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  1. Home
  2. Soundbar
  3. Compare
  1. Table of Contents
  2. Top
  3. Main Differences
  4. Design
    1. Style - Bar
    2. Style - Subwoofer
    3. Style - Satellites
    4. Dimensions - Bar
    5. Dimensions - Subwoofer
    6. Dimensions - Satellites
    7. Mounting
    8. Build Quality
    9. In The Box
  5. Sound
    1. Stereo Frequency Response
    2. Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
    3. Stereo Soundstage
    4. Stereo Dynamics
    5. Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
    6. Center
    7. Surround 5.1
    8. Height (Atmos)
    9. Sound Enhancement Features
  6. Connectivity
    1. Inputs/Outputs - Bar
    2. Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
    3. Audio Format Support: HDMI In
    4. Audio Format Support: Optical
    5. Latency
    6. Video Passthrough To TV
    7. Wireless Playback
  7. Additional Features
    1. Interface
    2. Bar Controls
    3. Remote
    4. Voice Assistants Support
  8. Comments

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX vs JBL Bar 9.1

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX
JBL Bar 9.1

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Sep 24, 2024 01:23 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Sep 05, 2024 07:07 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Picture
JBL Bar 9.1 Picture
Channels
5.1.4
Channels
5.1.4
  1. Recommended in 2 articles:
  2. Subwoofer
  3. All-In-One

Variants

  • AMBEO Soundbar MAX (Black)
  • Bar 9.1 (Black)

Review

See Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Review
See JBL Bar 9.1 Review
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0 

Our Verdict

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX

JBL Bar 9.1

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better 5.1.4 soundbar than the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX. The JBL is better built, it's smaller, and its satellite speakers are completely wireless, which means they can be placed virtually anywhere you have room. It also sounds significantly more balanced and neutral, while its surround and height performances are better. However, the Sennheiser has three Full HDMI In ports, a parametric EQ, and it can get louder. It also has a companion app that you can use to control all the features of the soundbar. If you don't mind its bulky size, the Sennheiser is a good choice if you don't have the room for a full setup.

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AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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Bar 9.1
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Bar 9.1
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Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 

8.0
7.9

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Yes
No

Stereo Soundstage 
 

7.0
8.0

Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Style photo - bar
JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - bar
Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Style photo - sub
JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - sub

Sub Wireless 
 

No
Yes

Enclosure 
 

Integrated
Ported
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Style photo - satellites
JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - satellites

Satellite Wireless 
 

No
Yes
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Dimensions photo - bar
JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - bar

Width  

49.3" (125.2 cm)
34.8" (88.4 cm)

Height  

5.2" (13.3 cm)
2.3" (5.8 cm)

Depth  

6.8" (17.2 cm)
4.7" (11.9 cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Dimensions photo - sub
JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - sub

Width  

N/A
12.0" (30.5 cm)

Height  

N/A
17.3" (44.0 cm)

Depth  

N/A
12.0" (30.5 cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Dimensions photo - satellites
JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - satellites

Width  

N/A
6.8" (17.3 cm)

Height  

N/A
2.2" (5.6 cm)

Depth  

N/A
4.7" (12.0 cm)
Show Text 

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Bar Mounting Holes
JBL Bar 9.1 Bar Mounting Holes

Satellite Mounting Holes  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Satellite Mounting Holes
JBL Bar 9.1 Satellite Mounting Holes

Mountable Bar 
 

Yes
Yes

Bar Brackets Included 
 

No
Yes

Mountable Satellites 
 

No
Yes

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

No
Yes

Build Quality 
 

7.5
8.0

Build quality photo  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Build quality photo
JBL Bar 9.1 Build quality photo
Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX In The Box photo
JBL Bar 9.1 In The Box photo
Show Text 
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

7.9
8.1

Stereo Setup  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Stereo Setup
JBL Bar 9.1 Stereo Setup

Raw Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Frequency Response Small  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Tested Preset 
 

Neutral
Standard

Slope 
 

1.02
-0.31

Std. Err. 
 

4.39 dB
2.63 dB

Channels 
 

5.1.4
5.1.4

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

29.5 Hz
33.6 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.6 kHz
18.8 kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

8.3
8.1

Frequency Response Calibrated  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Suggested Preset 
 

Neutral
Standard

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

6
3

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

N/A
N/A

Slope 
 

0.32
-0.31

Std. Err. 
 

2.88 dB
2.63 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

29.1 Hz
33.6 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.3 kHz
18.8 kHz

Stereo Soundstage 
 

7.0
8.0

Crosstalk  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Crosstalk Error 
 

1.84 dB
3.22 dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

8.7
7.8

Dynamic Range Compression  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

101.6 dB SPL
95.0 dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

1.72 dB
2.10 dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

8.5
8.2

THD  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.16
0.22

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.07
1.73
Show Text 

Center 
 

8.8
8.6

Center Setup  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Center Setup
JBL Bar 9.1 Center Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Discrete
Discrete

Slope 
 

0.36
-0.03

Std. Err. 
 

2.60 dB
2.62 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

98.9 dB SPL
94.3 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.15
0.29

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

0.73
1.60
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

6.4
7.7

Surround Setup  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Surround Setup
JBL Bar 9.1 Surround Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Phantom (Side Firing, Bar)
Discrete

Slope 
 

1.56
-0.38

Std. Err. 
 

3.99 dB
4.10 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

102.2 dB SPL
97.8 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.26
0.23

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.66
1.79

7.1 Rears 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

6.3
6.1

Height Setup  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Height Setup
JBL Bar 9.1 Height Setup

H Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar & Satellites)

Slope 
 

1.00
-1.44

Std. Err. 
 

4.26 dB
5.40 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

95.1 dB SPL
89.7 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.41
1.04

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.60
0.63
Show Text 

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

5.9
6.2

Room Correction 
 

Yes
Yes

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Yes
No

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Yes
Yes

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

No
Yes

Bass Adjustment 
 

No
No

Treble Adjustment 
 

No
No

EQ 
 

Graphic + Presets
Presets

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

No
Yes

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

No
No

Height Level Adjustment 
 

No
Yes

Virtual Surround 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 
Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
JBL Bar 9.1 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
JBL Bar 9.1 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2

Optical Audio In 
 

1
1

HDMI Out 
 

eARC
eARC

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth 
 

No
No

Full HDMI In 
 

3
1

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

No
No

RCA In 
 

Yes
No

USB for Files 
 

No
No

Ethernet 
 

1
1

Subwoofer Output 
 

Yes
No
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC 
 

9.9
10

Dolby Atmos 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS:X 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS-HD MA 
 

Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

Up To 5.1
Up To 7.1
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

9.9
10

Dolby Atmos 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS:X 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS-HD MA 
 

Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

Up To 5.1
Up To 7.1
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

10
10

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

2.0
2.0
Show Text 

Latency 
 

7.5
8.1

Latency Video  

ARC 
 

72 ms
53 ms

Optical 
 

71 ms
47 ms

Full HDMI In 
 

88 ms
-53 ms

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

8.5
6.3

1080p Max Refresh Rate 
 

120Hz
60Hz

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

120Hz
60Hz

4k Max Refresh Rate 
 

60Hz
60Hz

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit 
 

Not Supported
Not Supported

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

60Hz
60Hz

8k Max Refresh Rate 
 

30Hz
Not Supported

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Yes
Yes

HDR10+ Passthrough 
 

Yes
No

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

Yes
Yes

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough 
 

Yes
No

FreeSync Passthrough 
 

No
No

G-SYNC Passthrough 
 

No
No

ALLM Passthrough 
 

Yes
No
Show Text 

Wireless Playback 
 

10
10

Bluetooth 
 

Yes
Yes

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Yes
Yes

Chromecast built-in 
 

Yes
Yes

Apple AirPlay 
 

Yes
Yes

Spotify Connect 
 

Yes
No
Show Text 
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Interface photo
JBL Bar 9.1 Interface photo

Display 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Controls photo
JBL Bar 9.1 Controls photo
Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Remote photo
JBL Bar 9.1 Remote photo
Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

No
No

Google Assistant 
 

No
No

Apple Siri 
 

No
No

Microphone Mute 
 

No
No
Show Text 

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Bar 9.1
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Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX

JBL Bar 9.1

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 1 year ago

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX vs JBL Bar 9.1: Main Discussion

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