Argon Forte-Mk2

Lifestyle Looks with Audiophile Sound

The Argon Forte-Mk2 is an excellent active speaker system that challenges the notion that lifestyle speakers can’t deliver true audiophile performance. With four separate amplifiers (one for each woofer and tweeter), this speaker system delivers extraordinary sound for its size, thanks to smart internal DSP processing that optimizes the audio output.

I first encountered the Argon Forte-Mk2 at Munich High-End and was immediately impressed by its combination of stylish design and promising sound quality. Intrigued by what appeared to be an exceptional value proposition, I reached out to Argon Audio’s marketing team to evaluate whether these speakers could truly deliver the audiophile experience in a lifestyle-friendly package. After extensive testing for about 2 months now, I can confirm they absolutely do, especially after some simple EQ adjustments.

At €549 for the Bluetooth model (or €699 if you want WiFi for Airplay and additional streaming protocols), the Forte-Mk2 represents excellent value for European audio enthusiasts. Unfortunately, these speakers are primarily available in Europe, which is ironic given how many high-quality audio products are exclusively available in the US market.

Unboxing and Build Quality

The Argon Forte-Mk2 comes well-packaged in a sturdy box that protects the speakers during shipping:

The unboxing experience is well thought out, with the speakers securely positioned within protective foam:

Inside the box, you’ll find:

• Two Forte-Mk2 speakers (one active, one passive)
• Remote control
• Power cable
• Speaker connection cable
• User manual
• Rubber feet

The included cables are of good quality, with the speaker connection cable featuring attractive connectors:

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the Forte-Mk2 is impressive, with a solid, substantial feel that belies its price point. The cabinets feature a beautiful finish that would look at home in much more expensive speaker systems.

The speakers feature an attractive grille design with a subtle LED indicator that shows the current input and status:

With the grilles removed, you can appreciate the clean, minimalist design of the drivers and front baffle:

The speakers have a distinctive design that seems to blend elements from both Q Acoustics and Klipsch, resulting in a stylish, modern aesthetic that would complement virtually any living space. The rear panels show the quality construction and thoughtful design:

The bass port is well-designed and positioned for optimal performance:

The speakers come with quality rubber feet that provide good isolation and stability:

Even the grille backs show attention to detail in the construction:

Features and Connectivity

The Argon Forte-Mk2 is packed with features that make it versatile for various setups:

Amplification

Each speaker contains four separate amplifiers - one for each driver (woofer and tweeter), allowing for precise control over the sound reproduction. This multi-amp approach enables the DSP to optimize the performance of each driver independently.

Connectivity

The Bluetooth model offers:

• Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD support
• Optical input
• RCA analog inputs
• Subwoofer output

The WiFi model adds:

• AirPlay 2
• Chromecast
• Spotify Connect
• DLNA compatibility

The connectors are well-designed and easily accessible, with clear labeling and quality construction:

Bluetooth connectivity is seamless and reliable, with clear status indication:

Controls

The primary speaker features physical controls for volume and input selection, while the included remote provides additional functionality:

Sound Impressions

The Argon Forte-Mk2 delivers a sound signature that is impressive for speakers of this size and price point. Out of the box, they present a slightly warm, engaging sound that works well with most music genres.

Bass

The bass response is surprisingly robust for bookshelf speakers of this size. The low end extends deeper than expected, with good definition and control. While they won’t replace a dedicated subwoofer for the lowest octaves, they provide enough bass weight to satisfy most listeners for everyday music enjoyment.

Midrange

The midrange is where these speakers truly shine. Vocals are presented with excellent clarity and natural timbre. Male and female voices alike sound realistic and well-positioned within the soundstage. Instruments like acoustic guitars and pianos have appropriate body and resonance.

Treble

The high frequencies are detailed without being harsh or fatiguing. There’s good extension and air, providing a sense of space and ambience in well-recorded tracks. Cymbals and high-hat strikes have appropriate shimmer without becoming splashy.

Soundstage & Imaging

For their size, the Forte-Mk2 speakers create an impressively wide and deep soundstage. Instrument placement is precise, and there’s a good sense of three-dimensionality to the presentation. The speakers disappear well, creating an immersive listening experience.

Room Correction and EQ

While the Forte-Mk2 sounds good out of the box, it truly transforms with some simple EQ adjustments. One of the most effective ways to optimize these speakers is using the WiiM Ultra’s room and speaker correction feature.

The WiiM Ultra can analyze your room’s acoustics and the speakers’ response, then apply appropriate corrections to compensate for room modes and speaker characteristics. After running this process, the Forte-Mk2 speakers gained significantly in terms of tonal balance and spatial presentation.

With proper EQ applied, the bass becomes more controlled, the midrange more transparent, and the treble more extended without harshness. This simple adjustment elevates the Forte-Mk2 from “very good” to “excellent” in terms of sound quality.

Real-World Setup and Usage

The Forte-Mk2 speakers work well in various room configurations. Here are some examples of how they perform in different environments:

Living Room Setup

In a larger living space, the speakers provide excellent coverage and maintain their imaging characteristics:

Smaller Room Configuration

In more intimate spaces, the speakers excel at creating an immersive listening experience:

The speakers’ compact footprint makes them ideal for desktop use or smaller listening rooms where space is at a premium, yet they still deliver full-range sound that doesn’t feel constrained by their size.

Comparisons

I compared the Argon Forte-Mk2 with several other speakers in my collection to provide context for their performance:

vs. Q Acoustics 3020i

The Forte-Mk2 shares some design DNA with the Q Acoustics 3020i, but offers a more refined sound with better bass extension and control, thanks to its active design and DSP processing.

Here’s another angle showing the size and design comparison between the two speakers:

The Q Acoustics requires a separate amplifier, while the Forte-Mk2’s integrated amplification provides a more cohesive, optimized sound. The Forte-Mk2 also offers more connectivity options and convenience. Despite being active speakers, the Forte-Mk2 maintains a similar aesthetic appeal to the well-regarded Q Acoustics design language.

vs. KEF LS50 Meta

The KEF LS50 Meta is a more expensive passive speaker that offers exceptional coherence thanks to its Uni-Q driver. While the LS50 Meta may have a slight edge in terms of imaging precision, the Forte-Mk2 competes surprisingly well considering its lower price point.

With proper EQ, the Forte-Mk2 delivers bass that’s comparable to the LS50 Meta when the latter is paired with a quality amplifier. The Forte-Mk2’s all-in-one solution also offers greater convenience.

vs. Fosi Audio SP601

The Fosi Audio SP601 is another active speaker system, but the Forte-Mk2 outperforms it in terms of refinement, soundstage width, and overall tonal balance.

The Forte-Mk2 also offers more robust construction and a more premium aesthetic compared to the Fosi Audio offering.

Specifications and Measurements

Rating Explanation

The Argon Forte-Mk2 earns a pragmatic 4-star rating. While not perfect out of the box, with some simple EQ adjustments ( particularly using the WiiM Ultra’s room correction), these speakers transform into exceptional performers that compete with much more expensive systems.

Pros:

• Excellent build quality and attractive design
• Powerful, detailed sound with good bass extension for the size
• Versatile connectivity options
• Four separate amplifiers for precise driver control
• Outstanding value for money at €549 (Bluetooth model)

Cons:

• Requires EQ adjustment to reach full potential
• Limited availability outside Europe
• WiFi model adds significant cost (€150) for streaming features

The Forte-Mk2 is ideal for:

• Audiophiles seeking a spouse-friendly, aesthetically pleasing system
• Those with space constraints who don’t want to compromise on sound quality
• Listeners who appreciate a warm, engaging sound signature that can be fine-tuned
• Anyone looking for an all-in-one active speaker solution without separate components

Final Thoughts

The Argon Forte-Mk2 represents an excellent balance of performance, features, and value. While it might be marketed as a lifestyle speaker, it delivers genuine audiophile performance, especially after some simple EQ adjustments.

What makes these speakers particularly special is how they combine the convenience of an active system with the sound quality typically associated with much more expensive components; there are only very small compromises in the audio quality. The four-amplifier design with DSP processing allows these relatively compact speakers to deliver sound that belies their size.

For European audio enthusiasts looking for an attractive, room-friendly speaker system that doesn’t compromise on sound quality, the Argon Forte-Mk2 is an easy recommendation. It’s not a perfect speaker, but at €549 for the Bluetooth model, it offers exceptional value and performance that’s hard to beat at this price point.