Audio T Verdict
The Triangle Comète 40th Anniversary takes the familiar proportions of one of Triangle's longest-running standmount speakers and gives the important bits a thorough rethink rather than simply adding an anniversary badge.
The original two-way formula remains: a horn-loaded tweeter above a 165mm mid/bass driver in a front-ported cabinet. For the 40th Anniversary edition, however, Triangle introduced its rose-gold magnesium-dome tweeter, revised natural-cellulose mid/bass driver, upgraded crossover components, Signature-inspired internal wiring, higher-density cabinet construction and dedicated Anniversary terminals.
The numbers are impressive for a speaker of this size too. Triangle quotes 47Hz to 22kHz ±3dB, 90dB sensitivity and an 8-ohm nominal impedance, with the impedance falling no lower than 4.2 ohms. Recommended amplifier power spans 25 to 130 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
The front-facing bass-reflex port gives the Comète useful placement flexibility, although wall distance still influences bass balance. At 400mm high and 324mm deep, these are substantial standmounts rather than little bookshelf speakers, and they deserve proper support.
Triangle developed its dedicated S04 40th stand specifically for the Comète, allowing the cabinet to be mechanically secured to the top plate. Other suitably stable stands can also be considered, but stand height, top-plate size and rigidity all matter.
Compared with the standard Comète Ez, the Anniversary version gains the magnesium tweeter, improved mid/bass unit, revised filter network, heavier-duty cabinet treatment and higher-grade internal components. Sensitivity rises from 89dB to 90dB, bass extension moves from 49Hz to 47Hz and power handling rises from 80W to 90W.
For someone who wants much of Triangle's energetic, open presentation without accommodating a floorstander, the Comète 40th Anniversary is a particularly serious standmount option.
Triangle Comète 40th Anniversary Standmount Speakers
The Comète 40th Anniversary is a two-way passive standmount speaker designed and manufactured by Triangle in France.
Key features include:
- Two-way standmount design
- Front-facing bass-reflex port
- 25mm TZ2520MG magnesium-dome horn tweeter
- Rose-gold anodised tweeter dome
- 165mm natural-cellulose mid/bass driver
- Revised Anniversary cone profile and suspension
- 47Hz–22kHz ±3dB frequency response
- 90dB/W/m sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 4.2-ohm minimum impedance
- 90W power handling
- Recommended amplification from 25–130W into 8 ohms
- Approximately 3.8kHz published crossover frequency
- High-grade crossover components
- OFC internal wiring inspired by Triangle Signature
- Single-wire rose-gold terminals
- High-density MDF cabinet
- Internal cabinet bracing
- Magnetic protective grilles
- Steel carpet spikes
- Rubber tips for hard floors
- Dedicated S04 40th stand compatibility
- Numbered certificate of authenticity
- Made in France
Part of Triangle's 40th Anniversary Range
Triangle created the Esprit 40th Anniversary series to revisit two of its longest-running loudspeaker names:
Both models received changes to their drive units, crossover components, cabinets, internal wiring, terminals and mechanical support rather than being limited to a different veneer or badge.
Two-Way Design
The Comète 40th keeps things relatively simple acoustically.
Each speaker uses:
- 1 x 25mm high-frequency driver
- 1 x 165mm mid/bass driver
A passive crossover divides the incoming signal between the two drive units.
25mm TZ2520MG Magnesium Horn Tweeter
The Anniversary edition replaces the titanium dome found in the standard Comète Ez with Triangle's 25mm magnesium-dome TZ2520MG tweeter.
The dome receives the distinctive rose-gold anodised finish used throughout the Esprit 40th range.
Why Magnesium?
Magnesium combines low mass with high rigidity, two useful characteristics for a tweeter diaphragm.
Triangle designed the dome to support the voice coil evenly around its circumference, helping maintain consistent mechanical behaviour.
Horn Loading
Triangle's horn loading forms an important part of its tweeter design.
It helps control acoustic loading and dispersion while contributing to the relatively high sensitivity of the complete speaker.
The Comète 40th should not be confused with a large conventional horn loudspeaker. The horn is specifically part of the high-frequency assembly.
165mm Natural-Cellulose Mid/Bass Driver
The single 165mm unit handles everything below the tweeter crossover, covering both the midrange and bass.
Triangle uses untreated natural cellulose paper for the cone.
Why Natural Cellulose?
Triangle has used paper-based diaphragms extensively in its midrange designs.
The Anniversary material is made from 100% natural cellulose fibres without an additional surface treatment.
For the 40th Anniversary generation, Triangle also developed a new cone profile intended to improve linearity and extend useful response lower in frequency.
Small-Pleat Suspension
The mid/bass driver uses Triangle's small-pleat surround arrangement.
The Anniversary edition receives revised suspension and motor behaviour to allow the driver to cover the broader frequency range demanded by a two-way standmount design.
47Hz to 22kHz Frequency Response
Triangle specifies:
47Hz – 22kHz ±3dB.
That is a useful amount of bass extension from a single 165mm driver in a cabinet only 400mm high.
Do You Need a Subwoofer?
Not necessarily for ordinary music listening.
The Comète 40th's 47Hz ±3dB specification covers a substantial part of the musical bass range.
A subwoofer may still be worthwhile for:
- Home cinema
- Electronic music with substantial deep bass
- Pipe organ
- Listeners wanting useful output below 40Hz
- Advanced room-mode control
Front-Facing Bass Reflex Port
The reflex port is positioned on the front baffle beneath the mid/bass driver.
This gives the Comète a little more flexibility around the rear wall than an otherwise similar rear-ported speaker.
Front Port Does Not Mean Wall Distance Stops Mattering
The entire low-frequency output of the loudspeaker interacts with nearby boundaries, not simply the air leaving the port.
Moving the Comète closer to a wall or corner can still increase bass output and alter tonal balance.
Recommended for Rooms From Around 15 to 35m²
Triangle's detailed current specification recommends the Comète 40th for listening rooms between approximately 15 and 35 square metres.
The company also specifically highlights the dedicated S04 stand combination for rooms below around 25m².
Room size is a guide rather than a fixed rule, as listening distance, room construction and required playback level also matter.
90dB Sensitivity
Triangle specifies:
90dB/W/m.
That is relatively healthy sensitivity for a medium-sized standmount speaker and means the Comète does not require huge amplifier power to produce useful listening levels.
8-Ohm Nominal Impedance
The nominal impedance is 8 ohms.
Triangle publishes the minimum impedance at:
4.2 ohms.
This is a less demanding minimum than the 3-ohm figure published for the larger Antal 40th.
Recommended Amplification: 25–130W
Triangle recommends amplifiers rated approximately:
25 to 130 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
The broad range gives plenty of scope for matching integrated amplifiers and pre/power systems at different price points.
90W Power Handling
Triangle specifies continuous power handling of 90W.
This should not be confused with a requirement to use a 90W amplifier.
Triangle explicitly permits suitable amplifiers above the loudspeaker's nominal power-handling figure provided the system is operated responsibly.
Too Little Clean Power Can Also Cause Damage
An underpowered amplifier driven into clipping can produce severe distortion.
If the system begins sounding hard, compressed or obviously distorted, reduce the volume.
Crossover Around 3.8kHz
Triangle specifies a crossover frequency of approximately:
3.8kHz.
Second-Order Mid/Bass Filtering
Triangle specifies second-order filtering on the mid/bass unit.
Fourth-Order Tweeter Filtering
The horn-loaded magnesium tweeter uses a fourth-order high-pass filter.
Triangle says the horn-loading arrangement benefits from this steeper filtering approach.
Upgraded Crossover Components
The 40th Anniversary filter network uses carefully selected components including:
- Air-core inductors
- MET capacitors
- Ceramic resistors
Signature-Inspired Internal Wiring
Triangle uses higher-grade internal wiring derived from ideas developed for its Signature range.
The cable uses insulated oxygen-free copper conductors with an outer PVC jacket.
Single-Wire Speaker Terminals
Unlike the Antal 40th, the Comète 40th uses a single terminal pair.
Triangle's custom Anniversary terminals are made from rose-gold anodised brushed aluminium.
They accept:
- Bare speaker cable
- Banana plugs
- Suitable terminated cable
Single-Wire Connection Only
The Comète 40th uses a single pair of speaker terminals and is not designed for bi-wiring.
Use one suitable speaker-cable run from each amplifier channel to the corresponding loudspeaker.
High-Density MDF Cabinet
Triangle uses MDF with a published density of approximately 800kg/m³, a specification also used in some of its more expensive ranges.
Once veneered and finished, the cabinet walls measure approximately 20–23mm thick.
Internal Bracing
The Comète 40th uses internal reinforcement in the form of perforated partitions.
The intention is to increase rigidity while controlling unwanted resonances within the enclosure.
400mm-Tall Cabinet
Each speaker measures:
- Width: 200mm
- Height: 400mm
- Depth: 324mm
These dimensions make the Comète 40th a fairly substantial standmount speaker rather than a compact bookshelf model.
8.8kg Per Speaker
Triangle specifies a net weight of approximately:
8.8kg each.
A sufficiently stable stand with an appropriately sized top plate is therefore important.
Use Proper Speaker Stands
Although the Comète is often described as a bookshelf speaker, it will normally perform best on a suitable stand rather than being pushed into a shelving unit.
A good stand provides:
- Correct listening height
- Stable support
- Freedom to adjust wall distance
- Freedom to experiment with toe-in
- Better left/right symmetry
Dedicated Triangle S04 40th Stand
Triangle developed its S04 40th Anniversary speaker stand specifically for the Comète 40th.
The speaker can be mechanically screwed to the top of the stand, providing a more rigid connection between cabinet and support.
The stand can also be mass loaded and provides cable routing at the rear.
Choosing a Suitable Speaker Stand
The S04 40th is Triangle's purpose-designed matching stand for the Comète 40th.
If you use an alternative stand, choose one with suitable height, rigidity, stability and a top plate large enough to support the cabinet securely.
Steel Spikes and Rubber Tips
Triangle supplies an accessory kit containing interfaces for different surfaces.
Current manufacturer specifications list:
- Steel spikes for carpet or rug-type surfaces
- Rubber tips for rigid floors
Do Not Damage Hard Flooring
Do not place exposed metal spikes directly onto wood, laminate, tile or another delicate surface without suitable protection.
Use the appropriate rubber interface or protective cups.
Speaker Positioning
Start with the speakers placed at matching heights and reasonably symmetrical distances from the listening position.
Then experiment with:
- Distance from the rear wall
- Distance from side walls
- Distance between speakers
- Toe-in angle
Toe-In
The horn-loaded tweeter has controlled directivity, so speaker angle can make a noticeable difference to treble balance and stereo focus.
Listen for:
- Central vocal focus
- Soundstage width
- Image depth
- High-frequency balance
Small adjustments are usually more useful than extreme toe-in.
Magnetic Grilles
Magnetic fabric grilles are supplied.
The magnetic attachment avoids permanent grille pegs on the front baffle when the covers are removed.
Made in France
Triangle manufactures the Comète 40th at its facility in Soissons, France.
Each speaker undergoes acoustic testing during manufacture.
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
The Anniversary model is supplied with a numbered certificate following Triangle's factory quality-control process.
Available Finishes
The Comète 40th Anniversary is available in:
- Golden Oak
- Santos Rosewood
Santos Rosewood
Santos Rosewood uses a rich, strongly figured grain with a high-gloss finish.
Natural variations in colour and grain are part of the appearance of the veneer.
Golden Oak
Golden Oak provides a lighter and warmer timber finish with a more understated appearance.
Comète 40th Versus Comète Ez
Comète Ez
- Standard Esprit Ez model
- 25mm titanium horn tweeter
- 165mm natural-cellulose mid/bass
- 49Hz–22kHz ±3dB
- 89dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 4.2-ohm minimum impedance
- 80W power handling
- 25–130W amplifier recommendation
- 9.3kg each
Comète 40th
- 40th Anniversary model
- 25mm magnesium horn tweeter
- Revised 165mm natural-cellulose mid/bass
- 47Hz–22kHz ±3dB
- 90dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 4.2-ohm minimum impedance
- 90W power handling
- 25–130W amplifier recommendation
- 8.8kg each
More Than a Different Tweeter
The Anniversary version also introduces changes to:
- Mid/bass cone profile
- Driver suspension
- Crossover components
- Internal speaker cable
- Cabinet material and reinforcement
- Speaker terminals
- Floor and stand coupling
- External finishes
Comète 40th or Antal 40th?
Comète 40th
- Standmount
- Two-way
- Two drivers
- Single 165mm mid/bass
- 47Hz–22kHz ±3dB
- 90dB sensitivity
- 4.2-ohm minimum impedance
- 90W power handling
- 25–130W amplification
- Rooms approximately 15–35m²
Antal 40th
- Floorstanding
- Three-way
- Four drivers
- Twin dedicated 165mm woofers
- 37Hz–22kHz ±3dB
- 92dB sensitivity
- 3-ohm minimum impedance
- 140W power handling
- 60–300W amplification
- Rooms approximately 15–50m²
The Comète provides the easier physical installation, while the Antal offers considerably greater bass extension, scale and maximum output.
Compare the Triangle Antal 40th Anniversary at Audio T.
Comète 40th or Magellan Duetto 40th?
The Magellan Duetto 40th sits substantially higher in Triangle's range and should not be thought of simply as another version of the Comète.
The Duetto uses technology from Triangle's flagship Magellan family, including different driver assemblies, cabinet engineering and crossover design.
Explore the Triangle Magellan Duetto 40th at Audio T.
Who Is the Comète 40th Anniversary For?
Well Suited To
- Medium-sized listening rooms
- Rooms around 15–35m²
- Dedicated stereo systems
- Vinyl systems
- Streaming systems
- CD systems
- Rock and pop
- Jazz
- Acoustic music
- Classical music
- Listeners wanting high sensitivity from a standmount
- Systems where a floorstander is too large
Check Before Buying
- Substantial 400mm-high cabinet
- 324mm cabinet depth
- 8.8kg per speaker
- Proper speaker stands strongly recommended
- Single-wire terminals only
- Wall distance still affects bass despite front port
- 47Hz lower-frequency specification
- A subwoofer may be useful where significantly deeper bass is required
Key Features
- Triangle Comète 40th Anniversary
- Esprit 40th Anniversary range
- Limited Anniversary edition
- Passive standmount loudspeaker
- Two-way crossover
- Two drive units per speaker
- Front bass-reflex port
- TZ2520MG tweeter
- 25mm magnesium dome
- Horn-loaded tweeter
- Rose-gold anodised tweeter
- 165mm mid/bass driver
- Natural-cellulose paper cone
- Untreated cone material
- Small-pleat suspension
- Revised Anniversary cone profile
- 47Hz–22kHz ±3dB
- 90dB/W/m sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 4.2-ohm minimum impedance
- 90W power handling
- 25–130W recommended amplifier power
- Approx. 3.8kHz crossover
- Second-order mid/bass filtering
- Fourth-order tweeter filtering
- Air-core crossover coils
- MET capacitors
- Ceramic resistors
- OFC internal wiring
- Signature-inspired cabling
- Single-wire terminal block
- Banana-plug compatible
- High-density MDF cabinet
- Approx. 800kg/m³ MDF density
- 20–23mm finished cabinet walls
- Internal perforated bracing
- Magnetic grilles
- Steel carpet spikes
- Rubber hard-floor tips
- S04 40th stand compatible
- 200mm width
- 400mm height
- 324mm depth
- 8.8kg each
- Golden Oak
- Santos Rosewood
- Numbered certificate of authenticity
- Made in France
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Triangle Comète 40th Anniversary still current?
Yes. Triangle continues to list the Comète 40th within its Esprit 40th Anniversary range.
Is it a standmount or bookshelf speaker?
Triangle describes it as a bookshelf loudspeaker, but its 400mm-high, 8.8kg cabinet is best treated as a serious standmount speaker.
Is it a two-way speaker?
Yes.
How many drivers does each speaker use?
Two: one 25mm tweeter and one 165mm mid/bass driver.
What tweeter does it use?
A Triangle TZ2520MG 25mm horn-loaded magnesium-dome tweeter.
Is the tweeter the same as the Comète Ez?
No. The standard Comète Ez uses a titanium-dome horn tweeter, while the 40th Anniversary version uses magnesium.
Why is the tweeter rose gold?
The magnesium dome receives Triangle's distinctive rose-gold anodised Anniversary finish.
What is the mid/bass cone made from?
Untreated natural cellulose paper.
How large is the mid/bass driver?
Approximately 165mm.
What is the frequency response?
47Hz to 22kHz ±3dB.
Does it need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily for most music. A subwoofer becomes more useful where output significantly below the Comète's 47Hz specification is required.
Is the bass port on the front?
Yes.
Can it go close to a wall?
The front port provides useful flexibility, but nearby walls still affect the bass produced by the complete loudspeaker.
What room size does Triangle recommend?
Triangle's current detailed specification recommends approximately 15–35m².
What is the sensitivity?
90dB/W/m.
What is the nominal impedance?
8 ohms.
What is the minimum impedance?
4.2 ohms.
What amplifier power does Triangle recommend?
Approximately 25–130W per channel into 8 ohms.
What is the speaker power handling?
90W.
Can I use an amplifier rated above 90W?
Potentially, yes. Triangle itself recommends amplifiers up to 130W into 8 ohms. Clean operation and sensible volume matter more than simply comparing the two wattage figures.
What is the crossover frequency?
Approximately 3.8kHz.
Can it be bi-wired?
No. Triangle specifies a single-cable terminal arrangement for the Comète 40th.
Can I use banana plugs?
Yes.
What is the cabinet made from?
High-density MDF specified at approximately 800kg/m³.
How thick are the cabinet walls?
Approximately 20–23mm after veneer and finishing.
Is the cabinet internally braced?
Yes. Triangle uses perforated internal reinforcement.
How large is each speaker?
Approximately 200 x 400 x 324mm W x H x D.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Approximately 8.8kg.
Should I use speaker stands?
Yes. Proper stands provide better positioning flexibility and more stable support than placing these substantial cabinets casually on furniture.
Is there a dedicated Triangle stand?
Yes. Triangle designed the S04 40th Anniversary stand specifically for the Comète 40th.
Can the speaker be bolted to the S04 40th?
Yes. Triangle specifies that the Comète 40th can be screwed to its dedicated stand for a rigid mechanical connection.
Can the matching stand be mass loaded?
Yes. Triangle designed it to accept ballast and also includes rear cable routing.
Are spikes included with the speakers?
Triangle's current specification lists steel spikes for carpet or rug surfaces and rubber tips for rigid floors.
Are magnetic grilles included?
Yes.
Which finishes are available?
Golden Oak and Santos Rosewood.
Where are the Comète 40th speakers made?
Triangle manufactures them at its facility in Soissons, France.
Do they come with a certificate?
Yes. Triangle supplies a numbered certificate of authenticity following factory acoustic testing.
What is different from the normal Comète Ez?
The Anniversary model gains a magnesium rather than titanium tweeter, revised natural-cellulose mid/bass driver, upgraded crossover and wiring, Anniversary cabinet treatment and terminals, 90dB rather than 89dB sensitivity, 47Hz rather than 49Hz bass extension and 90W rather than 80W power handling.
What warranty does Triangle provide?
Triangle provides two years as standard. Eligible passive speakers can receive an additional three years after registration, giving up to five years of cover subject to Triangle's current conditions.
Related Triangle Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Triangle loudspeaker advice
- Comète 40th system matching
- Amplifier matching
- Speaker-stand matching
- Speaker-cable advice
- Room-positioning guidance
- Toe-in setup
- Subwoofer integration where required
- Comète and Antal comparisons
- Home demonstrations where available
- Part-exchange options
- Setup and ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss the Triangle Comète 40th Anniversary, amplifier matching, suitable stands or whether a demonstration can be arranged.