The Sennheiser AMBEO series are one of the most highly-regarded soundbars in the market. It delivers multi-channel surround sound with just a single soundbar unit through clever projection of the speaker drivers and self-calibration feature. Last year, I reviewed the AMBEO Plus with the optional AMBEO Sub for NXT Magazine, and in this review, I received an early commercial unit of the latest AMBEO Mini, the smallest soundbar in the family. It retails in Singapore at S$1299.
The packaging, design and build quality are identical to the bigger units. While the Plus model feels rather heavy and cumbersome, the Mini model is lighter and easier to handle, though it should not be a big concern since these soundbars are not meant to be portable or moved around often.
The Mini also supports the full suite of functionality from the smartphone app, like adjusting EQ, managing inputs, updating firmware. Just like the larger models, the Mini is also compatible with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, MPEG-H, 360 Reality Audio, with up to 7.1.4 virtualisation . Wireless connectivity options include Bluetooth, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2. Once you position the soundbar, you should run the calibration where it will play a series of tones to detect the room acoustics and optimise the surround virtualisation.
So what are the differences with the AMBEO Mini against the AMBEO Plus? The number of physical connection ports are greatly reduced. The AMBEO Mini only has one HDMI TV/eARC and USB Type-A, (for USB power) while the AMBEO Plus has additional two HDMI 2.0a, a pair of RCA, one S/PDIF optical-in, and RJ-45 ethernet port. The number of drivers are also reduced to just four full-range and two subwoofers with a maximum of 250W amplification power, while the Plus model has three more full-range drivers at 400W. The Mini also does not have upward firing drivers that technically could deliver better audio virtualisation. Though the two subwoofers are actually facing upwards, they are covered below the top cover for sonic impact rather than directional positioning.
Home owners with a less up-to-date AV system might have a challenge to hook up the AMBEO Mini, since it only comes with a single HDMI eARC port, so it would have to rely on the TV to passthrough the audio signal to the AMBEO. I was unable to make it work on my Windows-based laptop to make use of the HDMI as an audio source. This limits the options to connect the soundbar.
Suffice to say, the AMBEO Mini does not sound as impactful as the AMBEO Plus. The multi-channel sound is less convincing, but on the whole, the AMBEO mode still delivers an immersive frontal sound with good height presence. I do not watch movies as often as listening to music, so I spent more time listening to audio tracks on the AMBEO Mini.
The AMBEO mode certainly projects a bigger audio presence than without. The latter sounds flat and normal, while the enabled AMBEO delivers music with better separated instruments. The treble is more distinct and spatial and the sub-bass is also better defined. I can feel the soundbar rumbling with even low-frequency outputs, but when seated at a distance, the subsonic waves did not impact me readily. I reckon adding the AMBEO Sub could achieve a better sonic balance.
When I tested the soundbar in my small study room, it seems to perform better. With only about a metre away from the soundbar, I can feel the sub-bass better while enjoying the treble clarity. Though the multi-channel surround virtualisation is not very apparent especially on the height and the back, the overall front audio separation is achieved.
Verdict
Launching a smallest model of the AMBEO soundbar series is definitely going to invite heavy comparison, and it is hard to beat or even match the quality of its bigger siblings. Nevertheless, the AMBEO Soundbar Mini offers a flavour of the AMBEO audio technology to produce quite an impressive wall of sound for the smaller rooms. If you have a larger room and can afford the AMBEO Plus, I highly recommend that over the Mini. Choose the Mini only if your TV supports HDMI Out (ARC/eARC) and you listen to the soundbar at rather close proximity.
The AMBEO Soundbard Mini retail for S$1299 in Singapore and is available now. Visit the product page for more information.
