LG has a great reputation in TVs with its well-established OLED TV line, but they also offer up several soundbar models designed to complement the TV viewing experience with great sound.
LG’s new soundbar line-up for 2022 is spearheaded by the 9.1.5 channel S95QR with five up-firing speakers and a lot more, which we have reported on previously and is also highlighted at the end of this article. However, since the S95QR was previewed, LG has also unveiled the rest of its 2022 soundbar line which includes the S65Q, S75Q, S80QY, and S90QY.
These soundbars can be used with just about any TV, but some features can only be accessed when used with select LG Smart TVs.
Let’s go up the line and see some highlights of what each model offers. As we move up the line we will highlight the features that have been added over the previous model(s).
S65Q
The S65Q is LG’s entry-level soundbar for 2022. However, it offers more than you might expect. Here are some feature highlights.
Total System Power Output: 420 Watts
Channel Configuration: 3.1 (3 Front Channels plus 1 external wireless subwoofer)
Audio Format Support: PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS, AAC/ACC+, WAV via USB, MP3 via USB, FLAC via USB), OGG via USB, WMA via USB.
Surround Sound Processing: DTS Virtual:X
Sound/EQ Modes: Standard, Music, Bass Blast, Bass Blast+, Cinema, Clear Voice, Sports, Game, and AI Sound Pro. AI Sound Pro adjusts frequency range and soundfield extension based on the content such as movies, news, and music.
TV Sound Mode Share: This enables you to pair the LG S65Q soundbar with select 2021 and 2022 LG TVs to tap into the power of the TV’s audio processor to automatically optimize sound quality.
LG Sound Sync: This feature locks in lip-sync between what you see on the screen and what you hear from the soundbar. It works with either a digital optical or Bluetooth connection between select LG TVs and LG soundbars.
Music: For added music playback support, the S65Q incorporates Meridian Audio Horizon Technology which can up-mix two-channel audio to 3.1-channels or more (depending on the number of speakers available in the sound bar). This creates a more immersive music listening experience. The S65Q also supports Hi-Res Audio (up to 24bit/96Khz).
Connectivity: 2 HDMI connections (1 ARC, 1 Pass-Through for additional source), Digital Optical, USB, Bluetooth
Control: Wireless remote control, Smartphone remote app (iOS, Android)
Dimensions (WHD): 39.4 x 2.5 x 4.1-inches.
S75Q
The S75Q is the direct step-up from the S65Q. Here are some of the added features this soundbar has over the S65Q.
Total System Power Output: 380 Watts
Channel Configuration: 3.1.2 (three front channels L/C/R, 2 upfiring speakers, and external wireless subwoofer.
Audio Format Support: S75Q and the remaining models in the lineup eliminate DTS Virtual:X surround processing in favor of supporting the following surround sound formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD HR/Master Audio, DTS:X.
Connectivity: Same as S65Q but adds HDMI-eARC support.
Video Support: HDMI 4K Pass-through with HDR10/10+ and Dolby Vision
Dimensions (WHD): 35 x 2.56 x 4.69-inches
S80QY
Moving up the soundbar line, the S80QY has the following features over the S65Q and S75Q.
Total System Power Output: 480 watts
Channel Configuration: 3.1.3 (Left, center, right, front L/R height, one wireless side-firing ported subwoofer. Optional rear speakers are available – see the end of this entry for details.
Tip: The center channel speaker for the S80QY, S80QR, S90QY, and S95QR are upfiring for added presence.
AI Room Calibration: To get the most out of both movie and music listening the S80QY also includes AI room calibration. This allows you to tailor soundbar performance by analyzing the dimensions of the room.
Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi is included in the S80QY and higher LG soundbar models in addition to the other connections previously listed for the S65Q and S75Q.
Music: Spotify Connect and TIDAL Support is included.
HDMI Gaming Features: VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM), provide console gamers with a perfect sync between the onscreen action and audio.
Additional AV Support: IMAX Enhanced compatibility is included in the S80QY and higher models.
Additional Features: Google Assistant, Alexa, AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, WOWCAST Compatible.
Tip: LG WOWCAST requires an optional Wi-Fi dongle. This eliminates the need for an audio cable connection between the soundbar system and compatible LG TVs.
Dimensions (WHD): 40 x 2.48 x 5.31-inches
Wireless Rear Speakers: Requires additional purchase for the S80QY (Model SPQ8-S $199.99)
Tip: The S80QR is similar to the S80QY, but wireless rear speakers are included.
S90QY
Moving into the high-end of the soundbar line-up the S90QY offers everything that the QS80Y has with the following additions.
Total System Power Output: 570 watts
Channel Configuration: 5.1.3 (Left, Center, Right, L/R surround (side), front height L/C/R, and wireless side-firing ported subwoofer).
Wireless Rear Speakers: Requires additional purchase (Model SPQ8-S coming soon)
Dimensions (WHD): 47 x 2.48 x 5.31-inches
S95QR
Finally, we arrive at LG’s flagship soundbar for 2022, the S95QR. The main things it adds are an expanded channel configuration, comes with rear wireless speakers, and has increased power output. Otherwise, all of the other features are the same as the S90QY.
Channel Configuration: 9.1.5 discrete channels. There are three front channels, five upfiring speakers, and a side-firing ported wireless subwoofer. There are six surround channels housed in two included rear speaker cabinets.
Total System Power Output: 810 watts.
Dimensions (WHD): 47-inches x 2.52-inches x 5.31 inches
For full details on the S95QR, refer to our previous report.
Availability and Pricing
The S65Q, S75Q, S80QY, and S90QY are available now while the S95QY is still forthcoming.
S65Q: $399.99 or less at LG.com, Amazon, Best Buy
S75Q: $599.99 or less at LG.com, Amazon
S80QY: $899.99 or less at LG.com, Amazon, Best Buy
S80QR: $1099.99 or less at LG.com, Amazon
