Over the next two months, LG will launch a full line-up of new soundbars for 2019. From SL8YG and up, LG’s soundbars feature Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.
LG 2019 soundbars
The new soundbars were announced in December 2018 as successors to last year’s SK soundbar models. The company has now announced pricing and availability details.
The SL5Y, SL6Y, and SL7Y models are basic 2.1 or 3.1-channel soundbars with a ‘DTS Virtual:X’ that aims to imitate surround effects. Starting from SL8YG, which a 3.1.2-channel soundbar with two up-firing units, you get Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, the two-object-based audio formats that deliver a more immersive listening experience. SL9YG is a 4.1.2-channel soundbar, while SL10YG is a 5.1.2-channel soundbar with both up-firing and side-firing units.
- "Our 2019 sound bars are the most innovative and best sounding models LG has designed to date," said Tim Alessi, head of HE product marketing, LG Electronics USA. "This combination of exceptional sound and smart AI connectivity takes music and movies to a new level of home entertainment."
None of the new soundbars come with discreet rear speakers in the box but LG has confirmed that SL8YG, SL9YG, and SL10YG can be upgraded with a ”wireless rear speaker kit” (SPK 8). The kit is optional and is sold separately.
The company is also highlighting its partnership with Meridian Audio as well as features such as built-in Chromecast, support for 24bit/96kHz audio, 4K HDR pass-through, Google Assistant capabilities, and Bluetooth. The soundbars do not support HDMI eARC (only standard ARC), which a strange omission is considering that LG’s new TVs come with eARC. More information can be found in our previous article and on LG’s website.
These are LG’s third-generation Dolby Atmos soundbars. New this year is additional support for the competing DTS:X format. Competing companies such as Sony and Samsung are also offering soundbars with Atmos and DTS:X capabilities. Yesterday, Samsung announced that it is bringing object-based audio support to its more affordable soundbars.
LG SL8YG, SL9YG, and SL10YG will be available in April or May for $800, $1000, and $1300, respectively.
LG 2019 soundbars - pricing & availability
Available week of April 14
SL6Y
3.1 ch Sound Bar with DTS Virtual:X Sound
$399
SL5Y
2.1 ch Sound Bar with DTS Virtual:X Sound
$279
Available week of May 27
SL9YG
4.1.2 ch High Res Audio Sound Bar w/ Meridian Technology, Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
$999
Available week of April 14
SL10YG
5.1.2 ch High Res Audio Sound Bar w/ Meridian Technology, Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
$1,299
SL8YG
3.1.2 ch High Res Audio Sound Bar w/ Meridian Technology, Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
$799
SL7Y
3.1 ch Sound Bar with DTS Virtual:X Sound
$499 |
