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  3. 174979-71307

Bookshelf Speaker For Outdoors

I've been using a pair of Definitive Technology AW6500 speakers with an NAD C325BEE for years and want to get something significantly better. Thinking of using a nice pair of bookshelf speakers and drilling the back to wall mount them under an awning. I like the AW6500s for what they are and consider them the best you can get in a true outdoors speaker,but find them lacking in REALLY good sound. I spend a lot of time outdoors and entertain a lot with music around a fire pit. I would of course upgrade my integrated along with them. They would sit under a large awning, so not exposed to rain, but would be exposed to outdoors. Maybe a plastic cover when not being used? I use a LMS>Rpi4 picoreplayer>Musetec 005>Krell Digital Vanguard>Dynaudio Focus 360 in my main system and was thinking of LMS>RPi4 picoreplayer>Gustard X26 Pro>Class A or NAD C298>Dynaudio Evoke 20. Stream 3000+ 16/44, 24/96 flac and SACD DSF files. Thoughts on using the Evoke 20's outside and if so, being riven by NAD C298 rather than class A amp. Worried a little about the Dynaudio rear port if used outside. Don't want the speakers to become a spiders/bug nest. Open to other thoughts on speakers or just a plain old 'your crazy' will suffice. Thanks

btscott
btscott OP
25 posts
 

It's a thought,but prefer having a permanent system in place. I have the speaker wire run and I use Ethernet for streaming. Find wifi sometimes unreliable for larger .dsf files. Regardless, thanks for the idea.

shtinkydog
610 posts
 
btscott: I have the older version of these: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_091100OD8W/Focal-100-OD8-White.html incredible little speakers once you break them in, which takes some time. they're hooked up to a Yamaha a-s701 100wpc integrated. awesome combination. good luck!
btscott OP
25 posts
 

Thanks, I did look at those. Couldn't find many reviews. Let me see about return policy and maybe I'll check them out.

shtinkydog
610 posts
 
i bought them site unseen/unheard/no reviews. First pair of focals i'd ever heard. i love em. i have a few pairs of bookshelves that i listen to outside. those are my absolute favorite.
soix
8,729 posts
 

What do you find is most lacking in your outdoor sound? My guess — it sounds thin and bass shy, no? When I worked for Magnolia I discovered the option of incorporating outside subwoofers to fill out the sound. I didn’t even know outside subwoofers existed. Maybe you just keep your existing speakers and add a couple subs? Plus, you get to watch your friends scratch their heads in bewilderment when you even mention the term “outdoor subs.”   They’ll immediately feel ignorant and behind the curve.  That’s what I’d look at unless you think your current speakers sound like crap, then it’s time for a wholesale change. I think the subs were part of the Sonance product line, and a few times a year they offer insane discounts on their products and Magnolia is usually pretty open when those occur.  Hope this helps, and best of luck.

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