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Outdoor Audio Systems
Whether you are relaxing in your yard by
yourself or throwing a party, having the
convenience of an outdoor audio system will
add to the enjoyment of your property. New
all weather sound systems are easy to install
in your outdoor space. Box speakers that
are wrapped in protective casings can be
mounted on the outside of the house or stealth
speakers can be disguised in the landscape
by hiding them in planters. There are even
speakers that look like rocks.
If you are thinking of buying
an outdoor
audio system, consider the following:
- The durability of outdoor audio components
has gotten much better, so they can be left
out all year. However, all systems will last
longer if they are somewhat protected from
the elements. Box speakers will do better
if they are mounted in protected areas, such
as under the house eves; and speakers hidden
in the yard should be sheltered by plants,
shrubs and trees.
- It is important to determine how large an
area you want your system to cover. One pair
of speakers can only serve from 200 to 400
square feet, so you will need to measure
the area where you want sound. The speakers
should be as close as possible to where you,
your family, and friends naturally gather.
Be considerate of your neighbors by directing
speakers away from their yards.
- Alternate your speakers between left and
right channels so that you can listen in
stereo. Remember that outdoor systems don’t
have the reflective surfaces of ceilings,
walls and floors. You will also have to contend
with outside noises from people, traffic,
and animals. Make sure your system can overcome
this situation by having enough wattage to
provide the necessary power to your speakers.
Most outdoor speakers require at rated at
40 watts per channel, so your receiver should
not exceed that amount. Because grass, shrubbery,
and other soft surfaces absorb sound, It
is better to use more speakers with lower
sound levels than just a few that are turned
up too loud. The quality of the sound will
be much better, and you won’t risk blowing
out your speakers.
- All wiring used to connect your system to
electricity must be strong
enough to carry
the necessary power over the
distance to
the speakers and be durable
enough to withstand
harsh outdoor elements. The
best systems
use at least 16 gauge direct
burial cable
and install it at least 12
inches deep in
the ground. Check to see if
local building
codes require all wiring to
be run through
conduit. It is wise to test
run your system
before burying the wiring to
make sure everything
is where it should be for the
sound you want.
Outdoor audio speakers can be
part of an
interior system, but you will
probably want
to install a zone selector with
volume control
so that different indoor and
outdoor sound
levels are available. A separate
outdoor
control will give you maximum
convenience
and save you trips inside to
"turn up"
a favorite tune. |
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