Philips Fidelio FB1 Review: A truly flexible modular sound system

Philips has introduced a new modular speaker system for home use. This intelligent multi-room system powered by Fidelio Wireless AV works regardless of the brand. The main thing is that the Smart TV system supports DTS Play-Fi.

Let’s say you already have a new 2022 Philips Smart TV in your home and want to optimize the sound quality. In this case, the user begins to look for a suitable soundbar or a combination of a separate VA receiver with surround speakers. So, the choice is made and the purchase is made. Then all this economy is used for several years.

Philips Fidelio FB1 review

Agree that the change of acoustics to a better one usually does not occur within a few years. Sound systems cannot be expanded “painlessly”. You will have to deal with laying cables again, which is often not desirable to do. But now, with the Philips Fidelio Wireless AV platform, the user has the freedom to upgrade their personal audio system. And most importantly, acoustics can be supplemented with new components at any time.

Design

Philips Fidelio FB1 speaker model is made in Slim design. The soundbar itself includes 15 speakers. The Fidelio FB1 soundbar is divided inside the case into LCR sections to minimize crosstalk. This ensures good clarity of the reproduced content. Each of the LCR channels has a pair of mid-range drivers mounted on both sides and a tweeter with a D’Appolito layout.

This allows better integration of mid and high frequencies. In addition, two side drivers are installed – one each from the sides for a surround sound effect. Further expansion is provided with two Dolby Atmos emitters. They are mounted on top of the FB1 soundbar on both sides and two subwoofers are also installed there.

Note that the soundbar is made in a premium finish, which clearly confirms the quality of Philips Fidelio with Meirhead leather inserts on the beveled edges of the soundbar and acoustic transparent metal mesh.

Great sound in the Fidelio FB1 soundbar

Let’s say we can stick with the fact that we have a 2022 Philips OLED807 Smart TV. Already here you can boast of an impressive built-in sound system. But there are other TV models that provide average sound quality at an attractive price. With the Fidelio Wireless AV platform, you can now assemble your own audio system using individual modules.

The system is based on DTS Play-Fi multi-room technology. It can be upgraded and changed in several stages. For example, with the new Philips Fidelio FB1 soundbar, which already has impressive 7.1.2 3D sound with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and a maximum power output of 310W including 15 speakers. But no matter how good the soundbar is, you always want more.

The next step is to treat yourself to the FW1 subwoofer with an 8-inch speaker and 200W of power. The subwoofer provides sound performance in lower frequency ranges once the subwoofer is integrated into the overall system.

The intelligent processing of the Fidelio Wireless AV platform will regulate the sound reproduction of all the already built-in components. And here we get the best possible sound without any interference.

Ambilight satellites

The Fidelio FB1 speaker system can be upgraded with a pair of FS1 (2.2 60 W) wireless speakers. In such a set, satellites “expand” the soundbar to a 9.1.4 CH system and significantly improve surround sound. The highlight of the speakers is that both satellites have LED lighting that connects to the existing Ambilight system on the TV. Thus, the color function extends to the entire room.

But the best thing about the Fidelio Wireless AV platform is that the audio signal is transmitted wirelessly. Now only 220V power is required and there is no need to lay additional cables for acoustics. Philips says it will gradually expand this sound platform in the future so that content can be seamlessly played throughout the home.

Features:

Fidelio FB1 wireless soundbar:

• Sound 7.1.2 CH.
• 15 drivers.
• Power 310 W (RMS). Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
• support .

Fidelio FW1 wireless subwoofer:

• 8″ driver.
• Power 200 W (RMS).
• Two passive radiators (on the back side, closed type system).
• Muirhead leather trim.
• Wood and aluminum finish.

Fidelio FS1 wireless satellites:

• Two radiators in each satellite.
• The total power of two satellites is 60 W (RMS).
• There are surround speakers.
• Top emitters.
• Ambilight LED lighting.

Fidelio FB1
price As for the prices for this kit, it is known that the Philips Fidelio FB1 soundbar itself will go on sale in May 2022 with a recommended price of 800 euros. The Philips Fidelio FW1 subwoofer will also be available in May 2022 for €500. Philips Fidelio FS1 satellites will hit the shelves a little later – in June 2022 at a price of 300 euros.

Conclusion

To conclude our Philips Fidelio FB1 review, the Fidelio FB1 Wireless Soundbar, Fidelio FW1 Wireless Subwoofer and Fidelio FS1 Satellites sound promising. The multi-room sound system and compatible add-ons should be available in the second half of 2022.

One can imagine that in the next few years, Philips will create an audio system with which it will be possible to design acoustics flexibly, not only in terms of sound quality, but also in terms of the lowest price. Although, at the already known manufacturer’s prices, it cannot be said that it will be cheap.