Good Stereo Speakers for outside use during BBQs, evening pot luck dinners etc


I want to purchase (preferably used) a pair of good speakers to place in our back yard for get togethers with friends. I would like speakers that resolve well with clean highs and decent bass but nothing on the level of very high end. I will probably be running around 40 ft of speaker wire from a Pass X250.8

I'm just looking to have quality music in the back yard to enjoy with food, drink and non-audiophile friends. Easy set up and take down is desired as I really don't want to schlep my Vandersteen's in and out of the house every time I want music outside. Any suggestions for speakers and wire would be appreciated.

Bruce

brskie
On the large side of things, I bought a cheap PA setup from monoprice for outdoor events and karaoke. Two self powered 15" plastic boxed PA speakers, stands, cables, a wireless mic set from Amazon. I have under $400 into everything (less than my last cable upgrades for the main rig). I hook up a phone or a laptop for the source and everyone loves it. I can host or take the whole thing to a friends house. Plenty of sound.

On the small side of things, the weather proof JBL Charge bluetooth speakers are fantastic. Link two of them together and use a phone as a source and you can fill any room with sound. My dad puts a set on his deck for outside listening and small gatherings. You can pair up to 100 speakers if I remember correctly (running in mono) so you can always add another one for more sound.

Both good options depending on what you are trying to achieve.
I'll throw another vote out there for a JBL portable.  I have the Boombox 2, sounds good and with deep bass you have to hear to believe.  It also weighs close to 15lbs, stretching the definition of portable.  But hey, it has a handle.  

Definitely on the "v" curve of sound signature, but the app has an EQ, and it can be linked with other JBLs. 

My other "portable" setup is a Fosi Audio mini amp with Dayton Audio B652s, using a Chromecast Audio dongle as the input.  All in, less than $150, plays loud, sounds good, but it is hard to beat the flexibility of the JBL for placement and ease of setup/takedown.
I’ve had these kickers a few years. Sound great and cheap on Amazon so return if yuh don’t like.  But you should...

Kicker KB6 2-Way Full Range Indoor Outdoor Speakers (Pair) | Weatherproof Speakers for Patio Sunroom Garage Poolside in-Home | 6.5 inch woofer, 2x5 inch Horn Tweeter | Quick Mounting System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T8ZSRWJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sBx9EbYNN8A2J
I’ve been using Niles OS7.5 Indoor Outdoor Patio All Weather Speakers around my pool for 9+ years. Sound fantastic, military build. Simply the best. FYI, NIB pair currently on eBay. You’ll be glad you did.