TechAudioPhilips Fidelio FB1 review: maximum bass, minimum fussThis Atmos soundbar might be the best choice for anyone looking for deep bass from a single unitWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Future)T3 VerdictThe Philips Fidelio FB1 is a capable and stylish soundbar that delivers deep bass despite the lack of a separate subwoofer. The soundstage is expansive with precisely placed overhead effects, and only the connectivity disappoints. Otherwise this is a convenient and effective single unit soundbar solution.Reasons to buy+Wide front soundstage+Deep bass extension+Clearly defined dialogue+Attractive design and solid buildReasons to avoid-Front-heavy delivery-No support for HDMI 2.1Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
TechAudioPhilips Fidelio FB1 review: maximum bass, minimum fussThis Atmos soundbar might be the best choice for anyone looking for deep bass from a single unitWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Future)T3 VerdictThe Philips Fidelio FB1 is a capable and stylish soundbar that delivers deep bass despite the lack of a separate subwoofer. The soundstage is expansive with precisely placed overhead effects, and only the connectivity disappoints. Otherwise this is a convenient and effective single unit soundbar solution.Reasons to buy+Wide front soundstage+Deep bass extension+Clearly defined dialogue+Attractive design and solid buildReasons to avoid-Front-heavy delivery-No support for HDMI 2.1Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
This Atmos soundbar might be the best choice for anyone looking for deep bass from a single unit
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future)T3 VerdictThe Philips Fidelio FB1 is a capable and stylish soundbar that delivers deep bass despite the lack of a separate subwoofer. The soundstage is expansive with precisely placed overhead effects, and only the connectivity disappoints. Otherwise this is a convenient and effective single unit soundbar solution.Reasons to buy+Wide front soundstage+Deep bass extension+Clearly defined dialogue+Attractive design and solid buildReasons to avoid-Front-heavy delivery-No support for HDMI 2.1
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
T3 VerdictThe Philips Fidelio FB1 is a capable and stylish soundbar that delivers deep bass despite the lack of a separate subwoofer. The soundstage is expansive with precisely placed overhead effects, and only the connectivity disappoints. Otherwise this is a convenient and effective single unit soundbar solution.Reasons to buy+Wide front soundstage+Deep bass extension+Clearly defined dialogue+Attractive design and solid buildReasons to avoid-Front-heavy delivery-No support for HDMI 2.1
T3 VerdictThe Philips Fidelio FB1 is a capable and stylish soundbar that delivers deep bass despite the lack of a separate subwoofer. The soundstage is expansive with precisely placed overhead effects, and only the connectivity disappoints. Otherwise this is a convenient and effective single unit soundbar solution.
T3 Verdict
The Philips Fidelio FB1 is a capable and stylish soundbar that delivers deep bass despite the lack of a separate subwoofer. The soundstage is expansive with precisely placed overhead effects, and only the connectivity disappoints. Otherwise this is a convenient and effective single unit soundbar solution.
Reasons to buy+Wide front soundstage+Deep bass extension+Clearly defined dialogue+Attractive design and solid buildReasons to avoid-Front-heavy delivery-No support for HDMI 2.1
Reasons to buy+Wide front soundstage+Deep bass extension+Clearly defined dialogue+Attractive design and solid build
Wide front soundstage
Deep bass extension
Clearly defined dialogue
Attractive design and solid build
Reasons to avoid-Front-heavy delivery-No support for HDMI 2.1
Front-heavy delivery
No support for HDMI 2.1
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
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It includes a pair of built-in woofers designed to generate deeper bass, despite lacking a separate subwoofer, and also adds DTS Play-Fi for multi-room functionality.
But how deep is that bass, and does it do enough to stand out in a crowded market? Let’s find out in our Philips Fidelio FB1 review…
Philips Fidelio FB1 review: Price & release date
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The Philips Fidelio FB1 was released towards the end of 2022 and can be purchased from most major retailers. In the UK it costs around £799, in the USA you can expect to pay around $699, while in Australia it goes for around AU$1,699.
Philips Fidelio FB1 review: Features & what’s new?
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
That channel layout is based around front left, right and centre channels, side-firing width channels, and a pair of up-firing overhead channels. These speakers are full-range and comprise a total of 13 drivers and tweeters combined, while a pair of 3.5-inch woofers lay down a solid foundation of bass.
While the actual speaker layout is 5.1.2, Philips claims the FB1 can deliver a virtual 7.1.2-channel experience, creating the illusion of rear speakers through the wizardry of psychoacoustics. Of course, this kind of trickery can’t replace actual rear speakers, but it’s a useful feature to have.
The FB1 supports DTS Play-Fi, which provides multi-room capabilities and playback of Hi-Res Audio, along with the ability to wirelessly add the Fidelio FS1 rear speakers and FW1 subwoofer, creating a true 7.1.2-channel system. Of course, this approach significantly increases the cost, as you can see from the embedded shopping widget below.
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An automated room correction system uses an included calibration microphone to measure a series of test tones and create an acoustic map of the environment. This data is used to optimise the overall sound quality, eliminating the more negative aspects of the room.
At the rear is an HDMI input, and an output thatsupports eARC(enhanced audio return channel). Both pass 4K/60p, and every version of HDR (high dynamic range), but there’s no passthrough of 4K/120p,VRR (variable refresh rate)orALLM (auto low latency mode), which will disappoint next-gen gamers.
In terms of other connectivity, there’s an optical digital audio input, and a USB port that supports MP3, WAV, and FLAC files. For wireless connections there’s a choice of dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, andAppleAirPlay 2, plus there’s also built-inChromecast, and Spotify Connect.
Philips Fidelio FB1 review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Philips Fidelio FB1 immediately demonstrates a capable performance, with an overall delivery that’s tight and detailed. The treble is nicely rendered, remaining clear and well-defined, while the midrange is open and uncongested. The bass is also generated with surprising depth, while still remaining controlled and precise, with transient attacks that retain speed and verve.
Despite the FB1 lacking a separate subwoofer, this is rarely apparent, even when watching movies with active LFE (low-frequency effects) tracks requiring large amounts of bass. The twin woofers may not be as powerful as a large separate subwoofer but are still capable of digging deep. As a result, they do a superb job of laying a solid foundation of bass, on top of which all the other channels are added.
The Philips is excellent with 5.1 soundtracks, generating an expansive front soundstage that handles TV shows and films with skill. Side-firing drivers increase the width, while the dedicated centre speaker handles dialogue effectively, ensuring it remains clear and focused on the screen. There’s no real surround presence behind, but you can’t expect miracles from a single ‘bar.
Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending temporal thrillerTenetuses its 5.1-channel mix very effectively, giving the action plenty of scale. The climatic battle employs all the channels to deliver precise placement of gunfire, while subterranean bass gives the explosions a visceral quality. The centre channel also plays its part, ensuring dialogue doesn’t get swamped, even when it’s muffled.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Spider-Man: No Way Homeboasts a suitably amazing Atmos soundtrack that includes plenty of wall-crawling action, which makes full use of the overhead channels and lower frequencies.Jurassic World: Dominion’s DTS:X soundtrack is another cracking spatial mix, with deep bass to give the dinosaurs greater heft, and some excellent steering across the front of the room.
It’s an impressive performance, with the Fidelio FB1 producing a balanced and enjoyable immersive experience that picks out subtle details and specific audio objects with nuanced precision. The Movie preset is probably the best choice, especially for movies (obviously), but the Surround AI setting tends to boost the height/surround effects at the expense of the cohesion.
Theoretically, you could use DTS Play-Fi to add compatible wireless rear speakers and even a separate wireless subwoofer, but this obviously adds to the cost and detracts from the main appeal of the Fidelio FB1: its ability to deliver an impressive sonic performance in a convenient fashion, while also keeping the costs down compared to a multi-component system.
Philips Fidelio FB1 review: Design & usability
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Philips Fidelio FB1 sports an attractive design and elegant finish befitting of its premium status. The cabinet is fairly large, but the sleek styling doesn’t dominate the front of the room, while the build quality is excellent, with a robust metal construction that weighs a solid 7.2kg.
The cabinet has rounded corners and a Muirhead leather trim that separates the top, front, and side panels, adding a degree of class. The speakers are located behind mesh metal grilles, as is the display on the front right, although because of this it can be difficult to clearly read at times.
There are ring lights around the up-firing drivers that illuminate when the FB1 is decoding an object-based audio format. This looks very cool, but can get distracting in the dark; luckily you can turn it off. Finally, there are some basic touch-sensitive buttons on the top of the cabinet itself.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
A brace of apps provide added control alternatives, with the first being the Philips Sound app, which integrates the DTS Play-Fi functionality, and adds streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer and Internet Radio.
The second is the Philips Fine Tune app that controls the volume, EQ selection, surround modes, and levels for the surround channels. It also makes setup and room correction easier, especially compared to using the remote control and display.
Philips Fidelio FB1 review: Verdict
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
It has serious amounts of power too, and even manages to generate deep bass without resorting to a separate subwoofer, which is impressive. So if you want maximum performance with the minimum of fuss, this soundbar comes highly recommended.
Also consider
If you’re looking for alternatives, there are a number of similarly-priced high-end models such as theBowers & Wilkins Panorama 3, theBose Soundbar 900, andSonos Arc. All three soundbars take the same single-unit approach with varying degrees of success, although none dig quite as deep as the Philips Fidelio FB1.
Today’s best Philips Fidelio FB1, Bowers Wilkins Panorama 3, Bose Soundbar 900 and Sonos Arc dealsPhilips Fidelio FB1$399.99ViewSee all pricesBowers & Wilkins Panorama 3$696.24ViewSee all pricesSonos Arc$769ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Philips Fidelio FB1, Bowers Wilkins Panorama 3, Bose Soundbar 900 and Sonos Arc dealsPhilips Fidelio FB1$399.99ViewSee all pricesBowers & Wilkins Panorama 3$696.24ViewSee all pricesSonos Arc$769ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Philips Fidelio FB1, Bowers Wilkins Panorama 3, Bose Soundbar 900 and Sonos Arc dealsPhilips Fidelio FB1$399.99ViewSee all pricesBowers & Wilkins Panorama 3$696.24ViewSee all pricesSonos Arc$769ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Philips Fidelio FB1, Bowers Wilkins Panorama 3, Bose Soundbar 900 and Sonos Arc deals
Philips Fidelio FB1$399.99ViewSee all pricesBowers & Wilkins Panorama 3$696.24ViewSee all pricesSonos Arc$769ViewSee all prices
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Philips Fidelio FB1: Price Comparison
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