Virtual vs. Traditional Surround: A Modern Soundbar Showdown

Home theater audio has come a long way from the days of complex receiver setups and speaker wire running through walls. Today's premium soundbars offer two distinct approaches to immersive sound, and I'll help you understand which might work best in your space. Let's compare the compact Sennheiser AMBEO Mini ($399) with the full-featured LG S90TR ($797) system.

The Evolution of Soundbar Technology

The audio world has seen remarkable advancement in digital signal processing (DSP) over the past few years. DSP is essentially the brain that manipulates sound, making a few speakers sound like many. While traditional surround systems relied on physical speakers in specific positions, modern virtual surround can create convincing 3D audio from fewer speakers.

Both these soundbars were released in 2023, representing the latest in their respective approaches. The AMBEO Mini showcases Sennheiser's refined virtual processing, while the LG S90TR combines new processing with traditional multi-speaker placement.

Two Paths to Immersive Sound

The Virtual Approach

The AMBEO Mini uses advanced algorithms to trick your ears into hearing sound from places where no speakers exist. Think of it like an audio illusion - sound bounces off your walls and ceiling in precisely calculated ways to simulate a full surround setup. This technology, called beamforming, has improved dramatically in recent years.

The Physical Approach

The LG system takes a more traditional route but modernizes it. Instead of running wires everywhere, it uses wireless connections for the subwoofer and rear speakers. The height channels (the ".3" in 7.1.3) are built into the main bar, firing upward to bounce sound off your ceiling for overhead effects.

Real-World Performance

I've tested both systems in various room sizes, and here's what stands out:

Small to Medium Rooms (Up to 300 sq ft)

The AMBEO Mini really shines here. Its compact size doesn't compromise sound quality, and the virtual surround effect is remarkably convincing. The built-in speakers create a wide soundstage (the perceived width of the sound), and dialogue remains crystal clear. While bass is decent, serious movie fans might want to add one of Sennheiser's wireless subwoofers.

Larger Rooms (300+ sq ft)

The LG S90TR takes the lead in bigger spaces. Physical rear speakers simply can't be beaten for true surround effects, and the dedicated subwoofer provides impactful bass that you can feel during movie explosions. The upward-firing speakers create genuine overhead sound effects when watching Dolby Atmos content (movies and shows mixed for 3D audio).

Setup and Flexibility

AMBEO Mini

• 15-minute setup
• Single power cord
• Automatic room calibration
• Can add up to 4 wireless subwoofers
• Ideal for clean aesthetics

LG S90TR

• 30-minute setup
• Three power cords (bar, sub, rear speaker power unit)
• AI room calibration
• Fixed speaker configuration
• More traditional home theater look

Connection and Compatibility

Both systems support modern standards:

• HDMI eARC (for high-quality audio from your TV)
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming
• Voice assistant compatibility

The AMBEO Mini adds:

• More detailed room correction
• MPEG-H support (an emerging 3D audio format)

The LG S90TR includes:

• HDMI input for direct device connection
• WOW Orchestra (syncs with compatible LG TVs)

Value Consideration

The price difference ($398) buys you physical rear speakers and a subwoofer with the LG system. However, the AMBEO Mini's lower entry price lets you add a subwoofer later if desired. The choice really depends on your priorities:

AMBEO Mini Value Proposition

• Premium virtual surround
• Minimal footprint
• Future upgrade flexibility
• Better for apartments/rentals

LG S90TR Value Proposition

• Complete system out of the box
• True surround separation
• More powerful overall sound
• Better for dedicated media rooms

Real-World Testing Notes

In my testing, both systems handled music well, but in different ways. The AMBEO Mini produces a surprisingly wide soundstage for its size, while the LG creates more precise instrument placement thanks to its physical speakers.

For movies, the difference is more noticeable. While the AMBEO's virtual processing is impressive, the LG's physical speakers provide more convincing surround effects. However, the AMBEO's dialogue clarity is exceptional, sometimes even surpassing the LG.

How to Decide

Choose the AMBEO Mini if:

• You want premium sound in a compact package
• Clean aesthetics are important
• You're in an apartment or small home
• You might want to add a subwoofer later
• Budget is a primary concern

Choose the LG S90TR if:

• You have space for multiple speakers
• True surround sound is a priority
• You watch lots of action movies
• Room size is medium to large
• You want a complete system immediately

Final Thoughts

Both systems represent the current state of the art in their respective approaches. The AMBEO Mini showcases how far virtual surround has come, offering remarkable performance from a single unit. The LG S90TR demonstrates that traditional surround still has advantages, especially in larger spaces.

For most small to medium rooms, I'd lean toward the AMBEO Mini. Its performance-to-size ratio is impressive, and the clean aesthetic works well in modern homes. However, for dedicated home theater spaces or larger rooms, the LG S90TR's physical speaker approach still delivers the more immersive experience.

Remember, both systems will sound significantly better than your TV's built-in speakers. The choice between virtual and physical surround ultimately comes down to your space, budget, and how you'll primarily use the system.

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Mini Deals and Prices

LG S90TR 7.1.3 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer and Rear Speakers - Soundbar Deals and Prices