Triangle AIO Twin
The Triangle AIO Twin is an all-in-one wireless speaker system akin to the superb KEF LSX II, but at half the price. That was more than enough to pique our interest: music systems that integrate all amplification, connectivity, streaming and more features into one box or a pair of speakers are an increasingly neat and attractive way to get hi-fi sound into your home.
Not only are they lifestyle-friendly (not everyone has space for so many separate boxes), but their feature set means you can play just about anything through them.
And that’s the case with the versatile Triangle AIO Twin: it may look like a pair of ‘normal’ speakers, but this a fully-fledged, versatile music system in its own right, with a whole host of features and a level of performance that makes for quite the bargain at this price point (£699 / $1000 / AU$1099).
Build & Design
We warmed to the Triangle system the second it was out of the box. The two speaker cabinets look smart and classy, and are an appealing size. They’re bigger than the dinky Ruark MR1 Mk2 desktop speakers, but they’re considerably smaller than the Q Acoustics M20 or your standard pair of bookshelf speakers.
This means you can be pretty flexible in where you place them, especially if you’re working with a small space. However, we wouldn’t place them too close up against a wall as they have rear-firing ports and need some space to breathe.
Triangle AIO Twin tech specs
Power 2x 50W
Drivers 25mm tweeter; 13cm bass
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.0, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC, AAC
Streaming Wi-Fi, Internet Radio
Streaming services Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, Napster
Resolution support Up to 24-bit/192kHz
Inputs Ethernet, RCA / Phono MM line level, 3.5mm, optical, USB-A
Output Subwoofer
App? Yes
Remote control? Yes
Dimensions (hwd) 23.5 x 16.5 x 30.4cm
Weight 10.3kg (total)
Finishes: 6
The build quality and finish are generally of a good standard. We like the subtly rounded corners and the fabric grille that matches the finish. Our review sample is a lovely shade called Abyss Blue, but you can also get the system in Frost White, Graphite Black, Brown Maple, Linen Grey and Eggplant (deep purple).
The aluminium feet with rubber pads that support the bottom of each speaker are a nice touch, designed to minimise vibrations and protect the surface you place the speakers on. One of the rubber ends on our sample came off easily and repeatedly during testing, so take care when you move the speakers.
Unlike active speakers which have amplification in both speakers powering each driver, the Triangle AIO Twin is a powered speaker system with a master/slave arrangement. This means the 50 watts of amplification, streaming module and connections are all housed in one “master” speaker, from which runs a wired connection to the second, passive speaker. Both speakers have a 25mm tweeter and a 13cm mid/bass driver.
Everything is neatly labelled, and we particularly like the colour key printed at the back of the right speaker for each connection. This corresponds to the bright LED on the front of the master speaker, which changes colour depending on which input or streaming option is being used to play music.
A slim remote control is included, which is easy to operate for volume and basic playback, although we prefer using the AIO app when streaming wirelessly.
Features
This Triangle system can play just about anything, from Bluetooth streams from your phone to music files stored on your home network to even, yes, your vinyl records. It can also be a soundbar alternative for your TV.
For your streaming needs, the AIO Twin has built-in wi-fi and Bluetooth 5.0 with support for high-res codecs such as aptX HD as well as basic SBC and AAC. An ethernet port is also included for a more stable connection to your home network.
All the major streaming services are supported – Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, Qobuz – and you can also play internet radio using the excellent app. High-resolution audio support goes up to 24-bit/192kHz, which is good news for those with a considerable digital music library or subscription to a service’s hi-res tier.
Streaming is only half the story, though. The Triangle system also has a built-in phono stage, meaning you can directly plug in your (moving magnet only) turntable to the AIO Twin without the need for extra boxes. It’s a neat solution for those dipping their toes into vinyl.
Other physical connections include a digital optical input, an RCA analogue pair (there’s a switch to use this input as line level or MM phono), a 3.5mm aux input, USB-A for charging your phone, and a subwoofer output.
Thankfully, despite all the various things this Triangle system can do, setting it up is easy and straightforward. The Triangle AIO app is comprehensive, responsive and makes the set-up process, streaming and daily use a breeze. The only thing we would add to the wishlist is customisable EQ settings.
To add another string to the Triangle AIO Twin’s versatile bow, it can also be set up as a multi-room system with other AIO products – that could be another set of the Twin and/or the stylish four-star AIO 3 wireless speaker.
Sound
Given their size, you might be tempted to have the AIO Twin as just desktop speakers, but this system is so talented and capable that it deserves to be placed on dedicated stands.
This system is incredibly fun to listen to. It’s an enthusiastic performer, happy to tackle any music genre and recording quality, and simply wants you to enjoy the music being played
But alongside that dose of fun, there is a mature sense of composure running through its veins that is really impressive.
Circling by Four Tet is a stern test of timing and dynamics, and the AIO Twin handles the song with a playful, agile touch that goes hand-in-hand with an admirable level of control, precision and subtlety. It organises the complicated strands of instruments and noises with a confidence that seems easy – that’s quite the skill.
While we aren’t expecting lashings of deep bass from such relatively compact speaker cabinets, we’re impressed with how taut, shapely and snappy basslines are. It moves the rhythm of a song forward, never lagging or sounding tubby. Run The Jewels’ Legend Has It is propelled forward with a strong sense of drive and attack, the duo’s distinct attitudes coming through clearly via the Triangle system.
It’s balanced across the frequencies: taut bass, clear voices and sparkling, clean treble that’s punchy but never bright.
Charlotte Lawrence’s vocals on Joke’s On You soar with emotion, her voice crystal clear in a pleasingly big and spacious soundfield. There’s ample power here too, giving a big power ballad plenty of welly when needed.
Whether you’re playing Tidal via wi-fi, Apple Music through Bluetooth or a CD player through optical, the Triangle system plays everything with cheery aplomb, inviting you to sing along to oft-played songs.
It’s only with the built-in phono stage does it falter. We paired the system up with the excellent, five-star Pro-Ject Debut Pro turntable. While the peppy character remains the same, it doesn’t sound as clear, precise or expressive compared with the other inputs. You can still sing along to the record, but the quality when streaming through wi-fi is far superior.
We’d say the AIO Twin system is a nice starting point if you’re just dipping your toes into vinyl, but if you’re serious about your record collection, we’d recommend going for a dedicated phono stage, which you can plug into the Triangle’s line-level input.
Verdict
Like the very best kit, we want to keep on listening to the Triangle AIO Twin. And that’s the best recommendation we can give to someone looking for a neat, elegant system that does it (nearly) all. If you’re looking for a fun music system that also sounds hugely capable in hi-fi terms, and that you don’t have to pay over a grand for, this system is worth your attention.
SCORES
Sound 5
Build 4
Features 5
MORE:
See all the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2023 winners
Read our review of the Q Acoustics M20
Also consider the excellent KEF LSX II
