ArtSound SQ2040 (pack of 2)

A 165 mm square, a metal grille barely one millimeter thick, and a housing that disappears behind the wall: the SQ2040 belongs to ArtSound’s Intiimi series, a high-end range developed over more than two years by the Belgian manufacturer. Its name, borrowed from Finnish, evokes purity and intimacy. The stated ambition: to deliver hi-fi quality sound in a format that visually fades into the background.

Discretion considered down to the last detail

The square format of the SQ2040 makes it primarily suitable for wall installation, although nothing prevents it from being recessed in the ceiling. Once in place, only a 165 × 165 mm metal grille remains visible, with a projection of less than 5 mm from the surface. This ultra-slim profile is the result of a design approach in which the front plate and acoustic structure are molded in a single piece, eliminating joints that could generate unwanted vibrations.

The grille itself uses a very tight mesh that lets sound waves pass through without altering them while limiting dust intrusion. It can be painted to match the exact shade of the wall. For installations requiring a completely flush integration, ArtSound offers a flush-mount kit (FLKIT SQ2040, sold separately) that allows the grille to be perfectly level with the surface, without any step or protrusion.

Two-way coaxial configuration

The SQ2040 features a coaxial speaker combining a 10 cm mid-bass driver and a 25 mm titanium dome tweeter. The two transducers share the same acoustic axis, ensuring spatial coherence of the sound regardless of the listening angle in the room.

The tweeter deserves particular attention. Its neodymium magnet gives it a high power-to-size ratio, and its suspension is based on technology patented by ArtSound. Most importantly, it is adjustable: you can manually angle it toward the main listening area, compensating for constraints related to the speaker’s location. A potentiometer accessible at the rear also allows you to adjust the treble level according to personal preference or room acoustics.

Crossover and sound reproduction

The signal from the amplifier passes through a dual-stage crossover before reaching the drivers. A crossover filter splits the frequencies between the woofer and the tweeter, while a correction filter compensates for irregularities related to in-wall mounting. This processing aims to maintain a consistent tonal balance whether the speaker is installed in a solid wall or a lightweight partition.

With a specified frequency response from 60 Hz to 20 kHz, the SQ2040 covers the bulk of the musical spectrum. The 60 Hz low-end limit is respectable for a 10 cm driver, but for listening situations where deep bass is important (home cinema, electronic music), adding a subwoofer is still recommended.

Installation and compatibility

The required cutout measures 140 × 140 mm, with a mounting depth of 80 mm. Before drilling, you should therefore check that the wall cavity provides sufficient clearance behind the partition. The speaker weighs 1.2 kg, and its reinforced ABS frame includes mounting tabs that ensure a stable hold once tightened.

On the amplification side, the SQ2040 accepts power levels between 20 and 120 watts with an impedance of 4 to 8 ohms. Its 84 dB sensitivity puts it in the average range for compact speakers: a standard living-room amplifier is more than enough to provide sound for a room of under 40 m², the maximum surface area recommended by the manufacturer.

Where and how to use it

The SQ2040 naturally finds its place in living areas where you want discreet yet high-quality sound: living room, office, bedroom, open-plan kitchen. It can operate on its own for background sound, as a stereo pair for more analytical listening, or as part of a multichannel system.

Within the Intiimi range, it sits alongside round models (RO2040, RO2060) more oriented toward ceiling installation, rectangular formats (RE2040, RE2060, RE2080) offering more cone surface area, and a larger square version (SQ2060) for larger volumes. The choice depends primarily on the desired aesthetics and installation constraints.

Technical specifications

Acoustic features

• System: 2-way coaxial
• Frequency response: 60 Hz–20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 84 dB
• Impedance: 4–8 Ω

Power

• Recommended amplifier power: 20–120 W

Transducers

• Woofer: 10 cm neodymium
• Tweeter: 2.5 cm pivoting titanium neodymium dome

Dimensions and installation

• Dimensions (H x W x D): 165 x 165 x 80 mm
• Cutout dimensions (H x W): 140 x 140 mm
• Shape: square

Physical characteristics

• Weight per unit: 1.2 kg
• Composition: ABS / metal grille

Application

• Coverage area: less than 40 m²