As active speakers don’t need an amplifier to power them, they have become popular with those who have limited space. Here we are reviewing the Triangle LN01A – will they find their own niche for your nooks?
Available in a wide range of finishes, the Triangle LN01A shares a similar design with the passive LN01 bookshelf speakers in the same range and are a chic addition to any room.
Triangle has integrated the amplifier, power supply, and multiple connections into the right LN01A speaker, while the left passive speaker connects via a supplied 3m cable. Although this results in a cable between the two speakers, only one plug socket is needed to power the pair. This distance enables stereo sound separation for a more spacious listen.
Connectivity options are diverse, with the speakers offering wireless aptX Bluetooth streaming from smartphones, tablets and laptops. The LN01A also has various physical inputs, including analogue line-level and 3.5mm, as well as digital optical and coaxial inputs. Notably, there’s an intriguing and extremely welcome inclusion – the line-level input also doubles as a phono stage, enabling direct connection to a turntable. This versatility plays well into the vinyl resurgence and sets the LN01A apart in the powered speaker market, especially when people are looking to rediscover vinyl without committing to a full stack of separates.
Compact and stylish, but with the class-leading sound quality you’d expect from Triangle, the Triangle LN01A are premium active speakers.
The LN01A speakers don’t disappoint in the sound department, delivering a bold and engaging performance regardless of the audio source. When streaming via Bluetooth, the speakers impress with their solid and upfront character. Listening to some old school ‘No Doubt’, the FX-laden electric guitar riffs come alive, and the drum strikes hit with impactful precision. The speakers effortlessly handle the building layers of instrumentation, providing controlled pace and rhythmic accuracy. Although the treble might be slightly pronounced in an open setting, placing them closer to a wall balances the sound, while their bass prowess adds a surprising low-end punch for their size.
Testing the LN01A’s phono stage performance with a Project Debut Carbon turntable, the speakers maintain consistency and character. A bit of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ ‘Turn Your Lights Down Low’ showcases their ability to handle sustained, deep beats and deliver rich low frequencies. The vocal harmonies and melodies remain clear and well-defined. Using the phono stage, the presentation loses some solidity and openness, but remains engaging and detailed enough to enjoy, and opens up a realm of choices in the turntable market to boot.
The LN01As come with a remote control to handle all the expected inputs, functions and levels. While practical, the remote can feel small and plasticky. However, given the impressive performance of the speakers, this is a minor drawback and doesn’t affect the overall experience.
Author: Tom, Cardiff Store
