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LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit Soundbar Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Reviewed Feb 10, 2023 at 10:23 am
Latest change: Test bench update Sep 25, 2023 at 08:42 am
LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit Picture
7.8
Mixed Usage
7.9
Dialogue/TV Shows
7.8
Music
7.7
Movies

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit is a 2022 release from the manufacturer with Dolby Atmos support. You can purchase the bar and the subwoofer as the LG S90QY, but the added satellites are designed to improve its surround sound performance. With built-in Meridian technology to help with audio reproduction, as well as an up-firing center channel to improve vocal clarity, it comes with many of the same features as LG's more premium S95QR.

Our Verdict

7.8 Mixed Usage

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit is very good for mixed usage. Dialogue in TV shows and podcasts is clearly and accurately reproduced, and instruments in your favorite music are detailed in the mix. With its sub, you get plenty of rumble in the bass, bringing bass-heavy music and action-packed movies to life. However, the satellites aren't as impressive at replicating an immersive sound, and since they're very quiet, it doesn't add much to the listening experience.

Pros
  • Bass and treble adjustments.
  • Room correction feature.
  • Dolby Atmos support.
Cons
  • Quiet surrounds.
7.9 Dialogue/TV Shows

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit is very good for dialogue-centric TV shows and podcasts. It has two center channels—front-firing and up-firing—to improve vocal reproduction. With a clear reproduction of dialogue in the mids, you can easily follow along with your favorite shows. It supports many different wireless playback platforms, from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi, making it easy to stream content from your mobile devices.

Pros
  • Room correction feature.
  • Dialogue enhancement tool.
Cons
  • No graphic EQ.
7.8 Music

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit is very good for music. Like most premium setups on the market, there's a room correction tool on hand to optimize its output based on your room's unique acoustics—LG calls it AI Room Calibration. With it on, the bar's sound profile is fairly even, so voices and lead instruments are clear and present in the mix. There's a touch of extra boom in the bass, too, though you can always customize its output with its bass and treble adjustments if you want a different sound.

Pros
  • Bass and treble adjustments.
  • Room correction feature.
Cons
  • No graphic EQ.
7.7 Movies

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit is good for movies. With support for audio formats like Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital, you can playback content on streaming platforms and Blu-rays. The subwoofer brings plenty of rumble in the bass, and dialogue is clear and easy to follow. Unfortunately, the satellites don't bring much more to the immersive feel, and since they're rather quiet, it seems as if they aren't properly integrated into the overall sound.

Pros
  • Room correction feature.
  • Dialogue enhancement tool.
  • Dolby Atmos support.
Cons
  • Quiet surrounds.
  • 7.8 Mixed Usage
  • 7.9 Dialogue/TV Shows
  • 7.8 Music
  • 7.7 Movies
  1. Updated Sep 25, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.2. Updated the results for audio format support via ARC/eARC, HDMI In, and Optical. Added Video Passthrough to TV results as well.
  2. Updated Mar 27, 2023: Added cable lengths to In The Box.
  3. Updated Mar 22, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.1. With this update, we've added a Mounting test and added information aboutSubwoofer Output, Spotify Connect, and Microphone Mute.
  4. Updated Feb 10, 2023: Review published.
  5. Updated Feb 07, 2023: Early access published.
  6. Updated Feb 02, 2023: Our testers have started testing this product.
  7. Updated Jan 25, 2023: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  8. Updated Jan 25, 2023: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The SPQ8-S Speaker Kit is available in 'Black', and you can see the label for the satellites here. You can also use the LG S90QY as only the bar and subwoofer if you prefer. However, the results in this review reflect the bar's performance with the satellites included.

If you come across another version of this soundbar, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Soundbars

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit adds a rear speaker kit onto the LG S90QY. As with other 2022 LG models, like the LG S80QY, it has an additional up-firing center channel to improve vocal clarity. That said, this channel doesn't improve its center performance in a meaningful way, and since the satellites are very quiet, they don't improve the surround sound very much. While it has some new features like WOWCAST compatibility, overall, the bar's sound is similar to 2021's LG SP9YA.

You can also check out our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best LG soundbars, and the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.

LG S95QR

The LG S95QR is better than the LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit. The S95QR comes with some additional channels right out of the box, and its rear speakers have a unique design with additional channels to bring a more clear and real feel to surround content. Overall, it's better for 5.1 surround formats as well as Dolby Atmos content.

LG S90QY

While the LG S90QY is available as a bar and a subwoofer alone, you can also use the LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit. The added satellites should improve the bar's surround sound performance, but in practice, these channels are very quiet, which takes away from the overall immersive feel. Even adjusting the surround and rear levels doesn't do much to improve its performance.

LG S80QR

The LG S80QR is similar to the LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit in many regards. However, the S90QY comes with two more side-firing surround channels. It doesn't make a massive difference in the sound, but the S90QY does offer a better soundstage overall, so you feel more immersed in your audio.

LG S75QR

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit is better than the LG S75QR. The S90QY is a 7.1.3 setup, meaning that it comes with two more surround channels and an additional up-firing center channel compared to the 5.1.2 S75QR. The S90QY offers a better low-frequency extension and a better stereo soundstage. It has more sound enhancement features and more wireless playback options on hand, too.

Sony HT-A7000 with Speakers + Bass Module

The Sony HT-A7000 with Speakers + Bass Module and the LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit are both versatile Dolby Atmos setups with rear speakers. The Sony offers a more balanced sound out of the box. However, the LG comes with some more sound customization tools, including bass and treble adjustments. It performs better at max volume, too.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style - Bar

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit has a similar design to other bars from LG's 2022 lineup. It's mostly made of plastic, with fabric covering the front and sides of the bar. On top, three round metal grilles cover the up-firing drivers.

Design
Style - Subwoofer
Sub Wireless
Yes
Enclosure
Ported

The sub has a fairly standard design. The speaker is covered with a round piece of fabric.

Design
Style - Satellites
Satellite Wireless
Partial, satellites wired together

The satellites have a similar design to the bar itself. They're also made of plastic with fabric around the sides and the front. They connect to the wireless receiver module, which is also made of plastic.

Design
Dimensions - Bar
Width 47.2" (120.0 cm)
Height 2.4" (6.2 cm)
Depth 5.3" (13.5 cm)

The bar is fairly wide, so it doesn't fit between the legs of a 55" TV stand. Unless your TV sits flush against your table, the bar won't block the TV screen since it isn't very tall.

Design
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Width 8.0" (20.2 cm)
Height 15.9" (40.5 cm)
Depth 15.8" (40.1 cm)

The sub has a similar size to an average desktop computer. It connects to the bar wirelessly, but you'll still need to plug it into a power outlet.

Design
Dimensions - Satellites
Width 3.9" (10.0 cm)
Height 5.5" (14.0 cm)
Depth 3.9" (10.0 cm)

These speakers take up about as much space as an average pair of rear satellites. That said, you have to pair them to the wireless receiver module, which can be limiting depending on your space. For reference, the wireless receiver module is 6.9" (17.5 cm) wide, 2.3" (6 cm) tall, and 7.2" (18.3 cm) deep.

Design
Mounting
Mountable Bar
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
Yes
Mountable Satellites
Yes
Satellite Brackets Included
No
8.0
Design
Build Quality

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit has a great build quality. Both the bar and the satellites are made of solid-feeling plastic, which seems quite durable to the touch. Plus, the fabric around the sides is wrapped tight, so it doesn't seem like it could rip easily. The sub also feels quite sturdy.

Design
In The Box

  • Manuals
  • 3x power cables (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • HDMI cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • Remote with 2x AA batteries
  • Mounting brackets with screws
  • Mounting template
  • 2x satellite speaker wires (16 ft / 4.9m)
  • Ferrite core

Sound
7.5
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
Tested Preset
Standard
Slope
-1.28
Std. Err.
5.09 dB
Channels
7.1.3
Low-Frequency Extension
33.6 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit has a good stereo frequency response. With its room correction tool, it automatically adjusts the bar's output based on the unique acoustic characteristics of your listening space. The overall sound is quite even, with clear and accurate reproduction of voices and lead instruments in the mix. Plus, the extra rumble in the bass is ideal for genres like EDM and hip-hop.

Note: There's a slight difference in the slope between the LG S90QY on its own and the same bar with the LG SPQ8-S speaker kit. This is likely due to testing variation, as well as possible differences picked up in the acoustic characteristics of our testing room during the room calibration process. Still, you aren't likely to notice a major difference in stereo sound with or without the speaker kit.

7.9
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
Suggested Preset
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
-4
Suggested Treble Setting
5
Slope
-0.50
Std. Err.
3.61 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
34.1 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

If you want a more balanced frequency response with stereo content, set the bass to -4 and the treble to 5. The resulting sound is more even, and you don't notice as much boom in the high-bass. Also, the added emphasis in the treble makes higher-pitched sounds like cymbals more accurate in the mix.

7.5
Sound
Stereo Soundstage
Crosstalk Error
2.85 dB

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit has a good stereo soundstage. The soundstage is perceived to be a bit wider than the bar itself. Plus, it has very good focus, so you can pinpoint sound effects to exact locations in the soundstage.

7.9
Sound
Stereo Dynamics
SPL @ Max Volume
90.5 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
0.60 dB

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit gets pretty loud, meaning it can fill an average living room with sound. Also, as you reach max volume, there isn't a lot of compression present, so audio reproduction is clean.

6.8
Sound
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.65
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
4.49

At a normal listening volume, distortion falls within good limits. This means that audio reproduction is clear and pure, and you don't notice much distortion. While there's a jump in distortion at max volume, it's still hard to hear with real-life content.

8.2
Sound
Center
Localization
Discrete
Slope
0.54
Std. Err.
3.23 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
92.7 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.60
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
4.09

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit has a unique design, so you get a traditional front-firing center channel as well as an up-firing center channel. Overall, it does a good job, so dialogue is easy to follow in the mix. Voices are reproduced with accuracy, too. The additional up-firing center channel doesn't make a huge difference when you compare the bar to others with only a front-firing driver.

7.9
Sound
Surround 5.1
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-1.23
Std. Err.
4.74 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
96.2 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.22
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.52
7.1 Rears
Yes

Adding the SPQ8-S Speaker Kit makes a slight difference in the bar's surround performance compared to the standalone LG S90QY. The discrete surround channels bring a more clear and real feel to surround sound. Sound effects are more accurately placed in the space around you, so you feel like you're dropped into the middle of the action on screen. However, as the uneven frequency response implies, some details are more pronounced, while others are more subtle.

5.5
Sound
Height (Atmos)
Localization
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Slope
-1.27
Std. Err.
5.00 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
79.9 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
2.04
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.22

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit uses up-firing drivers built into the bar itself to ricochet sound off the ceiling, creating the illusion of height. Naturally, it doesn't sound as clear or as real as discrete down-firing speakers found in home theater setups, but it's decent compared to other soundbars. Sound effects reproduced on these channels are relatively clear, but some details receive more emphasis than others due to the uneven frequency response.

Subjectively, the additional rear speakers don't make a huge difference in the bar's Atmos performance compared to the standalone LG S90QY. These channels are rather quiet, even after setting the surround and rear levels to max. This takes away from the immersive feel and makes it seem like the satellites aren't properly integrated into the sound. While sound effects seem more accurately placed in the space around you, the bar still struggles to replicate effects that are meant to come from overhead, like helicopters flying above you.

9.2
Sound
Sound Enhancement Features
Room Correction
Yes
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Yes
Bass Adjustment
Yes
Treble Adjustment
Yes
EQ
Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
Yes
Rear Level Adjustment
Yes
Height Level Adjustment
Yes
Virtual Surround
Yes

With an incredible selection of sound enhancement features, you have a lot of ability to customize the bar's output. Given that it's a more premium offering, it's not a surprise that it comes with a room correction tool, called AI Room Calibration. You can customize its sound using its bass and treble adjustments as well as its EQ presets: 'AI Sound Pro', 'Standard', 'Music', 'Cinema', 'Clear Voice', 'Sports', 'Game', and 'BassBlast'. Plus, LG has a feature that lets you pair the bar with compatible LG TVs for a better sound quality. It's called TV Sound Mode Share. Like most of these features on the market, it doesn't do much to enhance the sound in practice, so if you don't have an LG TV, you can still enjoy content with this bar.

Connectivity
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Optical Audio In
1
HDMI Out
eARC
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
1
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
No
RCA In
No
USB for Files
1
Ethernet
No
Subwoofer Output
No

To connect the the LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit with your TV, use either the HDMI or Optical connections. The manufacturer also says you can use the bar with LG's WOWCAST device to wirelessly stream audio from certain LG TVs. Since the bar has a Full HDMI In port, you can also use the bar as a hub between different devices, like a PC and a TV, which is handy for video passthrough.

10
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Dolby Digital
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
DTS
Supported
DTS:X
Supported
DTS-HD MA
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit supports many audio formats over an HDMI ARC connection, so you can playback content that's often found on both streaming platforms and Blu-rays.

10
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Dolby Digital
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
DTS
Supported
DTS:X
Supported
DTS-HD MA
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S supports lots of different audio formats over Full HDMI In. It can playback 5.1 surround sound formats like Dolby Digital, as well as lossless and object-based formats like Dolby Atmos.

10
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: Optical
Dolby Digital
Supported
DTS
Supported
PCM Channels
2.0

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S also supports common surround sound formats over an Optical connection. You're likely to find Dolby Digital content on streaming platforms, while DTS is more common on Blu-rays.

8.2
Connectivity
Latency
ARC
80 ms
Optical
63 ms
Full HDMI In
-6 ms

Thanks to its relatively low latency, the LG S90QY with SPQ8-S is well-suited to watching videos and movies. The audio you hear is in sync with the video you see, and there aren't any noticeable lip-synching issues. Of course, some apps and TVs compensate for latency differently, but if you run into any issues, you can always use the AV Sync feature in the LG Sound Bar app to accommodate.

6.8
Connectivity
Video Passthrough To TV
1080p Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
4k Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
8k Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes
HDR10+ Passthrough
No
Dolby Vision Passthrough
Yes
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
Yes
FreeSync Passthrough
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
Yes

The LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit can passthrough some of the highest bandwidth signals, including Dolby Vision Passthrough. If the bar is connected between your TV and your PC, for example, text on the screen appears clear and crisp.

10
Connectivity
Wireless Playback
Bluetooth
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
Yes
Chromecast built-in
Yes
Apple AirPlay
Yes
Spotify Connect
Yes

You can wirelessly stream audio from your mobile devices to the LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit over lots of different platforms, like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, and Apple AirPlay.

Additional Features
Additional Features
Interface
Display
Yes

The display on the front of the bar shows different settings as you adjust them, so you can keep track of the volume level, the input, or the sound preset, for example.

Additional Features
Bar Controls

The top of the bar has several touch-sensitive buttons for more basic controls. You can turn the bar on/off, change the input, adjust the volume, play/pause your audio, or access Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Additional Features
Remote

The remote is fairly simple. It provides access to more basic tools like volume adjustment or changing the bar's input. However, if you want to access additional settings like the AI Room Calibration tool, you'll need to use the LG Sound Bar app.

Additional Features
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
Google Assistant
No
Apple Siri
No
Microphone Mute
No

If you own a third-party voice assistant device with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, you can connect it to the bar to control it with your voice. However, there's no built-in voice assistant support.