LG CES 2023 Atmos soundbar trio have the Wow factor

LG is unveiling its 2023 soundbar line-up at CES this week, comprisingthe high-end Dolby Atmos SC9S, slimline S77S and ultra-compact SE6.

The SC9S is a 400w soundbar with a 3.1.3 channel configuration. It has IMAX Enhanced certification and works with Google Assistant, Alexa and AirPlay 2; it also comes with a novel stand and wall mount. The S77S has the same power and channel configuration as the SC9S, but lacks IMAX certification and is a slimmer design for smaller screens.

The Atmos-enabled SE6 is intended for smaller spaces, and utilises four passive radiators to enhance bass. It has a 100W power output and 3.0 channel configuration.

Buyers that pair either the SC9S or SE6 with a compatible TV will unlock WOW orchestra, which allows both TV speakers and soundbar to work in unison, for improved height, depth and power output. Wireless Dolby Atmos is possible with WOWCAST, which transmits immersive audio in a Dolby Digital Plus wrapper from transmitter to receiver.

There is a wall mounting solution supplied with the SC9S: a bracket allows the soundbar to be attached and hung from a wall mounted set, with no need for in-wall fixings. The bracket attaches to the rear of a compatible (C2 or C3) LG TV, can be used to wall-mount or stand-mount the new soundbars at a height or location that ensures the best sound experience for users.

Common to all three models is Triple Sound technology, which we’re told uses the world’s first Triple Up-Firing speaker, and Triple Level Spatial Sound technology, which employs channel analysis performed by an HRTF-based 3D engine to add a virtual mid-layer.

Other ‘Triple’ treats include a Sound Optimizer mode and Smart Up-mixer, which converts two-channel audio into multi-channel surround.

LG’s 2023 soundbars and LG TVs will support both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

The 2023 bar family also boasts a new minimalist design, to match their incoming TV counterparts. Users can also expect to see greater integration with LG screens webOS. Dashboard, to more easily manage soundbar settings and sound modes.

The brand is also upgrading its room EQ offering on the SC9S and SE6, with AI Room Calibration which analyses the listening space, then applies that information to the soundbars’ settings. This is said to improve the bar’s low-end performance.

It also subdivides the front channel frequencies to help improve the clarity of vocal performances, movie dialogue and the accuracy of the sound image.

An advanced AI Sound Pro feature automatically analyses content, be it movies, sporting events, games or music, and applied appropriate post processing.

Connectivity on all three models includes 4K/120Hz pass-through and support for VRR and ALLM. Availability and prices have yet to be announced.