ArtSound FL501 (pack of 2)

The ceiling as a sound playground: ArtSound’s Flat range takes discretion to the extreme with a frame barely one millimeter thick. This in-ceiling speaker is even flatter and more discreet than its predecessors. Round and compact, the FL501 blends into living spaces without drawing visual attention, while delivering a warm sound over areas of up to 50 m².

A profile that fades into the décor

The frame has been reduced to just one millimeter, with the thickness more than halved compared to previous generations. This ultra-slim design allows the FL501 to almost completely disappear into the ceiling. The metal grille, only 4 mm thick, has an almost silky texture to the touch and can be repainted to perfectly match your interior.

The ABS chassis combined with this aluminum grille makes for a lightweight package — one kilogram per speaker — while still providing good vibration-damping performance, a point often overlooked on entry-level models.

Coaxial configuration for even sound dispersion

The FL501 uses a 2-way coaxial design that positions the tweeter in the center of the woofer, on the same axis. This design choice promotes better sonic coherence: high and low frequencies emanate from the same point, avoiding time shifts that can be perceived when listening off-axis.

The 13 cm woofer uses a carbon-reinforced polypropylene cone, a material that combines light weight and rigidity for bass and midrange reproduction with minimal coloration. The 13 mm polycarbonate tweeter takes over for the high frequencies. This tweeter is pivotable and can be angled to improve high-frequency dispersion according to the preferred listening position in the room.

With a frequency response ranging from 85 Hz to 20 kHz, the FL501 covers the essentials of the musical spectrum. The 85 Hz low-end limit does call for a bit of caution: for fans of deep bass, adding a subwoofer is still recommended.

Installation designed for non-specialists

One of this speaker’s main strengths lies in how easy it is to install. The speaker clips into place using adjustment screws, and its magnetic grille snaps on effortlessly. The required ceiling cutout remains modest: 180 mm in diameter for a mounting depth of 70 mm, making it compatible with most standard suspended ceilings.

The 88 dB sensitivity and 8 Ω impedance allow optimal operation with a wide range of amplifiers, from small 10 W models to more powerful 100 W setups. This versatility makes it easier to choose matching electronics.

Uses and listening environments

The stated sound coverage for rooms under 50 m² positions the FL501 for typical residential use: living room, kitchen, bedroom, or office. In a hallway or waiting room, one pair is usually enough to create an even musical atmosphere.

For home cinema setups, the FL501 can serve as ceiling-mounted surround or Atmos effect speakers. Its visual discretion is a perfect fit, and the adjustable tweeter makes it possible to direct the sound toward the main listening area.

Note: There is an active version of this model, the FL501 BT, which includes an amplifier and a Bluetooth receiver. For those who prefer a traditional passive installation, the standard FL501 remains the appropriate choice.

Technical specifications

Acoustic performance

• Frequency response: 85 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 88 dB
• Impedance: 8 Ω
• Coverage area: less than 50 m²

Power

• Recommended admissible power: 10 - 100 W

Speakers

• System: 2-way coaxial
• Woofer: 13 cm carbon polypropylene
• Tweeter: 13 mm polycarbonate

Dimensions and installation

• Dimensions: 200 x 70 mm (Ø x depth)
• Cutout diameter: 180 mm
• Unit weight: 1 kg
• Shape: round

Construction

• Composition: ABS / metal grille