Short answer: the Audio First Cadentia 3 if sound quality matters most, the Triangle Borea BR03 if price matters most. The Audio First Cadentia 3 ranks #7 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.7/5, at $7,199. The Triangle Borea BR03 ranks #198, rated 2.8/5, at $399, $6,800 cheaper.
The Audio First Cadentia 3 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.55 against 4.03 for the Triangle Borea BR03. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 3dB, against 57Hz for the Triangle Borea BR03. The tradeoff: A mild scoop through the upper midrange/lower treble slightly softens the attack of snares, hand claps, and sibilants: fixable with a single-band EQ (2.5kHz, +1dB, Q~1).
Why pick the Triangle Borea BR03: A budget French bookshelf speaker with dual front ports, decent bass for the price and solid, well braced build quality. Watch for: A noticeable mid-range suckout, most pronounced in the upper mid-range/lower treble, that the reviewer attributes to cabinet resonances and driver breakup rather than a deliberate voicing choice: it makes vocals and instruments sound recessed and thin rather than warm.
Buy the Audio First Cadentia 3 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Triangle Borea BR03 if the price matters more than sound quality.
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A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud.
A budget French bookshelf speaker with dual front ports, decent bass for the price and solid, well braced build quality.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio First Cadentia 3 | Triangle Borea BR03 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7199 per pair | $399.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #198 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 23.2” x 11.8” x 17” (590 x 300 x 433 mm) | 14.96”H x 8.11”W x 12.36”D |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer spec), 4.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86.4dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87.5dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1.1” tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 9” woofer | 6.5” natural cellulose midwoofer, 1” (25mm) EFS silk dome tweeter |
| Weight | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) each | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | 3-way, bass reflex | ported, dual front ports |
| Country | United Kingdom (Cambridge) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.55 | 4.03 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.91 | 6.38 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 3600Hz |
| Recommended Power | - | 100W |
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