Hi Jim,

These volume controls utilize a multi-tap transformer to vary the voltage delivered to the amplifier. Hence the clicks.

With regard to your issue, you may want to confirm that you wired the control as per the instructions. I'm not sure what would happen if you wire this control "backwards".

Also remember that outdoors the SPL will be lower than indoors by about 3-4 dB. So expect to have to deliver twice as much power to the outdoor speaker to achieve the same SPL as indoors.

What is the make and model of the volume control that you are using? I'm curious what its specifications are. It may not be able to deliver the full power of your amplifier to the Algonquins due to transformer saturation.