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Looking for recommendations for outdoor speakers

These would be WIRED, mounted to poles, and up relatively high. 

The purpose is casual listening (not critical listening) when drinking cocktails and people talking,  but which are not overtly offensive to someone who normally listens in a dedicated audio room.  Primarily rock and roll and the like.

The choices for outdoor speakers that are not G-d Awful seems pretty slim or I am looking in the wrong places.

I am strongly leaning to the Bowers Architectural Monitor outdoor speakers (mounting them tweeter down) with a JBL AWC15LF-BK sub mounted above them.  (Subs being necessary because the Bowers are bass restricted.)

Also in the running are KEF Venturas, again paired with the JBL subs.

Note, JBL is picked because I literally cannot find any other outdoor/pole mounted subs.

Floor standing subs are  not an option.

davetheoilguy
paradisecom
391 posts
 

Having installed zillions of outdoor speakers in my lifetime, the best sounding weatherproof traditionally styled speakers I have ever come across are the Near LB6 and LB8's.  They are not cheap, though. Subs not needed, especially with the 8's.

They also offer landscape speaker systems which are great.

For other brands, check out James Loudspeaker, https://www.jamesloudspeaker.com/categories/40 

James is top-tier stuff, for sure.  Fantastic stuff.

 

If not either one of those and I was on a budget, I'd look at MSE Audio:

https://mseaudio.com/products/speakers/outdoor.html?product_list_order=price&product_list_dir=desc

Made in America with great warranties and customer support.

speed121
8 posts
 

I have had Klipsch AW-650's mounted under the eave of my house above my back patio / pool area.  I have had them for almost 20 years.  I drive them with an Adcom GFA-55.  I love them and everyone who has heard them is amazed at how good they sound in my back yard. I also have a few outdoor subwoofers but rarely ever turn them on, they are not needed with the Klipsch against the brick wall.  Plenty of bass for all levels of volume.  I cannot recommend them more and I believe they are less expensive now than when I bought them 20 years ago.  If or when they finally go out, I will definitely replace them with the same AW-650's.  

audio_guy_uofw
66 posts
 

+1 @vintageadict  I also have the PSB CS1000 driven by a Sonos Amp, and really enjoy them. They do have pretty good bass, and I even used them for dancing at an outdoor wedding reception with good results...until the neighbours asked us to turn it down.

s2ssports
7 posts
 

I have 2 pairs of B&W AM-1 wired into a Nakamichi AV-10 with AQ Niagara 1000 and upgraded AQ power cord, with Bluetooth connected as well. Music and movies sound amazing. My neighbor has come over multiple times and asked me to turn my music up louder because of how good it sounded. Highly recommend. 

davetheoilguy OP
156 posts
 

All:

I ended up vacillating between Coastal Source and Ambisonic.

Ambisonic looked to be a great fit but they only work through dealers.  I’m from a younger generation than most here, and like most of my generation would rather have a colonoscopy than talk to a salesman.  Just give me a price and let me click or not click.  So they were out.

Ended up with two (but will probably end up with four - 1000 foot space) of the largest Coastal array panel speakers, along with one of their amps.  Wiring is bi wiring (double amped is required) 14 g CL2/3 (direct bury) that you pair with their proprietary ends.

I’m doing basic LR speakers on each side of the fireplace.  1400 watt four channel amp.

If I do 4 speakers, I have to mount on the same wall and get a second amp.

my assumption is you go RLRL or is it LLRR or even LRLR, keeping in mind the are between the two center is the primary listening area?

 

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