Aperion Audio Intimus 5B vs. Triangle Borea BR03

Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers Triangle Borea BR03 Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$450 $630
Dimensions (H × W × D)
12.00” × 6.75” × 8.00”
305mm × 171mm × 203mm
14.96” × 8.11” × 12.36”
380mm × 206mm × 314mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
80-20,000 Hz 46-22,000 Hz
ASR Score
n/a 4.2
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
n/a 6.5
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of bookshelf speakers, the Aperion Audio Intimus 5B and Triangle Borea BR03 are strong contenders. The Intimus 5B impresses with its warm, balanced sound and solid build, offering aural bliss to those seeking a robust mid-range. Conversely, the Borea BR03 stands out with its French design flair and remarkable clarity, delivering a spacious soundstage and crisp highs that appeal to detail-oriented listeners. Both speakers cater to discerning audiophiles, with the Intimus leaning towards a fuller body and the Borea towards precision, making the choice a matter of personal sonic preference.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to finding a sweet spot in the crowded market of bookshelf speakers, the Aperion Audio Intimus 5B and Triangle Borea BR03 both make compelling cases for the discerning audiophile. The Intimus 5B, with its classic design and refined sound, has been a mainstay for lovers of detailed audio. Meanwhile, the Triangle Borea BR03, hailing from a French manufacturer with a reputation for creating speakers with character, has quickly garnered attention since its debut. Both sets of bookshelf speakers aim to deliver a high-fidelity experience, but they do so with markedly different approaches.

Design and Build Quality

The Intimus 5B carries a traditional aesthetic, sporting a clean and straightforward look that fits seamlessly into most living spaces. It's built with a sense of timelessness, featuring a heavy-duty fiberboard construction that feels robust and durable. On the other hand, the Triangle Borea BR03 exudes a modern charm with a bit more flair. The cabinet's design, with its unique angles and quality finish, not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also contributes to its acoustic performance. Both speakers show a keen attention to craftsmanship, but the BR03 might just edge out the 5B in terms of contemporary appeal.

Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers
Aperion Audio Intimus 5B arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Signature

The sound signature of the Aperion Audio Intimus 5B is characterized by its warmth and richness. It excels in delivering a smooth midrange that makes vocals stand out, complemented by a tight and controlled bass response. The Intimus 5B is well-suited for a variety of genres and excels particularly in delivering the intricacies of jazz and classical music. In contrast, the Triangle Borea BR03 offers a more dynamic and lively sound signature. Its highs are more pronounced, and it has a natural knack for clarity, which brings an exciting dimension to acoustic and vocal-heavy tracks. The BR03 tends to deliver a more spacious soundstage, giving the impression of a larger acoustic environment.

Performance and Listening Experience

When it comes to performance, the Aperion Audio Intimus 5B impresses with its ability to maintain composure even at higher volumes. It avoids distortion and provides a consistent listening experience irrespective of the listening level. The Intimus 5B's silk-dome tweeter ensures that high frequencies are delivered with precision, not harshness. Alternatively, the Triangle Borea BR03 is quite the performer with its speed and agility. It handles transients with ease and has a more energetic presentation across the frequency spectrum. This makes the BR03 particularly adept at handling complex passages in music and providing a more immediate and engaging listening experience.

Triangle Borea BR03 Bookshelf Speakers
Triangle Borea BR03 arrow (at Amazon.com)

Though both speakers manage to deliver a convincing stereo image, the Triangle Borea BR03 might have a slight advantage with its broader dispersion. This leads to a more immersive sound that fills the room effortlessly. The Aperion Intimus 5B, while slightly more reserved in its soundstage, offers a focused and precise stereo image that audiophiles looking for a pinpoint placement will appreciate.

Another consideration for potential buyers is the power handling and amplifier matching. The Intimus 5B is fairly efficient, allowing it to shine with a wide range of amplifiers, including low-powered tube amps. The Triangle Borea BR03, with its slightly lower sensitivity, might benefit from a more robust amplification to unlock its full potential. This is not a drawback per se but something to consider when planning your audio setup.

In conclusion, choosing between the Aperion Audio Intimus 5B and the Triangle Borea BR03 bookshelf speakers is a matter of personal preference and listening habits. The Intimus 5B provides a warm and inviting sound that makes long listening sessions a pleasure, perfect for the audiophile who values a relaxed and natural presentation. The Triangle Borea BR03, with its dynamic and detailed sound, caters to those who seek an energetic and expansive listening experience. Both speakers represent significant achievements in their respective philosophies of sound, and either would be a prized addition to an audiophile's collection.


Check Current Prices:

Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers
Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers
Triangle Borea BR03 Bookshelf Speakers
Triangle Borea BR03 Bookshelf Speakers
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.