Waterproof Speakers – why you need them and how to choose them

Normal living rooms present few problems, apart from wiring, and even these can be addressed using wireless speakers. You will find however that any normal speakers installed in humid or damp areas like the kitchen, bathroom or patio, will sooner or later, degrade as the water ingresses the paper based speaker cones which form the basis of most conventional speakers. Eventually the speakers just collapse – a bit of a disaster if they were expensive speakers

The solutions to the problem are readily available and in forms to fit all pockets. For very light use in occasionally damp areas which are not subjected to direct water jets, it may be that the simple application of a water resistant spay to the cone will protect adequately and usefully extend the life of the speakers. However even the lightest application of coating will affect the sound reproduction qualities of the speaker which is why you should NOT go down this avenue with any of your more valuable speakers.

A more practical alternative is to choose speakers specifically designed for these environments, especially so if you are concerned with marine based installation where corrosive saltwater is ever present.

These “waterproof” speakers will come in a variety of specifications, designs and sound quality. In-wall and in-ceiling flush mounting models, free standing cabinet type shelf speakers, wall fitted cabinet speakers are amongst the choices available. The cheaper ones will incorporate a single plastic based speaker cone but may not have stainless screws and fittings. The plastic may be a bit on the thick side for high quality music but at least the speakers will last.

The quality available from the higher priced units is amazing and results from the correct usage of specifically designed materials within the units. Wafer thin Kevlar speaker cones provide exceptional sound reproduction. Flexible Neoprene and silicon joints provide the ideal platform for the cones. Marin equality stainless and brass fittings with aluminium grilles complete the water resistant package such that the more resilient units can survive even high pressure water jets directed at them (food preparation or external marine use)