Bang & Olufsen unveils high-end Beosound Theatre soundbar system

31 Aug 2022 | Rasmus Larsen |

Bang & Olufsen has today unveiled Beosound Theatre, a powerful high-end soundbar system that is modular, expandable, and designed to seamlessly integrate with TVs from other brands. FlatpanelsHD is in Berlin for the presentation and demonstration of Beosound Theatre. We will bring you our first impressions soon but here are the first details about the new sound system from B&O.

Beosound Theatre. Photo: Bang & Olufsen

Beosound Theatre is "crafted with the ambition to be the world’s most powerful and immersive soundbar", packing 12 speaker drivers including up- and side-firing units for an immersive sound experience with Dolby Atmos, and two 6.5" woofers – 800W total amplification and up to 112dB sound pressure. - "Beosound Theatre completely redefines cinematic sound in the home. With its powerful sound, advanced technology platform and modular design, we bring the immersion of a multi-speaker setup into one soundbar that slots seamlessly with any screen," said Kristian Teär, CEO of Bang & Olufsen. "With Beosound Theatre we unleash the full potential of the high-quality streaming services now available to customers and bring the magic of the cinematic experience into the home. At the same time, it is built to last for decades due to its modular design, which allows you to update, rather than replace, this beautiful soundbar."

A modular design

The soundbar can stand alone with the included wall bracket and tabletop stand or seamlessly integrate with TVs from various brands by using B&O's optional floor stand or wall-mount solutions. It is specially optimized for 55 to 77-inch LG OLED TVs that B&O also use as the base for its own TV models. - "We know that our customers want to invest in products that last, which is why Beosound Theatre has been modularly designed to outlast many TVs in its lifetime. We have made a solution that enables you to update your product rather than replace it, and a product that can evolve with you over time," said Mads Kogsgaard Hansen, Head of Product Circularity, B&O. "The Beosound Theatre interface bracket provides the possibility to dock almost any screen to the soundbar. This means that people don’t have to invest in a new TV or can simply choose what they believe is the best TV solution."

Beosound Theatre. Photo: Bang & Olufsen

In addition, buyers can connect additional B&O speakers to Beosound Theatre from the beginning or later on. It supports up to 16 external speakers and can serve as the center speaker in a full-blown 7.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos surround system, processed by B&O's own True Image algorithm. - "You can buy Beosound Theatre as a soundbar and later add a pair of rear loudspeakers such as Beolab 28 in a triangular setup that delivers an incredible spatial sound performance, while continuing the overarching aim of minimal products, mess, and compromise in your space. All you need to do is connect them. That flexibility also means that our customers are not limited by their initial purchase decision, which in turn helps us extend the lifetime of Beosound Theatre and increase the likelihood of multiple ownerships," explained Jakob Dyreby, Senior Technology Specialist, B&O.

Beosound Theatre. Photo: Bang & Olufsen

A new bass management system can use all connected B&O speakers "to work together as a single unit" rather than simply sending the bass to the most powerful speaker – usually the subwoofer. This ensures that the "loudspeakers work with and not against each other," the company said. Through a new setup technology called Roomsense, an external microphone lets the speakers optimize sound to match your space. Even the cover of the soundbar is replaceable and the aluminium “wings” can be extended to fit larger TV screens if you decide to later pair Beosound Theatre with another TV model.

Designed to last

Bang & Olufsen is known for its craftsmanship and design and with the oak lamella cover and "sailboat" form factor – as B&O puts it – Beosound Theatre has been designed to go along with speakers such as Beolab 18, Beolab 28, and BeoLab 50. A fabric cover is also available.

Beosound Theatre. Photo: Bang & Olufsen

Beosound Theatre connects to B&O speakers dating as far back as 1986. - "Products such as the Beolab 6000 and Beolab 8000 column speakers are loved by people who appreciate design worldwide and we have made sure that they can use them with Beosound Theatre right out of the box. All you need to do is connect them," said Miklu Silvanto, Chief Design Officer, B&O. How much? Prices start at 6490 Euro or 5590 GBP. That is a hefty price tag for a TV sound system and FlatpanelsHD is eager to hear if it delivers when we get a chance to experience it this week.