Triangle BR02 BT BOREA

Overview

Each generation of “traditional” bookshelf speakers has its active and wireless equivalent at Triangle: after the Elara, the Borea is now available as the Borea BR02BT and BR03BT. The first model, which is the subject of this test, is intended to satisfy music lovers wishing to be initiated into the world of the famous “high-fidelity” while taking advantage of the simplicity of configuration and use of an active and wireless system.

To achieve this, each speaker relies on a conventional two-way system consisting of a 25mm fabric dome tweeter and a 13cm paper driver, supported by a bass reflex port. There’s no connection option for this line of speakers, but a wide variety of wired connections are available, as well as the ever-popular Bluetooth connection.

Connectivity

Triangle didn’t look far to imagine the Borea BR02BT’s connectivity; it’s a perfect copy and pastes from their distant cousins, the Elara LN01A. This is alright, as there is an excellent range of wired connections: for analogue, an RCA phono/line input, a mini-jack input and an RCA subwoofer output; for digital signals, an RCA coaxial, optical input. A USB or HDMI port may be a sore point, but the models on the market are rare and are often aimed at a completely different price range.

The connection and operation system between the two speakers is more dated. The right speaker is indeed controlled by the left speaker, which governs the pair, the whole being connected by an excellent old speaker cable, to be fixed on the terminals of each speaker. Although it’s not a question of connectivity, wireless connectivity is also reduced to a simple solution when we could expect a little more modernity. Only a Bluetooth receiver is integrated with support for the aptX HD, Low Latency, AAC and SBC codecs. No multipoint, by the way.

Audio

As expected, Triangle’s small Borea BR02BTs are not the most neutral and stunning speakers on the market. That said, they are known for their coherent, homogeneous and, above all, well-detailed sound reproduction.

The sonic character of the BR02BTs revolves around two points, the main one being the apparent retreat into the upper mids and highs, which is subtly supported by a slight emphasis on the bass/low midrange border. The result is a warm and exceptionally soft signature, which may lack some bite and edge, but which is not so caricatured as to be radically dull or even hollow and thus clearly alter the timbres of the instruments. Moreover, the good precision and excellent distortion management allow for a clean sound with little masking effects. It takes a little time for the ear to find specific information and subtleties, but they are always detectable and identifiable.

The particular musical behaviour of the BR02BT reveals other exciting points. The minor emphasis mentioned in the bass/midrange generates a nice enhancement of the feeling of proximity, roundness, and the seating on the voices, certain percussions (toms, snare drum…) and the acoustic guitar, for example. Even if we would have liked a more fluid transition with the highs. The very extended response in the highest frequencies is also very appreciable. It contributes to sound stereophonic reproduction and allows a sufficiently open, wide and natural scene. The latter’s stability is also rather good, and we benefit from a very present phantom centre which will enable us to identify the position of each protagonist adequately.

Aware of their physical and acoustic limits, the BR02BTs do not overdo it in terms of bass extension and power. On this first point, the speakers are rather timid in the lowest frequencies, with a relatively clear drop-off after 90 Hz and a bass that is sometimes a little “dry”. We prefer a slightly timid bass, but it’s still under control. Still, you’ll have to invest in a subwoofer if you want your audio system to rekindle all the energy and depth of the bass – and that’s fortunate since the speakers have a dedicated output. The bass-reflex port of the speakers is located at the rear, so be careful not to get too close to adjacent walls, as this can create unsightly resonances.

Finally, as far as power is concerned, the BT02BTs respect their commitment and are, as the manufacturer indicates, ideally at ease to enjoy a great sound level in rooms of about 20 to 25 m². They will be more limited in larger rooms, but we can’t blame them, especially as the distortion is very well managed.

CONCLUSION

If the Triangle Borea BR02BTs are not the speakers that propel us towards an ultra-modern and exclusive use, they put us in good conditions to enjoy our songs at home, without frills. Their somewhat hardened sound character may surprise at first, but it is quickly counterbalanced by the multiple qualities that ultimately demonstrate the beautiful mastery of the speakers. In the absence of real wireless connectivity, the excellent variety of wired connection methods could also tip the balance in their favour against their direct competitors.