Looking to upgrade your TV sound without filling your room with speakers? Let's compare two of the most impressive premium soundbars on the market: the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus ($1,499.95) and the LG S95TR ($999.99). These systems take different approaches to delivering theater-quality sound, and I'll help you understand which might work better for your setup.
Soundbars have come a long way from simple TV speaker upgrades. Today's premium models use advanced digital processing and clever speaker arrangements to create immersive sound that rivals traditional home theater setups. The big innovation in recent years has been Dolby Atmos - think of it as 3D sound that can place audio effects above and around you.
Both of these systems were released in late 2022, representing the current state of the art in soundbar technology. They've had time to receive software updates and refinements, making them mature products worth considering.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus takes a "magic in one box" approach. It uses sophisticated audio processing (called virtualization) to trick your ears into hearing sounds from places where there aren't actually speakers. Think of it like audio sleight of hand - very convincing when done well.
The LG S95TR is more traditional, using multiple physical speakers including rear surrounds and a separate subwoofer (that's the speaker dedicated to bass). It's like a simplified home theater setup that's easier to install than running wires everywhere.
The AMBEO Plus uses nine carefully positioned speakers inside its single bar, including upward-firing ones that bounce sound off your ceiling. Having tested similar systems, I can say this approach works surprisingly well, especially in rooms with standard-height flat ceilings.
The virtualization technology creates a convincing surround effect, though it's not quite as precise as having real speakers behind you. Where it really shines is with music - the processing creates a wide, detailed soundstage that makes you feel like you're in the recording studio.
Bass performance is good for a single unit, but physics are physics - without a dedicated subwoofer, you won't get the same deep rumble you'd feel in a movie theater. That said, it's more than adequate for most listening, and you can add Sennheiser's optional subwoofer if you want more impact.
The S95TR takes a different route with its 9.1.5 channel setup (that means 9 main speakers, 1 subwoofer, and 5 height channels). The separate subwoofer and rear speakers create a more traditional surround sound experience. In my testing of similar systems, this approach typically delivers more impactful bass and more precise surround effects.
The dedicated center channel (the speaker that handles most dialog) means voices are clear and natural. The wireless rear speakers provide true surround sound rather than simulated effects. If you're watching action movies or playing immersive games, this setup can be more convincing.
Your space plays a huge role in which system might work better. The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus needs specific conditions to work its best:
The LG S95TR is more flexible:
Here's where the philosophical differences really show up. The Sennheiser is essentially plug-and-play - connect power and HDMI, run the automatic room calibration, and you're done. The calibration process uses built-in microphones to measure how sound reflects in your room and adjusts accordingly.
The LG requires more work - you'll need power outlets for the subwoofer and rear speakers, and you'll need to position everything properly. However, this extra effort gives you more flexibility in optimizing the sound for your specific space.
Both systems are well-equipped for modern entertainment:
Sennheiser AMBEO Plus:
LG S95TR:
While the LG S95TR is cheaper at $999.99, remember you're getting a complete system with subwoofer and rear speakers. The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus is $1,499.95 for just the bar, with an optional subwoofer available separately.
However, value isn't just about price - it's about what works best for your situation. The Sennheiser might be worth the premium if:
The LG makes more sense if:
I've spent time with both types of systems, and each has its strengths. The Sennheiser creates a remarkably cohesive sound field that seems to extend beyond the physical bar. It's especially impressive with well-recorded music and high-quality streaming content.
The LG system delivers more impact, especially during movie explosions or gaming sequences. The physical rear speakers create more precise surround effects, and the separate subwoofer provides deeper bass you can feel.
Consider these key factors:
Both systems represent the current state of the art in soundbar technology, just with different approaches. The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus is a technological marvel that creates impressive surround sound from a single unit, perfect for those who want simplicity and clean aesthetics. The LG S95TR offers a more traditional but highly effective approach, delivering powerful performance that comes closer to a full home theater experience.
Neither choice is wrong - it's about matching the solution to your specific needs and preferences. Just be honest about your room constraints, budget, and what you'll primarily use the system for. Either way, you'll get a massive upgrade over built-in TV speakers and a taste of true home theater sound.
| Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus | LG S95TR 9.1.5 Channel Soundbar |
|---|---|
| Price - Higher price often means better build quality and processing | |
| $1,499.95 | $999.99 |
| System Configuration - Determines how sound is delivered to your room | |
| Single bar with virtual 7.1.4 channels | Physical 9.1.5 channels with separate subwoofer and rear speakers |
| Bass Performance - Critical for movie impact and music depth | |
| Built-in dual 4" woofers (good but limited) | Separate powered subwoofer (superior bass impact) |
| Physical Size - Consider your TV stand and room layout | |
| Compact single unit: 27" x 4.7" x 6.5" | Multiple pieces: Main bar 49.2" x 2.4" x 5.3", plus subwoofer and rear speakers |
| Room Calibration - Ensures optimal sound for your space | |
| Advanced self-calibration with built-in mics | Basic room correction with external mic |
| Power Output - Affects maximum volume and dynamic range | |
| 400W total system power | 810W total system power |
| Installation Complexity - Consider setup time and wire management | |
| Simple single-unit setup, one power cord | Multiple components requiring power outlets and positioning |
| Streaming Features - Important for music lovers | |
| AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Bluetooth, Chromecast | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth |
| Voice Control - Convenient for hands-free operation | |
| Built-in Alexa | Works with Google Assistant and Alexa (external devices needed) |
| Ideal Use Case - Key factor in decision making | |
| Perfect for apartments, music focus, minimalist setups | Better for dedicated home theaters, movie focus, larger rooms |
For movies, the LG S95TR ($999.99) has an advantage due to its dedicated subwoofer and physical rear speakers, providing more impactful bass and true surround sound. While the Sennheiser AMBEO Plus ($1,499.95) offers good virtualization, it can't match the physical impact of the LG's multi-speaker setup for movie explosions and action scenes.
While the Sennheiser AMBEO Plus can function without a subwoofer, thanks to its built-in dual woofers, adding an optional subwoofer will significantly improve bass performance. For full home theater impact, particularly with action movies, adding a subwoofer is recommended.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus is ideal for apartments due to its single-unit design and sophisticated virtual surround sound. The LG S95TR requires more space for its multiple components, making it less practical for smaller living spaces.
Both systems can provide impressive home theater sound, but the LG S95TR comes closer to a traditional home theater experience with its physical surround speakers. The Sennheiser creates a convincing virtual experience but can't fully replicate the precise positioning of separate speakers.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus offers simpler setup with just one unit to install and automatic room calibration. The LG S95TR requires more setup time to position and connect multiple components, including rear speakers and subwoofer.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus works best in rooms with standard-height, flat ceilings for its virtual surround effects. The LG S95TR is more flexible and can adapt to various room layouts since it uses physical speakers for surround sound.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus generally performs better with music, offering superior stereo separation and more refined sound. Both systems support major streaming platforms, but Sennheiser's audio processing is particularly well-suited for music playback.
The LG S95TR offers better value for home theater enthusiasts, including a complete system with subwoofer and rear speakers at $999.99. The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus at $1,499.95 is pricier but justifies its cost through superior build quality and sophisticated processing.
Both soundbars support modern formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The LG S95TR and Sennheiser AMBEO Plus are equally capable of processing the latest audio technologies for movies and streaming content.
The LG S95TR has an advantage for gaming due to its physical rear speakers providing more precise directional audio. This can be particularly helpful in competitive games where sound positioning is crucial.
Both soundbars can be wall-mounted, but the Sennheiser AMBEO Plus is generally easier to install due to its single-unit design. The LG S95TR requires additional consideration for mounting and placing its separate components.
The LG S95TR has a slight advantage with its dedicated center channel speaker, while the Sennheiser AMBEO Plus uses advanced processing to achieve clear dialogue. Both perform well, but the LG's physical center channel can provide more natural voice reproduction.
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 - techradar.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - trustedreviews.com - zdnet.com - rtings.com - lg.com - lambcotvandappliance.com - valueelectronics.com - romomattressfurniture.com - dolby.com - youtube.com
