Fidelio bar is all about that bass

Superb sound tuning means Philips' FB1 one-box audio solution puts in a performance that makes its price tag look like a steal. And the feature set ain't bad either, says Mark Craven

- Mark Craven

CALL ME EASILY impressed, but it was within minutes of getting Philips' Fidelio FB1 soundbar up and running that I'd decided I was smitten. Not by its audio performance at least, not at that point - but by the illuminated ring light that surrounds its two up-firing Dolby Atmos drivers. This light doesn't have to be on all the time (that could get annoying) but it's a clever, bonus design effect that I like.

Other aspects of the Fidelio FBI's aesthetic are equally appealing. This is a fairly large device, measuring the now de rigueur 1.2m wide to partner large screen TVs, but it wears its size well. Rounded corners on the cabinet give it an air of class, as does the Muirhead leather trim that separates top, front and side panels. The perforated metal grilles also feel robust, but do raise one slight niggle - by having to shine through this, rather than a soft-fabric cover, Philips' text display, located on the right side of the 'bar, can be hard to see at times.

Reading the runes

The FB1 is probably in little danger of being confused with Philips' previous Fidelio B1 soundbar (HCC #275), because that was a compact 'nano cinema' design for discreet setups, but does make me wonder what the F stands for this time around. Whatever it is, you'll see it later this year on the FS1 and FW1, wireless surround speakers and wireless subwoofer respectively. Alongside the FB1 bar, these form a new audio ecosystem, making use of the DTS Play-Fi platform to improve interoperability. Spend more than the £699 of the FB1 and you can get an all-encompassing multichannel setup. And, yes, the wireless speakers also rock some slick illumination.