B&W formation Bar Overview

We like the soundbar's accuracy and stereo imaging, which is incredibly precise when playing a music track, while the bass register is very deep and powerful, providing a good level of depth to any concert movie or show. The Bar is not without its drawbacks though - it can't handle hi-res audio from most streaming services and doesn't come with a remote control in the box, so you'll need to rely on the formation app for controls. Moreover, the soundbar will go into a low-power sleep state that reduces the volume to 10 percent when it's not in use for several days - and that's not always pleasant to deal with.

Aimed at the discerning audiophile, the B&W formation Bar and formation Bass (sold separately) combine to provide a powerfully enveloping 3.1-channel experience. They also feature Mesh Network technology that provides one-microsecond synchronization, as well as support for a range of high-resolution audio sources via optical connectivity.

Despite their heft, the formation Bar and Formation Bass are easy to set up. Firstly, you'll need to plug the power cable into the wall, then sync the two components to your home's wireless network using the dedicated app.

Once you've done that, all that remains is to connect your TV's optical audio output to the Bar's Toslink input. Then, the bar's built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will enable you to stream your audio from a wide variety of services and devices.

The music you play will make the most of the soundbar's impressive acoustic prowess. It sounds especially good when paired with Dub Reggae or old blues recordings, with deep bass and excellent spaciousness. The combination of bar and bass makes every syllable of Bob Mould's vocals come to life on Husker Du or a John Martyn album, while the opening snare drum from Springsteen's 'Born in the USA' is particularly impressive.

B&W formation Bar Features

This acoustic prowess is helped by the fact that both products are built around nine-driver designs with two mid-woofers and one tweeter per channel. These are powered by six amplifiers to help create an expansive soundstage.

It's a shame that there's no HDMI port, or at least CEC or lossless multichannel support - a lack of which is unacceptable for this price point. However, you can upgrade to the Formation Bass (also available as a standalone unit) for a more immersive 5.1 system with rear satellite speakers if needed.

Despite its expensive price, the formation Bar is a well-crafted and accomplished piece of equipment that delivers very high-quality audio. It's a shame it's missing some key features and doesn't include a remote control in the box, but that's not to say this isn't a great soundbar for enhancing your TV's sound.

Design and construction are very high-end, with a cylindrical design that tapers to pewter-like end plates at either side of the unit. They're a nice touch and add to the overall quality of the unit.

The Bar's black finish is a fine match for the Bass's brushed metal finish, and the whole unit has a very high-end feel to it. It looks much more substantial than you'd expect from a product of this price, and its weight and presence under your TV make it a good choice for larger rooms.

With the Formation Bar, Bowers & Wilkins has taken something of a gamble, aiming to mix convenience with audio performance in a way that few other brands have tried before. That means it's difficult to compare the Bar with other soundbars in this price range.

B&W formation Bar Specifications