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View Full Version : Mounting bookshelf speakers outside


bubbagumper6
06-09-2011, 02:56 PM
So I have a balcony attached to my apartment that's approx 12'x6' and I've been wanting to get some speakers out there for awhile. I plan on running a pair of bookshelf speakers off of the "Zone 2" of my Onkyo receiver. I'm just a bit hesitant to put my nice Dayton speakers (http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-652) outside...they're practically still BNIB and I can just imagine some insects invading them or something. So my question is, will these speakers survive outside? The balcony is covered so they won't get rained on but they'll still be outside so the humidity, heat/cold, etc will still be there. I had planned on spraying some spider repellent around where I mount them in the hopes of protecting them, any other ideas?


Also I'm still open to ideas for how to mount them for the best sound/imaging. The bottom part of the balcony (in my diagrams) is the sliding glass door to get inside, the sides are walls, and the top is the balcony front so it's open but there's a beam across the top I could mount them to if I need to (configuration 3). Which of these will produce the best results?

These are top-down views btw...

Configuration 1: Speakers mounted on either side of sliding door, facing off the balcony
http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/51/config1s.png



Configuration 2: Speakers mounted on the sides of the balcony, facing inward
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/2711/config2o.png



Configuration 3: Speakers mounted on beam above balcony opening, facing back towards my apartment
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9927/config3l.png


Sorry for the ridiculous diagrams, I made them in paint, lol
bubbagumper6
06-09-2011, 04:27 PM
Come on my drawings can't be that bad...haha
bubbagumper6
06-09-2011, 08:48 PM
I knew I should have posted this in the general discussion section...
budahbuddy803
06-09-2011, 09:00 PM
I cant help you because I have not done any out-door speakers. I used a cheap HT amp on some speakers outside in my parents pool house, but that amp didnt even last a year with the humidity (I guess).

On the other hand, those speakers are very nice for the money and as a matter of fact, I am running those mids in my car doors right now...still sound great to me.
bubbagumper6
06-09-2011, 09:04 PM
I cant help you because I have not done any out-door speakers. I used a cheap HT amp on some speakers outside in my parents pool house, but that amp didnt even last a year with the humidity (I guess).

On the other hand, those speakers are very nice for the money and as a matter of fact, I am running those mids in my car doors right now...still sound great to me.

I actually snagged the speakers awhile back when they were on sale for $25 a pair, got 2 pairs. I used one pair as my surrounds for my HT system but right now all 4 are just sittin...lol

The amp (receiver) will be inside so that won't be subjected to anything. I think the speakers will be fine weather wise. I mean, the rain can't touch them, and when they're in a car they're subjected to the same temperature changes. I guess I'm more wondering about the bugs and where I should mount them. I grabbed a can of spider repellent today, going to go out tonight and get as many of the spiders as I can.
Audiohazzard
06-12-2011, 10:30 PM
If it was me I would do configuration 3, because I'm sure it might pïśś on someones chereos when playing music. So the speakers faceing to the apartment should keep the sound where you want it lol. Now for the weather and critters, I would go and get a few cans of clear coat (spray paint) and put three to four coats on to help fight off the eliments. Good luck I hope this has helped any, should post some pics of what you do.
bubbagumper6
06-12-2011, 10:32 PM
Too late brah, I mounted them in configuration 1 the other day. My receiver's in the shop so I haven't tested em yet.