Philips B8507B 3.1-Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar: features and specs

The Philips B8507B is a 3.1-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer and support for Dolby Atmos. It is meant to replace a television's built-in speakers with fuller sound, clearer dialogue and deeper bass, and it also streams music over several wireless standards.

What 3.1 channels means

In a "3.1" layout, the first number is the main speaker channels (left, centre and right) and the ".1" is the subwoofer for low frequencies. The dedicated centre channel is what carries most dialogue, so Philips highlights it for vocal clarity. The soundbar's maximum output is listed as 600 W. Maximum power figures are a ceiling rather than a measure of everyday loudness, so they are best treated as a rough indicator.

The subwoofer

The wireless subwoofer has a 6.5-inch driver. Because it is wireless, it needs only a power outlet and can be placed away from the soundbar, which gives more freedom in how you arrange the room. Placement near a wall or corner usually increases bass.

Dolby Atmos and the angled tweeters

Dolby Atmos is a format that adds height information to a mix, so sounds such as a helicopter can seem to come from above. Philips says three channels reproduce height as well as depth. Soundbars generally do this by using reflected sound or processing, and the effect depends on the room and on the content: you need Atmos-encoded material to hear it.

Angled tweeters at each end of the bar are meant to widen the soundstage and spread the sound across the room. A Stadium EQ mode is also listed for sports.

Connections

• HDMI eARC: passes advanced audio such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X from a compatible TV, with 4K pass-through for HDR video sources.
• Wireless streaming: Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2.
• Wired: audio-in, optical-in and USB.
• Voice assistants: Philips says speakers that work with common digital assistants can be used to start music and control playback.
• Roku TV Ready: Philips says setup is smoother and a Roku remote can work with it when connected to a Roku TV.

You can also control the soundbar with your TV remote, so no extra remote is needed day to day.

Multi-room with Play-Fi

DTS Play-Fi lets you sync and group compatible speakers, sold separately, through the Play-Fi app. This can extend the soundbar into a surround set or a multi-room music system.

Size and what's included

The soundbar measures about 37.0 x 16.4 x 5.9 inches (roughly 94 x 42 x 15 cm) as listed, and the package weighs 22.0 lb (about 10 kg). The box contains a remote with battery, a power cord, a wall-mount bracket and a quick start guide with a warranty leaflet.

Who it suits

It suits living rooms with a medium to large TV where the television's own speakers fall short, households that stream a lot of music, and people who already use a Play-Fi or AirPlay setup.

What to check before you buy

• TV connection: confirm that your TV has an HDMI eARC port, and check that Atmos passes through from your streaming apps.
• Space: measure the shelf or wall for a bar this wide, and check it clears your TV's stand or sensor.
• Subwoofer placement: find an outlet near where you'd like the subwoofer.
• Wall mounting: a bracket is included, but check wall type and the manual's instructions.
• Content: Atmos effects only appear with Atmos content.
• Extra speakers: Play-Fi speakers are sold separately.

The short version

• 3.1-channel soundbar with a 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer and 600 W maximum output.
• Dolby Atmos, HDMI eARC with 4K pass-through, and DTS:X support.
• Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, optical, audio-in and USB.
• Play-Fi for multi-room audio; Roku TV Ready.
• Remote, power cord and wall-mount bracket in the box.

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