ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The LG S95TR soundbar with wi-fi subwoofer is optimized for the corporate’s OLED TVs with immersive audio options.
- The LGS95TR could also be costly, however the high-quality audio is definitely definitely worth the value.
- The soundbar has many options, however a number of the finest ones require a more recent LG TV mannequin.
extra shopping for selections
LG launched the S95TR soundbar earlier this yr, following a lot hype, as a high-end complement to its latest OLED TVs. The soundbar and wi-fi subwoofer setup include a bunch of spectacular options, together with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X encompass sound, and many additional options accessible by means of its app. I not too long ago went hands-on with the soundbar to see if it was value all the joy. Let’s dig in.
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The S95TR contains 4 elements: a principal soundbar, a subwoofer, and two small rear audio system. The subwoofer and rear audio system are wi-fi, so you do not want extra cords apart from the ability connections and principal HDMI wire.
The primary concern that prevented me from committing to a encompass sound setup within the first place was coping with wires operating throughout my room, so I recognize that this technique is partially wi-fi.
Sadly, it’s essential to obtain the LG Soundbar app to make use of all of the options. It is slightly inconvenient that that is separate from the LG ThinQ app that controls LG TVs, particularly given that you will in all probability use it usually, however that is a minor quibble.
The setup is easy. After plugging within the audio system within the instructed order, putting in the app, and including the soundbar to the app, the audio system undergo a tuning course of particular to your room setup. I performed a film earlier than utilizing AI Room Calibration, and I can attest that it made a noticeable distinction in how issues sound.
I then used the TV’s built-in audio system to get a baseline for testing this soundbar. Over the noise of two children and a canine in the home, I needed to flip the quantity greater than midway to listen to comfortably: 65 out of 100. Conversely, once I switched the audio to the soundbar, it was greater than loud sufficient within the 40s. Instantly, I knew it might be a critical improve.
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One other factor I like to check with audio gear is how properly it handles dialogue. With my on a regular basis setup, I often watch every little thing with captions as a result of it is really easy to overlook one thing.
This soundbar fixes that downside with a small up-firing middle speaker along with the normal entrance ones, one thing LG claims makes dialogue clearer. After I turned on one among my favourite reveals, I observed a good enchancment over the TV’s built-in audio system and a vital enchancment over my on a regular basis soundbar’s audio. If you happen to battle to catch each phrase like I typically do, you may positively recognize this characteristic.
I then ran the soundbar by means of varied film assessments, together with motion scenes with explosions galore, suspenseful scenes in creepy woods, and dialogue-driven scenes.
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The audio from the S95TR setup makes the background sound realistically stand out. Within the second scene in my check, which concerned a dialog between individuals in a automotive, the ambient highway noise wrapped across the again of my sofa whereas the dialog stayed in entrance of me, identical to it might in actual life. There was sufficient of a rumble from the subwoofer to sound like an actual highway.
In each check, the soundbar setup carried out flawlessly, and I heard issues that I’d have in any other case missed.
If you happen to’re frightened about sleeping children or neighbors, there’s a Night time Time Mode accessible within the app and through the distant management. This characteristic retains the encompass sound energetic, however the subwoofer is noticeably softer. My setup was on a shared wall with my daughter’s room, and she or he did not complain about late-night films, in order that’s a win.
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Avid gamers will recognize 120Hz HDR10 pass-through assist, guaranteeing no delay in getting sound by means of the audio system. I attempted out a number of video games on my PS5, and the expertise of every one improved with this technique. At one level, a sound behind me was so real looking that my canine shot his head as much as see who was there.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
At first look, the LG S95TR’s retail value of $1,499 may appear slightly steep, particularly when budget-friendly, wired choices are out there for beneath $400 with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. If you happen to’re questioning if the LG S95TR system is definitely worth the value, my reply is sure.
The wi-fi setup is simpler than any audio system I’ve encountered, and the S95TR carried out higher than any system I’ve heard earlier than, point-blank. If you happen to constructed a setup that matched these elements, you’d spend extra anyway, so the LG S95TR may prevent cash in that respect.
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Do not forget that though the soundbar setup works with any TV, it really works finest with LG’s flagship OLED TVs. With out a kind of TVs, you may miss out on some options.
This text was initially printed on June 18, 2024, and was up to date on January 27, 2025.
