The catch
Sonos Arc Ultra
Without HDMI source inputs or an RCA subwoofer output.
Side by side
Sonos Arc Ultra vs Sennheiser AMBEO Plus compared: AMBEO takes two sources and a wired sub, while Sonos sends video through the TV
Quick verdict
Arc Ultra is the one to get if you want to build around Sonos and every video source can connect through the TV. AMBEO Plus is for you when two direct HDMI inputs or a wired subwoofer output would solve your wiring problem. Each starts as a single bar, and neither linked package comes with separate rear speakers or an external subwoofer.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Two TV source sockets can be freed with Plus
Plug a disc player and a streamer into Plus’s two HDMI inputs and it passes their video on through its TV output. Arc Ultra has no equivalent inputs, so those sources have to connect elsewhere in the system.
Where this comes from
Arc Ultra lists only its TV HDMI connection and no source inputs. Plus lists 2 HDMI inputs and 1 eARC TV output.
The catch
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
A general 4K120 switching solution is not what the HDMI 2.0a inputs offer.
Sonos Arc Ultra
- Why pick it
- Later on, you add compatible rear speakers and a subwoofer to build a Sonos system
- Your TV clearance suits the documented dimensions of a slightly lower bar
- The catch
- Without HDMI source inputs or an RCA subwoofer output.
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
- Why pick it
- Two HDMI sources plug directly into the soundbar
- A compatible powered subwoofer with an RCA input gets reused
- The catch
- A general 4K120 switching solution is not what the HDMI 2.0a inputs offer.
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What this page compares
HDMI sources, a wired subwoofer, console width and a future Sonos surround setup are the points of comparison between Sonos Arc Ultra and Sennheiser AMBEO Plus.
Arc Ultra is the one to get if you want to build around Sonos and every video source can connect through the TV. AMBEO Plus is for you when two direct HDMI inputs or a wired subwoofer output would solve your wiring problem. Each starts as a single bar, and neither linked package comes with separate rear speakers or an external subwoofer.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
I am two HDMI inputs short on my TV
Arc Ultra has no source inputs, and Plus has two.
- Sonos Arc Ultra
- Not suitable
- Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
- Better fit
Clear width for me is limited to 44 inches
Published body widths come to 46.38 inches and about 41.38 inches, and installation clearance is extra.
- Sonos Arc Ultra
- Not suitable
- Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
- Better fit
A powered RCA subwoofer is already in my home
Arc Ultra lacks an RCA subwoofer output, while Plus has the line-level output required.
- Sonos Arc Ultra
- Not suitable
- Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
- Better fit
Later on I plan to add compatible Sonos rear speakers
The Sonos home-theater expansion system includes Arc Ultra.
- Sonos Arc Ultra
- Better fit
- Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
- Not suitable
One bar is all I want, with no external bass box
As linked, either package stands alone as a bar and needs no external subwoofer.
- Sonos Arc Ultra
- Good
- Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
Two TV source sockets can be freed with Plus
Plug a disc player and a streamer into Plus’s two HDMI inputs and it passes their video on through its TV output. Arc Ultra has no equivalent inputs, so those sources have to connect elsewhere in the system.
How we worked this out
Arc Ultra lists only its TV HDMI connection and no source inputs. Plus lists 2 HDMI inputs and 1 eARC TV output.
A clear space of 44 inches sets these bars apart
Plus’s roughly 41.38-inch body fits inside 44 inches, before any additional clearance. Arc Ultra’s 46.38-inch body overshoots that space by 2.38 inches. Cabinet width is not the only check. Side-firing clearance counts too.
How we worked this out
105.1 / 2.54 = 41.38 inches. That leaves 44 - 41.38 = 2.62 inches of body-width margin. Arc Ultra is too wide by 46.38 - 44 = 2.38 inches.
The upgrade budget can change if you already own a powered sub
A compatible powered subwoofer you already own connects straight to Plus’s RCA output. Arc Ultra’s documented subwoofer expansion uses Sonos models, so that same generic sub cannot be carried over directly.
How we worked this out
Sonos documents wireless pairing with supported Sonos subwoofers, not an RCA output, while Sennheiser 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.
Sonos Arc Ultra
Fails these checksWith 0 separate HDMI source inputs, it cannot take the 1 device you want to plug into the bar.
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
Fails these checksAt 3.03 inches tall, it is higher than the 3 inches below your picture.
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
Sonos, Arc Ultra
Sonos Arc Ultra
The Arc Ultra suits you if you want to start with one bar and keep the option of adding a Sonos subwoofer and rear speakers down the road. Plan for nearly 47 inches of cabinet width, and note that your TV handles the source switching.
- Best for
- Later on, you add compatible rear speakers and a subwoofer to build a Sonos system
Facts we checked
- HDMI source inputs: None
- TV audio connection: HDMI eARC
- External bass connection: Compatible Sonos wireless subwoofer
- Width: 46.38 inches
Option B
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
- Two HDMI sources plug directly into the soundbar
Facts we checked
- HDMI source inputs: 2 HDMI 2.0a inputs
- TV audio connection: HDMI eARC, plus optical input
- External bass connection: RCA subwoofer output or compatible AMBEO Sub
- Width: 105.1 cm, about 41.38 inches
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Sonos Arc Ultra | Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI source inputs | None | 2 HDMI 2.0a inputs | For source switching, Arc Ultra relies on the TV or another device. |
| TV audio connection | HDMI eARC | HDMI eARC, plus optical input | An older TV can connect directly by optical to AMBEO Plus. |
| External bass connection | Compatible Sonos wireless subwoofer | RCA subwoofer output or compatible AMBEO Sub | Plus gives a generic powered RCA subwoofer a direct connection. |
| Width | 46.38 inches | 105.1 cm, about 41.38 inches | Roughly five inches less horizontal space is needed for Plus. |
| Supplied speaker package | One bar | One bar | Physical rear speakers do not come in the package just because the surround channels are described as virtual. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Sonos Arc Ultra
- About five more inches of width are needed for its 46.38-inch body.
With Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
- Neither an external subwoofer nor a physical rear pair is in the linked package.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Two direct HDMI source sockets cannot be skipped
Go with Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus. Two source inputs are on the AMBEO Plus.
My setup is built around compatible Sonos rear speakers
Go with Sonos Arc Ultra. The documented Sonos home-theater route is available with Arc Ultra.
Each bar has to pass two 4K120 sources directly for me
Neither model fits. That plan is not established by Plus’s HDMI 2.0a inputs, and Arc Ultra has no source inputs.
Decision guide
How to decide
Arc Ultra suits building around Sonos when all video sources can connect through the TV. AMBEO Plus suits cases where two direct HDMI inputs or a wired subwoofer output solve a wiring problem. Both begin as a single bar, so rear speakers and an external subwoofer are not included in either linked package.
Map out the source connections first
AMBEO Plus helps when the TV's HDMI sockets are all taken or when a disc player needs a direct audio path to the bar. Its source inputs are HDMI 2.0a, which is no blanket promise of every modern high-frame-rate video format. With Arc Ultra, the TV takes over source switching.
Pick the expansion system before you buy the first bar
When the rear speakers and bass module you intend to add are Sonos products, Arc Ultra is the straightforward route. Plus offers more flexibility if you already have a powered RCA subwoofer. Price the whole planned arrangement, cables and optional speakers included, and do not compare a single bar against a future complete surround setup.
Make physical room for a one-bar system
Spacious sound from either product depends on the room, through processing and driver placement. A shelf that fits the body is only a starting point. Keep objects out of the intended sound paths, check the TV's screen clearance, and run the documented room-tuning process once the bar is in place.
What this page can’t tell you
- We have not measured bass, dialogue clarity or surround accuracy. Channel labels and driver counts do not guarantee equivalent sound in your room.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Arc Ultra |
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| Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus |
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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.
Sonos Arc Ultra
Later on, you add compatible rear speakers and a subwoofer to build a Sonos system
See price & reviews on AmazonSennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
Two HDMI sources plug directly into the soundbar
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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