Last year's S95QR will carry over into 2023 as LG's flagship soundbar and will gain 2023 features through a firmware update. LG also announced three new soundbars for 2023.
New LG soundbars for 2023 include the 3.1.3ch SC95 soundbar designed to match the C-series OLED TVs, the 3.1.3ch S77S slim soundbar, and the 3.0ch SE6S compact soundbar (updated version of LG Eclair). There are no rear speakers included with any of the new soundbars.
The flagship S95QR and many of LG's 2022 mid-range soundbars will carry over into 2023.
New features for 2023 include 'Wow Orchestra' which lets the soundbar play in syncronization with an LG TV's speakers – much like Samsung's 'Q-Symphony' - as well as an up-mixer that LG claims can take a 2-channel audio track an up-convert to 9.1.5 channels. There is also 4K 120Hz VRR passthrough so you can connect a game console directly to the soundbar's HDMI input.
The soundbars support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X as well as less advanced Dolby and DTS audio formats. Some of the soundbars are certified IMAX Enhanced.
SC9 which is designed specifically for LG's C-series OLED TVs. Photo: LG
The new SC95 soundbar, designed to match LG's C-series OLED TVs (C2, C3), rests on a bracket that connects to the back of LG's C-series OLED TV. This will make it look like a more integrated part of the TV and ensure that the soundbar is in the right place for the up-firing units to work correctly, said LG.
- "The 2023 soundbars deliver accurate sound reproduction and enhanced clarity for a more complete home cinema experience with LG’s Triple Sound Technology, which includes the world’s first Triple Up-Firing Speaker. New for this year, Triple Level Spatial Sound Technology employs channel analysis performed by an HRTF-based 3D engine to add a virtual mid-layer. The result is incredibly lifelike sound with a convincing sense of space that puts listeners at the center of an immersive audio environment," the company said.
In addition, the new soundbars are compatible with Wowcast which is LG's optional dongle for TVs that can transmit up to Dolby Atmos wirelessly from the TV to the soundbar.
The 3.1.3ch 400W S77S model will be released in select regions. It includes many of the features of SC9S but is not designed to match any particular TV model but rather be a slim soundbar. More details on the S77S and SE6S (Eclair) can be found in the table at the bottom.
LG's 2023 soundbars will launch later this year. Pricing details will be announced at a later date.
SC9 which is designed specifically for LG's C-series OLED TVs. Photo: LG
Firmware update for 2022 soundbars
The best news is that the new features for 2023 will also come to last year's S95QR flagship soundbar. This includes all features mentioned in our previous paragraphs.
In addition, Wow Orchestra will be added to last year's S90QY, S80QR, S80QY, and S75Q soundbars, while 4K 120Hz VRR will also come to last year's S90QY, S80QR, and S80QY.
LG expects to release the firmware update in "the middle of the year".
LG 2023 soundbars – specifications
| LG SC95
Designed to match LG's C-series OLED TVs (C2, C3) with TV bracket
3.1.3 channels
400W total
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced
Triple Level Spatial Sound
Smart Up-Mixer
Clear Voice Plus
AI Room Calibration Pro
Meridian
Spotify / Tidal Connect (MQA)
VRR, ALLM, 4K 120Hz, Dolby Vision passthrough
HDMI eARC
Wow Synergy with Wow Orchestra and Wow Interface
Sound Bar Mode Control
Works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2
WiFi
Wowcast Compatible
LG S77S
Slim soundbar
3.1.3 channels
400W total
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Triple Level Spatial Sound
Smart Up-Mixer
Clear Voice Plus
Meridian
VRR, ALLM, 4K 120Hz, Dolby Vision passthrough
HDMI eARC
Wow Synergy
Sound Bar Mode Control
WiFi
LG SE6S (Eclair)
3.0 channels
100W total
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Triple Level Spatial Sound
Smart Up-Mixer
Clear Voice Plus
AI Room Calibration Pro
Meridian
Spotify / Tidal Connect (MQA)
VRR, ALLM, 4K 120Hz, Dolby Vision passthrough
HDMI eARC
Wow Synergy
Sound Bar Mode Control
Works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2
WiFi
Wowcast Compatible |
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