Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus: the new reference soundbar?

After revolutionizing the world of soundbars with the incredible Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar, the German manufacturer unveils a new model: the Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus. The latter condenses the key elements of its predecessor in a more compact and discreet format. A model that is more accessible, but just as ambitious with a power of 400W RMS and Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 compatibility. The brand is also launching the Sennheiser Ambeo Sub wireless subwoofer, which is compatible with both soundbars.

Sennheiser Ambeo: now a range

In 2019, the German manufacturer made waves in the soundbar market with the Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar. A very high-end model with 5.1.4 channels powered by a total amplification of 250 watts RMS (up to 500 watts peak). Very quickly, this model became the reference for Atmos soundbars (which soundbars are Dolby Atmos compatible?) thanks to its ability to produce immersive 3D sound from a single device. It has been acclaimed by the international press and has received numerous awards, including an Eisa Award, a What Hi-Fi? 5 Stars award and an iF Design award. A success that the manufacturer wishes to replicate with several models, including the new Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus. The name Ambeo now refers to the brand’s range of soundbars, the first of which, the Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar, has been renamed Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Max.

Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus: compact size

Although the Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Max is truly spectacular to listen to, it is imposing and difficult to install in front of a TV. This is a far cry from the ultra-thin soundbars that can fit under the latest TVs. The new Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus is much easier to integrate thanks to its thickness, which has been reduced from 135 to 77mm.

In this more compact format, the Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus manages to integrate 9 drivers, including two 4″ woofers to ensure great bass reproduction. Each driver is paired with its own amplifier module, allowing the Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus to deliver a total of 400W RMS.

Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus: acoustic calibration

For this new Ambeo soundbar, the German manufacturer has partnered with the Fraunhofer IIS Institute to maximize the efficiency of sound virtualization. The Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus therefore promises to produce a very realistic three-dimensional sound space in 7.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos, even with stereo or 5.1 programs. To optimize its operation, it is able to perform an acoustic calibration of the room thanks to its integrated microphones. In addition, several listening modes are available, including a voice mode to improve the clarity of dialogue. The level of AMBEO virtualization can be modulated on three different intensities: light, standard, accentuated.

Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus: HDMI, optical and RCA

The connectivity of the new Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus is very similar to that of its predecessor, with two HDMI 2.0a inputs to connect a Blu-ray player, a game console or a TV set-top box, for example. An HDMI eARC port allows you to retrieve the audio track of the program being viewed on the TV. For a TV that is not eARC or ARC compatible, the Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus also has an RCA input and a 192kHz compatible optical input.

Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus: streaming

Like most of the latest high-end soundbars, the Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus integrates numerous streaming solutions for music playback. In particular, it is possible to stream music from a smartphone, tablet or computer thanks to AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth compatibility. The Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus can also access many streaming services, including Spotify and Tidal.

Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus: price & availability

The new Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus is now available for pre-order at a price of €1,499. A price that places it among the high-end models, but that allows it to be more attractive than the current €2,499 Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Max or the new Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre ultra-high-end bar,also capable of creating a 7.1.4 channel sound space.

Sennheiser Ambeo Sub: a wireless subwoofer

Alongside the Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus, the German manufacturer has also announced a subwoofer compatible with the Ambeo range: the Sennheiser Ambeo Sub. This model can work wirelessly with the brand’s soundbars or can be connected via cables to an A/V receiver or hi-fi amplifier thanks to its mono RCA input. It promises to deliver deep, powerful bass thanks to an 8″ long-throw driver in a sealed enclosure. It is powered by a 350W RMS class D amplifier. Like the Sennheiser bars, the Sennheiser Ambeo Sub incorporates a microphone to perform acoustic calibration and adjust its settings according to the room in which it is placed.

The Sennheiser Ambeo Subwoofer will be launched alongside the new Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Plus for €699. They can already be preordered on Son-Vidéo.com.