yet another outdoor speaker question

[LOUMFSG]

Boy - there are a lot of questions about outdoor speakers today. I am looking to put two sets of outdoor speakers in my yard. One pair will be mounted on the house above the patio/deck. A second pair will be in an area away from the house, and it was recommended by the person helping design our landscaping to get a set of speakers that look like rocks. I know I have seen them before (I think it was at a Best Buy). I am not terribly concerned about fidelity in this case, but it would be nice to get something that sounds decent, and I am always looking for good bang-for-the-buck.

Are there many options (brand-wise) when it comes to these faux-rock speakers, and if so, which brands are recommended.

Thanks in advance.

 

[jcPanny]

Rock Music?

Unfortunately, most of the speakers that look like rocks will probably sound like rocks, too. Check your location to determine if you could have speakers mounted to a tree, fence or other object.

Also note, most outdoor sepakers are "water resistant" which means that they can withstand humidity and small amounts of water. It sounds like you need the more rugged "water proof" variety. I have seen some of this type that are designed to be mounted flush in the ground and direct sound upward. Let us know what you find and how it performs.

 

[annunaki]

Actually, some rock speakers can sound quite good as far as outdoor speakers are concerned. Their additional enclosure volume usually allows for better bass response. I would try to demo them though. Niles has some nice single 8" dual tweeter units that sound quite good. They are pricey though. They are about $469.00 each at the retail level. They also have some 6-1/2" units that run about $279.00 each. I am sure there are others as well.

 

[Methost]

Check ebay for outdoor speakers. I saw quite a few there by middle end manufacturers that look like things you might find in a garden, including rocks.

 

[Snap]

Unfortunately, most of the speakers that look like rocks will probably sound like rocks, too. Check your location to determine if you could have speakers mounted to a tree, fence or other object.

Also note, most outdoor sepakers are "water resistant" which means that they can withstand humidity and small amounts of water. It sounds like you need the more rugged "water proof" variety. I have seen some of this type that are designed to be mounted flush in the ground and direct sound upward. Let us know what you find and how it performs.

Dude way off! There are some really good rock speakers out there. I would not hook them up to a Classe and invite every one from the forum to come over and to a sound test or anything, but they sound very good for out door and the application that they are made for. Tunes by the BBQ, Volleyball music etc.

And if you are in a very humid enviroment, or near water there is only 2 brands of speakers that I will recomend. (Beach houses, near pools etc) 1st on the list is Niles. It is going to cost you but it is the best speaker on the beach houses for sure. The second Phase Tech makes a very good one that is not as much as the Niles. But the Niles sounds a little better and holds up better for sure.

If you want I can get you the exact part numer for the Niles and the Phase Tech.
Blessed,