!44: Can I Use Wireless Speakers Outside Or in the Kitchen?

!±8± Can I Use Wireless Speakers Outside Or in the Kitchen?

Wireless has become very popular in recent years, and wireless speakers in particular have been subject to a number of new developments recently.

Wireless speakers are easy to use, and are a good way of eliminating one of the most common cables found trailing round the house. There is now a large range of products incorporating wireless speaker technology available. From portable media player speakers to rear speakers on a surround sound system, they have a number of uses in many homes.

Of course, it is possible to use wireless speakers almost anywhere in the house, but speakers tend to be sensitive to water. Even humidity in the air can cause the paper cones to warp and the coil to corrode.

As always, places with exposure to water such as bathrooms, kitchens, and gardens are usually last to make use of the technology, however there are one or two types of waterproof wireless speakers available which are suitable for use in these conditions.

For the ultimate sound experience, the Soundcast Outcast, if you can afford it, is perfect for use in the garden, sounding better than many of the cabled speakers which are designed for garden use. At around £550 (0 US) per speaker, and with each speaker containing a built-in 100Watt amplifier, it is perhaps overkill for most situations, though the sound quality is worth it, it might annoy the neighbours. The size of the Soundcast can also be an issue, as it it too big to reasonably operate in most indoor situations.

Our solution is the AQ Outdoor Wireless Speakers, which at a fifth of the price, and less than a fifth of the size are much easier to store and use in any room of the house, not just the kitchen or bathroom. They can be powered using standard AA batteries, or using the power supplies provided (note that the power supplies are not waterproof) The transmitter an be connected to almost any audio source with a line level or headphone output, such as TV, MP3 player, computer, Hi-Fi system, etc. and is also supplied with its own power supply. The speakers can be used as a stereo pair or in mono with the speakers in different rooms.