Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus + sub

The AMBEO Soundbar Plus + SUB from Sennheiser marks a significant evolution in the world of high-end soundbars. This duo promises an immersive and powerful audio experience, combining cutting-edge technology with a compact design. Let’s dive into the details of what this audio solution has to offer.

Immersive Sound in a Compact Format

The AMBEO Soundbar Plus stands out for its ability to deliver 7.1.4 surround sound in a much more compact format than its predecessor, the AMBEO Soundbar Max. Measuring 105 cm wide and just 7.7 cm high, it fits seamlessly into most home theater setups without compromising sound quality. The soundbar features 9 speakers, including 7 full-range drivers of 50 mm and two 10 cm woofers, all powered by 9 Class D amplifiers for a total output of 400 W RMS.

The AMBEO Sub complements the setup with a 20 cm speaker and a 350-watt amplifier. This wireless subwoofer delivers deep bass down to 27 Hz, providing an extended frequency response and a more immersive cinematic experience.

AMBEO Technology: The Heart of the Experience

At the core of this system lies AMBEO technology, developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer IIS institute. This 3D sound virtualization technology creates a wide and immersive sound field, far exceeding the physical limits of the soundbar. The AMBEO Soundbar Plus offers three levels of virtualization intensity—light, standard, and boosted—allowing users to tailor the experience to their preferences and room configuration.

The soundbar supports the latest immersive audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, MPEG-H, and 360 Reality Audio. It can also upmix stereo and 5.1 content to create a three-dimensional sound experience, making it feel as though the artist is performing right in the room.

Intelligent Calibration for Perfect Adaptation

One of the standout features of the AMBEO Soundbar Plus is its automatic calibration system. Unlike many competitors that require an external microphone, the soundbar integrates four high-precision far-field microphones. This system enables quick and efficient calibration in just three minutes, adapting the sound reproduction to the room’s acoustic characteristics.

The AMBEO Sub also benefits from an advanced auto-calibration system. With its built-in microphone, it can accurately learn the room’s acoustics and adapt to any environment for optimal sound performance.

Connectivity and Control: A Seamless User Experience

The AMBEO Soundbar Plus offers extensive connectivity options. It includes three HDMI inputs (one with eARC), an optical input, a USB port, and an Ethernet jack. Wireless connectivity is equally robust, featuring Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and built-in Chromecast.

The AMBEO|OS operating system provides deep integration with numerous music streaming services like Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. The soundbar is also compatible with voice assistants, featuring built-in Amazon Alexa and support for Google Assistant devices.

The system is controlled via the Sennheiser Smart Control app, available on iOS and Android. This app not only allows for system configuration but also provides access to customizable presets and an equalizer to fine-tune the sound to your preferences.

Sound Performance: Power Meets Precision

The combination of the AMBEO Soundbar Plus and Sub delivers impressive sound performance. The soundbar alone creates a wide and immersive soundstage, with excellent separation of effects and precise dialogue reproduction. Adding the Sub brings extra depth, particularly enhancing low-frequency effects in action movies.

For music, the system demonstrates great versatility. It offers a spacious soundstage with a well-balanced tonal profile, capable of delivering both vocals and instruments with finesse. The dynamic range is excellent, faithfully reproducing the nuances of various music genres.

Technical Specifications

Audio System

• 2 cellulose cone speakers, 100 mm
• 7 full-range aluminum cone speakers, 50 mm
• Frequency response: 38 Hz - 20 kHz
• 9 Class D amplifiers
• Total amplification power: 400 W (RMS)

Connectivity

• HDMI:
  • 1 × eARC (HDMI 2.1)
  • 2 × HDMI 2.0a
• Audio:
  • 1 × S/PDIF (up to 192 kHz)
  • 1 × stereo RCA pair
  • 1 × mono RCA (max 2 V)
• Other connections:
  • 1 × USB Type-A (5 V, 1 A)
  • 1 × Ethernet RJ-45
  • 4 × high-precision built-in microphones
• Streaming: Chromecast, UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect

Bluetooth

• Version: 5.0 Classic, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
• Subwoofer transmission: 5.2 Low Energy Bluetooth (BLE)
• Frequency: 2,400-2,483.5 MHz
• Transmission power:
  • SOC BT: 10 mW max
  • Subwoofer BT: 10 mW max
• Codecs: AAC, SBC (SOC BT), LC3 (Subwoofer)

Power Supply

• Voltage: 100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz
• Maximum current: 2 A
• Standby consumption: 1.9 W max
• Deep standby consumption: < 0.5 W

Dimensions and Weight

• With feet: 1,051 × 77 × 121 mm
• Without feet: 1,051 × 75 × 121 mm
• Weight: 6.3 kg

Box Contents

• AMBEO Plus soundbar
• Remote control
• Premium high-speed HDMI cable
• Power cord
• Documentation (user manual, guides)

Ambeo SUB Subwoofer

• Speaker: 200 mm cellulose cone
• Power: 350 W RMS (Class D)
• Frequency response: 27-80 Hz
• Dimensions with feet: 274 × 369 × 274 mm
• Dimensions without feet: 274 × 357 × 274 mm
• Weight: 7.8 kg
• Power supply: 100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz, 2.5 A max