ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, May 28, 1996 TAG: 9605290055
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO AT HOME WITH
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
Q: I read with interest your article on landscape lighting a couple of months back. The idea of using light and sound to create an outdoor ``living room'' is very appealing. I know there are outdoor speakers available, but are they really weather proof? How do I go about selecting the right ones?
A: Choosing speakers for the backyard (and there are plenty to choose from) is not much different from picking out a pair of speakers for the den: Buy what sounds good to your ear. While this advice may seem a bit obvious, most people tend to have overly modest expectations when it comes to the sound quality of outdoor speakers.
The latest all-weather speakers give up nothing to their indoor counterparts. Some well-known manufacturers even refer to their speakers as``indoor/outdoor,'' inviting a higher level of scrutiny.
However, don't take this concept too literally. Just drag a pair of conventional speakers outdoors and you'll quickly discover that different rules apply to speaker design when there are no walls or ceilings to reinforce the sound. This also demonstrates why it's important to try to audition prospective speakers in an outdoor setting. Unfortunately, this is not always possible.
A number of other factors - not the least of which is price - can help you narrow down the choices before you set out to look for speakers to audition. All-weather speakers can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,000 a pair. Fortunately, most tend toward the lower end of the range.
If your listening area is large, you should opt for several smaller speakers rather than a single large pair. This way, you can place speakers close to where people tend to gather. You can also save money by forgoing stereo except, perhaps, for a deck or patio where the seating arrangement is fixed.
Although most manufacturers avoid using terms like ``weather proof'' or ``water proof,'' it's safe to assume that speakers designated as water-resistant, weather-resistant or all-weather can withstand the elements. Manufacturer literature is usually very clear as to what is an acceptable environment.
Nevertheless, even the most durable models will last longer if you protect them from mud splatter and direct hits from an irrigation system.
Most outdoor speaker enclosures are made of ABS or other high-impact plastic. Unless you intend to mount them in a shaded area such as an roof overhang, make sure they're designated as ``UV stable.'' Most can be painted to blend with their surroundings. Some are even disguised to look like rocks! One note about paint: Use two or three thin coats on the grill cover to avoid filling the perforations.
Special mounting requirements can further limit your alternatives. Some companies offer a wide selection of mounting hardware while others only offer a basic U-bracket. A ball-pivot mount allows maximum adjustment flexibility for wall- and eave-mounted speakers. If you're planning to put speakers directly on the ground, be sure to use a special ground stake mount.
Most outdoor speakers feature gold-plated posts for corrosion-free wiring connections. Stranded zip-cord is best - 18 gauge for runs of 25 feet or less; 16 gauge for longer runs. Simply lay the wire on the surface around vegetation or fold into a shallow trench if it crosses a lawn. Wiring designed for low-voltage landscape lighting is ideal since it has extra-durable insulation.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture outdoor speakers, please send $2 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-614, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products. You'll also receive information about a wireless (900 MHz) outdoor speaker.
Q: Do I need a special amplifier to power outdoor speakers?
A: That depends on how many speakers you have. Most stereo amplifiers can handle two sets of speakers. For a network of five or more speakers, pay careful attention to the amp's minimum impedance specification. The alternative is a high-impedance distribution amplifier. Most speaker manufacturers are happy to assist in this matter.
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