Argon Audio Forte A55 WiFi Floorstanding Speakers, Walnut (Pair)

The Argon Audio Forte A55 WiFi is an active floorstanding speaker with built-in network streaming that works over WiFi, HDMI ARC and a phono input without a separate amplifier or streamer. The walnut veneer makes the largest column in the Forte WiFi series feel more like a piece of furniture than a technology tower – nice if you don't mind your system staying in view. Two columns, one power cable, your complete system.

Why the Forte A55 WiFi?

Each cabinet houses two 5-inch woofers with a dual-layer cone and a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter, driven by four fully digital Class D amplifiers delivering 4 × 80 watts combined, with DSP and an active crossover. The comparison with its little brother is telling: amplifier power and streaming technology are identical, the only difference is the cabinet. The A55 digs down to 35 Hz, has double the cone area, and stays composed exactly where a bookshelf speaker starts to struggle. You wouldn't guess how much system is packed into that veneered cabinet – and that's exactly the point.

What you get

Streaming is wireless via AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Spotify Connect, with multiroom running over DTS Play-Fi. There's also HDMI ARC for the TV, one optical and one analogue RCA input, a phono MM input for the turntable, Bluetooth 4.2 for quick playback from your phone, and a sub-out in case a subwoofer joins later. The second column connects via the included speaker cable, and everything is set up through the app. You don't need a paid subscription for any of this – internet radio, vinyl and TV sound all work without one.

Who is the Forte A55 WiFi for – and who isn't it for?

Plain talk: 85 centimetres tall and 26 kilos for the pair make a statement – in small rooms or next to a desk, the A55 is simply too much speaker. If you need something more compact, the Forte A5 WiFi has the same electronics. But if you want to fill a larger living room wirelessly, seriously and without a zoo of components – and you prefer wood over lacquer – this is exactly right for you.

Our verdict

The Forte A55 WiFi is the idea of a "whole system in a speaker" taken to its largest form, and in walnut it's dressed for the living room too. Whether it suits your room, your network and your sources is something we're happy to work out with you – HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, 044 680 22 00 or WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Technical specifications

• Type: Active floorstanding speaker with network streaming (stereo pair: active speaker + passive speaker)
• Power: 4 × 80 W (Class D, fully digital signal path, DSP, active crossover)
• Tweeter: 1″ soft dome (neodymium)
• Woofers: 2 × 5″ (dual-layer cone)
• Frequency range: 35–20,000 Hz (± 3 dB)
• Max. resolution: 24-bit / 96 kHz
• WiFi streaming: AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect
• Multiroom: DTS Play-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast
• Bluetooth: 4.2 (AAC)
• Inputs: HDMI ARC, optical (Toslink), analogue RCA, phono MM
• Outputs: sub-out (RCA), speaker output to the passive second speaker
• Connectors: gold-plated
• Control: DTS Play-Fi app, remote control
• Cabinet: MDF, magnetic front grille
• Standby consumption: < 0.5 W
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 16.5 × 85 × 25 cm
• Weight: 26 kg (pair)
• Finish: Walnut (veneer)
• Included: pair of speakers, speaker cable (5 m), power cable, remote control with batteries, magnetic front grilles, foam plugs for the bass reflex port, felt pads, quick start guide

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an amplifier or streamer for the Forte A55 WiFi?

No. The amplifier and streaming module are built into the speaker itself. You connect it to your WiFi and play via AirPlay 2, Chromecast or Spotify Connect – without a separate amplifier, AV receiver or network player. TV, turntable and other sources connect directly to the active speaker.

How does the Forte A55 WiFi differ from the Forte A5 WiFi?

The electronics are practically identical: both models run at 4 × 80 watts, with the same inputs and the same streaming services. The difference is in the cabinet. The A55 is the floorstanding column with two 5-inch woofers reaching down to 35 Hz, the A5 is the compact bookshelf speaker with one woofer and 40 Hz.

Can I use the Forte A55 WiFi in a multiroom setup?

Yes. Via DTS Play-Fi, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast you can add it to a wireless multiroom system and play in sync or separately across multiple rooms. Setup and grouping are done through the app on your smartphone or tablet – you don't need any extra network device.

Is the Forte A55 WiFi delivered as a pair?

Yes. The A55 WiFi comes as a stereo pair: one active speaker with electronics and connections, plus the passive second speaker, connected via the included five-metre speaker cable. Power cable, remote control and magnetic front grilles are also included.

Why buy the Forte A55 WiFi from HD Zürisee?

Because an active streaming column needs to suit your room, your network and your sources – and that's exactly where our advice comes in. We work out placement, multiroom and connections in advance, handle the warranty as an authorised dealer, and stay reachable through our own technician even after purchase.

Pairs well with

Even a complete column welcomes extra sources: a turntable for the phono input, clean cables & connectors for HDMI and RCA – or a browse through the whole Argon Audio world. If you'd prefer something more compact, take a look at the bookshelf speakers.