Earlier this year, Sennheiser launched the new AMEBO Soundbar︱Plus, which can produce 7.1.4-channel sound effects with just a single soundbar, which is indeed quite attractive. Although the AMEBO Soundbar︱Mini launched this time is an entry-level model, it can also simulate 7.1.4 effects and supports technologies including Dolby Atmos, dtsX and 360 Reality Audio. The most important thing is that the AMEBO Soundbar︱Mini is only 70cm in length, which is quite space-saving and is especially suitable for the small living environment in Hong Kong.
AMEBO Soundbar|Mini adopts a 4 + 2 speaker design, that is, four 40mm full-range speakers and two 4” (100mm) woofer speakers, providing a total output of 250W. In terms of audio input, it includes HDMI eARC, USB-A, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6. In addition to being connected to the TV, it can also be used as a smart speaker and supports AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. It is quite versatile.
The biggest selling point of the AMEBO Soundbar series is of course its AMBEO virtual 3D sound effect technology, which can simulate stereo (two-channel) sound tracks into 3D sound effects through algorithms to achieve 5.2.4 or even 7.1.4-channel effects. The setup of AMEBO Soundbar|Mini is equally simple, and there is no need to install rear or ceiling speakers. And through the Smart Control app, the Soundbar can be used to perform spatial scanning and tuning, making the sound field effect more three-dimensional and richer.
Although the AMEBO Soundbar|Mini is only an entry-level model, the surround sound effect is still very good. We used Netflix’s “The Rescue 2” as a test. In one of the train melees, the characters were quite powerful in hand-to-hand combat and close-range shooting. . In the scene where a helicopter shoots at a train, you can even hear the positioning of the bullets.
Soundbar Mini can also be used as a smart speaker, and the effect is quite outstanding. This time we used Soundbar Mini to play Apple Music’s “To Miss You More” and Maeno Yoko’s version of “Cobra”. The guitar and vocals of the former are clean and detailed, the sound field is quite broad, and the bass is just right. In the latter, you can clearly hear the sounds of trumpet and saxophone, and it feels like a performance interpretation.
Conclusion
PCM Rating : 4.5/5
AMEBO Soundbar Mini is small in size, but its output and sound field effect are in no way inferior to those of Youqi Sub Woofer and satellite speakers. Whether watching movies or as a network speaker, the effect is good. However, the soundbar seems to have a few connection ports. If it can be equipped with optical input, I believe the application scenarios will be richer.
