Triangle Unveils BR05 Standmount Speaker with 21cm Cellulose Driver

3 min read
Source: What Hi-Fi?
Triangle Unveils BR05 Standmount Speaker with 21cm Cellulose Driver
Photo: What Hi-Fi?
TL;DR

French audio manufacturer Triangle has introduced the Borea BR05, a new large-format standmount speaker designed to bridge the gap between its mid-range and premium lines. Priced at £729 (approx. $999), the BR05 features a substantial 21cm mid/bass driver made from natural cellulose pulp, paired with a 25mm silk dome tweeter. The design emphasizes 'retro-chic' aesthetics alongside modern acoustic engineering, including a high-density MDF cabinet and a proprietary vibration absorption system. Available in five finishes, the speaker is positioned as the most expensive option in the Borea standmount range, challenging competitors like the Acoustic Energy AE3000 Mk2.

Key points

  • Triangle has launched the Borea BR05, a new standmount speaker featuring a 21cm mid/bass driver made from natural cellulose pulp.
  • The speaker is priced at £729 (approx. $999) and is available in five finishes: Light Oak, Black Ash, Chestnut, Green, and Frosted White.
  • It utilizes a 25mm silk dome tweeter with a phase plug and a high-density MDF cabinet with internal bracing for structural rigidity.
  • The design includes two forward-facing bass-reflex ports and a base that tilts the speaker back by eight degrees to improve soundstage coherence.
  • Optional S03 stands are available for £225 (approx. $299) per pair, maintaining the eight-degree tilt at listening height.
  • The BR05 is the most expensive standmount in the Borea series but remains cheaper than the Borea BR10 floorstander, which costs £1,379 (approx. $1,149).

Background

This release follows recent trends in the high-end audio market where manufacturers are emphasizing natural materials and retro-inspired designs. For instance, Naim recently unveiled the Mu-so Utopia, a $6,500 all-in-one system integrating Focal drivers, highlighting a broader industry shift toward premium, integrated solutions with high-resolution audio capabilities. Triangle’s BR05 fits into this landscape by offering a high-performance standmount option that prioritizes acoustic texture and presence through its cellulose driver and rigid cabinet construction.

Why it matters

The introduction of the Borea BR05 signals Triangle’s intent to strengthen its mid-to-high-end standmount lineup with a product that balances aesthetic appeal with technical performance. By using a large 21cm cellulose driver and a dedicated vibration absorption system, Triangle aims to offer a more textured and precise soundstage compared to smaller standmounts. The pricing strategy positions the BR05 as a direct competitor to award-winning models like the Acoustic Energy AE3000 Mk2, potentially influencing consumer choices in the premium standmount segment. The emphasis on 'retro-chic' styling also caters to a growing market preference for speakers that blend modern performance with classic visual appeal.

What to watch

Triangle has made the Borea BR05 available for order immediately. The next step for the audio community will be independent reviews and testing to verify Triangle’s claims regarding soundstage precision and dynamic performance. As the speaker competes with established models like the Acoustic Energy AE3000 Mk2, its reception will likely depend on how well its cellulose driver and cabinet design perform in real-world listening scenarios compared to its rivals.

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