Outdoor Audio · Weatherproof

Outdoor audio that survives Houston heat.

2026-09-20 · Obsidian Audio Video · Houston

Houston's climate is brutal on outdoor electronics. 95°F summers with 90% humidity, thunderstorms that flood patios, and UV radiation that destroys speaker cones and gaskets. Most outdoor speakers sold at big-box stores fail within 2 years here.

What to look for in outdoor speakers

• IP rating: IP54 minimum (dust and splash resistant). IP66 or IP67 for speakers exposed to direct rain.
• UV-resistant materials: Polypropylene cones, UV-stabilized ABS or aluminum grilles.
• Sealed enclosures: Vented speakers trap moisture and corrode from the inside.
• Marine-grade components: Speakers designed for boats handle humidity better than standard outdoor speakers.

Placement for outdoor sound

• Distribute speakers evenly along the perimeter — don't cluster them in one corner
• Aim speakers toward the listening area, not toward the neighbors
• Use more speakers at lower volume rather than fewer at higher volume
• Elevate speakers when possible — ground-level speakers lose high frequencies quickly

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