LG S95QR Sound Bar Review 9.1.5 Channel Surround with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

Description

Immersive Home Audio Experience with the LG Sound Bar S95QR

I’ve always been a stickler for high-quality home theater audio, so testing the LG Sound Bar with Surround Speakers S95QR was a treat. This 9.1.5-channel sound system brings a cinematic audio experience right to your living room. From its Dolby Atmos support to its sleek black design, it’s packed with features that cater to audiophiles and casual users alike. However, no product is without its quirks, and this one has a few worth noting.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that caught my eye was the modern and minimalist design. The soundbar’s slim profile (measuring 47.2 inches wide and only 2.5 inches tall) fits neatly under most TVs, while the sleek black finish blends seamlessly with any home setup. The wireless subwoofer and rear speakers were easy to position, and I appreciated that they didn’t require a tangled mess of wires to set up. However, I did notice that the 33-pound weight might make wall-mounting a bit of a challenge for some users. Thankfully, the included wall mount bracket simplifies the process, and the system feels sturdy once installed.

Upsides

The LG Sound Bar S95QR excels at creating an immersive audio environment. Here’s what stood out to me:

• The Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies deliver audio that feels truly three-dimensional, with sound flowing around and even above you.
• A center up-firing speaker enhances vocal clarity, making dialogue in movies and TV shows crystal clear.
• The AI Room Calibration Pro is surprisingly effective. It adjusts the sound to match the acoustics of your room, ensuring balanced audio regardless of your setup.
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity make streaming music from Spotify or other platforms seamless.
• The 6-channel rear speakers with up-firing height channels amplify the surround sound effect, creating an unmatched theater-like experience.

Drawbacks

While the positives are plenty, there are a few areas that could use improvement:

• Wireless connectivity, while convenient, can occasionally suffer from signal drops if the components are too far apart or obstructed.
• The remote control design feels slightly dated and lacks the ergonomic feel of newer remotes.
• Voice control setup through Google Assistant or Alexa was a bit finicky during initial testing.
• The lack of waterproofing is a minor point, but for a system at this price point, it would’ve been a nice touch for durability.

Performance and Audio Quality

The performance of this 9.1.5-channel system is where it truly shines. Watching an action movie with Dolby Atmos enabled made me feel like I was in the middle of the action. Explosions had depth and clarity, while quieter scenes retained a natural balance. The subwoofer’s 6-inch diameter delivers deep, punchy bass without overwhelming the mids and highs.

I tested the system with both movies and music. Listening to a live concert recording was an absolute joy—every instrument felt distinct, and the Meridian Horizon upmixing technology added a level of immersion that’s hard to describe. Even standard two-channel audio felt richer and fuller.

Gaming performance was another highlight. Connecting my console via HDMI was a breeze, and features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) ensured smooth gameplay with minimal input lag.

Competing Products

Comparing the LG Sound Bar S95QR to some of its competitors like the Samsung HW-Q990B and the Sonos Arc, there are notable strengths and weaknesses. The Samsung HW-Q990B offers similar Dolby Atmos support but doesn’t quite match the LG model’s center up-firing speaker for vocal clarity. On the other hand, the Sonos Arc is known for its sleek design and seamless integration with other Sonos products, but it lacks the dedicated rear speakers and subwoofer that the LG model provides.

One area where the LG system stands out is its AI Room Calibration Pro, which adjusts to your room’s acoustics better than most competitors I’ve tested. However, Sonos Arc’s app-based controls feel more intuitive compared to the LG’s remote and voice controls.

Price to Quality Ratio

For a product with this level of audio performance and feature set, the price feels justified. It’s not the most budget-friendly option on the market, but the immersive sound quality, versatile connectivity, and room optimization technology make it a worthwhile investment for serious home theater enthusiasts. If you’re someone who values cinematic audio and plans to use these features extensively, you’ll likely find it to be worth every penny.

Who Is This For?

This sound system is ideal for anyone who wants to elevate their home theater experience. Whether you’re a movie buff, a gamer, or someone who simply loves listening to music, the LG Sound Bar S95QR will meet your needs. Families with kids might enjoy the enhanced dialogue clarity for animated movies, while gamers will appreciate the low latency and VRR support.

Overall, it’s clear that this 9.1.5-channel sound system is packed with features that cater to a wide range of users. While it’s not without its minor flaws, the positives far outweigh the negatives. If you’re looking for a premium audio solution, this system should be high on your list.

Additional information