Triangle Introduces Capella Active Connected Speakers Featuring WiSA Wireless

Another week, and another European manufacturer announces a new WiSA HT wireless product launch. French hifi speaker manufacturer Triangle announced its classic-looking but cutting-edge Capella connected active speakers with DSP. The Capella is actually a fully integrated system, with complete wired and wireless connectivity, centralized in a Stereo Hub. The bookshelf speakers feature a horn-loaded tweeter with a magnesium dome, and a 6" paper cone woofer. Triangle sells the Capella system with optional speaker stands, a calibration microphone, and even a matching turntable with built-in preamp. This is an interesting proposition coming from a manufacturer that is recognized for its original active hifi systems, usually combining unique drivers, completely designed in-house, and carefully crafted into classic-looking Made in France cabinets. Triangle already sells an extensive range of bookshelf speakers, including Bluetooth-only wireless models, and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi integrated systems in different formats. The new Capella system is a more ambitious project for the brand, clearly entering into the connected system class, while pushing its design values to a premium approach.

As the company explains, the new Capella­ systems "embodies the ambition of an enthusiastic team to combine the acoustic experience of Triangle with advanced sound signal processing technologies in a refined enclosure." The goal is to offer a fully integrated audio system that is simultaneously complete, intelligent, and configurable to suit any environment.

Instead of taking the risk to build too much of the electronics inside the cabinets, Triangle opted for a sensible approach to design the Capella system with a separate box that offers a wealth of streaming options and connectivity. This allows the active speakers to remain simpler designs with just an RCA line input and a wireless WiSA HT receiver, providing longer-term value and less risk of obsolescence.
The Capella speakers communicate wirelessly with the Stereo Hub, which is a compact, remote box using WiSA technology that also handles Bluetooth (classic 4.2), Wi-Fi compatible options such as Airplay, Chromecast, UPnP/DLNA, and is Roon Ready. Since the hub features WiSA HT technology (uncompressed 24-bit/96kHz wireless), the hub is able to stream wirelessly to the two speakers,  which just require power. The compact, remote-controlled box centralizes all the local audio sources, including HDMI, USB, optical, and analog RCA.

The Capella active speakers are a relatively conventional, two-way, bass reflex design, where each driver has its own converter and a dedicated 50W Class-D amplification channel. These drivers benefit from Triangle's extensive expertise and research carried out on the company's Esprit limited 40th anniversary edition speaker range. The horn-loaded tweeter deploys the new 25mm magnesium alloy dome and a perfectly matched phase plug, while the 160mm/6.2" bass/midrange section is handled by a woofer using a cellulose pulp cone, a distinctive feature of the Triangle speakers. Internally, the speakers also feature a next-generation digital signal processor (DSP) that constantly monitors driver behavior to reach the system’s full potential, particularly in the low frequencies. The crossover is digitally controlled, ensuring a perfectly linear frequency response, which is also ensured with automatic calibration to compensate room acoustics and speaker placement. The calibration method is handled by the Triangle Cappela app to allow making measurements of the actual room (iOS/Android). This can be done simply by relying on the microphones of the smartphone if using the iOS app (being known that iPhone built-in microphones can be reliably used for such purposes due to its great consistency), or using an optional wireless ZEN microphone when connecting to an Android device. In any case, the app performs an automatic calibration using the measurement inputs. In any case, for those who want sound customization, the Triangle Cappela app allows user to control the response curve directly.
Otherwise, the Capella speakers are a refined and beautiful design. Its high-density laminate cabinets with curved edges create a solid look, with the speakers mounted on an aluminum base to enable unobstructed airflow around the bottom port. This ensures even distribution of low frequencies and allows easy placement of the speakers in any room. Triangle also developed a proprietary technology, using a perforated reinforcement which is pushed against the driver by means of a damping material, thus stiffening the cabinet. The shape of this reinforcement allows optimized airflow from the port.

The chosen wooden finishes exhibit nuances and color contrasts, depending on the light and the way we look at them. Underneath the lacquer is a sublime burr walnut essence, with wood grains gradually revealing before disappearing in a paint gradation. The Capella speakers are available in four different finishes: Brown Nebula, Asrtal Blue, Black Star and Space White. Refined accents of Champagne-finish anodized aluminum turn these speakers into refined objects.

Triangle also sells dedicated S05 supports, where the base of the each speaker fits perfectly on the upper plate for secure placement and positioning at listening height. The S05 stands are available in different finishes to match the system.
 
To offer a complete solution, Triangle also partnered with Pro-Ject, and offers the Lunar 3 turntable, featuring a built-in phono preamplifier enabling direct connection to the Stereo Hub. All materials, from the wooden structure and steel platter to the carbon tonearm and the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, have been carefully selected to create a balanced system.

The base Capella speaker system, which includes the two amplified speakers, remote control, fabric protective covers, the WiSA hub with AC adapters for different regions, and power cables, is sold by Triangle for €2499 EUR (approx. $2700 USD).
www.trianglehifi.fr