Ambeo vs 3.1 System

I'd consider your room/space. If it is a good candidate for beaming (reflected sound) then the Ambeo might be preferable as it would give you nice surround and atmos sound. The Ambeo (with a sub added) arguably has the best overall sound quality of any soundbar - commensurate with its price and physical size.

If your room is not good for beaming then go with the upgraded 3.1 system. FWIW, the HTD Level 3 bookshelf speakers are quite good at their price point. It might take quite a budget jump to get speakers that are noticeably better. Maybe consider just getting the matching HTD Level 3 center speaker and a new receiver, and then add a second sub. That might be the best bang for your buck if your room is on the large size or an open floor plan living room, etc.. (Dual subs isn't necessarily for louder or more bass, but rather for more even distribution of bass sound throughout the room, which typically also increases detail and clarity in the bass range.)

Bwood1377 said:

Hi all. Trying to decide if I should go with the Ambeo or add to my current system. I currently have an SVS PB 1000 which regardless of systems I would continue to use. I also have HTD Level 3 front speakers going to a Marantz NR1403 receiver which I would plan to upgrade. So my question is should I go with the Ambeo or get a new receiver and matching center channel? I wouldn't be getting rear speakers as the room doesn't allow for it which is why I was leaning towards the Ambeo. Also if I did stick with the 3.1 system would it be worth it to get Atmos module speakers to put on my front speakers. Thanks for the help.

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Interestingly enough I had same dilemma. Went with Amber plus SVS SB1000 Pro. Sound is very clear given good source and goes really low thanks to Sub.
Without sub I wouldn't be that impressed, better than my previous Q90r for sure but questionable if worth extra 1200.
When it comes to surround its decent but not jaw dropping which is making me think if this is optimal choice or I should go with 3.1.2 possibly instead.
My room is small - 4x4 meters roughly - but I only have 1 meter left to Soundbar and sort of 2 to the right with table slightly obstructing window.
I think if I had at least 2-2.5m on each side it would work better considering angles on the speakers and my sitting position, more immersive and jaw dropping as some people were describing. Height effects I feel like fainter than on Q90r though. This got me disappointed most.
Its good, clean setup, better than Q90r, mainly because of low end and clarity of the sound and overall power. Ive spent 2.5k pounds on it if I've spent not more than 1.8k I would be probably very happy.
Its shouldn't be a surprise as reviews did say its fussy with positioning. Given right room can beat decent 3.1.2 system. Im thinking wether trying 3.1.2 instead or maybe even Sonos setup. If I had bigger room with proper place for surrounds I would definitely prefer to have them, but unfortunately they sit right close to my ear and that makes it easy to locate the sound and distract.
I will be moving houses probably next year so room will change, maybe better for Amber maybe it would be better to invest into 3.1.2 system now and expand possibly later if needed. I even thought of trying Sonos amp - bookshelf speakers, surrounds and sub. Dunno hard choice - best would be to try all of them side by side and then decide