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
- Great build quality and well-finished for the price
- Balanced and neutral tonal signature
- Forus 4 provides good details and a smooth performance
- Forus 5 can produce a decent amount of bass without needing a subwoofer in a smaller room
Product Considerations
- Forus speakers are not yet widely available in the United States
- The binding posts are a bit short
- The included DTS Play Fee app for streaming music has disappeared from some basic theater functions
- Forus 4 benefits from careful placement to optimize bass response
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Forus 5 is comparable in size, weight, and build quality to speakers costing twice as much
- Forus 4 performance is close to Pro-Ject Box 5S2 speakers, which are preferred by the reviewer
Takeaway: The Forus speakers offer a good combination of sound quality, build, and affordability. They are a good option for those seeking compact passive speakers that sound good.
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
[{"title":"Elegant & Affordable - Argon Audio Forus 4 & Forus 5 WALL Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl3NN5j6lRc","source":"Mad Audio","datePublished":"2024"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Forus 5
images
No items found.
Manufacturer's notes
Classic Scandinavian design meets high performance, all without breaking the bank. Experience audio finesse tailored to your lifestyle. These passive speakers make every tune sound clear and full, from the low thump of the bass to the clarity of the high notes, all because of a solid 5-inch woofer and a smooth-sounding silk-dome tweeter.
Manufacturer Specs
- Tweeter: 1" Soft Dome with Neodymium Magnet
- Bass/Midrange: 5.25" Paper cone
- Frequency Range: 55-20.000 Hz ± 3dB
- Impedance: 4 ohm
- Sensitivity: 86 db
- Terminals: Gold-plated Connectors
- Additional Features: Integrated Wall Mount, Front Covers (Magnetic), Rubber Feet
- Finish: Black, White, Walnut (PVC)
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 16.8 x 27.2 x 21.2 cm
- Weight: 3.6 kg each
Visit Manufacturer Site
Average Price
$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
Most data on ExtremeHiFi is proprietary—researched and reviewed after thousands of hours of loving labor. We archive our site's data and its pages on Archive.org and take legal action against those repurposing the data. We also fingerprint data to know when text and numbers came from us first.
Visit Full Brand Page
Used
Argon Audio
What if you spend a bit more?
Forte A4 WiFi
734
734
/
3
Reviews
Argon Audio
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
.svg)
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent value for the money
- Offers a compact and complete solution for streaming music, wired sources, and TV sound
- The sound is open and clean, with an absence of coloration
- Dynamic, energetic reproduction with powerful, tight—and precise—bass, according to its size
- Versatile connectivity with HDMI ARC, optical, RCA, and phono inputs
Product Considerations
- Bass reproduction is limited due to the small woofer size, a subwoofer may be necessary in medium to large rooms
- The speaker cannot be taken out of standby mode without using the remote control
- The remote control requires precise aiming at the master speaker
- Bluetooth module is SBC and AAC compatible only, with no support for HD codecs
- The cable to connect the two speakers is not very long, which makes the placement harder
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Sonos Five has more powerful woofers, but does not play nearly as cleanly
- The Forte A5 MK2 has more power in the bass
Takeaway: The Argon Audio Forte A4 WiFi is a great all-in-one speaker that sounds really good for the price, making it perfect for enjoying music and TV sound in smaller spaces. It has many ways to connect devices, so it is very easy to use.
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 our
Forte A4 WiFi
page
Product Page
Forte A4 MK2
524
524
/
3
Reviews
Argon Audio
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
- Good sound quality for the price, with a neutral and unconstrained sound
- Compact size and aesthetically pleasing design, with rounded edges and magnetic front fabric
- Each driver has its own 40W class D amplifier
- Versatile connectivity with multiple inputs including optical, RCA, HDMI ARC, and phono
Product Considerations
- Bass performance can become strained at higher volumes
- The left and right speakers cannot be interchanged
- Limited deep bass, due to the small 4-inch bass driver
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dynaudio Music 1: Dynaudio Music 1 offers streaming and multi-room functionality, but with less stereo breadth
Takeaway: The Argon Audio Forte A4 MK2 is a well-rounded and versatile speaker that delivers good sound for its price and size. It is a great option for smaller rooms or as a first stereo system, particularly due to its versatile connectivity options.
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 our
Forte A4 MK2
page
Product Page
Forte A5 MK2
629
629
/
2
Reviews
Argon Audio
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
- Good sound quality with precision reproduction, especially considering the price range
- Strong bass performance for its size, reaching deeper than smaller models, and with good control
- Elegant and modern design available in multiple finishes
- Bluetooth connectivity, now upgraded to aptX HD
- Wide range of inputs including HDMI, optical, analog line-in, and turntable input (MM)
Product Considerations
- Cannot swap left and right channels, potentially requiring rearranging based on source placement
- Volume control on the remote can be too sensitive
- Reviewer encountered strange issues with LFE channels on Netflix and Disney+ through HDMI, while Blu-ray playback was fine
- May require a subwoofer for electronic music or in standalone configuration
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Better than soundbars in the same price range in terms of sound quality
- Better than the previous Forte A4 model due to the larger midwoofer and cabinet
Takeaway: The Argon Audio Forte A5 MK2 provides great sound and features for the price, making it a versatile option for various setups. The addition of HDMI and improved Bluetooth enhances its value and ease of use for modern users.
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 our
Forte A5 MK2
page
Product Page
Evo4.2
899
899
/
22
Reviews
Wharfedale
Wharfedale’s new EVO4 has grown out of the extensive research and development that produced the ELYSIAN flagship loudspeakers and borrows much of the technology involved in ELYSIAN.
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent focus and separation, with the speakers 'disappearing' to create a natural soundstage
- Impressive low-end performance, adding authority to the music
- Cohesive driver integration, with no perceivable handover between the AMT tweeter, midrange dome, and woofer
- Remarkable neutrality in the midrange, with a detailed yet smooth treble—avoiding harshness even at higher volumes
- Clear and detailed sound reproduction, extracting nuances and levels of information outstanding for its price
Product Considerations
- Vertical off-axis performance of the AMT tweeter is not good, so correct speaker height and toe-in are important
- Soundstage is not super wide, with the presentation mostly between the speakers
- Some reviewers found the aesthetics or proportions to be awkward or not to suit all tastes
- Bass may be a bit polite for some listeners wanting subwoofer-type rumble
- The midrange can be fatiguing if the listener's ear is at the midrange driver level
Takeaway: The Evo4.2 is a well-rounded speaker that delivers excellent sound quality with impressive imaging, detail, and tonal balance. It is capable of providing an audiophile experience at an affordable price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Visit our
Evo4.2
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
Forus 4
208
/
Released
2024
Argon Audio
Classic Scandinavian design meets high performance, all at a wallet-friendly price. Tailored to your lifestyle, this design marvel delivers a crisp, clear sound with a robust 4-inch woofer and smooth silk-dome tweeter, without taking over your living space.
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
- Great build quality, solid construction, and good finish for the price
- Neutral and natural tonality, and balanced sound for the price point
- The Forus 5 has a larger woofer, which provides a better frequency response and can deliver a small amount of base without needing a sub-woofer
Product Considerations
- The Forus 4's bass can be abundant but lacks control, the reviewer recommends plugging the reflex ducts
- The Forus 4's bass reflex port can be noisy, with air noise and vibrations
- The Forus 4's sound lacks precision and transparency
- The Forus 4 may not be suited for high listening levels due to the woofer reaching its limit quickly
Takeaway:
The Forus speakers are a good option if you're looking for affordable speakers that are compact and have a good design. They can also provide good sound quality for smaller listening spaces.
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
Forus 4
Page
Product Page
Fenris A4
272
/
Released
Argon Audio
FENRIS A4 will surprise you with its huge sound for such a small speaker! With a compact and sleek Scandinavian design, it will fit seamlessly into smaller spaces and add a nice look to any room. Easy to set up — just plug and play. Simply the perfect everyday speakers. Our FENRIS speakers stand unmatched in versatility and sound quality within their price range. Featuring Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI ARC for easy and convenient TV audio, turntable input, and much more. All of this in a pair of speakers that will give even much more expensive speakers a run for their money when it comes to sound quality.
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
- Great clarity and detail
- Great bass and power, even for its size
- Nice and open voice
- Can play surprisingly loud for its size and price
- HDMI input makes them an obvious partner for a flat screen TV
Product Considerations
- Bluetooth quality is a little bit lower than with other methods
- Dynamics are naturally limited
- The included speaker cable may not be long enough for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Fenris A4 is a slightly cheaper alternative with a more versatile Pre Out output in stereo, as well as a real, physical volume control, whereas the Forte A4 has slightly better overall sound quality
- The A5 could be a candidate if more volume is needed
Takeaway: The Argon Audio Fenris A4 is an inexpensive speaker that sounds good, and is best for small spaces. The addition of HDMI input makes them a good partner for a flat screen TV.
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
Fenris A4
Page
Product Page
Fenris A5
335
/
Released
2024
Argon Audio
Our FENRIS A5 offers deeper bass and a fuller sound thanks to its more spacious cabinet and larger woofer. They are perfect for use in larger rooms. Simply connect to your system and enjoy the fantastic sound.
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
- Nice reproduction of voices without any tendency to stuffiness
- Good bass response for such a small and inexpensive speaker
- Open and well-presented sound
- Includes HDMI input
- Universal solution for a small room, dorm, or cottage
Product Considerations
- Difficulty separating the details at high volumes
- Not ideal for complex music or electronic music with dance rhythms
- Amplifier section and speaker units are slightly less advanced
- More power is needed for a large room
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Fenris A5 has more raw power than the Argon Audio Forte A4, but the Forte A4 has somewhat better sound
- The Fenris A5 plays a bit louder and deeper than the Argon Audio Fenris A4, and with a bit more headroom
Takeaway: The Fenris A5 offers very good bass and clear sound, making it enjoyable to listen to music. With versatile connectivity options like HDMI, it is a simple way to enhance your TV or turntable setup.
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
Fenris A5
Page
Product Page
M20
499
/
Released
2021
Q Acoustics
Designed to deliver stunning wireless high-resolution stereo sound, the flexible M20 HD audio system is the most powerful and immersive way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere in the home.
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Effortlessly detailed and balanced sound
- Excellent stereo imaging and dynamics
- High-quality Bluetooth streaming
- Simple setup and control
- Multiple connection options, including subwoofer output, digital input for TV, and analog inputs
Product Considerations
- No HDMI ARC for seamless control with TV remote
- No dedicated app for adjusting settings
- Bass output may be lacking for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer
- Grilles are non-removable
- Speakers power down after 20 minutes at rest, requiring manual Bluetooth pairing each time
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2, the Q Acoustics M20 sounds fuller, louder and less compressed
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics M20 HD speakers offer detailed, balanced sound and are easy to set up with various devices. They're a versatile audio solution for upgrading sound, whether for music, movies, or gaming.
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
M20
Page
Product Page
Prime Bookshelf
299
/
Released
SVS
The Prime Bookshelf speakers are sonic overachievers on all levels. Stunningly dynamic, pinpoint accurate and utterly transparent, they deftly serve as reference monitor loudspeakers in a two-channel system, or as high performance front, center, or side/rear surround speakers in a multi-channel home theater.
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good ability to get loud, clean sound without distortion or compression issues above 80 Hz when paired with a subwoofer
- Really good build quality cabinet
- Very clear, immediate, vivid sounding speaker
- Ultra-focused sounding, clean, and nicely balanced vocals
- A lot of treble liveliness combined with quality clarity and crispness
Product Considerations
- Treble is a little bit bright
- Not the most neutral speaker
- Leaner sound in terms of bass delivery
- Very tight, tuneful, and on-point bass, but the perceived amount of bass is less substantial than other speakers reviewed
- Some port noise or chuffing can be heard when setting the speakers to deliver as much bass as the Klipsch RP600M
Takeaway: The SVS Prime bookshelf is a sweet little speaker that delivers clear and vivid sound and has great build quality. It's also versatile, as it can be used in a stereo setup or as part of a home theater system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Visit
Prime Bookshelf
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
- Great build quality and well-finished for the price
- Balanced and neutral tonal signature
- Forus 4 provides good details and a smooth performance
- Forus 5 can produce a decent amount of bass without needing a subwoofer in a smaller room
Product Considerations
- Forus speakers are not yet widely available in the United States
- The binding posts are a bit short
- The included DTS Play Fee app for streaming music has disappeared from some basic theater functions
- Forus 4 benefits from careful placement to optimize bass response
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Forus 5 is comparable in size, weight, and build quality to speakers costing twice as much
- Forus 4 performance is close to Pro-Ject Box 5S2 speakers, which are preferred by the reviewer
Takeaway: The Forus speakers offer a good combination of sound quality, build, and affordability. They are a good option for those seeking compact passive speakers that sound good.
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
Want to see more similar products?
Head on over to our Search page to browse our entire database. Find the perfect hifi gear for your system.
Visit Search Page
How to buy
Speakers
Questions? Ask this brand's dealers.
All Dealers Near Me
.svg){kind=icon}
