Outdoor speaker systems provide a number of challenges not faced when you are working indoors. In terms of the sound itself, there are significant differences which require that you use different equipment. Inside, you have walls which reinforce low sounds and contain sound so that everything sounds crisper and clearer. Outside, sound spreads out with no boundaries and bass is easily lost. On top of that, you'll have noise from whatever is happening on the road, in your neighbor's yard, and in the air. A receiver with a good equalizer and speakers with good bass response are more important outdoors than anywhere else.

Even more importantly, you have to make sure that both you and your equipment are safe in inclement weather. It would be very upsetting if your speakers were to short out in a mild rain. It would be extremely serious if you were in danger of getting electrocuted by your speakers or cables. Ideally, you can use some sort of awning to cover your equipment, even if it may be exposed to some precipitation. Also, angle your speakers down, just slightly, so that water will never collect inside them.

All outdoor speakers sold by a reputable dealer will be "water resistant," but that doesn't mean you want to leave them out in the rain. Some are tested for "extreme conditions," but even that may be ambiguous. If you know this is a concern with the location you're furnishing, look for extensive customer and professional reviews on the particular speakers you are considering before purchasing them, or make sure there's a return policy that suits you.

Wiring Outdoor Speakers

Running speaker wire outdoors is the biggest problem of all. You should run it through a wall, despite the fact that this is a lot more complicated than running it out a window or a door. The risk of using a window or the door is that the cable will get crimped and ultimately short out. There are special cables available which comply with the national electrical code for installation through walls.

You should get such cables whenever possible, as they have a smooth casing which increases the ease of installation and is particularly weather resistance. You should get a sealant such as silicone to use as insulation wherever the wires emerge from inside, and always have enough extra wire that it does not need to be pulled taut. Bare wire connectors are a terrible idea with outdoor speakers, as they are the most obvious source of problems with water and electricity. Strongly consider getting outdoor speakers which have binding posts that accept pins, banana plugs, or spade connectors instead.