Definitive Tech AW-650 Outdoor Speakers: Studio-Quality Sound for Backyard Bliss

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The Day My Neighbors Stopped Complaining

Let me set the scene: It’s July. My backyard is a sauna. I’m hosting a BBQ, and my old Bluetooth speaker—a $50 Walmart special—just died mid-Sweet Home Alabama. Cue awkward silence, a chorus of groans, and my neighbor Todd yelling, “Just play it on your phone!”

That’s when I caved and bought the Definitive Technology AW-650 Outdoor Speakers. Two years later, they’re still blasting classic rock, surviving monsoons, and making Todd admit, “Okay, fine, these sound good.”

First Impressions: “Wait, Speakers Can Look This Good?”

The AW-650s arrived in sleek white cabinets that looked more like modern art than speakers. My wife, who once vetoed my neon “MAN CAVE” sign, actually said, “These won’t ruin the patio.” High praise.

Setup: Took 20 minutes. They come with brackets for mounting, and I slapped them under the eaves with basic tools (read: a screwdriver and questionable DIY confidence).

Sound Test: From Whisper to Wall of Sound

I cranked them up with three very scientific tests:

1. Dinner Party Jazz: Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me floated over the clinking wine glasses. My friend whispered, “It’s like she’s here.” (She wasn’t.)

2. Poolside Pandemonium: Thunderstruck at full volume. The bass didn’t rattle windows, but it made the grill vibrate. Todd’s kids started air-guitaring.

3. Late-Night Movies: Hooked them to a projector for Jaws. The ominous score had us side-eyeing the pool.

The Good:

- Balanced Sound: Crisp highs, clear vocals, and enough bass to feel it without drowning out lyrics.

- Weatherproofing: Survived a snowstorm, monsoon season, and my kid’s Slip ‘N Slide debacle.

- Stealthy Design: The white finish blends into my patio like a chameleon.

The Not-So-Good:

- Price: At $499/pair, they’re not impulse buys.

- Bass Limits: EDM fans might crave a subwoofer.

Why These Beat My Old Setup (And Yours Too)

- Built to Last: Aluminum grilles and rustproof materials. My last speakers melted in direct sun. These? Unfazed.

- All-Weather Warriors: IPX4 rating means rain, sprinklers, and rogue margarita splashes are no match.

- No Amp Needed: Most receivers can power them, but they shine with a little extra wattage.

The Secret Sauce: Clarity Over Boom

Definitive Tech prioritizes accuracy over ear-splitting bass. You’ll hear the rasp in Springsteen’s voice, the strum of a guitar string, and the subtle plink of ice cubes in a cocktail scene. It’s not a nightclub—it’s your backyard, but elevated.

Who Should Buy These (And Who Shouldn’t)

Buy Them If:

- You host often and want sound that impresses without overwhelming.

- You’re done replacing cheap speakers every summer.

- You care about aesthetics (RIP, chunky black boxes).

Skip Them If:

- You’re a bass-head who wants to shake the block.

- You need something ultraportable (these are permanent fixtures).

2 Years Later: Still Hitting the Right Notes

The AW-650s have outlasted two grills, a pandemic, and my brief obsession with raising chickens. They’re scratch-free, sun-bleached just enough to look “vintage,” and still the MVP of every gathering.

Pro Tips:

- Angle Them Down: Prevents sound from escaping to Todd’s yard (unless you want him singing along).

- Pair With a Sub: Definitive Tech’s BPRA Sub adds thump for movie nights.

- Clean Gently: A damp cloth keeps the white finish crisp.

Final Verdict: Expensive? Yes. Worth it? If you live outdoors half the year, absolutely.

Ready to Ditch Your Tinny Speaker?

👉 Shop Definitive Technology AW-650 Outdoor Speakers.