ArtSound ASW55.2 black (pack of 2)
Overview
The ASW55.2 from ArtSound is a two-way speaker designed for environments exposed to humidity or changing weather conditions. With its IP54 rating, it can be installed on a terrace, in a steam room, or in a bathroom. Its curved enclosure incorporates a modular bass-reflex system and a switch that adapts the sound reproduction for indoor or outdoor use. Sold in pairs with wall mounts, it is suitable for spaces up to 40 m².
A construction designed for tough conditions
The ASW55.2’s enclosure is molded from ABS, a thermoplastic known for its resistance to impact and temperature fluctuations. This shell protects the internal components from external aggression: rain, snow, dust, wind, and ultraviolet rays. The speaker can therefore remain permanently installed outdoors, summer and winter alike, including near a swimming pool or water feature.
The IP54 rating guarantees two levels of protection. The number 5 indicates protection against dust in quantities that could impair operation, while 4 certifies resistance to water splashes from all directions. The integrated metal grille contributes to this sealing while allowing sound to pass through without coloration.
The curved profile of the enclosure is not just aesthetic. This shape helps with sound dispersion by widening the listening area and reducing unwanted reflections. The speaker weighs 2.3 kg, which is enough for good stability on its mount without making installation difficult.
Transducers designed for outdoor constraints
The bass-midrange driver uses a 133 mm (5.25”) polymica cone, a composite combining polypropylene and mica. This material offers a favorable stiffness-to-weight ratio for faithful reproduction of transients while resisting changes in humidity and temperature. The foam surround allows for significant cone excursion, which helps maintain an acceptable bass level despite the small enclosure volume.
High frequencies are handled by a 12.5 mm PEI dome tweeter. Polyetherimide (PEI) is an engineering polymer whose stiffness and low mass enable fast response and extension up to 20 kHz. The neodymium magnet driving this tweeter concentrates a powerful magnetic field in a compact size, improving efficiency and precision.
A modular bass-reflex system
The ASW55.2 features a bass-reflex port that reinforces low frequencies by exploiting the resonance of the internal air volume. This design extends the low-end response beyond what an equivalently sized sealed enclosure would allow.
The tube supplied with the speaker can be used to plug this port and turn the system into a sealed cabinet. This option is useful in certain setups: installation in a corner where the bass would be excessively reinforced, use at very high power where you want to limit cone excursion, or environments where humidity might enter through the port.
The indoor/outdoor switch
A selector accessible on the back of the enclosure modifies the speaker’s frequency response depending on where it is installed. In the “outdoor” position, the sound is optimized to compensate for the absence of wall reflections typical of open spaces: terrace, garden, poolside. In the “indoor” position, the equalization is adapted to enclosed environments such as a steam room, sauna, or bathroom.
This feature avoids having to tweak the sound at the amplifier and ensures consistent performance whatever the context of use. It makes the ASW55.2 a truly versatile product, able to switch from one type of use to another without complex adjustments.
Technical specifications
Transducers and acoustics
- 2-way system
- Woofer: 13.3 cm polymica
- Tweeter: 1.3 cm PEI dome
- Frequency response: 75 Hz to 20 kHz
- Built-in bass-reflex port
- Can be hermetically sealed with supplied tube
Electrical characteristics
- Recommended power: 20 to 120 W
- Impedance: 8 Ω
- Sensitivity: 87 dB
- Magnetic shielding: no
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 240 x 190 x 150 mm
- Weight: 2.3 kg
- Enclosure: ABS
- Protection rating: IP54
- Weather and moisture resistant
Installation and use
- Mounting bracket: U-shaped wall bracket supplied
- Integrated indoor / outdoor switch
- Automatic adaptation to the listening environment
- Coverage area: up to 40 m²
- Applications: terrace, garden, sauna, bathroom
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the ASW55.2 be left outside all year round without taking it down?
Yes. The IP54 rating and UV-resistant ABS enclosure allow for permanent outdoor installation. The speaker can handle temperature extremes, rain, snow, and prolonged sun exposure. It is still recommended to periodically check that the connections remain in good condition.
Why plug the bass-reflex port with the supplied tube?
Closing the port turns the speaker into a sealed system. This configuration limits bass output and can be suitable when the speaker is placed in a corner that naturally reinforces the low end, or in a very humid environment where you’d rather avoid air circulating through the port.
What kind of amplifier should be used with the ASW55.2?
The speaker works with any hi-fi or home theater amplifier delivering between 20 and 120 watts into 8 ohms. A multiroom amp, a classic stereo amp, or an integrated amplifier are all perfectly suitable. For multiroom installations, ArtSound offers bundles combining the ASW55.2 with the compact Smart Hyde amplifier.
Can the speaker be installed horizontally?
Yes. The supplied U-shaped wall bracket allows vertical or horizontal mounting. It can be tilted up to 180° to direct the sound towards the listening area. This flexibility makes it easy to adapt to different mounting configurations.
What surface area can the ASW55.2 cover?
A pair of ASW55.2 speakers covers a listening area of up to 40 m² under typical conditions. This value depends on the desired volume level, ambient noise, and room layout. For larger spaces, the higher-end ASW65.2 model or the addition of extra speakers may be considered.
- Eco-contribution of €0.84 included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 5420020102327