Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Impressive sound for its size.
  • Clear and detailed sound.
  • Effective virtualization for immersive audio.
  • Premium build quality and design.
  • Easy setup and comprehensive app.

Product Considerations

  • Lacks low-bass without a subwoofer.
  • Limited sensation of sonic height.
  • The soundbar has limited connectivity.
  • Performance depends on the room size.
  • There can be some compression at max volume, especially in the bass range.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Sonos Beam Gen 2 outperforms the Ambeo Mini in overall tests, providing a richer, warmer, and more engaging sound.
  • The Sonos Beam does a better job of creating an immersive soundstage that stretches further past the edges of the bar itself.
  • The Sonos Arc does a better job of creating an immersive soundstage.
  • The Mini's soundstage and center channel performances aren't as good as the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus.
  • The Sennheiser brings a clearer and more real sound with Atmos than the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam.
  • The Sennheiser offers more sound enhancement tools than the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam.
  • For a more weighty, low-end response without a separate subwoofer, check out the Klipsch Flexus Core 200.

Takeaway: The Sennheiser Ambeo Mini is a compact, well-built soundbar that brings a surprisingly immersive sound experience to smaller rooms. Its ease of use and clear audio make it a great choice for those wanting to upgrade their TV sound without a complicated setup.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Ambeo Mini

reviews

[{"title":"Sennheiser Ambeo Mini Review | Sonos Beam Killer?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0qd-Y-lnc4","source":"CRUTCHFIELD","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Mini Packs Some ATMOS Punch - Full Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENniQ76PqMQ","source":"RTINGS com Audio","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Mini Review","link":"https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/reviews/sennheiser/ambeo-soundbar-mini","source":"rtings.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Mini Review","link":"https://stereonet.com/reviews/sennheiser-ambeo-soundbar-mini-review","source":"stereonet.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini review","link":"https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/sennheiser-ambeo-soundbar-mini","source":"whathifi.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Sennheiser AMBEO Mini Soundbar & Sub Review","link":"https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/speaker/soundbars/sennheiser-ambeo-mini-soundbar-sub-review","source":"hometheaterhifi.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Sennheiser Ambeo Mini review: huge Dolby Atmos from a ...","link":"https://www.techradar.com/televisions/soundbars/sennheiser-ambeo-mini-review","source":"techradar.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Amplifier: 6x class D amplifiers
  • Total amplification power: 250W (RMS)
  • Total number of speakers: 6
  • Bass response: as low as 43Hz
  • Built-in subwoofers: 4" dual-subwoofers
Experience the world's most immersive sound with an all-in-one compact device that delivers cinema- and audiophile-grade quality like you've never heard before. Just plug it in and enjoy a movie theater atmosphere at home in no time.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

HD-559  

  • Positioning: Entry-level design focused on affordability and everyday listening needs.  
  • Description: Offers clear sound and comfortable design with a straightforward acoustic setup suitable for small rooms and casual music enjoyment. Compared to the HD-560S and HD-660S2, its basic performance and limited feature set make it a better fit for buyers with lower budgets and simple functionality needs.

HD-560S  

  • Positioning: Mid-tier model balancing cost and improved technical performance.  
  • Description: Delivers enhanced clarity and precision with a refined tuning approach that benefits home or studio use. When compared with the HD-559 and HD-660S2, it provides better sound detail while remaining accessible for buyers seeking moderate cost and practical functionality.

HD-660S2  

  • Positioning: Mid to high-level design crafted for a richer and fuller sound experience.  
  • Description: Offers a warmer sound signature with improved bass impact and a wider soundstage. Relative to the HD-560S and HD-800S, its technical enhancements and superior build quality justify the higher investment for users aiming for more refined performance without reaching the premium flagship tier.

HD-800 S  

  • Positioning: High-end open-back design intended for detailed, analytical listening applications.  
  • Description: Provides natural, transparent sound with a wide soundstage and precise imaging that benefits critical listening in controlled environments. Compared to the HD-660S2 and HD-820, it emphasizes technical accuracy and spatial detail.

HD-820  

  • Positioning: Premium closed-back design engineered for reference-class listening in isolated environments.  
  • Description: Features a unique closed-back design that merges open headphone sound characteristics with enhanced bass warmth and improved isolation, suited for quiet and nearfield environments. In comparison with the HD-800 S, it prioritizes sound isolation and versatility over the expansive open-air presentation.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
2
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
539
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
40
Founding Year
1945

Our take on the brand

Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

Used

Sennheiser

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Sennheiser
Ambeo Plus
1799
1799
/
8
Reviews
Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Good build quality and a quality finish all round
  • Sleek and stylish design that isn't cheap
  • Impressive and wide soundstage can fill a large open-plan space
  • Full-featured immersive 7.1.4 soundbar with 9 class D amplifiers and 9 speakers
  • Sennheiser Smart Control app is intuitive, easy to use, and responsive, making setup straightforward

Product Considerations

  • HDMI 2.0 certification means it can't support 4K/120Hz gaming
  • Side and rear spatial effects are largely absent
  • Ambio mode, while creating a broader soundstage, sometimes compromises detail, precision, and dialogue clarity
  • Alone lacks low-bass without a dedicated subwoofer
  • There are no satellite speakers available to pair

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max: The Plus is smaller, more compact, and more attainable in size and price, but the Max offers more bass and impactful performance
  • Vs. Sonos Arc: The Ambio Plus offers Bluetooth connectivity and the flexibility to use a third-party subwoofer, while the Arc's main selling point is the Sonos ecosystem
  • Vs. Yamaha A7000: The Ambeo Plus offers a better experience with Atmos content and better separation for a more detailed music performance, while the A7000 has slightly better dialogue and 2 HDMI 2.1 ports

Takeaway: The Ambeo Plus is a good choice for those seeking an immersive sound experience in a more compact form factor, especially for movies and music. Its versatile features and ease of use make it a solid upgrade to any home entertainment setup.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Sonos
Ray (Immersive Set)
1056
1056
/
9
Reviews
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Clear and detailed audio, enhancing dialogue clarity significantly over TV speakers
  • Compact size and aesthetic design make it suitable for smaller TVs (around 40-50 inches) and rooms, with flexible placement options
  • Integrates seamlessly into the Sonos ecosystem, offering user-friendly operation and a cohesive app for control and setup
  • Versatile connectivity through Wi-Fi and Apple Airplay 2, enabling wireless music streaming and integration with other Sonos speakers

Product Considerations

  • Limited bass performance, potentially requiring a separate subwoofer for a more immersive experience
  • Only connects to TVs via an optical port, lacking HDMI ARC and the ability to support higher quality audio formats
  • Absence of Bluetooth connectivity, limiting its versatility for direct connections with devices
  • Soundstage is narrower compared to wider soundbars, which may not provide as immersive a listening experience, although it does output in stereo
  • The use of an optical connection means users have to go through an additional setup process so that their TV's remote can adjust the volume on it

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sonos Beam Gen 2: Offers a more affordable entry point into the Sonos ecosystem, sacrificing some features of the Beam Gen 2—such as Dolby Atmos and HDMI connectivity
  • Vs Roku Streambar Pro: Has similar audio performance but fewer connectivity options

Takeaway: The Sonos Ray is a compact and stylish soundbar that noticeably upgrades the sound quality of the TV, especially for dialogue. Its integration with the Sonos ecosystem makes it a great choice for those looking to expand their multi-room audio setup.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Bowers & Wilkins
Panorama 3
999
/
Released
2022
Panorama 3 is a Dolby Atmos-enabled, Amazon Alexa-compatible, home theater powerhouse in a single, elegant component. Bowers & Wilkins draws on its decades of collaboration with the world's most famous recording studios to deliver stunning sound.
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Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  •   Stunning design and premium build quality, using a mix of textures and materials for a tailored look
  •   Clear and intelligible dialogue, especially with a slight emphasis on the vocal range
  •   Easy to set up and use, with a straightforward app interface
  •   Powerful sound that can fill a small-to-medium-sized room, driven by a 400-watt amplifier
  •   Impressive Dolby Atmos performance, creating a taller, broader, and deeper soundstage, especially with Atmos content
  •   Only one HDMI input and no HDMI input passthrough

Product Considerations

  •   Lacks adjustability and customization options like individual channel level controls, EQ presets, or dialogue enhancements
  •   Bass performance lacks physicality and visceral impact compared to soundbars with separate subwoofers
  •   The soundbar requires a true Dolby Surround or Atmos signal for best results, stereo mixes can sound constrained
  •   Some reviewers noted occasional HDMI handshake issues when switching between Atmos and stereo content

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  •   Vs Samsung Q950A—the Samsung is better overall, sounds good with almost any signal, and has more bass and features, but the Panorama 3 has better design and ease of use
  •   Vs Sonos Beam Gen 2—the Panorama 3 is more convincing and confident in larger spaces, but the Beam Gen 2 is expandable and more affordable
  •   Vs Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage—the Beosound Stage does a better job with non-Atmos content and offers more flexibility and customization, but the Panorama 3 is equal to or slightly better spatially with Atmos content
  •   Vs Bose 900—the Bose 900 sounds great with non-Atmos content and is expandable, but the Panorama 3 does a better job spatially with Dolby Atmos movies as an all-in-one solution

Takeaway: The Panorama 3 is a stylish and simple to use soundbar that delivers a powerful and detailed audio experience. With its impressive Atmos performance, it's a good choice for those looking to upgrade their TV's sound without the complexities of a full home theater system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Sonos
Ray (Surround Set)
637
/
Released
2022
Feel like you're at the centre of every story, game, and song with surround sound powered by a compact, versatile soundbar and pair of rear speakers.
Check Amazon
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Clear dialogue and good vocal clarity, making it a solid choice as an upgrade over TV speakers for vocal-centric content
  • Compact size makes it ideal for smaller TVs (around 40-55 inches) and rooms
  • Easy to set up and integrate into the Sonos ecosystem using the Sonos app
  • Balanced, crisp sound that surpasses many budget soundbars and offers better sound than the majority of internal TV speakers
  • Full Sonos wireless support with AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect

Product Considerations

  • Lacks low bass, which can make it disappointing for movies or music with a lot of bass, if listening to music with a higher value soundbar
  • No HDMI connectivity, relying on optical input, which may cause control issues for some users
  • No Dolby Atmos support
  • Trueplay room correction is only available for iOS devices
  • IR volume adjustments can be problematic

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Beam Gen 2 is the 'utmost winner' with better sound, connectivity, fit, build, and aesthetic
  • The Sonos Beam is better with a discrete center channel to improve dialogue reproduction

Takeaway: The Sonos Ray is a compact and capable soundbar that greatly improves the TV's sound, making it easier to hear dialogue and enjoy music. Its small size and easy setup make it a good fit for smaller spaces and those new to the Sonos ecosystem.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Bluesound
Pulse Soundbar+
999
/
Released
2021
Take your home theater to a new dimension with the PULSE SOUNDBAR+, compatible with Dolby Atmos for fully immersive sound. The PULSE SOUNDBAR+ is designed to seamlessly fit in with your existing TV set-up and enhance Atmos-encoded sound experience with precision that will make you feel like you are right in the center of the action.
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Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Impressively detailed, solid, and satisfying Dolby Atmos delivery
  • Effectively combines spaciousness and clarity when playing non-Atmos soundtracks
  • Sound is clear and crisp
  • Has a rich, wide sound and handles Dolby Atmos content well
  • The soundbar is more musical than most and is able to exhibit a lot of subtlety and has great dialogue reproduction

Product Considerations

  • Music lacks drive and drama
  • The soundbar is taller than average and may block part of the screen if placed on the same surface as a TV
  • Initial setup can be difficult
  • Lacks HDMI inputs, requiring the TV to be connected via optical cable

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sonos Arc: The Pulse Soundbar+ offers music tracks full of sound color splendor, but the Sonos Arc is punchier, better organized, and more engaging overall
  • Vs Sonos Arc: Sonos has dedicated upward-firing speakers, while the Bluesound does not
  • Vs Sonos: Bluesound has a richer soundstage than Sonos

Takeaway: The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+ provides detailed and solid sound for both movies and music. It is a good choice for those who appreciate nuance and detail, with the added benefit of BluOS streaming and multiroom capabilities.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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