RATING
BOWERS & WILKINS has developed a solid name in the soundbar category for premium products that reflect the brand’s longstanding philosophy of putting respect for the music above all else. This doesn’t mean their soundbars don’t make sonic compromises, only that those compromises tend to be more careful and measured than we see elsewhere. As B&W’s first soundbar to offer Dolby Atmos playback and its least expensive soundbar to date at $999, the Panorama 3 embodies this philosophy.
With this introduction, B&W’s line now consists of two bars, the other being the futuristic Formation Bar priced at $1,299. Unlike that bar, to which you can add the Formation Bass subwoofer ($1,199) and Formation Flex wireless speakers ($499 each) for rear surround channels, the Panorama 3 is take it or leave it. It’s an all-in-one solution that creates an immersive sound bubble with the magic of upfiring Atmos drivers and foregoes the standalone subwoofer, instead pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with a pair of small, integrated drivers.
Visually, the Panorama 3 is a rectangular column with soft concave sides and rounded corners; it communicates class but tends to disappear in the decor. At 47.6 x 2.6 x 5.5 inches (WxHxD) it is wider than many soundbars but not terribly tall, and a wall mount may leave it poking out past a thin TV. At 14.3 pounds, it feels substantial. The cabinet is made of sturdy ABS plastic, braced internally with thick walls and crossmembers to add stiffness.
The bar’s front and sides are wrapped in continuous black grille cloth, while
