British sound brand Bowers & Wilkins has unveiled its new suite of high-resolution wireless audio products.
The Formation range is comprised of four powered speaker systems and a streaming hub to bring existing systems into the Formation network.
Bowers & Wilkins Australia CEO Philip Newton said the new range is the “most technologically innovative” wireless products the company has ever created.
“We are setting a new standard in the world of wireless sound, proving that wired fidelity can be achieved wirelessly,” Mr Newton said.
Bowers & Wilkins have developed a new mesh network to stream high-res audio (up to 24-bit/96kHz) in multiple rooms, as well as allow speakers to synchronise with one another.
The company claims “imperceptible” latency as low as one millisecond that allows speakers to work in “perfect harmony to provide a definitive listening experience”.
The speakers can stream using Apple Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon, and Bluetooth (with aptX HD).
The Formation Bar ($1999) has 6 40 watt amplifiers powering 9 drivers to provide a wide soundstage with a claimed frequency range of 40Hz to 28kHz.
Bowers & Wilkins classic wired speakers served as inspiration for the Formation Duo ($6,400 a pair), a tweeter-on-top design with 2 x 125 watt amplifiers and a claimed frequency response of 25Hz to 33kHz.
The Formation Duo can also be paired with matching stands ($1,199 a pair).
Listeners looking for a more unique (and significantly cheaper) entry into the range are offered the Formation Wedge ($1,499), a 120-degree elliptical speaker with a pair of 40 watt tweeters, a pair of 40 watt midrange drivers, and an 80 watt subwoofer.
The Wedge is claimed to cover frequencies ranging from 35Hz to 28kHz.
The Formation Bass ($1,699) can pair with other Formation components for added bass without distortion.
The Bass has a 250 watt amplifier driving an opposed pair of 6.5-inch long throw bass drivers and a claimed frequency range of 20Hz to 150Hz.
Those who have already invested in traditional wired systems but want to add Formation speakers around their home can connect the Formation Audio ($1,149) wireless audio hub.
The hub features a Toslink input, two analogue RCA inputs, a digital RCA output, and two analogue RCA outputs.
Bowers & Wilkins co-chairman Gideon Yu said the Formation range introduces “unparalleled” wireless sound technology and “showcases the true innovation” the company is capable of.
“Three years ago we had the vision to take Bowers & Wilkins 50 years of acoustic history and success and combine it with Silicon Valley automation expertise, creating an amazing user experience that is simple, powerful and incredible to listen to,” Mr Yu said.
“Today, it’s amazing to witness that vision come to life.”
The Formation range will be available in Australia from select Bowers & Wilkins dealers next month.
