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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

Vizio SB36512-F6 vs Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

Vizio SB36512-F6
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Jan 12, 2024 04:18 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Sep 24, 2024 01:23 PM

SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Vizio SB36512-F6 Picture
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Picture
Channels
5.1.2
Channels
5.1.4
  1. Recommended in 2 articles:
  2. Subwoofer
  3. All-In-One

Variants

  • SB36512-F6
  • AMBEO Soundbar MAX (Black)

Review

See Vizio SB36512-F6 Review
See Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Review
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Our Verdict

Vizio SB36512-F6

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better performing soundbar than the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX. It has a better stereo frequency response performance and has a dedicated sub and surround speakers, while the Sennheiser is just a bar that tries to do it all. On the other hand, the Sennheiser does have a virtual surround mode that is quite impressive for a stand-alone bar. It's also better built, although very large and heavy.

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Standard
SB36512-F6
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Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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Standard
SB36512-F6
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Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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Standard
SB36512-F6
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Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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Standard
SB36512-F6
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Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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SB36512-F6
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Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 

7.8
8.0

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

No
Yes

Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Style photo - bar
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Style photo - bar
Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Style photo - sub
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Style photo - sub

Sub Wireless 
 

Yes
No

Enclosure 
 

Ported
Integrated
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Style photo - satellites
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Style photo - satellites

Satellite Wireless 
 

Partial, wired to wireless sub
No
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Dimensions photo - bar
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Dimensions photo - bar

Width  

36.0" (91.5 cm)
49.3" (125.2 cm)

Height  

2.6" (6.6 cm)
5.2" (13.3 cm)

Depth  

3.4" (8.7 cm)
6.8" (17.2 cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Dimensions photo - sub
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Dimensions photo - sub

Width  

7.0" (17.9 cm)
N/A

Height  

11.5" (29.2 cm)
N/A

Depth  

11.4" (29.0 cm)
N/A
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Dimensions photo - satellites
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Dimensions photo - satellites

Width  

2.6" (6.6 cm)
N/A

Height  

5.7" (14.5 cm)
N/A

Depth  

2.9" (7.3 cm)
N/A
Show Text 

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Bar Mounting Holes
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Bar Mounting Holes

Satellite Mounting Holes  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Satellite Mounting Holes
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Satellite Mounting Holes

Mountable Bar 
 

Yes
Yes

Bar Brackets Included 
 

Yes
No

Mountable Satellites 
 

Yes
No

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

Yes
No

Build Quality 
 

7.0
7.5

Build quality photo  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Build quality photo
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Build quality photo
Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

Vizio SB36512-F6 In The Box photo
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX In The Box photo
Show Text 
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

8.1
7.9

Stereo Setup  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Stereo Setup
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX 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 
 

Direct
Neutral

Slope 
 

-0.49
1.02

Std. Err. 
 

2.74 dB
4.39 dB

Channels 
 

5.1.2
5.1.4

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

33.6 Hz
29.5 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.9 kHz
19.6 kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

8.2
8.3

Frequency Response Calibrated  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Suggested Preset 
 

Direct
Neutral

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

-4
6

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

2
N/A

Slope 
 

0.13
0.32

Std. Err. 
 

2.43 dB
2.88 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

34.1 Hz
29.1 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.6 kHz
19.3 kHz

Stereo Soundstage 
 

7.0
7.0

Crosstalk  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Crosstalk Error 
 

2.21 dB
1.84 dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

8.4
8.7

Dynamic Range Compression  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

94.4 dB SPL
101.6 dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

0.72 dB
1.72 dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

7.4
8.5

THD  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.49
0.16

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

2.51
1.07
Show Text 

Center 
 

8.5
8.8

Center Setup  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Center Setup
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Center Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Discrete
Discrete

Slope 
 

-0.12
0.36

Std. Err. 
 

2.33 dB
2.60 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

90.9 dB SPL
98.9 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.41
0.15

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.75
0.73
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

6.8
6.4

Surround Setup  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Surround Setup
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Surround Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Discrete
Phantom (Side Firing, Bar)

Slope 
 

-1.91
1.56

Std. Err. 
 

5.46 dB
3.99 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

90.2 dB SPL
102.2 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.47
0.26

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

2.26
1.66

7.1 Rears 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

6.0
6.3

Height Setup  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Height Setup
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Height Setup

H Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)

Slope 
 

0.01
1.00

Std. Err. 
 

4.64 dB
4.26 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

90.2 dB SPL
95.1 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

1.91
0.41

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.02
1.60
Show Text 

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

5.9
5.9

Room Correction 
 

No
Yes

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

No
Yes

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Yes
Yes

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
No

Bass Adjustment 
 

Yes
No

Treble Adjustment 
 

Yes
No

EQ 
 

Presets
Graphic + Presets

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
No

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

No
No

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
No

Virtual Surround 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 
Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Physical Connections Bar Photo 1

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Physical Connections Bar Photo 2

Optical Audio In 
 

1
1

HDMI Out 
 

ARC
eARC

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth 
 

No
No

Full HDMI In 
 

1
3

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

1
No

RCA In 
 

No
Yes

USB for Files 
 

1
No

Ethernet 
 

1
1

Subwoofer Output 
 

No
Yes
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC 
 

8.3
9.9

Dolby Atmos 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Not Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS:X 
 

Not Supported
Supported

DTS-HD MA 
 

Not Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

2.0
Up To 5.1
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

9.7
9.9

Dolby Atmos 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS:X 
 

Not Supported
Supported

DTS-HD MA 
 

Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

Up To 5.1
Up To 5.1
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

10
10

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

2.0
2.0
Show Text 

Latency 
 

7.4
7.5

Latency Video  

ARC 
 

56 ms
72 ms

Optical 
 

53 ms
71 ms

Full HDMI In 
 

-85 ms
88 ms
Show Text 

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

7.8
8.5

1080p Max Refresh Rate 
 

120Hz
120Hz

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

120Hz
120Hz

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
30Hz

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Yes
Yes

HDR10+ Passthrough 
 

No
Yes

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

No
Yes

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough 
 

Yes
Yes

FreeSync Passthrough 
 

No
No

G-SYNC Passthrough 
 

No
No

ALLM Passthrough 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Wireless Playback 
 

9.0
10

Bluetooth 
 

Yes
Yes

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Yes
Yes

Chromecast built-in 
 

Yes
Yes

Apple AirPlay 
 

No
Yes

Spotify Connect 
 

No
Yes
Show Text 
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Interface photo
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Interface photo

Display 
 

No
Yes
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Controls photo
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Controls photo
Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Remote photo
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX 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 

Check Price

Standard
SB36512-F6
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Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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Standard
SB36512-F6
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Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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Standard
SB36512-F6
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Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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Standard
SB36512-F6
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Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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Standard
SB36512-F6
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Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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Vizio SB36512-F6

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 2 years ago

Vizio SB36512-F6 vs Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX: Main Discussion

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