Verdict
Easier to be with than its predecessor , the second generation Sennheiser Ambeo Plus soundbar is a terrific option for film fans and music lover . But gamers might require to face elsewhere …
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
The originalSennheiser Ambeoredefined what a soundbar could fork over when it amount to the place movie theatre experience . render astonishingly virile immersive audio frequency , with good - in - class clarity and dynamics , it had few peers . Unfortunately , it was also immense , expensive and ( let ’s be honest ) , rather horrifying .
The Ambeo Soundbar Plus is none of those things . It take Sennheiser ’s advanced Ambeo post processing , which expend virtualisation technology acquire with Fraunhofer , and repackages it in a far more elegant enclosure , at a slightly more affordable ( although still toppy ) price .
But can this latest iteration cede the same sonic goodness ?
Design
Although smaller than its predecessor , now named the Ambeo Max , this is still a substantial soundbar that postulate some consideration when it comes to position . At 1051 mm wide , it ’s a good compeer with 65 - inch and large sieve .
Build quality and close is excellent , with a black fabric wraparound grille and perforated top plate , which also accommodates touch sensitive control for volume , Bluetooth pairing and stimulant selection .
The system is identify as 7.1.4 . So you get it on what you ’re listen to , Dolby Atmos andDTS : Xlogos light up . There ’s also an illuminated Ambeo logo , which thankfully , is n’t too unhinge .
At work are seven 50 millimetre aluminium cone shape full kitchen range drivers , arranged front , side and top , plus two four - column inch cone cell woofers for sea bass . In sum , there ’s 400W full elaboration drive this ensemble .
Connectivity comprises threeHDMI larboard , one of which is designatedeARC . There ’s also an optical digital audio input , USB port , a pair of analogue stereophonic system phono inputs and Ethernet to bear out Wi - Fi , as well as a subwoofer pre - out , for system expansion , if required .
However , there ’s no 4K/120Hz pass - through on either of the bar ’s HDMI inputs . So while it ’s fine for aBlu - ray playerorTV streaming box , owners of aPS5orXbox series X / S will involve to connect flat to their television set if they want gamy physique rate gaming .
Features
Immersive audio data formatting compatibility is universal . In gain to Dolby Atmos and DTS :X , the Ambeo Soundbar Plus is360 Reality Audioand MPEG - H compatible .
There ’s no disjoined microphone ply to graduate the Browning automatic rifle . Instead , four built - in far - field mics optimise the system for your listening pleasure , reach with a brusk , gumptious burst of chirps and whistles . One net , striking whoosh , and you ’re expert to go .
In addition toBluetoothandApple AirPlay 2 , the system of rules can also be mix withAmazon Alexaand hasGoogle Chromecastbuilt in . System control is available via a partnering app .
Sound Quality
Dynamic , musical , and detail rich , the Ambeo Plus boasts many of the attributes of the Ambeo Max .
The enclosure may be relatively compact , but there ’s no shortage of bass bass . If you have the outer space and inclination , the Ambeo subwoofer , which is a decorative fabric peer , is an optional extra .
What ready Sennheiser ’s Ambeo processing asunder from its challenger has been the truth of its practical soundstage , and that remains true with the Ambeo Soundbar Plus .
It does a fantastic Book of Job when it comes to projecting breadth and height . There ’s a palpable sense of left-hand , centre , right panning , and upward travel .
When the Spinosaurus attacks Sam Neil in the river in Jurassic Park 3 ( Blu - ray , DTS :X ) , I felt that my entire elbow room was taking a sympathetic dunking . A Dolby trial run sequence of an Atmos rain cascade proves similarly convincing , with the cloudburst on the face of it add up from overhead .
But the soundstage is n’t 360 degrees . There ’s no audio coming from the nates , be it reflected or virtual . This is an almost inevitable trait with soundbars unless they ’re paired with ( wireless ) strong-arm surround speaker .
But it does n’t stop the system sounding cinematic .
The Ambeo Plus zestfulness action sequence regard copious gunfights and explosions , like those in the Jennifer Lopez thriller The Mother ( Netflix , Dolby Atmos ) . When the FBI secure business firm is assault early on , the Ambeo Plus delineates every hitman counter and ricochet of the ensue firefight . Its popcorn introduction is degraded and dynamic .
While there ’s an inevitable nidus on target - based audio mixes , the Ambeo Plus does a solid job with flat 5.1 . Upsampled by the Ambeo algorithm , Dolby Digital can offer a like listening experience , albeit without the redundant deepness you get from Atmos and DTS : X.
There ’s also a variety of strait mood to try out with : Adaptive , Music , Movie , News , Neutral and Sports modes . A Voice Enhancement mode adds a insidious level of stress to dialog , without making it too shrill . Adaptive was my coarse go - to .
It ’s a dandy party speaker too . The soundbar has the width to surrender convincing stereo music and has the nuance and click for a fun listen . The presentation is comparable to a twosome of bookshelf speakers , with plenty of double detail and a melodic mid - range .
Ultimately , the best of both worlds is to listen to Dolby Atmos euphony . The Ambeo Plus takes the immersive egg and run with it , get up audio from stereo system to stadium .
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Should you buy it?
As befit its agio condition , the Ambeo Plus is a substantial enclosing , suited to turgid TVs , and it delivers a commensurate soundstage , one that ’s exciting and dynamic .
operation may be top nick but economic value for money is more confutative . you’re able to find comparable challenger for less . TheSony HT - A7000is heel at a K and can be partner with a pair of SA - RS3S wireless rears , for just £ 449 / $ 349 more .
Final Thoughts
The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus is a stonking Dolby Atmos soundbar capable of rare preciseness and great power . It does a fine job produce a cinematic soundstage .
The provision of two HDMI inputs is welcome , but the want of 4K/120Hz passthrough is disappointing .
That articulate , if you ’re after a one box sound arrangement for movies and euphony playback , it packs a splendiferous slug . It ’s deserving saving your penny for .
Trusted Score
How we test
We test every soundbar system we retrospect exhaustively over an extended period of time . We utilise industry standard tests to equate feature article properly . We ’ll always secern you what we find . We never , ever , live with money to review a product .
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FAQs
The Ambeo Soundbar Plus has 4 - inch dual subwoofers built inside it , and we did n’t have an effect with the sea bass it produce . But if you need extra oomph then Sennheiser does sell the Ambeo Sub , and you could plug into four to this soundbar .
