The Sonos Arc Ultra features a 9.1.4 channel configuration with 14 drivers, including a built-in subwoofer, delivering a broad and immersive soundstage. In contrast, the AMBEO Plus offers a 7.1.4 setup with 400W RMS power and supports advanced formats like DTS:X and 360 Reality Audio, providing precise virtualization and detailed audio reproduction.
While the Sonos Arc Ultra integrates seamlessly into the Sonos ecosystem, allowing for expansion with additional speakers and subs, the AMBEO Plus is designed as a standalone unit with powerful built-in woofers, though it lacks support for rear speakers.
Connectivity-wise, the AMBEO Plus includes multiple HDMI inputs and supports Chromecast, whereas the Arc Ultra offers a more streamlined setup with a focus on app integration and voice control.
Specs Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra has a sleek, minimalist design measuring approximately 117.8 cm in width, 7.5 cm in height, and 11 cm in depth, 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, this positioning required a slight reach when I placed the soundbar under my TV. The build feels solid and durable, reflecting Sonos’s commitment to quality materials and construction.
In contrast, the AMBEO Soundbar Plus is more compact and sleek, measuring about 105.1 cm in width, 7.7 cm in height, and 12.1 cm in depth, with a weight of approximately 6.3 kg. Its combination of a 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 Sonos Arc Ultra’s larger dimensions made it more prominent beneath the TV, which could be a consideration for those with limited space. The AMBEO Plus’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.
Table Comparison
| Feature | Sonos Arc Ultra | Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus |
| Audio Channels | 9.1.4 | 7.1.4 |
| Amplifiers | 15 Class-D digital amplifiers | Not specified |
| Drivers | 14 drivers: 7 tweeters, 6 midrange drivers, 1 built-in subwoofer | 9 drivers: 2 up-firing full-range drivers, 5 front-firing tweeters, 2 built-in woofers |
| Power Output | Not specified | 400W RMS |
| Frequency Response | Enhanced bass with improved articulation and extension | 38Hz to 20kHz |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC 2.1, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, Apple AirPlay 2 | HDMI eARC, 2 HDMI inputs, Optical input, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control | Amazon Alexa built-in, Works with Google Assistant |
| Sound Calibration | Trueplay tuning (available for iOS and Android devices) | AMBEO virtualization technology with self-calibration |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 117.8 x 7.5 x 11.0 cm | 105.1 x 7.7 x 12.1 cm |
| Weight | 5.9 kg | 6.3 kg |
| Power Consumption (Idle) | 4.6 Watts | Not specified |
Sound Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra and the Sennheiser Ambeo Plus delivered two very different experiences when I tested them with Dune: Part Two and 1917. The Sonos Arc Ultra uses a 9.1.4 setup with 14 drivers, including a built-in subwoofer, and right away I noticed how wide and immersive the soundstage felt. During the battle scenes in Dune, the vertical effects from flying ships and the rumble of explosions were clear and well-layered. Dialogue stayed intelligible even when the mix got heavy, which I think comes down to how the system balances its midrange and height channels. Trueplay tuning [which now works on Android] helped adapt the sound to my room without much effort and the bass felt deep enough for action-heavy scenes without needing an external sub.
Switching to the Ambeo Plus was a shift in presentation. It uses a 7.1.4 layout with nine drivers and 400 watts of power, and I could feel that power especially during 1917. The AMBEO virtualization did a solid job of placing sounds around me (even without rear speakers) and the bass had a slightly firmer edge, probably because of the dedicated woofers and the broader frequency range down to 38Hz. Where the Ambeo really impressed me was in clarity and subtle detail—quiet moments like distant gunfire or footsteps in the mud had more space to breathe. The sound didn’t feel as wide as the Arc Ultra, but it came across as very focused and controlled.
Between the two, I think the Arc Ultra gives a more open and cinematic feel, especially in larger rooms or when I wanted to feel the sound moving across and above me. The Ambeo Plus came off as more precise, with cleaner dialogue and tighter imaging, which I liked during slower scenes and dialogue-driven films. Personally, I would go with the Arc Ultra for how well it blends immersion with simplicity and how naturally it fits into a Sonos setup. But if I cared more about standalone power and fine-grained clarity—without adding extra speakers—the Ambeo Plus would be a strong choice.
Design & Setup Comparison
When comparing the design and build quality of the Sonos Arc Ultra and the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus, I noticed that each reflects its brand’s unique approach to aesthetics and functionality. The Arc Ultra has a sleek, minimalist design, measuring approximately 118 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 Plus is more compact, measuring about 105.1 cm in width, 7.7 cm in height, and 12.1 cm in depth, with a weight of approximately 6.3 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.
The Verdict?
Overall the Sonos Arc Ultra gave me a more cinematic experience with its wider 9.1.4 channel layout, and the built-in subwoofer really filled the room with sound—especially during movies like Dune: Part Two. It also integrates easily with other Sonos gear, so if you’re already in that ecosystem, it makes setup and expansion feel simple. I also liked that it supports Trueplay tuning for Android and iOS, which helped tailor the sound to my room without needing to mess with a lot of settings. The design is clean and blends in nicely with most setups, though its longer frame does take up more space.
The Ambeo Plus, on the other hand, felt more precise. Its 7.1.4 setup paired with 400 watts of power and Sennheiser’s virtualization made for a focused and detailed soundstage. Dialogue was clearer and more isolated during quieter films like 1917, and the low end had a punchy feel even without a separate sub. I think that for someone looking for a high-end standalone soundbar with deep calibration tools and tight sound control, the Ambeo makes a strong case. But personally, I would go with the Arc Ultra for a home theater setup.