The Arc Ultra, released in 2024, offers a 9.1.4 channel configuration with 14 drivers, including a built-in subwoofer utilizing SoundMotion™ technology for enhanced bass response. Its design is sleek and modern, measuring approximately 117.8 cm in width, 7.5 cm in height, and 11 cm in depth, and weighing around 5.9 kg. The Sonos Arc Ultra supports Dolby Atmos but does not include DTS:X support or HDMI passthrough. Connectivity options include HDMI eARC 2.1, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, and Apple AirPlay 2. Additionally, it integrates with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control.
In contrast, the AMBEO Soundbar Max, introduced in 2019, features a 5.1.4 channel setup with 13 drivers, including six 4-inch cellulose cone woofers and two 3.5-inch up-firing drivers, delivering a robust and immersive sound experience. It is larger and heavier than the Arc Ultra, measuring about 126.5 cm in width, 12.5 cm in height, and 17.1 cm in depth, with a weight of approximately 18.5 kg. The AMBEO Max supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats, providing versatility in audio playback. Its connectivity options are extensive, offering HDMI eARC, three HDMI inputs with passthrough, optical input, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 5, Chromecast built-in, and support for various streaming services. The soundbar also includes a calibration microphone for room calibration, enhancing the listening experience.
Specs Comparison
he Arc Ultra has a sleek, minimalist design, measuring approximately 117.8 cm in width, 7.5 cm in height, and 11 cm in depth, and weighing around 5.9 kg. Its matte finish and perforated grille wrapping around the entire body give it a modern and unobtrusive appearance. The touch-sensitive controls are subtly integrated on an upward-facing panel at the rear, maintaining the clean lines of the design. However, I found that this positioning required a slight reach when the soundbar was placed under my TV. The build feels solid and durable, reflecting Sonos’s commitment to quality materials and construction.
In contrast, the AMBEO Soundbar Max is notably larger and heavier, measuring about 126.5 cm in width, 13.5 cm in height, and 17.1 cm in depth, with a weight of approximately 18.5 kg. Its combination of smooth plastic construction and a metal grille on the front gives it a premium look and feel. However, I noticed that the surface is prone to fingerprints, requiring regular cleaning to maintain its pristine appearance. The touch controls are conveniently located on the top panel, providing easy access for adjustments. The overall build quality is excellent, with tight seams and a sturdy construction that exudes durability.
Technically, the Sonos Arc Ultra features a 9.1.4 channel configuration with 14 drivers, including seven tweeters and six midrange drivers, all powered by 15 Class-D amplifiers. Its connectivity options include HDMI eARC 2.1, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi 6, facilitating seamless integration with various devices. The Arc Ultra also supports voice control through Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, enhancing user convenience.
Table Comparison
| Feature | Sonos Arc Ultra | Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max |
| Audio Channels | 9.1.4 | 5.1.4 |
| Amplifiers | 15 Class-D digital amplifiers | Class-D amplifiers with a total output of 250W RMS (500W Peak) |
| Drivers | 14 drivers: 7 tweeters, 6 midrange drivers, 1 built-in subwoofer | 13 drivers: 6 woofers (4″), 5 tweeters (1″), 2 full-range up-firing drivers (3.5″) |
| Power Output | Not specified | 250W RMS; 500W Peak |
| Frequency Response | Not specified | 30 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC 2.1, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, Apple AirPlay 2 | HDMI eARC 2.1, 3x HDMI 2.0a inputs, Optical input, Stereo RCA, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 5, Chromecast built-in |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control | Not specified |
| Sound Calibration | Trueplay tuning (available for iOS and Android devices) | Room calibration with included microphone |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 117.8 x 7.5 x 11.0 cm | 126.5 x 13.5 x 17.1 cm (with feet) |
| Weight | 5.9 kg | 18.5 kg |
| Power Consumption (Idle) | 4.6 Watts | ECO Standby ON: 1.9W; ECO Standby OFF: 5.5W |
Sound Comparison
The first movie I tested was Tenet. The Arc Ultra handled the chaotic action and layered sound design pretty well. The forward-firing drivers kept dialogue intelligible even when the score and effects got dense. Explosions had some depth [especially for a single-bar setup] and the motion of audio cues—like bullets reversing or helicopters circling—felt believable in space. With the AMBEO Max, the impact was bigger. The bass shook the room more, and the front soundstage felt massive. The AMBEO’s virtualization made rear and height effects feel more pronounced. It was a great fit for this kind of large-scale action film.
I then switched to The Social Network, which is mostly dialogue and ambient sound. The Arc Ultra felt clean and natural here. Conversations were centered and easy to follow and it didn’t add unnecessary weight to ambient noise like typing or background chatter. The AMBEO Max offered similar clarity, but it gave everything a bit more scale. The voices felt a bit more forward and there was more room tone behind them. Some might prefer that presence, but for me the Arc Ultra kept things tighter and more focused for this kind of film.
Finally, I watched La La Land. The Arc Ultra delivered a rich musical experience. Vocals during the opening number were clear and the orchestration had good balance. The subwoofer integration was subtle but effective—it gave piano notes and drums just enough body without overpowering the scene. The AMBEO Max had more muscle. Brass instruments had extra punch and the bass in jazz scenes felt deeper and more lively. But at times it felt like it leaned too much into power rather than finesse. Personally, I’d lean toward the Arc Ultra for music-heavy content—it didn’t try too hard and let the mix breathe.
Design Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra has a sleek, minimalist design which blends in nicely with modern home interior decor. It measures approximately 117.8 cm in width, 7.5 cm in height, and 11 cm in depth, and weighing around 5.9 kg. Its matte finish and perforated grille wrapping around the entire body give it a modern and unobtrusive appearance. The touch-sensitive controls are subtly integrated on an upward-facing panel at the rear, maintaining the clean lines of the design. However, I found that this positioning required a slight reach when the soundbar was placed under my TV. The build feels solid and durable, reflecting Sonos’s commitment to quality materials and construction.
In contrast, the AMBEO Soundbar Max is notably larger and heavier, measuring about 126.5 cm in width, 13.5 cm in height, and 17.1 cm in depth, with a weight of approximately 18.5 kg. Its combination of smooth plastic construction and a metal grille on the front gives it a premium look and feel. However, I noticed that the surface is prone to fingerprints, requiring regular cleaning to maintain its pristine appearance. The touch controls are conveniently located on the top panel, providing easy access for adjustments. The overall build quality is excellent, with tight seams and a sturdy construction that exudes durability.
In my setup, the Arc Ultra’s larger dimensions made it more prominent beneath the TV, which could be a consideration for those with limited space. The AMBEO Soundbar Max’s more compact size allowed it to fit more discreetly into my entertainment area. Both soundbars exhibit high-quality craftsmanship, but the choice between them may come down to personal preference regarding design aesthetics and the specific spatial constraints of one’s living room.
The Verdict?
After spending time with both the Sonos Arc Ultra and the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max, I think it really comes down to what kind of experience you’re after and how much room you’re working with. The AMBEO Max is a beast of a soundbar – it’s physically massive, much heavier, and it sounds just as powerful as it looks. The 5.1.4 setup paired with its 250W RMS output gave me chest-thumping bass and a wide soundstage that easily filled the room. Watching movies like Dune or Tenet felt like stepping into a private theater. Its HDMI inputs and DTS:X support also make it more versatile in terms of connectivity. But its size (over 126 cm wide and 18.5 kg) made it a bit of a commitment in my space, and I had to rearrange furniture just to fit it comfortably under the TV.
The Sonos Arc Ultra, on the other hand, felt more modern and better suited for everyday living. It’s lighter, shorter, and more minimal in its design, and I liked how easy it was to integrate with the Sonos ecosystem. It has a 9.1.4 channel layout and still manages to deliver great bass and immersive sound even without external speakers. During scenes with complex audio layering—like in Blade Runner 2049—the Arc Ultra kept everything balanced and clean. Personally, I would go with the Arc Ultra. It gave me everything I needed for a rich home theater experience without dominating the room, and the mix of Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and Trueplay tuning made it easy to live with day to day. The AMBEO Max might win on sheer power, but for overall usability and clarity, the Arc Ultra fits better into how I actually use my space.