The LG S65TR 5.1 soundbar promises powerful audio at a budget-friendly price point. This review delves into its performance, examining its design, features, and sound quality across various room sizes. We unpack the convenience of its wireless setup, explore the capabilities of its AI Sound Pro technology, and assess the overall audio experience delivered by the soundbar, subwoofer, and satellite speakers. Does it deliver on its promise of impactful sound? Our comprehensive testing will reveal if the S65TR is a worthwhile investment for enhancing your home theater.From the sleek design and premium build quality to its extensive connectivity options, we thoroughly evaluate the LG S65TR’s strengths and weaknesses. We assess its performance across different genres of audio, paying close attention to bass response, treble clarity, and mid-range definition, specifically noting how room size impacts the overall sound experience. Ultimately, we determine if the S65TR’s impressive specifications translate to a truly satisfying audio experience, justifying its position as a potential leader in the budget soundbar market.
Pros And Cons
- Refined and polished design
- Good build quality
- Wireless subwoofer and satellite speakers
- Multiple connectivity options (Bluetooth, optical, HDMI ARC, USB)
- 600 watts output
- AI Sound Pro technology (better clarity when paired with LG TVs)
- 5.1 channel output
- Sufficient volume for various room sizes
- Well-balanced treble
- Good mid-range sound
- Remote control with bass control and equalizer modes
- Bass performance varies depending on room size; may not be sufficient in larger rooms (400+ sq ft)
- Surround sound effect is less noticeable unless speakers are placed at a significant distance (3ft minimum, ideally 16ft apart)
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Unboxing and Design
The LG S65TR soundbar arrives in a well-packaged box. Inside, you'll find the soundbar itself, a subwoofer, two satellite speakers, a wall mount bracket, an optical cable, and cables for connecting the satellite speakers. The overall design is sleek and modern, a significant upgrade from some cheaper soundbars. The materials used feel high-quality, giving the impression of a premium product despite the price point.
The soundbar itself boasts a slim profile with a well-polished finish. The satellite speakers also share the same refined design, featuring a matching grill. The subwoofer is wrapped in a cloth mesh, adding to its stylish look. The build quality across all components is excellent, reinforcing the sense of value for money.
Connectivity and Features
Connectivity options are comprehensive, including Bluetooth, optical, HDMI ARC, and a USB port for playing music from a pen drive. One of the standout features is the fully wireless setup. The subwoofer and satellite speakers connect wirelessly to the soundbar, eliminating the need for messy cables throughout your home entertainment setup. This wireless convenience enhances setup and flexibility.
Beyond the wireless setup, the LG S65TR boasts impressive specifications: 600 watts of total output and AI Sound Pro technology. AI Sound Pro works particularly well with LG TVs, providing exceptional audio clarity and immersion. The soundbar also features a 5.1 channel sound system, using a combination of the main soundbar, satellite speakers and the subwoofer to create a complete audio experience.
Sound Quality and Performance
Sound quality testing was performed in various environments: a home hall, a 160 sq ft room, and a larger 400 sq ft room. In all spaces, volume levels were more than sufficient; maximum volume was rarely needed, even in the larger room. The treble frequencies were well-balanced, preventing any harshness or ear fatigue.
Bass performance varied across different sized rooms. In smaller spaces, the bass provided a satisfactory, punchy experience. However, in the larger 400 sq ft room, the bass struggled to fill the space effectively, becoming less prominent compared to the soundbar and satellite speakers. While the bass remains smooth and soft, those seeking booming bass in larger rooms might find it lacking.
Surround Sound and Other Observations
The surround sound experience using the satellite speakers proved optimal when positioning them approximately 3 feet apart and maintaining a distance of 16 feet from the listening position. At closer distances, the surround effect was noticeably weaker, suggesting that the system requires a fair bit of space to shine. For optimal cinematic surround sound, ample room is crucial.
The mids provided by the soundbar were excellent, clear and well-defined. There was no muddiness or overlap with the vocals or bass frequencies. This clarity combined with the quality of the treble and bass created a well-rounded audio experience, even for demanding listeners. Overall, the sound quality is balanced and enjoyable, though not exceptional for the price.
Conclusion and Verdict
The LG S65TR 5.1 soundbar offers a compelling blend of features and affordability, especially if purchased at a discounted price. While the 600-watt output is impressive, its effectiveness depends greatly on room size. In smaller rooms, it provides an exceptional audio experience. However, in larger spaces, the bass becomes less impactful.
The wireless setup, the balanced sound quality, AI Sound Pro technology, and the stylish design all contribute to its overall appeal. Despite some limitations in bass performance in larger rooms, the LG S65TR remains a strong contender in its price range, delivering a good balance of features and sound for most users. It's a great choice for those seeking an upgrade from built-in TV speakers, especially if they can secure a deal below the full retail price.