Short answer: the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max. It ranks #3 of 27 all-in-one soundbars by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $1,699.95. The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 ranks #7, rated 3.8/5, at $1,498, $201.95 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
What the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max does well: The Ambeo Max creates a big, enveloping surround bubble from one bar, with deep bass that reaches about 30 Hz without a separate sub. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 lacks. The catch: It is very large and heavy, so it needs a sturdy stand or wall and a big TV.
The case for the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9: This bar spreads sound wide and high enough to feel like a much bigger system, so movies wrap around the room without rear speakers. The tradeoff: Bass is controlled but limited, so action films lack weight until you add one of Sony’s optional subs.
Buy the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $201.95 you would save on the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete TV Soundbars rankings.
The Ambeo Max creates a big, enveloping surround bubble from one bar, with deep bass that reaches about 30 Hz without a separate sub.
This bar spreads sound wide and high enough to feel like a much bigger system, so movies wrap around the room without rear speakers.
Prices on this page were last checked November 2, 2026 at 11:36 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max | Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,699.95 | $1,498.00 |
| Ranked | #3 of 27 in All-in-One Soundbars | #7 of 27 in All-in-One Soundbars |
| Amplifier Power | 500W peak | 585W total |
| App | Yes (Sennheiser Smart Control) | Yes (Sony BRAVIA Connect) |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Channels | 5.1.4 | 7.0.2 |
| DTS:X | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 5.3”H x 49.6”W x 6.7”D (135 x 1260 x 171 mm) | 2.5”H x 51.2”W x 4.4”D (64 x 1300 x 113 mm) |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes (up-firing drivers) | Yes (up-firing drivers) |
| Drivers | Bar: 13 drivers (6 woofers, 5 tweeters, 2 up-firing full range drivers) | Bar: 13 drivers (4 woofers, 3 tweeters, 2 beam tweeters, 2 side, 2 up-firing) plus passive radiators |
| HDMI Input | 3 | 1 |
| HDMI eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Included Subwoofer | Built-in | None (optional SA-SW3 or SA-SW5 sub) |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Rear Speakers | No | Optional (SA-RS3S or SA-RS5) |
| Room Correction | Yes (calibration microphone) | Yes (Sound Field Optimization) |
| Weight | 40.8 lbs (18.5 kg) | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect) | Yes (AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.2 |
| Voice Assistants | - | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Related Soundbar Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max: