Sonos...I Beg You For Outdoor Speakers!

I use a standard Sonos zp90 in my kitchen are hooked up to a old receiver that has speaker A+B connections. I use regular outdoor speakers on the deck and simply run the wires just above baseboard to the receiver thru the wall. This way I can cover 2 areas with one Sonos box.

Wireless outdoor speakers wouldn't make a big difference for me, but I can see some scenarios where it would be most helpful.

A re-chargable battery option would be nice. But I'm not sure a permenant outdoor weather proof speaker is feasible, most people wouldn't be prepared to pay the extra cost

I'm planning on mounting a play:1 outside, under an overhang. It will stay completely dry, but I'd still like to get a cover for when it's not in use. Haven't found much while searching the internet. Anyone have any ideas?

The connect:amp was expensive but it has worked flawlessly with my outdoor Bose. The outdoor speakers were given to me so took the bite out of the cost. Wiring was already done so was easy set up.

I was in Best Buy shortly after the new year chatting with one of the employees about Sonos and if he saw a decrease in Sonos sales due to all the new speakers (Samsung, Denon, Bose) etc that have been popping up. Anyway he stated that a Sonos rep had come by the store shortly before Christmas and claimed that the Sonos rep told him that Sonos would be releasing an outdoor speaker as it's next new product offering.... take it for what it's worth...

That would be nice-hope that source is reliable 🙂

I don't think it makes sense for Sonos to release an outdoor speaker. First, even if a battery powered unit was rated for the weather it would have to be plugged in to be charged. Even a non-weather rated battery powered speaker would have to carried in and out with use. Either of those situations are not ideal. Second, a plug in Sonos speaker would be an issue even if it was rated for outdoor use. Outdoor plugs would not likely be in an ideal location for a mounted speaker. (I get that they could just be left sitting on an outdoor table, but a non-mounted outdoor speaker could easily be stolen.) The best solution is just to mount some outdoor speakers and run wire somewhere weatherproof to a Connect:Amp. It would never need to be touched after setup and speaker wire is much easier to run to an outdoor location than power cables.

Of course, anyone who has a receiver setup with a Sonos connect could likely run wired outdoor speakers to a zone 2 and get sonos outside that way.

Either way, the Connect:AMP works great for outdoor speakers and can even power an outdoor sub like the one Polk Audio makes.

Can't help thinking about the number of times we've heard predictions from "Sonos reps" that have never come to pass...

The best solution is just to mount some outdoor speakers and run wire somewhere weatherproof to a Connect:Amp. It would never need to be touched after setup and speaker wire is much easier to run to an outdoor location than power cables.

Exactly. Even a Connect to an amp of some sort will work. I've been running this way for over six years. People that don't do this because they're waiting for an outdoor speaker are missing out.

Even a Connect to an amp of some sort will work. I've been running this way for over six years. People that don't do this because they're waiting for an outdoor speaker are missing out.
Agreed. I have used a Bose 251 pair outside for over ten years now, powered by a stereo amp. It was a simple matter to incorporate into Sonos by adding a Connect. Even if I was buying today, a outdoor speaker needing a power socket - or two - would be inconvenient.