Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar All-in-One Wireless Soundbar
Product Gallery
Product Overview
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar is a premium all-in-one wireless soundbar in B&W's new Formation series. It shares the similar wave design across the series and packs 3 tweeters and 6 mid-woofers in an elegant chassis that is just over 4" in diameter.
Part of the new Formation lineup introduced by B&W in 2019, the Formation Bar is the model designed to complement premium TVs. As such, it adds an optical TOSLINK input.
Meanwhile, the Formation Bar supports wireless connectivity via both Bluetooth and WiFi. This affords it a range of streaming options. The Formation Bar support B&W's proprietary WiFi mesh system that uses 2.4GHz for streaming from the source and 5GHz among Formation devices: this allows for ultra-low latency when paired with other speakers or the Audio streamer in the Formation range.
Other models in the Formation series include the Duo (stereo speakers), Wedge (stand-alone speaker), Bass (subwoofer), Audio (wireless streamer), and Flex (compact speaker).
Ratings
What we found**
Pros
- Powerful audio performance with deep bass and wide stereo separation
- Built-in subwoofer
- Easy setup
Cons
- Doesn't support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
What external reviewers found***
External score 72% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Gorgeous design
- Beautiful, detailed sound signature
- Powerful, detailed sound
- Easy to install
- High-resolution audio
Cons
- Subwoofer lacks depth and body
- No HDMI
- No surround channels
Price Comparison
Specifications
Connectivity
Ports
TOSLINK + RJ45 + USB (service only)
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth 4.1 + WiFi
Construction
Colors
Black
Drivers | Tweeter
3 x 25mm (1 in) double dome
Drivers | Woofer
6 x 65mm (2.6 in) woven glass fibre cone
Form Factor
Wireless soundbar
Dimensions
Size | Depth
107mm (4.2 in)
Size | Height
109mm (4.3 in)
Size | Width
1240mm (48.8 in)
Weight
5.5kg (12.1 lbs)
Function
Amplifier
Class D
Bluetooth Profiles
AptX HD, AAC, SBC
Performance
Frequency Response
40Hz - 28kHz ±3dB
Power Output
6x 40W
Production
Debut
2019-04
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Launch Comparison
Clear List
3rd-Party Review Videos
External Reviews
pcmag[1]
Reviewer score 80%The Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar costs $1,200. At high volumes, this mix sounds glorious—vibrant, rich, bright, and with a wide stereo image. At maximum volumes, DSP (digital signal processing) kicks in and dials the bass back.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Gorgeous design
- Beautiful, detailed sound signature
- Built-in subwoofer
Cons
- Subwoofer lacks depth and body
trustedreviews[2]
Reviewer score 52%The Formation Bar is aimed at the custom install market, which often avoids HDMI to bypass CEC issues. The lack of any HDMI connections is disappointing for a soundbar at this price point. There’s no denying the Formation Bar delivers an impressive sonic performance, with a wide front soundstage and plenty of power. The inclusion of a dedicated centre channel ensures that any dialogue is clear and focused on the screen, and the low-end is good.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- High-resolution audio
- Excellent build quality
- Easy to install
Cons
- No HDMI
- No surround channels
whathifi[3]
Reviewer score 83%The B&W Formation Bar has a formidable footprint. It measures 124cm wide, six centimetres wider than the Sony HT-ST5000. Connectivity comes in the form of a digital audio optical connection. No support for next-gen audio formats such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X (or even DTS)
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Powerful, detailed sound
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Cons
- No HDMI connection
User Reviews
Comments
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References
- ^ Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar Review. [pcmag]. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/bowers-wilkins-formation-bar. 2019-06-05. Retrieved 2021-05-10.
- ^ Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar Review. [trustedreviews]. https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/bw-formation-bar-bass. Retrieved 2021-05-10.
- ^ Hands on: B&W Formation Bar and Formation Bass review. [whathifi]. https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/bandw-formation-bar-and-formation-bass. 2019-04-22. Retrieved 2021-05-10.
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These key takeaways ("pros" and "cons") and summaries are identified from third-party reviews. They may differ from the original texts.
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