LG’s 2024 soundbars boast bigger drivers, better AI calibration

LG is taking the wraps off its 2024 soundbar lineup a little early, complete with a new flagship model that boasts larger speaker drivers and an improved version of the manufacturer’s AI-powered room correction technology. 

Taking over from 2023’s 9.1.5-channel S95QR, the new S95TR will arrive with the same channel configuration but also “improvements” to the tweeter design that should deliver “clear and precise” audio, while a new passive radiator should help “enrich” the bass, LG says. 

Along with the new SG10TY soundbar, a slimmed-down soundbar designed to match the sleek profile of LG’s G-series TVs, the 810-watt S95TR is capable of wirelessly connecting to supported LG TVs, complete with Dolby Atmos support. 

This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best soundbars.

In another change, LG is bringing its (so far) unique center up-firing driver to a mid-range model: specifically, the new S70TR soundbar.  

LG

Previously, only two of LG’s higher-end soundbars (the S95QR and S80QR) came equipped with center up-firing drivers, bringing the total number of up-firing drivers on the main soundbar unit to three. Most Dolby Atmos soundbars only have left and right up-firing drivers on the main soundbar unit. (Read our review of the LG S95QR).

First introduced in 2023, LG’s center up-firing driver helps to bolster Dolby Atmos height cues as well as improve the clarity of dialogue.  

LG says it is also improving its AI Room Correction feature, which can now tweak the audio for the rear wireless speakers in addition to the main soundbar audio.  

Thanks to the improvements, LG soundbar users will be able to place their rear speakers in more “random” positions based on their room layouts, and the AI Room Correction will be able to compensate, according to LG. 

Speaking of rear speakers, LG says it’s dispensing with the separate transmitter component that wirelessly connects the speakers to the main soundbar unit. Instead, LG’s wireless rear speakers will connect directly to the soundbar, similar to how rear speakers from Samsung and other soundbar manufacturers operate. 

Carrying over from last year’s LG soundbar lineup is WOW Orchestra, a feature that allows LG soundbars to sync with the drivers on supported LG TVs. 

Also making its way to LG’s 2024 soundbar lineup is WOW Interface, a Roku TV Ready-style feature that lets LG TV owners set up and configure their soundbars using an on-screen interface. 

Finally, last year’s Triple Level Spatial Sound feature employs the front- and up-firing drivers on LG soundbars to add a “virtual middle” level of audio that creates a “dome of sound” around listeners.   

LG has yet to offer availability or pricing details for its new 2024 soundbars.