Specifications
Voice Assistant Built-inNot ApplicableWireless ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-FiBluetooth EnabledYesInput(s)Ethernet, Toslink opticalWorks WithAmazon Alexa
Key Specs
Voice Assistant Built-inNot ApplicableWireless ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-FiBluetooth EnabledYesInput(s)Ethernet, Toslink opticalWorks WithAmazon Alexa
Compatibility
Voice Assistant Built-inNot ApplicableWorks WithAmazon Alexa
General
Product NameFormation Bar 3.0-Channel SoundbarBrandBowers & WilkinsModel NumberFormationBarColorBlackColor CategoryBlack
Audio
Number of Channels3Surround Sound SupportedDolby DigitalHigh Resolution AudioYesMinimum Frequency Response40 hertzMaximum Frequency Response28 kilohertzRMS Power240 watts
Connectivity
Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-FiWireless Multi-Room AudioYesWireless Multi-Room TechnologyApple AirPlay 2Bluetooth EnabledYesSatellite SpeakersOptional (sold separately)Input(s)Ethernet, Toslink opticalNumber of HDMI Inputs (Total)0Number Of USB Inputs0Number Of Optical Audio Inputs1Output(s)NoneNumber of HDMI Outputs (Total)0
Feature
App CompatibleYesWall MountableYes
Speaker
Number Of Tweeters Included3Tweeter Size1 inchesNumber of Drivers Included9Number Of Woofers Included6Woofer Size2.6 inchesWoofer MaterialFiberglass
Dimension
Product Height4.3 inchesProduct Width48.8 inchesProduct Depth4.2 inchesProduct Weight12.1 pounds
Included
Remote Control IncludedNoCable(s) IncludedPower, Toslink opticalMounting Hardware IncludedYes
Certifications Listings & Approvals
ENERGY STAR CertifiedNo
Warranty
Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts2 yearsManufacturer's Warranty - Labor2 years
Other
UPC714346330331
Experience high-fidelity home audio with this Bowers and Wilkins Formation Bar speaker system. The nine optimized drive units enrich viewing experiences with stunningly detailed music, while the dedicated center channel delivers clear dialog. This Bowers and Wilkins Formation Bar speaker system improves the quality of streaming audio using advanced Formation wireless technology.
240W total system power (80W x 3)
Provides quality sound for your favorite movies, shows, games and music.
Three 1" tweeters
Enhance the frequency range of audio playback to ensure crisp voices and dynamic soundtracks.
Dolby Digital decoder
Reproduces multichannel audio to deliver a cinematic audio experience.
Bluetooth music streaming
Makes it easy to enjoy tracks stored on a compatible Bluetooth-enabled device (not included).
Sleek appearance
Fits seamlessly along most HDTVs for a streamlined look.
Inputs
Includes Toslink.
Wall-mountable design
For versatile placement options.
40Hz - 28kHz frequency response
Ensures a wide range of accurately reproduced sound.
What's Included
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar 3.0-Channel Soundbar
Owner's Manual
Power cable
TOSLINK optical digital cable
Wall bracket
Search
- A: AnswerBecause B&W thinks it’s 2003. This bar sucks, please don’t buy it. Or buy mine used for 4 months.
Answered by techguy3000
- A: AnswerYou can pair Formation Bar with Formation Bass and a maximum of 2 Flex for a 5.1 configuration. The system only handles Dolby Digital which is the most common streaming codec for multi-channel.
Answered by Bowers & Wilkins Team
- A: AnswerAbsolutely, that was the first thing I did when I got it cause it wouldn't reach my computer! Works wonderfully!
Answered by Dough
- A: AnswerHi Dan, you can absolutely purchase the sound bar on its own.
Answered by JSmith
- A: AnswerIf you have an rca center output you can possibly run this to a DAC with rca in and Toslink optical out. No guarantee this will work or sound good but look up musou rca analog to digital optical Converter. Even if that does work I would be concerned with the timing and general sound quality. If you’re looking to save space I would recommend a passive Soundbar instead
Answered by BriceR
Q: QuestionCan this sound bar be wired into the TV or is this sound bar strictly wireless ?(4 answers)
A: AnswerThe Formation Bar attaches to your TV with an optical connection. If you use an Apple TV, you can also use Airplay.Answered by Bowers & Wilkins Team
Q: QuestionCan I use the formation bass as a stand alone sub for a no formation system?(1 answer)
A: AnswerFormation Bass can only be used with Formation products.Answered by Bowers & Wilkins Team
Q: QuestionIs the Formation Bar compatible with eero wifi system? Thanks(1 answer)
A: AnswerFormation products use your existing WiFi (whether it be Eero or another manufacturer) to establish a connection to the outside world so you can enjoy your favorite streaming services and control the product. This connection is 2.4G, which is included with all wifi products such as Eero. Once you have that connection, Formation relies on its own mesh network to communicate with other Formation products if you own them.Answered by Bowers & Wilkins Team
Bowers & Wilkins - Formation Bar 3.0-Channel Soundbar - Black
Shipping
Reviews
Rating 3.2 out of 5 stars with 73 reviews
3.2Rating by feature
- 3.2Value
Rating 3.2 out of 5 stars
- 3.8Quality
Rating 3.8 out of 5 stars
- 3.2Ease of Use
Rating 3.2 out of 5 stars
6 expert reviews
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Style over substance
Style over substance. Among the most stylish and well designed speaker in at any price point the series falls short on performance and or support from B&W. When it works it sounds great,
Posted by VincentV
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great sound, outdate conectivity hardware
Great sounds, no HDMI ARC. I bought two years ago, but if I would buy it now, i would wait for a new generation speaker.
Posted by KarlintonF
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Great when it works
The sound is amazing when it works. The app is awful and the speaker and sub disconnect all of the time. I have had it for a year and a half. At this price I would expect a much better product. Extremely disappointed with Best Buy and B & W. I reached out to Best Buy they said contact the manufacturer. Reach out to B & W they say box it up and send it in for service. Absolute joke for this kind of money. Really wished I had purchased the Sonos
Posted by Formation
