The catch
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
The manufacturer input table for it stops at 4K60, not 4K120.
Side by side
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus vs Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 compared: Sony documents a 4K120 console path, AMBEO takes more wired sources
Quick verdict
AMBEO Plus is the pick for two direct HDMI sources, an optical TV or a powered RCA subwoofer you already own. Bar 9 is the pick for a documented 4K120 video path and compatible Sony surrounds added later. Each offer contains one bar, so measure the TV space and price any extra speakers separately.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Two sockets are not two 4K120 paths
Plus takes more directly connected sources, yet its manual limits the documented video input formats to 4K60. Sony takes one 4K120 source with the specified setup.
Where this comes from
Having 2 source inputs versus 1 tells you about connection capacity. According to the AMBEO Plus manual, video formats go up to 4K at 60 Hz. Sony’s video table lists 4K120 support with Enhanced format on its own line.
The catch
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9
A single HDMI source is all that connects directly.
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
- Why pick it
- The bar takes two compatible HDMI sources directly
- A powered subwoofer with an RCA input gets reused
- The catch
- The manufacturer input table for it stops at 4K60, not 4K120.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9
- Why pick it
- One compatible 4K120 source runs through the bar
- Supported Sony rear speakers get added later
- The catch
- A single HDMI source is all that connects directly.
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What this page compares
Two HDMI sources, 4K120 gaming, an existing powered subwoofer and the space beneath a wide television are what to weigh between AMBEO Plus and Sony Bar 9.
AMBEO Plus is the pick for two direct HDMI sources, an optical TV or a powered RCA subwoofer you already own. Bar 9 is the pick for a documented 4K120 video path and compatible Sony surrounds added later. Each offer contains one bar, so measure the TV space and price any extra speakers separately.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Two sources compatible with 4K60 need a direct connection
Sony has one HDMI input, while Plus has two, subject to each signal format.
- Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
- Better fit
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9
- Not suitable
The bar has to pass the signal from one 4K120 console
Plus’s reviewed input path does not document that route, but Sony does, with the proper signal setting.
- Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
- Not suitable
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9
- Better fit
The only audio the television provides is optical
Bar 9 lacks an optical input, and Plus has one.
- Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
- Better fit
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9
- Not suitable
My clear body width comes to 45 inches
Sony measures about 51.18 inches across and Plus about 41.38 inches. Placement clearance is still its own check.
- Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
- Better fit
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9
- Not suitable
Physical rear speakers are on my list to add
No equivalent rear addition is established for Plus, whereas Sony documents optional compatible rears.
- Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
- Caution
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
Two sockets are not two 4K120 paths
Plus takes more directly connected sources, yet its manual limits the documented video input formats to 4K60. Sony takes one 4K120 source with the specified setup.
How we worked this out
Having 2 source inputs versus 1 tells you about connection capacity. According to the AMBEO Plus manual, video formats go up to 4K at 60 Hz. Sony’s video table lists 4K120 support with Enhanced format on its own line.
A 45-inch space decides between the two bodies
Bar 9 overshoots that opening by about 6.18 inches, whereas Plus has about 3.62 inches of total width left before clearance allowances.
How we worked this out
Only body width is calculated here. 105.1 / 2.54 = 41.38 inches and 130 / 2.54 = 51.18 inches. Then 45 - 41.38 = 3.62 and 51.18 - 45 = 6.18.
What you already own for bass alters what else you buy
With Plus you may be able to keep a compatible powered RCA subwoofer. Sony’s documented expansion uses compatible Sony wireless models, so don’t assume that same generic sub will carry over.
How we worked this out
Sony documents its compatible optional subwoofer system, and its reviewed connection table has no generic RCA sub output. Plus lists a mono RCA subwoofer pre-out.
Plug in your numbers
Is there room for the soundbar under your TV?
Measure the clear space under your TV. Count only the devices you will plug into the soundbar. Leave out the ones already connected to the TV. The numbers below are placeholders until you enter yours.
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
Fails these checksAt 3.03 inches tall, it is higher than the 3 inches below your picture.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9
Fails these checksIt takes 51.18 inches of width, more than your 48 inches.
Measure the top of an open shelf. This check does not cover enclosed cubbies. Detachable speakers count toward the docked width. Leave extra depth for cables and the TV stand. This checks size and port count only. Dolby Atmos, 4K/120Hz passthrough and the audio formats your TV supports are outside it.
Option A
Sennheiser, AMBEO Soundbar Plus
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
Look at the AMBEO Plus if you want one bar that has room calibration and plenty of ways to connect. It has two HDMI source inputs, an optical input and an analog input, which gives it more flexibility than the smaller Mini.
- Best for
- The bar takes two compatible HDMI sources directly
Facts we checked
- HDMI source inputs: 2 HDMI 2.0a inputs
- 4K120 passthrough: Up to 4K60 in the manufacturer input table
- TV audio connection: HDMI eARC and optical
- Powered-subwoofer connection: Mono RCA pre-out or compatible AMBEO Sub
Option B
Sony, HT-A9000
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9
The bar alone is just over 51 inches wide, so measure your cabinet first. The Bar 9 is meant for a wide TV setup where you want a direct high-refresh HDMI connection and plan to choose the subwoofer and rear speakers separately.
- Best for
- One compatible 4K120 source runs through the bar
Facts we checked
- HDMI source inputs: 1 HDMI source input
- 4K120 passthrough: Supported with the appropriate Enhanced format setting
- TV audio connection: HDMI eARC, no optical input
- Powered-subwoofer connection: Compatible Sony wireless subwoofer
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus | Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI source inputs | 2 HDMI 2.0a inputs | 1 HDMI source input | Sony offers the newer high-frame-rate video path, and Plus offers more sockets. |
| 4K120 passthrough | Up to 4K60 in the manufacturer input table | Supported with the right Enhanced format setting | For Sony’s 4K120 path you need compatible sources, cables, a display and signal settings. |
| TV audio connection | HDMI eARC and optical | HDMI eARC, no optical input | Plus gives a television that has only optical a direct route. |
| Powered-subwoofer connection | Mono RCA pre-out or compatible AMBEO Sub | Compatible Sony wireless subwoofer | Plus documents a direct connection for a generic powered RCA sub you already have. |
| Body width | 105.1 cm, about 41.38 inches | 130 cm, about 51.18 inches | Sony takes up about 9.8 inches more horizontally. |
| Rear-speaker plan | Virtual rear effects, no supported rear addition documented | Compatible Sony rear speakers sold separately | A physical rear-speaker system down the line points to the documented Sony expansion path. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
- Documentation shows no supported physical rear-speaker addition.
With Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9
- Its body is about 9.8 inches wider, and its listed outputs do not support reusing a generic RCA subwoofer.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
The bar has to carry a 4K120 source
Go with Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9. With the correct signal setting, Bar 9 provides the documented high-refresh path.
The bar has to take two compatible HDMI 2.0-era sources
Go with Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus. Two source inputs come with Plus.
All three sources need a direct connection, with no switch
Neither model fits. Sony has one source input, while Plus has two.
Decision guide
How to decide
AMBEO Plus suits two direct HDMI sources, an optical TV or a powered RCA subwoofer you already own, while Bar 9 suits a documented 4K120 video path and later compatible Sony surrounds. Both offers contain one bar, so price any extra speakers separately and measure the TV space.
Keep source count apart from signal format
Plus's second HDMI input is useful for a disc player and a 4K60 streamer. A 4K120 console changes the answer, even as the only source. Start by writing down the actual output modes, then check every device in the path. A television connection can also return audio over eARC when the TV supports the required formats.
Take the speakers you already own into account
If you have a working powered RCA subwoofer, that is a reason to look at Plus before paying for another bass unit. Plans for physical rear speakers point toward Sony's supported accessories. Neither reviewed offer includes a separate subwoofer or rear pair, so keep the costs of those additions in view when deciding.
Measure the whole television setup
Between its legs, a wide television may still have a narrow opening. The limiting part of the installation can be Sony's longer body, whereas Plus is somewhat taller. Keep the intended sound paths unobstructed and follow the calibration instructions. Body dimensions tell you whether hardware can be positioned and nothing about how convincing the surround effects will sound.
What this page can’t tell you
- Sound quality, latency and surround accuracy have not been measured by us. A supported input format does not establish end-to-end compatibility with every television or cable.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the soundbars we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus |
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| Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
The bar takes two compatible HDMI sources directly
See price & reviews on AmazonSony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9
One compatible 4K120 source runs through the bar
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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