When it comes to improving your TV's sound, the gap between basic and premium soundbars has never been wider. Today, we're comparing two very different approaches: the high-end Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus ($1,499) and the budget-friendly Bose Solo Soundbar Series 2 ($179).
Soundbars have evolved dramatically over the past few years. While basic models still focus on simply improving TV audio, premium soundbars now aim to replicate full home theater systems. The technology behind virtual surround sound (which makes sound appear to come from different directions) has made incredible leaps, particularly in high-end models.
These two soundbars, released about two years apart, perfectly demonstrate this evolution. The AMBEO Plus represents the cutting edge with its 2022 release, while the Bose Solo 2 from 2020 takes a more traditional approach.
The AMBEO Plus uses advanced processing to create virtual speakers - imagine sound bouncing off your walls and ceiling in precisely calculated ways to trick your ears into hearing sound from all around you. It uses built-in microphones to measure your room's acoustics and adjust accordingly. This technology, while impressive, comes at a premium price point.
The Bose Solo 2 takes a simpler approach, focusing on clear stereo sound (left and right channels) with some basic audio enhancement. While it can't create the same immersive experience, it excels at its primary job: making TV dialogue clearer and providing better overall sound than built-in TV speakers.
Modern streaming has changed how we use soundbars, and this is where the differences become stark. The AMBEO Plus functions like a complete entertainment hub with:
The Bose Solo 2 keeps it simple with:
Having tested both units in different room sizes, the performance difference is significant but context-dependent. In my experience:
If you're looking to create a genuine home theater experience, the AMBEO Plus is the clear choice. It supports Dolby Atmos (which adds height channels to surround sound) and can process multiple audio formats. When watching movies with complex soundtracks, the difference is remarkable - you'll hear helicopters seemingly fly overhead and rain appear to fall all around you.
For simply improving your TV's sound quality, particularly for dialogue-heavy content like news or sitcoms, the Bose Solo 2 offers solid performance at a fraction of the price. Its dialogue enhancement mode is particularly effective for making speech clearer.
The AMBEO Plus offers superior music playback with better clarity, separation, and bass response. It also supports high-resolution audio formats and various streaming services. The Bose provides decent stereo playback but lacks the same level of detail and impact.
The price difference ($1,320) between these units is substantial enough to require serious justification. Here's my take on value:
Consider these key factors:
If budget is tight, the decision is simple - the Bose Solo 2 provides good value for basic needs. However, if you're investing in a high-end TV and want audio to match, the AMBEO Plus is worth considering.
For movies and gaming: AMBEO Plus For mainly TV watching: Bose Solo 2 For mixed use: Depends on your priority between quality and value
The soundbar market continues to evolve rapidly. The AMBEO Plus represents the current peak of single-unit soundbar technology, while the Bose Solo 2 represents a mature, proven approach to basic sound improvement. Future updates might bring new features to the AMBEO Plus, while the Bose Solo 2 is unlikely to see significant changes.
The AMBEO Plus and Bose Solo 2 serve different markets with different needs. The AMBEO Plus is for those seeking a premium home theater experience without multiple speakers, while the Bose Solo 2 serves those wanting simple, reliable TV audio improvement.
If you're serious about home theater and can afford it, the AMBEO Plus delivers an impressive experience that justifies its premium price. However, if you're simply looking to improve your TV's sound quality, the Bose Solo 2 remains a solid, cost-effective choice that will meet most basic needs admirably.
Remember, the best choice depends entirely on your specific needs, room setup, and budget - there's no universally "right" answer, just the right choice for your situation.
| Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus ($1,499) | Bose Solo Soundbar Series 2 ($179) |
|---|---|
| Audio Channels - Determines how immersive and spacious the sound can be | |
| 7.1.4 virtual channels (full surround simulation) | 2.0 channels (basic stereo only) |
| Power Output - Affects maximum volume and ability to fill larger rooms | |
| 400W (suitable for large rooms) | 100W (best for small to medium rooms) |
| Sound Processing - Important for creating immersive experiences from regular content | |
| AMBEO 3D virtualization with room calibration | Basic dialogue enhancement only |
| Connectivity Options - Determines flexibility with different devices and streaming | |
| HDMI, optical, WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB | Optical and Bluetooth only |
| Format Support - Affects compatibility with modern streaming and movies | |
| Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, MPEG-H (full modern support) | Basic Dolby Digital (downmixed to stereo) |
| Smart Features - Adds convenience and future-proofing | |
| Voice control, app control, automatic updates | Basic remote control only |
| Size - Consider your TV and space limitations | |
| 41.5" x 4.7" x 3.4" (larger, premium build) | 21.6" x 2.8" x 3.4" (compact, basic build) |
| Bass Performance - Critical for movie effects and music | |
| Dual 4" woofers (good bass, can add external sub) | No dedicated woofers (limited bass response) |
| Best Use Case - Most important consideration for your needs | |
| Home theater enthusiast seeking premium audio experience | Basic TV audio upgrade for dialogue clarity |
The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus ($1,499) is significantly better for movies, offering Dolby Atmos support and virtual 7.1.4 surround sound. The Bose Solo Soundbar Series 2 ($179) provides basic stereo sound only.
For home theater enthusiasts, the AMBEO Plus justifies its higher price with superior sound quality, advanced features, and immersive audio. However, if you only need basic TV audio improvement, the Bose Solo 2 offers better value.
The Bose Solo 2 is well-suited for small rooms, offering good performance at close range. The AMBEO Plus may be overkill in small spaces, though it still provides superior audio quality.
Yes, both soundbars work with any TV, but connectivity differs. The AMBEO Plus offers HDMI and optical connections, while the Bose Solo 2 uses optical only.
The AMBEO Plus includes built-in woofers and delivers good bass, though you can add a subwoofer. The Bose Solo 2 has limited bass response and cannot connect to an external subwoofer.
The AMBEO Plus offers superior music playback with WiFi streaming, multiple services support, and better sound quality. The Bose Solo 2 only offers basic Bluetooth streaming.
Yes, both the AMBEO Plus and Bose Solo 2 can be wall-mounted, with mounting hardware included.
The Bose Solo 2 offers simpler plug-and-play setup. The AMBEO Plus requires more initial configuration but provides automated room calibration.
The AMBEO Plus supports Alexa and Google Assistant integration. The Bose Solo 2 does not support voice controls.
The AMBEO Plus is superior for gaming with surround sound support and low latency HDMI connections. The Bose Solo 2 provides basic stereo sound only.
The AMBEO Plus receives regular firmware updates and offers future-proof features. The Bose Solo 2 is more basic but should provide years of reliable service.
Both perform well for dialogue, but the AMBEO Plus offers more advanced processing and customization. The Bose Solo 2 includes a dedicated dialogue enhancement mode that works effectively for most content.
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: 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 - rtings.com - bose.com - bose.com - assets.bose.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - pistonheads.com - costco.com - googlenestcommunity.com - youtube.com - discussions.apple.com
