Tech
Triangle AIO Twin Gets a Macassar Makeover Because French Speakers Refuse to Dress Down
The Triangle AIO Twin was already one of the better dressed wireless speaker systems under $1,000, but apparently French audio companies consider standing still a form of surrender.
Triangle has introduced a new Macassar finish for the AIO Twin, wrapping its compact cabinets in a genuine wood veneer inspired by Macassar ebony. The dark brown base is crossed by vertical grain and fine golden highlights that shift in appearance depending on the lighting and viewing angle.
In other words, it should look considerably more expensive than another pair of rectangular black boxes parked beside your turntable.
The new veneer is paired with the AIO Twin’s familiar oblong magnetic grille, now covered in a deep brown fabric supplied by Scandinavian textile specialist Gabriel. The combination gives the system a warmer, more traditional appearance that should work particularly well in Art Deco, mid-century and contemporary interiors.
Related Reading: Triangle AIO Twin Wireless Speakers and Thetis 340 Subwoofer Review
Same Speaker, Better Suit
Triangle has not made any acoustic or connectivity changes for the Macassar edition.
The AIO Twin remains a two-speaker stereo system built around one active loudspeaker containing the amplification and connections. The second passive speaker is powered through the supplied three-meter speaker cable.
Each cabinet uses a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter and 5-inch midrange/bass driver, with 50 watts of Class D amplification available for each channel. Triangle specifies a frequency response of 56Hz to 22kHz and recommends the system for rooms measuring up to approximately 269 square feet.
Wi-Fi streaming supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz, while Bluetooth 5.0 includes aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, AAC and SBC. AirPlay, Spotify Connect, UPnP/DLNA playback and Triangle AIO multiroom support are also included.
Available streaming services through the Triangle AIO app include Spotify, Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer, Amazon Music and TuneIn internet radio.
Physical connections include a switchable RCA line-level/MM phono input, 3.5mm auxiliary input, optical digital input, Ethernet, USB-A for storage devices or charging and a mono subwoofer output. The USB connection does not operate as a USB DAC input for a computer.
Why the AIO Twin Still Works
When we reviewed the AIO Twin, its warmer tonal balance, texture, dynamic punch and fatigue-free presentation made it a more appealing long-term listen than Triangle’s less expensive Borea BR03 BT.
The AIO Twin also produced surprisingly convincing bass for its size, although adding a subwoofer remains worthwhile for larger rooms, movies or listeners determined to remind the neighbors that they still own a copy of Madvillainy.
The system’s versatility continues to be its strongest selling point. Buyers can connect a turntable, stream high-resolution music, add a CD player, improve the sound from a television and build a multiroom system without purchasing a separate amplifier or network streamer.
The omissions have not changed either. There is still no HDMI ARC/eARC input, which makes TV integration less seamless than it could be, and the USB-A port cannot be used as a digital connection from a laptop or desktop computer. Optical works perfectly well with a television, but HDMI would make volume and power control easier.
Macassar veneer cannot fix that, although it does make the disappointment look rather elegant.
The Bottom Line
The Macassar edition does not improve the sound, add HDMI or turn the AIO Twin into an entirely new product. It simply gives one of the most versatile wireless stereo systems under $1,000 a more luxurious finish.
For listeners who want real stereo sound, vinyl playback, high-resolution streaming and TV connectivity without filling the room with components and cables, the AIO Twin remains a compelling option. It now also looks considerably less likely to have arrived with the office furniture.
Price & Availability
The Triangle AIO Twin wireless speakers are available for $899/pair at Amazon and Best Buy in English Green, Abyss Blue, Linen Grey, White, Black, Brown Maple, Eggplant, and now Macassar. However, the Macassar finish appears to be out of stock on Triangle’s U.S. website at the time of publication.
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