As the lights dimmed and the opening credits rolled, I felt a rush of excitement. The new Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar was ready to take my home theater to the next level. Its sleek design and advanced features made me curious about its performance.
Key Takeaways
- The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a premium $999 soundbar with a 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration and 400W of total power.
- It features a modern, streamlined design and a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC.
- The soundbar offers an immersive and detailed audio experience. It has impressive spatial effects and strong bass. But, dialogue clarity can be a problem in some scenes.
- Its app-based setup and lack of room calibration might not appeal to everyone. Yet, it works well with voice assistants and music streaming services.
- While it lacks the flexibility of a modular surround sound system, the Panorama 3 is a great all-in-one solution. It’s perfect for those who want high-quality, space-saving audio.
Design and Build Quality
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar has a sleek design that fits well with premium audio brands. It’s 121cm long and only 6.5cm thick, making it easy to fit into any room. The front is covered in fabric mesh, and the top has a metal grille for a striking look.
This soundbar is built to last, with a solid feel. It comes in black and can be mounted on the wall or placed on a table. The top has hidden buttons for easy control, keeping the design simple.
Physical Dimensions and Form Factor
The Panorama 3 is very slim, at just 2.5 inches tall and 5.5 inches deep. It’s 47.5 inches wide, making it perfect for any room without taking up too much space. It’s designed to give you a great sound experience without being too big.
Materials and Construction
The Panorama 3 uses top-quality materials for a luxurious feel. Its durable exterior and detailed internal construction show Bowers & Wilkins’ dedication to great sound.
Control Interface
The soundbar has hidden buttons on top that light up when touched. These buttons let you control the volume, switch inputs, and more without messing up the soundbar’s clean look.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 121cm (L) x 6.5cm (H) x 14cm (D) |
| Weight | 14 lbs |
| Drivers | 13 drivers (3 tweeters, 6 midrange, 2 bass, 2 Atmos) |
| Amplifier | 400 Watts |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz – 48kHz |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC, Optical, Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.0 |
Technical Specifications and Features
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar is made for top-notch sound. It has Dolby Atmos, making sound feel like it’s all around you. This makes watching movies at home feel like a real cinema experience.
Under its sleek look, the soundbar has a powerful setup. It has 3.1.2 channels, 13 drivers, and 10 amplifiers. This setup gives you clear and deep sound for all kinds of audio, from movies to music.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Width: 47.4″ (120.3 cm), Height: 2.5″ (6.4 cm), Depth: 5.3″ (13.5 cm) |
| Weight | 14.3 pounds |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz–48kHz |
| Total Output Power | 400W |
| Number of Drivers | 13 |
| Number of Amplifiers | 10 |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC, optical S/PDIF (TosLink), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Supported Bluetooth Codecs | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
| Supported Streaming Services | Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Deezer, SoundCloud, Tidal, TuneIn internet radio |
| Color | Black |
| Channels | 3.1.2 |
| Smart Features | Amazon Alexa built-in |
The Panorama 3 also lets you stream music wirelessly. This makes it easy to connect your devices and play your favorite songs. Plus, its Dolby Atmos makes movies and TV shows feel even more real, with sound all around you.
Driver Configuration and Sound Architecture
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar is designed to give you a surround sound experience and audiophile sound quality. It has a special driver setup with 13 individual drivers.
Speaker Array Layout
The Panorama 3 has a 3.1.2 speaker array layout. This includes:
- 3 titanium dome tweeters
- 6 midrange/bass drivers
- 2 Dolby Atmos-enabled drivers for immersive height effects
- 2 powerful subwoofers
Amplification System
This soundbar is powered by a strong amplification system. It has a total of 400 watts of power. Each driver group gets 40 watts, ensuring great sound quality.
| Driver Configuration | Amplification |
|---|---|
| 13 individual drivers, including: | 400W total power output |
| – 3 titanium dome tweeters | – 40W per driver group |
| – 6 midrange/bass drivers | |
| – 2 Dolby Atmos drivers | |
| – 2 subwoofers |
This setup and amplification system work together. They deliver an immersive surround sound experience and audiophile sound quality from the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar.
Connectivity Options
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 Soundbar has many ways to connect to your home entertainment. It has an HDMI eARC connection for decoding Dolby Atmos signals from your TV. This lets you enjoy 3D audio from movies and shows.
It also has an optical digital input, Ethernet, and a USB-C port for service use. For wireless, it supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. This makes it easy to stream audio from your mobile devices.
| Connectivity Options | Details |
|---|---|
| HDMI eARC | Primary connection for decoding surround sound from TV content |
| Optical Digital Input | Backup wired connection for audio signals |
| Ethernet | Wired network connectivity for firmware updates and music streaming |
| USB-C | Service port for firmware updates and maintenance |
| Wi-Fi | Wireless connectivity for music streaming and smart home integration |
| Bluetooth 5.0 | Wireless audio streaming from mobile devices |
The HDMI eARC connection is key. It lets the Panorama 3 decode surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos from your TV. This gives you a cinematic audio experience at home.
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 Soundbar offers many ways to connect. It works well with your HDMI connectivity and audio equipment reviews setup. It delivers great audio performance and flexibility.
Smart Features and Voice Control
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar brings smart features to your home entertainment. It has Amazon Alexa built-in for hands-free voice control. This lets you give commands without lifting a finger.
Amazon Alexa Integration
With Alexa, controlling the Panorama 3 is easy. Just use your voice to change the volume or play music. You can ask Alexa to play songs, albums, or playlists from your favorite services. The soundbar responds quickly and accurately, making it easy to use.
Music Streaming Capabilities
- The Panorama 3 works with Tidal, Qobuz, and Deezer. This makes it simple to find and play your favorite music.
- AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect add more ways to stream music wirelessly. You can send music from your devices or apps.
- The Bowers & Wilkins Music app lets you manage your music library. You can control playback and adjust settings to your liking.
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar takes your home entertainment to the next level. It combines smart features, voice control, and wireless music streaming. This creates a rich and convenient audio experience.
Setup Process and Installation
Setting up the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar is easy. You just need to download the Bowers & Wilkins Music app on your phone or tablet. The app will help you connect the soundbar to your home theater systems and audio equipment setup.
The first thing to do is connect the Panorama 3 to your Wi-Fi. The app will show you how to do this. After it’s connected, you can set up your streaming services like Spotify and Tidal through the app.
If you want a simpler setup, you can use the Panorama 3 in Bluetooth-only mode. But, you’ll miss out on some features compared to using the app.
Mounting the Panorama 3 on the wall is also easy. You’ll find wall-mounting brackets in the package. The soundbar’s design makes it perfect for wall mounting in your home theater systems.
In summary, setting up the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a breeze. The app is easy to use, and you get all the tools you need for both shelf and wall mounting. This makes integrating the soundbar into your audio equipment setup hassle-free.
Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 Soundbar Review: Performance Analysis
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar fills the room with rich, detailed sound. It excels at both movie soundtracks and music playback. This makes for a captivating listening experience.
The soundbar’s sound quality is top-notch, with a balanced and dynamic range. The built-in subwoofers add a satisfying bass response. This complements the clear mid-range and treble frequencies. The Panorama 3 also creates a strong sense of spatial awareness, pulling you into the audio environment.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Output Power | 400 watts |
| Speaker Configuration | 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos |
| Frequency Response | 43 Hz – 48 kHz |
| Dimensions | 65 × 1210 × 140 mm |
| Weight | 6.5 kg |
The Panorama 3’s audio performance is boosted by its Dolby Atmos capabilities. The integrated height channels create a three-dimensional soundstage. This immerses you in the on-screen action. Dialogue remains clear and centered, ensuring a seamless experience.
Whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster or streaming your favorite music, the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 offers remarkable sound quality. It will elevate your home entertainment experience.
Audio Performance for Movies
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar offers a deep Dolby Atmos sound experience. It brings height effects that wrap you in the movie’s action. From the boom of an explosion to the fine details of the environment, the Panorama 3 handles movie sounds with great power and accuracy.
Dolby Atmos Experience
The Panorama 3 has a complex audio setup with 13 driver units and 10 amplifiers. It creates a stunning Dolby Atmos experience. You’ll feel sounds moving around the room, putting you right in the movie’s action. The soundbar’s ability to capture the subtleties of movie sound experience is truly impressive.
Dialog Clarity
While the Panorama 3 excels in creating an immersive soundstage, dialog clarity can be a challenge in loud scenes. The soundbar’s focus on a wide soundscape might make dialogue hard to hear in intense moments. Yet, this small drawback is worth it for the amazing cinematic experience the Panorama 3 offers.
“The Panorama 3 delivers an exceptional Dolby Atmos performance, truly immersing you in the movie’s soundscape. It’s a powerful and sophisticated audio solution that elevates your home entertainment experience.”
Music Playback Quality
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar is top-notch for music streaming and audio quality. It has a 3.1.2 channel setup and thirteen driver units. This means you get a rich, detailed sound for all kinds of music.
The soundbar’s sound is perfect for music. It offers a balanced and dynamic sound. It handles bass well, giving you a strong bass without drowning out the rest of the sound.
Every instrument and voice comes through clear and sharp. This shows the soundbar’s skill in bringing out musical details. The soundstage is wide, making you feel like you’re right in the music.
Whether you’re listening to your favorite songs or high-quality audio files, the Panorama 3 is great. It works well with many music styles. This makes it a great choice for anyone who loves music.
Value Proposition and Price Analysis
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar costs $999. It’s a top choice in the high-end soundbar market. Its sleek design and advanced audio make it a rival to the Sonos Arc. Yet, its high price might deter some looking for cheaper options.
Market Competition
The Panorama 3 competes with many Dolby Atmos soundbars priced lower. For instance, Dolby Atmos soundbars start at $400. This offers a great deal for those wanting top-notch sound without the high cost.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
The Panorama 3 boasts excellent sound and smart features. But, its $999 price tag might not appeal to everyone. Its advanced tech and design justify the cost. Yet, some might choose cheaper options that also sound great.
| Soundbar Model | Price | Dolby Atmos Support | Drivers | Amplification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 | $999 | Yes | 13 | 400W |
| Sonos Arc | $899 | Yes | 11 | Unspecified |
| Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar | $499 | Yes | 10 | Unspecified |
Software and App Experience
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar has a dedicated audio control app. This app makes setting up and managing the soundbar easy. It lets you control the soundbar’s smart speaker features smoothly.
Setting up the Panorama 3 is simple. The app guides you through connecting it to your network and other devices. After setup, you can stream your favorite music, podcasts, and more through the soundbar.
The app lets you make some basic audio adjustments. You can tweak the equalizer and control the volume. But, it doesn’t offer advanced sound customization options. This might disappoint audiophiles who want more control over the sound.
The app also doesn’t let you access local music libraries or NAS devices. This could be a problem for users who often use these sources for their music. It limits the app’s flexibility and versatility.
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Streaming Service Integration | Yes |
| Equalizer Adjustments | Yes |
| Access to Local Music Libraries | No |
| Advanced Audio Controls | Limited |
In summary, the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3’s audio control app is good for basic management. But, if you want more control over your smart speaker features, you might find the app lacking.
Pros and Cons
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar is sleek and sophisticated. It offers a mix of features and performance. Let’s look at the pros and cons of this premium soundbar.
Pros:
- It has powerful and dynamic sound that fills large rooms easily.
- Its elegant design complements modern TV setups.
- It integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa for voice control and smart home integration.
- It supports high-resolution audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, for an immersive experience.
Cons:
- It has limited expandability options, as it’s a standalone soundbar without additional speakers or subwoofers.
- It lacks dedicated HDMI inputs, which may impact the Dolby Atmos experience for some users.
- It doesn’t have room correction features, which could limit its performance in certain rooms.
- It has restricted audio adjustment options, with limited control over its sound signature.
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 excels in simplicity and powerful audio. But, audiophiles might miss customization and expandability options. For those seeking a sleek and sophisticated soundbar, the Panorama 3 is worth considering.
Conclusion
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar is a top choice for quality audio at home. It has a sleek design and powerful sound. Plus, it supports Dolby Atmos for an amazing movie and TV show experience.
Even though it doesn’t have as many features as some rivals, like the Sonos Arc or Samsung HW-Q960A, it’s a great option. It offers clear highs, detailed vocals, and immersive Dolby Atmos. This makes it a strong contender in the premium soundbar market.
If you’re looking for a Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 Soundbar Review or need a top audio equipment recommendation, check out the Panorama 3. It’s a great choice for those wanting a high-end, all-in-one audio solution for their home.
FAQ
What are the key features of the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar?
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a top-notch soundbar. It has 13 drivers and 400W of power. It’s sleek and supports Dolby Atmos and other formats.
What are the connectivity options available on the Panorama 3?
It has HDMI eARC, optical digital input, Ethernet, and USB-C. It also connects wirelessly via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.
Does the Panorama 3 have any smart features?
Yes, it has Amazon Alexa for voice control. It also works with AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect through the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
How easy is the setup process for the Panorama 3?
Setting it up is easy. Use the Bowers & Wilkins Music app for Wi-Fi and streaming services. It comes with wall-mounting brackets too.
How does the Panorama 3 perform in terms of audio quality?
It offers powerful sound that fills the room. It’s great for movies and music. The Dolby Atmos adds to the immersive experience.
How does the Panorama 3 compare to other high-end soundbars in the market?
Priced at 9, it’s a strong competitor. It has powerful sound and smart features. But, it lacks some controls and expandability options.
What are the pros and cons of the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar?
It has powerful sound and a sleek design. It also supports Alexa and hi-res audio. But, it lacks expandability and has limited audio adjustments.
