If conventional soundbars produce sound in two planes, then with the Philips Fidelio B97 airplanes will definitely fly above your head, as stated in the press release of the new soundbar from Philips. The flagship model B97 is a 7.1.2 system with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. On board the Philips Fidelio B97 there are 17 emitters, complemented by a wireless subwoofer (8 inches, up to 35 Hz) and two rear speakers, which, if desired, can be connected to a soundbar, thereby expanding the sound of the left and right channels.
To get the right immersive sound, the manufacturer equipped the B97 with modules aimed at the ceiling. As already mentioned, the soundbar can reproduce both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. In addition, there is an IMAX Enhanced certificate. It is worth noting the presence of DTS Play-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth technologies, an HDMI 2.1 connector with eARC and the ability to receive and transmit a 4K UHD signal. For ease of use, the soundbar was equipped with several sound modes for different content. The company promised bassy and truly ambient sound.
The on-demand surround sound system in the Philips Fidelio B97 includes two detachable wireless speakers that play left and right channels as long as they are connected to the soundbar. When removed, they take over the function of the surround left and right channels, positioning them accordingly in the room to provide true cinema sound.
The Philips Fidelio B97 has 17 speakers, including eight 1 x 3.5-inch bass/mid drivers that are shaped like athletics tracks. One of these drivers is built into each of the detachable speakers. Together with another pair of drivers, they are responsible for the left and right channels while they are connected to the soundbar. Two more drivers are available for the center channel.
Additionally, the soundbar has six 19mm soft dome tweeters, two of which are forward-facing. In addition, the tweeter is aligned into the detachable speakers. Two more tweeters are built into the side of the main part of the soundbar. They will not activate until the detachable speakers are removed from the soundbar. For an especially immersive sound experience, the Philips Fidelio B97 soundbar also features two upward-facing 2.5-inch Dolby Atmos Elevation speakers. Last but not least, the 8-inch woofer in the separate wireless subwoofer delivers the lowest bass frequencies down to 35Hz.
For powerful sound with plenty of reserves, 500W of power for the main system and 240W for the subwoofer are available at all times. Enjoy cinema-like 3D audio with Dolby ATMOS and DTS:X compatibility. In addition, the Philips Fidelio B97 is one of the first Philips audio products to receive IMAX Enhanced certification.
Two HDMI 2.1 interfaces that offer eARC and 4K pass-through make connectivity easy. There is also wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and Apple Airplay. Last but not least, the soundbar is part of the Philips Wireless Home System, which offers simple wireless connections for multi-room applications via DTS Play-Fi. Installation is quick and operation is simple and straightforward, which is where the Philips Sound app and compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa come into play.
Specifications Philips Fidelio B97
Total RMS power @ 10% THD: 550 W
Sound system: Dolby Atmos, Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, Dolby Surround, DTS Digital Surround, IMAX Enhanced
Rear connectors: HDMI IN 1, HDMI IN 2, HDMI output (EARC), digital optical input, Audio input 3.5mm jack
Built-in connections: NFC, Bluetooth, DTS Play-Fi multiroom, Spotify Connect, Chromecast built-in, Works with Alexa, Works with Apple Airplay 2
Wireless connections: Bluetooth APT-X and AAC
HDMI capabilities: Supports 4K passthrough (30fps), Audio Return Channel (ARC), Content Type
EasyLink (HDMI-CEC): Audio Return Channel,
Included accessories: Remote control, 2 x AAA Batteries, AC-DC adapter for soundbar, AC power cord (x2)
Dimensions
Main unit (W x H x D): 1312 x 120 x 55.6 mm
Subwoofer (W x H x D): 400 x 230 x 407 mm
Weight: 14.08 kg – complete set
