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Argon Audio FORTE A5 MK2
Digital precision
FORTE MK2 utilizes a fully digital amplifier with digital modulation. Digital sources are kept fully digital from input to output stage, ensuring there is no noise or loss in the signal path. All low-res sources are upsampled to 32-bit/96 kHz – and high-res sources up to 96 kHz are not downsampled.
The amplifier also includes a high-performance digital sound processing (DSP) with active crossover, the mid/bass woofers and tweeters have their own dedicated amplifier. A custom-engineered bass driver delivers class-leading performance with ultra-low distortion in the critical midrange. All of this is housed in a stylish cabinet that has been designed using advanced computer models, featuring an acoustic flow resistor between the two woofers, which eliminates standing wave resonances. Combined with careful tuning and consideration the result is an open and crisp soundstage with well-defined bass that delivers punch no matter the volume.
A stereo system built into your speaker
FORTE MK2 sports an HDMI ARC input, which means you can finally throw away that cheap plastic soundbar underneath your TV and get some real stereo sound, without compromising on ease of use. Just connect your FORTE MK2 speakers with an HDMI cable to your TVs HDMI ARC output, and you’re good to go! Now you get real hi-fi sound losslessly transferred from your TV, the speakers will automatically turn on and off with the TV, and you can even use your TV remote to control the volume of the speakers – it’s that easy.
Of course, there’s also the Bluetooth connection if you just want to listen to some sweet tunes. Just pair your phone, your tablet, or any other device, and you’re good to go. The high-quality Bluetooth aptX HD connection gives you impressive clarity; it’s basically as good as CD quality. There are also a couple of plug-and-play ports for your record player, an external streamer, or whatever you want. Speaker- and power cables are included in the box – all you need to do is find a power outlet.
Designed in Denmark
If you’re in the market for new speakers, you’ve probably noticed how most of them look very... speakerish. And that’s not a compliment. The FORTE MK2’s on the other hand, are real lookers. Just like everything else Argon Audio makes, the FORTE-series is designed and engineered in Denmark with careful attention to detail. The aluminum detailing and the high-end finish make these speakers just as easy on the eyes as on the ears. The front fabric is magnetically attached, giving it a beautiful look when the grilles are removed. These are living room friendly, not only hi-fi showroom friendly.
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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
90/100
Build Quality
88/100
Value for Money
96/100
The FORTE A5 MK2 brings a remarkably expansive soundstage to a compact active system, pairing potent, rounded bass with a creamy, fatigue-free midrange. 6 Moons praised its convincing depth, natural percussion and engaging scale, while HDMI ARC, phono, Bluetooth and subwoofer output make this a notably versatile music-and-TV hub.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Broad, deep imaging creates convincing space around voices and instruments, extending beyond the cabinets.
Potent, mature bass gives the compact speakers satisfying weight and useful extension around 40Hz.
Creamy, present midrange and clean, non-aggressive treble support an easy, natural long-term listen.
Exceptional value as a complete active package, with extensive connectivity including phono and Bluetooth.
&
Cons
Very-low bass around 30Hz is absent, so a subwoofer remains worthwhile for the lowest electronic or cinematic effects.
Upper-treble resolution and absolute attack speed fall short of more expensive high-end alternatives.
At extreme volume levels, the sound can become slightly congested.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
Reviewing the earlier Forte A5 platform, 6 Moons found a full, potent and fatigue-free presentation with particularly spacious imaging for a compact active speaker. Its strongest traits are its mature low end, natural vocal balance, clean treble and broad, deep stereo field; ultimate top-end resolution and very-low-bass extension are its main limits.
Bass
89/100
The 5-inch woofer was praised for astonishingly mature, potent bass that moves appreciably more air and reaches deeper than smaller alternatives. It delivers useful output to around 40Hz, but the reviewer found that roughly 30Hz synth bass was absent, so it does not replace a subwoofer for the lowest octave.
Mid
90/100
Reviewers describe a creamy, present midrange with convincing vocal timbre and fundamentally correct definition. It avoids exaggerated presence-region sharpness, trading a little extreme lucidity for an easy, non-fatiguing long-term listen.
Treble
87/100
Treble is described as commendably clean, composed and free of artificial highlights, glare or nervousness. The upper treble is somewhat mellow and ultimate resolution is limited, but the tuning is judged appropriate and agreeable at this price.
Soundstage Imaging
93/100
This is a clear standout: the speaker produced real depth, convincing space around performers and width that extended beyond the cabinets. The reviewer repeatedly highlighted the unusually broad and deep soundstage.
Dynamics
90/100
Snare attacks in the upper bass and lower midrange were said to arrive quickly, with gusto and without blur. Percussion also sounded natural and convincing, even if elite high-end systems retain an edge in absolute attack speed.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
The review sample was described as flawlessly finished and properly solid, with very good finish quality and smart industrial design. Cabinet construction is conventional MDF, though the multi-coat lacquer finish was noted positively.
Value for Money
96/100
At its approximately $549-$649 asking price, the Forte A5 was called a price/performance surprise, a bona fide disruptor and a contender beyond the entry-level market its tariff suggests. The reviewer reported zero complaints about what the active package delivers for the money.
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- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Audio Evolution — online and in-store — Volla, Campania, Italy (website)
- Audio Vinyl — online and in-store — Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland (website)
- Audiocompagniet — online and in-store — Odense C, Denmark (website)
- Audiotehnika — in-store — Centra rajons, Latvia (website)
- Avex — in-store — Vidzemes priekšpilsēta (website)
- Hifi Corner — in-store — Antwerpen, Vlaanderen, Belgium (website)
- Kosmas Audio Video — online and in-store — Athina, Greece (website)
- Kruunuradio — online and in-store — Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland (website)
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