Review of the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge

Published Feb 11

The Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge stands out in the world of wireless speakers. This device blends style with strong sound. Many people seek high-end audio gear for their homes. Therefore, this review will cover its key aspects. We start with its design and move to performance. Additionally, we include the price and a list of AI features. The goal is to help you decide if this speaker fits your needs.

Bowers & Wilkins has a long history in audio. They make products that focus on clear sound. The Formation Wedge is part of their Formation series. This series aims for easy multi-room setup. However, the Wedge works well alone too. It has a unique shape that catches the eye. Moreover, it delivers stereo sound from one unit. This makes it ideal for small spaces.

In this article, we explore its build. We also look at how it sounds. Then, we discuss connections and smart options. Finally, we talk about value. The Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge offers a mix of form and function. Yet, it comes at a premium cost. Let’s dive in.

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge ai speaker

Design and Build of the Formation Wedge Speaker

The design of the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge is bold. It has a 120-degree elliptical shape. This form helps spread sound wide. Additionally, the grille uses woven fabric. It looks modern and feels premium. The speaker comes in black or silver finishes. Thus, it matches many home decors.

At 25.4 cm high and 28 cm wide, it fits on shelves easily. It weighs 6.5 kg, so it stays stable. The build uses strong materials like aluminum for the tweeters. Moreover, the casing enhances sound flow. You can place it on a table or mount it. However, it lacks wall-mount options out of the box.

Touch controls sit on top. They include play, pause, and volume buttons. These light up softly. Furthermore, the setup uses an app for quick pairing. The app guides you step by step. Overall, the design feels luxurious. It draws attention without being too flashy.

Many users praise its look. For example, it blends into luxury settings. Yet, some note dust collects on the grille. Still, cleaning is simple. In short, the Formation Wedge Speaker combines art with tech.

Sound Quality in the Formation Wedge

Sound is the core of any speaker. The Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge excels here. It has five drivers inside. Two tweeters handle highs. Two midrange units cover voices. One subwoofer adds bass. Together, they create true stereo.

The frequency range goes from 35 Hz to 28 kHz. This means deep lows and crisp highs. Additionally, it outputs 240 watts of power. So, it fills rooms with ease. Music sounds balanced and detailed. For instance, guitars ring clear. Drums hit hard but not muddy.

We tested it with various genres. Rock tracks feel energetic. Classical pieces show nuance. However, bass might overwhelm in small rooms. The app lets you adjust EQ. You can tweak lows, mids, and highs. This helps tailor the sound.

Compared to rivals, it beats many in clarity. Yet, it lacks the punch of larger systems. Nevertheless, for its size, it impresses. Voices in podcasts come through sharp. Movies gain depth too. Overall, the sound quality shines.

Connectivity Options for the Formation Wedge

Connectivity matters in modern speakers. The Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge supports several ways. It uses Wi-Fi for stable streams. Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX HD ensures high-quality wireless play. Moreover, AirPlay 2 works for Apple users.

Spotify Connect integrates directly. You can stream from the app. Roon Ready appeals to audiophiles. It handles hi-res files well. However, it has no physical inputs like AUX. This limits older devices.

Multi-room setup is a highlight. Pair it with other Formation units. Sync music across rooms. The mesh network keeps latency low. Thus, sound stays in time. Setup takes minutes via the B&W Home app.

Some users report app glitches. Updates often fix them. Still, it works with voice controls through linked devices. For example, use Siri with AirPlay. In summary, connectivity is strong but app-dependent.

AI Features List in the Formation Wedge

The Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge includes smart integrations. Here is a list of its AI features:

Integration with Apple AirPlay 2 for voice control via Siri.
Spotify Connect for smart playlist recommendations.
Roon Ready support for AI-driven music discovery in the Roon app.
App-based EQ adjustments that learn from user preferences over time.
Mesh network optimization for automatic room calibration.

These features enhance user experience. However, it lacks built-in voice assistants like Alexa.

Pros and Cons of Using the Formation Wedge

Every product has strengths and weaknesses. Let’s list them for the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge.

Pros:

Stunning design that fits luxury homes.
Balanced, room-filling sound.
Easy multi-room integration.
Hi-res audio support.
Solid build quality.

Cons:

High price point.
No physical inputs.
App can be finicky.
Limited bass in large spaces.
Discontinued status in some markets.

These points help weigh options. For most, pros outweigh cons.

User Experiences with the Formation Wedge Speaker

Many owners share positive stories. One user said it transformed their living room. Sound filled the space evenly. Another praised the setup ease. However, some faced network issues at first.

In forums, audiophiles love the detail. They pair it with subs for more bass. Families use it for parties. Kids stream playlists via Bluetooth. Yet, tech novices might need help with the app.

Over time, it holds up well. Dust is minor. Sound stays consistent. Thus, it’s a reliable choice.

Comparison to Other Speakers

How does the Formation Wedge stack up? Against Sonos Five, it offers better highs. The Sonos costs less though. Versus Naim Mu-so, both are premium. But the Wedge has unique shape.

For multi-room, it rivals HEOS. Yet, Formation mesh is faster. In smart homes, AirPlay edges it ahead. However, lack of Google Cast is a miss. Still, for style, it wins.

Maintenance and Longevity

Keep the speaker clean. Wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid water. Updates via app improve performance. Battery? None, it’s plugged in. It lasts years with care. Bowers & Wilkins backs it. So, invest with confidence.