Redakcja Choose TV
Bang & Olufsen has expanded its soundbar lineup with a new model, the Beosound Premiere. Positioned between the cheaper Beosound Stage and the flagship Beosound Theatre, the device aims to offer some of the higher-end model's capabilities at a more accessible price. The manufacturer has not abandoned its distinctive design or the use of high-quality materials. The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, works with LG TVs, and allows the system to be expanded with additional speakers. Early tests, however, show that not all solutions known from the Beosound Theatre made it into the new device. Even so, the Beosound Premiere may attract users looking for an elegant, premium-class audio system.
Beosound Premiere impresses with its build and dialogue quality
The new soundbar features a 4.1.2 configuration made up of ten drivers, each driven by its own amplifier. The design includes speakers that fire forward, to the sides and upward, enabling support for Dolby Atmos. As usual, Bang & Olufsen opted for an aluminum enclosure with a distinctive design that really stands out from the competition. The model is available in several color options 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 powering on the unit. According to tests, the 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 movie scenes. The unit also works with LG TVs, allowing control of the entire setup with the BeoRemote One. It also supports AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Google Home functionality. In terms of build quality, the Beosound Premiere remains one of the most exclusive soundbars available on the market.
Dolby Atmos and system expandability have their limits
Although the Beosound Premiere supports Dolby Atmos, tests show its spatial effect doesn't match the most expensive systems on the market. The biggest issue is the lack of a dedicated subwoofer, so the lowest frequencies don't deliver the same depth and impact when watching movies. The soundbar can only be expanded with speakers compatible with the Mozart platform, which means there is no support for many older Bang & Olufsen models. In practice this limits options for people who already own earlier sets from the maker. The Beosound Premiere supports up to four additional speakers, while the much more expensive Beosound Theatre offers far greater configuration flexibility. Tests also found 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, setting up 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 that delivers clear dialogue and a well-balanced sound. However, those expecting a full-fledged home theater with strong spatial effects may find the new model's capabilities insufficient.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Premiere is a luxury soundbar that combines high-quality craftsmanship with very good dialogue reproduction and elegant design. At the same time, its limited expandability, lack of a dedicated subwoofer, and average Dolby Atmos performance mean it won't be the right choice for everyone. This product is aimed primarily at people who value design and Bang & Olufsen's signature sound more than the maximum capabilities of a home theater.
source: flatpanelshd
