Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini Vs Sonos Beam Gen 2
What To Know
- Both the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini and the Sonos Beam Gen 2 support virtualized surround sound, which creates the illusion of a larger soundstage using fewer physical drivers.
- However, if you prefer a more focused sound experience with built-in voice control and smart features, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 may be a better choice.
- The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a better choice for small rooms, as it offers a more focused and directional sound experience.
The world of home audio is constantly evolving, with new products and technologies emerging all the time. Two of the most recent and highly anticipated releases are the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini and the Sonos Beam Gen 2. Both soundbars promise to deliver an immersive and cinematic audio experience, but which one is the better choice for you? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll pit the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini against the Sonos Beam Gen 2, examining their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Size and Design
The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini is a compact and discreet soundbar, measuring just 23.6 inches in length and 2.5 inches in height. Its slim profile makes it easy to fit under most TVs without obstructing the screen. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is slightly larger, measuring 25.6 inches in length and 2.7 inches in height. However, it still maintains a sleek and modern design that will complement any home entertainment system.
Audio Performance
The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini boasts a 3.1.2 channel configuration, with three front-firing drivers, one center channel, and two upward-firing drivers. This setup creates a wide and immersive soundstage that envelops the listener in a cinematic soundscape. The Sonos Beam Gen 2, on the other hand, features a 5.1 channel configuration, with five front-firing drivers and one up-firing driver. This provides a more focused and directional sound experience, making it ideal for smaller rooms or near-field listening.
Virtualization and Atmos Support
Both the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini and the Sonos Beam Gen 2 support virtualized surround sound, which creates the illusion of a larger soundstage using fewer physical drivers. The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini utilizes Ambeo Virtualization technology to deliver a 3D audio experience that simulates a 5.1.4 channel setup. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 uses Dolby Atmos virtualization technology to create a more immersive and height-enhanced soundstage.
Connectivity and Features
The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini offers a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical, analog, and Bluetooth. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect for wireless streaming. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a more limited selection of connectivity options, with only HDMI eARC, optical, and Bluetooth. However, it features built-in Wi-Fi and support for the Sonos ecosystem, which allows for easy integration with other Sonos speakers and the Sonos app.
Voice Control and Smart Features
The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini does not have any built-in voice control capabilities. However, it can be controlled via the Sennheiser Smart Control app or the included remote control. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to control the soundbar and other smart home devices with their voice.
Value and Pricing
The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini has a retail price of $499, while the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is priced at $449. Both soundbars offer excellent value for their respective price points, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a slight edge in terms of features and connectivity.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini and the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact and immersive soundbar with excellent virtualization capabilities, the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini is a great option. However, if you prefer a more focused sound experience with built-in voice control and smart features, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 may be a better choice.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which soundbar has better sound quality?
A: Both soundbars offer excellent sound quality, but the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini has a wider soundstage and more immersive virtualization capabilities.
Q: Which soundbar is better for small rooms?
A: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a better choice for small rooms, as it offers a more focused and directional sound experience.
Q: Which soundbar has more connectivity options?
A: The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini has a wider range of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical, analog, and Bluetooth.
Q: Which soundbar has built-in voice control?
A: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, while the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini does not.
Q: Which soundbar is better for gaming?
A: Both soundbars are suitable for gaming, but the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini‘s wider soundstage and more immersive virtualization capabilities may provide a more engaging experience.
