Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus | Audio T
Your search results will appear here
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus

Audio T Verdict

The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus sits in a particularly useful position within the AMBEO range. It is considerably smaller and easier to accommodate than the heavyweight Soundbar Max, yet still combines nine physical drivers, 400W RMS amplification and Sennheiser's sophisticated AMBEO processing to create a virtual 7.1.4 home cinema presentation from one enclosure.

It is also arguably the more flexible AMBEO soundbar for many modern living rooms. Automated self-calibration uses four built-in microphones, bass reaches a claimed 38Hz without an external subwoofer, and you can add as many as four AMBEO Subs wirelessly if you want significantly more low-frequency impact later.

With Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, MPEG-H, 360 Reality Audio, HDMI eARC, two additional HDMI inputs and extensive music streaming built in, the Soundbar Plus is a serious alternative to a conventional AV amplifier and multi-speaker installation where simplicity and a clean room layout matter.

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus

The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus is a compact premium home cinema soundbar designed to create an immersive 7.1.4 listening experience without filling the room with separate loudspeakers.

Nine individually amplified drivers are built into the enclosure, consisting of two substantial 4-inch woofers and seven 2-inch aluminium-cone full-range drivers positioned across the front, sides and top of the cabinet.

AMBEO virtualization combines those physical drivers with detailed room calibration to create virtual loudspeaker positions around and above the listening area, while compatibility with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, MPEG-H and 360 Reality Audio covers a wide range of immersive film and music formats.

  • Virtual 7.1.4 home cinema reproduction
  • 9 physical loudspeaker drivers
  • 9 Class D amplifier channels
  • 400W RMS total audio power
  • Two 4-inch high-performance woofers
  • Seven 2-inch aluminium-cone full-range drivers
  • 38Hz to 20kHz frequency response
  • AMBEO virtualization
  • Automated self-calibration
  • Four built-in calibration microphones
  • Dolby Atmos
  • DTS:X
  • MPEG-H Audio
  • 360 Reality Audio
  • Dolby Atmos Music
  • HDMI eARC
  • Two additional HDMI inputs
  • 4K 60Hz video passthrough
  • Dolby Vision passthrough
  • Optical digital input
  • Stereo RCA analogue input
  • RCA subwoofer output
  • Wireless AMBEO Sub support
  • Up to four AMBEO Subs wirelessly
  • Apple AirPlay 2
  • Chromecast built-in
  • Spotify Connect
  • TIDAL Connect
  • UPnP
  • Wi-Fi 6 support
  • Ethernet
  • Bluetooth 5.0

7.1.4 Immersive Sound From One Enclosure

The AMBEO Soundbar Plus is designed to recreate the spatial impression of a 7.1.4 home cinema system without requiring eleven individual loudspeakers around the room.

Instead, Sennheiser uses nine physical drivers combined with AMBEO virtualization to create virtual loudspeaker positions around and above the listening area.

The virtual arrangement includes seven channels around the listener and four height channels above, allowing suitably encoded content to extend considerably beyond the dimensions of the soundbar itself.

AMBEO Virtualization

The underlying virtualization technology was developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer IIS.

The system takes advantage of the Soundbar Plus's multiple drivers and the acoustic characteristics of the room to manipulate the direction and timing of sound reaching the listening position.

The aim is to create convincing apparent sound sources away from the physical cabinet rather than simply making the soundbar sound wider.

Seven 2-Inch Aluminium Full-Range Drivers

Seven 50mm aluminium-cone full-range drivers handle much of the dialogue, music and surround information.

They are distributed across the front, sides and top of the enclosure, giving AMBEO processing multiple physical sources from which to construct the virtual sound field.

Using multiple independently controlled drivers also gives the system greater flexibility when directing different parts of the soundtrack around the room.

Dual 4-Inch Woofers

Two 100mm high-performance cellulose-cone woofers are mounted within the cabinet to provide the low-frequency foundation.

Sennheiser specifies bass extension down to 38Hz at -3dB, which is substantial for a soundbar measuring just over one metre wide and less than 8cm high.

For many rooms, the built-in woofers will provide enough bass to use the Soundbar Plus as a completely self-contained system.

Does It Need a Subwoofer?

No. The AMBEO Soundbar Plus is specifically designed to operate as a complete all-in-one sound system without requiring an external subwoofer.

Adding a subwoofer becomes worthwhile where you want greater low-frequency scale, more physical impact from film soundtracks or stronger performance in a particularly large room.

Start Without a Subwoofer

It is worth listening to the Soundbar Plus on its own before automatically adding a subwoofer. Its built-in 4-inch woofers already extend to a claimed 38Hz. If you later decide you want deeper and more physical bass, an AMBEO Sub can be added without replacing the soundbar.

Up to Four Wireless AMBEO Subs

The Soundbar Plus can connect wirelessly to as many as four Sennheiser AMBEO Subs.

Using more than one subwoofer is not simply about making the system louder. Multiple correctly positioned subwoofers can help produce a more consistent low-frequency response across a wider seating area.

For most living rooms one subwoofer will be more than sufficient, but the four-sub capability provides considerable flexibility for larger or more ambitious systems.

Wired Subwoofer Output

A mono RCA pre-output is also provided for a compatible powered subwoofer.

This means you are not restricted to wireless operation if a wired connection is more appropriate for the installation.

Wireless Subwoofer Compatibility

The Sennheiser AMBEO Sub is the supported wireless subwoofer for the AMBEO Soundbar Plus. Other powered subwoofers can still be used through the Soundbar Plus's conventional RCA subwoofer output.

400W RMS Amplification

Nine Class D amplifier channels provide a combined 400W RMS of audio power.

Each physical driver can therefore be controlled independently by the AMBEO processing rather than relying on a small number of shared amplifier channels.

This individual control is important because virtualization depends on accurate management of level, timing and frequency response between the different drivers.

Automated Self-Calibration

Four high-precision far-field microphones are built directly into the Soundbar Plus.

During calibration, the soundbar analyses the acoustic response of the room and adapts its processing to the individual environment.

This helps the AMBEO system understand how sound reflects from the surrounding walls and ceiling before creating the virtual speaker positions.

No External Calibration Microphone Required

Unlike the larger original AMBEO Soundbar Max, the Plus does not require a separate calibration microphone to be positioned in the listening seat.

The microphones are integrated into the soundbar itself, making the initial setup considerably more straightforward.

Why Room Calibration Matters

No two living rooms behave in exactly the same way.

Differences in room dimensions, wall materials, windows, furniture, curtains and floor coverings all affect the way sound reflects before reaching the listener.

A virtualization system therefore works best when it understands the specific acoustic environment rather than applying the same assumptions to every room.

Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos uses object-based audio to position sounds above and around the listener rather than limiting a soundtrack to a fixed number of conventional speaker channels.

The AMBEO Soundbar Plus supports Dolby Atmos carried through both Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus when connected through a suitable HDMI source.

This covers high-quality disc-based soundtracks alongside the compressed Dolby Atmos formats widely used by streaming services.

DTS:X

DTS:X is also supported through HDMI eARC.

Additional DTS compatibility includes DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS 96/24 and DTS-ES formats.

This gives the Soundbar Plus broad compatibility with Blu-ray and UHD Blu-ray movie soundtracks as well as streaming content.

MPEG-H Audio

MPEG-H provides another immersive object-based audio format and is supported by the AMBEO Soundbar Plus.

Its inclusion reflects the wider AMBEO approach of supporting multiple 3D audio ecosystems rather than relying exclusively on Dolby Atmos.

360 Reality Audio

Sony 360 Reality Audio can also be played through compatible services and network connections.

This object-based music format places individual musical elements within a three-dimensional presentation and gives the AMBEO processing another source of genuinely immersive material.

Dolby Atmos Music

Dolby Atmos Music is supported through compatible streaming services and connections.

This makes the Soundbar Plus useful not only as a television and film system but also as an immersive music system where suitable mixes are available.

Upmix Stereo Content

AMBEO processing can also expand conventional stereo material into a larger three-dimensional presentation.

This means you are not restricted to native Dolby Atmos or DTS:X material whenever you want to take advantage of the wider virtual sound field.

Music, television programmes and older films can all benefit from AMBEO upmixing if you prefer a more immersive presentation.

Upmix 5.1 Content

Conventional 5.1 surround material can also be processed through the AMBEO system.

The Soundbar Plus can therefore make use of its virtual height and additional surround presentation even when the original soundtrack predates modern object-based formats.

Adaptive Preset Selection

The Soundbar Plus can automatically adjust its audio settings according to the content being played.

This reduces the need to manually change modes every time you move between a film, television programme, music or spoken-word content.

Voice Enhancement

Voice Enhancement is designed to make dialogue easier to understand.

This can be particularly useful with television programmes or films where speech has been mixed quietly relative to music and effects.

It can also be useful when listening at lower volumes where dialogue may otherwise become harder to follow.

Night Mode

Night Mode is intended for quieter evening listening.

It reduces the need for large jumps between quiet dialogue and powerful effects, making the system easier to use when other people in the house are sleeping or when you simply do not want full cinema dynamics.

Multiple Equaliser Options

The Sennheiser Smart Control app provides access to additional equaliser and audio settings.

This allows the factory calibration to be supplemented with adjustments based on personal preference rather than forcing one tonal balance on every listener.

HDMI eARC

The main television connection uses HDMI eARC.

Enhanced Audio Return Channel is particularly important with immersive home cinema because it can carry high-bandwidth formats such as Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X from compatible televisions and sources.

HDMI CEC support also allows compatible televisions to control everyday soundbar functions such as power and volume.

Use HDMI eARC Where Possible

If your television supports HDMI eARC, use that connection rather than optical. HDMI eARC provides the widest format compatibility and allows high-bandwidth immersive soundtracks that cannot be carried in full through a conventional optical connection.

Two Additional HDMI Inputs

Unlike many compact soundbars, the AMBEO Soundbar Plus also provides two HDMI source inputs.

Compatible equipment such as the following can therefore be connected directly:

  • Ultra HD Blu-ray players
  • Streaming boxes
  • Games consoles
  • Set-top boxes
  • Media players

The soundbar can then send the video signal onwards to the television while handling the audio itself.

4K 60Hz Passthrough

The two HDMI inputs support video passthrough at up to 4K resolution and 60Hz.

Dolby Vision passthrough is also supported, along with HDCP 2.2 for compatible protected video content.

4K/120Hz Gaming

The Soundbar Plus HDMI source inputs are specified for up to 4K at 60Hz rather than modern 4K/120Hz gaming. If you use a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or similar source at 4K/120Hz, connect it directly to a compatible television and send the audio back to the Soundbar Plus through HDMI eARC.

Optical Digital Input

An optical S/PDIF input provides compatibility with televisions and digital sources that cannot use HDMI.

Sampling rates up to 192kHz are supported, although optical cannot carry every immersive format available through HDMI eARC.

Stereo RCA Analogue Input

A pair of conventional RCA sockets provides a line-level analogue input.

This is useful if you want to connect equipment that does not provide HDMI, optical or network audio.

It also gives the Soundbar Plus considerably more flexibility as a general music system.

Wi-Fi 6

The Soundbar Plus supports IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi with 2x2 MIMO operation.

Support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz network bands provides flexibility when connecting it to a modern home network.

Ethernet

An RJ45 Ethernet socket provides a wired network alternative.

This can be particularly useful in permanently installed systems where the soundbar is close to a network connection and maximum network stability is desirable.

Apple AirPlay 2

AirPlay 2 allows compatible Apple devices to send audio directly to the Soundbar Plus over the home network.

It can also allow the soundbar to become part of a wider compatible AirPlay multi-room system.

Chromecast Built-In

Google Chromecast built-in provides another network streaming route from compatible music services and devices.

Chromecast can also be used as part of a compatible multi-room audio setup.

Spotify Connect

Spotify Connect allows the Spotify app to control playback directly on the Soundbar Plus.

The phone or tablet therefore acts primarily as a controller while the soundbar accesses the music stream through its own network connection.

TIDAL Connect

TIDAL Connect provides similar direct control from the TIDAL app.

The platform also gives compatible users access to Dolby Atmos Music material supported by the AMBEO system.

UPnP Network Audio

UPnP support allows compatible music stored elsewhere on the home network to be accessed and played through the Soundbar Plus.

Supported network audio formats include DSD, MP3, AAC, LPCM, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC and Vorbis.

Bluetooth 5.0

Bluetooth provides a quick wireless alternative when full network streaming is unnecessary.

The soundbar supports AAC and SBC codecs for conventional Bluetooth music playback.

The wireless connection used by the AMBEO Sub operates separately through Bluetooth Low Energy using the LC3 codec.

Alexa Built-In

Depending on regional availability, Amazon Alexa functionality is built into the Soundbar Plus.

The soundbar can also integrate with compatible Google Home and Apple HomeKit environments.

The microphones can be switched off if voice-assistant operation is not wanted.

Smart Control App

The Sennheiser Smart Control app provides the main interface for initial setup and deeper configuration.

It can be used for:

  • Initial setup
  • Room calibration
  • Sound-mode adjustment
  • Equaliser settings
  • AMBEO settings
  • Subwoofer setup
  • Streaming-service configuration
  • Firmware updates
  • Network setup

Browser-Based Control

The Soundbar Plus can also be accessed through a web browser when connected to the same network.

This provides an additional way to configure the system without relying entirely on a smartphone app.

Physical Remote Control Included

A dedicated infrared remote control is supplied.

This means essential functions can still be operated conventionally without finding a phone or opening an app.

Compact Compared With the AMBEO Max

The Soundbar Plus measures approximately 105.1cm wide, 7.7cm high and 12.1cm deep with its feet fitted.

It weighs approximately 6.3kg.

That makes it dramatically easier to accommodate than the 126.5cm-wide and approximately 18.5kg AMBEO Soundbar Max.

Low 77mm Profile

At approximately 77mm high including its feet, the Soundbar Plus is comparatively easy to position beneath a television.

You should still measure the clearance beneath your particular TV before ordering, particularly if the television's infrared receiver or bottom edge sits very close to the cabinet surface.

Wall Mounting

The AMBEO Soundbar Plus can also be wall mounted using the appropriate dedicated wall-mount accessory.

Careful positioning remains important because AMBEO virtualization and calibration depend on the relationship between the soundbar, room boundaries and listening position.

AMBEO Soundbar Plus or AMBEO Soundbar Max?

AMBEO Soundbar Plus

  • Virtual 7.1.4 presentation
  • 9 physical drivers
  • 9 Class D amplifiers
  • 400W RMS
  • Two 4-inch woofers
  • Seven 2-inch full-range drivers
  • 38Hz bass extension
  • Built-in calibration microphones
  • Two HDMI source inputs
  • 105.1cm wide
  • 6.3kg
  • Up to four wireless AMBEO Subs
  • Wired subwoofer output
  • Wi-Fi 6
  • Bluetooth 5.0

AMBEO Soundbar Max

  • 5.1.4 immersive presentation
  • 13 physical drivers
  • 13 Class D amplifiers
  • 250W RMS / 500W peak
  • Six 4-inch bass/mid drivers
  • Five dedicated tweeters
  • Two height drivers
  • 30Hz bass extension
  • External calibration microphone
  • Three HDMI source inputs
  • 126.5cm wide
  • 18.5kg
  • Wired subwoofer connection only
  • Wi-Fi 5
  • Bluetooth 4.2

Which AMBEO Soundbar Should You Choose?

The Soundbar Plus is likely to make the most sense for many living rooms because it is substantially smaller and lighter while offering newer networking, built-in room-calibration microphones and wireless AMBEO Sub support.

The AMBEO Soundbar Max remains the more physically ambitious design, with 13 drivers and deeper 30Hz bass from its much larger cabinet.

The decision should therefore be based on room size, available space, desired bass performance and whether wireless subwoofer expansion matters rather than simply comparing the headline channel numbers.

How Does the AMBEO Soundbar Mini Compare?

The AMBEO Soundbar Mini is intended for smaller rooms and installations where space is the main priority.

It retains AMBEO virtualization and wireless AMBEO Sub compatibility but reduces the physical driver count, amplifier power, bass extension and connectivity compared with the Plus.

The Soundbar Plus is therefore the stronger choice where you want a compact installation without giving up separate HDMI source inputs, optical and analogue connections or Ethernet.

Useful for Film and Television

The combination of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, room calibration and AMBEO virtualization makes home cinema the most obvious role for the Soundbar Plus.

Dialogue, effects and music can be positioned across a much larger apparent soundstage than the physical width of the cabinet would suggest.

Useful for Music

AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, UPnP and Bluetooth mean the Soundbar Plus can also operate as the main music system in a living room.

Native immersive music formats and AMBEO stereo upmixing give you different presentation options depending on the recording and personal preference.

Useful for Smaller Home Cinema Installations

Not every room can accommodate an AV receiver, front speakers, centre speaker, surround speakers and height channels.

The Soundbar Plus provides a way of accessing modern immersive formats while keeping the visible equipment to a single enclosure beneath the television.

Who Is the AMBEO Soundbar Plus For?

  • Customers wanting immersive home cinema without multiple speakers
  • Dolby Atmos users
  • DTS:X users
  • Rooms where the larger Soundbar Max is impractical
  • Customers wanting automated room calibration
  • Listeners wanting substantial bass without immediately adding a subwoofer
  • Customers wanting wireless subwoofer expansion
  • People wanting film and music from one system
  • Streaming-music users
  • Customers wanting HDMI eARC and separate HDMI inputs
  • People wanting a clean and relatively discreet home cinema installation

Who Is It Not For?

  • Customers wanting physical rear surround speakers
  • Listeners wanting a fully conventional separates-based AV system
  • Systems requiring 4K/120Hz passthrough through the soundbar
  • Very large rooms where the physical scale of the Soundbar Max may be preferable
  • Customers who want rear speakers to be added later
  • Anyone requiring a completely passive soundbar solution

Key Features

  • Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
  • Model SB02M / SB02MC
  • Virtual 7.1.4 home cinema
  • 9 loudspeaker drivers
  • 9 Class D amplifiers
  • 400W RMS total power
  • Two 4-inch high-performance woofers
  • Seven 2-inch aluminium full-range drivers
  • 38Hz to 20kHz frequency response
  • 1.8GHz quad-core processor
  • AMBEO virtualization
  • AMBEO stereo upmixing
  • 5.1 upmixing
  • Automated self-calibration
  • Four built-in far-field microphones
  • Adaptive preset selection
  • Voice Enhancement
  • Night Mode
  • Equaliser adjustment
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Dolby TrueHD
  • Dolby Digital Plus
  • Dolby Digital
  • DTS:X
  • DTS-HD Master Audio
  • DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
  • DTS 96/24
  • DTS-ES
  • MPEG-H Audio
  • Dolby Atmos Music
  • Sony 360 Reality Audio
  • LPCM up to 7.1
  • HDMI eARC
  • Two HDMI 2.0a inputs
  • 4K 60Hz passthrough
  • Dolby Vision passthrough
  • HDCP 2.2
  • Optical digital input
  • Stereo RCA analogue input
  • Mono RCA subwoofer output
  • Wireless AMBEO Sub connection
  • Up to four wireless AMBEO Subs
  • Wi-Fi 6
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi
  • 2x2 MIMO Wi-Fi
  • Ethernet
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • AAC Bluetooth codec
  • SBC Bluetooth codec
  • Apple AirPlay 2
  • Chromecast built-in
  • Spotify Connect
  • TIDAL Connect
  • UPnP
  • Alexa Built-In where available
  • Works with compatible Google Home systems
  • Apple HomeKit integration
  • Sennheiser Smart Control app
  • Browser-based setup
  • Infrared remote control supplied
  • 105.1cm width
  • 6.3kg weight
  • Optional wall mounting

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus still current?

Yes. It remains part of Sennheiser's current AMBEO soundbar range.

How many physical speakers are inside the AMBEO Soundbar Plus?

Nine physical loudspeaker drivers.

What are the nine drivers?

Two 4-inch high-performance woofers and seven 2-inch aluminium-cone full-range drivers.

How powerful is the Soundbar Plus?

Sennheiser specifies 400W RMS total audio power through nine Class D amplifier channels.

What is the frequency response?

38Hz to 20kHz at -3dB.

Is it a real 7.1.4 speaker system?

The Soundbar Plus uses nine physical drivers together with AMBEO virtualization to recreate a virtual 7.1.4 home cinema presentation.

Does it support Dolby Atmos?

Yes. Both Dolby Atmos via Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos via Dolby Digital Plus are supported through suitable connections.

Does it support DTS:X?

Yes.

Does it support MPEG-H?

Yes.

Does it support 360 Reality Audio?

Yes.

Does it support Dolby Atmos Music?

Yes.

Can normal stereo music use AMBEO?

Yes. AMBEO virtualization can upmix conventional stereo content into a larger immersive presentation.

Can it upmix 5.1 soundtracks?

Yes.

Does it calibrate itself to the room?

Yes. Four built-in high-precision microphones measure the room as part of the automated calibration process.

Do I need an external calibration microphone?

No. The calibration microphones are built into the Soundbar Plus.

Does it need a separate subwoofer?

No. The Soundbar Plus is designed to operate as an all-in-one system and reaches a specified 38Hz using its two built-in 4-inch woofers.

Can I add the Sennheiser AMBEO Sub?

Yes.

Does the AMBEO Sub connect wirelessly?

Yes. The AMBEO Soundbar Plus supports wireless connection to the AMBEO Sub.

How many AMBEO Subs can I connect wirelessly?

Up to four.

Can I use a conventional wired subwoofer?

Yes. A mono RCA subwoofer pre-output is provided for a compatible powered subwoofer.

Can I wirelessly connect another brand of subwoofer?

No. The AMBEO Sub is the supported wireless subwoofer. Other powered subwoofers should be connected through the RCA output.

Does it support HDMI eARC?

Yes.

How many HDMI source inputs does it have?

Two, in addition to the television HDMI eARC connection.

Does it pass through 4K video?

Yes, up to 4K at 60Hz through the HDMI source inputs.

Does it support Dolby Vision passthrough?

Yes.

Does it support 4K at 120Hz through its HDMI inputs?

No. Sennheiser specifies the HDMI source inputs for up to 4K at 60Hz. Connect a 4K/120Hz source directly to a compatible television and return audio through HDMI eARC.

Does it have an optical input?

Yes.

Does it have an analogue audio input?

Yes. A stereo RCA input is provided.

Does it have Ethernet?

Yes.

Does it have Wi-Fi?

Yes. It supports dual-band IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi.

Does it support AirPlay 2?

Yes.

Does it have Chromecast built in?

Yes.

Does it support Spotify Connect?

Yes.

Does it support TIDAL Connect?

Yes.

Can it play music stored on my network?

Yes. UPnP network playback is supported.

Does it have Bluetooth?

Yes. Bluetooth 5.0 Classic is supported with AAC and SBC codecs.

Does it have Alexa?

Alexa Built-In is available in supported regions and languages.

Can the microphones be switched off?

Yes.

What is Voice Enhancement?

Voice Enhancement is designed to make dialogue easier to understand, particularly where speech is relatively quiet compared with music and effects.

What does Night Mode do?

Night Mode reduces the impact of large dynamic changes, making the soundbar easier to use quietly in the evening.

How wide is the Soundbar Plus?

Approximately 105.1cm.

How high is it?

Approximately 7.7cm including its feet.

How deep is it?

Approximately 12.1cm.

How much does it weigh?

Approximately 6.3kg.

Can the AMBEO Soundbar Plus be wall mounted?

Yes, using the appropriate dedicated wall-mount accessory.

What is the main difference between the Soundbar Plus and Max?

The Plus is much smaller and lighter, uses built-in calibration microphones and supports up to four wireless AMBEO Subs. The Max uses 13 physical drivers, has deeper 30Hz bass from its larger cabinet and only supports a wired subwoofer connection.

Related Sennheiser Products and Audio T Guides

Why Buy the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus From Audio T?

A soundbar as sophisticated as the AMBEO Soundbar Plus benefits from being chosen around the room rather than simply from a specification sheet. Television connectivity, room shape, placement, calibration and whether you plan to add a subwoofer can all affect which AMBEO model makes the most sense.

Audio T can help you compare the Soundbar Plus with the AMBEO Soundbar Max and Mini, advise on HDMI eARC and Dolby Atmos setup, and help decide whether the built-in bass is sufficient or whether an AMBEO Sub would improve the system in your room.

  • Friendly home cinema advice
  • Soundbar demonstrations where available
  • AMBEO Plus, Max and Mini comparisons
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X guidance
  • HDMI eARC setup advice
  • Television compatibility guidance
  • Room placement advice
  • AMBEO calibration guidance
  • Wireless and wired subwoofer advice
  • Home cinema system comparisons
  • Home demonstrations where available
  • Ongoing after-sales support

Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to arrange a demonstration or discuss whether the AMBEO Soundbar Plus is right for your television and room.

General

  • Product: Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
  • Model: SB02M / SB02MC
  • Product type: Active Immersive Home Cinema Soundbar
  • Virtual channel configuration: 7.1.4
  • Finish: Black

Amplification

  • Amplifier type: Class D
  • Amplifier channels: 9
  • Total audio power: 400W RMS

Loudspeaker System

  • Total physical drivers: 9
  • Woofers: 2 x 100mm / 4" High-Performance Inverse-Cone Cellulose Drivers
  • Woofer positioning: Top Left and Right
  • Full-range drivers: 7 x 50mm / 2" Aluminium-Cone Drivers
  • Full-range positioning: Front Left, Centre and Right; Side Left and Right; Top Left and Right
  • Frequency response: 38Hz - 20kHz (-3dB)

Audio Processing

  • Processor: 1.8GHz Quad-Core SoC
  • AMBEO virtualization: Yes
  • Virtual presentation: 7.1.4
  • Stereo upmixing: Yes
  • 5.1 upmixing: Yes
  • Automated room calibration: Yes
  • Calibration microphones: 4 Built-In High-Precision Far-Field Microphones
  • Adaptive preset selection: Yes
  • Voice Enhancement: Yes
  • Night Mode: Yes
  • Equaliser adjustment: Yes

Immersive and Surround Audio

  • Dolby Digital: Supported
  • Dolby Digital Plus: Supported
  • Dolby TrueHD: Supported via HDMI eARC
  • Dolby Atmos via Dolby Digital Plus: Supported
  • Dolby Atmos via Dolby TrueHD: Supported via HDMI eARC
  • Dolby Atmos Music: Supported
  • DTS: Supported
  • DTS-ES Discrete 6.1: Supported
  • DTS-ES Matrix 6.1: Supported via HDMI
  • DTS 96/24: Supported
  • DTS-HD High Resolution Audio: Supported via HDMI
  • DTS-HD Master Audio: Supported via HDMI
  • DTS-HD LBR: Supported via HDMI
  • DTS:X: Supported via HDMI
  • MPEG-H Audio: Supported
  • Sony 360 Reality Audio: Supported
  • LPCM: Up to 7.1 Channels

HDMI

  • Television connection: 1 x HDMI eARC
  • eARC specification: HDMI 2.1 eARC Functionality
  • HDMI source inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0a
  • CEC: Supported
  • Maximum video passthrough: Up to 4K 60Hz
  • Full HD passthrough: Supported
  • Dolby Vision passthrough: Supported
  • MHL: MHL 2.1
  • HDCP on HDMI source inputs: HDCP 2.2

Additional Audio Connections

  • Optical digital input: 1 x S/PDIF
  • Optical sampling rates: Up to 192kHz
  • Analogue input: 1 x Stereo RCA Pair
  • Subwoofer output: 1 x Mono RCA Pre-Out, Maximum 2V
  • USB: 1 x USB Type-A
  • USB function: Accessory Power / Service and Updates
  • USB accessory power: 5V DC / 1A
  • Ethernet: 1 x RJ45 10/100Mbit

Subwoofer Support

  • Built-in low-frequency drivers: 2 x 4" Woofers
  • Wireless AMBEO Sub support: Yes
  • Maximum wireless AMBEO Subs: Up to 4
  • Wireless subwoofer technology: Bluetooth Low Energy 5.2
  • Wireless subwoofer codec: LC3
  • Wired subwoofer support: Yes
  • Wired subwoofer connection: Mono RCA Pre-Out
  • Third-party wireless subwoofer support: No

Network Streaming

  • Apple AirPlay 2: Supported
  • Chromecast built-in: Supported
  • Spotify Connect: Supported
  • TIDAL Connect: Supported
  • UPnP: Supported
  • DSD: Supported
  • MP3: Supported
  • AAC / HE-AAC: Supported
  • LPCM: Supported
  • FLAC: Supported
  • AIFF: Supported
  • ALAC: Supported
  • Vorbis: Supported
  • Dolby Atmos Music: Supported
  • Sony 360 Reality Audio: Supported

Wi-Fi

  • Wi-Fi standard: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
  • Transmission system: 2 x 2 MIMO
  • 2.4GHz frequency range: 2,400MHz - 2,483.5MHz
  • 5GHz frequency range: 5,170MHz - 5,835MHz
  • Maximum Wi-Fi output: 100mW

Bluetooth

  • Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.0 Classic
  • Bluetooth Low Energy: Supported
  • Wireless AMBEO Sub connection: Bluetooth LE 5.2
  • Transmission frequency: 2,400MHz - 2,483.5MHz
  • Modulation: GFSK, p/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK
  • Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, GATT
  • Music codecs: AAC, SBC
  • AMBEO Sub codec: LC3
  • Maximum Bluetooth output: 10mW

Voice Assistants and Control

  • Alexa Built-In: Supported Where Available
  • Google Home: Compatible Where Supported
  • Apple HomeKit: Compatible
  • Microphone mute: Yes
  • App control: Sennheiser Smart Control
  • App compatibility: Compatible iOS and Android Devices
  • Browser control: Supported over Local Network
  • Physical controls: Integrated Top-Panel Controls
  • Remote control: Infrared Remote Included
  • Remote control range: Approximately 8m
  • Remote battery: CR2032

Display

  • Status display: LED Status Bar
  • AMBEO indicator: Yes
  • Active codec display: Yes
  • Microphone / Wi-Fi status display: Yes

Dimensions and Weight

  • Dimensions with feet (W x H x D): Approximately 105.1 x 7.7 x 12.1cm
  • Dimensions without feet (W x H x D): Approximately 105.1 x 7.5 x 12.1cm
  • Weight: Approximately 6.3kg
  • Magnetic field strength: 23.5mT
  • Wall mounting: Supported with Optional Dedicated Wall Mount

Power

  • Supply voltage: 100 - 240V AC, 50/60Hz
  • Maximum current: 2A
  • Network standby: Approximately 1.9W
  • Standby without network connection: Less than 0.5W

Operating Conditions

  • Operating temperature: 0°C to +40°C
  • Storage temperature: -20°C to +70°C
  • Operating / storage relative humidity: 10% - 90%, Non-Condensing

What's Included

  • Soundbar: Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
  • Remote control: Included with Lithium Battery
  • HDMI cable: Premium High-Speed HDMI Cable Included
  • Power cable: Included
  • Instruction manual: Included
  • Quick Guide: Included
  • Safety and compliance documentation: Included
  • External calibration microphone: Not Required - Microphones Built In
  • Wall mount: Optional / Not Included
  • AMBEO Sub: Optional / Not Included