Sound quality: LG's S65Q has very good overall sound quality - although it has some noticeable sonic quirks, this model reproduces music and dialog very well. In the Standard sound effect mode the bass has good impact, but it doesn't go deep and the lower bass is a bit prominent and somewhat boomy while the upper bass is subdued which results in the bass sounding undefined. The midrange is uneven - the lower midrange is subdued while the upper midrange is fairly even; it is also somewhat hazy, grainy, a bit congested, and a touch sibilant and plasticky. Treble is fairly extended, but is somewhat prominent, smeared and sizzly. Does a decent job of recovering the room ambience from the recording in the upper midrange but room ambience recovery is lacking in the upper bass and lower midrange. The overall sound is a bit/somewhat congested. When playing back stereo program material the sound field extends a bit above and not much beyond the width of the speaker array and there is no sense of depth. Except for the Surround setting, the various sound modes had a noticeable effect on the sound field and tonal balance that was similar to the effect they had with stereo program material. The surround setting did not seem to have an effect with the Standard sound mode or any of the other sound modes. When 5.1 channel program material is played back in the Standard mode the width and height of the sound stage expands, and depending on the program material extends well beyond the height and width of the soundbar enclosure. Except for the Surround setting, the various sound modes had a noticeable effect on the sound field and tonal balance that was similar to the effect they had with stereo program material. The surround setting did not seem to have an effect with the Standard sound mode or any of the other sound modes. 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 ease of use: Very good overall.
Features ease of use: Acceptable overall.
