Noble Fidelity L-82 C 8" 2-way Outdoor Speakers

Introduction

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Noble Fidelity L-82 C Outdoor Speaker - Front

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Outdoor speakers are usually small so they can fit neatly under the eaves or somewhere on a patio and are generally not designed for high fidelity or serious music listening. But what if you want a more accurate, engaging listening experience, something closer to the stereo speakers in your home system? Consider the Noble Fidelity L-82 C outdoor speakers.

The Noble Fidelity L-82 Cs are larger than most outdoor speakers, about the size of a medium-sized bookshelf speaker but they will still fit under the eaves or on the patio and the enclosures and drivers are designed to withstand the rigors of inclement weather.

Features

The L-82 C is a two-way speaker system with an 8" Kevlar-fiber woofer with butyl surround and a 1" pivoting tweeter in a sealed, weather-resistant enclosure. Their wedge-shaped enclosures make them easy to install under the eaves and they can be installed with or without the supplied steel bracket. If you prefer to set them on a shelf or table, the bracket can be removed and the bracket connections covered with separate end caps (supplied).

Two performance features of the L-82 C are worth noting. First, the tweeter can be pivoted approximately 15-degrees to aim it into the listening area. In addition, the L-82 C has a switch on the back of the speaker marked 'Indoor' or 'Outdoor'. The switch provides a 3dB bass cut when the 'Indoor' position is selected. The 'Outdoor' position provides a fuller frequency response with more bass, a desirable trait for outdoor listening. The fact that the switch provides a 3dB cut rather than a boost is significant. Increasing the bass for outdoor use could potentially increase distortion, a small but important distinction.

Noble Fidelity manufactures a wide range of high-value, high-performance in-wall and in-ceiling loudspeakers for the architectural speaker market. My first experience with Noble Fidelity speakers was a review of the L-55 LCRS in-wall speakers. I noted in my review that music lovers would be hard pressed to find a speaker that provides the same sound quality in a similar price range. I put the L-82 C outdoor speakers to the test to find out if Noble Fidelity has done it again.

Audio Performance

How do the Noble Fidelity L-82 C speakers perform? In short, the L-82 C speakers have a bigger, bolder musical presence than most any outdoor speaker I've heard. The sound quality of the L-82 C is more like a mid-sized bookshelf speaker than a typical outdoor speaker. Fuller bass response, clear and open midrange and detailed high frequencies make these speakers stand out from the clutter of outdoor speakers on the market. The L-82 C would make a great choice for large outdoor spaces – you can crank 'em up and fill a large yard with your favorite music.

They're equally suited for indoor use, and could be used for surround sound speakers, but their enclosures and brackets are clearly made for outdoor use. They would be ideal for an outdoor home theater system, a growing trend in family home entertainment.

Specifications

Two-way acoustic suspension indoor/outdoor speakers
8" Kevlar fiber woofer with butyl surround
1" Tetoron soft-dome pivoting tweeter, neodymium magnet
Frequency response: 40Hz – 21 kHz
Sensitivity: 90 dB SPL
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
Recommended amp power: 5 – 200 Watts
Dimensions (W x H x D): 10 5/8" x 13 ¾" x 10 5/8"
Mounting depth with bracket: 11 7/8"
Weight: 11 lbs. each
Supplied with mounting brackets or for bookshelf placement
Available in black or white finish (Note: black finish not recommended if placed in direct sunlight)
Lifetime limited warranty
Price: $599/pair
Contact: noblefidelity.com