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The Sennheiser AMBEO soundbar’s premium pricing is worthwhile for users who value immersive listening and wireless connectivity, but it might not fully satisfy those who appreciate a strong bass response.
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Table of Contents
Product Snapshot
Overview
First released in late 2020, the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX is a top-shelf speaker that has 13 speakers. Movie lovers will appreciate its support for popular audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and DTS X for multi-directional sound.
This is something it has in common with the best speakers in the market. Its wide soundstage makes it easy to determine precisely where sound is coming from, and its loud max volume is ideal for large group listening.
The soundbar can connect to devices through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, and r Chromecast. The Sennheiser’s lack of a subwoofer means its bass levels don’t match up to what the best soundbars offer.
Its physical inputs include an Optical Audio In, four HDMI ports, and an AUX port, and this is much more than what you’ll get from the Sonos Arc, which we’ve covered in our Sonos Arc review.
Consensus
our Verdict
The 5.1.4 channel Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX has 13 speakers that make sound feel as though it is coming from all around you for immersive movie-watching, and while its audio is accurate and it gets quite loud, its bass output is not as thumpy.
Still, wireless connectivity is stellar, with Bluetooth, WiFi, Apple AirPlay, and Chromecast support, as well as ultra-low tested latencies of 72ms over ARC and 71ms over Optical for in-sync audiovisuals.
Its port selection is also great, consisting of 1 Optical Audio In, 3 Full HDMI, an RCA in, and an Ethernet port. Sound adjustment is also possible through its graphic EQ and presets. Overall, the AMBEO Max works for users who prioritize surround sound, but it is heavy and lacking in bass.
ReasonS to Buy
Great sound quality
The AMBEO MAX delivers an immersive movie-watching experience. It offers impressive surround sound, and its output can be customized through a graphic equalizer.
Excellent surround sound
With 13 total speakers and Dolby Atmos Sound support, the AMBEO MAX delivers an immersive listening experience, making movies come to life.
Great voice clarity
The soundbar reproduces voices quite accurately and clearly thanks to a dialogue-enhancement feature.
Smart features/connectivity
The Sennheiser Smart Control app is easy to use, and the soundbar works with Google Home. Wireless connectivity includes WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, and Chromecast. Wired inputs include 1 Optical Audio In, 3 Full HDMI ports, an Ethernet port, and an RCA in port. Audio-visual content on the AMBEO MAX is also well-synchronized thanks to a 72ms latency, which is average among those tested.
Loud max volume
With a tested max volume of 101.6 dB, the AMBEO MAX gets quite loud and sits in the top 20% of other tested soundbars in this regard.
Reason to Avoid
Unsatisfying bass response
The bass output on the AMBEO MAX is not as thumpy as most would like, as it doesn’t come with a subwoofer.
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Specs
Bluetooth Enabled
Yes
Depth
6.7"
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
Yes
Energy Star Certified
No
Equalizer Settings
Advanced
HDMI ARC
Yes
Height
5.3"
Number of Audio Channels
5.1.4
Subwoofer
Optional (sold separately)
Surround Sound Supported
Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD
Voice Assistant
No
Wall Mountable
Yes
Weight
41 lbs
Width
49.8"
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
No, Yes
Works With
Bluetooth, Remote Control
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Soundbars based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
Low End Roll Off (Hz)
179.594
High End Roll Off (Hz)
6,736.797
Max Volume Test (db)
101.6
Latency (ms)
72
THD @ 80dB
0.16
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First released in late 2020, the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX is a top-shelf speaker that has 13 speakers. Movie lovers will appreciate its support for…
First released in late 2020, the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX is a top-shelf speaker that has 13 speakers. Movie lovers will appreciate its support for popular audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and DTS X for multi-directional sound.
This is something it has in common with the best speakers in the market. Its wide soundstage makes it easy to determine precisely where sound is coming from, and its loud max volume is ideal for large group listening.
The soundbar can connect to devices through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, and r Chromecast. The Sennheiser’s lack of a subwoofer means its bass levels don’t match up to what the best soundbars offer.
Its physical inputs include an Optical Audio In, four HDMI ports, and an AUX port, and this is much more than what you’ll get from the Sonos Arc, which we’ve covered in our Sonos Arc review.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max is outmatched by the Samsung HW-Q990B in terms of sound output because the Samsung soundbar ships with a subwoofer and…
The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max is outmatched by the Samsung HW-Q990B in terms of sound output because the Samsung soundbar ships with a subwoofer and two satellite speakers, while the AMBEO Soundbar Max only ships as a soundbar. The Samsung sound system also allows for both bass and treble adjustment, but the Sennheiser Soundbar does not.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max misses out on a subwoofer, which is included with the JBL Bar 9.1. However, the AMBEO Max is capable of…
The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max misses out on a subwoofer, which is included with the JBL Bar 9.1. However, the AMBEO Max is capable of dialogue enhancement for clearer vocals, while the JBL Bar 9.1 is not. The AMBEO Max also gets louder than the JBL Soundbar, making it more suitable for large-group listening.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max has 5.1.4 channels, while the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus has 7.1.4. As a result, the Soundbar Plus delivers a more…
The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max has 5.1.4 channels, while the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus has 7.1.4. As a result, the Soundbar Plus delivers a more satisfying surround sound experience.
