Justin Choo samples this compact, premium high quality soundbar from the well-known German headphone specialist…
Sennheiser
AMBEO Mini Soundbar
AUD $1,299 RRP
StereoNET’s preliminary expertise of Sennheiser’s Ambeo mini with a subwoofer left fairly an impression. The room wasn’t the most important, and but it sounded so robust that it was virtually boomy. That encounter teased us that this little setup might punch above its weight. So is the Ambeo mini, sans sub, adequate for small rooms?
Because the identify suggests, it is a compact and well-packaged design. Measuring 700x65x100mm [WxHxD]it suits completely beside a 55” or 65” tv. So far as seems go, it’s utilitarian and arduous to select of a lineup of similar-looking soundbars – however possibly its refined styling is an efficient factor? Across the again, you may see provision for one HDMI ARC and a USB port, and that is your lot so far as inputs are involved. However certainly that is effective for this Apple-esque method to a soundbar, as wi-fi is the place it is at as of late.
GETTING GOING
I arrange the Ambeo mini utilizing the Sensible Management app on my iPhone, and it could not have been slicker. The truth that I did not should key in my Wi-Fi password – which is many characters of incoherent gibberish, by the way in which – to hyperlink the speaker to my router, is the sort of thoughtfulness that elevates the person expertise. Sennheiser definitely did not skimp on software program growth right here. Earlier than lengthy, this soundbar was arrange and able to go. Mac customers will award it bonus factors for showing in your listing of audio system as an choice. I truthfully wasn’t anticipating this factor to be so user-friendly.
For my part, a key determinant of a high-end product is its software program. The format of the Sensible Management app is straightforward to determine; certainly, I can’t emphasise sufficient how easy it’s to make use of. It additionally made me realise that the Ambeo, with all its digital wizardry, was designed primarily for mainstream customers who could or could not have audiophile leanings. The truth that it helps the main requirements – Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, MPEG-H, and Sony’s 360 Actuality Audio – is an enormous plus level. Most customers will not know the distinction, however it does not matter one jot because it’s all taken care of.
THE LISTENING
Ambeo virtualisation might be the one setting that I am unable to think about anybody wanting to show off, particularly once you want the soundbar to be rather less ‘mini’. But even when off, the Sennheiser comes throughout as competent for its measurement, and has a balanced sound signature. On this notion alone, the Ambeo mini is a substantial improve over common TV audio system, and the tech provides the audio system an added presence. If left to play at an acceptable quantity, you may be shocked by how a lot this speaker can punch above its weight.
So, let’s get straight to the elephant within the room, lets? Does this soundbar want a sub, or does not it? With out the non-compulsory subwoofer, which prices virtually as a lot because the soundbar, the Ambeo mini is way from the sonic monster that first greeted us at its pink carpet gala launch. So that you do want a subwoofer for ground-shaking lows, and Sennheiser – regardless of all its cleverness with the Ambeo – cannot present a cheat code for that. Consider it like this – you may’t substitute a wall of Marshall 4×12 cupboards for a shelf filled with moveable Bluetooth audio system, and count on the identical sound…
This won’t be an issue for each potential purchaser; it would even be a plus level. Not having a subwoofer is usually a blessing for these residing in shut confines or with noise restrictions of their neighbourhood. Certainly, the Ambeo mini truly works very nicely in smaller rooms – it does not announce its presence, but nonetheless will get the job completed. It is a baritone, sitting comfortably within the center and excellent for bedroom-sized areas; it delivers an authoritative and full-bodied sound at bed room volumes. Dialogue is a selected energy, and there is even a voice enhancement mode so you may hold the sound stage down and nonetheless take pleasure in your late-night films.
Additionally, since you’re not pushing into sonic extremes, you not often encounter conditions the place the shortage of low bass mars the expertise. Basic Hans Zimmer soundtracks could not carry the gravitas that solely a real subwoofer can ship, but it does not take you out of the second. Be warned, nevertheless, that the Ambeo mini has no upfiring drive items, so in the end the sense of area and positional accuracy is just about an in depth sufficient affair. The sense of immersion is plain and even astounding, contemplating how compact this soundbar is.
The Ambeo mini is surprisingly good for muzak, and – I am not making an attempt to be cheeky with this – is nice for taking part in music within the background. Within the context of the bed room, it is excellent for making a relaxed setting as an alternative of 1 arrange for essential listening. Its virtualisation could inherently sound digital, however it is a wonderful presentation nonetheless. I definitely loved its interpretation of reside tracks with a contemporary sense of area, particularly with sparser tracks just like the traditional Blue Bossa remastered with spatial assist. Once more, as long as you’ve got dropped any want to pay attention critically, it’s surprisingly acceptable and even nice to listen to.
It is nice for beginning the day or setting the temper at night time. Theolonious Monk’s Monk’s Dream revels within the intimate setting as he drifts out and in of your consciousness. And whereas it is not one of the best showcase for the Ambeo mini, you may flip the script in case your partner is away and bask in a little bit responsible pleasure with a Scott Stapp singalong. You might be inspired to do it with arms vast open.
Making an attempt out the Ambeo mini in a big front room in the end confirmed limitations, because the bass will get snuffed into nothingness. The readability continues to be there, and it is definitely higher than what TV audio system can ship, however the sound simply does not scale up sufficient. So a subwoofer is a should right here, however that in flip doubles the fee – so are you able to get higher soundbars with the identical outlay? The reply is sure as a result of at this package deal worth, you may definitely discover one thing extra suited to your wants. Should you hold the Ambeo mini to smaller rooms, you may get one of the best out of it, however if you need greater, then take into account Sennheiser’s personal Ambeo Plus.
Consider the Ambeo mini as being like a Bluetooth speaker. I like the upsides, similar to establishing and controlling the speaker, which is a breeze. However the restricted choices power you to expertise the speaker somewhat than attempt to tweak it to oblivion. It will get native Alexa assist and works as a conduit for Google Assistant – which wants one other system – in order that’s one other comfort. But, some limitations transcend the scope of a typical wi-fi speaker. For instance, the Supply button cycles between HDMI, Bluetooth and Community streams, however solely Spotify Join works natively as a community stream choice.
Different streaming sources like Tidal Join and AirPlay 2 won’t present up once you toggle by way of sources, so you may want to pick the speaker by way of the app. It is an odd factor to grouse about since deciding on your speaker inside Tidal appears extra intuitive. Nonetheless, it displays some tough edges and the constraints in making an attempt to the touch all bases. For instance, when biking between AirPlay 2 and HDMI, generally the speaker does not revert to the HDMI supply, and I’ve needed to reconnect the HDMI cable for the soundbar to detect the TV once more. Granted, this will not essentially occur to everybody, however it’s price declaring that it would occur.
THE VERDICT
Sennheiser’s Ambeo mini is one-third of the worth of the corporate’s personal Ambeo Max and half the Ambeo Plus – so you’ve three choices throughout worth tiers, making certain that the corporate can provide one thing to suit most budgets. The mini continues to be barely pricier than a lot of the soundbar competitors on this class, however not a lot that it feels unreasonable. It is definitely price stretching for, even with out the subwoofer, and you’ll at all times make that improve additional down the street for that little cherry on prime.
