I have had pretty good luck with my 5.25" on-wall patio speakers. They were cheap and sound pretty good for the cost, $70 for the pair.
This is what I have.We are removing our builder-standard 14x14 deck and replacing with a 14x24 with a roof, recessed lights, ceiling fans, etc. The existing speakers are under an eave above the back door and central to the new deck. They're adequate for background and general rocking out. They are loud and clear enough to drown out conversations near them.
My only complaint with them is they don't create a widely dispersed sound area, it's fairly focused. My builder recommended in-ceiling speakers.
I found these. They appear to be OK.. and the builder is willing to make sealed MDF boxes around them to help the sound also.
I'm not sure why ceiling speakers have to be round and in-walls have to be square but I have no preference about shape. Color doesn't matter either, I'll be painting/staining them to match the ceiling, which will be toungue-in-groove 4" slats. The final finish will be pickled, not sure which color, probably cream to match the trim.
Anyway, looking for options to create more of a 'soundscape' or more overall spread sound that will hold up in the outdoors for years.. have reasonable bass, and not look too unsightly.
We have ceiling fans and lights to consider.. and I'll work all that out. But I was thinking 2 spread out larger in-ceilings might accomplish what I want better than 2 cabinet-based speakers pointing down.
Thoughts?
-C