What do you think of our picks? Let us know below.
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Update: Converted to Test Bench 1.2. Updated the results for audio format support via ARC/eARC, HDMI In, and Optical. Added Video Passthrough to TV results as well.
Any chance of revisiting with the added sub =]?
Any chance of revisiting with the added sub =]?
It isn’t something we have any current plans to do, but we do have a separate voting page for the option with the sub, which you can see here. So, if there’s enough interest, we’ll consider buying and testing it!
It isn’t something we have any current plans to do, but we do have a separate voting page for the option with the sub, which you can see here. So, if there’s enough interest, we’ll consider buying and testing it!
You don’t have to buy the Sennheiser one, just the bar is much more alive with one added. Surely rtings has a SVS or something sitting around that can be added to the sub out port to test.
You don’t have to buy the Sennheiser one, just the bar is much more alive with one added. Surely rtings has a SVS or something sitting around that can be added to the sub out port to test.
I’m sure that’s an option, but a big factor comes down to time/resources. We have a large testing and retesting queueto get through, so we can’t just test it in the way you’re asking. Sorry about that!
I’m sure that’s an option, but a big factor comes down to time/resources. We have a large testing and retesting queueto get through, so we can’t just test it in the way you’re asking. Sorry about that!
Understood but the ability to connect to a high quality, non-proprietary subwoofer seems to be the feature that distinguishes the Sennheiser from all other soundbars. It is the major reason for my interest.
I agree with Dylan Crete. The major reason I am considering the Sennheisers is their ability to support a wired subwoofer.
Update: Added market comparison with the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Mini in the Dimensions - Bar box.
The 3rd party subwoofer is definitely not a deal breaker, however, the sound bar stand alone is amazing! Sound quality in all phases is unreal in my setup.
I’m sure that’s an option, but a big factor comes down to time/resources. We have a large testing and retesting queueto get through, so we can’t just test it in the way you’re asking. Sorry about that!
But you have no problem downgrading a bar because it does not have a proprietary sub as compared to the bar it’s being compared to. That’s apples and oranges and misleading.
Understood but the ability to connect to a high quality, non-proprietary subwoofer seems to be the feature that distinguishes the Sennheiser from all other soundbars. It is the major reason for my interest.
Absolutely!. Included Proprietary subs are afterthoughts and should be avoided. It’s why these subs are never tested on their own merit. Chances are they will not hold up when compared to a decent third-party sub. Just the way it is with marketing. I’ll put a wager on a comparison between a third-party sub say SVS or Triangle and say the $1000 Sonos sub they want you to buy if you wish to add low end to your Arc bar. Compare them on their own merits.
I agree with Dylan Crete. The major reason I am considering the Sennheisers is their ability to support a wired subwoofer.
It’s the main reason I bought the Ambeo Plus. Buying a $1500 soundbar that includes a junk sub makes no sense. I’ll use my SVS sealed sub or my Velodyne. Much more control. There are lots of good used subs out there. I got a kick out of the Sonos statement about their sub. “ no more buzzing …”. That’s not something I would not be bragging about. Doesn’t say much about their previous versions.
We’ve just released a new video featuring the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus here.
I support the theme of this thread. I bought the Ambeo Plus unheard as only the Max was available for demo in NYC. I have since linked it to my 3 subs (part of another system in the same room) and the results are superb. I have a highly-rated Samsung (with its proprietary sub) in another room and it is simply not in the same class.
Update: We’ve converted this review to Test Bench Update 1.3. If applicable, we’ve retested stereo sound based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Additionally, we’ve expanded our audio latency tests to the following boxes: Audio Latency: ARC, Audio Latency: HDMI In, and Audio Latency: Optical. You can see the full changelog here.
Hi ! have you test this bar in his Dolby Virtualizer mode into his app ? see “settings” > “settings codec” > “settings Dolby codec” and activate Dolby Virtualizer (with or without loudness and DRC) the sound is more accurate than ambeo 3D mode, even bass are more precise, and the sound goes behind me (6m). This bar have to place at the height of ear for better listening because Sennheiser is a great Hifi Firm ! I like very much this bar in his Dolby Virtualizer mode but we have to push up the volume in this mode, I go to between 30 and 65% it’s awesome !
Hi ! have you test this bar in his Dolby Virtualizer mode into his app ? see “settings” > “settings codec” > “settings Dolby codec” and activate Dolby Virtualizer (with or without loudness and DRC) the sound is more accurate than ambeo 3D mode, even bass are more precise, and the sound goes behind me (6m). This bar have to place at the height of ear for better listening because Sennheiser is a great Hifi Firm ! I like very much this bar in his Dolby Virtualizer mode but we have to push up the volume in this mode, I go to between 30 and 65% it’s awesome !
Hi stefane!
Thanks for your comment! Unfortunately, we can’t take new additional measurements of the AMBEO Plus with the Dolby Virtualizer setting enabled, as we don’t have the unit in our inventory any more. That said we appreciate your input on the quality of that feature, it might help someone discover it that wouldn’t otherwise. We may consider adding a mention of it to the text even though we don’t have measurements if we notice more suggestions of using the feature here and elsewhere online.
Thanks! Matt
Hi ! have you test this bar in his Dolby Virtualizer mode into his app ? see “settings” > “settings codec” > “settings Dolby codec” and activate Dolby Virtualizer (with or without loudness and DRC) the sound is more accurate than ambeo 3D mode, even bass are more precise, and the sound goes behind me (6m). This bar have to place at the height of ear for better listening because Sennheiser is a great Hifi Firm ! I like very much this bar in his Dolby Virtualizer mode but we have to push up the volume in this mode, I go to between 30 and 65% it’s awesome !
my measurments, see n°1 with 10 to compare
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XV4eyhUmHRSA3fuLE_6k5lDFUV2VThGP/view?usp=drive_link in a room 18m² with 3m to point of listning
“With its AMBEO 3D mode turned on, the bar is a fair choice for height content like Dolby Atmos. It uses its side-firing and up-firing drivers to simulate height in the space around you. The frequency response on these channels is fairly even but a touch bright due to the lack of bass.
Subjectively, the bar’s soundstage with Atmos content is just okay. Sound stretches wide into the space around you, aided by the AMBEO 3D mode. However, you don’t notice sound effects in the space above you or behind you, which takes away from the overall immersive feel. Details are a bit diffused at times, too, as the volume is high on some effects and low on others.”
for atmos with this bar we have to activate voice mode, this function boost all frequencies at +6dB and the 2 woofers in height are made for walk with all others speakers, so helicopters sound are great in height atmos.
Do you have activate voice mode to measure atmos effect ? Because the others soundbar place these sub-midrange in front or under (Denon dht-s217 - s218) or front-rear (home 550) to punch effects.