Introduction
The Wet Sounds | Venue Series 8 White HLCD Outdoor Speaker is a high-performance audio speaker designed specifically for outdoor use. With its weather-resistant construction, versatile mounting options, and impressive sound quality, this speaker aims to deliver an exceptional audio experience in any outdoor setting. In this review, we will delve into the various aspects of this outdoor speaker, analyzing its design, sound performance, compatibility, additional features, and limitations to help you determine if it's the right fit for your outdoor audio needs.
Design and Durability
The Wet Sounds | Venue Series 8 Outdoor Speaker boasts a weather-resistant design that ensures its durability in outdoor environments. The speaker's construction is built to withstand the elements, making it suitable for permanent installation in areas exposed to rain, sun, and other outdoor conditions. Additionally, the durable grille material is resistant to corrosion, ensuring that the speaker maintains its aesthetic appeal over time.
The speaker also offers versatile mounting options, allowing for flexible installation in various outdoor settings. Whether you prefer surface-mounting the speaker on a wall or overhang or integrating it into an outdoor landscape installation, the Wet Sounds | Venue Series 8 provides the necessary mounting accessories, including a surface-mount U-bracket. This U-bracket not only facilitates easy installation but also allows for up to 90˚ tilt, enabling optimal aiming for the best audio coverage.
Sound Performance
The Wet Sounds | Venue Series 8 Outdoor Speaker utilizes HLCD (Horn Loaded Compression Driver) technology to deliver high-quality sound performance in outdoor environments. This technology optimizes the speaker's audio output by efficiently matching the acoustic impedance between the driver and the surrounding air. The result is a clear and powerful audio experience that can elevate your outdoor entertainment.
With an 8-inch woofer featuring a polypropylene cone and rubber surround, the speaker produces deep and punchy bass tones. The woofer's construction ensures accurate reproduction of low-frequency sounds, enhancing the overall richness of the audio. Complementing the woofer is a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter, which handles the high-frequency range with finesse, delivering crisp and detailed highs.
Whether you're hosting a backyard party or enjoying a movie night under the stars, the Wet Sounds | Venue Series 8 Outdoor Speaker aims to immerse you in a captivating sonic experience.
Compatibility and Power Handling
The Wet Sounds | Venue Series 8 Outdoor Speaker features a built-in 70-volt tap, making it compatible with commercial distributed audio systems. This compatibility allows for seamless integration into larger audio setups, such as those found in outdoor venues or commercial spaces. Additionally, the speaker can be used in both 70V and 4Ω systems, providing flexibility for different audio installations.
To customize the power output of the speaker, the Wet Sounds | Venue Series 8 includes a recessed tap dial. This dial provides tap settings for 40W, 80W, 120W, and 160W, allowing you to fine-tune the speaker's performance based on your specific requirements. In the 4Ω setting, the speaker can handle up to 200W RMS (400W peak), ensuring that it can deliver ample power for outdoor applications.
Additional Features and Accessories
In addition to its impressive sound performance and compatibility, the Wet Sounds | Venue Series 8 Outdoor Speaker offers some notable additional features and accessories. The included surface-mount U-bracket provides flexibility for mounting the speaker in various outdoor locations. Whether you prefer wall mounting or overhang installation, the U-bracket facilitates easy and secure placement of the speaker.
Furthermore, the U-bracket allows for up to 90˚ tilt, enabling you to aim the speaker precisely for optimal audio coverage in your outdoor space. This feature ensures that the sound is directed towards the desired listening area, enhancing the overall listening experience.
To simplify the setup process, the Wet Sounds | Venue Series 8 comes with an attached 16" section of bare-ended 14 AWG speaker wire. This inclusion eliminates the need to purchase additional wiring, allowing for a hassle-free installation experience.
Limitations and Considerations
While the Wet Sounds | Venue Series 8 Outdoor Speaker offers a range of impressive features, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the provided information about specific technical specifications is limited. While the overall performance and sound quality of the speaker are highlighted, more detailed technical specifications, such as frequency response and sensitivity, would have been beneficial for a more comprehensive evaluation.
Additionally, the speaker does not mention any additional features such as wireless connectivity or compatibility with smart home systems. This may be a drawback for those looking to integrate the speaker into their existing smart home setups or utilize wireless streaming options.
Another factor to consider is the higher price point compared to standard outdoor speakers. While the Wet Sounds | Venue Series 8 offers superior sound performance and durability, the premium price may deter some budget-conscious consumers.
Lastly, professional installation may be required for optimal results and to ensure the speaker is securely mounted in your desired location. This may incur additional costs if you do not have the necessary expertise or tools to install the speaker yourself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Wet Sounds | Venue Series 8 White HLCD Outdoor Speaker is a high-performance audio solution designed specifically for outdoor use. With its weather-resistant design, versatile mounting options, and impressive sound performance, this speaker aims to deliver a captivating audio experience in any outdoor setting. The built-in compatibility with commercial distributed audio systems, easy tap settings for customized power output, and included mounting accessories further enhance its appeal.
However, the limited information provided about specific technical specifications, absence of additional features like wireless connectivity or smart home compatibility, higher price compared to standard outdoor speakers, and the potential need for professional installation are factors to consider. Overall, if you prioritize superior sound quality, durability, and versatility in your outdoor audio setup, the Wet Sounds | Venue Series 8 White HLCD Outdoor Speaker may be worth considering.