Marvelous Music on Your Back Porch
from Summer 2004, Vol.5, No. 2
By Shanta McGahey

In the flickering light of tiki torches and subtle moonlight, a classic wrought iron table displays a sumptuous spread of Epicurean delights, on a porch overlooking a perfectly manicured landscape. The elegant hostess swiftly moves from one guest to another, welcoming old and new friends alike, into her home. A buzz of conversations about gardening, politics and golf can be heard. In the background, a 1980s boom box sits on a table in the corner, plugged into an outlet in the house via two extension cords, playing a tinny rendition of Diana Krall’s, 'Live in Paris.'

Sound familiar? Many couples have entertaining down to a tee, except for the scary and unfamiliar outdoor audio system. Without it, a large part of setting the right atmosphere is missing.

Outdoor entertaining has become more and more a part of the American tapestry over the years. As time passes, a couple’s entertainment needs change. They begin as newlyweds getting to know the neighbors at a casual barbecue, then as parents in need of the company of other sympathetic parents while the kids splash in the pool. And now, as free and fun-loving couples who enjoy spending time with friends and family in (or outside) the comfort of their own homes. Huntersville, North Carolina residents Ron and Judy Kulakowski installed outdoor speakers on their porch a few years ago. 'We spend a lot of time out on our deck. When you’re sitting in the hot tub, you want to listen to music,' says Kulakowski. Dragging the stereo speakers from the family room out onto the deck just will not do.

The variety of solutions to the outdoor music problem are much simpler and easier than one might think. Mike Simpson, a senior home audio sales rep from Chattanooga’s Best Buy, concurs. 'There are so many options for outdoor speakers these days. You can make them invisible, mount them on your roof, and have as much or as little power as you want to come out of them.'

The 'invisible' speakers Simpson is referring to are wireless or camouflaged speakers. Companies like Acoustic Research and Jensen make wireless speakers that run on batteries. Although they are more vulnerable to interference, wireless speakers’ frequencies range anywhere from 50 to 300 feet, allowing homeowners to place them on the far end of their lawns without the trouble of installing underground cables. The Acoustic Research AW811 has a 900 MHz transmitter that is placed inside the home and transmits audio signals up to 300 feet away through walls, floors and ceilings.

If the sight of high-tech electronics among your gardenias and Bradford pears sounds unappealing, simulated rock speakers, or functional planter speakers, are just the thing for grooving while you’re gardening. Rockustics’ speakers are weatherproof and come in a variety of shapes and colors. Consumers can choose between granite, sedimentary, and shale rock speakers. Rockustics’ planter speakers, including one in the shape of a coconut, allow for drainage of live plants. For the more artistic shopper, the company offers custom colors that can be special ordered for any of their products. HomeTech and StereoStone make similar camouflaged speakers. There is a wide range of prices for these well-hidden woofers and tweeters, from $100 a pair for HomeTech’s rocks to $800 for a pair of Rockustics’ high-end planters.

Unfortunately, sound emitted from camouflaged speakers will not carry as far or as clear as traditional wired speakers. For homeowners who require the highest quality sound, wired speakers are the only option. Classical music enthusiasts will enjoy Bose’s three types of uniquely designed wired outdoor speakers. According to Sharon Roberts, a senior Best Buy home audio sales rep, 'they produce the cleanest power, with better treble, and sharper, clearer tones.' JBL speakers run on a lower frequency, emitting a cleaner, thicker bass for those Motown hits. Customers who want an even, all-around high quality outdoor speaker system, can turn to Klipsch, a company that carries five options for outdoor speakers. The styles vary according to size, power and frequency response.

While there are a multitude of shapes and sizes to choose from, when it comes to color, wired speakers are a little bland. Generally, your options are black or white. On the bright side, all speakers can be painted. A few companies, like JBL, boast 'paintable' speakers, which can be spray-painted without removing any parts.

For those who stay fit by swimming laps or who like to be on the cutting edge of technology, Clark Synthesis Aquasonic has two types of high-tech, underwater speakers. One is installed in-wall, and the other simply drops into the water and is hung by a tether half of the depth of the pool. Used by major luxury resorts, the Olympics and SeaWorld, Aquasonic speakers may be heard from in or out of the water.

To avoid the hassle and imminent arguments that tend to occur between practical and not-so-practical, pseudo-handyman spouses, major retailers like Best Buy or Circuit City will provide professional installers at a cost of $150 to $400, depending on the complexity of installation. These experts can bury cables underground, mount speakers on siding or a roof, and connect it all to a receiver in the house. All that’s left for the homeowner to do is grab a bottle of wine and pop in a favorite CD...’cause it’s a marvelous night for a moondance.