This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:17:48
The video extensively reviews the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus, led by presenter Louis from Smart Home Sounds. Priced at £1299, this soundbar boasts a robust design, 400-watt output, and nine internal speakers, geared for TVs 55 inches and larger. Highlighted for its impressive soundstage and room-filling capabilities, the device excels in Dolby Atmos and non-Atmos content, enhancing audio immersion especially for movies and music.
Connectivity features include HDMI 2.1 eARC, multiple audio/streaming capabilities, and comprehensive control options via touch controls, remote, and the Smart Control app. The automated room calibration system, operated through the app using built-in microphones, stands out for ease of use and sound optimization.
Comparisons with other soundbars such as Sony A7000, Sonos Arc, and Sennheiser Ambeo Max reveal nuanced strengths: the Sony A7000, though comparable in price, offers better dialogue clarity and optional enhancements; Sonos Arc thrives within its ecosystem; and the higher-end Ambeo Max, while powerful, is pricier and larger. Overall, the Sennheiser Ambeo Plus is commended for balancing high-end features in a compact, versatile form, making it an excellent choice for diverse audio needs.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter, Louis from Smart Home Sounds, reviews the Sennheiser Ambio Soundbar Plus, comparing it to other premium soundbars and its larger sibling, the Sennheiser Ambio Max. Key details about the Ambio Plus include its 400-watt output, price of £1299, and design features such as robust construction, smooth plastic cabinet, fabric cloth grille, and touch controls. The soundbar is recommended for TVs 55 inches and larger, fitting well in most spaces either on a media stand or wall-mounted. Additionally, it boasts nine internal speakers despite its compact form. The presenter highlights the soundbar’s sleek and stylish design and considers it a good fit for his living room.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the presenter details the technical specifications and connectivity options of a Sennheiser soundbar. It features multiple drivers and subwoofers powered by individual class D amplifiers, all managed by Sennheiser’s quad-core processor. For connectivity, the soundbar includes an optical port, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1 eARC, two HDMI 2.0 inputs, USB, and RCA inputs, but lacks support for 4K 120Hz gaming passthrough, which might be a disadvantage for gamers.
Additionally, the soundbar supports a wide range of audio codecs, Bluetooth 5.0, and major music streaming services via Wi-Fi including Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify, Tidal Connect, and Google Chromecast. Control features include touch controls on the soundbar, a remote, and the Sennheiser Smart Control app, which offers various functionalities such as input selection, volume control, adjustable EQ presets, voice control, and system calibration. The ‘Ambeo’ mode is highlighted as a significant feature that enhances spatial and immersive audio for an improved soundstage in movies and music.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker focuses on Sennheiser’s room calibration system for their Soundbar, highlighting its ease of use via an app and four built-in microphones. The system automates the calibration process, requiring no additional wires or microphones. The speaker recommends using and recalibrating the system if the soundbar is moved to enhance performance quickly. The app also offers detailed settings such as center channel adjustments and LED brightness. A quick sound test follows, illustrating the soundbar’s capabilities, though it’s noted the YouTube audio isn’t studio quality. The soundbar excels in creating a room-filling sound stage for movies, TV, and music with an impressive expansive audio, especially in Dolby Atmos and non-Atmos content. An example from “James Bond: No Time to Die” demonstrates its ability to vividly localize sound effects. This, combined with excellent handling of surround sound and detail placement, makes the soundbar stand out against others tested.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the reviewer discusses the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar’s performance. The soundbar’s physical height channels effectively reflect sound off the ceiling, enhancing the action experience. However, it doesn’t fully match a multi-speaker setup’s immersion since Sennheiser does not currently offer rear surround speakers. A subwoofer can be added, with the flexibility to use a third-party option, although this might reduce customization through the Sennheiser app. In small to medium rooms, the bass output is sufficient, but in larger spaces, it could feel inadequate.
The Ambeo mode is highlighted for its broader soundstage, making audio more expansive and enjoyable, particularly with music, although it sacrifices some precision and dialogue detail. The reviewer prefers the mode off for more natural and detailed sound especially for films and TV shows. Music listening is praised, noting that the soundbar delivers a lively and dynamic experience, surprisingly close to traditional Hi-Fi setups, making it appealing for High Fidelity enthusiasts considering a soundbar.
00:12:00
In this segment, the speaker compares various soundbars, specifically the Sonos Arc, Sony A7000, and the Sennheiser Ambeo Max and Plus. The Sony A7000, priced at £1299, is considered a competitor to the Ambeo Plus, with both models offering strong performance for movies and TV. The Sony A7000 is noted for its slightly better dialogue clarity and features a 7.1.2 sound system, while the Ambeo Plus excels with Atmos content, provides better music separation, and features a 7.1.4 system.
The speaker highlights the Sony A7000’s advantages, such as Center sync for Sony TV owners, an additional 2.1 port, and optional rear speakers that enhance the audio experience with 360 spatial sound mapping technology. The Sennheiser Ambeo Max, on the other hand, is a more high-end option at £2199, offering a powerful 5.1.4 setup with 13 high-end drivers for deep bass and impactful performance, but its large size may not suit all spaces.
The Ambeo Plus is praised for incorporating the superior features of the Max into a more compact, affordable, and versatile soundbar, making it a great option for many consumers.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the presenter compares the Sennheiser Ambeo Max soundbar with the Sonos Arc. They discuss the price difference, noting that the Arc is priced at £899 while the Ambeo Max is £400 less. They highlight the strengths of each soundbar, mentioning the Sonos ecosystem as a key feature for the Arc, especially for users with existing Sonos products. Conversely, for those not invested in the Sonos ecosystem, the Ambeo Max’s Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with third-party subwoofers make it appealing.
The presenter praises the music performance of the Ambeo Max and points out that both soundbars are exceptional at handling Dolby Atmos. They also weigh the benefits of adding rear speakers and subwoofers, noting the cost implications for enhancing the sound experience with either option. They conclude that the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and specific needs, suggesting that the Ambeo Max is a solid standalone option for high-fidelity audio.