Sound quality: LG's SP9YA Good overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. In the Standard sound effect mode the bass has good impact and goes fairly deep, but is somewhat prominent and tubby. The midrange is even but is somewhat grainy and hazy, and a bit congested. Treble is extended, but is a bit subdued and sizzly. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience, but sounds a bit 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 surround mode, night time mode, and the various sound modes had a noticeable effect on the sound field and tonal balance. 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 and night time mode 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 also had an effect on the sound field and tonal balance, but it was minimal. 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 up and above from the front of the room to almost 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, Wi-Fi, optical, USB, and Bluetooth 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.
Features setup and ease of use: Good overall.
