Outdoor speakers with a punch?

[Ezephyr]

I'm looking to set up an outdoor sound system, but I'm having a hard time finding the right speakers. I'm a college student so ideally I'd like a system that can pack a bit of a punch (though not too much, for the sake of the neighbors). I've looked in to outdoor subs but that puts me a bit over budget.

Does anyone know of a decent pair or 2 or 3-way speakers that could handle a 30 person crowd? I'm trying to keep the speakers under $300, is that reasonable?

Thanks,

Evan

[Hyfi]

I have a pair of Athena OS-6 but I don't think they make them anymore, maybe a newer model. Driven with a Stratos or Counterpoint amp, they do kick when asked to.

What will you drive them with? That may be the factor your not considering when you say "pack a bit of a punch". You may only get a punch of distortion cranking up a mass market receiver.

[Tarheel_]

http://www.jr.com/jbl/pe/JBL_N26AWII/

I have these on my deck. Placed them in a corner and the bass is punchy. They will not replace a good sub, but for your budget and volume needs, this will exceed your expectations.

After a few brutal years baking on the deck they still look and sound great.

[bfalls]

I've had my eye on these for some time trying to justify the purchase, but haven't started our patio remodel. They look pretty beefy, have two 6" woofer and made by ElectroVoice.

[bfalls]

I've had my eye on these for some time trying to justify the purchase, but haven't started our patio remodel. They look pretty beefy, have two 6" woofer and made by ElectroVoice.
Sorry, I should include the model number. Duhhh!


EVID6.2

[Hyfi]

Sorry, I should include the model number. Duhhh!


EVID6.2

Yeah, there are 3 diff models. They look nice but pricey. I think I paid about $150 for my Athenas.

[Poultrygeist]

These Axiom Algonquins might work for you but are $30 over your budget. I ordered a pair last week and received one yesterday and the other is due today. Axiom ships each speaker separately for some reason. The build quality on the one I have is superb. Won't know how they sound until I get it's mate but will post my impressions. I have a pair of BestBuy Insignia's NS-E2111 which have many good reviews and sound great for around $80 ( even cheaper on eBay ). They are efficient and will play loud. I'll compare them with the Axioms in my next post.


http://www.axiomaudio.com/outdoor_speakers.html

[Poultrygeist]

I have now listened to a pair of Axiom Algonquins on my porch now for several days and they surpass the Insignias with better accuracy, bass extension, bigger sound stage and an over all fuller more detailed sound. The accurate reproduction of a piano is the litmus test for most speakers and the Algonquins get in right. Love that lingering tinkle of a piano note that I hear with these puppies. At 92 db sensitivity they require no more than a quarter turn of the volume knob on the old 75 wpc Marantz integrated. At first I though I heard cabinet resonance with the Algonquins but it turned out to be a vibrating grill. The grills are heavy plastic and vibrate if pushed all the way into their socket holes. Pulling then out a bit stopped the vibration. Although I mainly listen to small group jazz the Algonquins will rock out and play very loud without distortion.

The Algonquins are superior to the Insignias but at $330 vs $80 a pair they darn well should be. Had I not had the money burning a hole in my pocket from sales of old gear on eBay I could have been perfectly happy with the Insignias. I'll try and post a picture of my porch set up soon.

[Ezephyr]

Thanks for all the ideas guys, you've had some great suggestions. I think the Insignia's might be the most responsible choice given the abuse these speakers will likely take (thanks Poultrygeist).

Though, in a recent twist I picked up a JBL 28T-60 for $80 on craigslist. Of the speakers we've discussed so far I think its safe to say these are the most powerful, but they're also pretty pricey - most places list them for around $500. I'm torn between springing for a second one or selling the one I have at a competitive price and putting that toward a different set.

Thoughts?

Also to consider is the amp that I would need to drive these guys, I'm not trying to break the bank with my receiver either but I think I might need to in order to do them justice. If I did indeed decide to go with a pair of the JBL's how would you recommend powering them?


Thanks again.

[Poultrygeist]

Given it's low price and wpc the Insignia NS-R2000 would be a good choice. It is a clone of the well received Sherwood RX-4109. I know a guy who is quite happy driving his $800 horns with the Sherwood. Cowboom also sells on ebay.


http://www.cowboom.com/store/productDetails.cfm?contentID=128354

[RoadRunner6]

If you haven't heard of Emotiva, ask around. They are a direct to buyer company that offers great performance for a wholesale price.

These are excellent performing outdoor speakers with decent bass extension for a very low price. (spec: 50Hz @ -3dB)

http://emotiva.com/uom.shtm

One of the UPA-2 amps or two of the UPA-1 amps would be a great match used with the pre-amp on a receiver or the USP-1. A receiver that is strong into 4 ohms would be OK.

http://emotiva.com/upa2.shtm

http://emotiva.com/upa1.shtm

http://emotiva.com/usp1.shtm

[Poultrygeist]

The only comment I found on the JBL says it's a commercial speaker for use in theme parks. With highly efficient 8 ohm outdoor speakers "strong into 4 ohm" would not be a consideration for me.

Thinking back on my days as a college student with limited funds a two channel receiver makes the most sense. Separates ( pre/power amp or integrated ) are perhaps over kill for your stated objectives unless you already own them.