Outdoor Speakers

[Club1820]

Hello. I installed my Polk Audio Atrium 45 Outdoor speakers over the weekend. They sound great. My question pertains to their ( or any other outdoor speaker) weatherproof-ness.

The installation instructions suggest that they still have some sort of protection if possible. Under a roof eave, etc. Well, I have them on my brick wall and will be putting a small wooden roof above them for some protection. But of course, I didnt get to finish the roof before we got a big downpour yesterday.

For those that have outdoor speakers, - are they protected or just out in the open? How have they held up to the elements?

I also did not immediately turn them off while it was raining. Can they safely play in the rain? Should they dry out before using them again?

Thanks for your input.

[JKalman]

It probably depends on the speaker. My Niles outdoor speakers don't have much protection, a slight overhang, but it is very high up. I would follow the suggestions in the manual for your speakers...

[Azeke]

I have a pair of Infinity outdoor speakers, which I have owned for a couple of years without any outdoor protection, except the eave. However, they have faced the Northwest winds, and seem to have held up well. They still sound good, without being covered, of course YMMV.

Peace and blessings,

Azeke

[Kevin D]

We've had a pair of atrium's hanging verticle out in the open on a brick wall for about 4 years now with no issues.. Plus Polk is real good on warranties, we don't even have to send them in, we just order drivers as needed.

Plus we've never actually had to replace an Atrium driver any way.

Kevin D.

[gross30]

I also run a set of Infinity outdoor speakers in Southern Alberta, and the winters are pretty harsh. The only protection they have is that they are mounted under eaves. I leave them out all year and have not had a problem with them. They have been hanging for 4 years now without issue. dg

[htsteve]

B&W WM6's

I have a pair of B&W WM6's out in the open on a brick wall by our patio. They sound great even after some rough Michigan weather. I have no protection on them. I know someone who has the predecessor to the WM6's for about 8 years with no issues.

[Club1820]

Thanks for all of your replies. Makes me think that perhaps I shouldnt install my little wooden roof protector. ? I like the way they look on the wall without anything above them. I am of course taking them down before our brutal Chicago winters arrive!

[Chris D]

My back patio speakers are JBL, and I installed them under a 12-18" overhang, so they're protected from the most direct downpours. They've lasted me 3.5 years now and are doing fine. Today I noticed that they have little yellowed spots on them, not sure if it's just age, or water spots, or what.

I would say no problem using them in the rain, unless they're super-cheap speakers or not really made for outdoors.

[DavidB]

I have a set of Bose Freespace speakers. They are very durable and designed to be left outside...which is a good job because mine are buried. They do a fantastic job.