Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar: premium home cinema sound for 2024

Are you looking for a soundbar with outstanding 3D sound? A high-quality sound system is crucial for enhancing your home cinema experience, and Sennheiser AMBEO offers a premium solution with Dolby Atmos and intelligent room calibration. In this article, we compare the different AMBEO models and help you find out which one best suits your needs.

Key facts at a glance

• The Sennheiser AMBEO product range offers a variety of soundbars and subwoofers that are suitable for different room sizes and sound requirements.

• Outstanding sound quality with Dolby Atmos and innovative AMBEO virtualisation technology makes the soundbars the ideal choice for home cinema enthusiasts.

• Supports Dolby Vision pass-through, enhancing the overall viewing experience with vibrant colors and improved contrast.

Flexible connectivity options and user-friendly control via the Sennheiser Smart Control app ensure an optimal listening experience.

Design and Build

The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max boasts a sleek and modern design, with a brushed aluminum exterior and minimalist details that exude sophistication. Measuring 135mm tall, 1,265mm wide, and 171mm deep, this soundbar makes a substantial presence in any room, blending seamlessly with contemporary home decor.

Weighing in at 18.5kg, the AMBEO Soundbar Max is not just about looks; its solid build quality ensures durability and stability. The design is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, featuring a subtle AMBEO logo at the bottom right and a long LED indicator that provides visual feedback for volume and other functions.

This combination of form and function makes the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max a standout addition to any home cinema setup.

The AMBEO product range

Sennheiser’s AMBEO product range offers a series of soundbars and subwoofers that are suitable for every need and room. From the compact AMBEO Soundbar Mini to the powerful AMBEO Soundbar Max, as well as the complementary AMBEO Subwoofer, the range covers every possible application.

Each soundbar has its own special features and benefits, which we will look at in more detail below.

Whether you want to fill a small room with great sound or build a complete home cinema, the AMBEO product range has the right product for you. Let’s now take a closer look at the different models and find out which one best suits your needs.

The AMBEO soundbars provide a commendable two-channel audio experience compared to traditional stereo speakers. While they may not match audiophile standards, they offer a convenient alternative to the more complex setup of individual stereo speakers.

AMBEO Soundbar Mini

The AMBEO Soundbar Mini is perfect for small rooms where great sound is required. Despite its compact size, it delivers impressive acoustic performance. This is made possible by the use of a Class D amplifier, which ensures efficient and powerful sound reproduction.

For those who don’t want to miss out on a high-quality audio experience in smaller rooms, the AMBEO Soundbar Mini is the ideal choice. It offers all the advantages of AMBEO technology in a compact package, ensuring an impressive sound experience that goes far beyond what you would expect from a soundbar of this size.

AMBEO Soundbar Plus

The AMBEO Soundbar Plus delivers 7.1.4 sound from a single device and offers customisable sound settings to suit individual listening preferences. Thanks to Dolby Atmos technology, it creates an immersive spatial sound that puts you right in the middle of the action.

With three HDMI ports, the AMBEO Soundbar Plus enables an optimal connection to your other devices so that you can always enjoy the best audio quality. The automatic calibration function also adapts perfectly to the individual room conditions, ensuring a tailor-made listening experience.

AMBEO Soundbar Max

The AMBEO Soundbar Max is the flagship of the AMBEO product range. With a total of 13 speakers, including 5 aluminium dome tweeters, it offers outstanding sound output. The AMBEO signal processing enables a virtual height dimension that significantly enhances the sense of space.

In addition, the AMBEO Soundbar Max supports Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) through its HDMI 2.1 port, allowing for uncompressed audio transmission. The AMBEO Soundbar Max is offered with a wired AMBEO Subwoofer that provides powerful bass. Bluetooth 4.2 support makes it easier to connect and stream music, so you can enjoy an immersive audio experience anytime, anywhere.

AMBEO Sub

The AMBEO Subwoofer is the perfect complement to the AMBEO soundbars, with an 8-inch woofer for deeper bass and an even more immersive audio experience. It can be seamlessly connected to the AMBEO Soundbar Max and supports automatic calibration to optimise the sound for the room.

However, please note that the purchase of the AMBEO Subwoofer can significantly increase the price of the overall system.

Outstanding sound quality

The Sennheiser AMBEO soundbars set new standards in sound quality. They support high-quality audio standards such as Dolby Atmos, making them a prime choice in the high-end segment. The innovative AMBEO virtualisation technology enables impressive 3D sound reproduction and takes the home cinema experience to a new level.

Additionally, the AMBEO soundbars support the audio return channel, which allows high-quality audio to be transmitted back from a compatible TV to the soundbar.

The AMBEO Soundbar Plus delivers an immersive sound experience with its 7.1.4 surround sound. Compared to conventional home cinema systems, the AMBEO Soundbar Max offers an outstanding surround experience, powerful bass and impressive performance.

These aspects make the AMBEO soundbars the perfect choice for any home cinema enthusiast.

Virtual surround sound

The AMBEO soundbars create a spatial sound similar to Dolby Atmos through targeted audio processing. This technology enables the AMBEO soundbar to produce a surround sound that comes very close to Dolby Atmos. The impressive ability of the AMBEO soundbar plus to create a dynamic spatial sound is particularly highlighted in many test reports.

In various test reports, the dynamic surround sound reproduction of the AMBEO Soundbar Plus is mentioned as particularly praiseworthy. This feature makes it an ideal choice for those looking for an intense and immersive audio experience.

Adaptation to room and taste

The AMBEO Soundbar’s automatic calibration adjusts the sound to the specific acoustic conditions of the room. The AMBEO Soundbar Plus features four calibration microphones that adjust the sound to the specific room. This automatic calibration analyses the acoustic properties of the room and optimises the sound accordingly.

Users can customise their sound settings via an app to create a personalised listening experience. Features such as a 4-band equaliser and a calibration system for audio adjustments are also available in the app. These customisation options ensure that you get the most out of your home cinema.

Audio Formats

The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max supports a wide range of audio formats, ensuring it can handle various audio sources with ease. From movies and TV shows to music and video games, this soundbar delivers exceptional sound quality.

It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital, and DTS HD Master Audio, providing an immersive sound experience that brings content to life. The soundbar also features a sophisticated 3D audio processing system, enhancing the immersive sound experience by creating a virtual surround sound environment.

Additionally, the AMBEO Soundbar Max supports 360 Reality Audio, a cutting-edge immersive music experience that uses Sony’s object-based 360 Spatial Sound technology. This wide range of supported audio formats ensures that the AMBEO Soundbar Max can deliver top-notch audio performance, no matter the source.

Video Performance

The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max is designed to deliver exceptional video performance, making it an excellent choice for home theaters and living rooms. It supports 4K and HDR10+ pass-through, ensuring that high-quality video content is transmitted without any loss in quality.

This feature is particularly important for those who want to enjoy the latest movies and TV shows in the best possible resolution. The soundbar also features an HDMI eARC port, which enables seamless audio transmission and reduces latency.

This ensures that the audio and video are perfectly synchronized, providing a more immersive viewing experience. With these video performance features, the AMBEO Soundbar Max is well-equipped to handle the demands of modern home entertainment systems.

Wireless music streaming

The AMBEO soundbars enable music streaming via various services such as Chromecast and Bluetooth. These wireless connections offer seamless connectivity and flexible music options, so you can enjoy your favourite music anytime, anywhere. Whether via Chromecast or Bluetooth, the AMBEO soundbars offer easy connection and an impressive sound experience.

Support for services such as Spotify and TIDAL via Chromecast makes streaming particularly convenient. These options allow you to stream music directly from your smartphone or other devices to the soundbar for an immersive audio experience.

Chromecast

Using Chromecast means you can stream audio without draining your phone’s battery, as the music plays directly through the soundbar. This is especially handy as streaming via Bluetooth can put more of a strain on your phone’s battery.

Music apps that support Chromecast include Spotify and TIDAL. This seamless integration ensures you can enjoy your favourite music in the highest quality, without worrying about your phone’s battery.

Bluetooth

Streaming via Bluetooth is very user-friendly and allows for easy connection without complicated networking. This method does not require any network setup, making it ideal for those who prefer a quick and straightforward solution.

Thanks to the Bluetooth connection, you can stream your music and other audio content to the AMBEO Soundbar quickly and easily. This offers a flexible and convenient way to enhance your audio experience, wherever you are.

Ease of use and connectivity

The Sennheiser Smart Control App offers easy and intuitive control of the AMBEO soundbars. The app allows users to customise sound settings and select from a variety of sound profiles. These features make the soundbars particularly user-friendly and flexible to use.

The AMBEO soundbars offer:

• HDMI eARC for an optimal connection to the TV

• support for a wide range of other connections

• Wireless music streaming via Chromecast

• Bluetooth for convenient use and flexible music options

Smart Control App

The Sennheiser Smart Control App is used to adjust the sound of the AMBEO Soundbar Max. This app allows you to customise the sound and select different sound profiles to ensure an optimal listening experience.

HDMI eARC and other connections

The AMBEO Soundbar offers an HDMI connection with eARC, which supports the transmission of high-quality surround audio formats. This connection ensures lossless audio transmission from your TV to the soundbar, enabling an impressive sound experience for movies and music.

In addition to HDMI eARC, the soundbar has an HDMI output, a USB socket and analogue connections to allow you to connect a wide range of devices.

The AMBEO Soundbar Plus also offers two additional HDMI inputs and an analogue connection, for maximum flexibility and connectivity.

The soundbars support Dolby Atmos with a channel configuration of up to 7.1.4 for an especially immersive sound experience.

Technical Specifications

The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max is packed with high-end components that deliver outstanding audio performance. It features 13 high-end drivers, including 6 bass/midrange drivers and 5 tweeters, ensuring a rich and detailed sound.

The soundbar has a total audio power of 500W (peak), powered by 13x class D amplifiers, providing ample power for even the most demanding audio content. The soundbar also features dual-core 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex A7 and 2x dual-core 500 MHz SHARC DSP for advanced audio processing.

With a frequency response of 30Hz to 20kHz, the AMBEO Soundbar Max can produce deep bass and clear highs, ensuring a balanced and immersive sound experience. These technical specifications highlight the soundbar’s capability to deliver top-tier audio performance, making it a standout choice for audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts alike.

Accessories and Spare Parts

The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max comes with a range of accessories and spare parts to enhance your audio experience. Included with the soundbar are a remote control, wall mount, and subwoofer output, providing everything you need to get started.

The soundbar also supports the Sennheiser Smart Control app, which allows users to control the soundbar and adjust settings using their smartphone or tablet. This app provides a convenient way to customize your audio experience, ensuring you get the best sound quality possible.

Additional accessories and spare parts, such as HDMI cables and power cords, are available for purchase separately, allowing you to expand and customize your setup as needed. With these accessories and the support of the Smart Control app, the AMBEO Soundbar Max offers a flexible and user-friendly audio solution.

Expert reviews and test reports

AMBEO soundbars have made a name for themselves in the world of home cinema audio systems. Experts and testers agree: these soundbars offer a comprehensive, immersive sound experience that gives you a real home cinema feeling. The advanced 3D sound audio technologies provide detailed sound and deep bass, making them a favourite choice for many audio enthusiasts.

The AMBEO Soundbar Plus has achieved particularly high customer satisfaction. With its 7.1.4 channel configuration, it creates an impressive and immersive sound experience. This positive feedback underlines the quality and performance of AMBEO soundbars, making them a worthwhile investment for any home cinema fan.

Expert opinion

Torsten Pless, a renowned technology journalist, highlights the technical intricacies of the AMBEO soundbar. He particularly emphasises the outstanding sound reproduction and advanced technology behind the AMBEO soundbars and the immersive sound they provide.

This expert opinion confirms that the AMBEO soundbars are at the forefront of both performance and technical innovation.

Reviews

The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus has received impressive ratings in various tests, particularly for its audio performance. According to TrustedReviews, the AMBEO Soundbar Plus received the full score of 5 out of 5 stars. These reviews praise the sound quality, the flexibility of the connections and the user-friendliness.

Stiftung Warentest rates the sound quality of the AMBEO Soundbar Plus as ‘satisfactory’. The main feature that is often positively highlighted is the dynamic spatial sound that puts the listener right in the middle of the action. Such ratings and test reports underscore the high quality and value of the AMBEO soundbars.

Price-performance ratio

In terms of price, the AMBEO Soundbar Max is available at around €1,895, while the AMBEO Soundbar Plus is available for around €1,049. The AMBEO Soundbar Mini is often perceived as a bit expensive and could have a lower price. Despite the higher prices, the AMBEO Soundbars offer a combination of excellent sound quality and versatile connectivity options that make them a worthwhile investment.

Compared to other premium soundbars on the market, AMBEO soundbars offer unbeatable value for money. With their advanced technologies and outstanding sound quality, they are the ideal choice for anyone looking to take their home cinema experience to the next level.

Summary

In summary, the Sennheiser AMBEO soundbars are one of the best options on the market, offering outstanding sound quality, a wide range of connection options and ease of use.

Whether you choose the compact AMBEO Soundbar Mini, the versatile AMBEO Soundbar Plus or the powerful AMBEO Soundbar Max, each of these soundbars will take your home cinema experience to a new level.

Let yourself be inspired by the fascinating sound worlds of the AMBEO soundbars and turn your home into the ultimate cinema experience.

Frequently asked questions

Which AMBEO soundbar is best suited for small rooms?

AMBEO Soundbar Mini is the best choice for small rooms, as it has been specially designed for them and offers outstanding sound quality.

Do AMBEO soundbars support Dolby Atmos?

Yes, the AMBEO Soundbars support Dolby Atmos and provide an immersive sound experience with spatial sound.

Can I stream music wirelessly via the AMBEO Soundbars?

Yes, the AMBEO Soundbars support wireless music streaming via Chromecast and Bluetooth.

How does the AMBEO Soundbar adapt to the room acoustics?

The AMBEO Soundbar adapts to the specific acoustic conditions of the room through automatic calibration, so that the sound is reproduced optimally.

How much does the AMBEO Soundbar Max cost?

The AMBEO Soundbar Max costs around 1,895 euros.