Triangle Borea BR04 Review: Powerful Bookshelf Speakers with Impressive Bass

Experience the dynamic power and rich bass of Triangle Borea BR04 speakers that stand out in the competitive bookshelf speaker market.

Navigating the Crowded Bookshelf Speaker Market

When did the world of budget and mid-range bookshelf speakers become such a fierce battleground? It’s like swimming with sharks out there—only these sharks are insanely talented contenders vying for the same prized territory. The field is crowded with notable names like the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 ($900), KEF Q3 Meta ($900), and Monitor Audio Bronze 50 7G ($849), making it feel like there are more predators than water.

Into these churning waters steps the Triangle Borea BR04. On paper, the odds may seem stacked against them, but the well-established Borea line from Triangle has released some seriously impressive models over the past few years. The smaller and more affordable Borea BR03 has already claimed five-star status, while the floor-standing BR08 earned accolades for its dynamic, powerful sound.

Price and Availability

The Triangle Borea BR04 floor-standing speakers are not officially available through large national electronics retailers here. Instead, they can be purchased through specialized Hi-Fi and high-end audio dealers who import Triangle products. For instance, on certain local sites, prices start around $715 (converted from local currency). Alternatively, enthusiasts can order from European online stores, though this approach involves international shipping fees and import duties.

Using Triangle Borea BR04 Locally

Technically, the BR04 speakers come with no functional limitations regardless of location. These are passive speakers connecting easily to any standard amplifier or AV receiver using speaker cables. The important caveat? Warranty service depends on the vendor, as Triangle lacks an official local presence. So, if you order abroad, expect that warranty repairs won’t be available locally.

Design and Build Quality

The BR04 speakers embody the classic Triangle Borea aesthetic: sleek, minimalist, and elegant. Most versions feature a colored front panel contrasting beautifully with the wooden body, except for the fully black or white models. The build quality stands out — the cabinets feel solid and flawless, with removable magnetic grilles that snap softly and securely into place.

At 42.5 x 22 x 31.4 cm, they’re not the smallest in their class. In fact, compared to competitors like the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3, these speakers feel like giants. This larger size isn’t just for show—it means a stronger low-frequency response, which quickly becomes clear when you start listening.

Technical Specs at a Glance

• Type: Bookshelf speakers
• Drivers: 25mm silk dome tweeter, 16cm cellulose mid/bass driver
• Bass reflex: Front-facing port
• Bi-wiring capable: Yes
• Impedance: 8 Ohm nominal
• Sensitivity: 90 dB
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 42.5 x 22 x 31.4 cm
• Weight (each): 8.6 kg
• Finish options: Six colors including green, blue, light oak, black ash, white, and chestnut

These speakers come with double binding posts to support bi-wiring or bi-amping, depending on your setup needs. Triangle markets the BR04 as an ideal choice for home theaters or traditional stereo systems alike.

To reduce vibrations and secure the speakers on stands, the package includes eight sticky rubber feet designed for the bottom of each speaker.

The BR04 sports a 25mm silk dome tweeter paired with a 16cm cellulose cone mid/bass driver. This setup aims to deliver “clear vocals and natural warmth,” with an upgraded mid/bass cone designed to reduce distortion at both high frequencies and louder volumes.

On top of that, the redesigned front bass reflex port and improved crossover network, combined with a slightly larger cabinet than the BR03, optimize airflow and deliver deeper, more controlled bass.

Compatibility and Setup

These speakers require a bit of patience and know-how to fully unlock their potential. Testing began with the Arcam A5+ amplifier ($1200), an award-winning balanced stereo amp. However, it quickly became clear that this pairing didn’t quite let the BR04s shine.

Switching to the much more upscale Naim Nait XS 3 ($2999) changed the game. Suddenly, the BR04s revealed more detail, balance, and harmonic richness—though their distinct character remained apparent. If you own a quality amplifier, these speakers will reward you.

Knowing the Nait XS 3 is pricier than what might suit the BR04 best, the next trial was with the Rega Brio Mk7 ($1095). This pairing felt more natural than the Arcam, bringing a clearer, livelier sound that made the listening experience more engaging.

For placement, the speakers were set about 40-50 cm from the back wall to avoid bass boominess in a 3 x 7 x 4 meter room, with a slight inward tilt so the tweeters’ axis landed just behind the listener’s head.

How Do They Sound?

Even before the first note, these imposing speakers promise bold sound. And bold they deliver—a sonic powerhouse reminiscent of a sprawling Texas ranch. Take Nine Inch Nails’ “As Alive As You Need Me To Be”: the BR04s provide that electronic rock track with a surge of power and energy.

Bass is the star here—impressively weighty but surprisingly clear and flexible, outshining the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 in this department.

But power isn’t everything. The BR04s also show enough finesse to avoid muddy or dull sound—whether playing Mozart’s delicate “Turkish Rondo” or the ethereal ambiance of Massive Attack’s “Paradise Circus.”

“Paradise Circus” is a perfect showcase for these speakers: the soundstage is spacious and rich, with Hope Sandoval’s captivating vocals right at the center. The clarity and detail are enough to impress with a well-organized and textured presentation.

However, not everything is flawless. Ludwig Göransson’s 12-minute epic “Posterity” from the Tenet soundtrack exposes some weaknesses. The first six minutes are a slow-building blend of tense synths and strings, accented by piano. While the BR04s manage the dynamics reasonably well, they struggle to capture the subtle nuances as the piece intensifies.

If “Posterity” is a musical polygraph test, then the BR04 passes the loud bursts but loses the finer emotional fluctuations.

Switching between tracks reveals another trait: these speakers have a distinct sonic personality. Their assertive delivery suits certain genres and moments but tends to impose their sound rather than adapt fluidly across all music styles.

For example, the smooth, soulful “Who Knows” by Marion Black calls for a relaxed vibe, but the BR04s maintain their usual drive and tempo, never quite letting the music breathe. Compare that to the Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2 ($1099), which adapts effortlessly across genres, revealing subtle layers with ease.

Final Thoughts

Despite fierce competition, the Triangle Borea BR04 possess enough distinctive qualities to earn a recommendation. That said, they’re best suited for the right listener.

They aren’t the most sonically versatile or refined speakers at this price point, and pairing them with the right equipment takes some effort. But if you crave power, presence, and rich sound, these are definitely worth a listen.

Ratings

• Sound: 4/5
• Build Quality: 4/5
• Compatibility: 4/5

This powerful, saturated character reveals itself fully when I play Nine Inch Nails' 'As Alive As You Need Me To Be'—the BR04s give the track all the force it demands.

FAQ

• What type of speakers are the Triangle Borea BR04?
  They are bookshelf speakers designed for both home theater and stereo setups.
• Do the BR04 speakers support bi-wiring?
  Yes, they come with double binding posts allowing bi-wiring or bi-amping.
• Are these speakers easy to pair with amplifiers?
  They perform well with quality amplifiers; pairing with brands like Naim or Rega enhances their potential.
• How do the BR04 compare to competitors in bass performance?
  Their bass is deeper and more flexible than many rivals like the Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3.
• Is warranty service available locally?
  Since there’s no official local representation, warranty depends on the seller, and overseas purchases may not get local warranty support.

Looking to bring the Triangle Borea BR04 vibe into your space? Shop your favorite album cover poster and celebrate your music passion in style at our store Architeg Prints.