cody69,
After my outdoor speakers are completed I plan on building the GR Research N3TL and N3S for the house. I had contemplated a couple different GR models for outdoor use but ultimately thought the BFM models would give better efficiency and SPL. I have a couple yard parties in the summer and would need to fill the backyard with sound.
How are the XLS for outdoor listening? The MDF has obviously held up well, how about the M165 woofers? Is the treated paper cone holding up?
All good questions Acton...
The X-LS sound great inside the gazebo, which measures 12' x 12'. Of course the sound radiates outside into other areas of the deck and patio and provides pleasant ambient music. I'm not pushing them hard with heavy rock and such, so personal preferences may vary. I have built a few of these speakers for others as gifts and they always impress. The pair in my gazebo have extra damping added to make them very inert (and heavy).
I spoke with Danny at GR Research to get his thoughts on how well the drivers would hold up in an outdoor setting. His take was no issue with the tweeters and the woofer should last quite a while. Each winter when I pull them down I take a peek and they look as good as new.
As I said, I have been really impressed how well these have held up over the years. For reference, here's a picture of where the speakers are placed. This was before I mounted them... they sit on platforms mounted on the top header and sit between the roof joists.
