I know there has been a lot of request's for outdoor Sonos systems. I enjoy your product throughout my house and do not feel like getting below quality third party outdoor speakers and a connect or amp to drive them. I believe it is just time to develop an outdoor rated soffit speaker se we can enjoy Sonos quality audio on our Patio, instead of plugging and unplugging a Play 1 or 5 every time we go outside and linking it up to our phones, way easier to carry around a Bluetooth, but then you lose out on the Sonos sound quality. I understand they have been researching this for like 3 years, time to take a leap and be proactive as I believe this would be a huge selling point for Sonos, instead of urging us to buy competitors products. I believe that when Sonos recommends this, most people skip out of buying the Connecticut and/or Amp and buy a complete separate Bluetooth or other system when makes it a pain in the ass to have so many sound systems that could easily be averted by producing a simple outdoor Patio speaker that can be set up ready for use anytime the weather permits. If you need a product tester please let me know, just my two cents anyways.
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There are specs listed on the website for operating conditions. But from my perspective, it's not made for outside use, and were I to want to use it at such, I'd do everything possible to make sure it was mounted in something that imitated the inside of a building as much as possible. But then, I've not actually looked at the operating temps, and I would recommend that you take that in to as much consideration as the possibility of moisture. I would also make the assumption that you'd probably not be getting a lot of support from Sonos should it go bad. 🙂
Like a well ventilated box. Moisture could be a challenge, depending on the environment around. And a Connect Amp is probably a better idea that Connect + Third party amp.
So... I know I'm kinda late to the party. I don't want to add anything to this other than, we need outdoor sonos speakers! I'm adding a patio to my home and I REALLY want outdoor sound. I really want it to be seamless and part of my whole house experience. I don't want to try to engineer a solution out on my patio that requires drilling etc. I don't expect to leave them outdoor 24/7... but I would love an option that is focused on outdoor utility and or sound field?
If you don't expect to leave them outside, would bring them in if there were a risk of them getting wet and you have a Wi-Fi network what's wrong with the current line-up?
Waiting for a solution as well
From the somewhat recent article in The Verge:
"A couple weeks ago, when Spence was making the press rounds in San Francisco, we sat down with him for a candid discussion about Sonos’ future. He hinted pretty strongly that his company would finally think about making an “outdoor” speaker"
https://www.theverge.com/2017/2/14/14596904/sonos-ceo-alexa-smart-home-outdoor-speakers-patrick-spence-interview
"A couple weeks ago, when Spence was making the press rounds in San Francisco, we sat down with him for a candid discussion about Sonos’ future. He hinted pretty strongly that his company would finally think about making an “outdoor” speaker"
https://www.theverge.com/2017/2/14/14596904/sonos-ceo-alexa-smart-home-outdoor-speakers-patrick-spence-interview
Since a lot of us just carry a Play1 or pair of them outside and plug them in, wouldn't it be as simple as creating a weather proof body for the existing speakers? There is no reinventing the wheel here, you only need to copy what Bose and many other companies already did with outdoor speakers. Just make them weather proof.
I suspect the liability lawyers may have an issue with a plug in device being designed for use in a potentially wet environment. It's why we can't have nice things, all the people who aren't smart enough to handle electrical components in wet areas. I saw recently a young lady electrocuted in her bath by plugging in a frayed power cord and running it to her bath to charge her phone. Unfortunately, often those people (or lawyers who advise them) are anxious to sue the company who designed the device, and even have warnings in the instructions for the device about use in wet areas. It's why the concept of a battery powered device is so appealing, much less exposure to the wet conditions. But that has its own issues, as have been raised in many of the threads about this possibility.
Hey Sonos, is there any updates on the original post in this thread? Maybe a battery powered speaker I can drag out to the fire pit that's connected to the rest of my Sonos system?
Just for all who stumble across this. I have a switched ceiling outlet under my covered patio. I have 2 play:1 speakers plugged in. They have been outside for 2 years and have no sign of any deterioration and still work perfectly. I live in FL as well. I was told by the guy at bestbuy that as long as they are covered and not directly exposed to the elements they will be fine. Do as you wish - but so far so good. In due time I will update the post if needed.
Please...I need outdoor speakers for my Sonos system! What is the delay? Thanks and love my Sonos system
"What is the delay" assumes there is actually something being worked on. Sonos has never indicated that an outdoor speaker is coming, so nothing is "delayed", it just doesn't exist.
I thought of that, but am hoping SONOS give us a long term solution for outside. Weatherproof, connected all the time, etc. BUT....our suggestion is not bad to bring in and out when we need it. It certainly will work.
In the past - I use a connect amp indoors and regular third party outdoor speakers. I've had transmission problems when I get too far away (eg - I had one in a shed next to the pool and it wouldn't work unless I opened the door to the house) - so outdoor sonos speakers would need both power and a signal. I'm guessing that is what holds up the new product.
@Toolfool: the live band example is an obvious one that I had not known about, thank you.
Play 1?
And even if Sonos comes out with a true all weather outdoor speaker which seems unlikely, I can't see them provide a combination of capability/price/sound quality that will have you regretting a Connect Amp/Connect solution.
Yes, the idea that you can't buy a good sounding outdoor speaker is a bit odd. You might have to spend a bit more than $100 sure but there's plenty of quality out there. I don't see Sonos doing an outdoor speaker any time soon (ever) either.
The Amp inside wired to a pair of outdoor speakers really is tough to beat. Always there, always on, electronics in the house and protected from the elements, etc. It is exactly what you are after, and for $600-$700 you will have a very nice solution. Someone earlier mentioned DefTech speakers, which i understand are excellent. I have a pair of Dayton Audio 6-1/2" outdoors, which were $80ish and significantly better than the $200ish Yamahas I tried. Highly recommend them, and truly better than just "OK sound". Anyhow...
If, and I think it is a big if, Sonos comes out with an "outdoor" solution, a stereo setup would almost certainly be in that cost range. I highly doubt a pair of "Play 1 Outdoor" would be any less than $500-$600, likely more. And, do you want some "free standing, unsecured" speakers on your patio 24x7? Or would you bring them inside all the time? And if you were planning that, then there really is no issue and you can do that already with the current Play series.
Lastly, relative to Sonos coming out with an outdoor solution and making you regret your investment...
1) You'd still have a perfectly functional and quality solution in place. Just because there is a different option would not make your Amp and outdoor speakers any less functional.
2) I would argue that you'd have a "safer" investment anyhow. Outdoor speakers can easily be replaced if/when needed. The Amp would last you many many years.
3) Even if you decided you had to have the Sonos outdoor setup, you'd still have a fantastic Amp that could be re-purposed for use indoors as an added zone.
4) Used Amps go for a pretty decent amount, so you could always sell.
TL/DR: Get an Amp, grab a beer, and sit outside and enjoy.
The one thing to keep in mind outdoors is the need for speakers to run in mono, each delivering all the content from both channels. Stereo sound not only doesn't work, but having a speaker deliver only one of two channels can be a positive disadvantage. The simplest way to do this is to look for a third party stereo amp that has a mono button, and use a Connect with it.
Kumar - What do you mean? I have outdoor speakers driven by a Connect:Amp and they are stereo.
I am somewhat surprised that Sonos does not market the Amp as an outdoor solution more aggressively. Heck, package it with 100' of 12 gauge indoor/outdoor speaker wiring and label the box as "just add speakers".
Don't forget you have to control them. If you have to get up and walk 200' every time you want to change the music that's going to get tired pretty quick.
How's that any different than controlling any other speaker, be it in the house, on the patio, in ceiling, etc. Of course you need some control device, be it a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. And in today's world, who doesn't have a device close by at most times?
I PERSONALLY feel it would be MUCH more inconvenient to have a stand-alone battery-powered speaker that can be lost, stolen (I live between 2 cops and not at all worried about theft, but it is a reality), knocked over, or inevitably without juice. Much more inconvenient than reaching for my iPhone to control the pair of speakers securely attached to the wall that work every single time.
I PERSONALLY feel it would be MUCH more inconvenient to have a stand-alone battery-powered speaker that can be lost, stolen (I live between 2 cops and not at all worried about theft, but it is a reality), knocked over, or inevitably without juice. Much more inconvenient than reaching for my iPhone to control the pair of speakers securely attached to the wall that work every single time.
Because the controller needs to connect to the Wi-Fi on which Amp or connect is on. I believe one type of controller (Phone) can connect to SonosNet but without additional effort neither will be available where the speakers are. You could daisy chain Play1s every 10' or so I suppose............................
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