Formation Bar $1999

Formation Bass $1699

We tested the Formation Bar in the expanded 5.1 system of Bar, Bass subwoofer (pictured right) and two Formation Flexes (overleaf) — all linked together via B&W’s dedicated mesh network. And for once B&W has deigned to include an external input — an optical digital audio input on the Bar so you can plug in your TV. We should note that the Bass subwoofer can pair not only with the Bar but also to boost the performance of any of the speaker solutions — Duos, Wedges or Flexes.

The Formation Bar itself operates three channels of sound and features nine drivers: three sets of 25mm double-dome tweeter and twin 65mm bass/midrange drivers. The Bar has a flattened section towards its middle upon which it can rest, but it also comes with a wall bracket.

Set-up of the group proved flawless, and the Bar can learn commands from your existing TV remote (if it’s IR, not RF) for volume up, down and mute. You time-align the surround field by keying in the distances of each of the speakers, including the subwoofer, and setting the levels to your preference.

The system produced a giant sound; the subwoofer is a particular star. We weren’t so keen on the system seeming locked into a ‘Five-channel stereo’ mode whenever we played two-channel content, and we often had trouble getting it to recognise 5.1 (if in doubt, reboot, or change the sound format if you can). But B&W’s sonic engineering is the highlight here, with powerful movie sound and musical performance too, rare in a soundbar.