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The Original Audiophile Soundbar Just Got a Significant Hi-Fi Upgrade

The revered audio maker just made its flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar even better.

A black rectangular speaker with its internal components partially exploded outward, showing multiple speaker drivers, diaphragms, and protective mesh covers. The speaker has a label with the text "AMBEO" on its side. The background is dark, highlighting the detailed structure of the speaker.Sennheiser
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By Tucker Bowe

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When Sennheiser launched the Ambeo soundbar over six years ago, it was unlike anything else.

The soundbar was absolutely massive, stretching over four feet across and weighing more than forty pounds. And thanks to its 13 drivers (which was unprecedented at the time), it delivered a more powerful and immersive sound than any other standalone Dolby Atmos soundbar.

That said, due to its size and exorbitant price tag — $2,499 then, $2,999 now — the Ambeo was a soundbar reserved for serious audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. However, Sennheiser has since released two smaller soundbars, the mid-range Ambeo Plus and entry-level Ambeo Mini, making Ambeo’s signature sound more accessible.

A modern living room setup featuring a wall-mounted flat-screen TV above a wooden media console with a rich, dark wood grain finish. On top of the console is a long black soundbar. To the left, a tall green potted plant in a gold pot stands near a large window with black framing. A silver bicycle leans against the wall near the plant. In the foreground, a reflective coffee table holds a blue bowl of popcorn, a glass of snacks, and a small black dinosaur figurine. Part of a brown leather sofa and a colorful patterned rug are also visible.
The Ambeo Max is a 5.1.4-channel soundbar with 13 total drivers.
Sennheiser

Additionally, Sennheiser subsequently renamed its original Ambeo to “Ambeo Max” to make the product line easier for consumers to understand. Today, the Ambeo Max remains the brand’s flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar.

Of course, audio technologies have greatly advanced since 2019, and, admittedly, despite its incredible sound, Sennheiser’s Ambeo Max has fallen behind. Well, thanks to a software update, that’s now changing.

Close-up of a high-end black speaker system with multiple drivers, including woofers and tweeters, housed in a sleek rectangular enclosure. The speaker features a metal plate labeled "AMBEO" and a section marked with an "R," indicating the right channel. The design is modern and minimalist, set against a dark background.
The front, side and up-firing drivers, along with raw power, help the Ambeo Max deliver an incredibly immersive sound.
Sennheiser

Lossless support

In a press release, Sennheiser has announced a significant firmware upgrade for the Ambeo Max. According to the brand, it “marks the most substantial advancement since the product’s original launch.”

The firmware update improves the Ambeo Max soundbar in three key ways.

A black AMBEO soundbar is displayed against a dark background with a smartphone in front showing the AMBEO Soundbar control app. The app screen features options like Standby, Night mode, 3D sound, and acoustical settings with a volume slider. The soundbar has a fabric front with circular speaker outlines and an AMBEO logo on the right side.
Sennheiser’s new software update brings support for lossless streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Sennheiser

First, it lets listeners customize the soundbar in new ways. Specifically, they can adjust the volume levels and virtualization of the center channel, side-firing and up-firing drivers. According to the brand, this lets listeners better tailor the immersive 3D experience to their preferences.

Second, it adds a new Voice Enhancement mode for improved dialogue. Sennheiser says that this “ensures dialogue remains clear and intelligible, even when sound effects or music dominate the mix in films, shows and sports.”

A modern living room setup featuring a wall-mounted flat-screen TV displaying an image of a barn owl in flight against a dark background. Below the TV is a sleek, white, wall-mounted cabinet with vertical grooves and two round handles. On top of the cabinet sits a long black soundbar. To the right, a pendant light with a black marble-like top sphere and a glowing white bottom sphere hangs from the ceiling. The room has a minimalist design with shadows cast on the light gray wall and dark floor.
The Ambeo Max is a massive one-box soundbar that weighs over 40 pounds.
Sennheiser

Third and most importantly, the firmware update allows the Amebo Max to support lossless audio streaming, up to 24-bit/96kHz via Google Cast and up to 24-bit/192kHz when using Tidal Connect.

The free firmware update is available now. Ambeo Max owners can update their soundbar using the Sennheiser Smart Control app on their smartphone (iOS and Android compatible).

To learn more about the updates to Sennheiser’s Ambeo Max soundbar, check out the press release, here.

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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