Triangle Capella - Elegant in Both Sound and Looks

Wireless hifi systems are no longer a taboo subject in the audiophile community. While the traditional wired setups are still seems to be the reference, wireless systems have its own place in the community. Some wireless systems can even be at  par or exceed it of a wired systems. One of them that has landed in my den is the Capella; by Triangle HiFi.

Built solidly in a gorgeous glossy finish, equipped with its own mini isolation stands for a quick table top set up, this system is another example of wireless done right. As oppose to other wireless speakers such as the KEF LS50, the Capella comes with a separate dedicated master input unit called the Stereo Hub. 

SETTING UP

In this modern world, one of the test in my requirement is the set up process. Anything that is too complicated and takes more than 10 mins is a big no-no for me. Glad to report that it only took the Capella 5 minutes to be  fully connected to my home network.

THE INS AND OUTS

The Capella is a very digital based system with 3 optical, 1 coax, 1 USB ins but its not short of analogue as well with 1 pair of RCA and 1 of 3.5 mm aux input. It can also be connected to a TV with a HDMI ARC. On the wireless connectivity, there is Bluetooth and WiFi.

THE SPECS

This active speakers comes with a total power output of 2 x 100 W where each driver has its own converter and a dedicated 50W amplification circuit. It is also equipped with its own DSP that adapts to the the driver behaviour to deliver at the peak of the system potential.

The system also offers auto calibration to your listening area. Works well with iPhone microphone but for Android user, a Zen microphone needs to be purchase separately.

One big plus point for me is that it comes with its own app. I am quite fussy on this based on my previous experience of streamers that depends on 3rd party apps. You can also control the unit using the supplied rather nifty remote control.

 

  

THE SESSION

As I see this system to be more of a lifestyle system, I have combined the usual test tracks with some daily music I listen to.

1. Take Five - Kenichi Tsunoda Big Band
2. The Sound of Silence -  The Ghost of Johnny Cash
3. Soolaiman - Neil Young
4. The Moon Represents My Heart - Zhao Peng
5. If I Can Dream  - Elvis Presley

With the Take Five rendition by The Kenichi Tsunoda Big Band, the Capella hit the right notes and dynamics as it really made me swing listening to this track. It managed to present a lively ambient and filled my dining area with a very energetic presence. The wind instrument was in perfect harmony with the low frequency spectrum, creating an impactful presentation. 

On The Sound of Silence, the presentation sounds really huge and it really envelopes me in an immersive experience. The deep voice of David Radcliffe (I believe he is the singer of The Ghost of Johnny Cash) sounded really deep on the Capella, given the size of the speakers. Even the higher notes sounded full of dynamics and blended well as one coherent presentation. I can't pinpoint whether this system leans towards either side of the spectrum. Quite balanced in many ways.

While the Capella seems to be quite neutral, it does not mean it cannot belt out a heavy thumping bass sound. The percussion into on Soolaiman, it digs deep into the sound of the tom toms and at the same time, the sound of the snare and vocal remains to be sharp and melodious respectively. On this particular track, I really like that the Capella remains to be true to the original sound of Neil Diamond.

On the Chinese track by Zhao Peng, this is when my attention was at the peak as the Capella presented a sound that really pulled me into an emotional state. The soothing voice of Zhao Peng just flow right through my whole body regardless that it was not in a language that I can really understand. This is what I call a scenario where the music really spoke to me.

Now, on the last track by Elvis, this track supposed to be emotional as well as uplifting. I mean, he is The King of Rock & Roll. This is where I feel that the Capella felt a bit short with regards the energy on track like this. I could do with a little bit more power to elevate the 'struggle' that Elvis faced at that time. It was still immersive but not enough for me.

THE CONCLUSION

The Cappella is one capable wireless system. It offers both elegant looks and sound. The overall sound is neutral to me but it does not mean it is incapable to surface up the lows and highs when it is needed. The system is also very user friendly and connectivity is abundance. 

Where does it fair better? Against a conventional wired hifi or wireless lifestyle set up?

My answer is both. To me, the primary offering by Capella is the lifestyle set up with full flexibility on where to place the speakers and also to hide the main hub. However, I have no doubt, given a decent speaker stands and placement similar to a conventional system, it can deliver an at par experience.

The Capella can be demoed at The Expert Group Malaysia, located on Level 2, The Gardens Mall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, KL.

The Expert Group team will also be part of the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International AV show 2024, to be held at The Gardens Hotel from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th Oct  (10 am to 7 pm)

The World of Fiio - The K9 and R9 Eargasm

 Fiio K9, R7 and R9

THIS IS NOT A SHOOT OUT!

When Stars Pickers offered me to review these 2 products, I could not resist it and said yes. Having the R7 unit which I purchased last year during the KLIAV show, I was really keen to know what R9 can offer. As both the R9 and K9 are 2 different designs, the review is more about what each of the model can offer, its signature sound and also which headphones are best matched with.

I will not bore you with a detailed specifications as that can easily be accessible on the Fiio website but one thing I will mention here is that both units are well equipped with various connectivity and features.

THE HEADPHONES

For this review, the following are the headphones used for this review. I only used 1 reference track frm Qobuz - Soolaiman by Neil Diamond on Hi-Res 24/192

1. Beyerdynamic T1
2. Sennheiser HD700S
3. Audeze EL8
4. Grado HEMP

HOW WAS R9?

Beyerdynamic T1 - On the R9, the percussion on this track sounded very tight and punchy but still retain the 'hollowness' sound. With the R9, the listening ambient was very holographic where again the multi-instrument on this track created a very enveloping experience. The R9 also presneted a very natural mids and highs where Neil's vocal sounded very dynamic and at the same time highly filled with natural expressions by him.

Sennheiser HD700S - This is quite the opposite of the T1. The track sounded thin but neutral with no dominance of any particular audio spectrum. It is also highly transparent with a clear and crisp vocal by Neil. Some background noise was also very audible making it sound a bit sharp on the highs. 

Audeze EL8 - As opposed to a punchy bass, the EL8 had a deep extensive bass that goes really low on this track. I personally prefer this kind of bass response instead hard hitting and punchy.  Really good mids as well, making the Neil's vocal sounded really good and full of emotion. However, it would be more enjoyable with sweeter highs. At times, it can sound a bit flat with the mids and lows dominating the presentation.

Grado HEMP - Surprisingly, I enjoyed the R9 most with the Grado HEMP. The best clarity that I can experience is with the Grado and R9. Although the background noise is highly audible, it was actually helping to make the overall presentation to sound more natural in all aspect. Natural bass, vocal and instruments. Sufficient to make the song sound really alive, in sync with the sound of that era.

HOW WAS K9?

Beyerdynamic T1 - This to me is the best combo presentation of the Soolaiman track. Overall punchier, solid and extensive bass but maintained a balanced presentation across the audio spectrum. Neil's vocal sounded expressive and melodious throughout.  The percussion maintains the hollowness tune but with great precision and sound accuracy.  Very engaging experience that led me towards tapping my feet and moving my body to the tune.

 

Sennheiser HD700S - The K9 matches better with the Senns compared to R9.  A better control of highs and smoother with the mids can be experienced with this combo. However, still thin sounding but with a slightly deeper dive in bass. Still maintains a high level of transparency where Neil's vocal as the main highlight of this pairing. 

Audeze EL8 - Even a bigger sound with an enveloping ambient can be heard when paired with the K9. Maintains the extensive bass with deeper dive with sufficient mids. The percussion sound was really engaging to me, and it just continue to draw me in to the enveloping sound ambient. The highs were slightly sweeter than the pairing with R9 but to me, it still lacks that magic sparkle.

Grado HEMP - Again, somehow the Grado HEMP can really shine with Fiio amps and DAC. With this pairing, even a better clarity and liveliness were experienced. Each instrument placement and precision can be heard with this pairing. Bass is sufficient and does not overwhelm the HEMP. It maintains its natural presentation. The drums really got me going with this pairing. Neil's vocal was best presented here.

THE CONCLUSION

So, which one is better? As I mentioned earlier, this is not a shootout. Both K9 and R9 have its own value proposition and very much dependent on the following:

• The headphones you want to pair them with and sound signature you like - both the K9 and R9 are capable to drive the 4 headphones I have with their own unique sound delivery.
• I find the best pairing is between Grado and K9 and R9. If you prefer clarity, natural and neutral sound, you will not go wrong with both amps.
• If bass dominance is your preference, both K9 and R9 can give your Audeze a good low frequency works.
• Somehow, I do not feel Sennheiser will match well with both amps. Both the Senns and K9/R9 are great products but somehow, it does not gel well together.
• For best musicality, I must say the Beyerdynamic matches well with either K9 or R9. The best overall musical enjoyment came from this pairing.
• Your utilization plan - if you plan to have a separate music source from your amplification, then K9 is the way to go. It is purely a headphone amplifier with a built in DAC. However, if you require an All-In-One music source and amplification, the R9 is the way to go.

As a conclusion, similar to my hifi approach, I do believe that having a separate source and amplifier yields more musicality. Hence, my preference would be the K9 if musicality is the objective. The R9 is feature packed and that's the way to go if an All-In-One unit is required.

Both units are available at Star Pickers Audio Library retailed at RM2499 for K9 and RM6999 for R9.

Contact them on 012-3392040 to arrange for a demo with your headphones.

Chord Electronics Day with John Franks and Rob Watts at Starpickers

 

Star Pickers Audio Library organised a Chord Electronics Day where special guests John Franks and Rob Watts shared to the attendees the latest updates on Chord products.