While these ports aren't capable of delivering next-gen gaming features such as VRR and ALLM, they can pass through signals from external sources in 4K HDR, including Dolby VisionĪlongside the HDMIs are an ethernet socket (wi-fi is also supported), USB (for updates only), optical input and a stereo RCA aux-in. It sports three HDMI 2.0 inputs and one HDMI 2.1 port marked ‘TV’, which supports eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), meaning it can handle Dolby Atmos in its lossless True HD format. This means that whenever you want to access them or the push buttons for wi-fi setup and factory reset, you need to allow space to delicately roll over the whole unit while connected in situ.įortunately, the Ambeo's array of inputs is so generous that you're unlikely to need to access it frequently. Though positioning the Sennheiser requires more effort than most soundbars, it’s still more straightforward than setting up a genuine Atmos surround sound system, and when you finally get it right, the Ambeo Soundbar's delivery is worth making the effort for.įrustratingly for non-wall mounters, the Ambeo's connection ports aren't housed in a recess at the rear but instead are hidden underneath. While the mic-driven calibration will compensate somewhat for an irregularly shaped and/or cluttered room, there’s no substitute for central placement on a wall and as few sonic obstructions as possible. Like most products of its ilk, the Sennheiser bounces sound off your room’s walls and ceiling to create surround and Atmos effects. The dimensions and weight of the bar aren’t the only things to consider during positioning, either. And yes, given Ambeo's price tag, it seems rather galling that the bracket isn't included in the box. Even so, you need to take into account the Sennheiser’s 18.5kg weight (the box stipulates that it's a two-person lift) and the extra cost of the dedicated wall-mount bracket. The ideal scenario is to have your TV wall-mounted and the Sennheiser below it, either on a shelf/rack or wall-mounted itself. It can’t be placed on a lower shelf, either, as that will block the upward-firing drivers that produce its height effects. Placed in front of the Samsung QE65QN95A, which has a taller pedestal specifically so it can accommodate a soundbar, the Sennheiser obstructs the bottom couple of inches of screen and the IR receiver. That’s sound reasoning, but the size of the Ambeo creates its own practical issues. While many soundbars combine vast arrays of small drivers with a separate (often wireless) subwoofer, Sennheiser has opted for much larger drivers capable of covering a far more significant portion of the frequency range, intending to negate the need for an external sub. Measuring 127cm wide and 14cm tall, it’s an absolute beast and requires some creativity and heavy lifting to get into place.Ī significant factor in the Ambeo's comparative heft is that Sennheiser approaches the soundbar conundrum differently from most other brands. While the Ambeo may be a space-saving surround solution, flexible it is not. And thanks to a recent software update, it also boasts one of the most comprehensive feature sets around. In fact, it’s one of the most authoritative-sounding soundbars we’ve ever heard. It's also much bigger, heavier and more awkward. For starters, it's much more expensive than any other soundbar we've tested, both single speaker and multi-box. However, the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar was, and remains, something a bit different. With its 13 front, side and upward-facing drivers, the Sennheiser Ambeo delivers a generous 5.1.4 channels of Dolby Atmos sound and exemplifies the 'go big or go home' attitude found in much of the company's pro-audio equipment.Īt the time of its release, and even more so now, there were already plenty of other Dolby Atmos soundbars available. That changed in 2020 when the increased accessibility of Dolby Atmos technology and content led it to venture into the world of soundbars, unleashing the behemoth that is Ambeo onto an unsuspecting public. As a 76-year-old company with a fair bit of clout attached to its name, it's surprising that for a long time Sennheiser resisted the urge to release any type of loudspeaker, be it Bluetooth, smart or multi-room.
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