LG unveils 2021 soundbars including 7.1.4ch SP11RA with Atmos, DTS:X

LG has today announced its 2021 line-up of soundbars including the flagship SP11RA, which is a 7.1.4-channel soundbar system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.

LG's flagship 7.1.4ch soundbar
LG's new flagship 7.1.4ch soundbar (SP11RA) has up-firing units in the rear speakers, in addition to up-firing units in the actual soundbar, for more immersive sound. SP11RA will replace last year's SN11RG.

Besides existing features like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 4K passthrough via HDMI, Hi-Ris Audio (24bit/96kHz), HDMI eARC, Apple AirPlay 2, and voice assistants (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri), a new feature this year is 'AI Sound Pro' integration with 2021 LG TVs.

- "New for this year, the company’s soundbars allow users to take advantage of LG TV’s AI Sound Pro feature. Audio from the TV is played through the soundbar via TV Sound Mode Share, delivering the superior audio processing power of AI Sound Pro on the more capable speakers of the new soundbars. LG’s soundbars now offer all of the same sound modes as its latest TVs, allowing users to easily switch between the soundbar and the TV using the TV remote," the company said.

 Also read: Guide to Dolby Atmos at home


 LG SP11RA

A full range of soundbars
In addition to the flagship SP11RA, LG announced the 5.1.2ch SP9YA, 3.1.2ch SP8YA, 5.1ch SP7Y, and 3.1.2ch SPD7Y. These come without rear speakers in the box but users have the option to purchase an upgrade package (SPK8) later on.

 Also read: Samsung unveils 11.1.4ch HW-Q950A, more 2021 Atmos soundbars

The soundbars were once again developed in partnership with Meridian. They can be connected to external players via HDMI In or via the TV with HDMI eARC/ARC.


 LG SP7YA (left) and SP9YA (right)

LG will launch more affordable mid-range and low-end soundbars later this year although they were not detailed today.

LG said that it will begin rolling out SP11RA, SP9YA, SP8YA, SP7Y and SPD7Y in key markets in Europe and North America later this month. Pricing was not announced but we would expect it to be roughly in line with last year's models.

LG 2021 soundbars - specifications
FEATURES
SP11RA
SP9YA
SP8YA
SP7Y
SPD7Y
Sound
Total wattage
770W
520W
440W
440W
380W
Channels
7.1.4
5.1.2
3.1.2
5.1
3.1.2
Rear Speakers
Rear &
Up-Firing
Optional (SPK8)
Optional (SPK8)
Optional (SPK8)
Optional (SPK8)
Dolby Atmos/ DTS:X
Y
Y
Y
DTS:X Virtual
Y
Meridian Horizon Technology Audio and Meridian Audio (Music Mode)
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Hi-Resolution Audio
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
AI Room Calibration
Y
Y
Y
–
–
AI Sound Pro
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Convenience
eARC
Y
Y
Y
ARC
Y
4K Pass-Through with
Dolby Vision Support
Y
Y
Y
–
Y
Works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, AirPlay 2
Y
Y
Y
–
–
LG TV Synergy TV Sound Mode Share, Sound Bar
Mode Control
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Eco
Eco Product (SGS)
Y
Y
Y
Y
–
UL ECV
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
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