If you’re in the market for a compact soundbar that delivers big sound, the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini is a worthy contender. At $799.95, it comes with a higher price tag than its primary competition, the Sonos Beam, but its impressive features and audio technology justify the cost.
Design-wise, the Ambeo Soundbar Mini shares some similarities with the Sonos Beam, but with notable differences in the details. The illuminated Ambeo branding on the front right corner gives it a sleek and modern aesthetic, and the fabric wrapped around the sides adds a touch of elegance. The top panel slopes back to front, making it stand out from the traditional flat top of most soundbars. In terms of controls, the Mini features volume, playback, Bluetooth, input selection, and microphone mute options, all conveniently located on the top panel.
Measuring about 27.25 inches wide, the Ambeo Soundbar Mini is slightly wider than the Sonos Beam, but its compact size makes it suitable for smaller living rooms and spaces. The soundbar features four 1.6-inch full-range drivers, two front-facing and two angled outward, along with two four-inch woofers positioned near the middle. With six class D amplifiers and a total power of 250 watts, the Mini delivers impressive sound quality, especially when it comes to bass.
When listening to music, the Ambeo Soundbar Mini offers rich bass and clarity, making it suitable for different genres, including prog metal and hip-hop. The soundbar also supports Sony’s 360 Reality Audio and MPEG-H, and excels at upscaling stereo content. Moreover, the standout feature of the Mini is Sennheiser’s 3D audio tech, which delivers an immersive, directional audio experience. While the Mini does a solid job with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, the effect is more reliant on virtualization, making it ideal for smaller rooms.
In terms of connectivity, the Ambeo Soundbar Mini connects to your TV via HDMI eARC and supports HDMI 2.1, allowing for higher resolution and frame rates. The soundbar’s settings and features, including room calibration, sound presets, Night Mode, and Voice Enhancement, are accessible through Sennheiser’s Smart Control app. The app also provides access to Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Alexa built-in, and Google Chromecast for a seamless and future-proof experience.
Despite its impressive features and sound quality, the Ambeo Soundbar Mini faces tough competition from the Sonos Beam, which comes at a lower price point. While the Mini offers a more immersive audio experience and superior bass, the Beam has its advantages in virtualization and surround channels. However, for those who prioritize Sennheiser’s advanced audio technology, the Ambeo Soundbar Mini is a compelling choice.
In conclusion, the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini is a compact soundbar that punches above its weight, delivering impressive sound quality and 3D audio technology in a small package. While it comes with a higher price tag compared to its competition, its advanced features and immersive audio experience make it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles and home entertainment enthusiasts.