OutDoor speakers, who has em and how do you like em?

TouchOfEvil
TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
edited April 2011 in Speakers
Once we move in roughly one month i want to do a exterior setup for the backyard. I however have no experience with the outdoor speakers.

Who here has some outdoor setups, what do you run and how do you like em?
Suggest me some nice speakers my friends. I doubt i want to go with a sub outside just two nice speakers that can fill the range nicely.:biggrin:
Living Room Rig:D
Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
Xbox360/PS3/WII
M.Br. setup:)
Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
Computer Rig:
Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
Post edited by TouchOfEvil on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,338
    edited April 2011
    Using an extra zone off my elite and a little 50watt 2chnl amp with a pair of AW800TT speakers the are nice close to full range for the money. I live coastal and they have held up.
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,793
    edited April 2011
    My Dad use to rock some older Atrium speakers - those things were pretty bad **** I will admit.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited April 2011
    Just got in from watching a thunderstorm on the back porch while listening to music and drinking a beer. Absolutely awesome. We have a pair of Atrium 45 run from a second zone on my AVR, powered by an Audiosource 150 wpc amp. Couple that with a Squeezebox Duet and it's an unbeatable way to spend a great spring night outside at home.

    The new Polk outdoor offerings sounded really nice the last time I heard them. The new Atirums were solid, but I'd go with the new satellite/sub set up they offer. I'd have the sub running right now but I didn't plan for it while wiring.
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited April 2011
    I use the zone two preouts from my hk avr 630 to a sonance sonamp 260x3; only using two of the zones right now, one to some polk in ceilings in the great room and one to a pair of polk monitor 2 series 3 on the porch. Older wedge speakers that go cheap on the bay. I have another pair in a spare room in the house. I really lile them although they are not full range but have enough bass that when u crank the sound real nice. There is also a version with 6.5 in woofers (mine r 5.25) as well as some all weather ones. Mine are several feet under an awning so prety well protected. So thats one idea.
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • grimmace19
    grimmace19 Posts: 1,429
    edited April 2011
    I just got the atrium sat30 system with the subwoofer and run them off the 2nd zone on an onkyo 505. They sound great and the sub adds a lot. Tons of mounting options and even spikes to plant them in the ground (that's what I did). There are also instructions on how to paint them if you want to match them to your house.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CCNJ
    CCNJ Posts: 384
    edited April 2011
    I have a pair of Polk Atrium 55s. I run them off of a Nad C355Bee integrated amplifier. They sound great and and are more than ample to fill a rather large backyard space. I haven't heard the new line of Polk Outdoor speakers but I am happy with the older Atrium line.
    Rig1 - Totem Hawks, Benchmark HDR, Parasound A21, Sonus, Samsung 52 LCD, Audioquest Type4
    Rig2 - LFD LE IV Integrated, Harbeth P3ESR, Rega Dac, MF V-Link, IMAC, Audioquest Type4
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited April 2011
    grimmace19 wrote: »
    I just got the atrium sat30 system with the subwoofer and run them off the 2nd zone on an onkyo 505. They sound great and the sub adds a lot. Tons of mounting options and even spikes to plant them in the ground (that's what I did). There are also instructions on how to paint them if you want to match them to your house.

    That's the name I was looking for. Heard them at HQ a while back, sounded great and the functionality is off the charts.
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited April 2011
    So basically can't go wrong with a nice set of Atriums. Thanks guys!!!!
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Advantage
    Advantage Posts: 38
    edited April 2011
    Like others have said, the Atriums are nice speakers. I am impressed with the overall sound and bass response of the Atrium7's. I just finished installing a pair of them on the deck and another pai below near the patio. They are more than enough to fill the backyard with music; in fact, it's enought to fill my backyard and several neighbors too :biggrin: They rock!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,204
    edited April 2011
    I have outdoor speakers on my deck which are Atriums from polk. They are a part of my whole house audio system. I have 8 zones.
    How we use them is for back ground music when we Barbecue , have parties or if the wife and I want to sit out their for some drinks at night. I have a 120 watt amp connected to them so if I want to jam, they jam.
    I have Installed just about every kind of outdoor speakers , specing them for you I would need to know the area you wanna cover with sound.
    Example: If you have an inground pool , I usually spec Rocks 2 pairs or more for coverage. Why so many? Coverage at lower volumes. Less pairs mean more volume , more pairs means less volume more coverage.
    Decks I usually spec on house or on deck style unless Planters make sense. Planters are speakers inside the flowerpot. They have so many options.

    Brands I'll suggest:
    Polk , Klipsch , Boston Acoustic , James , Paradigm , Rock Acoustics, Niles.
    Go to all their websites and check out their offerings. I'm sure you will find something that will work for you.

    As far as powering them , their is so many options your AV receiver you own probably has a zone 2 out with built in amps for 1 pair. This might be your option or you might need a whole house audio system.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VXR8
    VXR8 Posts: 291
    edited April 2011
    Although not traditional outdoor speakers, I have a set of Polk RT5 speakers that I picked on eBay. As they already have the wall mounts, it was just a formality. They are undercover, and as they are fed 200 watts via zone 2 from my AVR (and external amp), they sound exceptionally good - it pays sometimes to think outside the square :-)
    Regards - Gaz from the land of Oz

    Main System
    Denon - AVC-4700H
    Emotiva - XPA-9
    Cambridge Audio - Azur 851C - CXUHD
    Polk Audio - Legend L800 - Legend L400 - Legend L900 - LSiM fx - OWM3
    SVS - PB1000 x 2
    Foxtel - iQ4
    Belkin - Pure AV PF40
    Sony K77A9G

    Front Room System
    PS Audio - Sprout 100
    Cambridge Audio - CXC S2 - CA752BD
    Sony - UBX800 4K BluRay
    Polk Audio - Legend L200
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • maximillian
    maximillian Posts: 2,144
    edited April 2011
    TouchOfEvil wrote: »
    So basically can't go wrong with a nice set of Atriums. Thanks guys!!!!

    Correct. They are solidly built and you won't have to worry about the weather hurting them. Get the larger Atrium's or the smaller ones with a sub. Of course, you may just want the smaller ones with no sub if you have close neighbors.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DaveHo
    DaveHo Posts: 3,536
    edited April 2011
    I use a pair of JBL N26AWII's powered by a spare pair of channels on my Outlaw 770. They are tucked up under the overhang & get left out year round. I've had them at least 6-7 years at this point & they are still in good shape. I like the sound of them so much that I bought another pair to keep as a spare.

    -Dave
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited April 2011
    I was using a pair of Advent calypso outdoor speaks for awhile; a pair of Energy C-3's have been doing outdoor patio duty for about 4yrs now...
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • codyc1ark
    codyc1ark Posts: 2,532
    edited April 2011
    I've run an outdoor poarch setup, powered by a late 80's Kenwood 2ch, and had a small set of Sony bookshelfs, and some no name 12" powered sub. Before that I was running some all weather KLH's thats I've had for about 10 years, the sub made a world of difference, I'd +1 any outdoor setup with sub. Good luck!

    -Cody
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited April 2011
    Use Atrium 55's outside on a deck, controlled by Niles, and powered by a Carver AVR. Love them, sound great.

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited April 2011
    Atrium 65's on my patio, powered by zone 2 off a Yamaha receiver. Excellent sound at low to moderate levels, I haven't had the guts to try them at high volume since I do like my neighbors.
    I've also demoed (in home)the Atrium 5's and they had a very sweet sound but much more laid back than the older Atrium line.
    The nice thing about the Atriums is they can take alot of weather related punishment and still sound great.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited April 2011
    I doubt i'm gonna go with a sub because i will have neighbors fairly close. The lots are 70X170 i think and about 10foot between fence lines so i don't want everyone to hate me lol.
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited April 2011
    Atrium 60s and love them. Run them off of Zone 2 using a Sony 7100ES in the living room. They sound fantastic.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 1,225
    edited April 2011
    mantis wrote: »
    I have outdoor speakers on my deck which are Atriums from polk. They are a part of my whole house audio system. I have 8 zones.
    How we use them is for back ground music when we Barbecue , have parties or if the wife and I want to sit out their for some drinks at night. I have a 120 watt amp connected to them so if I want to jam, they jam.
    I have Installed just about every kind of outdoor speakers , specing them for you I would need to know the area you wanna cover with sound.
    Example: If you have an inground pool , I usually spec Rocks 2 pairs or more for coverage. Why so many? Coverage at lower volumes. Less pairs mean more volume , more pairs means less volume more coverage.
    Decks I usually spec on house or on deck style unless Planters make sense. Planters are speakers inside the flowerpot. They have so many options.

    Brands I'll suggest:
    Polk , Klipsch , Boston Acoustic , James , Paradigm , Rock Acoustics, Niles.
    Go to all their websites and check out their offerings. I'm sure you will find something that will work for you.

    As far as powering them , their is so many options your AV receiver you own probably has a zone 2 out with built in amps for 1 pair. This might be your option or you might need a whole house audio system.

    Dan,
    Any experience with the offering from Def Tech ? :cool:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,204
    edited April 2011
    nap wrote: »
    Dan,
    Any experience with the offering from Def Tech ? :cool:

    Yes , they are nice and punchy and sound better then the Atriums from polk.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited April 2011
    mantis wrote: »
    Yes , they are nice and punchy and sound better then the Atriums from polk.

    Don't make me spend more money lol!!!!:biggrin:
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter