Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Full-grown but slim floor-standing speaker with two five-inch bass/midrange units
- Significantly more bass capacity than the Forte A4
- Midrange reproduction is very nice, singing voices sound natural, and room reproduction is a pleasure to experience
- Has a very good ability to recreate the difference between an intimate club recording and a concert in a large hall
- Thoroughly digital and the only truly active speaker in the price range
Product Considerations
- A right/left switch on the active speaker would be nice
- Unpacking the speakers was difficult
- The sound can be a bit sharp, and the nuance could have been better
- The active electronics are located in the left speaker, so the living room has to be decorated around it
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Forte A55 keeps up the quality of the Forte A4 and has significantly more bass capacity
- The Forte A55 benefits from being thoroughly digital and the only truly active speaker in the price range, compared to the Dali Zensor 5 AX and Tangent Spectrum X6 BT Phono
Takeaway: The Argon Audio Forte A55 is a great value speaker that delivers good sound for larger living rooms with deeper bass and higher sound pressure. It is a real active two-way floor-standing speaker with a 4 x 80 watt amplifier and DSP correction.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
Fenris A4
- Positioning: Entry-level active speaker designed for approachable quality and simplicity.
- Description: Offers solid digital amplification with driver tuning aimed at clear sound in smaller rooms. Compared to other models in the lineup, it lacks some advanced connectivity and premium driver enhancements, making it ideal for buyers with basic functionality needs and a tighter budget.
Forte A55 WiFi
- Positioning: Mid-range active speaker with built-in WiFi streaming for modern connectivity.
- Description: Integrates wireless connectivity with reliable digital amplification to deliver clear audio while enabling smart-device streaming. When compared to the standard Forte and Fenris models, its added WiFi feature sets it apart, though it offers fewer high-end driver refinements than the flagship option.
Forte A55 MK2
- Positioning: Mid-tier active speaker blending robust performance with multiple connectivity options.
- Description: Features fully digital amplification with separate channels for tweeters and woofers to provide crisp, detailed sound. Relative to the Fenris series and the WiFi variant, it offers greater wired connectivity and refined driver technology, while still positioning below the flagship in overall technical sophistication.
Fenris A55
- Positioning: Upper mid-range active speaker focused on acoustic clarity and refined sound performance.
- Description: Delivers enhanced digital amplification with carefully tuned drivers to create a richer sound stage. In contrast to the Forte series, it emphasizes pure sound quality over extensive connectivity options.
Forte A5 MK2
- Positioning: Flagship bookshelf active speaker offering premium technology and high-end audio performance.
- Description: Provides exceptional digital amplification paired with advanced custom drivers for a superior dynamic range and sound fidelity. Compared to the lower-tier models, it delivers the most refined acoustic performance and connectivity features.
See all the brand's products
Read the reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Forte A55 MK2
images
No items found.
Manufacturer's notes
FORTE A55 MK2 represent the pinnacle of the FORTE series (so far!). These speakers are perfect for you if you won't settle for anything less than the best. You get pure, room-filling sound with plenty of bass that transforms any room into a sound paradise. FORTE MK2 are the gold standard among active speakers. With their fully digital amplification featuring four separate channels for tweeters and woofers, custom-designed drivers with minimal distortion, and all the connections you need - including HDMI ARC - FORTE MK2 deliver crystal-clear and rich sound quality that you won't find anywhere else in this price range.
Manufacturer Specs
- Treble: 1" Softdome with Neodymium Magnet
- Bass/Midrange: 2 x 5" Custom 2-layer Cone With Low Distortion Motor System
- Frequency Range: 35-20.000 Hz ± 3 dB
- Output Power: 4 x 80 Watts
- Amplifier Technology: Class D with Fully Digital Signal Path
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD and AAC
- Inputs: TV HDMI ARC, Optical Digital (24-bit/96 kHz), Stereo Line-in (Analog RCA), Turntable (MM), Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD and AAC
- Outputs: Subwoofer Output
- Additional Features: Auto power up on all inputs except Phono, Auto switch inputs, Dimmable LED
- Included: Speaker Cable (5 meters), Remote Control, Front Covers (Magnet Mount), Power Cable, Adhesive Felt Protector Pads
- Finish: White, Black (Matt Lacquer), Walnut (PVC)
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 16.5 x 85 x 25 cm (incl. front cover and foot)
- Weight: 26 kg (set)
- Standby Power Consumption: <0.5 watt
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Average Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used Products
20
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
186
of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
30
Founded
2003
Our take on the brand
Argon Audio is a Scandinavian hifi brand that combines elegant aesthetics with advanced acoustic technologies, including their unique Anisotropic Torsion Stabiliser system for turntables and powerful compact speakers that deliver deep bass. Their products, from the versatile TT-4 turntable to the SOLO streaming box, stand out for delivering performance that exceeds expectations at their price points, particularly in terms of precision and dynamic range.
Brand Page
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Used
Argon Audio
What if you spend a bit more?
T66
3450
3450
/
23
Reviews
GoldenEar
Introducing the T Series The T66 is the first model in GoldenEar’s new T Series. While it boasts several significant refinements of our time-tested design concepts, the T66 is undeniably a GoldenEar loudspeaker, placing beautiful sound and music before all else. Honoring the Triton Series The T66 honors the critically acclaimed Triton Series, sharing a similarly tall, slender profile; built-in DSP-controlled subwoofer amplification; and a driver complement comprising GoldenEar’s High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter, cast-basket mid/bass units, quadratic planar radiators, and long-throw powered sub-bass section. Onward and Upward Several important cosmetic and sonic refinements distinguish the new T66 from previous GoldenEar speakers. These include a dramatically augmented crossover design, high-quality internal wiring, a new cast-aluminum base and metal grille, and, in addition to GoldenEar’s Gloss Black cabinet finish, a vibrant Santa Barbara Red.
GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass performance is a defining feature, providing tight, smooth, even, solid, and tangible bass extension into the 20 Hz range, eliminating placement issues associated with separate subwoofers
- Balanced overall sound, coherence, and ability to present music in a natural and effortless way is consistently praised
- High levels of detail come through with the High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter and cast-basket mid/bass units
- A holographic image over the seating area of a typical sofa is capable with excellent imaging and a wide and open soundstage, even when not seated in the exact sweet spot
- The Santa Barbara Red finish option receives high marks for its visual appeal
Product Considerations
- Still a significant investment, especially the Santa Barbara Red finish
- The metal grille covering the drivers is not designed to be easily removed
- Care should be taken with system matching, due to a slightly hot high-end
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The T66 offers more refinement and a more 'of-a-piece' sound than the Triton One.R
- Has internal structural improvements that make it even more stable and rigid than previous generations
Takeaway: The GoldenEar T66 delivers audiophile-grade sound and aesthetics, with powerful bass and exceptional detail. These speakers are easy to incorporate into nearly any environment, and have the power to let the listener appreciate all the nuances in favorite songs or movies.
Video review
Our take on the brand
GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
Visit our
T66
page
Product Page
LS60
4999
4999
/
5
Reviews
KEF
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Phenomenal performance combines with great aesthetics and ease of use
- The Uni-Q driver provides a great, all-encompassing sense of sound and captures every element of the track
- Offers a wealth of customization via the KEF Connect app, including EQ settings, wall mode, and bass extension
- Every driver is paired with a custom amplifier, eliminating the need to choose separate components
- Integrates multiple streaming options including Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Chromecast
Product Considerations
- Bluetooth 4.2 may be seen as outdated
- The included remote control is basic
- Bass can be too much straight out of the box and may require adjustment
- Some may not like the decision being taken away of choosing a specific amplifier or DAC
- Output may be limited for very large rooms
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- LS60 uses a lot of similar technology found in the KEF Blades
- LS60 can play much louder and deeper, and are more dynamic and even more open than KEF LS50 Wireless II
- LS60 goes deeper in the bass than Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo
- LS60 has more outstanding range and bass dynamics than DALI Rubicon 6 C and PIEGA Premium Wireless 701
Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless is a convenient and great-sounding speaker system with a slim design and comprehensive features that's easy to set up and customize for various listening preferences. It's a good choice if you want a simple, high-quality audio solution without needing separate components.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Visit our
LS60
page
Product Page
6040R
3395
3395
/
4
Reviews
Genelec
Genelec is a hifi speaker brand known for their unique coaxial driver design where the tweeter is embedded in the mid-woofer, ensuring all frequencies come from the same point in space. The brand pioneered the use of recycled aluminum for speaker cabinets in 1996, and their Smart Active Monitoring systems automatically adapt to room acoustics, making them particularly valuable for professional studio environments.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Rock-solid build quality with die-cast aluminum construction leading to a durable and rigid design without resonances
- Precise and balanced sound, suitable for all musical styles without emphasis, with warm vocals and good intimacy
- Powerful dynamics and serious SPL capability from a small cabinet, delivering decent sound even in larger rooms
- Features Genelec's GLM room correction system, which is flexible, fast, and provides a comprehensive report about the listening space with recommendations
- Elegant and unique design that looks good from any angle, and doesn't take up much footprint in the room
Product Considerations
- All connections use professional standards, and balanced outputs are preferred
- The GLM kit is an additional cost
- The professional XLR cable connections can seem cumbersome
- There is no wireless connectivity or network option
- The manual is quite involved and detailed for GLM, and could be improved with a quick start manual
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Reference Techniques SBR1: The SBR1 has better bass insight and space and more 'hifi glossy silkiness,' while the 6040R is a better 'music communicator'
- Vs ATC SCM40 actives: The ATC is better in timbre and bass-treble coherence, but the 6040R is more precise, dynamic, and easier to integrate
- Vs KEF LS50 Metas and a Buchardt i150 amplifier: The 6040R has greater drive and greater soundstage precision
Takeaway: The 6040R is a well-built speaker system with great sound, room correction, and built-in power amps, making it a long-lasting music system with all-round sound. It is a compact, elegant design that delivers an exceptional and uncolored listening experience, and it has enough power and nuance to play any type of music in any situation.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Genelec is a hifi speaker brand known for their unique coaxial driver design where the tweeter is embedded in the mid-woofer, ensuring all frequencies come from the same point in space. The brand pioneered the use of recycled aluminum for speaker cabinets in 1996, and their Smart Active Monitoring systems automatically adapt to room acoustics, making them particularly valuable for professional studio environments.
Visit our
6040R
page
Product Page
Q Active 400
2999
2999
/
3
Reviews
Q Acoustics
An entire high-resolution wireless audio system, delivering uncompromised hi-fi sound that fits conveniently and seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Expansive sound delivery thanks to BMR drivers, creating a room-filling sound
- Energetic performance and fun sound
- Solid bass response
- Extremely well made and employing a new form of 'Dart' bracing to add stiffness to the cabinet and mechanical stability to the drivers
Product Considerations
- Soundstage loses some focus, not ideal for a specific listening position
- Design is an acquired taste
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Q Active 400 delivers a bigger soundstage and deeper bass than the Q Acoustics Q Active 200
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics Q Active 400 is an impressive wireless system that sounds great and is easy to use, providing a cohesive performance with a wide delivery and powerful bass. It's a flexible system that can integrate into many different home setups to provide an all-in-one solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Visit our
Q Active 400
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
Forte A55 WiFi
1363
/
Released
Argon Audio
If you're a quality-conscious audiophile; then the FORTE A55 WIFI is the speaker for you. These marvels will provide you with the best, room-altering sound in the FORTE-series, along with unmatched ease of use. Perfect for large rooms with a tall ceiling – or if you just want the absolute best.
Argon Audio is a Scandinavian hifi brand that combines elegant aesthetics with advanced acoustic technologies, including their unique Anisotropic Torsion Stabiliser system for turntables and powerful compact speakers that deliver deep bass. Their products, from the versatile TT-4 turntable to the SOLO streaming box, stand out for delivering performance that exceeds expectations at their price points, particularly in terms of precision and dynamic range.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sound is hifi and they can play bass
- Significantly more bass capacity than the A4, suitable for larger living rooms
- Midrange reproduction is very nice, and singing voices sound natural
- Treble is well-resolved, and gives a bright and delicious sound image
- Practical and good, it makes economic and technical sense to have everything together on one plate, where all the inputs and outputs are located
Product Considerations
- The sound can be a bit sharp, and the nuance could have been better
- The active electronics are located in the left speaker, which must be in the left corner of the living room
- Handling the large and 26 kilo heavy cardboard box is a task for two people
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Forte A4: the Forte A55 keeps up the quality, but has significantly more capacity when it comes to the bass
Takeaway: The Argon Audio Forte A55 is a great value speaker with the same good sound that was characteristic of little brother Forte A4, only for larger living rooms and with the possibility of deeper bass and higher sound pressure. Being a truly active speaker in its price range makes it worth buying.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Argon Audio is a Scandinavian hifi brand that combines elegant aesthetics with advanced acoustic technologies, including their unique Anisotropic Torsion Stabiliser system for turntables and powerful compact speakers that deliver deep bass. Their products, from the versatile TT-4 turntable to the SOLO streaming box, stand out for delivering performance that exceeds expectations at their price points, particularly in terms of precision and dynamic range.
Visit
Forte A55 WiFi
Page
Product Page
M40
1272
/
Released
2024
Q Acoustics
The most convenient and cost-effective way to fill your home with full-size, powerful and immersive sound without filling your home with big, imposing loudspeakers. These quality micro-towers have the flexibility to support numerous wired and wireless sources of music.
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact size makes them ideal for smaller spaces
- Delivers a composed and controlled sound
- Easy to set up and use
- Stereo imaging is great—each element has its own space
- Versatile wired connectivity (USB, optical, analog)
Product Considerations
- Sound lacks dynamics and drive
- No wi-fi streaming or control app
- Bass response can be easily provoked
- Treble sounds are played safe here—somewhat rolled-off
- Volume adjustment is a slightly blunt affair
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics M40 is a versatile speaker system that's easy to set up and use, delivering great sound quality, especially considering its compact size. It is a safe and enjoyable recommendation for those seeking a less-than-big system with a big, informative and energetic sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Visit
M40
Page
Product Page
active twenty5.23i
2400
/
Released
2024
PMC
Already our best-selling model in passive form, the Active 23i adds an active crossover and 2x100W amplification in each speaker to create an elegant floor-standing design even more capable of filling medium-sized rooms with transparent, authentic dynamics and effortlessly extended bass.
PMC is a hifi speaker brand known for its Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology, which enhances bass response and reduces distortion, and its LaminairX technology in the Prophecy series, which reduces turbulence and harmonic distortion by up to 3dB. Their active speakers are preferred by music and audio professionals for their tonal accuracy and dynamic range, with user reviews particularly praising their accurate midrange and detailed sound compared to brands like Dynaudio and B&W.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive control and articulation, handling fast and congested music effortlessly
- Enhances positive qualities of the passive version
- Balances crossover, amplifier and tweeter in a way that avoids harsh or forward sounds
- Achieves more low-end impact compared to the passive version across the volume range
- Offers a wider and more expansive soundstage than its narrow frontage might suggest
Product Considerations
- Bass detail can sometimes be masked by the transmission line and air movement
- Requires a separate source and volume control, not fully self-contained like some active speakers
- The product might be considered expensive compared to other amp-and-speaker combinations
Takeaway: The active twenty5 23i is a good choice for those seeking a peerless solution that maintains hifi credentials and streamlines box-count. It hits harder and sounds sweeter, while providing intriguing system-building possibilities.
Video review
Our take on the brand
PMC is a hifi speaker brand known for its Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology, which enhances bass response and reduces distortion, and its LaminairX technology in the Prophecy series, which reduces turbulence and harmonic distortion by up to 3dB. Their active speakers are preferred by music and audio professionals for their tonal accuracy and dynamic range, with user reviews particularly praising their accurate midrange and detailed sound compared to brands like Dynaudio and B&W.
Visit
active twenty5.23i
Page
Product Page
Dymension DM80
1499
/
Released
Definitive Technology
Dymension™ DM80 tower speakers deliver dynamic, room-filling sound with extended bass by leveraging Definitive Technology's signature bipolar arrays, proprietary drivers, and integrated 12" subwoofer.
Definitive Technology is a hifi speaker brand known for its bipole design, which radiates sound from both front and back to create a more spacious soundstage. Their speakers feature unique technologies like Linear Response Waveguide for better off-axis listening and Intelligent Bass Control for precise bass adjustments while maintaining midrange balance, with many models incorporating built-in powered subwoofers.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Bipolar speaker design with drivers on both the front and back creates a spacious, immersive, and room-filling sound experience
- Built-in powered subwoofer with passive radiators delivers deep, textural, and adjustable bass, potentially eliminating the need for separate subwoofers
- Clear midrange, allowing for crystal clear dialogue even during loud scenes
Product Considerations
- Placement is critical due to rear-facing bipolar drivers, requiring sufficient space from the front wall to avoid vague or echoey sound
- Integrated subwoofer placement lacks flexibility, requiring careful balancing of speaker placement and individual subwoofer levels
- Tweeter can become harsh and lose composure at high volumes, potentially requiring treble adjustment via receiver tone controls
- Large size may be problematic for smaller spaces and can visually dominate a room
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Martin Logan Motion XT-F100: The Martin Logan is better out of the box, but once tweaked, the DM-80s perform as well and have better bass
- Vs Polk R700: The DM-80s can achieve sonic feats the R700 cannot, but the R700 has a better tweeter for those sensitive to high frequencies
- Vs Klipsch RP-8000F Mark II/Cornwall: The DM-80s have a livelier sound and superior bass extension and accuracy, although the Klipsch speakers sound more 'live'
Takeaway: The Dymension DM-80 tower speakers offer a unique and immersive audio experience with powerful bass, making them suitable for both home theater and music enjoyment. With proper setup, the DM-80 can bring that exciting feeling of live sound to one's home.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Definitive Technology is a hifi speaker brand known for its bipole design, which radiates sound from both front and back to create a more spacious soundstage. Their speakers feature unique technologies like Linear Response Waveguide for better off-axis listening and Intelligent Bass Control for precise bass adjustments while maintaining midrange balance, with many models incorporating built-in powered subwoofers.
Visit
Dymension DM80
Page
Product Page
Kin Play Tower II
1687
/
Released
2024
KIN By Totem
Discover the brand-new KIN Play Tower II, Totem's fully powered floor-standing speaker, now with HDMI ARC! With expanded connectivity and enhanced functionality, this tower delivers even more of the sought-after qualities that have contributed to the remarkable success of the Kin PlayTM. Connect your wired and wireless sources to experience the bold and impactful sound of the KIN Play Tower IITM.
Known for its use of handmade Torrent drivers, Kin by Totem eliminates crossover distortions to deliver clean, unaltered audio, coupled with its signature micro-size speakers that defy traditional performance limitations. The brand’s achievements include influencing compact speaker trends while maintaining premium audio quality.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Kin Play Tower 2s are active speakers, meaning they have a built-in amplifier, offering a cleaner and simpler setup compared to passive speakers that require an external amplifier
- The speakers are reported to have a frequency response range down to 30Hz, meaning that a subwoofer may not be necessary for many listeners
- Available in black and white satin finishes, the speakers are compact enough to fit in various listening spaces, combining good looks with good sound
- Multiple inputs including HDMI ARC, optical inputs, Bluetooth, stereo RCA, line-level, and active phono inputs offer versatile connectivity options
Product Considerations
- Modern connectivity options fall a little short, opting for HDMI ARC instead of eARC, and lacking WIFI and/or Ethernet
- Bypassing the internal preamp using the 'amp in' input can cause the speakers to play at full volume, potentially damaging the speakers or hearing if the connected device has a fixed volume output
- At higher volumes, the five-inch drivers can struggle with demanding bass sections, so the speakers may benefit from the support of a subwoofer when playing bass-heavy music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Kin Play Tower 2s have a bass that is punchy and dynamic, while Martin Logan Towers tend to have deeper sounding bass
- Bowers & Wilkins speakers are brighter
Takeaway: The Kin Play Tower 2s are convenient and versatile active speakers that sound great and are easy to set up. They offer a clean aesthetic and multiple connectivity options, making them suitable for those seeking quality audio without a complex setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Known for its use of handmade Torrent drivers, Kin by Totem eliminates crossover distortions to deliver clean, unaltered audio, coupled with its signature micro-size speakers that defy traditional performance limitations. The brand’s achievements include influencing compact speaker trends while maintaining premium audio quality.
Visit
Kin Play Tower II
Page
Product Page
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Full-grown but slim floor-standing speaker with two five-inch bass/midrange units
- Significantly more bass capacity than the Forte A4
- Midrange reproduction is very nice, singing voices sound natural, and room reproduction is a pleasure to experience
- Has a very good ability to recreate the difference between an intimate club recording and a concert in a large hall
- Thoroughly digital and the only truly active speaker in the price range
Product Considerations
- A right/left switch on the active speaker would be nice
- Unpacking the speakers was difficult
- The sound can be a bit sharp, and the nuance could have been better
- The active electronics are located in the left speaker, so the living room has to be decorated around it
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Forte A55 keeps up the quality of the Forte A4 and has significantly more bass capacity
- The Forte A55 benefits from being thoroughly digital and the only truly active speaker in the price range, compared to the Dali Zensor 5 AX and Tangent Spectrum X6 BT Phono
Takeaway: The Argon Audio Forte A55 is a great value speaker that delivers good sound for larger living rooms with deeper bass and higher sound pressure. It is a real active two-way floor-standing speaker with a 4 x 80 watt amplifier and DSP correction.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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