ArtSound RO2040 (pack of 2)

Two years of development were needed to design this ceiling speaker with an especially discreet profile. The RO2040 belongs to the Intiimi range — a Finnish word meaning “purity” — whose aim is to combine seamless integration and acoustic quality in a compact format. Its metal grille, just one millimeter thick, and its visible frame of less than five millimeters allow it to blend into the ceiling without drawing attention.

A one-piece construction to reduce vibrations

The structure of the RO2040 uses a design in which the front plate and the speaker chassis are molded from a single piece of ABS. This process eliminates joints that could generate unwanted resonances and ensures increased rigidity of the whole unit. The metal grille protecting the transducers features a very fine mesh, designed to let sound waves pass unobstructed while effectively filtering out dust.

This construction approach is found throughout the Intiimi series, but it makes particular sense on the RO2040 model, whose round and compact format (175 mm diameter and 80 mm depth) imposes specific mechanical constraints.

A pivoting tweeter to fine-tune dispersion

The acoustic system is based on a two-way coaxial configuration. The 10 cm (4-inch) woofer uses a neodymium magnet, giving it good efficiency despite its modest size. The 25 mm titanium dome tweeter also benefits from a neodymium magnet and a suspension for which ArtSound holds the patent.

The main advantage of this tweeter lies in its ability to pivot. This function allows you to direct the treble dispersion towards the main listening area, which is useful when the speaker cannot be installed exactly above the listening position. An independent level control also lets you adjust the amount of treble according to the room’s acoustic characteristics and personal preferences.

Dual crossovers to refine the signal

The RO2040 incorporates a more sophisticated crossover stage than most in-ceiling speakers of this format. It combines a crossover filter — which distributes frequencies between the woofer and tweeter — and an equalization filter that compensates for certain response irregularities. This dual processing of the signal aims to achieve a balanced sound across the entire spectrum, from bass to treble.

The frequency response extends from 60 Hz to 20 kHz. The lower limit of 60 Hz is respectable for a driver of this size, but adding a subwoofer will be advisable if you want to reproduce music or movie content with deep, physical low end.

Coverage suited to medium-sized rooms

With a sensitivity of 84 dB and a nominal impedance between 4 and 8 ohms, the RO2040 requires at least 20 watts of amplification to operate properly. ArtSound recommends a power range between 20 and 120 watts. The speaker can cover spaces of up to 40 m², making it suitable for open-plan kitchens, reasonably sized living rooms, or spacious bedrooms.

For larger rooms or demanding home theater setups, the Intiimi range includes larger models such as the RO2060 or RE2080, which offer greater power handling.

Installation and customization

Recessed installation requires a circular cutout with a diameter of 150 mm. The modest weight of 1.2 kg per speaker makes it easy to mount in standard suspended ceilings. For an even more refined integration, ArtSound offers a flush mount kit (FLKIT RO2040), which allows the grille to sit perfectly flush with the ceiling surface, with no level offset.

The grille can be painted in the color of your choice to match the ceiling. This customization option, combined with the extremely thin visible frame, allows for an almost invisible installation once the work is completed.

Technical specifications

Acoustic performance

• Frequency response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 84 dB
• Impedance: 4 – 8 Ω
• Coverage: < 40 m²

Power

• Recommended amplifier power: 20 – 120 W

Transducers

• 2-way coaxial system
• Woofer: 4” neodymium
• Tweeter: 1” pivoting titanium neodymium dome

Dimensions and installation

• Dimensions: 175 × 80 mm (Ø × depth)
• Cutout dimensions: 150 mm (Ø)
• Unit weight: 1.2 kg
• Shape: round

General information

• Materials: ABS / metal grille