OSD Audio’s RX550 is one of many variants in their extensive “RX” outdoor rock speaker series. Overall we definitely like OSD’s products, and one distinct thing they do is create many different model variations of outdoor speakers so that you can find the best fit, presumably without overpaying for specs you might not actually need. This is definitely a nice contrast from other companies that, while they may produce great outdoor speakers, have a limited selection.
OSD Audio RX550 Specs
Speaker type: passive, wired, on-ground/rock
Nominal power handling: not specified by manufacturer
Peak power handling: 100 watts
Impedance: 8 ohms
Sensitivity: 88 dB/W/m
Frequency response range: 65 – 20,000 Hz
Unit weight: not specified by manufacturer (~6.0 lbs*)
Unit dimensions: 9.0 x 9.0 x 11.0 inches (depth x width x height)
Warranty: 1 year (DOES apply to purchase from Amazon.com via outdoorspeakersdepot.com)
User manual: click here
*Unit weight approximated based on specified shipping/pair weight
Review and Discussion
OSD doesn’t specify nominal/continuous power with their products (some manufacturers just don’t do this for some reason), but, we can surmise that this speaker pair will run at around 30-40 watts. With a sensitivity rating of 88 dB, we’d say these speakers are decently powerful enough to fill a smaller enclosure where the listening distance is around 10 feet. The frequency response range floor is also on the higher side, but this is a commonality with budget-tier outdoor speakers – It’s extremely rare for a speaker to have wide frequency response, to have a lot of power, and to be inexpensive.
We mention this because lacking bass is a common issue with lower tier outdoor speakers – bass is especially important in the open air outdoor since it doesn’t carry as well without the natural amplification of indoor walls.
That said, on-ground rock speakers can actually pair well with an outdoor subwoofer, and OSD is actually one of the few companies that makes decent non-commercial outdoor subwoofers. Matching a subwoofer with traditional mounted outdoor speakers can be a challenge since it’s tough to properly place, but with on-ground rock speakers it’s actually a viable option – just plop it right between them.
These speakers look cool enough for the price, and come in four different color varieties, which is actually more than some of the higher end rock speakers available. While many on-ground rock speakers are quite large and heavy, these are actually pretty reasonable. Set up should be easy enough – just put them on the ground where you want them, and you can even move them around a bit after their wired.
OSD audio speakers all come with a 1 year warranty, which is about average for what you can expect if you’re spending less than ~$100 on a pair, but they are designed to permanently reside outdoors and are sealed and weatherproof. However, to quote the company directly “…We also remind folks, however, that it’s not a bad idea to store the speakers during months when no one would dare to be outside. Doing this will only add to the longevity of your new outdoor speakers.” Take that as you will, but, once the wire is run, unhooking these speakers, moving them to a shed, and moving them back shouldn’t be too big of a hassle.
The thing that really stands out about these is the price – they seem like they’re practically a steal, and they’re the cheapest decent rock speakers that we’ve (currently) seen
Our Overall Take, As Compared to the Competition
Are these decent and loud enough speakers for the money? Yes. Are they sufficient for consumers who don’t necessarily need booming sound and/or have a small yard? For many they should be.
However… it’s prudent to consider the effort and cost of wiring on-ground rock speakers, which requires specialty wire rated for direct burial. If the wiring and set up costs are going to be more than the speakers themselves, well, why not spend the money on better wall-mount speakers or just invest in better rock speakers? Something to think about. And OSD does make a wide variety of higher end rock speakers.
On the other hand, if you’re sure you want a rock speaker set up, you can always invest in quality low gauge wire that you can always hook up a more powerful upgrade to eventually.
Get the RX550 outdoor rock speakers on Amazon (affiliate link)
See our current picks for the overall best outdoor speakers
See our guide on how to pick the correct outdoor speaker wire
