.

 

[Gordonj]

I might even look at the Tannoy Di speak line for a garage area that was open to extreme temp changes. They are a plastic box with mounting brackets and designed for the conditions you are describing. And yes, they sound very good. They have models from a 5" up to a 8". Good sounding product and they do the trick. If you had something like them then you would not need to worry about moving them in the winter time. You would still need to be carefull in the cold and letting them warm up some.


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Gordon