Sennheiser has finally rolled out a long-overdue firmware update for the AMBEO Soundbar Max, delivering its most significant upgrade since the model’s 2019 launch. Powered by AMBEO OS2, the update brings heightened immersion, clearer dialogue, and expanded support for lossless audio streaming, elevating the Soundbar Max in an increasingly competitive high-end soundbar market.
With strong contenders from KEF, Sony, Klipsch, and Sennheiser itself, audiophiles now have even more reason to pay attention, despite what some YouTube critics might claim.
Tip: The “Max” name was added to the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar in 2022, when Sennheiser introduced a smaller soundbar called AMBEO Plus, followed by the even smaller AMBEO Mini soundbar in 2023.
AMBEO Soundbar Max Firmware Update: Key Features and Improvements
- Customizable Immersion: Adjust the volume for the side, top, and center channel virtualization to fine-tune the 3D sound experience. Whether you’re watching a movie, gaming, or listening to music, you can shape the immersive audio to your liking.
- Lossless Audio: High-resolution, lossless audio gets a serious boost. Dolby Atmos Music on TIDAL is now joined by support for 24-bit/96 kHz streaming via Google Cast for Audio, and up to 24-bit/192 kHz through TIDAL Connect, giving your music the detail it deserves.
- Voice Enhancement Mode: Dialogue is now unmistakably clear, even when explosions, music, or other effects dominate the soundtrack. Perfect for movies, shows, or sports where understanding every word matters.
From Guy Campbell, Senior Product Manager for AMBEO Soundbars: “With AMBEO | OS2, we’re boosting the impressive capabilities of our flagship soundbar even further with high-performance features for music lovers and movie buffs just like us,..“Whether they’re enjoying a blockbuster film or high-fidelity music, ‘Max’ customers new and old can fill their homes with jaw-dropping sound controlled by the smartphone already in their pocket.”
AMBEO Soundbars Compared
| AMBEO Max | AMBEO Plus | AMBEO Mini | |
| Price | $1,999 | $1,499 | $949 |
| Channel Configuration | 5.1.4 | 7.1.4 | 7.1.4 |
| Amplifier Type | Class D | Class D | Class D |
| Amplifier Power | 500 Watts | 400 Watts | 250 Watts |
| Frequency Response (-3dB) | 30 Hz – 20 Khz | 38 Hz – 20 Khz | 43 Hz – 20 Khz |
| Total Speaker Drivers | 13 | 9 | 6 |
| Low-Frequency Drivers | 6 x 4″ Cellulose Sandwich Cone | 2 x 4″ Cellulose Cone Driver | 2 x 4″ Cellulose Cone Driver |
| Tweeters | 5 x 1″ Aluminium Cone | – | – |
| Full range Drivers | 2 x 3.5″ Top Facing | 7 x 2″ Aluminum Cone | 4 x 1.6” (40mm) Cellulose Cone |
| HDMI TV (eARC) OUT | 1 x HDMI eARC (HDMI 2.1) | 1 x HDMI eARC (HDMI 2.1) | 1 x HDMI eARC (HDMI 2.1) |
| HDMI IN | 2 x HDMI 2.0a | 2 x HDMI 2.0a | – |
| Optical IN | 1 | 1 | – |
| AUX IN | 1 x Stereo RCA | 1 x Stereo RCA | – |
| Subwoofer OUT | 1 | 1 | – |
| Wireless Subwoofer Ready | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes | – |
| HDR Support | Dolby Vision | Dolby Vision | – |
| Built-in mics | – | 4 | 4 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 49.8 x 6.7 x 5.3″ (126.5 x 17.1 x 13.4 cm) | 41.4 x 3 x 4.8″ (105.1 x 7.7 x 12.1 cm) | 27.6 x 2.7 x 4″ (70 x 6.9 x 10.1 cm) |
| Weight | 40.7 lbs (18.5 kg) | 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
The Bottom Line
The high-end soundbar market is crowded, with options ranging from budget models under $100 to premium systems costing several thousand dollars. At $2,000, the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar | Max was long overdue for an update, especially as many competitors already offer similar features. Samsung’s Q-Series Q990F lets you adjust levels for each channel, while KEF XIO and LG S95AR/S95TR provide high-resolution audio support. Voice enhancement is common, with ZVOX Audio’s AV855 offering 20 levels of boost. However, Sennheiser finally catches up, bringing customizable immersion, expanded lossless audio, and clearer dialogue—but execution will determine if it can hold its place against these strong rivals.
Update Availability
AMBEO | OS2 is a free update for all AMBEO Soundbar Max owners and can be applied using the original Smart Control App (iOS, Android) or over a USB drive.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max is available for $1,999 at Amazon and Crutchfield
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