Bring the Party Outside With These Ideas for Outdoor Sound/Speakers
Most of us can remember certain scenes of our lives when a particular song comes on. The ability to play music outdoors can do so much for social gatherings. Fortunately, today’s outdoor audio systems mean that you don’t have to blast music to the whole neighborhood to let people further from the home enjoy music. Here’s how to bring the party outside with these ideas for outdoor sound/speakers.
Today’s outdoor sound technology makes it easy and convenient to enjoy the perfect audio experience whether you’re right outside your back door or way down by the fire pit. A zoned approach facilitated by Bluetooth and Wi-Fi lets you use a variety of speakers to deliver amazing sound quality that won’t drive the neighbors crazy.
1. Passive outdoor speakers
Passive outdoor speakers require a physical connection to your stereo. They deliver very good sound quality and closely resemble bookshelf speakers except they are weatherproof. They are usually used in tandem for a stereo effect. They allow for higher volume than most wireless outdoor speakers, but this can come at a price of annoyed neighbors.
Passive outdoor speakers are permanently mounted horizontally or vertically under the eaves or on gazebo or pergola supports.
As long as you have amplifiers that can power multiple speakers, you can link as many as you want to spread music consistently through your backyard. A more powerful amplifier will deliver cleaner sound as well as greater volume.
One drawback is that if the amplifier is indoors, you won’t be able to control the system from the patio. Adding a wireless audio adapter will let you control playback from the patio using your phone.
The downsides include complicated installation and lack of portability. If you decide to add a fire pit area in the future, for example, you’ll have to make large changes to the system. Since they are wired, installation may require drilling holes and trenches - tasks which are best left to the professionals unless you are very patient and have the time.
2. Active Bluetooth speakers
Active Bluetooth speakers are built-in amplifiers along with Bluetooth receivers within a waterproof outdoor speaker shell. In essence they work like a Bluetooth speaker: just pair your phone with the system, and stream music to your heart’s content.
On the plus side, these speakers have a better sound quality than single Bluetooth speakers, and they are simple to install: just plug them in to a nearby outlet.
The downside is a relatively limited range which means your phone will need to stay close to the speakers.
3. Portable Bluetooth speakers
Portable battery-powered Bluetooth speakers are affordable, waterproof and durable, and deliver good sound quality.
The downside is that your phone needs to be within Bluetooth range. The battery will need charging after 5-20 hours of play, but the small size (down to golfball size) gives you plenty of opportunities to put unobtrusive speakers practically anywhere, such as in trees or under rock overhangs for great surround sound. If you don’t want “big” sound and prefer quiet ambience, any tiny Bluetooth speaker will do. If you want to make a big gathering more festive, you’ll want a bigger system. You won’t get the same sound quality as from passive outdoor speakers.
4. Portable Wi-Fi speakers
Portable Wi-Fi speakers are usually battery-powered and although you have to be within range of the home’s Wi-Fi signal (or you can use a Wi-Fi extender). They can link to streaming devices through your home’s network, which lets you leave your phone in the kitchen while you’re outdoors.
This new technology is still limited to a few models, you’ll need to recharge them often, and the sound quality isn’t the best. However, their Bluetooth capabilities let visitors play their playlists through your speaker.
The Takeaway
Outdoor speakers can’t match the crisp sound quality of indoor speakers but they do bring the joys of music outdoors at a relatively affordable price that will pay for itself many times over just from the enjoyment of listening to your favorite tunes while barbecuing or relaxing under the open sky. With several speakers placed strategically throughout your landscape, you’ll be able to fine-tune the sound so that no part of the backyard is too loud or too quiet, and no annoyed neighbors.