Your guide to the perfect speaker

1. What exactly do you want to listen to?

Before you start choosing, ask yourself this simple question: what is the main reason you are looking for speakers?

Do you mainly want to listen to music while cooking or relaxing after work?

Are you a film lover and want a surround sound experience in your living room?

Or do you want music in (almost) every room, for example on your terrace and in the bathroom?

Your answer to this question will determine whether you need a simple stereo setup, a more extensive multi-room system, or even an outdoor installation.

So, are you looking for an indoor music experience? Then you can go for popular models such as the FL501 or FL301. They fit perfectly in a kitchen, bedroom or dining room.

Do you prefer the HAPPI series? Then you are opting for slightly better quality, and you can also use it in the bathroom or even outside, built into your awning.

Are you looking for a television experience? Then opt for the INTIIMI line in combination with the AS80.2 subwoofer. The INTIIMI is designed to come into its own in many living rooms or sitting areas - a true high-end experience.

Want to go for multiroom? Then be sure to check out our SMART family. Both built-in and in combination with any other speaker, you will find, for example, the SMART EVO: your window to Spotify, internet radio and more.

2. Where will the speakers be placed? Indoors or outdoors?

Not every speaker is suitable for every space. So think carefully about the installation location.

Indoors: the emphasis here is usually on design and integration into the interior.

Built-in models such as the FL30, INTIIMI RO2040 or the Discrete line can be completely concealed in the ceiling or wall.

The FL30 and HPRO30, for example, are ideal for background music in small spaces.

The HAPPI HPRO525, on the other hand, is an all-rounder that you can place in your kitchen, living room or bathroom — with sufficient power and depth!

Surface-mounted speakers such as the AS150 and the Universal series (e.g. UNI30) are ideal if you want flexibility and quick installation.

Outdoors: for the garden, terrace, pool house or canopy, you need specific, weather-resistant models.

The ASW series (such as the ASW65.2) can withstand rain, frost and sun, and provides a wide, powerful sound field.

Need something more? Then go for the AS550 or ASW800 — party-proof!

👉 Also consider damp areas such as the bathroom: models such as the HPSQ525 are moisture-resistant.

With the FL502BT, you can combine design with Bluetooth functionality in your bedroom.

📈 Trend: the popularity of outdoor experiences with music is growing rapidly.

When building or renovating, it's best to think about an integrated approach.

Carrying a Bluetooth model around with you is not practical.

With one tap on the app, you can play the right music when you have visitors on your terrace — and make an impression 😉.

We're thinking of gardens with outdoor kitchens, pool houses or terraces.

3. One room or multiple zones?

Perhaps you only want music in the kitchen or living room. But maybe you dream of a house full of music — from the bedroom to the bathroom, and even in the attic or outside.

Then it's best to think in terms of zones:

• One zone: a simple setup with one or a few speakers and a source (Bluetooth, record player, TV, etc.).

For example: the ART1.1 with built-in amplifier is ideal for a single room.

Or a built-in Bluetooth speaker.

Or perhaps you already have an amplifier to which you can connect any of our speakers.

• Multiple zones: a multi-room system where you can control each room separately (via app, remote control or wall panel).

You can play the same music everywhere – or something slightly different in each room.

The SMART ZONE 4 AMP makes it easy to manage four or more rooms separately.

Be sure to check out our complete SMART range and handy SMART PACKS: all-in packages with the type of speaker tailored to your use.

📈 Did you know?

According to market research, the multi-room audio market will grow from $7.1 billion in 2022 to $18.2 billion in 2030.

More and more families are opting for smart, wireless audio solutions.

4. How big is your space?

A speaker should not only sound good, but also be powerful enough for the space in which it is used.

• Small space (bathroom, office): compact speakers are sufficient and provide focused sound without overkill. Consider the HPRO30 or, even better, the HPRO550. A UNI20 is also a perfect choice (surface-mounted).

• Medium-sized space (kitchen, bedroom): choose speakers that offer both detail and range. The FL301, INTIIMI RO2040 or HPSQ525 models are ideal here.

• Large space (living room, open kitchen, outdoor space): here you need more powerful speakers. The INTIIMI RE2060 or RE2080, or a UNI40 or AS150, deliver a wide sound image - even with background noise.

👉 The shape of the room also matters: high ceilings, open passageways or lots of hard surfaces affect the sound experience.

Recessed ceiling speakers such as the Happi series are particularly suitable for this.

Still unsure? Ask our specialist 😉.

5. How do you want to operate and control it?

Today, there are various ways to play music. The choice of speaker depends largely on your sources and habits.

• Bluetooth or AUX: ideal for quick connection to a smartphone, tablet or laptop. For example: the ART1.1 or the FL502BT.

• WiFi / streaming: you can control everything centrally via an app or system (such as Spotify Connect, AirPlay or Chromecast).

The SMART HYDE and SMART EVO support this and can be easily connected to your network.

You can also use a smart built-in speaker, such as the SMART IN - all controllable via the handy app.

• Fixed sources: connect your television, record player or CD player to an amplifier or directly to an active speaker.

The SMART HYDE or SMART ZONE 4 AMP are perfect for this.

6. What is your budget and what are your expectations?

Everyone has a different budget, and that's perfectly fine. The question is: what do you expect in return?

• Functional sound for background music?

➤ Choose entry-level models such as the FL30, FL501, FL401 or the Universals series.

• Better sound at the most affordable price?

➤ Choose the HAPPI line or, for example, the AS150 surface-mounted.

You pay a little more than for the entry-level series, but you get 25% better sound quality – and speakers that you can place almost anywhere.

• Intense listening pleasure with depth and detail?

➤ Then the INTIIMI series is a smart investment. Great detail, with deep bass.

• A system that grows with you?

➤ Start with a SMART ZONE 4 AMP and gradually expand with additional zones, or combine with built-in speakers such as the FL301 or RO2040.

🧠 Good to know: ArtSound is known for its excellent value for money.

Whether you're looking for discreet built-in solutions or powerful SMART systems, you're always making a smart choice.

🔍 Your choice at a glance

Step What do you decide? ArtSound examples

1 What do you want to hear? Music: FL301, full Happi series | Film: RO2040 + ASA80.2

2 Indoors or outdoors? Indoors: FL30, RO2040 | Outdoors: ASW65.2, ASW55.2 | Damp: FL502BT

3 One or more zones? One: ART1.1 | Multiple: SMART ZONE 4 AMP

4 Room size? Small: FL30 | Medium: FL301, HPSQ525 | Large: RE2080

5 Control method? Bluetooth: ART1.1 | Streaming: SMART EVO or SMART HYDE | Fixed sources: SMART HYDE

6 Budget & quality? Entry level: FLAT and UNIVERSALS series, ASW45.2 (outdoor) | Mid-range: HAPPI line | Higher class: Intiimi | Expandable: SMART systems

Ready to choose?

This guide has taken you through the most important steps.

Do you have any questions? Our experts are happy to help you with personal advice.

This way, you can be sure of a solution that not only sounds good, but also suits you perfectly.

👉 Do you still have questions? Book a free session with our audio specialist.

They will help you make the right choice. After that, it's up to you 😉