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Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX vs Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module

Which Soundbar Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      Style - BarStyle - SubwooferStyle - SatellitesDimensions - BarDimensions - SubwooferDimensions - SatellitesMountingBuild QualityIn The Box
    Sound
      Stereo Frequency ResponseStereo Frequency Response With Preliminary CalibrationStereo SoundstageStereo DynamicsStereo Total Harmonic DistortionCenterSurround 5.1Height (Atmos)Sound Enhancement Features
    Connectivity
      Inputs/Outputs - BarAudio Format Support: ARC/eARCAudio Format Support: HDMI InAudio Format Support: OpticalLatencyVideo Passthrough To TVWireless Playback
    Additional Features
      InterfaceBar ControlsRemoteVoice Assistants Support
    Comments

Products

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX
Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Oct 24, 2025 06:15 PM

SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com

Tested using Methodology v1.1

Updated Aug 02, 2024 09:04 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Picture
Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Picture
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  1. Recommended in 1 article:
  2. All-In-One

Our Verdict

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX

Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module

The Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module and the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX are two very different setups. The Sennheiser is a large standalone soundbar. It gets louder than the Sony with less compression at max volume and has a better center channel performance. The Sony has a unique design with four speakers, a small control box, and its subwoofer. It's better-built, with better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances.

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Variants

  • AMBEO Soundbar MAX (Black)
  • HT-A9 with SAS-SW5 (Light Gray - Black)

Review

See Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Review
See Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Review
0 
4 

Check Price

Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Light Gray - Black
HT-A9 with SAS-SW5
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Light Gray - Black
HT-A9 with SAS-SW5
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Light Gray - Black
HT-A9 with SAS-SW5
SEARCH
B&H
Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
SEE PRICE
B&H
Light Gray - Black
HT-A9 with SAS-SW5
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Read more

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

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Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Satellite Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
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Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Width  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Width  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Satellite Mounting Holes  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Mountable Bar 
 

Locked
Locked

Bar Brackets Included 
 

Locked
Locked

Mountable Satellites 
 

Locked
Locked

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

Locked
Locked

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build quality photo  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

N/A
N/A

Stereo Setup  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Raw Frequency Response  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Frequency Response Small  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

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Tested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Channels 
 

Locked
Locked

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

N/A
N/A

Frequency Response Calibrated  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

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Suggested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

Lock
Lock

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

N/A
N/A

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

Crosstalk  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

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Crosstalk Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

N/A
N/A

Dynamic Range Compression  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

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SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

THD  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX THD Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module THD Sample

SAMPLE

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Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Center 
 

N/A
N/A

Center Setup  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Frequency Response  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

N/A
N/A

Surround Setup  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Frequency Response  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock

7.1 Rears 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

N/A
N/A

Height Setup  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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H Frequency Response  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

N/A
N/A

Room Correction 
 

Locked
Locked

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Locked
Locked

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Bass Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Treble Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

EQ 
 

Locked
Locked

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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Optical Audio In 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI ARC 
 

Locked

HDMI Out 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth 
 

Locked

Full HDMI In 
 

Locked
Locked

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

Locked
Locked

RCA In 
 

Locked
Locked

USB for Files 
 

Locked
Locked

Ethernet 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Output 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X 
 

Locked
Locked

eARC 
 

Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked

5.1 PCM (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked

5.1 PCM 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Latency 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency Video  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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ARC 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Optical 
 

Lock ms
N/A

Full HDMI In 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms
Show Text 

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

N/A
N/A

1080p Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

4k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit 
 

Locked

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

8k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

HDR10+ Passthrough 
 

Locked

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

Locked

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough 
 

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough 
 

Locked

FreeSync Passthrough 
 

Locked

G-SYNC Passthrough 
 

Locked

ALLM Passthrough 
 

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough 
 

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Wireless Playback 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth 
 

Locked
Locked

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Locked
Locked

Chromecast built-in 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple AirPlay 
 

Locked
Locked

Spotify Connect 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Display 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo  

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

Locked
Locked

Google Assistant 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple Siri 
 

Locked
Locked

Microphone Mute 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Check Price

Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Light Gray - Black
HT-A9 with SAS-SW5
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Light Gray - Black
HT-A9 with SAS-SW5
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Light Gray - Black
HT-A9 with SAS-SW5
SEARCH
B&H
Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
SEE PRICE
B&H
Light Gray - Black
HT-A9 with SAS-SW5
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Back to Top

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX

Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 1 year ago

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX vs Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module: Main Discussion

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