Home theater audio has come a long way from the simple TV speakers of yesteryear. Today's soundbars represent a fascinating mix of convenience and technology, offering cinema-quality sound without turning your living room into a speaker showroom. Let's dive into how the $899 JBL Bar 700 and $1,499 Sennheiser AMBEO Plus approach this challenge differently.
Modern soundbars have split into two distinct camps: traditional multi-speaker setups and advanced single-unit solutions. The JBL Bar 700 represents the traditional approach, using physical speakers for surround sound, while the AMBEO Plus showcases how far digital processing has come in creating virtual surround experiences.
The technology behind both approaches has matured significantly in recent years. Virtual surround processing now uses sophisticated algorithms that analyze room acoustics and create convincing 3D soundscapes. Meanwhile, wireless rear speakers have become more practical with improved battery life and seamless connectivity.
The JBL Bar 700 follows a proven formula: a main soundbar unit, wireless rear speakers, and a subwoofer. This setup provides genuine surround sound by physically placing speakers around your room. The rear speakers are detachable and battery-powered, offering up to 10 hours of playback - a clever solution that eliminates the need for permanent wiring.
The AMBEO Plus takes a radically different approach. It uses nine carefully positioned drivers and advanced processing to create virtual surround sound. The system analyzes your room's acoustics using built-in microphones and adjusts its output accordingly. This technology, called AMBEO 3D virtualization, aims to create the illusion of sound coming from all around you, including overhead.
For movies, both systems handle Dolby Atmos content differently. The JBL creates height effects through its upward-firing drivers and uses its physical rear speakers for surround effects. This results in more precise placement of sounds behind viewers. The 10-inch subwoofer delivers impressive impact during explosive scenes.
The AMBEO Plus creates a more subtle but arguably more sophisticated sound field. While it can't match the JBL's bass impact without an optional subwoofer, it excels at creating a seamless bubble of sound. Dialog clarity is particularly impressive, thanks to dedicated processing that enhances speech without affecting other sounds.
Music reveals significant differences between these systems. The JBL Bar 700 delivers a more traditional stereo presentation with powerful bass response. Its subwoofer adds warmth to music, while the main speakers handle mids and highs cleanly.
The AMBEO Plus shows its audiophile heritage here. The single-unit design allows for better stereo imaging - meaning instruments appear to come from precise locations across the soundstage. The midrange reproduction is more refined, letting you hear subtle details in complex recordings.
Gamers will find both systems capable but different. The JBL's physical rear speakers provide immediate feedback for gaming sound effects, which can be advantageous in competitive games where knowing where sounds come from is crucial.
The AMBEO Plus offers more precise height effects, which can enhance games that use vertical audio cues. Its advanced processing creates a more enveloping sound field, though some might find the slight processing delay noticeable in fast-paced games.
Both soundbars offer modern connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, which allows for high-quality audio transmission from your TV. They both support Wi-Fi streaming through various platforms like AirPlay and Chromecast.
The JBL includes:
The AMBEO Plus features:
At $899, the JBL Bar 700 offers excellent value for those wanting true surround sound. The included subwoofer and rear speakers would cost significantly more if purchased separately.
The AMBEO Plus at $1,499 represents a premium approach. While more expensive, it offers sophisticated processing and simpler setup. The higher price largely reflects the advanced virtualization technology and premium components.
Choose the JBL Bar 700 if you:
Choose the AMBEO Plus if you:
Both systems represent different approaches to home theater audio, and both execute their chosen approach well. The JBL offers a more traditional and impactful experience, while the Sennheiser provides a more sophisticated and convenient solution. Your choice ultimately depends on your room setup, budget, and personal preferences for how you want your sound delivered.
| JBL Bar 700 Dolby Atmos 5.1 | Sennheiser AMBEO Plus |
|---|---|
| Price - Total system cost with all included components | |
| $899 (includes subwoofer and rear speakers) | $1,499 (single unit, optional sub extra) |
| System Configuration - Determines placement flexibility and true surround capability | |
| 5.1 system with physical rear speakers | Virtual 7.1.4 from single soundbar |
| Total Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and dynamic range | |
| 620W total (240W soundbar, 300W sub, 80W rears) | 400W total integrated system |
| Subwoofer - Critical for movie impact and music bass | |
| 10" wireless powered subwoofer included | Dual 4" built-in woofers (optional sub available) |
| Dolby Atmos Implementation - Affects 3D sound immersion | |
| Physical up-firing drivers + rear speakers | Virtual processing with 9 integrated drivers |
| Room Calibration - Optimizes sound for your space | |
| Basic calibration with mobile app | Advanced AMBEO 3D calibration with built-in mics |
| Battery Life - Affects wireless rear speaker usage | |
| 10 hours per charge on rear speakers | No batteries needed (single unit) |
| Connectivity - Streaming and input options | |
| HDMI eARC, Optical, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, AirPlay | HDMI eARC, Optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Chromecast |
| Processing Features - Sound enhancement capabilities | |
| PureVoice dialog enhancement, basic EQ | Advanced AMBEO processing, 4-band EQ, multiple sound modes |
| Physical Size - Installation space requirements | |
| 46.2" wide main bar + separate sub and rears | 41.5" single unit, more compact overall |
For home theater use, the $899 JBL Bar 700 offers better value with true surround sound from its physical rear speakers and dedicated subwoofer. However, the $1,499 AMBEO Plus provides superior processing and simpler setup if you can't accommodate multiple speakers.
The main difference is their approach to surround sound. The JBL Bar 700 uses traditional physical speakers, while the AMBEO Plus creates virtual surround sound using advanced processing in a single unit.
The JBL Bar 700's included 10-inch wireless subwoofer provides significantly more powerful bass than the AMBEO Plus's built-in woofers. For movie explosions and action scenes, the JBL system delivers more impact.
While the AMBEO Plus creates convincing virtual surround, the JBL Bar 700's physical rear speakers provide more accurate surround sound placement. For the most authentic home theater experience, physical rear speakers like those included with the JBL system are preferred.
The AMBEO Plus wins for setup simplicity since it's a single unit. The JBL Bar 700 requires positioning multiple speakers and occasionally charging the wireless rear units.
The higher price of the AMBEO Plus is justified if you value premium sound processing, simpler setup, and can't accommodate multiple speakers. However, the JBL Bar 700 offers better value for most home theater applications.
Both support Dolby Atmos, but they handle it differently. The JBL creates more precise overhead effects with physical speakers, while the AMBEO Plus uses sophisticated virtual processing that depends more on room acoustics.
The AMBEO Plus offers more refined music playback with better stereo imaging and detail. The JBL system provides powerful bass and good clarity but isn't quite as sophisticated for pure music listening.
Both offer dialogue enhancement, but the AMBEO Plus's processing is more advanced. However, the JBL's PureVoice technology is still very effective for clear dialogue in TV shows and movies.
The JBL Bar 700 needs more space to accommodate its multiple speakers, while the AMBEO Plus works better in smaller spaces. Both perform best in rooms with regular shapes for optimal sound distribution.
Both support current formats like Dolby Atmos and have modern connectivity options. The AMBEO Plus's advanced processing might give it a slight edge for future audio formats, but both are well-equipped for years to come.
The JBL Bar 700 offers more immediate directional audio feedback due to its physical speakers, making it better for competitive gaming. The AMBEO Plus provides excellent immersion but might have slightly more processing delay.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: crutchfield.com - harmanaudio.com - target.com - jbl.com - walmart.com - dell.com - jbl.com.pdf) - techradar.com - pocket-lint.com - moon-audio.com - stereonet.com - rtings.com - abt.com - projectorscreen.com - youtube.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - crutchfield.com - sennheiser-hearing.com - newsroom.sennheiser.com
