LG Soundbar DS95TR Review
The LG Soundbar DS95TR is an interesting combination of a soundbar, subwoofer, and satellite speakers. What’s unique is that the satellite speakers each handle three channels, transforming the soundbar into a 9.1.5 system. Tested at €1799.
by Simon Mendel
Enjoying Dolby Atmos home theater with minimal effort and space has become a goal for many manufacturers. A popular approach is to use a soundbar that creates an immersive experience through smart sound tuning. The results vary depending on the room and individual hearing. South Korean tech giant LG aims to fix this issue by adding a subwoofer and two satellite speakers to the soundbar. This quartet delivers 9.1.5 multi-channel sound, which we find to be a very interesting concept. This 9.1.5 Dolby Atmos system is called the LG Soundbar DS95TR.
Soundbar
The heart of the 9.1.5 system is the soundbar, which measures 125 centimeters wide and 13.5 centimeters deep, making it quite compact. Wall mounts are included for both the soundbar and the satellite speakers, allowing for more effective placement. The soundbar is well-built and covered with a metal grille, while the casing underneath is made of recycled plastic. LG seems committed to recycling, as the packaging avoids Styrofoam and uses carton-like material instead—a practice other manufacturers could follow.
Returning to the soundbar, the front is rounded, and there are grilles on the sides and top, indicating speakers underneath. In the center of the top panel is another speaker protected by a round, dark gray metal grille. Touch buttons for controlling the soundbar are located next to it. On the back, in addition to ventilation slots, there’s a small connection panel with an HDMI input, an eARC-enabled HDMI output, a USB port, and an optical digital input. One HDMI input might seem limited, but with audio return (eARC), you can connect a Blu-ray player, gaming console, etc., to the TV, and the TV will pass the audio to the soundbar.
Satellite Speakers and Subwoofer
In terms of build and materials, the soundbar is the most complex component, but we find the satellite speakers to be the most intriguing. They’re made of plastic and shaped like five-sided prisms. The front is fabric-covered, while the top features a round metal grille. On the back is a small button, and on the bottom, a power connection. That’s all they need since the satellite speakers connect wirelessly and automatically to the soundbar. There’s a left and right speaker, and swapping them will result in distorted sound.
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Unlike traditional setups where each satellite handles one channel, these speakers each have three drivers, acting as rear, back-rear, and height speakers. This setup brings the system to 9.1.5 channels, with the soundbar handling left, right, center, and front surround, while the subwoofer provides deep bass. The subwoofer stands upright and fits nicely between furniture. It has a bass reflex port on the front, with the driver covered in fabric on the side.
The casing is also plastic, with a power connection and pairing button. Like the satellites, the subwoofer connects wirelessly, making for a tidy setup. Installing the 9.1.5 system takes less than 10 minutes—just plug in the soundbar, connect the satellites and subwoofer to power, and you’re ready to go.
Initially, we placed the satellite speakers incorrectly, but within seconds, the system was properly configured. The satellites should be positioned so that the side speakers face the correct direction. We experimented with the placement until we found a setup where the satellites stood beside us. Depending on the room’s dimensions, placement might vary, but the satellites are forgiving, making experimentation easier.
Operation
A small, stylish remote control is included for operation. There’s no display, only a matrix of colored LED lights, along with a computer voice announcing menu options. While this makes the system simple to use, it can interrupt playback. Changing sound modes, for instance, can only be done in one direction, which, combined with the voice prompts, takes longer than necessary. Fortunately, LG’s Soundbar app makes control easier. Pairing the soundbar with the app is simple—just connect the soundbar to Wi-Fi, enter your password in the app, and you’re connected. The app is well-designed and runs smoothly. During our test, the soundbar automatically downloaded an update once it was online.
Another app feature is the AI-driven room calibration. This process takes about a minute, during which you hold your smartphone in the listening position. The result is a slight improvement, with one room mode eliminated and the bass lifted. The calibration also enhances the higher mids slightly.
Sound Modes
We started our sound test with a Dolby Atmos demo Blu-ray. We chose a speaker test for 9.1.4 and were impressed. The test played each speaker individually. While the surround speakers and subwoofer performed as expected, we were surprised by how well the height speakers worked, delivering sounds clearly from above. Though the bass was minimal, it wasn’t a big issue. Next, we played some music tracks from the demo disc, selecting Kraftwerk’s “Tour De France” in a Dolby Atmos mix. The result was an incredibly immersive soundstage. Many Dolby Atmos soundbars struggle with providing enough surround detail, but the two satellites here effectively immerse you in the sound.
Overall, the LG 9.1.5 system is well-balanced and pleasant to listen to. We switched from the default Music sound mode to Standard, noticing it sounded more spacious and full. The sound modes can make a noticeable difference, with “Music,” “Cinema,” “Sport,” and “Clear Voice Pro” adjusting frequencies and levels, while “AI Sound Pro” uses artificial intelligence to adjust the sound in real-time. Voices become more distinct, and the sound is broader, enhancing surround and height effects. However, the AI mode can sometimes feel imprecise, though this is subjective.
Sound Test
Finally, we entered cinema mode, watching “Ready Player One” by Steven Spielberg and immersing ourselves in its virtual world. As with the demos, the LG 9.1.5 soundbar created an incredibly immersive sound field. The music sounded crisp and harmonious, and the subwoofer did an excellent job. Since everything is well-coordinated, the system’s components complement each other effectively. The spectacular effects in the virtual world of “Ready Player One” were impressively reproduced, with Dolby Atmos effects coming through beautifully, sounding sharp and realistic.
Specifications
KEY FEATURES
• Largely wireless
• 9.1.5 Dolby Atmos system
Device Type: Soundbars
Price Category: High-End
Manufacturer: LG
Model: DS95TR
Price (RRP): €1799
Dimensions (W/H/D): 125 x 6.3 x 13.5 cm
Weight: 5.65 kg
Information: www.lg.com
Amplifier: Active
Design: 9.1.5 Set
Frequency Response: N/A
Power Output: 810W
Source Connection: Cable, Wi-Fi
Power Consumption: Standby: < 0.5W, Operating: 65W
Room Size Recommendation: 15-35 m²
Calibration: Yes
Inputs: HDMI, Optical, USB-A
Verdict
The LG Soundbar DS95TR offers an innovative concept, delivering an immersive home theater experience wirelessly, in a space-saving setup, and at a reasonable price. Although the soundbar is the most complex component, all four devices are well-matched, resulting in an overall excellent sound experience.
Playback Quality: 66/70
Features/Build Quality: 7/10
User-Friendliness: 9/10
Adjustments: None
Interim Score: 82 out of 90 points
Price/Performance: Very Good 9/10
Final Score: Excellent 91%
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