Bowers & Wilkins Formation Audio (Black) is rated
out of
5 by
1.
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Make your system a Foundation system
The Bowers & Wilkins Foundation Audio is the ideal way to make your existing hi-fi or AV system part of the Foundation family. Simply connect to existing via its AUX input, using the RCA phono outputs on the Audio. Alternatively, if you have a digital amp or AV receiver, use the coaxial digital output for a high quality, digital link.
Connect extra component
As well as connecting to your existing system, the Foundation Audio also accepts inputs. Use the optical input to plug in your TV, games console or other device, and stream the sound throughout your Foundation system. Analogue RCA inputs let you do the same for analogue sources, such as a turntable (with built-in phonostage) or CD player without digital output.
Formation sound all around your home
The Bowers & Wilkins Formation system offers high-end sound quality with effortless, multi-room versatility. It uses a patented, robust mesh network for perfect speaker synchronisation all around your home. Set-up is quick and easy and Formation is compatible with all popular streaming systems, including Bluetooth, AirPlay, Roon and Spotify. For the best possible sound, Formation is also compatible with 24 bit/96kHz Hi-Res music files.
High-resolution sound
With the ability to stream up to 24 bit/96kHz, the Formation is capable of streaming at twice the fidelity of its leading competitor. This gives the sound purer harmonics for a more life-like sound. It also means you get to hear your Hi-Res music files to their full potential.
Robust, Formation Wireless Technology
Developed to run independently from your home wi-fi, Formation Wireless Technology delivers an unbeatably stable connection. The more Formation units you add, the stronger the mesh becomes, meaning you can stretch to the furthest parts or your home where wi-fi may be patchy. The mesh also helps deliver perfect synchronisation between all the Formation speakers in your home.
Easy to set up
Simply download the Bowers & Wilkins Home app from the Apple or Google stores and you’re ready to go. Set-up is fast and intuitive, with each additional speaker clearly identified on the app.
Wide-ranging compatibility
Whichever way you choose to stream your music, the Formation is likely to be compatible. With built-in wi-fi and Bluetooth, you can stream from a huge range of sources. Formation is also compatible with the most popular streaming systems and services, including Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect (Premium account required) and the multi-room system, Roon.
Maximise the potential of multi-room music streaming, with the Bowers & Wilkins Foundation Audio.
Smart Features
Apple AirPlay
Yes
Connectivity
Analogue RCA Inputs
1
Audio Outputs
1
Bluetooth
Yes
Digital Audio Output
Yes - Coaxial
Optical Digital Inputs
1
USB
Yes (Service Only)
Wi-Fi Built In
Yes
General
Manufacturer's Warranty
5 years
Audio
High Resolution Audio
Yes
Features
Internet Radio Services
Yes
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
215 x 44 x 263
Weight
Weight (KG)
1
Rated 3 out of
5
by
WonyP from
Necessary but Somewhat Annoying
In February or thereabouts, I splashed out on a set of formation Duo speakers, so impressed was I with what I heard in store, maybe I should review these as well – but somehow, I never feel qualified.
I bought the duos (stick with me I’m getting there), along with a “the Frame” TV, the speakers primarily for listening to music, thinking I could easily pair the TV with the Duos for some decent sound when watching either bargain hunt or Lorraine, OK, just decent sound forget the programs.
I hooked the TV up using Bluetooth, all good, then lip sync became an issue – not so good, meaning that the sound and picture were out of whack.
B & W recommend their formation soundbar for TVs I believe, not for me, and not for my wife either, it is all about the look.
So Cometh the Formation audio, with amongst other things, an optical input, a way of hooking the TV into the Formation Eco system.
The good, easy to set up, the even better lip sync issue has gone away.
The bad, it’s an expensive way of hooking up a TV, the annoying – really annoying in fact, is that if playing through the Formation Audio, I’ve found no way of adjusting the TV’s volume other than by the B & W Home App, or walking up to either a speaker or the audio and pressing buttons.
It is a step forward albeit an expensive one, but not really what I was hoping for, as I would have expected the Formation Audio to respond to volume up / down type commands passed through the optical cable.
As I refuse to purchase the Formation Soundbar, it is probably the best I am going to achieve.
But if you love the Duo like I did, and want to hook peripherals up to them, the Formation Audio does the job.
Date published: 2020-06-02
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