B&W FORMATION SUITE

B&W has released a suite of wireless home audio products it calls its ‘Formation Suite’ that uses a proprietary mesh wireless network to stream 24-bit/96kHz audio between the different components. Leading the suite of products is the B&W Formation Duo powered loudspeaker system, which has a 25mm carbon-dome tweeter-on-top ‘borrowed’ from B&W’s 700 Series, plus a 165mm Continuum bass/midrange driver ‘borrowed’ from B&W’s 800 Series. Both are driven by a 125-watt amplifier to deliver a claimed in-room frequency response extending from 25Hz to 33kHz. In addition to its proprietary mesh 24-bit/96kHz wireless network the B&W Duo powered speaker system is also compatible with WiFi, AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Bluetooth, and will synchronize with any other Formation product, but in particular with the new B&W ‘Formation Bass’ subwoofer. This new unit features a Class-D amplifier with on-board DSP that drives two 165mm long throw bass drivers, for which B&W claims a frequency response of 20Hz to 150Hz.

Also available is the Formation Audio Wireless Hub that allows you to integrate your existing passive components, such as your turntable and CD player, into this new B&W system. ‘ Now the uncompromising Bowers & Wilkins audio heritage is married with 21st-century streaming convenience,’ said Angus Fischer of Bowers & Wilkins Australia. ‘ It finally enables high-quality wireless streaming to your existing passive system or from existing passive components—CD player, turntable, or other pieces—to wireless Formation speakers, anywhere in your home... and our analogue-to-digital converter ensures there are no time lags or breaks in the sound, even between rooms, while our 96/24-bit streaming maintains legendary Bowers & Wilkins sound resolution.’

For more information, contact Bowers & Wilkins Australia on (02) 9196 8990 or at www.bowerswilkins.com/net