Audio T Verdict
The Triangle Magellan Cello 40th sits in an interesting position. It is still a substantial 38.8kg floorstanding loudspeaker, but by Magellan standards it is the relatively compact option, bringing much of Triangle's flagship loudspeaker engineering into a cabinet just over 1.1 metres tall once its pedestal is fitted.
Each speaker uses a genuine three-way, four-driver arrangement: Triangle's TZ2900PM-MG magnesium-dome horn tweeter, a dedicated 165mm natural-paper midrange and two 165mm SVA sandwich-cone bass drivers.
The 40th Anniversary specification goes considerably beyond a new finish. Triangle introduced the magnesium tweeter, its LHS2 driver cooling system, revised high-grade crossovers using components developed with SCR Audio, internal AudioQuest wiring and substantial changes to the connection plate and mechanical construction.
The twin bass drivers use Triangle's SVA sandwich diaphragm, combining two fibreglass skins around a cellulose-pulp core. The aim is to provide a diaphragm that is rigid enough for large dynamic swings while retaining sufficient damping to remain controlled.
At the other end of the spectrum, the 25mm magnesium tweeter sits within Triangle's horn and phase-plug assembly, while the dedicated natural-paper midrange handles the crucial vocal and instrumental region without also being asked to reproduce deep bass.
Triangle quotes an unusually wide 35Hz to 30kHz ±3dB response, 90dB sensitivity and 200W power handling. The 8-ohm nominal impedance looks friendly on paper, although the 3.4-ohm minimum means amplifier current delivery still matters.
Triangle's current amplifier recommendation stretches from 60W right through to 500W per channel into 8 ohms. That does not mean the Cello needs a 500W amplifier, but it does underline the amount of headroom and dynamic capability available when partnered with serious electronics.
The Cello 40th is therefore very much a system loudspeaker. It deserves an amplifier, source and room capable of showing what it can do, along with the time to position it properly. Get those things right and this is the point where Triangle's Magellan engineering starts to deliver genuinely large-scale performance without requiring the considerably larger Quatuor.
Triangle Magellan Cello 40th Anniversary
The Cello 40th is a three-way passive floorstanding loudspeaker from Triangle's Magellan 40th Anniversary range, designed and manufactured in France.
Key features include:
- Three-way floorstanding design
- Four drive units per speaker
- 25mm TZ2900PM-MG magnesium-dome horn tweeter
- 165mm dedicated natural-paper midrange driver
- 2 x 165mm SVA sandwich-cone bass drivers
- LHS2 heat-management system
- Front-facing Wide-Venting bass-reflex system
- 35Hz–30kHz ±3dB frequency response
- 90dB/W/m sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 3.4-ohm minimum impedance
- 200W continuous power handling
- 60–500W recommended amplifier power into 8 ohms
- 300Hz and 2.6kHz crossover frequencies
- SCR Audio crossover components
- AudioQuest internal wiring
- Pure-copper gold-plated terminals
- Bi-wire compatible
- Bi-amp compatible
- Separate bass and mid/high crossover boards
- Curved multi-layer high-density cabinet
- SPEC mechanical grounding system
- Magnetic grille
- Certificate of authenticity
- Made in France
Magellan 40th Anniversary Engineering
Triangle's Magellan range represents some of the company's most ambitious passive loudspeaker engineering.
For the 40th Anniversary generation, Triangle introduced several important developments:
- New magnesium-alloy tweeter dome
- LHS2 driver cooling
- New crossover components developed with SCR Audio
- AudioQuest internal speaker cable
- Revised connection plates and terminals
- Updated finishes
These changes make the Cello 40th considerably more than a cosmetic anniversary edition.
Three-Way, Four-Driver Design
Each Cello 40th uses:
- 1 x 25mm tweeter
- 1 x 165mm dedicated midrange driver
- 2 x 165mm dedicated bass drivers
The crossover divides the incoming signal at approximately 300Hz and 2.6kHz.
TZ2900PM-MG Magnesium Horn Tweeter
The 40th Anniversary Cello uses Triangle's TZ2900PM-MG high-frequency driver.
Its 25mm dome is formed from magnesium alloy rather than the material used in the previous Magellan generation.
Magnesium combines:
- Low mass
- High rigidity
- Useful consistency across the diaphragm
Triangle Horn and Phase-Plug Design
The magnesium dome operates within Triangle's horn-loaded assembly.
The horn profile is designed to manage high-frequency directivity, while the central phase plug contributes to the acoustic behaviour of the driver away from the main listening axis.
Rear Counter-Cap
Triangle also fits a rear counter-cap to the tweeter motor.
Its purpose is to reduce internal rear-wave reflection and control unwanted behaviour behind the diaphragm.
165mm Natural-Paper Midrange
A dedicated 165mm T16GMF100-V2 driver handles the midrange.
The cone uses natural paper or cellulose fibre, paired with Triangle's fabric surround.
Unlike the bass drivers, this unit is optimised specifically for the vocal and instrumental midrange rather than having to cover the entire lower frequency spectrum.
Why a Dedicated Midrange Matters
Much of the information our hearing uses to identify voices and acoustic instruments lies within the midrange.
A dedicated driver allows this region to be reproduced without the same cone also having to make the large excursions required for deep bass.
That region includes much of the fundamental energy and harmonic information from:
- Voices
- Piano
- Guitar
- Strings
- Brass
- Woodwind
Twin 165mm SVA Bass Drivers
Two dedicated 165mm drivers reproduce the low frequencies.
Triangle calls their diaphragm technology SVA.
SVA Sandwich Membrane
The SVA diaphragm uses a composite sandwich structure:
- Outer fibreglass layer
- Cellulose-pulp internal structure
- Second fibreglass layer
This construction is designed to combine rigidity with controlled damping, allowing the bass driver to withstand large impulses without the diaphragm becoming excessively heavy.
LHS2 Heat Management
Magellan 40th drive units use Triangle's LHS2 cooling system.
A heat-conduction ring sits in contact with the rear of the motor structure and transfers heat towards the outer driver assembly.
Managing temperature helps the driver maintain more consistent behaviour during sustained high-level listening and contributes to the Cello's increased power-handling capability.
200W Power Handling
Triangle specifies:
200W continuous power handling.
60–500W Recommended Amplification
Triangle recommends amplifiers rated between:
60 and 500 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
That is an unusually broad range and reflects both the Cello's useful sensitivity and its ability to handle considerable clean power.
500W Is Not a Requirement
The upper figure is a compatibility recommendation, not a minimum target.
A suitably capable lower-powered amplifier may drive the Cello extremely well, particularly at normal domestic levels.
Current delivery, control and overall system quality remain just as important as the headline wattage.
Do Not Underestimate Amplifier Current
The Cello is nominally rated at 8 ohms but Triangle specifies a minimum impedance of approximately:
3.4 ohms.
The amplifier therefore sees a more demanding load at some frequencies than the headline 8-ohm figure alone suggests.
90dB Sensitivity
Triangle specifies:
90dB/W/m.
This is relatively healthy sensitivity for a large high-performance floorstander and means the Cello does not require enormous power simply to reach ordinary listening levels.
35Hz to 30kHz Frequency Response
Triangle specifies:
35Hz – 30kHz ±3dB.
The 35Hz lower limit provides substantial low-frequency extension without requiring a separate subwoofer for most two-channel music systems.
Do You Need a Subwoofer?
For conventional stereo music, often not.
A subwoofer may still have a role if you want:
- Home-cinema LFE reproduction
- Substantial output below 30Hz
- Deep pipe-organ fundamentals
- Very low electronic bass
- Independent control of room modes
300Hz and 2.6kHz Crossovers
Triangle specifies crossover points at approximately:
- 300Hz: Bass to midrange
- 2.6kHz: Midrange to tweeter
Steep Magellan Crossover Slopes
The Magellan crossover architecture uses carefully controlled slopes reaching up to 24dB per octave.
Triangle also works to linearise the electrical behaviour of the drivers around the crossover regions so the amplifier sees a more controlled load.
SCR Audio Crossover Components
For the 40th Anniversary generation, Triangle collaborated with French capacitor specialist SCR Audio.
The crossover network uses components including:
- French MKP capacitors
- Low-inductance ceramic resistors
- Large-section air-core inductors
Separate Bass and Mid/High Crossover Boards
On the Magellan 40th floorstanding models, Triangle separates the bass and mid/high crossover networks onto different boards.
This arrangement also supports bi-wiring and suitable passive bi-amplification.
AudioQuest Internal Wiring
Triangle developed the Magellan 40th internal wiring in partnership with AudioQuest.
The selected cable combines:
- Long-Grain Copper - LGC
- Perfect-Surface Copper - PSC
This is a significant change from using ordinary generic internal loudspeaker cable and is part of the wider 40th Anniversary upgrade.
Substantial Connection Plate
The rear terminal assembly is machined from an aluminium block approximately 11mm thick.
The electrical terminals themselves use pure copper with gold plating.
Bi-Wiring
The Cello 40th provides two sets of terminals and can be bi-wired.
Bi-wiring is optional.
For conventional single wiring, leave the supplied terminal links correctly fitted.
Bi-Amping
The separate bass and mid/high crossover sections also permit suitable passive bi-amplification.
Speak to Audio T before configuring a system this way so the amplifier architecture and connections are appropriate.
Speaker Cable Connections
The terminals accommodate:
- Bare speaker cable
- Banana plugs
- Spade or fork terminations
Curved Multi-Layer Cabinet
The Cello's curved cabinet is constructed from successive layers of high-density fibreboard.
Triangle specifies individual layers approximately 3mm thick.
This construction allows the enclosure walls to curve rather than relying on a simple rectangular box.
Why Use Curved Cabinet Walls?
A curved enclosure helps avoid large parallel internal surfaces and gives Triangle greater control over structural stiffness.
Internal reinforcements are positioned strategically to reduce cabinet movement under the substantial forces generated by the drive units.
Front Bass-Reflex System
The Cello 40th uses a front-facing bass-reflex arrangement.
This provides useful placement flexibility, but it does not mean the speaker can be pushed against a wall without affecting its sound.
Wide-Venting Bass Port
Triangle uses internal and external flaring around the reflex vent to control airflow.
The design is intended to reduce turbulence and audible port noise at high playback levels.
Front Port Does Not Eliminate Boundary Reinforcement
All low-frequency energy from the speaker interacts with nearby walls and corners.
Moving a Cello closer to a boundary will normally increase perceived bass regardless of the direction in which its reflex port faces.
SPEC Mechanical Grounding System
The Cello uses Triangle's SPEC - Single Point Energy Conductor - system within its pedestal.
The principle takes inspiration from the endpin of a cello.
Most of the cabinet is mechanically isolated from the pedestal through an inert polymer interface, while a defined point provides a controlled path for mechanical energy towards the floor.
Substantial Pedestal
The pedestal is considerably wider than the main cabinet.
This improves stability and forms part of the Cello's vibration-management system.
Cabinet Dimensions
The main cabinet measures approximately:
- Width: 250mm
- Height: 1080mm
- Depth: 340mm
Dimensions With Pedestal
For room planning, use the complete installed dimensions:
- Width: 425mm
- Height: 1140mm
- Depth: 370mm
The 425mm pedestal width is particularly important when checking clearance beside furniture.
38.8kg Per Speaker
Each Cello weighs approximately:
38.8kg net.
Triangle ships each speaker in its own carton at approximately 49.5kg gross.
Two-Person Handling Recommended
At nearly 39kg each, the Cello 40th should be treated as a heavy loudspeaker.
Two people should handle unpacking, pedestal assembly and substantial positioning changes wherever possible.
Floor Spikes and Counter-Spikes
Triangle supplies the Cello with its SPEC point together with metal spikes and protective counter-spikes.
Use an appropriate interface for the floor surface and make sure the speaker is level and completely stable.
Protect Hard Floors
Do not place bare metal points directly onto wood, laminate, tile or another delicate surface without a suitable protective interface.
Accessories Included With Each Speaker
Triangle supplies the following with each Cello:
- SPEC spike
- Metal spikes
- Counter-spikes
- Certificate of authenticity
- Microfibre maintenance cloth
- Handling gloves
- Magnetic protective grille
Magnetic Grille
A magnetic protective grille is supplied for each speaker.
The magnetic arrangement keeps the front baffle free from permanent conventional grille mounting pegs when the cover is removed.
Recommended Room Size
Triangle recommends the Cello 40th for listening rooms of approximately:
15 to 50m².
Listening distance, room acoustics, furnishings and preferred playback level will also influence the final result.
Speaker Positioning
A loudspeaker at this level deserves careful setup.
As a starting point:
- Keep the speakers away from room corners
- Allow useful space from the rear wall
- Keep left and right positions reasonably symmetrical
- Make sure both cabinets are completely stable
- Experiment with toe-in rather than assuming straight ahead is best
- Listen after each small positioning change
Toe-In
The Magellan horn tweeter is designed with controlled directivity, so the angle between the speaker and listener can meaningfully affect high-frequency balance and imaging.
Experiment with toe-in while listening for:
- Central image focus
- Soundstage width
- Depth
- Treble balance
Available Finishes
The Cello 40th is available in:
- Shadow Zebrano
- Golden Oak
- Space Black
- Space White
Shadow Zebrano
Shadow Zebrano is the dark striped timber finish used across the Magellan 40th range.
Golden Oak
Golden Oak provides a lighter natural-timber appearance while retaining the high-gloss Magellan cabinet treatment.
Space Black and Space White
The two high-gloss solid-colour finishes provide more contemporary alternatives to the natural-wood options.
Made in France
Triangle manufactures the Magellan 40th range in France.
The Cello is built as part of Triangle's high-end manufacturing programme rather than being sourced as a finished loudspeaker from an external factory.
Certificate of Authenticity
A certificate of authenticity is supplied with each speaker, reinforcing the individually identified nature of the Magellan 40th range.
Cello 40th or Duetto 40th?
Duetto 40th
- Standmount design
- Two-way
- Smaller cabinet
- Designed for approximately 15–40m²
- Lower amplifier-power requirement
- Requires suitable speaker stands
- Best where floor space or room scale favours a standmount
Cello 40th
- Floorstanding design
- Three-way
- Twin dedicated bass drivers
- 35Hz bass extension
- 200W power handling
- 60–500W amplifier recommendation
- Designed for medium-to-large rooms
Compare the Triangle Magellan Duetto 40th at Audio T.
Cello 40th or Antal 40th?
Antal 40th
- Esprit 40th Anniversary range
- Three-way floorstander
- 92dB sensitivity
- 37Hz–22kHz ±3dB
- 140W power handling
- 60–300W amplifier recommendation
- 29.8kg per speaker
Cello 40th
- Magellan 40th flagship-range engineering
- Three-way floorstander
- 90dB sensitivity
- 35Hz–30kHz ±3dB
- 200W power handling
- 60–500W amplifier recommendation
- 38.8kg per speaker
The Cello does not simply provide a larger Antal. It moves into Triangle's Magellan platform with different drivers, cabinet construction, crossover architecture, internal AudioQuest wiring, LHS2 cooling and SPEC mechanical grounding.
Compare the Triangle Antal 40th Anniversary at Audio T.
Who Is the Magellan Cello 40th For?
Well Suited To
- High-end two-channel systems
- Medium and larger listening rooms
- Rooms up to approximately 50m²
- Powerful integrated amplifiers
- Pre/power systems
- Vinyl systems
- High-resolution streaming systems
- CD and SACD systems
- Rock and large-scale music
- Classical and orchestral music
- Jazz and acoustic recordings
- Listeners wanting deep bass without a subwoofer
Check Before Buying
- 38.8kg per speaker
- 425mm pedestal width
- 1140mm complete installed height
- 3.4-ohm minimum impedance
- Requires capable amplification
- Room positioning is important
- Bi-wire terminals require links for single wiring
- Natural wood finishes vary in grain
- Two-person handling is strongly recommended
Key Features
- Triangle Magellan Cello 40th
- Magellan 40th Anniversary range
- Passive floorstanding speaker
- Three-way design
- Four drivers per speaker
- TZ2900PM-MG tweeter
- 25mm magnesium dome
- Horn-loaded high-frequency design
- Phase plug
- Rear tweeter counter-cap
- T16GMF100-V2 midrange
- 165mm natural-paper midrange
- Fabric midrange surround
- 2 x 165mm bass drivers
- SVA bass technology
- Fibreglass sandwich diaphragms
- Cellulose-pulp diaphragm core
- LHS2 cooling system
- Front Wide-Venting reflex port
- 35Hz–30kHz ±3dB
- 90dB/W/m sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 3.4-ohm minimum impedance
- 200W power handling
- 60–500W recommended amplifier power
- 300Hz crossover
- 2.6kHz crossover
- SCR Audio MKP capacitors
- Low-inductance ceramic resistors
- Large-section air-core coils
- AudioQuest internal wiring
- Long-Grain Copper
- Perfect-Surface Copper
- Double terminal block
- Pure-copper gold-plated terminals
- Bi-wire compatible
- Bi-amp compatible
- Separate crossover boards
- Curved multi-layer cabinet
- 3mm high-density cabinet layers
- Internal reinforcement
- SPEC grounding system
- Magnetic grille
- 250mm cabinet width
- 1080mm cabinet height
- 340mm cabinet depth
- 425mm pedestal width
- 1140mm overall height
- 370mm pedestal depth
- 38.8kg per speaker
- Shadow Zebrano
- Golden Oak
- Space Black
- Space White
- Certificate of authenticity
- Made in France
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Triangle Magellan Cello 40th still current?
Yes. Triangle continues to list the Cello 40th within its Magellan 40th range.
Is it sold as a pair?
Yes. Audio T sells the Cello 40th as a stereo pair.
Is it a three-way speaker?
Yes.
How many drivers are in each speaker?
Four: one tweeter, one dedicated midrange and two dedicated bass drivers.
What tweeter does the Cello 40th use?
Triangle's TZ2900PM-MG 25mm magnesium-dome horn tweeter.
What is different about the 40th Anniversary tweeter?
The Magellan 40th generation introduced a new magnesium-alloy dome together with Triangle's horn, phase-plug and rear counter-cap arrangement.
What is the midrange made from?
Triangle specifies a natural-paper diaphragm with a fabric surround.
How large is the midrange?
Approximately 165mm.
How many bass drivers are there?
Two per speaker.
How large are the bass drivers?
Approximately 165mm each.
What does SVA mean?
It is Triangle's sandwich bass-diaphragm construction using fibreglass skins around a cellulose-pulp internal structure.
What is LHS2?
Triangle's heat-management system. A heat-conduction ring moves heat from the driver motor towards the outer assembly to improve thermal stability during demanding use.
What is the frequency response?
35Hz to 30kHz ±3dB.
Does it need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily for two-channel music. The 35Hz lower-frequency specification already provides substantial bass extension. A subwoofer can still be useful for home cinema or significantly deeper low-frequency reproduction.
Is the bass port on the front?
Yes.
What is Wide-Venting?
Triangle uses flared internal and external port sections to reduce airflow turbulence and audible port noise at higher output levels.
What is the sensitivity?
90dB/W/m.
What is the nominal impedance?
8 ohms.
What is the minimum impedance?
3.4 ohms.
What amplifier power does Triangle recommend?
Triangle recommends 60–500W per channel into 8 ohms.
Does the Cello require a 500W amplifier?
No. That is the upper end of Triangle's recommended compatibility range rather than a target or requirement.
What is the speaker's power handling?
200W continuous.
What are the crossover frequencies?
Approximately 300Hz and 2.6kHz.
Who makes the crossover components?
Triangle developed key Magellan 40th crossover components in collaboration with French specialist SCR Audio.
What internal speaker cable is used?
The Magellan 40th internal wiring was developed with AudioQuest and combines Long-Grain Copper and Perfect-Surface Copper conductors.
Can the Cello 40th be bi-wired?
Yes.
Can it be bi-amped?
Yes, using an appropriate passive bi-amplification arrangement.
Do I need to bi-wire it?
No. Conventional single wiring works with the terminal links correctly fitted.
Can I use banana plugs?
Yes.
Can I use spade connectors?
Yes. Triangle specifies compatibility with banana plugs, bare cable and fork or spade terminations.
What is the cabinet made from?
The curved enclosure is constructed from successive layers of high-density fibreboard, with each layer approximately 3mm thick.
What is the SPEC system?
Triangle's Single Point Energy Conductor system uses a defined mechanical grounding point inspired by the endpin of a cello, combined with isolation between much of the cabinet and pedestal.
How large is the cabinet?
Approximately 250 x 1080 x 340mm W x H x D before allowing for the full pedestal footprint.
How large is it with the pedestal?
Approximately 425 x 1140 x 370mm W x H x D.
Why is the pedestal so much wider than the cabinet?
It provides greater stability and forms part of Triangle's SPEC mechanical-control system.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Approximately 38.8kg net.
Is 38.8kg the pair weight?
No. That figure is per speaker.
What is the packed weight?
Approximately 49.5kg gross per speaker carton.
What room size does Triangle recommend?
Approximately 15–50m².
What finishes are available?
Shadow Zebrano, Golden Oak, Space Black and Space White.
Is the Cello 40th made in France?
Yes.
Does it come with a certificate?
Yes. Triangle lists a certificate of authenticity among the supplied accessories.
Does Triangle supply handling gloves?
Yes. Triangle also lists a microfibre maintenance cloth and handling gloves among the accessories supplied with each speaker.
What warranty does Triangle provide?
Triangle provides two years as standard. Eligible passive loudspeakers can receive an additional three years after registration, giving up to five years of cover subject to Triangle's current conditions.
Related Triangle Products
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Triangle Magellan demonstrations
- High-end amplifier matching
- Source-component matching
- Speaker-cable advice
- Single-wire, bi-wire and bi-amp guidance
- Room-positioning advice
- Toe-in setup
- Floor-coupling and SPEC setup
- Subwoofer integration where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where available
- Part-exchange options
- Installation and ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a Triangle Magellan Cello 40th demonstration or discuss amplifier matching, room positioning and system setup.