Argon Audio Forus 4 Bookshelf Speaker, White (Pair)

The Argon Audio Forus 4 is a passive 2-way bookshelf speaker with a 4-inch paper cone and a bass reflex cabinet, powered by an integrated amplifier, streaming amplifier or AV receiver.

White is the most unobtrusive of the three finishes. In front of a light wall, on a white sideboard, or on a shelf between books, the Forus 4 nearly disappears visually – but not at all acoustically.

Why the Forus 4 in White?

Because not every room suits a black box. Technically you get the same basis as with the other colours: a 4-inch paper cone, a 0.75-inch silk soft dome with neodymium magnet, crossover at 2900 Hz, and an MDF cabinet with a rear bass reflex port. The magnetic front grille sits flush, so the white front reads as one continuous surface rather than a device with a frame.

What you get

A compact 14.8 centimetres wide, 2.5 kilograms per unit, and a sound that's noticeably more grown-up for this footprint than expected. As a stereo pair in the bedroom, as a second system in the kitchen, as a rear pair in a home cinema: the Forus 4 is the speaker for the rooms where you'd otherwise shrug and settle for a Bluetooth speaker. Feel free to change that.

Who is the Forus 4 White suited for – and who isn't it for?

Straight talk: if you're after an all-in-one solution without a separate amplifier, go for an active model – here, electronics belong in front of it. And if you want real punch in your stomach during films, there's no getting around a subwoofer. But if you're after a small, bright, high-quality music solution that doesn't look like a system and disappears into the room, this is exactly right. It also makes a lot of sense as an extension to an existing system.

Our verdict

The Forus 4 in White solves a very common problem: good sound in a room that can't take big speakers. Which electronics suit it, how you set it up, and whether a subwoofer makes sense – 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: Passive 2-way bookshelf speaker
• Cabinet principle: Bass reflex, port on the back
• Tweeter: 0.75″ silk soft dome with neodymium magnet
• Woofer/midrange: 4″ paper cone
• Frequency range: 60–20,000 Hz (± 3 dB)
• Impedance: 4 Ω
• Sensitivity: 85 dB
• Crossover frequency: 2900 Hz
• Connections: gold-plated binding posts, single-wire
• Wall mounting: integrated wall mount on the back
• Cabinet: MDF, magnetic front grille
• Finish: White
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 14.8 × 23.9 × 18.9 cm
• Weight: 2.5 kg per unit
• Sales unit: Pair
• Included: 2 speakers, magnetic front grilles, rubber feet

Frequently asked questions

Which amplifier does the Argon Forus 4 need?

An integrated amplifier, streaming amplifier or AV receiver that works stably at 4 ohms. Huge power isn't necessary, but it should be clean: in small to medium rooms, around 30 to 50 watts per channel is already enough for relaxed room-filling volume.

Does the white finish yellow over time?

The white version is lacquered MDF, which makes it noticeably less sensitive than a film wrap. Direct, prolonged sunlight still isn't especially kind to any lacquer, though. To clean it, dry dusting is enough; skip aggressive cleaners and abrasive microfibre cloths. That way the front stays evenly bright for years.

Does the Forus 4 work as a surround speaker?

Yes, very well. As a rear pair on an AV receiver, it's compact enough not to stand out, and tonally close enough to the other Forus models that effects pan cleanly from the front. The integrated wall mount saves you additional brackets.

How big can the room be for the Forus 4?

Up to about 20 square metres, it plays relaxed and balanced. Beyond that, the 4-inch woofer starts working rather than playing – then either a subwoofer as a supplement or moving up to the larger Forus 5 pays off. Placement helps too: a bit closer to the wall audibly gains it more foundation.

Why buy the Forus 4 from HD Zürisee?

Because since 1997 in Wädenswil we've seen which devices really hold up in everyday use and which only shine on paper. We advise on room, placement and matching electronics, deliver and install on request, and take care of the aftercare too with our own technician.

Goes well with

All-round matches: an amplifier to drive it, a speaker stand for free-standing placement, a subwoofer for more foundation, or a look at all bookshelf speakers.