Thanks to its ported cabinet—a rare feature in an outdoor speaker—and its tough 5¼-inch polypropylene woofer, the AW525 plays all the way down to 45 Hz, low enough to reproduce bass with authority. Yet it's only a tad over 9 inches high. A pivoting tweeter made from Supernil synthetic fabric produces smooth highs and resists mold and mildew.

Weather does not affect the AW525's performance, thanks to its waterproof drivers and super-tough ABS molded enclosure. A rustproof, powder-coated aluminum grille protects the drivers from impacts, and 125-watt power handling lets you play the AW525 at heavy-rock levels. We include a swivel bracket that lets you mount the AW525 horizontally or vertically, and point it in any direction you choose.