Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible, the LG SC9S soundbar and its wireless subwoofer are designed to create a truly immersive sound around users. Its 3.1.3 channels and total power of 400 watts can be combined with the audio system of the latest LG TVs, thanks to the exclusive LG WOW Orchestra technology. For just under €1000, can this LG soundbar provide greater immersion, power and clarity during movies and series than its main rivals?
LG SC9S: accessories
The LG SC9S soundbar and subwoofer come with all the necessary elements for their installation. The box contains the following accessories:
- Soundbar remote control + 2 AA batteries (LR6)
- Soundbar mains adapter + power cable
- Subwoofer power cable
- HDMI cable
Also included is a bracket designed to allow you to mount the soundbar onto a TV in the LG OLED C3 or LG OLED C2 (2022) ranges. It consists of two steel elements to be mounted instead of the base supplied with the TV. It comes with two spacer plates for 55″/65″ and 77″ TVs, as well as screws and assembly instructions.
LG SC9S : présentation
The LG SC9S home theater system includes a compact soundbar and a wireless subwoofer. This 3.1.3-channel duo supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio tracks to create an immersive 3D sound around the users.
To do so, the soundbar is equipped with front-firing drivers, one of which is for dialogue reproduction, three up-firing drivers for the vertical effects, and two rear-firing woofers.
A wireless subwoofer is also present to reproduce the lowest octaves and add weight and impact to soundtracks.
To simplify connection with TVs, the manufacturer has equipped the LG SC9S soundbar with an HDMI eARC port and an optical input. It also features the exclusive LG WOW Orchestra technology, which allows the soundbar to work in conjunction with the speakers of compatible LG televisions, rather than deactivating them. This technology is featured on all 2022 and 2023 LG OLED televisions, including the LG OLED C3 and LG OLED G3 TVs, as well as the QNED 2023 ranges, such as the LG QNED81 series.
LG WOW Orchestra technology allows the TV + soundbar system to give movie and video game soundtracks greater immersion, power and clarity. The television’s artificial intelligence-boosted processor harmonizes the sound field produced by both devices. Users can then benefit from a very effective surround sound system to enjoy Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content in the best possible conditions.
Note that the LG SC9S soundbar comes with a dedicated bracket compatible with the LG OLED C3 TV range, as well as LG OLED C2 TVs (2022). This allows the soundbar to be mounted on the TV and for the two devices to be easily installed together, either on a piece of furniture or on the wall.
As for connectors, LG has given the bar an HDMI input and output. Both are 4K 120Hz, ALLM and VRR compatible for seamless association with Xbox and PS5 consoles. They support HDR 10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision formats. The output also offers compatibility with the HDMI eARC audio return channel.
There’s also an optical audio input to connect an older TV or any source with an optical output. The USB port can be used to play music saved on a USB stick (MP3, AAC, OGG, FLAC, WAV).
Last but not least, the LG SC9S soundbar can be used as a connected loudspeaker thanks to its ability to stream music from any smartphone or computer. This can be done via Bluetooth, but also using the AirPlay 2 and Chromecast protocols, via the home WiFi network.
LG SC9S: key specifications
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Wireless subwoofer
- Total power: 400W
- WiFi and Bluetooth
- AirPlay 2 and Chromecast streaming
- 4K 120Hz ALLM and VRR compatible
- HDMI input/output (eARC)
- Optical input
- Mounting bracket for OLED C2/C3 TVs
LG SC9S: listening conditions
For our review, we used the bracket included with the LG SC9S soundbar to fix the latter onto the LG OLED55C3 television. The bracket was quick and easy to install using a cruciform screwdriver. Before screwing the first part onto the soundbar, you need to think about the connections you’ll need because the soundbar connectors are no longer accessible once the bracket is in place.
The HDMI eARC audio connection between the two devices was achieved using the HDMI cable supplied by LG. We connected our Magnetar UDP800 4K UHD Blu-ray player to the TV with an Audioquest Cinnamon HDMI cable. To power the TV, soundbar and subwoofer, we used the Taga Harmony PF-2000 power strip. One of the filtered sockets was used to power the TV, while the soundbar and subwoofer were connected to direct sockets.
As soon as the television is switched on, the soundbar is detected and the WOW Orchestra mode is automatically activated. Therefore, you won’t need to go into the TV settings menus to select the audio output.
LG SC9S: impressions
Design
LG is among those manufacturers who pay as much attention to the performance of their electronics as they do to their design. The LG SC9S soundbar and subwoofer are no exception, as they benefit from a refined finish. Aluminum panels cover the front and sides of the soundbar, while the chassis is made of beautifully crafted plastic. The design is simple enough to be discreetly integrated under the TV, and the assembly is flawless.
The sides and front of the subwoofer feature a fabric covering, and the top panel is adorned with a brushed aluminum plate. Its compact format (39 x 31 x 22cm) makes it easy to install in the room. However, the bass-reflex design and rear-firing port mean it can’t be placed too close to a wall.
The touch-sensitive interface on the top of the soundbar was responsive and intuitive. However, the remote control was more convenient for day to day use. The display on the front of the bar is limited to three LEDs, making it virtually useless for audio settings.
Thankfully, the free LG Sound Bar app provides access to all the soundbar’s settings, from an iOS or Android smartphone.
LG Sound Bar app
The LG Sound Bar app lets you adjust many settings for the soundbar. Each channel of the soundbar (-6/+6 dB) and subwoofer (-15/+6 dB) can be individually adjusted. Treble and bass can also be controlled as a whole, over a range from -5 dB to +5 dB. The user can also automatically calibrate the home theater system according to the acoustic characteristics of the room.
In addition to these settings, the application features several sound effect presets that adapt the reproduction according to the content you’re listening to. For example, the Cinema mode broadens the soundstage, optimizes the bass and accentuates the center channel to improve dialogue perception. Ideal for news broadcasts and talk shows, the Clear Voice Pro mode makes voices clearer and more audible. Each of these settings truly influences the sound, allowing you to adapt it to suit your personal preferences.
Lastly, a Night Time mode reduces the audio intensity so that you can listen to your shows at night without disturbing the neighbors or your family members.
Soundbar only
When used by itself without the support of the TV speakers, the LG SC9S soundbar provided a very ample sound. The horizontal distribution of the frontal effects was effective. They also had decent height, without providing the same result as true in-ceiling speakers. The lateral effects weren’t as pronounced as they would have been with surround speakers, but there was still a pleasant sense of immersion.
The subwoofer proved highly effective in adding structure and texture to action scenes, with deep, responsive bass. Even at high volume, it remained stable. There was no saturation, and they didn’t overpower the other frequencies, which were perfectly audible. As a result, there was always a perfect balance between the soundbar effects and the bass delivered by the subwoofer.
With both movies and series, the Cinema mode enhanced the sound ambience while preserving clear dialogue. The excellent soundtrack to the Prime Video series The Continental (4K HDR – Dolby Atmos) made the most of the dynamic qualities of this home theater system, immediately immersing us in the atmosphere of 1970s New York.
When streaming music wirelessly from Qobuz (via Chromecast), the LG SC9S had a tendency to emphasize the upper mids and highs. By lowering the treble by -2 dB with the equalizer, we were able to enjoy a more satisfying sound without losing precision. The subwoofer was pleasant and perfectly in sync, with lows that were naturally integrated with the other frequencies. The Music mode provided convincing stereo distribution. The AI Sound Pro mode improved amplitude without distorting the original recording.
Soundbar + TV: LG WOW Orchestra
When paired with the LG OLED55C3 television, the LG SC9S soundbar was able to take advantage of the WOW Orchestra feature via the HDMI eARC connection. The benefits were immediately audible for users, with greater amplitude and power. The sound had more texture, greater depth and more effective lateral effects. We felt more immersed in the events happening on the screen, both during movies and with video games.
The landing scene in Saving Private Ryan allowed us to instantly observe how effective the LG WOW Orchestra technology was in improving the impact of soundtracks. The same applies to Gran Turismo 7: we could hear the engines of competing racers and the screeching of tires on the asphalt more clearly.
LG SC9S: compared to…
Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Mini
Sennheiser has become a true reference in the soundbar market with its Sennheiser Ambeo range, which includes the new Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar Mini. The latter is unbeatable when it comes to its ability to immerse the viewers inside a three-dimensional sound bubble. The LG SC9S makes up for its less immersive vertical and lateral effects with its wireless subwoofer. Its energetic bass provides music with impressive rhythm and gives the SC9S the upper hand during action scenes.
Yamaha SR-X40A + SW-X100A
More powerful and equipped with more front-firing and vertical drivers than the Yamaha soundbar, the LG SC9S offers a more precise spatialization of surround sound effects. The bass responsiveness and control is also better. The lows are highly engaging, while blending in perfectly with the overall sound ambience. For its part, the Yamaha can easily be associated with a pair of Yamaha WS-X1A speakers to reproduce surround effects.
LG S95QR
The LG SC9S’ “big sister” multiplies the number of drivers and uses its wireless surround and Atmos speakers to provide better immersion. It manages to literally envelop the users in a three-dimensional soundscape that is much more pronounced than the one produced by the LG SC9S. But given its more compact size and the absence of surround speakers, the latter is still impressive. However, the relatively small price difference between the two systems makes a strong case for the LG S95QR.
LG SC9S: who is it for?
The LG SC9S home theater will appeal to anyone who wants to enjoy an impressive spatialized sound without filling their living room with multiple speakers. It is also the perfect partner for one of the latest LG OLED or LG QNED TVs, thanks to the LG WOW Orchestra technology.
LG SC9S: conclusion
Compatible with any TV equipped with an HDMI ARC/eARC or optical connector, the LG SC9S soundbar adds amplitude to movie and video game soundtracks. The sound effects unfold horizontally, vertically and to the sides of the viewers very effectively.
It’s even more interesting when used with a recent LG OLED or QNED TV to benefit from the WOW Orchestra feature. By combining the drivers of the two devices, you get even more power while improving the spatialization and intelligibility of dialogues.
Of course, the vertical and lateral surround effects are less immersive than with a true Dolby Atmos system with multiple speakers. Nor does it match the performance offered by the LG S95QR wireless home theater system, which is equipped with wireless Atmos surround speakers and sells for a few hundred euros more. But given its compact size and user-friendly operation, this LG SC9S soundbar is very compelling for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X tracks.
We liked
- The easy setup
- The design
- The clear dialogue
- The impressive bass
- The WOW Orchestra feature
We would have liked
- More vertical and lateral immersion
- A screen on the soundbar
