2. speakers
  3. 158052-122347

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
paradisecom
297 posts
 
I’ve heard just about every outdoor weatherproof speaker on the market. The best enclosed model I’ve seen is the Near LB8, with the LB6 just behind:

http://www.nearspeakers.com/lb8.html

From there, the sub/satellite systems from Near/ Sonance/ Episode/ James/ etc are also very nice, but are more expensive and require more installation effort. 

The LB8’s are fantastic and are in another league above the offerings from Klipsch/ Polk/ etc.  Find a local dealer and ask for a demo. 

gp4jesus
36 posts
 
Another +1 for Polk Atriums - recommend the 6s or 8s.
The Atrium 4s or 5s mid woofer a bit small for so much space to fill. 
Regardless their rep is they‘ll be around for years and decent sound, slightly “hot” top end
dpac996's avatar
dpac996
684 posts
 
Sonos Play 5; plugged into deck AC receptacle. Connected to WiFi; Roon Endpoint. Surprisingly full and clear sound. Ended my quest to do exactly what you want to do. When done just bring back inside. 

mesch
3,463 posts
 
I have a system that I roll out onto my back deck. During the spring, summer and fall seasons often get played more than my main system. I have used several monitor speakers. One of my favorites was a used pair of B&W 685 which worked well. They could broadcast well, loud or soft, and the bass was suitable even without reinforcement. I would stick with 6-7" monitors, maybe build some outdoor stands what wouldn't need to be moved, at least not taken inside. 
mesch
3,463 posts
 
Forgot to add that I would try 12ga in-wall speaker wire from monoprice. A 100ft roll can be had for <$60 I believe. Otherwise maybe the Canare 4S11 which I use, not for your length however. Canare is ~3X the cost of the Monoprice.
More to discover