<!–>
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini is available now from the official site for $799.
- The Ambeo Mini produces a big, rich sound but does depend on the subwoofer (sold separately) to give it enough depth.
- The Sennheiser app can be a bit tricky, but once you get it all connected, it works like a charm to help customize the sound.
more buying choices
A good soundbar can elevate your television or music experience to another level. Instead of listening through tinny TV speakers or those cheap desktop speakers, why not go with a device capable of giving you more – more volume, more bass, more depth, more space, and more clarity?
I’ve tested and used many soundbars over the years, and my favorite has been the JBL Bar 1000, which usurped my aging Klipsch. But the Bar 1000 does take up some space. Not only is the main speaker long, but the sub is large, and the satellite speakers need to be mounted and plugged in.
Also: Changing these 5 soundbar settings made my living room feel like a movie theater
If you don’t have the money or space for such a soundbar, consider the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini–>. It offers incredibly immersive sound with just a single 27″ soundbar and a subwoofer that delivers serious depth for its size.
And given you get that classical, rich Sennheiser sound, what’s not to love?
The specs
- Automated self-calibration.
- Connectivity via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect with Dolby Atmos, Alexa, and Google Chromecast.
- 4″ dual subwoofers.
- 6 x class D amps.
- Total power output – 250 W (RMS).
- Audio processing – Quad Core 1.8 Ghz SOC.
- Frequency response – 43Hz – 20Khz
- Ports – 1 HDMI eARC in
- 4 far field mics
- Dimensions – 27.5″ long, 2.5″ high, and 4″ deep.
- Price – $799 without sub (matching sub costs $549).
My experience
My first attempt at testing the Ambeo Soundbar Mini didn’t go so 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 didn’t include any other connection possibilities that the older TV could support, I opted to connect it to my laptop to see how this speaker combo would work not only with movies/TV but also with music. After discovering the soundbar was the Mini version, everything fell right into place.
Also: Hisense’s new laser projector is so sharp and vivid, it may just replace your 4K TV
I’m happy to report this small-footprint speaker does a remarkable job of filling a room with sound that puts to shame most other soundbars I’ve tested (with the exception of the JBL). Of course, I was not surprised, given Sennheiser’s reputation and ability to produce high-quality audio products.
<!–>
Before I continue, it’s important to know that the Ambeo Soundbar Mini and the Ambeo subwoofer are sold separately. Although the Ambeo Soundbar Mini does have pretty solid bass on its own, the frequency response should let you know that it’s not capable of getting to the depths you probably expect from high-quality audio and (especially) a soundbar to heighten the experience of movie watching.
Also: This midrange Yamaha soundbar holds its own against systems that are twice its price
For me, it’s not so much about the kabooms and roars that a sub can enhance; it’s how they can give more depth and presence to the human voice and the Ambeo Mini handles the human voice beautifully. I’ve always found a lot of sound bars in this price range push the mids a bit too much resulting in tinny sound; this cheapens the sound and doesn’t do the human voice any favors. The Ambeo Mini gives voices a richness and depth you won’t find on competitors devices near the $600 price point. Of course, to really get the best experience, you should consider the accompanying subwoofer, which takes the lower end to new levels and bolsters the voices. At the same time, the difference between EQ options (Movie, Music, News, Sports, Neutral, and Adaptive) is very subtle but effective.
However (and this is a big however), the Ambeo Soundbar Mini includes automated self-calibration to sense the acoustics of the room and adjust the sound accordingly. Because of that, you’ll want to allow it to make the adjustments before drawing a conclusion. 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 sounded much better than Netflix through the Ambeo Soundbar Mni. In fact, I would recommend this soundbar/sub combo to replace your desktop speakers (especially if you play games via that computer). That’s not to say the Ambeo isn’t a solid option for TV and movies, but I do have some nits to pick.
Also: This stereo amp made me feel like I was hearing my favorite band for the first time
First off, the Sennheiser app is really helpful, once you get it connected. It took me a few tries to get it working (part of the reason was because the documentation led me to believe I was dealing with a Plus and not a Mini). Once that was figured out, the connectivity was easier. However, the fact that the app requires network connectivity to function, rubs me a bit the wrong way.
I understand for upgrading firmware, but I’ve reviewed and used a lot of devices that do not require a direct connection to the network for upgrading firmware. Often the firmware is downloaded by the mobile app and then pushed to the device via USB. I’m sure Sennheiser has their reasons for this, but I’m not a fan.
Trust me when I say you’ll want to use the app. Not only is it used for firmware updating but also to customize the sound. With the app, you can tweak the sound of the Ambeo to perfectly fit your space and your needs. With that in mind, go ahead and connect it to your wireless network so it can do its thing. My second (and final) nit to pick is connecting the sub (sold separately) took a few tries.
I realize if these items were sold together as a unit it would be possible to have them automatically connected from the factory, but since they are purchased separately, the connection process is required. Have patience with this because it’s very much worth it. The sub is smooth and gives you just the right punch for all of those kabooms, and roars. And the bottom adds to the music is gorgeous.
ZDNET’s buying advice
I found the Ambeo Soundbar Mini<!–> (and sub) a delight to hear. The sound is rich, with a wide soundscape, and includes enough depth to level up your television’s sound.
Sadly, the Ambeo Soundbar Mini did not live up to the JBL Bar 1000, but few soundbars in this price range do. That doesn’t mean it’s a product you should avoid. It’s not. The Ambeo is quite a capable soundbar that would be a perfect fit for a small room with low ceilings. With the right acoustics, this soundbar really shines – especially when using the adaptive EQ setting from the remote.
Also: This is the soundbar I recommend if you have limited space at home
Given its size, you’ll be shocked at how well it can fill a room. Better yet, you will never miss a word spoken with the help of this soundbar. Sennheiser has done a great job of overcoming issues surrounding modern films and the horrible mastering of sound. No matter what genre of film or TV I watched, voices were always very clear.
If you listen to more music than you do watching movies or TV, the Sennheiser Soundbar Mini will be most impressive. I found that music really brought this speaker to life. But if I were to compare the Ambeo Soundbar Mini to the JBL Bar 1000 (which sells for $899 on Amazon), I would go with the Bar 1000 every time. If, however, you are tight on space and money, you could do a lot worse.
