Triangle Borea BR03 Review

Today you can read a new text containing the Triangle Borea BR03 review. These bookshelf speakers bring several interesting solutions at a very attractive price.

Intro

As an audio enthusiast, I’ve tried several bookshelf speakers over the years. When I first heard about the Triangle Borea BR03, I was intrigued by its reputation for delivering great sound at a reasonable price. After a lot of research and contemplation, I decided to take the plunge and bring them home. I was curious to see if they could meet my expectations, especially considering the buzz they were generating in the audiophile community.

Triangle Borea BR03 Specifications

• Type: Two-way, bass-reflex
• Tweeter: 25mm EFS silk dome
• Midrange/Bass Driver: 165mm (6.5 inches) cellulose paper
• Frequency Response: 46 Hz – 22 kHz (±3 dB)
• Sensitivity: 90 dB/W/m
• Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
• Minimum Impedance: 4.2 ohms
• Power Handling: 100 watts
• High-Frequency Roll-off: 3600 Hz
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 380 x 206 x 314 mm (14.96 x 8.11 x 12.36 inches)
• Weight: 6.26 kg (13.8 lbs) per speaker
• Port Position: Front-firing port
• Cabinet Finishes: Black, White, Walnut, Light Oak
• Included Accessories: Magnetic grilles, adhesive rubber pads, user manual
• Recommended Room Size: 15 to 30 square meters

You can download & view the manual here -> Triangle Borea BR03 User Manual

Unboxing and First Impressions

The moment I unboxed the Triangle Borea BR03, I could tell I was in for something special. The packaging was secure and minimalistic, keeping the speakers well-protected during transit. Once I got them out of the box, I was immediately struck by the design. The clean, modern lines and the solid feel of the cabinet made me appreciate the attention to detail that Triangle put into these speakers. The Borea BR03’s wooden veneer was a beautiful touch, blending seamlessly into my room’s decor.

Construction & Design

As the second-largest model in the initial Borea series, the BR03 are medium-sized bookshelf speakers. Designed for rooms of 15 to 30 square meters, they are ideal for the average living room. The design is simple yet elegant, with regular lines and flat cabinet surfaces. The perfectly measured proportions and tasteful details enhance their appearance, while the quality finish complements any decor. Available in black, white, walnut, and light oak, the BR03 blends modern and classic styles, making them a versatile choice for various ambiances.

The separation of channels, but also of individual tones, far exceeds the price class to which these speakers belong.

The Triangle Borea BR03 speakers use a two-way system with a tweeter and mid-bass unit on the front panel. The tweeter features EFS (Efficient Flow System) technology for improved cooling and stability during heavy use. It has a 25 mm silk dome and a neodymium magnet. Below the tweeter, the 160 mm mid-bass unit is made of natural cellulose paper and framed by a thin chrome ring. The larger membrane excursion allows for a better bass range. Two smaller bass-reflex ports in the lower front corners enhance performance in tight spaces.

With the bass reflex ports on the front, the back of the Triangle Borea BR03 features a high-gloss black panel with connectors at the bottom. The metal speaker terminals are of high quality, accommodating all connection types. The panel also includes labels with the model’s basic technical features. The BR03 pairs best with amplifiers up to 100 watts per channel and has a frequency range of 46 Hz to 22 kHz. With a sensitivity of 90 dB and a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, these speakers are easy to drive. The crossover frequency is set at 3.6 kHz, though there are no details about the cabinet construction.

Triangle Borea BR03 Sound Test

When it comes to the Triangle Borea BR03, their flexibility in placement is immediately noticeable. Thanks to their front-facing bass-reflex ports, positioning these speakers close to the rear wall—around 30 centimeters—is more than sufficient to optimize sound quality without compromising the bass. Unlike other models that demand more careful room placement, the BR03 performs admirably even when placed half a meter from the side walls, making them well-suited for small to medium-sized rooms. In my setup, I arranged them in a triangle configuration, about two and a half meters apart, with a slight toe-in toward my listening position. This helped maximize soundstage width, precision, and the overall immersive quality of the sound.

As soon as I powered them on, I was immediately struck by the BR03’s musicality. These speakers excel across a wide range of genres, from the more delicate acoustic performances to the driving force of electronic beats. One aspect that impressed me is their slightly warmer tonal balance, particularly in the upper and mid-range frequencies. This warmth adds a pleasant touch to neutral tones, giving vocals and acoustic instruments a richer, more natural presence. Whether listening to Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me or Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven, the BR03 delivered a sound that felt engaging, smooth, and non-fatiguing over long sessions.

Treble Performance: Clarity Without Harshness

The treble is one area where the BR03 stands out. The speakers deliver a slightly elevated high-frequency range, adding brightness to the overall sound signature. This treble extension lends itself well to high tones, making them clear and articulate, without becoming piercing or harsh. For example, listening to classical pieces like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, the violins and flutes were crisp and detailed, maintaining clarity even during complex passages. Triangle’s use of a silk dome tweeter really shows its strength here. Whether listening at moderate or higher volumes, the treble remains controlled, detailed, and non-fatiguing, making these speakers ideal for long listening sessions.

Mid-Range Magic: Rich, Detailed, and Engaging

If there’s one place where the Triangle Borea BR03 truly excels, it’s in the mid-range. The vocals and instruments are presented with an incredible amount of detail and richness, offering a lifelike sound that draws you into the music. This was especially noticeable when I played tracks from Pink Floyd’s The Wall and Radiohead’s In Rainbows. The BR03 brought out subtle nuances in the guitar riffs and vocal layers, giving a distinct separation between instruments that’s often lacking in speakers at this price point. Another great test was listening to jazz standards like Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue. The instruments, particularly the trumpet, had a smooth, liquid quality, retaining a high level of finesse while still sounding playful and vibrant.

Soundstage and Imaging: Immersive but Not Overly Expansive

When it comes to soundstage, the BR03 creates a spacious, three-dimensional soundscape. It’s not the widest soundstage I’ve experienced—larger, more premium speakers can offer a more expansive experience—but for bookshelf speakers in this price range, the BR03 is no slouch. Instruments and vocals have a clear place in the mix, with enough space between them to give a strong sense of depth. Tracks like Hotel California by The Eagles showcased this well, with the acoustic guitars on either side of the stage and vocals centered in the middle, giving the performance a live, intimate feel.

Lower Frequencies: Balanced Yet Controlled

Now, let’s talk bass. While the deepest bass tones are a bit restrained on the BR03, it still delivers a respectable performance for its size. I tested the lower end by playing bass-heavy tracks like Daft Punk’s Doin’ It Right and Massive Attack’s Angel, and while the deepest sub-bass notes didn’t shake the room, the bass was still tight, punchy, and well-defined. One thing I noticed after several hours of listening was that the bass seemed to improve. The break-in period allowed the bass drivers to loosen up slightly, resulting in a more balanced, fuller sound as time went on.

That being said, where the BR03 really shines in the low end is the upper bass. Tracks with fast, rhythmic basslines, like The Chemical Brothers’ Galvanize, showed off the speaker’s impressive agility and speed in this frequency range. The punchiness and rhythmic drive made electronic and percussive elements pop, and even with fast transitions, the BR03 never lost control. In genres like rock, indie, and electronic music, the speakers added a sense of energy that was palpable. While the deepest bass won’t satisfy true bass-heads, Triangle’s focus on quality within its range is apparent.

Genre-Specific Performance: From Electronic to Acoustic

In terms of genre versatility, the Triangle Borea BR03 didn’t disappoint. Here’s how it performed across different music styles:

• Classical & Jazz: The BR03’s detailed mid-range and crisp highs make it a perfect choice for classical and jazz lovers. In tracks like John Coltrane’s Giant Steps, the saxophone’s rich timbre stood out beautifully, while the accompanying bass and drums were well-balanced, adding rhythm without overpowering the higher frequencies.

• Rock & Alternative: The mid-range is where the BR03 shines, and that’s crucial for rock music. When playing Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, the layering of guitars, vocals, and piano was perfectly balanced. The BR03 allowed each element to shine without one overshadowing the other, a feat not many bookshelf speakers achieve.

• Electronic & Pop: Electronic tracks like Strobe by Deadmau5 were handled with impressive speed and precision. The BR03 managed to highlight the energy of the synths and the punch of the beats, especially in the upper bass. While the deepest sub-bass was a bit absent, the overall delivery was still engaging, with no loss in excitement.

The lower part of the spectrum is the weakest point of the Triangle Borea BR03, but this isn’t entirely true. The deeper bass is present, though it’s more withdrawn and subtle, reminding me of the Epos M12i. Interestingly, after a few hours of listening, the speakers’ sound improved noticeably, particularly in the deeper bass, enhancing the overall balance. The takeaway is to let them play for several hours before forming any conclusions, allowing the sound to fully develop.

On the other hand, the BR03 handles upper bass exceptionally well, similar to Triangle’s more expensive models. The agility and rhythmicity are impressive, showing the manufacturer’s focus on achievable quality rather than forcing deep bass. Fast percussion transitions are smooth, whether from electronic or live instruments, with clear texture and expressiveness. The speakers distinctly highlight the differences between instruments. So, while the deepest bass might not be their strength, the BR03 excels remarkably within its range.

Connectivity and Compatibility: Easy Setup Process

Setting up the Triangle Borea BR03 was refreshingly simple, even for someone who isn’t particularly tech-savvy. The speakers come with basic instructions that guide you through the process, but honestly, most of it was intuitive. I connected them to my existing amplifier with standard speaker cables, and I was up and running within minutes.

The BR03’s flexibility with amplifiers is one of its standout features. I tested them with both a mid-range integrated amplifier and a budget AV receiver, and both provided excellent results. While these speakers don’t need an extremely powerful amplifier to shine, I did notice that a good-quality amp—somewhere between 40-100 watts per channel—enhanced their performance. The BR03 adapts well, making it a great fit for a variety of setups, from stereo systems for audiophiles to home theater arrangements.

For those looking to pair them with a turntable, CD player, or streaming device, the BR03 integrates effortlessly into multi-source systems. I used them with my digital music collection via a DAC, and they handled everything I threw at them with clarity and precision. Bluetooth receiver integration was equally straightforward, and the sound quality remained uncompromised even with wireless streaming.

Who Should Buy the Triangle Borea BR03?

The Triangle Borea BR03 is an excellent choice for a variety of listeners, but especially those who value detailed, articulate sound without wanting to invest in extremely high-end equipment. If you have a small to medium-sized room and want speakers that will provide clear mids, smooth highs, and controlled bass, the BR03 is a perfect fit.

These speakers are ideal for audiophiles who appreciate clarity in the mid-range and an overall balanced sound signature. Whether you’re listening to vinyl records, streaming high-definition music, or even watching movies, the BR03 excels in delivering an immersive and detailed listening experience. For those who favor vocal-heavy genres like jazz, acoustic, or classical, the BR03 will bring out nuances in recordings that are often overlooked with lesser speakers. Even rock and pop listeners will appreciate the BR03’s punchy upper bass and wide soundstage.

Moreover, if you’re someone who is relatively new to high-quality audio but eager to take the plunge, the BR03 offers an affordable entry point into the world of audiophile-grade speakers without compromising on performance. The speakers are versatile enough to work with various audio setups, from modest home systems to more complex configurations. Their sleek design also makes them a good choice for anyone who cares about aesthetics as much as sound quality.

Triangle Borea BR03 Video Review

Final Verdict

After spending extensive time with the Triangle Borea BR03, I can confidently say that these speakers offer a truly immersive and detailed listening experience. They strike an impressive balance between sound quality, build quality, and price, making them one of the best value bookshelf speakers available today. From their clean design to their articulate sound, Triangle has crafted a speaker that will please both casual listeners and seasoned audiophiles.

Their pronounced mid-range clarity and smooth treble make them perfect for a wide array of musical genres, and the controlled bass, though not the deepest, still provides enough punch to keep most listeners satisfied. Their versatility in both placement and compatibility with different audio setups only adds to their appeal.

While the BR03 may not satisfy bass lovers who crave the lowest frequencies, for most listeners, the balance between bass, mids, and treble is a delight. They offer a sound signature that’s both warm and detailed, making them equally suited for long listening sessions or critical, focused audio evaluations. Overall, I’d highly recommend the Triangle Borea BR03 to anyone in search of a versatile, high-performing bookshelf speaker that won’t break the bank.

What kind of amplifier should I use with the Triangle Borea BR03?

The BR03 performs well with amplifiers providing 40-100 watts per channel. Pairing them with a good mid-range amplifier will enhance sound quality, though they are flexible and work well with budget and higher-end amps alike.

Can the Triangle Borea BR03 handle bass-heavy music?

While the BR03 offers clear and controlled bass, it doesn’t deliver the deepest bass. For genres that demand more low-end, a subwoofer might be necessary to achieve the desired depth.

Are the Triangle Borea BR03 speakers suitable for home theater setups?

Yes, the BR03 works well in home theater configurations, providing clear dialogue and immersive sound for movies. Pairing them with a subwoofer can improve low-frequency effects for cinematic experiences.