A bigger bang: the Triangle Borea BR08 tower speaker

Triangle Borea BR08 info, www.trianglehi...
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[@edmundgil6008]

Oh my gosh! You pulled out some Tribe! That is awesome! Ron Carter performs on one track, but a few songs have a jazzy thing going on. Thanks for the always great review!

[@isaacsykes3]

I love that you use the Low End Theory from a Tribe Called Quest, the album was released in 1990 and is one my favorite of all times...that album probably more than any other, expanded my Love of music. The Low End Theory introduced me to jazz artists such as Ron Carter, Grant Greene, and Lee Morgan, just to name a few. They would go on to work with other artists such as Roy Ayers, Norah Jones and Elton John. I absolutely love this group, and their entire catalog is impressive. Rest in Peace and Power to Phife of ATCQ!!

[@NickP333]

I love the fact that you don’t just review super high end gear, but also stuff that most people can afford and still get great sound. I’m sure the Pass sounds “better” than the Denon, but it’s cool that you mostly used the Denon for review and even brought up the JBL’s. The fact that you aren’t a medium snob is cool too. That Tribe album is great. Thanks for everything, Steve! 🎶🔊🙂

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Nick Pantazi thanks

[@datadaveangelstravelsadven444]

I started watching your channel when you had less than 50k subs, and that wasn't long ago. Glad to see Your channel is growing nicely. Keep up the great work.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Incognito Crypto Thanks so much!

[@Fahmbo]

I believe you capture what is so great about their sound. I love my pair.

[@motorradmike]

Steve, I enjoyed your Triangle review. I remember first hearing about French Triangle speakers from Stereophile’s Sam Tellig who was VERY much taken with them and their efficient in house paper drivers. I recently acquired a pair of Tekton Mini Lores for my bedroom system based on your positive comments. Very pleased! In Steve we trust. Cheers!

[@howardskeivys4184]

Well done Steve. Nice to see an audio equipment reviewer not slagging off a product because it was built in China.

[@8bit-meiko]

love to see your reviews, and your voice makes it soothing for me to listen to

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks!

[@weeooh1]

Aside from that, the reason I pay more attention to Steves reviews is that he has decades of experience reviewing hundreds of speakers. So if a recent speaker gets a lot of praise, you know its special. Hence my interest in the JBL A170 or A180/190.

[@Newbie4Hire]

I'm so glad you hooked them up to the 600ne. Way too often in these audio reviews, the reviewer is like "I paired these $500 with my $30,000 amp, and the pairing was great" no kidding, most normal people who aren't a revolving door for audio equipment aren't going to pair a set of speakers with an amp that costs way more than the speakers. People need to know good pairings in the price range where the speakers are at.

[@carlosbauza1139]

So Great to realize Steve is playing vinyl LPs for many evaluations! His SME 15 turntable is surely capable to sort out the pertinent characteristics!

[@aptembe]

I don’t know about the triangle speakers but you gave me 2 fantastic albums to listen to. Cheers

[@mrmaschinaadventures]

I loved my Triangle Zerius 202 towers, so fast so lively yet not too bright, perfect for jazz / acoustic, not for rock / hip hop, and that hasn't changed. So Triangle with the Borea finally did what Sonus Faber did with its Venere line, quality product made in China to lower the cost. JBL as well with the 5 series. Amazing...

[@512bb]

Steve, you are looking very dapper tonight in your very cool shirt my friend!

[@violinist3]

Just listened to 'water boy'----beautiful pacing Just get on that jazz train and enjoy that ride to somewheresville. I like the way the pace just keeps increasing and comes to a very nice conclusion where the pace slows down as that train reaches its destination.

[@nr4o1981]

I liked it too on my Triangle Comete EX

[@Labor_Jones]

You are so my #1 Ralph Gleason Award Winner to me! Enjoyed! thanks.

[@grantwilson9161]

Great review... really appreciate how you detail suggestions for those working in lower price ranges! Thank you....

[@stevorcompton5289]

Always enjoy your reviews and have actually bought speakers on your recommendations! LRS are amazing for the money and I cannot recommend them highly enough!

[@rakitakhan]

Few speakers have the value and great sound of Magnepan. The only speaker I enjoy more are MBL's, but I can't afford anything they make...lol.

[@francisdelacruz6439]

Thanks for the Review. Nice. Looking like best value of the line is Br02.

[@redstarwraith]

Good review! Speaking of tower speakers, I sure hope you will be sent a pair of your friend, Andrew Jones' new ELAC speakers, the DBRF 62's. They seem to be getting a lot of attention at the trade shows.

[@luke9822]

Andrew Jones could make speakers out of wet paper and he would still get attention. He's one of the few speaker designers entry level audiophiles could recognize in a crowd.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Who doesn't like A Tribe Called Quest!!!!! Classic!

[@OldTerrible]

I don't

[@liberation26m67]

Nice review. Now, the million dollar question: Where do you get your shirts from?

[@mhughs]

Love the music/album comments as much as the speaker review.

[@jamesf1505]

Steve love your channel and knowledge of audio equipment and music. Can we get an review of the Borea br09? What's your thoughts on the bigger brother???

[@elmeme88]

You meant “there’s no replacement for displacement”! 😅 As always, nice review!

[@randalllawkin]

Didn't even know they made a tower version and was just asking myself this after watching Sean's video(Zero Fidelity)👊 Tribe Called Quest classic!!!

[@dilbyjones]

For people who REALLY love and appreciate music, any speaker is one to “checkout “

[@johnholmes912]

I use it's baby Brother the BR03 in one of my systems and they sound very much more expensive than they ought

[@chrisvinicombe9947]

Cool music recommendations today 👍

[@ThoughtAhead]

Thank you for the review! I can see how well BR08 can handle different kinds of acoustic and base-centered music. For me, as I listen to Jazz, Classical and, among the other types of music, Rock, can BR08 reproduce a good bodily and detailed sound for this kind of electrically driven music? I'm not speaking about the heaviest types of Rock, say 60's, 70's, some 80's, from Beatles to AC DC? I did not like the soundstage of the Klipsch, and they are too bright for me.

[@orwhat24]

Always appreciate the music reviews, also!

[@jonatanhedberg7377]

You should review some Audiovector speakers! I believe you will enjoy those.

[@dougg1075]

Funny every time I watch your videos I end up looking out the window wondering who the hell is honking their horn

[@Lesterandsons]

Grand succès pour triangle aux states !

[@AdrianIII]

It sounds like being there! The Ohm Walsh 2000!

[@jhos.a1774]

Hi Steve I had the opportunity to hear the Borea BR08 and we have the same sound taste in terms of brilliance and deep bass, I would like your advice if I had to spend a little more between €2000 or €2400 what would you recommend for superior quality although I'm seriously considering going on"Focal Aria" model is worth it in your opinion...!last thing, what do you think of the other Borea BR09s or the others, thank you very much and enjoy listening

[@trekjudas]

back in the early 2000 people would go to their local dealer and listen to speakers. Then they would go buy them online. This practice helped to kill the brick and mortar stores. Now we're stuck having to listen to guys like Steve describe audio to us and it's kinda our own fault.

[@vinylsurfer2155]

You are not wrong, my friend.

[@pumareyes1]

I agree with you, but when I didn't purchase from dealers it was mostly because of rude sales people. Many of the audio shops treated you like crap if you weren't spending thousands of dollars. Stereo Exchange was probably the worst of all. I walked in there ready to spend money on a decent system in 1990. I was treated like garbage. I went back a few days later and was treated even worse. I took my money to Sound City and was treated with dignity. Almost 30 years later and I still have that system. Still works great.

[@trekjudas]

@@pumareyes1 Wait. Are you from Pittsburgh because I think I know who you're talking about!

[@trekjudas]

@@pumareyes1 Yeah, that guy was and still is a dick!

[@Reyfox1]

In the early 80's where ever I went around NYC and the surrounding area, all the places were great. Even Stereo Exchange back in the mid/late 80's was a fun place to be.

[@geraldperry7779]

I have the Bro 03,they kick ass,are these worth $1200 more? I may just purchase a pair to compare . If you're Canadian eflc will let you try them out for 45 day's return at no cost if you keep one of 2 pair. If you return both you must pay return. The Bro 03 my friend said he is willing buy them over his Klipsch 600.

[@Mr123gggg]

Jazz, you should do a show about Rudy Van Gelder. Very nice recordings.

[@MrRperez26]

Have you reviewed the bro 3? Stand mount

[@zorst99]

Have you ever reviewed the Tekton line of speakers.

[@tapeshchaturvedi8917]

As of today September 1st, 2020 they are on sale at Adorama for $449 each. I don't know their regular price so not sure how big a deal it is.

[@hondaphan4172]

As of 1/30/25 they can be found at several places on sale for $549/each.

[@ShipinPro]

I am looking to upgrade from my Polk Monitor 70s Series II being driven by Denon AVR-X5200W, will really appreciate your recommendation on the way to go. Planning to use the speakers for music as well as movies.

[@cyphermote6857]

Hi Steve... great reviews... been watching since the early days. Something you say at the end which seems normal today until you look at the timestamp of this video... [[ "I wish you could hear them for yourselves rather than me telling you what they sound like but unfortunately in 2019 thats virtually impossible. So you're kinda stuck with me and other people who review speakers". ]] Like I said...normal today but the Pandemic had not started in Oct 2019. What were you referring to ?

[@mf2872]

Will you advise them for 5.1 setup for movies ?Will the borea be dinamic and with a lovely sound image ?Or better go with some more HT speakers like Klipsh or polk.

[@mw12387]

Hi, would be borea br08 be OK for 20m2 big room?...I am interested in Focal Chora 826 too, your recomandation?

[@Chris-ru4uz]

I only have space to put these around 6-8 inches from the wall. Do you think that would ruin their sound?

[@wawalisko]

Hey Steve, great as always¡¡ With your permission i will ask to the crow who red you. I will buy this ones and a Music Fidelity M2si, the reseller told that the cables cost 350 dollars, the price here in Chile Borea is 1.100 dolares. It is normal that cables cost that much??

[@CharlieBramby]

Could they sound good for listening to Heavy/Hard/Blues/Alternative rock/Jazz blues/Chill Jazz? Amp Cambridge Audio cxa81 or Rotel a14 MK2 ?

[@jlmain5777]

Nice review. Thanks for all of the comparisons. It really is difficult to preview equipment these days. I remember walking down the block in NYC to York Avenue in the 80’s and comparing Yamaha to Denon to Kyocera amps, cassette decks, and CD players. Then spending a lot of time listening to KEF and a Canadian speaker called Spectrum and finally buying the KEF speakers. There were many many places in the city at that time. It’s really a crapshoot now, not being able to hear things.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

Jl Main - Was that Shop , "Cosmopolitan" ?

[@jlmain5777]

RoaroftheTiger It could be. It was on the northwest corner of York Ave. at 64th, 63rd, or 62nd Street. I lived on 65th, so it was my neighborhood hi-fi place. I used to shop at “Harvey’s” too which was in midtown.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

@@jlmain5777 - hmmm ? Was there a Dry Cleaning Shop, next door ? Anyway, The reason I asked about 'Cosmopolitan', was that I worked there for a very short period of time. Lou Reed had a habit of "dropping in". He Never spoke to Any of the Sales Staff. As He always, went into the Office. I assume to talk with the owner (Wish I could say, something positive about the owner… But I Can't ! lol) When Reed, came in and left (just as silently); He was like a phantom … "the spector" of Lou Reed … very weird.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

You spoke of Harvey's. Did you have any dealings with Bob Rullo ? or Stan Solomon ? Stan (a mentor) and I worked together in a couple of different places. Bob and I both at "Leonard's" (Leonard Radio)" Please "drop names", as I'll likely remember some of the Others. But some hints would help. ;-)

[@jlmain5777]

RoaroftheTiger I didn’t know any of the Harvey’s people. I just remember what I bought there. A B&O turntable and for my wife one Christmas a B&O boombox that they made for a short time. I think I bought a Nakamichi tape deck there too. I usually shopped on York Avenue because it was a short walk home. Good Lou Reed story. I vaguely remember a place on 8th street around 5th Ave. May have been a Polk dealer. There were a lot of places back then.

[@Fahmbo]

I use mine with a harman kardon a300 tube amp - glorious and more than enough sensitivity.

[@edwardlewandowski]

Who hasn't bought an album for just that one song.

[@topbravo]

Can you do the BR09?

[@Dankzzz]

Hi Steve, how do you think the Triangle Borea 3 fits the Denon 600? I have an old Denon Bd player and Are planning to get a setup2.

[@epi2045]

Zhu Audio, Magnepan, Tektons... they can build natively for under $1K.

[@5333092]

Do it. I've diyed speakers for 20 years and I'll pay you $2k for a pair of Tekton Ulfberht clones. Your lack of a response will prove your naivete and ignorance.

[@dakken74]

@@5333092 I think he was saying that those companies can build those speakers natively in the US for 2k. Not HE can build them.

[@rotaks1]

Who is Zhu audio?

[@dakken74]

@@rotaks1 he spelled it wrong. It's actually Zu audio, and they're an American speaker company based in Utah.

[@gregorymorrill7558]

@@5333092 howdy, he said "they" can build natively for a great price. Meaning each of those companies build here, in the USA, a fantastic budget speaker.

[@munlive5130]

Can you compare Triangle Borea BR08 to KLH Kendall Tower?

[@BunnyslippersEUC]

Damn it Steve...now I got to buy that hiphop album.

[@MrEvhel83]

Triangle Borea BR08 or Q Acoustics 3050i which one of these is the better choice??

[@DJJASProductions]

can you elaborate on how these compare to the BRO3 Bookshelfs?

[@intothedragon]

Is it possible to compare the Borea with the B&W 603 s2?

[@robbielex]

Low End Theory is one of the best rap albums of all time. Also try A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by Black Sheep.

[@johnedwards8207]

Steve, are you planning a review of the Elac Debut Reference? Like to hear your take on them in comparison to the 6.2.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes

[@Southfloridelphia]

How does this speaker compare to the Wharfedale Linton?

[@georgexydous2891]

how does TB 08 compares with kef q 750 or TB 09 WITH kEF q950? and how with Polk s60?

[@agm6095]

Steve, how do the Borea compare to Magnepan LRS?

[@jamesbrotherton5487]

Thumbs way up.

[@8bit-meiko]

would these be a good one for replacing my b&w dm603 s3's to for action movies and mostly jazzy music on a marantz sr7010 dac/amp? as i love my system's sound signature, but it reveals a bit too much of each recording. the heavy bass in those speakers wont be a issue for me (crossing at 80hz with my 12" diy sub)

[@8bit-meiko]

yes, looking to replace my b&w's (got then for a bargain 125€ with a reason) they have issues (tweeters both having cracks in them, 1 bindpost only works half (which i fixed by going to the other set of bind posts on the speaker)

[@ellypsis603]

The craziest thing is that for us french, These speakers cost less than 700euros a pair, so basically 750$.

[@davidwalsvig2959]

I luckily bought them for 800 USD on sale in the US.

[@cramesor1]

You can buy them for $400 on woot now.

[@GeirRssaak]

The french make very good speakers! How would compare triangle and focal?

[@Aswaguespack]

All truly Fine speakers will accurately reproduce whatever source is fed into them. High quality recordings will be accurately reproduced. Poor quality recordings will also be accurately reproduced and the speakers might get faulted for being so accurate they “amplify” the poor response of poor quality productions, faulty musical skills, and poor Sound Mixing and Engineering of the sessions. Always use the best quality recordings to make accurate observations and assessments when critiquing quality speakers.

[@epi2045]

Looks like a Parts Express build.

[@JEG6919]

:) That was funny!

[@Aswaguespack]

Doan Trinh I had often made the same observations about the products from small developing speaker companies and a few larger “established” companies as well.

[@zemun755]

Hello Steve i absolutely love what you do and have high respect! If you would suggest tower speaker in $1500 range in means of transparency,imaging and dynamics’s what would it be! I am overwhelmed with so many speakers on the market .....

[@Gary_M]

Nice story, BRO (8) 👈

[@musashi1134]

yes

[@sonofacheron]

In what universe is this a big speaker? Not the audiophile universe. For a tower, it’s a runt. Narrow baffle, small 6.5” woofers do not impress for size. How much does it weigh - 45,50 lbs? Not big. JBL makes monitors bigger than this, see 4429. As another commentator has said these dimensions and specs are a dime a dozen . Yawn

[@RoaroftheTiger]

Steve, Your comment , There's NO replacement for "cubic inches"; is close, but Not quite "the quote". I suggest "the correct quote"; should be - "There's No replacement for 'displacement'." Regardless, It was understood. As a Internal Combustion Engine, like a Loudspeaker System, is also, an Air Pump ! … As usual - All the Best ! ;-)

[@scottstrang1583]

Made in China isn't a big deal as long as the parts are not cheap generic Chinese junk parts. What safeguards are in place to reassure customers that they're getting genuine parts?

[@peymey]

Are these really two subs or just passive radiators?

[@histubeness]

Steve, --I was expecting more enthusiasm for these after having just watched Zero Fidelity's rave review of the Borea BRO3's. Whatever.

[@geoemm]

I think it's coz of the price , but he said the rp5000 is not as refined as this. So I believe the br03 and rp600 could be much closer, even better since in eu br03 is cheaper

[@ryanschipp8513]

Or you can get the Polk Audio LSi m707 pair of speakers for $1,100 shipped. They weigh 100 pounds each. Much better value than these triangles

[@Merlin-wo1kj]

Yep, these are toys compared to the Polks...

[@ryanschipp8513]

@@Merlin-wo1kj Merlin speaks!! :)

[@georgetek]

Where can you get them for that price?

[@ryanschipp8513]

@@georgetek adorama.com.....but they are sold out. I believe they still have the bookshelf available though at $449 for the pair. They also might have the Polk 705 speaker which is a step down from the one I'm talking about but it's still a beast at at some pounds. Let me know what you find

[@tawaunwilliams7002]

They are also waaaaayyyy harder to drive the Triangles give you "choices" with different types of amps....so yeah go get them Polks then...lol

[@basspig]

"Large?"

[@JEG6919]

The triangle push is on. Another tower with mini woofers. Dime a dozen these days.

[@PanAmStyle]

You might want to actually listen to some of the Triangle offerings. The next level up, the Eclipse line, is very good, especially for the money. They might not be to your taste, but they are not “dime a dozen” offerings.

[@JEG6919]

PanAm Style have heard triangles many times. Nothing unique or special going on with them.

[@PanAmStyle]

Elliott Griffin First - correction: I meant Esprit, not Eclipse. I would characterize these (at least the models I sampled) as being *fast* - as Steve mentioned they communicate pace, rhythm and timing (PRAT) very well. I drove the Gaias with a very low wattage SET and others in the room, experienced audiophiles, were also impressed. Certainly they’re not perfect, no speaker is. But “nothing special” is as subjective as my personal assessment.

[@JEG6919]

@@PanAmStyle I couldn't care less about audiophile acronyms, and don't care about what other philes think. I've heard their offerings on many occasions and remain unimpressed. Have at them if you like them.

[@guinnster1]

Please review some speakers in the $10-$20k range.

[@bullpup33]

Ahh. The curse of hifi speakers. Great sound, but you can't play your average recording.

[@adamforrest5346]

B&W P4

[@googoo-gjoob]

"very large" !

[@respondent5226]

Sir, Q accoustic 3050i/ kef ls50/focal aria 906/ Revel concerta2 m16/moniter audio studio/dynaudio emit 20/kefr3 Which is the best speaker for music?

[@jamesbarrick3403]

Steve is a nice guy and he knows his stuff. BUT a reviewer should be net neutral on products. In other words if you review 10 products 5 should be above par while 5 should be below par. That is the only way to know what is truly the better choice. I will give a real world example. As of today the Boston Red Sox suck. they have won 10 games but lost 21. That is unacceptable. Now they would crush any collegiate team or any Japanese team... but that is not the scale of measurement here - it is against other MLB teams. So although they do not really SUCK... actually they do when you COMPARE. I wish Steve would not heap praise on every product he reviews. I know why he does it... he has to be complimentary to all of these brands or they will not send him the products to review. One hand washes the other. I just with he could be more transparent and well.... simply more honest. I just want to figure out what is the best speakers and receivers to buy in my price range. According to Steve they are all excellent choices. So why do I bother listening to the reviews??? Message to Steve - your consumers - that is us - we are more important to you than the regional marketing manager for Klipsch or Denon. Think Simon Cowell... he became SUPER popular (and wealthy) because he cut through the BS and told the truth. A few contestants got their feelings hurt... boo hoo.

[@leoriskind4623]

everybody knows that triangle turned in to chinese junk about 9-10 years ego. What else is new?

[@usandthemx]

6.5" CAN'T WOOF, it mumbles!! 10", 12", 15" = WOOF!

[@Carl-bd1rf]

I used to think that. Right up until I traded my 12’s in for 6.5’s. The 12’s overloaded my room, the 6.5’s loaded it nicely with much more detailed bass and plenty of rumble. Audiophiles overlook the most important aspect of good sound, room speaker interaction.

[@epi2045]

Totally agree. Even high excursion 6.5” drivers don’t have the natural punch of 10-15” drivers. Can’t fight physics.

[@Carl-bd1rf]

@Doan Trinh Can’t fight weight either, 15’s are slow and sluggish. Sure you want boom go 15’s you want detail go light. I’ve owned/own 15’s 12’s 10’s 8’s 6.5’s.

[@ianyates7742]

Even little dogs can have a big woof

[@Carl-bd1rf]

My current 6.5’s are down 3 dB at 25hz in my current room. Not too bad of a woof there!😜

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

Not large nor a tower.