Argon Audio Fenris A4 Active Speakers, Ash (Pair)

The Argon Audio Fenris A4 is an active bookshelf speaker that combines amplifiers, a digital-to-analogue converter and connections for TV, turntable and Bluetooth in one compact stereo pair. The Ash finish brings visible wood grain into play – warm, homely and closer to furniture than to tech gear. All you need is power, a source and a bit of shelf space.

Why the Fenris A4?

Each driver gets its own Class D amplifier: 50 watts for the woofer/midrange, 25 watts for the tweeter, giving 75 watts per speaker. The crossover works digitally in the DSP, ahead of amplification rather than after it – which is exactly why a 4-inch driver sounds more grown-up here than its size suggests. The magnetic front panel covers the screws, and automatic power on/off saves you reaching for a switch every time.

What you get

On the connection side, the A4 holds nothing back: HDMI ARC for the TV, an optical digital input, an analogue RCA input and – far from a given in this class – a phono MM input for the turntable. Bluetooth 5.0 brings your phone into the mix, and the pre-out takes a subwoofer later on. No subscription is needed for any of it: vinyl, TV sound and files from your computer all play with no recurring costs.

Who is the Fenris A4 in Ash suited to – and who isn't it for?

Plainly put: the A4 is the smaller of the two Fenris models. If you want to fill a large living room or really push the bass, you're better served by the Fenris A5 with its 5.25-inch woofer/midrange. If you expect network streaming over WiFi, AirPlay or Spotify Connect, take a look at the Forte WiFi series instead – wirelessly, the A4 accepts music only via Bluetooth. In a bedroom, at a desk, as your first own system or as an honest TV upgrade, though, it's exactly right, and the Ash finish looks especially good next to wooden furniture.

Our verdict

The Fenris A4 is one of the simplest ways to bring honest stereo sound into a small room – no extra amplifier, no rack, no cable clutter. HIFI.DE gave it 8.3 out of 10 points in testing (2022). Which source, which room, maybe the A5 after all? We're happy to work that out with you – HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, 044 680 22 00 or WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Technical data

• Type: Active 2-way bookshelf speaker, bass reflex (stereo pair)
• Power: 4-channel Class D – 2 × 50 W (woofer/midrange) + 2 × 25 W (tweeter), 75 W per speaker
• Signal processing: DSP with digital, active crossover
• Tweeter: 0.75″ soft dome (neodymium)
• Woofer/midrange: 4″ paper cone
• Frequency range: 52–22,000 Hz (± 6 dB)
• Bluetooth: 5.0, SBC (no aptX)
• Inputs: HDMI ARC, optical (max. 24 bit/48 kHz), RCA, phono MM
• Outputs: pre-out / subwoofer (RCA)
• USB: 5 V / 0.5 A charging port, no audio playback
• Connectors: gold-plated
• Cabinet: MDF, magnetic front panel
• Extras: auto on/standby, automatic input selection, dimmable LED
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 14 × 24 × 22 cm
• Weight: 5.5 kg (pair)
• What's included: speaker pair, magnetic front panels, remote control with batteries, power cable, speaker cable (3 m), isolation feet, quick guide

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an amplifier for the Fenris A4?

No. The Fenris A4 is an active speaker, the amplifiers already sit inside the cabinet. You connect a TV, turntable, computer or phone directly and you're off. A separate amplifier or receiver is neither needed nor intended – that saves space, money and at least one cable.

Can I connect a turntable to the Fenris A4?

Yes. Through the built-in phono MM input, you connect a turntable with an MM cartridge directly, with no extra phono preamp needed. For an MC cartridge you'll need an external phono stage with matching gain. Your record collection then plays completely independent of streaming services.

Does the Ash version sound different from Black or White?

No, not at all in terms of sound. Cabinet volume, drivers and electronics are identical across all three finishes – only the surface differs. Ash shows visible wood grain and feels warmer, Black recedes into the background, White visually brightens small rooms. So decide by the furniture, not by the ear.

Why buy the Fenris A4 from HD Zürisee?

Because with active speakers, it's exactly the small questions that pay off: A4 or A5, close to the wall or freestanding, with or without a subwoofer. With us you get an experienced team, our own technician for support and installation, and an honest assessment instead of sales pressure.

Goes well with

The A4 plays solo but likes company: a turntable for the phono jack, a subwoofer for the foundation, matching speaker stands for the right ear height – or a browse through the whole Argon Audio world.