The Triangle BR02 Connect are compact active speakers that combine over forty years of the brand’s acoustic expertise with versatile connectivity, notably including a latest-generation ESS DAC and an HDMI ARC input. Priced at 549 euros per pair, they can be used with a turntable, a computer, or a television.
The BR02 Connect retain compact dimensions of 176 x 310 x 274 mm for a total weight of 13.4 kg per pair, making them easy to place on a TV stand, a shelf, or dedicated stands. They feature a simple rectangular shape with a refined finish, particularly in the oak version with a cream-white front. The range is available in seven colors: burgundy, ash black, cream, green oak, light oak, as well as two new variants, blue oak and sand oak.
The acoustic architecture remains faithful to the Borea philosophy with a 25 mm silk-dome tweeter featuring the EFS (Efficient Flow System), consisting of a specially developed phase plug to homogenize the dispersion of high frequencies. This technology significantly reduces directivity, ensuring optimal listening regardless of the listener’s position in the room. The tweeter sits in a shallow waveguide that limits edge effects, powered by a neodymium motor coupled with a heat sink for better power handling.
The 13 cm mid-bass driver uses a 100% natural cellulose pulp cone with no surface treatment, a Triangle acoustic signature that avoids coloration in the midrange. The cone profile has been specifically engineered to increase rigidity and optimize its response curve. Triangle’s proprietary DVAS (Driver Vibration Absorption System) integrates perforated internal MDF panels and EVA foam that stiffen the driver/cabinet assembly while absorbing unwanted vibrations.
The major evolution compared to the BR02 BT lies in the expanded connectivity: while the BT version featured a selectable RCA line or phono input via a button, the Connect offer distinct RCA line and phono inputs, plus an HDMI ARC input and a USB-B port. This latter addition radically transforms their use cases.
The USB-B port includes an ESS 9018K2M DAC delivering meticulous digital-to-analog conversion with maximum PCM sampling of 384 kHz/32-bit and native DSD 256. This converter chip, usually reserved for far more expensive products, ensures lossless playback for remote work, gaming, monitoring, or simply studio-quality music listening from a computer.
The HDMI ARC input with CEC compatibility is another major new feature. When connected with an HDMI cable, the speaker synchronizes with the TV’s remote thanks to CEC technology. This functionality meets the growing demand to improve the sound of modern TVs, whose built-in speakers often struggle to reproduce dialogue and sound effects properly.
The integrated MM phono preamp on the RCA input (deactivatable if needed) allows direct connection of a turntable without an external amplifier. The Bluetooth aptX HD module ensures high-definition sound performance with 24-bit/48 kHz sampling, guaranteeing quality wireless transmission from smartphones and tablets. Optical Toslink and coaxial digital inputs round out the package, accompanied by a subwoofer output for those who want to bolster low frequencies.
The BR02 Connect’s sound signature favors versatility and smoothness, with slightly laid-back highs—subtle enough not to hinder detail retrieval and soundstage airiness—while ensuring good tolerance of harsh recordings. This approach may not please fans of edgier, more explosive voicings, but it guarantees fatigue-free long listening sessions.
The upper-bass is presented with some emphasis, particularly noticeable when activating the Boost mode via the remote, lending more roundness overall. The midrange is perhaps where these BR02 Connect are most at ease—energetic yet deft—adapting easily to any musical style, from the most delicate mixes to the most saturated.
Paradoxically, the BR02 Connect do not offer very deep bass extension, providing a slightly light foundation for this format, but this limitation avoids any sense of heaviness or sluggishness, preserving overall coherence. For nearfield desk listening, it can be wise to lower the bass level via the remote (two reduction levels available) and sometimes slightly raise the treble to open things up further.
Fnac Lab experts measured a maximum volume of 109 dB in an anechoic chamber, confirming a favorable power-to-volume ratio. The 2 × 50 W Class D amplification is perfectly suited to rooms up to 20 m², with no sense of strain even at high volumes.
The BR02 Connect stand out with the addition of an HDMI ARC input and a USB-B port, as well as separate RCA line and phono inputs that were combined on the BT. The Connect’s ESS 9018K2M DAC also delivers superior digital conversion, accepting streams up to 384 kHz/32-bit compared to the more limited capabilities of the BT.
Absolutely. The USB-B port with ESS DAC enables direct connection to a computer, delivering studio-quality sound for gaming, monitoring, video playback, and music in HD, FLAC, or DSD formats. For nearfield desktop use, it’s recommended to adjust the bass via the remote to avoid excessive resonance.
No, these are active speakers with an integrated 2×50-watt Class D amplifier. All the electronics are housed in the right (main) speaker, which powers the left (passive) speaker via the supplied cable.
Via the HDMI ARC input, the speaker synchronizes with the TV’s remote thanks to CEC technology, allowing you to control the volume directly from the TV remote. This greatly simplifies daily use by avoiding the need to juggle multiple remotes.
The integrated preamp is MM (moving magnet), compatible with the majority of turntables on the market equipped with MM cartridges. Turntables with MC (moving coil) cartridges will require a suitable external preamp. The preamp can be disabled if you prefer to use an external phono stage.
Yes, Triangle offers the S02 and S04 stands specifically designed for Borea speakers. Rubber pads are included to protect the underside of the speakers and limit vibration transmission when placed directly on furniture.
The speakers come with a 3-meter speaker cable to link the two speakers, a radio-frequency remote control, two magnetic fabric grilles, eight rubber feet, and a power cable. No USB or HDMI cable is included, which may be surprising at this price point.
Franck
Besides looking great, these speakers have a really pleasant sound.
Comment from December 04, 2025 — Experience from November 23, 2025
Gilles
Paired with an old Pioneer turntable (1974), the sound reproduction meets my expectations; it digs deep into the bass and reaches the highs with ease—great product!!
Comment from September 15, 2025 — Experience from September 04, 2025
