Sennheiser Ambeo Mini: Darling, I have shrunk the soundbar

The Digitec and Galaxus editorial team will be reporting on site from IFA 2023 in Berlin. You can find all the news and background information published so far in our overview:

Sennheiser completes the trilogy of its Ambeo soundbars. After the "Ambeo Plus" and the "Ambeo Max", you can now also buy the smallest version: The Ambeo Mini. I was allowed to try it out briefly at IFA 2023.

The "Ambeo Mini" from Sennheiser completes the Ambeo trio as the smallest part of the series - it measures 70 x 10 x 6.5 centimetres. First and foremost, you need to know this: This is not a technically slimmed-down entry-level version. It is the same soundbar as its two "big brothers", Max and Plus.

This means: 3D audio is included with the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X standards, and you can also expect MPEG-H and 360 Reality Audio. Only the number of built-in drivers is lower due to the smaller design - a total of seven instead of eleven in the Plus soundbar.

The Ambeo Mini supports many standards: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2 as well as Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. So you're all set for streaming.

On the physical level, the Ambeo Mini is limited to an eARC-capable HMDI port. Sennheiser explained this at the demo event by saying that a soundbar of this size is usually intended for a specific device.

It covers the needs of the majority of their customers. These are: Simplicity and cleanliness. Cleanliness in the sense that there are no 50 different cables hanging down somewhere.

Restrictions due to the design

The Ambeo Mini also supports the Fraunhofer Institute's "Cingo" technology. This creates virtual surround channels from stereo signals. The Ambeo Mini offers the "Light", "Standard" and "Boost" levels. Otherwise, all speakers are integrated into the soundbar.

These are four full-range drivers and two four-inch dual subwoofers that deliver bass up to 43 hertz. The whole thing is powered by a Class D amplifier with 250 watts. However, an external subwoofer is not included. The 5.1 experience is therefore simulated by the internally installed bass drivers.

First impression: Good overall package for the small living room

Sennheiser showed me the soundbar and let me try it out. After a few prepared acoustic demos, Freddy Mercury gets down to business - or rather Rami Malek, who plays Mercury in "Bohemian Rapsody".

The sound really draws me into the action. Despite the comparatively small resonator, the bass shakes and the virtual surround makes me feel like I'm sitting in a cinema. The typical Sennheiser sound signature comes into play here. A very high level of precision that separates the individual sound sources. Although the sound comes across as a composition, it doesn't sound "muddy". If you concentrate precisely on one sound - be it the vocals, the music or even the sounds of the audience - you can hear this clearly.

Of course, I have to say that the demonstration room at the IFA was optimised for this sound experience. Depending on the size of your living room and the quality of the walls, it may sound different. However, the free app also gives you the option to orientate the soundbar so that it sounds best in your living room.

In terms of workmanship, the bar is impeccable. Despite its size, it has a decent weight, dispenses with any design flourishes and looks as if it has been cast from a single mould. It is easily a third smaller than the Ambeo Plus - i.e. the "medium-sized" soundbar.

Touch control is located on the top - there are no physical buttons. I was also able to try these out briefly. They respond quickly, but not too sensitively.

Overall, the Ambeo Mini is a good deal for home cinema in smaller rooms.

The Sennheiser Ambeo Mini will be available from 1 September for 839 francs or 799 euros.