Sound quality: LG's SN8YG delivers sound quality that fall in the Good range. In the Standard sound effect mode the bass has good impact and goes deep, but is a bit prominent and boomy. The midrange is fairly even but is somewhat hazy, grainy and congested, a touch echoey, a bit dark, and can sound somewhat harsh. Treble is extended, but is somewhat smeared, dry, and papery. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience, and the overall sound is somewhat congested. The two channel sound field extends somewhat above and beyond the width of the speaker array, but there is no sense of depth. The various sound modes had a noticable effect on the sound field and tonal balance; oddly enough, the Bass Blast sound mode actually reduced the bass. 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. The various sound modes had an effect on the sound field and tonal balance that was similar to the effect they had with stereo program material. When playing Dolby Atmos or DTS:X material the width and height of the sound stage expands and depending on the program material can fill the front end of the room. Audio imaging can extend to the sides, and up and above from the front of the room to directly overhead depending on the program material, but there was no rear surround effect, and sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front. The various sound modes had no effect when Dolby Atmos or DTS:X material is played back. There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, Bluetooth, and WiFi inputs when playing two channel program material; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X program material can only be played through the HDMI input. The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.
TV setup and ease of use: Very Good overall. Setup: Ease of Use:
Features setup and ease of use: Very Good overall.
