Triangle has just launched its new Capella high-end compact Hifi speakers. They are active, wireless and a break from everything that the Soissons brand has presented to us until now. The Capellas use the WiSA transmission system, based on a hub-streamer open to all physical or networked sources and integrating an acoustic correction system.
Triangle Capella
– Type: active wireless Hifi speakers with hub-streamer
– ON-mag’s opinion: 
(5/5)
– Price at the time of testing: €2500
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Designed and assembled in Soissons
Before receiving the Triangle Capella on loan for testing, we had the opportunity to make a first discovery of them during a trip to the Triangle headquarters in Soissons, in Aisne, in the Hauts-de-France region. We had the opportunity to freely visit all of the premises, visiting the offices, the stocks, the acoustic research and development laboratory, the design office and the assembly workshops. Triangle is a company that is on a positive dynamic. It is an SME which brings together just over twenty employees and creates new jobs locally every year.
During our visit, the first series of Capella loudspeakers were in production. Even if the cabinetwork and some of its components come from far away, particularly from China, we can attest that these Triangle models are indeed assembled on site, in Soissons. Triangle is not limited only to the assembly of these products, since it also has on its premises a bass loudspeaker production unit in which it goes as far as producing the wire windings. copper of the moving coils.
A pair of wireless speakers and a connected hub
The Triangle Capella are compact two-way speakers incorporating the acoustic architecture of the Comète 40th models, but in an active version with integrated amplifiers. Each is equipped with a 25mm magnesium alloy horn and dome tweeter as well as a 16.5cm paper cone woofer. These are speakers specific to Triangle and typical of its creations.
On the back of each speaker, an analog RCA input is present. This allows the duo to be controlled from a classic stereo preamp. But Triangle favors, which is a good thing, another use allowing the whole thing to be completely autonomous. For this, the Capellas are delivered with a hub with a WiFi connection, as well as two analog inputs and several digital inputs (optical, coaxial, USB, HDMI, Bluetooth). This hub can therefore accommodate all kinds of sources, but also be controlled from the network. It is Roon Ready as well as Google Cast, AirPlay, Spotify Connect and DLNA/UPnP compatible. The device, worth €600, is provided by the company Platin Audio along with a very nice remote control whose diodes light up as soon as you touch it. It communicates with the speakers by radio waves. The communication protocol used is WiSA HT, offering very low latency, ultra-short channel synchronization delay (a few microseconds) and lossless audio transmission (up to 24 bits/96 kHz). As the mention “HT” (for Home Theater) indicates, the WiSA HT system theoretically allows the installation to be upgraded to a Home Cinema configuration with up to 7.1 channels. It has already been adopted by many other prestigious brands such as Bang & Olufsen, Buchardt, Dynaudio, Electrocompaniet, Harman Kardon, Pylon, Klipsch and Goldmund.
Rococo/Art Deco design
If the acoustic base repeats that of the Comète 40th, the Triangle Capella go much further than the simple transformation of passive speakers into active wireless models. The boxes have been completely reworked. Featuring rounded corners, they are available in a choice of white lacquer or wood veneers with gradient varnish with beautiful walnut-style marbling. Among the latter, the blue version (which we were able to see in the factory) presents iridescent reflections of a depth that can be described as fascinating and hypnotic.
Under the cabinetry, a metal structure allows the bass-reflex tuning vent opening downwards to radiate 360°. On the white lacquered version, this structure is pinkish champagne in color. In conjunction with the ribbed bezels bordering the transducers and the oblong speaker cover, it gives a slightly Art Deco style from the 1930s. We agree or not, but it is indisputable that the aesthetic of the Triangle Capella is very great. refinement and executed with meticulous care.
It should also be noted that feet are available as an option (from €279 per pair). The upper panels of these stands are designed to fit into the metal structure below the Capella speakers to ensure very good stability to the whole.
Active bi-amplification and acoustic correction
Each Triangle Capella speaker integrates a Platin Audio WM240 power module with two amplification channels, each rated for 50 watts and dedicated to a single speaker. The speaker thus operates in active bi-amplification with filtering by DSP. This is in theory the best possible configuration for perfect speaker control.
But the Capella system does not stop there. Its hub is controlled by a smartphone application which opens the door to numerous sound settings. First of all, it is possible to activate an automatic correction taking into account the acoustic characteristics of the room. This “Room EQ” function acts in low frequencies, between 10 Hz and 400 Hz. It is possible to configure it using the microphone of an iPhone or with the Zen Microphone available as an option (at €129).
In addition, the application offers a particularly advanced equalizer allowing you to save up to three presets and apply dozens of filters with a precision of 1 Hz and 0.01 dB: parametric with adjustable Q factor, high pass , low pass, bass or treble boost/cut.
Settings for audiophile geeks, but smooth and intuitive daily use
When first starting up the Triangle Capella system, in our case, it was enough to plug the two speakers and the hub into the mains power for them to recognize each other and pair up automatically. Then, the connection to the WiFi network is preferably done from the Google Home application, but it is also possible to use the AirPlay solution. The process is therefore rather well marked.
The sound settings app is a little less easy to understand. The Zen Microphone played tricks on us, telling us that it was not compatible with 5 GHz WiFi. We had to reconfigure our network to be on the 2.4 GHz band. For automatic correction in low frequencies, “Room EQ”, do not hesitate to repeat the operation several times to be sure that you have measured correctly. As for the equalizer, it is common to both speakers and its management is quite technical. But this should not be seen as a constraint. These settings are optimization possibilities offered to those who want to delve into them, but are not essential. You can very well enjoy the Triangle Capella system without worrying about it.
Daily use is very easy. The only downside to note is the hub’s USB-Audio input which short-circuits the volume. With this input, level adjustment can only be done from the source, which is not ideal. Controls directly accessible on the hub would also have been welcome in case we misplace the remote control. For the rest, we appreciate being able to use the Triangle speakers from any smartphone, whether it runs iOS or Android, without having to worry about the app used. The numerous available inputs and compatibility with as many standardized protocols as possible are a strong point.
Finally, it should be noted that if the connected part of this system (the hub) were to become obsolete, it would be possible to easily change it. Furthermore, it would still be possible to control the speakers, directly via wire, from a classic Hifi preamp. These two elements are a guarantee of durability.
Listening: balance, control and cohesion
When listening, the Triangle Capella are not speakers that seek to impress, or rather the ears, with explosive performance, abysmal bass or ultra-incisive treble. They take the path of wisdom and balance without lacking character. Their power reserve is not very high in absolute terms, but more than enough to sound a large living room up to more than 50 m2.
The restitution is clean, controlled, without excesses or extravagances. However, we recognize the acoustic signature which is now that of Triangle’s creations, a clever mix of openness and energy in the midrange, enveloping bass, generous and yet quite firm, slightly rising treble, while retaining a beautiful softness. . It sounds natural, without straining or straining. The response curve is a physiological hint, but the message is very coherent. The sound image is also quite broad, taking shape as much in width as in depth. The Triangle Capella display great versatility, adapting to all musical styles with ease.
The contribution of bi-amplification with DSP filtering is felt, particularly in the bass, frequencies which go relatively low and with very good performance given the size of the speakers. We naturally carried out tests with the acoustic correction system deactivated then activated. In our configuration, its action remained measured, but provided a real sensation of extension and increased sharpness in the low frequencies as well as additional space. The “Room EQ” function therefore fulfills its role well while avoiding being too violent and distorting the sound.
The Triangle Capella in images (in production and at ON-mag)
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In summary
The Triangle Capella are very convincing active, wireless and connected speakers. They certainly have some limitations and faults, but we can only salute the excellent work done on their design, the quality of their manufacturing “made in Soissons” and the balance of their technical development. Their WiSA hub allows them to be played from all physical and digital sources. The automatic acoustic correction system and the equalizer are assets. The finish is very luxurious. The sound reproduction is both very controlled and persuasive on all styles of music. The pricing positioning is consistent.
Specifications
Pregnant
- Type: bookshelf speaker, 2-way, active
- Amplification: 2 x 50 watts per speaker
- Connections: RCA, WiSA wireless
- Speaker: 25 mm magnesium dome tweeter, 16.5 cm paper diaphragm woofer
- Frequency response: 42 Hz to 22 kHz at ±3 dB
- Filtering: 3600 Hz, active by DSP
- Dimensions: 200 x 35 x 380 mm
- Weight: 8.5 kg
Hub
- Type: preamp-streamer with WiSA wireless transmitter
- Digital inputs: 3x optical Toslink, optical mini jack, coaxial RCA, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth
- Analog inputs: RCA and mini jack
- Network: WiFi
- Network protocols: Google Cast, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, DLNA/UPnP
- Dimensions: 70 x 100 x 45 mm
- Weight: 0.5 kg
Price of the set: €2500
Brand website: trianglehifi.fr
