LG adds IMAX to premium Dolby Atmos DTS X soundbars

LG is upping its soundbar game this year, with a range of premium models that deliver genuinely immersive audio and introduce a host of intriguing new features. The well-appointed line-up comprises the S95R, S90QY, S80QR and S80QY, which boast 810W, 570W, 620W and 480W power outputs respectively.

The range-topping S95QR is bundled with rear speakers, but they’re an option on the S90QY. All four models support Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, as well IMAX Enhanced, new for this year.

One key innovation is the adoption of an up-firing centre-channel speaker driver, which effectively locks dialogue to a screen.

Inside CI previewed the S95QR and found this new centre-channel configuration particularly effective. It not only anchors dialogue, but allows the rest of the soundstage to widen, creating a greater sense of immersion.

In total, the S95QR uses five up-firing channels: three on the soundbar itself, and two in the wireless rears. This creates a soundscape that engulfs the listener in a way that routine soundbars simply can't.

LG has upgraded its wireless rear speaker for 2022, so that it offers six channels of audio compared to the four of its predecessor: two up-firing drivers support the four front/side drivers. This doesn’t just expand the soundstage, but allows for a lot more latitude when it comes to speaker placement.

Not just for movies, this premium soundbar quartet also feature Meridian Audio’s Horizon technology, which up-mixes two channel stereo to 7.1, and are compatible with hi-res audio sources.

Game centric features include support for variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM). 

One of the more interesting additions to this LG range is Wowcast, a Wi-Fi audio dongle that mounts to the back of an LG OLED TV, but enables lossless multi-channel audio, up to 7.1.4, without a physical cable connection between soundbar and TV.

To aid installation, all soundbars come with AI Room Calibration, which intelligently adjusts their low-frequency performance for the listening room.