Sound quality: LG's S40Q has Fair overall sound quality - this model has sonic shortcomings that leave a lot to be desired when listening to music but don't rule it out for dialog. In the Music sound mode the bass has good impact, but is a bit prominent and boomy and doesn't go deep. The midrange is somewhat hazy and plasticky, a bit grainy, and a touch echoey. Treble is fairly extended, but is a somewhat subdued and bit sizzly and smeared. Does a so-so job of recovering room ambience and the slightly echoey quality of the midrange adds artificial reverberation; the overall sound is somewhat congested. When playing back stereo program material the sound field extends somewhat above and a bit beyond the width of the speaker array and there is no sense of depth. The various sound modes had a slight effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance. When 5.1 channel program material is played back the sound field is wider and taller than with stereo program material. The other sound modes have a slight effect on the sound quality. There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, USB, and Bluetooth inputs. The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.
TV setup and ease of use: very good overall.
Features setup and ease of use: good overall.
