Planning Your Outdoor Sound System: Wired Vs. Wireless Speakers
Read our side-by-side comparison of wired vs. wireless speakers to help you make the best choice for your outdoor audio setup
Outdoor music is a fantastic addition to your home entertainment system and a great reason to spend a lot of time outside in Lafayette, LA, this summer. If you’re starting with an outdoor audio system and researching the components you need, you may be running across a choice you have to make: should you purchase wired or wireless speakers?
Speaker selection is crucial to ensure you’re getting the best audio quality from your system. To help you out, we’re going to break down the differences between wired and wireless speakers, the pros and cons of each and which type is best for you. Keep reading!
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Wireless Speakers
The main draw of wireless speakers is that they’re easy to set up and convenient to use. Portable, battery-powered, Bluetooth-enabled speakers can be carried around the pool or backyard and connect easily with your phone or tablet to play music. Wireless speakers that are Wi-Fi-enabled can connect to music sources on your home network and respond to voice control. Several options have battery lives that last anywhere from 10-20 hours. A robust wireless speaker (or pair of speakers) may be the right choice if you have a small outdoor space or if it’s not convenient or feasible to run outdoor wiring. Wireless is also a great choice if you want to take music with you to the beach or tailgating parties.
If you decide to go wireless, make sure to look for partially or completely waterproof speakers, especially if you want to set them up near the pool. Keep in mind that not all wireless outdoor speakers are weatherproof, and most aren’t designed to be left outdoors year-round. You’ll have to bring your speakers indoors after every use.
The real drawback of wireless speakers is the loss of sound quality. A portable wireless speaker isn’t going to generate the type of power or volume you’ll get from a wired system.
Wired Speakers
For a dependable, powerful outdoor audio system that can play any music you desire, wired speakers are the way to go. If you’re planning to use your setup frequently and want the best sound quality for outdoor music, then a wired system is the better choice.
You can use an indoor AV receiver or amplifier to power your system, or you can set up a separate outdoor amplifier. If you already have a home theater receiver, it probably has a second output zone to connect outdoor speakers. AV receivers, matrixes and amplifiers can process multiple music sources, including streaming services, network music libraries, CDs, MP3 players and vinyl records. There are no limitations to what you can listen to outdoors.
Sound quality is what sets wired speakers apart from wireless ones. Outdoor speakers generate powerful sound using robust drivers designed to compensate for open areas and environmental noise. Most permanently installed outdoor speakers come with built-in or underground subwoofers that deliver full bass to round out the audio experience. And outdoor speakers are built to live outdoors year-round. They’re built with weatherproof materials designed to withstand environmental conditions.
Many people see the complicated setup as the downside to a wired system. But with the help of a professional integrator, the complicated becomes easy. At Electronics Professionals, our techs can design a multi-speaker system to distribute crisp, clear sound throughout your entire outdoor space.
Trust Electronics Professionals as your guide to outdoor sound systems. If you’re ready to start enjoying outdoor music in Lafayette, LA, call us or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
