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Argon Audio FORTE A5 MK2
Take everything that makes the FORTE-series so great, add a bigger enclosure and a slightly bigger bass driver; then you get the A5, and it doesn’t disappoint. Elegant and easy-to-use speakers, that will fill even larger rooms with a rich, powerful sound.
FORTE MK2 is the gold standard of active speakers. Featuring fully digital amplification with four separate channels for the tweeters and woofers, custom drivers with ultra-low distortion and all the connections you’d ever need, including HDMI ARC, the FORTE MK2 series delivers a crisp and rich sound you won't find anywhere else at this price.
This model is also available with Wi-Fi streaming. Check out the FORTE A5 WIFI.
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.
Dealers selling Argon Audio near you
Argon Audio's FORTE A5 MK2 punches well above its size with notably potent bass that reaches to ~40Hz, paired with a creamy midrange and a pleasantly non‑fatiguing treble. Reviewer Michael Bruss also highlights an astonishingly wide soundstage, solid build and a feature-rich connectivity suite for outstanding value.
Pros
- Powerful low-frequency authority and extension (down to ~40Hz) from DSP-assisted 15cm drivers, delivering more bass than typical compacts.
- Creamy, well-bodied midrange with accurate vocal timbre and a clean, non‑nervy treble that minimizes listener fatigue.
- Surprisingly broad and deep soundstage with convincing imaging and instrument placement for the class.
- Excellent price/performance, solid finish and a generous feature set (HDMI/ARC, phono MM, Bluetooth aptX HD, sub-out) uncommon at this price.
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Cons
- Deep sub‑bass below ~30Hz drops away—very low synth/subsonic content is not reproduced.
- Not the ultimate treble resolution or transient speed of high-end monitors; headroom and control slip at extreme SPLs.
Sound Quality
90/100
Equally-weighted average of the five sub-criteria below.
Bass
89/100
Review praises an 'astonishingly mature potent bass' and DSP-aided reach to ~40Hz; below ~30Hz content drops away. Given the 5" woofer (small-class) this represents excellent low-frequency extension and authority for the size.
Mid
90/100
Described as 'creamy midrange consistency' with correct timbre and strong vocal presence; compared favorably to higher-end Pro-Ject reference—clear, well-bodied mids with low fatigue.
Treble
86/100
Treble is clean and non-nervy, intentionally a bit mellow with no artificial highlights; good distortion control but not the ultimate resolution seen in pricier speakers.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
Reviewer repeatedly cites 'astonishingly broad and deep soundstage' with good horizontal extension and convincing depth and instrument placement—excellent staging for the class.
Dynamics
91/100
Upper-bass/lower-mid attacks are quick and punchy with natural percussion; stability across SPLs noted. Not quite elite-headroom but very strong dynamics for the price/form factor.
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Build Quality
90/100
Samples described as 'flawlessly finished' with solid feel; MDF cabinets with multiple lacquer coats and smart industrial design. Good fit-and-finish and apparent attention to detail.
Features Connectivity
90/100
Comprehensive connectivity for an active bookshelf: HDMI/ARC, optical (dual Toslink mentioned), analogue RCA, phono MM input, Bluetooth (aptX/aptX HD/AAC cited), USB for firmware, sub-out and remote. Strong set of features for TV/hi-fi use.
Value for Money
95/100
Review uses explicit strong value language ('price/performance surprise', 'bona fide price/performance disruptor', 'serious contender well beyond the entry level'). At the listed price (~€649) reviewers call it a standout bargain relative to peers.
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