Various audiovisual products, including OLED televisions, soundbars, headphones, and speakers, are on display at Philips’s booth at IFA 2022 in Berlin. The Philips Fidelio S1 ($899, €899, $1,316) is a highlight, as it is a highly effective integrated soundbar that can offer 7.1.2 channels of Dolby Atmos sound.
A thin metal grill and Scottish Muirhead leather embellishments on the cabinet and top control panel give the FB1 a sophisticated look up close (my photo doesn’t do it justice). With the help of the included remote control, you can change the input, the volume, and the processing mode, and an on-screen LED display will show you the results.
Philips Fidelio S1 Is Impressive
The Philips Fidelio S1 soundbar features up-firing units for Atmos height effects, side-mounted speakers for a more immersive surround experience, and front-firing left, center, and right speakers in a traditional D’Appolito layout for a wider listening arc. The FB1’s two woofers provide bass down to a specified 50Hz when utilized independently.
The Philips Fidelio S1 is compatible with wireless music streaming via DTS Play-Fi, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect in addition to Dolby Atmos immersive sound. Hands-free voice control is also available via Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. Despite being a fully functional unit on its own, Philips showcased the FB1 as part of a 7.1.4 system including the company’s W1 wireless subwoofer and S1 wireless speakers, all of which were coupled via DTS Play-Fi.
At demos when the S1 was present, this had the effect of producing a subtle psychedelic light show, which was complimented by dynamic graphics from the company’s TVs and powerful dramatic sound from the FB1 bar and supporting wireless sub. Based on my listening experience (and initial impressions), the FB1 could be a strong contender for our best soundbars of the 2022 roundup.
This October, you should be able to purchase a Philips Fidelio S1, W1, or S1.