Fit for the Road: Features to Look for When Shopping for Outdoor Speakers and Record Players

The arrival of Memorial Day weekend typically signals a few things. The inclusion of white back into our wardrobes, the distant sound of ice cream trucks, and steadily warming weather. Summer is on its way, beckoning us outside to hit our favorite hiking trails, fire up the grill, or just chill poolside. In any event, no matter your preferred outdoor activity, chances are you'll want your favorite tunes close by and ready to get the party started. However, before you hit the road with your unit of choice, there are certain features to consider. What will the terrain be like? Rainy or sunny? Adventure or relaxation? Fortunately, whether you're planning on spinning vinyl or just in need of a quality speaker, Victrola's got you covered. 

Portability

Suffice to say, you're probably not going to be taking your Stream Turntable out into the wild. If you're planning on listening to your vinyl records outside the home, one of the major factors to consider is portability. Most record players on the market require a power source to operate, so it's important to look for a unit that allows you to listen anywhere. Victrola's Revolution GO features a built-in, fully rechargeable battery, allowing you to take your favorite vinyl records on the road wherever you may be. The Revolution GO offers up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge, as well as a removable guitar strap and retractable handle for easy carrying.

The same goes for Bluetooth Speakers. You're not going to want to lug around a massive pair of monitors, so a speaker that is easy to carry without sacrificing on sound is the goal. Victrola's Music Edition 1 and Music Edition 2 Bluetooth Speakers fit the bill nicely. The Music Edition 1's compact size makes it easy to throw in a bag or attach to a backpack, and offers up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge. The Music Edition 2 is slightly larger, but still perfect for lounging on the patio and delivers up to 20 hours of battery life.

Durability

When out in the elements, you'll want a speaker that can withstand rugged conditions. Look for a speaker with solid construction that can take a bit of a beating, as well as one that can handle different types of weather. The Music Edition Speakers were designed with a durable, metal construction, as well as soft-touch panels able to match up with harsh conditions. Both speakers feature an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, making them perfect options for outdoor listening in any environment. 

Sound Quality

What's the point of a speaker that can travel with you if it doesn't sound good? Our favorite music is important to us, so portability shouldn't mean sacrificing sound quality. After all, you don't want that romantic moment on the beach ruined by tinny, garbled sound, do you? When shopping for an outdoor speaker, look for one that will sound as good as it would in your home. The Revolution GO comes equipped with a built-in Bluetooth speaker enclosure, offering best-in-class sound and reduced vibration, whether streaming from your smart device or playing vinyl records. 

On a similar note, the Music Edition Speakers offer unparalleled sound quality for their size. Both speakers bring powerful sound, as well as passive bass radiators for huge bass response at any volume without any distortion. For even bigger sound and a true stereo experience, the Music Edition speakers can be chained together using multi-speaker pairing. 

Style

Let's be honest, aren't we all a little tired of cylindrical Bluetooth speakers that look more like water bottles than audio equipment? Ideally, you want your choice of speaker to exude some style rather than simply looking like everything else on the market. The Music Edition speakers feature an elegant metal design and a contemporary aesthetic, available in both black and silver. 

The Revolution GO comes in a variety of colors and its unique design is unlike any other record player on the shelves. Its modernist construction makes it the focal point of any listening space, and the detachable lid even doubles as a vinyl record stand, allowing you to easily showcase your collection.