ArtSound FL550
Overview
The ArtSound FL550 is an in‑ceiling speaker designed to deliver a stereo field from a single unit. It is equipped with two tweeters and dual connections to maintain the separation of the left and right channels. Its frame is 1 mm wide, the grille is magnetic and customizable, and the mounting system is simplified. This model is part of ArtSound’s Flat series.
The Flat series: the speaker that disappears
ArtSound’s Flat range is the result of dedicated research into discretion. Its frame is only 1 millimeter wide and 4 millimeters thick, a major refinement compared with previous generations where the thickness has been cut by more than half. This slim profile is not just aesthetic: it allows near‑invisible integration into ceilings and walls, which is particularly appreciated in environments where technical equipment is meant to fade into the background.
The grille covering the Flat speakers has been engineered to offer a silky, almost textile feel. Magnetically attached, it can be removed without tools to be painted the same color as the ceiling, further enhancing the camouflage effect. This customization option is aimed both at private users and at architects and interior designers seeking to preserve the visual unity of a space.
The mounting system has been designed to speed up installation. The adjustment screws allow the frame to snap directly into the cutout, without requiring complex handling. This technical simplicity is combined with a mounting depth of only 80 mm, making installation easier in suspended ceilings with limited space.
Stereo from a single mounting point
The FL550 stands out from traditional in‑ceiling speakers thanks to its ability to reproduce a stereo effect from a single speaker. This technical achievement relies on two elements: two 0.5‑inch polycarbonate tweeters and dual connections. Each tweeter receives a separate channel (left and right), thus creating spatial separation without the need to install a pair of speakers.
This configuration is particularly relevant in small rooms (up to 50 m²) where installing two separate speakers creates constraints: office spaces, bathrooms, hallways, kitchens or bedrooms where only one spot in the ceiling is suitable for in‑ceiling mounting. The dual connection accepts standard stereo cabling, with each wire feeding its respective tweeter.
Channel separation is obviously more limited than with two widely spaced speakers, but for background music or in layouts where listeners are relatively close to the speaker, this solution maintains satisfactory intelligibility of the left and right sources. The FL550’s placement naturally influences perception: placed in the center of a room, it delivers a balanced sound field; offset, it creates a lateral focal point.
Technical design and sound reproduction
The FL550 uses a two‑way coaxial architecture. The 5.25‑inch woofer combines a carbon and polypropylene cone, a blend designed to balance rigidity and damping. Carbon provides responsiveness on transients, while polypropylene delivers the flexibility required for midrange frequencies. This diaphragm covers the range from 95 Hz up to several kilohertz, handling bass and mids.
The two 0.5‑inch polycarbonate tweeters then take over up to 20 kHz. Polycarbonate, a lighter material than metal domes, offers an extended frequency response with controlled distortion. The coaxial configuration places these tweeters on the same axis as the woofer, promoting temporal coherence between frequency bands.
The nominal impedance of 8 ohms ensures broad compatibility with standard home amplifiers. The 87 dB sensitivity means that with 1 watt at one meter, the speaker produces 87 decibels. This value, typical of in‑ceiling speakers, indicates that a moderately powered amplifier is enough to reach comfortable listening levels. The recommended power range of 10 to 100 watts provides a wide margin between discreet use and more robust sound reinforcement.
The ABS chassis guarantees light weight (1.1 kg per unit) and resistance to deformation. This technical polymer easily withstands the mechanical stresses of in‑ceiling mounting and the vibrations generated by the transducer. Beyond its silky feel, the metal grille protects the diaphragms while allowing sound to pass through without any significant alteration.
Installation and integration in the room
Installing the FL550 requires a circular cutout of 180 mm in diameter. This dimension, combined with a depth of 80 mm, is compatible with most standard suspended ceilings. The 200 mm outer diameter provides a 10 mm overlap on each side of the cutout, masking any imperfections.
The snap‑in system using adjustment screws speeds up installation considerably compared with traditional claw‑mount systems. Once the chassis is in place, tightening the adjustment points clamps the speaker against the ceiling, without any need for access from above. The magnetic grille is then attached in a single motion, allowing quick access for maintenance or painting.
Stereo wiring is handled via two separate pairs of terminals, each receiving one channel. This physical separation of the connections eliminates any risk of crosstalk between channels and simplifies hook‑up. For mono installation, you simply bridge the two inputs or power only one of them, thereby deactivating one tweeter.
Compatibility with conventional amplifiers (10 to 100 watts at 8 ohms) allows the FL550 to be integrated into existing multiroom setups or traditional hi‑fi systems. In professional environments, this speaker is at home in meeting rooms, reception areas, or retail spaces where music playback must remain visually discreet.
Technical specifications
Acoustic characteristics
- System: 2-way coaxial
- Woofer: 13.3 cm carbon / polypropylene
- Tweeters: 2 × 1.3 cm polycarbonate
- Frequency range: 95 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 87 dB
- Coverage: < 50 m²
Electrical characteristics
- Power: 10 – 100 W
- Recommended amplification: 10 – 100 W
- Impedance: 8 Ω
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions: Ø 200 × 80 mm
- Weight: 1.1 kg per unit
- Shape: round
- Materials: ABS / metal grille
Installation
- Ceiling cut-out: Ø 180 mm
- Paintable magnetic grille
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of the FL550’s dual tweeter design?
The dual tweeter design allows a stereo effect to be created from a single in‑ceiling speaker. Each tweeter reproduces a distinct channel (left or right), delivering spatial separation without the need to install two separate speakers. This configuration is particularly suitable for small rooms or locations where only one mounting point is available. Channel separation is more limited than with two distant speakers, but it still maintains a perceptible left‑right differentiation.
How powerful does the amplifier need to be to drive the FL550?
The FL550 supports a power range of 10 to 100 watts at 8 ohms. An amplifier rated between 20 and 40 watts is more than sufficient for home listening in a 30 m² room. The 100‑watt maximum is more suited to professional applications or more intense playback. With a sensitivity of 87 dB, 10 watts already provide a sound level of 97 dB at one meter, more than enough for background music.
What mounting depth is required?
The FL550 requires a minimum depth of 80 mm behind the ceiling. This dimension includes the speaker body and allows enough room for the cabling. The required cutout is 180 mm in diameter. These measurements are compatible with the vast majority of standard suspended ceilings, whether plaster, drywall (BA13) or composite panels. You should always check that there are no obstacles (beams, ducting) in the drilling area.
Is the FL550 suitable for damp rooms?
The FL550’s specifications do not mention any specific IP rating for use in humid environments. This model is designed for standard indoor conditions. For rooms such as bathrooms where humidity is occasional and moderate, it can be used provided the speaker is not directly exposed to splashes of water. For outdoor installations or areas that are regularly damp, ArtSound offers other waterproof‑certified ranges such as the MDC or Rock series.
How do I wire the FL550 to obtain a stereo effect?
The FL550 has two pairs of terminals, each corresponding to one stereo channel. Simply connect the left wire from the amplifier to the first pair and the right wire to the second. This dual connection powers the two tweeters separately, creating left‑right separation. If the amplifier has only a mono output, you can power just one channel, in which case one tweeter will remain silent. For uniform mono sound, the two inputs should be bridged.
What is the maximum area the FL550 can cover?
ArtSound states that the FL550 is suitable for spaces under 50 m². This estimate obviously depends on the desired sound level and the room’s acoustics. In a 15 m² bedroom or a 25 m² office, a single speaker provides even coverage. For areas approaching 50 m² with high ceilings, a higher amplifier power (60 to 80 watts) helps maintain sufficient sound pressure. Beyond that, installing multiple speakers becomes preferable.
- Eco-contribution of €0.42 included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 5420020103058
