ArtSound ROCK
Overview
The ArtSound Rock speaker is shaped like a granite rock so it blends seamlessly into outdoor environments. It benefits from IP54 protection against water and UV and incorporates a bass-reflex system, which is uncommon for this type of product. It is equipped with a 16.5 cm carbon-polypropylene woofer and a PEI dome tweeter, and can cover areas of around 50 m².
IP54 protection designed for permanent outdoor use
The IP54 rating means the speaker is protected against water splashes from any direction and against dust ingress. In practice, this means it can withstand rain, sprinkler systems, and splashes without suffering damage.
Resistance to UV rays is often overlooked on standard outdoor speakers. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can discolor materials and weaken components. ArtSound has treated the Rock’s enclosure to counter this effect, allowing it to be left in place all year round without fear of premature ageing.
A protected bass-reflex: the distinctive technical feature
Installing a bass-reflex system in an outdoor speaker poses a technical challenge: the port, usually open to allow air to circulate and reinforce low frequencies, is a potential entry point for water and moisture. On the Rock, ArtSound has developed a specific treatment for the bass-reflex opening to prevent water ingress while preserving the acoustic benefits of the system.
This choice allows the speaker to extend down to 50 Hz in the bass, a notable performance for an outdoor model of this size. The bass-reflex system also brings a fullness to the sound that sealed, weatherproof speakers often lack.
Acoustic configuration and drivers
The ArtSound Rock uses a 2-way coaxial configuration. The 6.5” (16.5 cm) woofer features a carbon polypropylene cone, a composite that combines lightness and rigidity. This material also has the advantage of being highly resistant to temperature and humidity variations.
At the center of the woofer, a 0.5” (1.27 cm) PEI (polyetherimide) dome tweeter handles the high frequencies. The coaxial mounting—where both drivers share the same axis—promotes coherent sound dispersion, which is particularly useful outdoors where the listener may move around within the covered area.
Power and sound coverage
With a sensitivity of 91 dB, the Rock efficiently converts input power into sound pressure. This high value means that even a modest amplifier is enough to achieve a comfortable listening level. ArtSound recommends amplification between 20 and 120 watts, with a maximum power handling of 130 watts.
The stated coverage area is 50 m², which corresponds to a generously sized terrace or a garden area. For larger spaces, installing multiple speakers distributed across the area remains the preferred solution. The wide and uniform dispersion of the coaxial system ensures consistent sound without obvious dead spots.
Installation tips
The Rock speaker is designed to be simply placed on the ground, in a flowerbed, along a border, or on any stable surface. It does not require wall mounting, which simplifies installation. The speaker cable should be routed discreetly—buried in a conduit or hidden under mulch—so as not to reveal the speaker’s presence.
The orientation of the speaker deserves particular attention. For optimal sound, the tweeter should be aimed toward the main listening area. If several Rock speakers are installed, distributing them evenly around the space to be covered will help avoid level imbalances.
Technical specifications
Transducers
- Woofer: 16.5 cm, polypropylene carbon cone
- Tweeter: 1.3 cm, PEI dome
- Configuration: 2-way coaxial system
Acoustic performance
- Frequency range: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 91 dB
- Impedance: 8 Ω
- Recommended power: 20 – 120 W
- Coverage area: up to 50 m²
Design and construction
- Rock-shaped enclosure for landscape integration
- Fiberglass finish
- Water and UV resistance: IP54
- Bass-reflex system with port protected against water ingress
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions (H × W × D): 320 × 230 × 270 mm
- Weight: 5 kg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the ArtSound Rock speaker stay outside in winter?
Yes. Its IP54 rating and UV resistance allow it to withstand the elements all year round. The materials used—ABS and fiberglass—are not affected by frost. The 100 V version is specified to operate between -25°C and +65°C. No protective cover is required, even during the coldest months.
Which amplifier should I choose for the Rock speaker?
Any stereo amplifier delivering between 20 and 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms will be suitable. The high 91 dB sensitivity makes it easy to achieve a good sound level without requiring excessive power. For an installation with multiple speakers spread across a large garden, a 100 V amplifier combined with Rock T models will simplify cabling.
Can this speaker be installed near a swimming pool?
The IP54 rating protects against splashing water, which allows installation near a pool, provided it remains out of reach of direct splashes. It is not, however, designed to be submerged or exposed to powerful water jets (IP65 or IP66 ratings would be required for such uses).
How many speakers are needed to cover a 100 m² garden?
A single Rock covers around 50 m² with a uniform sound level. For 100 m², two speakers positioned at opposite ends of the area will provide even coverage. In a stereo configuration, this pair will also deliver a broader soundstage than a single point of diffusion.
Can the speaker cable be buried?
Yes, provided you use cable designed for burial or run it through a watertight conduit. A standard unprotected cable would quickly deteriorate in contact with soil moisture. Outdoor-specific cables are jacketed with materials resistant to water and rodents.
- Eco-contribution of €0.42 included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 5420020100583
