Are you searching for a review of the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar?
This high-performance soundbar brings advanced technology with superior design and engineering, creating one of the industry’s best solutions for revolutionary audio output.
In this review, I will provide an in-depth look at all of the features that make this soundbar so amazing and discuss why it is a great choice for anyone who is serious about experiencing remarkable sound quality. So stick around because I’m sure you’re going to love what the Panorama 3 has in store!
Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 Overview
As an audio enthusiast, I was blown away by the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar. This sleek and stylish bar packs a serious punch when it comes to sound quality. The Panorama 3 is equipped with nine drivers and dedicated amplifiers, providing a truly immersive audio experience. Its advanced digital signal processing technology ensures that the sound is perfectly balanced, no matter where you are in the room.
What sets the Panorama 3 apart from other soundbars is its compatibility with high-resolution audio files. It can decode files up to 24-bit/96kHz, allowing for a much more detailed and nuanced sound than standard MP3s. The Bluetooth aptX technology ensures that you can stream audio wirelessly without sacrificing quality.
The design of the Panorama 3 is just as impressive as its audio capabilities. Its sleek, black finish and minimalist design blend seamlessly into any living room. The soundbar comes with a wall mount bracket for easy installation, but it can also be placed on a tabletop. The included remote control is intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to fine-tune the audio settings to your liking.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, the Panorama 3 is a masterpiece. The soundbar has a sleek and stylish look with a matte black finish, making it an elegant addition to any TV setup. It is quite a long speaker, measuring about 47 inches, but it is relatively slim, measuring a depth of only 5.6 inches. This makes it the perfect size for wall mounting if that is your preference. With its curved edges and metallic accents, it looks like a premium device.
Despite its rather large size, setting up the Panorama 3 is fairly simple. It comes with a mounting bracket and a wall template, which makes the installation process quick and easy. The interface on the soundbar is user-friendly and straightforward, making it easy to navigate and switch between different inputs.
But design aside, what impresses me most about the Panorama 3 is its build quality. Everything about it feels premium and solid, from its weight to the construction of the soundbar itself. The enclosure is made of sturdy aluminum, which not only makes it durable but also helps to dissipate heat, ensuring you can listen to your music for hours on end without interruption.
Sound Performance
First, let’s talk about the versatility of the soundbar. The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar can decode and play a plethora of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS:X. This variety of audio formats allows the soundbar to play content from all streaming services, CDs, DVDs, and even Blu-rays. With the sound quality being rich, clear, and distortion-free, you can be sure to enjoy music and movies like never before.
The soundbar also has nine separate drive units, each one carefully positioned to deliver sound precisely where it needs to be. This feature ensures that you hear everything in detail, from the softest whisper to the loudest explosion. The integration between the separate drive units is seamless, creating an immersive surround sound experience that fills the room with sound.
Connectivity and Compatibility
One of the standout features of the Panorama 3 is its connectivity options. It has many options, including HDMI inputs, digital optical inputs, analog inputs, and even a dedicated subwoofer output. This means that no matter what device you’re looking to connect, chances are the Panorama 3 has you covered. I particularly appreciated the HDMI ARC input, which allowed me to control the volume of the soundbar using my TV remote.
What’s more, the Panorama 3 is also compatible with a range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS:X. This means that the soundbar is capable of delivering stunning, immersive sound, whether you’re watching your favorite movie, streaming music, or playing games.
Setup and Installation
The Panorama 3 soundbar is designed to be mounted on the wall or placed on a flat surface, such as a TV console. The soundbar comes equipped with rubberized feet, which provide a firm grip on any surface. In addition, the package includes a remote control and an HDMI cable for connectivity.
One of the standout features of the Panorama 3 is its versatility in terms of compatibility. It supports a range of audio codecs, including Dolby Digital, DTS, and AAC. Additionally, it has 1 HDMI ARC input, 2 HDMI inputs, and an optical and coaxial input. This means that it can be connected to a wide range of devices, including Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players.
After unboxing and inspecting the soundbar, I proceeded to connect it to my TV via HDMI ARC. This was a breeze thanks to the well-labeled ports on the back of the device. Once connected, I turned on both the TV and the soundbar and was greeted with a prompt to choose my input source.
The Panorama 3 boasts an intuitive on-screen user interface, which makes it easy to navigate through the various options. I customized the sound settings to my preference and was blown away by the clarity and depth of the sound.
Value for Money
As someone who is always on the lookout for quality soundbar, I can confidently say that the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar is a great investment in terms of value for money. This soundbar is designed to deliver a top-notch audio experience, and its sound quality is simply unmatched. With its advanced audio technologies, including Dolby Atmos support and nine drivers, this soundbar produces stunningly realistic sound that is truly immersive.
What’s more, the build quality of the Panorama 3 soundbar is exceptional. The sleek and stylish design is matched by the durable materials used in its construction. It’s clear that Bowers & Wilkins has put a lot of attention into every aspect of this soundbar’s design and functionality – from the custom-developed drivers to the high-quality materials used for the enclosure.
Finally, the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar also offers a range of features and connectivity options that make it a versatile and user-friendly choice. With Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, and Wi-Fi connectivity options, it’s easy to set up and use this soundbar with any device in your home.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional Sound Quality: With its capacity to decode a broad spectrum of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS:X, the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar presents a listening experience that is lush, crisp, and free of distortion. The arrangement of nine distinct drive units ensures precision in sound delivery, creating an immersive surround sound that fills the room, making each note or dialogue come alive.
- Versatile Connectivity Options: Whether it is HDMI, digital optical inputs, analog inputs, or a dedicated subwoofer output, the Panorama 3 offers a plethora of connectivity options. Furthermore, its HDMI ARC input allows seamless control of the soundbar volume via the TV remote. This makes it highly user-friendly and compatible with a range of devices.
- Premium Build Quality: The meticulous construction of the Panorama 3 radiates premium quality. Its enclosure, crafted from sturdy aluminum, ensures durability and heat dissipation, enabling you to enjoy uninterrupted music sessions.
- Easy Setup and User-Friendly Interface: The accompanying mounting bracket and wall template simplify the installation process, while the intuitive on-screen user interface ensures effortless navigation through various options.
Cons
- Size: Despite its sleek design, the length (47 inches) of the Panorama 3 might be a bit too large for some TV setups or smaller rooms.
- Price: As a premium product, the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar comes with a high price tag, which might not fit everyone’s budget.
- No built-in Subwoofer: While it has an output for connecting an external subwoofer, the Panorama 3 doesn’t have an inbuilt one, which could have enhanced the bass effect.
- Limited Bluetooth Connectivity: Although it does have Bluetooth connectivity, it’s limited compared to some other models that offer advanced Bluetooth 5.0 technology for a more stable connection.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar is an extraordinary choice for those seeking an immersive, high-quality audio experience.
The remarkable sound quality, versatile connectivity options, and superior build quality, all backed by the reputable Bowers & Wilkins brand, make this soundbar a worthy addition to any home theater system.
While its size and price point might be out of reach for some, the exceptional audio performance and user-friendly features offer a compelling argument that the investment is well justified.
Furthermore, its sleek design will undeniably enhance the aesthetic appeal of any living space.
If you’re in search of a soundbar that combines functionality, design, and top-tier sound delivery, the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar is an investment you won’t regret.