ArtSound ASW55.2 white (pack of 2)
Overview
The ASW55.2 from ArtSound is a two-way speaker designed for environments exposed to humidity or changing weather conditions. IP54 certified, it can be installed on a terrace, in a steam room, or in a bathroom. Its curved cabinet incorporates a modular bass-reflex system and a switch that lets you adapt the sound reproduction for indoor or outdoor use. Sold in pairs with wall mounts, it is suitable for spaces up to 40 m².
A design engineered for tough conditions
The ASW55.2 cabinet is molded from ABS, a thermoplastic known for its resistance to impacts and temperature variations. This shell protects the internal components from external aggressions: rain, snow, dust, wind, and UV rays. The speaker can therefore remain permanently installed outdoors, all year round, including near a pool or water feature.
The IP54 rating guarantees two levels of protection. The number 5 indicates protection against dust in quantities that could interfere with operation, while the 4 certifies resistance to water splashes from all directions. The integrated metal grille contributes to this sealing while allowing sound to pass without coloration.
The curved profile of the cabinet is not just aesthetic. This shape helps disperse the sound by widening the listening area and reducing unwanted reflections. The speaker weighs 2.3 kg, heavy enough to ensure good stability on its mount without making installation difficult.
Drivers designed for outdoor constraints
The woofer/midrange driver uses a 133 mm (5.25”) polymica cone, a composite combining polypropylene and mica. This material offers a favorable stiffness-to-mass ratio for faithful reproduction of transients while withstanding humidity and temperature variations. The foam surround allows for significant cone excursion, helping maintain an acceptable bass level despite the cabinet’s limited volume.
High frequencies are handled by a 12.5 mm PEI dome tweeter. Polyetherimide (PEI) is an engineering polymer whose stiffness and low mass provide a fast response and extension up to 20 kHz. The neodymium magnet driving this tweeter concentrates a powerful magnetic field in a compact space, improving efficiency and accuracy.
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-frequency response beyond what an equivalently sized sealed cabinet could provide.
The tube supplied with the speaker allows you to plug this port and turn the system into a sealed enclosure. This option is useful in certain setups: installation in a corner where bass is excessively boosted, 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 cabinet alters the speaker’s frequency response according to where it is installed. In the “outdoor” position, the sound is optimized to compensate for the lack 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 adjust the sound at the amplifier and ensures consistent performance in any usage scenario. It makes the ASW55.2 a truly versatile product, capable of switching from one use to another without complex settings.
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
- Integrated bass-reflex port
- Can be hermetically sealed using the supplied tube
Electrical specifications
- Recommended power: 20 to 120 W
- Impedance: 8 Ω
- Sensitivity: 87 dB
- Magnetic shielding: no
Physical specifications
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 240 x 190 x 150 mm
- Weight: 2.3 kg
- Enclosure: ABS
- Protection rating: IP54
- Weather and humidity 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 removing it?
Yes. The IP54 rating and the UV-resistant ABS cabinet allow permanent outdoor installation. The speaker tolerates temperature fluctuations, rain, snow, and prolonged sun exposure. It is nevertheless 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 low frequencies, or in a very humid environment where you prefer to avoid air circulating through the port.
What type of amplifier should be paired 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 pairing the ASW55.2 with the compact Smart Hyde amplifier.
Can the speaker be installed horizontally?
Yes. The supplied U-shaped wall bracket allows for either vertical or horizontal mounting. It can be tilted up to 180° to aim the sound toward the listening area. This flexibility makes it easy to adapt to different mounting configurations.
What surface area can the ASW55.2 cover?
One pair of ASW55.2 speakers covers a listening area of up to 40 m² in typical use. This value depends on the desired sound level, ambient noise, and room layout. For larger spaces, you can opt for the higher-end ASW65.2 model or add additional speakers.
- Eco-contribution of €0.84 included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 5420020102334