Finally, a classy soundbar that’s compact and delivers immersive sound (and is $300 off)

A good soundbar can take your TV or music viewing experience to the next level. Instead of listening through small TV speakers or cheap desktop speakers, why not use a device that gives you more — more volume, more bass, more depth, more space? broader and clearer?

I’ve tested and used many soundbars over the years and my favorite is the one JBL 1000 barwhich took over my old Klipsch. But Bar 1000 takes up a little space. Not only is the main speaker long, but the sub is also big, and the satellite speakers need to be mounted and plugged in.

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If you don’t have enough money or space for such a soundbar, consider it Sennheiser Ambeo mini sound bar. It delivers incredibly immersive sound with just a single 27″ soundbar and a subwoofer that delivers exceptional depth for its size.

And if you get that rich, classic Sennheiser sound, what’s not to love?

specifications

• Automatic self-calibration.
• Connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect with Dolby Atmos, Alexa and Google Chromecast.
• Dual 4″ subwoofers.
• 6 x class D amps.
• Total output power – 250 W (RMS).
• Audio Processing – Quad Core 1.8 GHz SOC.
• Frequency response – 43Hz – 20Khz
• Ports – 1 internal HDMI eARC
• 4 far field mics
• Dimensions – 27.5″ long, 2.5″ high and 4″ deep.
• Price – $799 without subs (matching subs cost $549).

My experience

My first test of the Ambeo Soundbar Mini didn’t go well. I connected it to an older smart TV (that doesn’t support eARC) in my workout room via HDMI and the TV didn’t recognize the soundbar. Since the Ambeo Soundbar Mini doesn’t include any other connectivity that my old TV might support, I chose to connect it to my laptop to see how this speaker combo works beyond just movies/ TV but also with music. After discovering the soundbar was the Mini version, everything fell into place.

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I’m happy to report that this small-sized speaker did a remarkable job of filling the room with sound that put most other soundbars I tested (with the exception of the JBL) to shame. . Of course, I’m not surprised because of Sennheiser’s reputation and ability to produce high-quality audio products.

Before continuing, it’s important to know that the Ambeo Soundbar Mini and the Ambeo subwoofer are sold separately. While the Ambeo Soundbar Mini has pretty solid bass, the frequency response will tell you that it’s not capable of reaching the depth you might expect from high-quality audio and (especially) a soundbar to Enhance your movie viewing experience. watching.

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For me, the sound and roar that the sub can enhance isn’t too much; that’s how they are able to give more depth and presence to human voices, and the Ambeo Mini handles human voices wonderfully. I’ve always found many sound bars at this price point push the midrange too much, resulting in a harsh sound; this reduces sound quality and does not benefit the human voice at all. The Ambeo Mini gives voices a richness and depth that you won’t find on competitor devices at nearly $600. Of course, to really get the best experience, you should consider the included subwoofer, which will take bass to the next level and strengthen voices. At the same time, the differences between the EQ options (Movie, Music, News, Sports, Neutral and Adaptive) are subtle but effective.

However (and this is a big one), the Ambeo Soundbar Mini includes an automatic self-calibration feature that senses the acoustics of the room and adjusts the sound accordingly. Therefore, you will want to allow it to make adjustments before drawing conclusions. I tested the soundbar in my office, which has very high ceilings. To my surprise, the Ambeo did a great job of adjusting to the room and the sound was impressive.

I will say this: Spotify sounds much better than Netflix through the Ambeo Soundbar Mni. In fact, I recommend using this soundbar/sub combo to replace your desktop speakers (especially if you game through it). That’s not to say Ambeo isn’t a solid choice for television and movies, but I do have a few takeaways.

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First of all, the Sennheiser app is really helpful once you connect it. It took me a few tries to get it to work (part of the reason is because the documentation led me to believe I was dealing with a Plus and not a Mini). Once that is figured out, connecting will be easier. However, the fact that the app requires a network connection to work, rubbed me the wrong way.

I understand firmware upgrades but I have reviewed and used a lot of devices that do not require a direct connection to the network for firmware upgrades. Typically, the firmware is downloaded by the mobile app and then pushed to the device via USB. I’m sure Sennheiser has its reasons for this, but I’m not a fan.

Trust me when I say you will want to use this app. It is not only used for firmware updates but also for sound customization. With this app, you can adjust Ambeo’s sound to perfectly suit your space and needs. With that in mind, go ahead and connect it to your wireless network so it can do its job. The second (and last) thing I needed to pick up was connecting the sub (sold separately) which took a few tries.

I realize if these items were sold together as a unit they would probably be connected automatically from the factory, but since they are purchased separately, connection is required. Be patient with this as it is worth it. The sub sounds smooth and gives you just the right punch for all those kabooms and roars. And the bottom adds beautiful music.

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I have found it Ambeo mini sound bar (and sub) nice to hear. The sound is rich, with a wide soundscape and enough depth to enhance the sound of your television.

Sadly, the Ambeo Soundbar Mini doesn’t compare to the JBL Bar 1000, but very few soundbars in this price range do. That doesn’t mean it’s a product you should avoid. That’s not true. Ambeo is a pretty powerful soundbar, perfectly suited for a small room with a low ceiling. With the right sound, this soundbar really shines — especially when using the adaptive EQ settings from the remote.

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Given its size, you will be shocked at its ability to fill a room. What’s more, you will never miss a single word spoken with the help of this soundbar. Sennheiser has done a great job of overcoming the problems surrounding modern movies and terrible audio mastering. No matter what genre of movie or TV show I watch, the voice is always very clear.

If you listen to music more than watch movies or TV, the Sennheiser Soundbar Mini will be the most impressive. I found that music really brought this speaker to life. But if I were to compare the Ambeo Soundbar Mini with the JBL Bar 1000 (sold for $899 on Amazon), I’d choose the Bar 1000 every time. However, if you’re strapped for space and money, you can do much worse.