We are at an age of convenience. Many shoppers come to see us to view our wide option of wireless outdoor speakers. But why are so many concerned in the wireless line versus the options of: Patio speakers, garden speakers or Rock speakers? Why are the varieties of these wireless outdoor speakers growing at a rapid rate? I have to know for myself! So join me as I narrow down the huge love affair we are now having for these "cord-free" listening devices.
So what do wireless speakers offer that all the others do not? Well to start with they well come packaged with one less thing than all the others: Wires! Recently we are finding a boom in the wireless speaker sales and who can blame a buyer for wanting these highly user friendly devices! I know I like the way mine work for me, so let's discuss the features that every person likes about these guys.
No wires, well, what does that mean exactly? Obviously speakers cannot power themselves without some sort of amplifier. So the amplifier is well built right into the individual speakers themselves in a wireless speaker. Technology has come a long way and the potential to get a good powered amplifier into a small space is no longer a problem. imagine trying to get that old 70's tube amplifier that was only putting out 15 watts into a speaker the size of large coffee cup, wow! Yet technology is now able to put amplifiers that can put out 100 watts or more into a speaker no larger than the 5 x 7 photograph frame on my desk. And still have room for a power source to run them, because they are wireless!
To power these new "micro" amplifiers there needs to be a power source. This comes in the form of a battery or bank of batteries. Some wireless speakers take Aaa, Aa, C, D or even gel batteries to power them. Most of which, are rechargeable in these assorted sizes and can be supplanted when they reach the end of their life. A majority of these speakers have internal rechargeable gel style batteries, the same type that you would find in battery back-up systems for your computer or in rechargeable flashlights. These are typically gel batteries that have a long life span and can take many charges before ever being replaced. But just like all batteries they will need supplanted eventually. The speakers that take suitable off the shelf batteries can be supplanted well just by going to the local store and buying a new pack. The only drawback to these is there life span is very low and they generally cannot be recharged. But, these types do come in handy if you have left your speakers surface for a while and they are out of charge. This gives you a way to get them going for that spur of the occasion cocktail party!
Most all of the units with internal batteries come with power adapters that allow you to charge them for usage. You can also use the power adapter to run the unit off of, If the batteries are too low, but this kind of defeats the whole "wireless" notion though right? Units that take just off the shelf batteries don't all the time come with power adapters so make sure you check this out before buying them.
Transmitters and receivers... Let's keep this easy for now. You get a transmitter with your wireless speaker law that takes the audio you plug into it and sends it via radio wave frequency to your wireless speaker/speakers. Most come with an 1/8" stereo plug in whether in the form of a cable or a receptacle. Some have Rca/Phono connections as well as the new high tech direct plug in for iPods. They are whether powered by a wall adapter or batteries and are relatively small in size. So they are pretty easy to set up and you can put them about anywhere. They have a broadcast distance to your speakers of in any place from 25-300 feet, check your model for details, this makes placement options great. They broadcast the signals at assorted frequencies and are matched to the speakers in their single line, so to add more speakers you will have to check with the manufacturer of your make and model law to add on. Newer systems utilize higher frequency ranges to avoid interference from cell phones, cordless phones etc. so this makes them less field to noise. This way you don't have to hear your neighbor's phone conversations through your back yard speakers! Or maybe you do want to hear your neighbor's phone conversations and those are products you will have to get facts on elsewhere!
Beware! Not all wireless speakers are "outdoor" rated! Make sure that if you want to use yours surface that you ensure they are wireless "outdoor" speakers. These will resist the effects of the elements, rain, snow, Uv light, did I mention rain? All of which will destroy regular wireless speakers so keep this in mind when purchasing yours.
Okay, so let's review: wireless outdoor speakers have amps in the speakers, they have batteries, the audio is transmitted to them wirelessly and they are weather resistant. So there are no wires to run or bury in my landscape. I can put them in any place up to 300 feet away from the transmitter. I can hook my iPod or stereo up to them and they will hold up against the elements. Wow, I do understand this huge surge in their popularity now! I am well beginning to ask why you would want any other kind of speaker for your outdoor living areas. And I will discuss why Patio speakers, garden speakers and Rock speakers have their own place in your living space and the pros and cons for them as well in my upcoming issues. Stay tuned!
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