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Bang & Olufsen has expanded its soundbar range with a new model, the Beosound Premiere. Positioned between the cheaper Beosound Stage and the flagship Beosound Theatre, it is intended to offer some of the features of the more expensive model at a more accessible price. The manufacturer has not abandoned the distinctive design or the use of high-quality materials. The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, works with LG TVs and can be expanded with additional speakers. Early tests show, however, that not all of the features from the Beosound Theatre have made it into the new unit. Even so, the Beosound Premiere may appeal to users looking for an elegant premium-class audio system.
Beosound Premiere impresses with craftsmanship and dialogue clarity
The new soundbar features a 4.1.2 configuration made up of ten drivers, each powered by its own amplifier. The design includes forward, side and upward-firing speakers, allowing support for Dolby Atmos. Bang & Olufsen has once again opted for an aluminium body with distinctive styling that really stands out from the competition. The model is available in several colour variants and with interchangeable grilles made of wood or fabric. The soundbar also offers a backlit touch panel and subtle light animations when adjusting volume and when powering on. According to tests, Beosound Premiere's greatest strength is its exceptionally clean reproduction of dialogue and vocals. Voices sound natural and remain clearly audible even during more demanding film scenes. The unit also works with LG TVs, allowing control of the whole setup using the BeoRemote One. It also supports AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Google Home features. In terms of build quality, the Beosound Premiere remains one of the most exclusive soundbars available on the market.
Dolby Atmos and system expansion have their limits
Although the Beosound Premiere supports Dolby Atmos, tests indicate its spatial effect doesn't match the most expensive designs on the market. The biggest issue is the lack of a dedicated subwoofer, so the lowest frequencies don't provide the same depth and impact when watching films. The soundbar can only be expanded with speakers compatible with the Mozart platform, which means it doesn't support many older Bang & Olufsen models. In practice this limits options for people who already own earlier sets from the manufacturer. Beosound Premiere supports up to four additional speakers, while the considerably more expensive Beosound Theatre offers far greater flexibility in configuration. Tests also showed that at higher volume levels the bass becomes less precise, and the enclosure can emit faint noises as the unit warms up. On the other hand, setup of the new model is simpler than with the flagship Theatre and doesn't require such advanced calibration. The Beosound Premiere works best as an elegant, standalone soundbar delivering clear dialogue and a well-balanced sound. However, those expecting a full home cinema with a strong surround effect may find the new model's capabilities insufficient.
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Premiere is a luxury soundbar that combines high build quality with very good dialogue reproduction and elegant styling. At the same time, its limited expandability, lack of a dedicated subwoofer and only average Dolby Atmos performance mean it won't be for everyone. It's aimed primarily at people who value design and Bang & Olufsen's distinctive sound more than the ultimate capabilities of a home cinema.
source: flatpanelshd
