LG Sound bar review: hands on with SP9YA sound bar and subwoofer
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- Опубліковано 15 чер 2024
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Shopping for a sound bar can be majorly intimidating. Prices range from budget to Bentley and the amount of features and tech options can seem overwhelming.
I recently had the chance to review one of LG’s newest TVs so I used the opportunity to check out their sound bar too.
The LG SP9YA is a premium level sound bar, meaning it’s expensive. It combines a smooth, sleek look with a lot of power and clarity.
What’s in the box?
The SP9YA comes with both a sound bar (about 2.2 inches x 48 inches x 5.7 inches) and a subwoofer (15.4 inches x 8.7 inches x 12.3 inches). You’ll also get a remote, an optical cable, and a power cable, as well as some hardware for mounting.
Look and Feel
This LG soundbar is simple, streamlined and won’t draw much attention in your room. Its relatively low height will allow it to sit in front of most TVs without blocking anything, though it is pretty long; not an issue for 55” or bigger TVs but maybe if you’re going smaller.
It has a small number of controls on the top; you can power the unit off or in, change the input mode, and play or pause. It also has buttons for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The controls are all low profile and don’t stand out.
There’s a light source in the sound bar that will dim but not turn off entirely.
Setup and Control
The setup for the SP9YA is relatively straightforward. Plug the soundbar in to the TV (I used the Optical Digital Audio cable but you can also use HDMI) and the wall outlet, then plug in the subwoofer. The two pieces will establish a wireless connection between them automatically.
I was set up in seconds, and was quite impressed with how easy it was.
Once you’ve connected to Wi-Fi, you can control the device via your usual apps or create routines with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
The soundbar connects to your TV via optical cable or HDMI, and in some cases, you should be able to control the sound level with your TV remote.
App and remote control
The soundbar comes with a small and basic remote control and LG also has an app that allows you to control the speaker mix and control the volume level.
The system offers 520 watts of power, and that audio will be clear due to the soundbar’s ability to play Dolby Atmos.
What is Dolby Atmos
The sound bar uses Meridian advanced digital processing technology to ensure the speakers’ accurate transfer of input sound. There’s also a Clear Voice option which puts voices to the front speaker to ensure that you can always hear the dialogue, even in loud scenes.
LG has also included AI features that calibrate the speaker for your room by creating audio tones and sensing how quickly they return to the sensor. The AI also senses what kind of audio you’re inputting and switches to the best settings for that source.
Best of all there’s Dolby Atmos technology which has created additional audio channels-these ones are overhead- and uses that overhead layer to place sound into a wider space.
Sound Quality
I’m going to start off by saying a review a lot of sound bars, and most of them are pretty good. But the LG SP9YA is one of the first in a long time that’s really blown me away with its audio quality.
There’ a lot to like here: the sound bar is big and long and so it fills your viewing area with sound.
The audio is super detailed and crisp and it’s easy to hear the intricacies in a scene.
There’s a good amount of rumble and shake from the subwoofer, and the addition of true overhead channels to supply the extra layer for Dolby Atmos sound is noticeable.
While true Dolby Atmos uses actual speakers affixed overhead to provider a wider soundscape, there are ways to fudge this without buying more speakers. Some soundbars that have only front-firing speakers use digital technology to place those overhead sounds into 3D space, but here, the LG SP9YA is actually firing sound off into the space above using the two speakers you can see on top and it goes a long way to creating a realistic-sounding total sound sphere.
If you’re an audiophile, you’ll be pleased to hear that the SP9YA supports DTS:X FLAC, WAV, MP3, AAC, OGG, as well as Dolby Atmos.
Overall review: LG SP9YA
Overall the LG SP9YA is officially my new favourite sound bar. It was set up in seconds, it’s super easy to use, and most importantly it delivers on not only quality audio, but it creates a 3D sound picture thanks to overhead firing speakers imbedded in the top of the bar.
Overall if you’re looking for a premium, high quality sound bar with Dolby Atmos performance that delivers, I think you can’t go wrong with the LG SP9YA sound bar and sub.
The combo sells for about $1299CAD making it pricey but a worthy investment. - Наука та технологія
You lost me at your decision to connect these via optical instead of HDMI.
Nice review. I’ve been wanting this soundbar for the better part of this year. Today I finally ordered it and looking forward to pairing it with my 65” LG OLED.
Fantastic, enjoy!
Yup. I got this soundbar and hook up the optional surround speakers to get the 5.1.2 channel audio. Sounds huge and unbelievable. It’s sound so immersive especially when playing Dolby Atmos movies. Sounds great too for music playback. So sleek and stylish sound-bar with big sound. 👍🏻👍🏻
So glad you are happy with it!
if you connect to surrounds doesnt that turn it into a 7.1.2 system? or does installing the surround speakers replace the side firing
@@SibTiger33 it should make it a 7.1 system the only probable is the rear speakers are not upfiring you will need to buy the flagship bar which is not released in the US yet.
What's the model number for the surround sound speakers
Have to say I'm not much of a fan of soundbars but I do love the vintage 60s MCM coffee table it's resting upon. Kudos for the obvious good taste.
Well thank you! :)
Great review, thanks Erin. I am still using a stereo amplifier and a pair of big Polk audio speakers with 3 drivers. The one time I decided to get a sound bar to jump into the 21st century it was much smaller and cheaper, needless to say there was no comparison to the stereo imaging of the Polk audio setup. I'm a big LG fan sooo maybe one day...
Thanks for the comment Terry!
Hi Erin. Dolby Atmos will not work through optical connection. in order for you to maximize this soundbar's capacity, you need to use HDMI thru e-ARC/ARC on both the soundbar and the TV.
Great, thanks!
What's your favorite hdmi cable for this soundbar?
Hi. I’ve just bought this set up. Very impressed. Quick question- can you toggle the subwoofer on/off easily whilst watching?
Very lovely as Always and good Review think i might get one to Replace my older Bose soundtouch 300 that has been a HDMI pain!
Thank you!
Great review Erin. Congratulation again for 50k subscriber. Hope you will get 100k soon. ❤❤❤
Thank you so much Amir!
Thanks for your review..love this sound bar.
Thanks for watching!
Just got this thing for $300 - absolutely in love, especially for that price.
From where
Refurbished?
Nice steal, got it for $500 on Black Friday
I love LG products the sound bar choices are so many
I have SP9YA and my friend took SP11RA. I would not see big difference. Power is more than enough for both systems. Maybe for SP11 has more Bass in music or Cinema mode. When I am testing SP9YA Bass separately, performance are good. But although in settings I put max for the Bass (And I am not big fan of Bass), it is not enough for me. Especially If I am listening not too loud. For better ATMOS experiance I bought additional SPK8-S rear speaks and it was totally worth to do this. It much more improve ATMOS experience, although it was not fully reach my expectation (good, but not perfect). And biggest difference with SP11RA and SP9YA is the price. Here, In Latvia, SP11RA cost 950EUR and SP9YA 550EUR +110EUR for SPK8 Rear speakers.
Summary I think SP9YA+ SPK8 is the best system of this price.
Good luck to find best system for you!
p.s. And thanks Erin for review - after this review and some more researches I decided to take SP9YA ;-)
Thanks for watching and for the comment!
I use blue tooth speakers in aux mode they work great.
Thank you for making this!
My pleasure!
Nice sound bar. Great design.
Thank you!
What about SP 11 RA ? WOULD 7 inch sub woofer enough and does it deliver the low frequency little sounds like pin dropping sounds and can the two atmos speakers be wall munted rear to sitting area instead of mounting them on ceiling ?. Here point is would it work best if they are made to fire horizontal instead of down firing?
This soundbar is Atmos capable but you will need to use e-Arc instead of optical.
My sound bar only says arc vice earc is this the same?
No, but it will still work, you won’t be able to get Dolby true Hd without earc, but you should get atmos with arc.
Budget to Bentley.
I liked that...and so true.
Thanks!
You’re so polished!
Thank you!
Thank you. Well done.
Thanks so much for watching!
I am a bit disappointed that you were so impressed with the dolby atmos on this even though it wasn't working because you used an optical cable. Makes me wonder a bit about your reviews. Don't get me wrong, there is so much ignorance on the internet from folks that make their living reviewing things that it's not even funny, and yours was one of the best put together review videos, so I still give you props in other areas. You held my attention and tried to provide good details. So, I ordered one anyway, along with a couple of other bars including a Samsung one , since its CyberMonday, and I'll try them all. I'll let ya know my opinion, and I'll use an HDMI cable capable of e-arc into my HDMI e-arc port on my CX65. ;) Thanks for the review.
Thanks for watching!
?? As a first time sound bar buyer. Should I get this discontinued version or the LG S90QY 2022 version . They seem to be same sound bar with minor addition to newer model. Also newer model is roughly 150-200 more in price as well.
Cool. I really enjoy discovering women who are interested in audio gear. It seems to be rare for some reason. Cheers!
Thanks! And cheers!
If possible can you compare it to Q950A?
Thank you. Can it be set up using Bluetooth only??
Just bought the C1 with this sound bar to go with it on sale and it’s incredible! as are you :)
That's great, and thank you!
optical cable doesnt support atmos btw.
Hello, please tell me if I can connect additional rear speakers to this soundbar?and what is the name of the model of additional columns???
What about the brand new LG SPD75A? Can't find reviews on that one anywhere :( I'm thinking of getting that or Samsung Q800a... Thank you!
I'll put in my request for a loaner! :)
great review!!!!!
Thank you!
Due to space concerns and a remodel, my wife is strongly suggesting that I replace my current 5.1 (5 speakers & sub) with a sound bar. While I see this is classified as a 5.1.2 system, do we really hear the effect as if the rear speakers were really there?
5.1.2 means the .2 is for atmos effect ...not for the rear. U can pair it a pack of spk8s for rear efect then u will have 7.1.2 ( 2 rear,5 front and 2 up firing in the ceiling)
Hi Erin. Is the orientation the same for the sound bar when mounting it to the wall?
Yes it would be
Thank you.
Welcome!
Can you hide the LED light in the middle or does it go away after some time, or any possible configuration related to the led light on their app? Seems like it would be annoying if watching in a completely dark room
I don't think you can turn it off but a bit of black electrical tape can be a tech blogger's (and your) best friend.
I’m collecting mine today, can’t wait to set it up, £699 uk so a pretty good price, i’ve got an LG TV hopefully it’ll all work well through the hdmi arc option 👍😁
Fingers crossed!
I’m picking up a factory refurbished one for $700 CAD I’m excited
Did it work
It would be super helpful if you showed the box before unboxing in the "Unboxing" section. For people who will be picking up the device themselves.
Noted, thank you.
Optical is not the best connectivity option; it does not support Dolby Atmos and requires you to use the soundbar remote. With an HDMI connection using ARC/EARC you get true Dolby Atmos and with almost every tv, the tv will control the volume using the HDMI CEC standard. Optical is limited by the amount of bandwith and doesn't support higher bitrate audio.
Thanks for the info!
Can someone post the manual for this product?
Hi, I just bought an lg C1 and have a samsung Q80r soundbar I used on my older tv. I am thinking of getting this soundbar if you have used the Samsung Q80r soundbar how would you compare them?
Oooh, that's a tossup. Samsung makes great sound bars too.
@@ErinLawrenceTV how does this work with the sound share feature on the c1/G1 ? Does it make it louder?
Hello beautiful lady
I would like to know if it is compatible with sony X90H tv???
Can someone please give me an honest review on the LG rear channel speakers to go with this system? Are they trash or are they worth it? They're on sale at Best Buy rn for $129.99. Any help would be appreciated. Ty.
Get them. Great addition. I have the whole set and it’s legit
Btw I bought my rear speakers for 129.99 a year ago. So they're not really on "sale"
errr... optical cable to test atmos?
Hi Erin, great review, love from india .
Merci :)
Does it support DTS-X too ?
Yes it does
optical there is no atmos only with HDMI
What are the rear speakers for this sound bar ?
👍🏻👍🏻 Great review Erin. But it’s too long!
The sound bar or the video?! LOL
@@ErinLawrenceTV oh sorry, the sound bar! 😆
Beautiful Erin
Thank you!
My LG interferes with my WiFi
Is there anyway to shut off this sound bars insanely stupid feature where it shuts itself off? Unbelievably annoying. Connected via blue tooth and roughly every 7 minutes of “inactivity,” it shuts itself off even though the connection remains solid. Unbelievable. The “auto power” basic feature on the remote has been shut off
I haven’t heard of this! So frustrating!
I’m having the same problem with mine. So freaking annoying!!😩
use cables
If you use optical you won't get atmos.
👍😌👍
:)
Nice and also you are nice 😉😘
Thank you!
Great review and beautiful legs 👍👏
Thanks!
@@ErinLawrenceTV 😉👍