Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar All-in-One Wireless
SoundbarProduct 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%
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
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Price Comparison
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Specifications
Related Products
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Dolby Vision
- Supports Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and more
- Works with Sony 360 Reality Audio
External Reviews
pcmag[1]
Reviewer score 80% (normalized by Neofiliac)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.
Pros
- Gorgeous design
- Beautiful, detailed sound signature
- Built-in subwoofer
Cons
- Subwoofer lacks depth and body
trustedreviews[2]
Reviewer score 52% (normalized by Neofiliac)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.
Pros
- High-resolution audio
- Excellent build quality
- Easy to install
Cons
- No HDMI
- No surround channels
whathifi[3]
Reviewer score 83% (normalized by Neofiliac)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)
Pros
- Powerful, detailed sound
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Cons
- No HDMI connection
References
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