Regarding high-performance speakers, the Triangle Borea BR08 is a standout choice for audiophiles looking for clarity, balance, and impressive bass response. As part of Triangle’s Borea series, the BR08 is a floor-standing speaker designed to provide rich sound with elegant aesthetics. This review will explore its design, performance, features, and how it compares to other speakers in its price range, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your audio setup.
Overview of the Triangle Borea BR08
The Triangle Borea BR08 is a floor-standing speaker designed to deliver an immersive listening experience. The Borea series was created by Triangle, a French company that has led the way in speaker technology for more than 35 years, to provide high performance at a more reasonable cost. The Borea BR08 is part of this collection and features an impressive 2.5-way driver configuration.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Driver Configuration: 2.5-way, including two 6.5-inch bass drivers, a 6.5-inch midrange driver, and a 1-inch tweeter.
- Frequency Response: 39Hz – 22kHz
- Sensitivity: 91 dB
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Power Handling: 90W (recommended amplifier power)
- Dimensions: 1030mm (H) x 260mm (W) x 323mm (D)
- Weight: 22.5 kg per speaker
The Borea BR08 is designed to combine excellent sound reproduction with modern aesthetics, ensuring that it delivers performance and style. Its 2.5-way design helps in providing a clear and balanced frequency response across all ranges. The driver technology and materials ensure the bass is deep without overbearing while the treble remains smooth and natural. This makes it suitable for various music genres, from classical to electronic, as well as home theater systems.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetic Appeal
The Triangle Borea BR08’s design immediately catches the eye with its modern, sleek look. Its clean lines and minimalist approach help it blend seamlessly into various interior styles, making it a versatile choice for many homes. The speaker is available in several finishes, including a premium Walnut veneer and elegant Black and White options. Each finish complements contemporary interiors, allowing users to choose the best match for their home.
The speaker’s front panel is equipped with a removable cloth grille. The grille adds to the minimalist aesthetic, hiding the drivers while providing a modern, elegant finish. For people who like an industrial appearance, the grille may be readily removed to expose the drivers underneath. The build quality is solid, with a well-crafted MDF cabinet that helps reduce vibrations and unwanted resonances, ensuring a purer sound quality.
Build Quality
The Triangle Borea BR08 emphasizes durability and acoustic performance. The cabinet is made of high-density MDF, a material chosen for its ability to minimize vibrations. The rigid structure helps produce a clean sound with reduced cabinet resonance. Additionally, the speaker stands on robust feet, which further stabilize the structure and prevent unwanted vibrations.
The speaker’s rear houses two standard binding posts, which provide flexibility for connecting speaker cables or bi-wiring. Triangle pays explicit attention to detail in the construction, ensuring that the BR08 stands out as both an aesthetic and performance-driven product. The overall quality is evident, ensuring that the speaker will perform well for years without degradation in sound.
Performance and Sound Quality
The Triangle Borea BR08 stands out for its balanced and refined sound profile. Let’s break down its performance across the various frequency ranges.
Bass Response
The Borea BR08 features two 6.5-inch bass drivers that deliver deep, controlled bass. The bass is present and prominent without being overly pronounced. Unlike some speakers that produce boomy or exaggerated bass, the BR08 strikes a perfect balance. This is perfect for genres such as rock, hip-hop, or electronic music, where a strong, defined bass is desired to stand out without overwhelming the overall sound.
With a frequency response extending to 39Hz, the BR08 offers substantial bass output, though it may go farther than some subwoofer-equipped systems. However, for those who enjoy the tactile feeling of deep bass but want to avoid overwhelming the room with a subwoofer, the BR08’s bass response is more than satisfactory. For an even more immersive experience, pairing the BR08 with a dedicated subwoofer can help round out the low end.
Midrange Clarity
Midrange frequencies are essential to any speaker’s sound signature, as they cover various musical content, including vocals and instruments. The Borea BR08 excels here, offering a clear, natural-sounding midrange that allows vocals and instruments to stand out. Whether you’re listening to orchestral music, jazz, or a simple acoustic guitar, the BR08 captures every detail precisely.
The midrange driver is tuned to reproduce vocals with warmth and clarity, making singers sound present and natural. Additionally, the speaker’s midrange presentation avoids unnatural coloration, which can sometimes cause specific frequencies to be over-emphasized. The result is a smooth, transparent sound where every element of the music is accurately conveyed.
Highs and Treble Performance
The Triangle Borea BR08 features a 1-inch tweeter designed to handle the high frequencies with finesse. The treble is smooth and airy, with no harshness or sibilance. This makes the BR08 an excellent choice for long listening sessions, as the high-end frequencies are manageable to the ears.
The tweeter’s extended frequency response (up to 22kHz) allows for the reproduction of fine details, such as cymbals and high-pitched instruments, in an open, transparent manner. High frequencies are delivered precisely, ensuring the treble range remains lively without piercing. This contributes to the overall transparency of the soundstage, making the listening experience rich and dynamic.
Soundstage and Imaging
The Borea BR08‘s vast and expansive soundstage allows you to perceive the spatial arrangement of instruments and voices within the recording. The imaging is precise, and the speaker can place sound sources within the sound field. This is particularly evident in well-recorded music, where individual instruments can be easily pinpointed.
Whether you’re listening to a stereo track or engaging with a surround sound setup for home theater use, the Borea BR08 creates an immersive environment that enhances the realism of the sound. The spaciousness of the soundstage allows music to fill the room, creating a cinematic, enveloping experience.
Room Compatibility and Placement
The Triangle Borea BR08 is a large floor-standing speaker that requires a suitable amount of space to perform optimally. Ideally, it should be placed in medium—to large-sized rooms. Smaller rooms may experience overpowering bass if the speaker is too close to walls or corners. To get the best performance, it is essential to experiment with the speaker’s placement within the room.
Ideally, the Borea BR08 should be placed a few feet away from walls to reduce excessive bass reflections. This will help the speaker maintain a balanced sound without the bass becoming too exaggerated. When positioned correctly, it offers a broad, open soundstage ideal for music and movies.
Acoustic treatments such as carpets, curtains, or diffusers can help manage sound reflections in rooms with hard surfaces, ensuring the sound remains clear and balanced.
Amplification and Power Requirements
The Triangle Borea BR08 is a relatively efficient speaker with a sensitivity of 91 dB, meaning it doesn’t require massive power to produce high output levels. For most users, pairing the BR08 with a quality amplifier in the 50-100 watt range will be more than sufficient to achieve impressive sound levels without distortion.
The BR08’s 8-ohm impedance ensures it is compatible with various amplifiers, from budget-friendly models to high-end audiophile setups. Whether using a dedicated stereo amplifier or an AV receiver, the Borea BR08 will easily handle various amplification sources.
Comparison Table with Competitors
| Speaker Model | Price | Driver Configuration | Frequency Response | Sensitivity | Impedance | Bass Performance | Best For |
| Triangle Borea BR08 | $799 (each) | 2.5-way, 2 x 6.5” bass, 6.5” mid, 1” tweeter | 39Hz – 22kHz | 91 dB | 8 ohms | Deep, controlled bass | Home theater, audiophile listening |
| Klipsch RP-8000F | $850 (each) | 2-way, 2 x 8” woofers, 1” tweeter | 32Hz – 25kHz | 98 dB | 8 ohms | Strong, punchy bass | Loud, dynamic sound, movies |
| Elac Debut 2.0 F6.2 | $650 (each) | 3-way, 6.5” woofer, 5.25” mid, 1” tweeter | 44Hz – 35kHz | 87 dB | 6 ohms | Balanced bass | Budget audiophile, home theater |
| Polk Audio Signature S60 | $599 (each) | 3-way, 2 x 6.5” woofers, 1” tweeter | 38Hz – 40kHz | 90 dB | 8 ohms | Clean, tight bass | Budget-conscious audiophiles, home audio |
Pros and Cons of the Triangle Borea BR08
Like any speaker, the Triangle Borea BR08 has strengths and areas for improvement. Below, we’ll review its key advantages and disadvantages to help you determine whether it meets your needs.
Pros
Excellent Sound Quality
The Borea BR08 delivers exceptional sound clarity across all frequencies. The bass is deep but controlled, while the midrange is clear and natural, making vocals and instruments stand out. The tweeter produces crisp highs without harshness or sibilance, creating a smooth, well-rounded sound that will satisfy audiophiles and casual listeners. Whether listening to orchestral music or a heavy bass track, this speaker delivers a balanced and accurate sound reproduction.
Wide Soundstage and Impressive Imaging
One of the most praised aspects of the Borea BR08 is its expansive soundstage. The speaker’s design allows it to throw sound across a wide area, making it feel like you’re at a live performance. The imaging is precise, with individual instruments and voices clearly defined within the mix. Whether you’re sitting directly in front of the speaker or off to the side, the BR08 manages to preserve clarity and depth in its sound reproduction.
Stylish Design
The Triangle Borea BR08 has a modern and elegant design that complements various room styles. Its slim profile and high-quality finishes make it an attractive addition to any home or studio. The removable cloth grille is another design touch that gives the speaker a clean, minimalist look, though it can be removed for those who prefer a more industrial aesthetic.
Versatile Sound
The Borea BR08 excels across various music genres thanks to its balanced sound signature. Whether you’re listening to classical, jazz, rock, or electronic music, the BR08 faithfully reproduces each genre. The speaker’s wide frequency response and clear sound presentation make it adaptable to different musical tastes, ensuring it remains a versatile choice for audiophiles.
Cons
Large Size
The Borea BR08 is a floor-standing speaker, which means it requires considerable space. Although its form makes it fit in with most homes, people with smaller living areas or little space for speakers may find its size an issue. For smaller rooms, it’s important to carefully position the speaker to avoid overpowering the space with too much bass.
Bass May Not Be Deep Enough for Some
While the Borea BR08’s bass is controlled, tight, and accurate, it may not be deep enough for listeners who crave the earth-shaking low frequencies provided by dedicated subwoofers. The Borea BR08 delivers bass down to 39Hz, which is respectable for a floor-standing speaker, but it does not compete with true subwoofers or speakers with larger woofers designed for deep bass extension.
Price
The Triangle Borea BR08 is priced in the mid-to-high range for floor-standing speakers, which could be a limiting factor for buyers on a budget. While the performance justifies the cost, the price point may make it less accessible for those seeking more affordable alternatives.
Requires Proper Amplification
Although the Borea BR08 is relatively efficient with a sensitivity rating of 91 dB, it still needs a capable amplifier to get the best out of this speaker. The speaker can handle amplifiers in the 50W–100W range, but pairing it with a lower-quality amplifier or one that doesn’t meet its power requirements may result in suboptimal performance.
Conclusion
After an in-depth examination of the Triangle Borea BR08, it’s clear that this speaker is an excellent option for audiophiles and anyone serious about high-quality sound. Its combination of deep, controlled bass, transparent midrange, and smooth treble makes it a standout in its price range. The wide soundstage and impressive imaging capabilities further elevate the listening experience, ensuring you’re enveloped in rich, detailed sound no matter the genre.
However, it’s essential to consider the size of the speaker and the price. The Borea BR08 is a significant investment, especially for those with smaller rooms or limited budgets. Additionally, while its bass is excellent, it may not provide the extreme low-end some users are looking for, so pairing it with a subwoofer would be a good idea.
Overall, the Triangle Borea BR08 delivers a balanced and engaging listening experience suitable for various types of audio setups, whether for music or home theater. If you have the space and budget, the Borea BR08 is a speaker that will undoubtedly impress with its performance, design, and longevity.
FAQs
Is the Triangle Borea BR08 suitable for small rooms?
While the Borea BR08 can work in smaller rooms, its large size and powerful bass make it better suited for medium to large-sized rooms. Smaller spaces may require careful placement to avoid overpowering the room with bass.
What kind of amplifier do I need for the Triangle Borea BR08?
The Borea BR08 has a sensitivity of 91 dB and an impedance of 8 ohms, which means it works well with amplifiers ranging from 50W to 100W per channel. A quality amplifier with at least 60W per channel is recommended for optimal performance.
Can I use the Triangle Borea BR08 with a subwoofer?
Pairing the Borea BR08 with a subwoofer can increase the bass response and improve the low-end performance, particularly if you want ultra-deep bass.
How does the Triangle Borea BR08 compare to the Klipsch RP-8000F?
The Borea BR08 offers a more refined and balanced sound, with excellent midrange clarity and smooth highs. The Klipsch RP-8000F, on the other hand, provides a more dynamic, punchy sound with a focus on bass, making it better suited for those who want more bass emphasis.