Exceptional Sound with Coastal Source Razor RZ310 Outdoor Loudspeaker

Enhance your outdoor audio experience with the Coastal Source Razor RZ310 loudspeakers, designed for high-performance sound in any environment.

Introduction: The Outdoor Listening Dilemma

It’s a common scenario. You’re an audiophile who’s meticulously chosen the perfect equipment for your indoor listening space, but once you step outside—whether it’s to a patio, deck, or backyard—all that careful planning seems to fade away. Suddenly, the high-end interconnects and premium speakers you’ve agonized over lose out to outdoor speakers that look like rocks and are bought on the cheap. Why does this transition happen, and why do we settle for less when it comes to outdoor sound?

The Challenges of Outdoor Audio

When it comes to critical listening outdoors, several challenges arise:

1. Weather Conditions: Any outdoor sound system must withstand the elements—rain, humidity, wind, and extreme temperatures—without compromising sound quality.
2. Directionality: Many guests at your barbeque won’t be sitting perfectly between the two speakers. You don’t want to sacrifice the spatial detail that comes from stereo sound. After all, a music experience that feels diffuse can be unsettling.
3. Ambient Noise: Outdoor sounds, whether it’s nature or nearby highways, can interfere with your listening experience.

The Options: Outdoor Loudspeakers on the Market

There’s no shortage of all-weather speakers from various brands. High-end manufacturers like Focal, Sonus faber, KEF, and Bowers & Wilkins offer outdoor solutions, while others like Klipsch and JBL provide more budget-friendly options. However, many of these speakers may not effectively address the challenges of outdoor sound.

Introducing Coastal Source

I first encountered Coastal Source at the Florida International Audio Exposition in both 2023 and 2024. Based in Moorestown, New Jersey, with roots in southern Florida, Coastal Source offers a unique take on outdoor audio. In 2023, I noticed their bollard speakers around the hotel pool, but it was in 2024 that I fully grasped their mission. Their new Razor series of flat-panel speakers drew significant attention, showcasing the brand's dedication to high-performance outdoor audio.

Coastal Source was founded in 2003 by Franco D’Ascanio, an audiophile who built his first speaker at just 13 years old. With extensive experience in outdoor environments and architecture, D’Ascanio’s vision is clear: outdoor spaces deserve the same thoughtful design as indoor spaces.

“Outdoor spaces deserve the same attention, respect, and design considerations as indoor spaces.” — Franco D’Ascanio

A Team Dedicated to Excellence

Coastal Source’s comprehensive approach involves a team of landscape architects, audio engineers, and designers who support around 1,400 dealers across the U.S., with a focus on audio sales. New dealers participate in Coastal Source University to ensure they fully understand the brand's offerings, creating a knowledgeable sales force.

Innovative Technology: The Plug+Play Connector

Central to the functionality of Coastal Source products is their patented Plug+Play Connector. Franco D’Ascanio states, “The number one roadblock with outdoor systems was creating high-performance, lasting, and strong connections.” The innovative two-pin interface simplifies setup and prevents incorrect polarity connections, ensuring reliable sound delivery every time.

Exploring the Razor RZ310 Speakers

Coastal Source currently offers around 30 loudspeaker models, including subwoofers. The Razor series, launched after three years of development, includes eight models priced from $750 to $3995 each. Designed for versatility, these low-profile architectural speakers can be mounted on walls or other structures.

Each Razor speaker features:

• Custom shallow drivers in an extruded aluminum housing
• A perforated grille made of aircraft aluminum for durability
• Dimensions of 10.44” (W) x 36” (H) x 3.38” (D)
• A weight of 30.6 pounds
• A 5.25” mid/woofer and a coaxially mounted tweeter

Each speaker is designed to be bi-amplified, with Coastal Source recommending their CAS1200 four-channel amplifier for optimal performance.

Setting Up for Success

Adam Domurad, a sales and marketing specialist for Coastal Source, facilitated my rooftop deck setup in downtown Philadelphia. He configured a pair of Razor RZ310 speakers along with a CAS1200 amplifier and a CAS Stream enclosure for a seamless audio experience.

The setup on my 18′ by 20′ rooftop deck was impressive. Despite a few initial connectivity hiccups, the system performed flawlessly even in fluctuating weather conditions.

Performance Evaluation: Listening Outdoors

From an audiophile's perspective, experiencing music outdoors with the Razor RZ310s was a revelation. Popular tracks from artists like Tom Petty and Vince Gill sounded incredibly vibrant. The clarity of Delbert McClinton's harmonica in “One More Last Chance” was particularly striking, enhancing the song's layered production.

However, the real surprise was how well the Razors handled intimate pieces of music. As I enjoyed a glass of wine and let the music wash over me, the speakers showcased the nuances of cellist Trey Lee's performance and Paul Hindemith’s compositions beautifully.

Thanks to the wide dispersion of the speakers, the sound remained consistent no matter where I was positioned. Even from the edges of the deck, familiar vocalists maintained their distinctiveness.

Conclusion: Raising the Bar for Outdoor Audio

In a typical outdoor setting, the lack of a controlled environment can limit low-frequency response. However, the Razor RZ310s do a commendable job with bass management, even in open spaces. Their shallow design allows for easy installation while ensuring impressive sound quality.

Coastal Source is pushing boundaries in outdoor audio, proving that high-fidelity sound can indeed thrive beyond four walls. With their commitment to excellence, these speakers are a game-changer for those looking to elevate their outdoor sound experience.

• What is the price range for Coastal Source Razor RZ310 speakers? The Razor RZ310 speakers are priced at approximately $2995 each.
• Are the Razor speakers weather-resistant? Yes, Coastal Source has designed the Razor speakers to withstand various outdoor weather conditions.
• Can I use my own amplifier with the RZ310 speakers? While you can use your own amplifier, Coastal Source recommends their CAS1200 for optimal performance.
• What kind of music performs well on the Razor RZ310? The speakers deliver excellent sound across genres, from popular music to classical.
• How can I install the Razor speakers? The speakers come with a mounting bracket, making installation straightforward on walls or structures.

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