The LG SP9YA is a 5.1.2 soundbar that's the next generation of the LG SN9YG. It comes with some more features and EQ presets, including support for Apple AirPlay. There are also some features we don't test, like the 2021 LG TV AI Processor, which lets you sync the bar with compatible LG TVs for a more immersive sound. With its AI Room Calibration feature, it offers a very neutral, balanced sound profile suitable for listening to lots of different audio content. It doesn't offer a very immersive surround performance, but you can also purchase satellite speakers separately.
Our Verdict
The LG SP9YA is great for mixed usage. With its room correction feature, it offers a very neutral, balanced sound profile suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content. It comes with lots of sound customization features, too, including bass and treble adjustments as well as EQ presets. However, while it supports Atmos and surround content, it doesn't offer a very immersive listening experience.
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Bass and treble adjustments.
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Room correction feature.
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Poor surrounds performance.
The LG SP9YA is impressive for dialogue-centric content like TV shows. Thanks to its discrete center channel and balanced mid-range, voices are reproduced clearly and accurately. It comes with a dialogue enhancement feature to help make voices clear and crisp and an auto-volume mode to balance the volume level across different programs. There are many wireless playback options, too, so you can wirelessly stream podcasts from your phone to the bar.
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Dialogue enhancement feature.
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Auto-volume mode.
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Doesn't get very loud.
The LG SP9YA is impressive for music. It comes with an AI Room Calibration feature that automatically optimizes audio reproduction based on the acoustic characteristics of your room. With this feature turned on, it has a very neutral, balanced sound profile suitable for listening to lots of different types of music genres. It also comes with lots of sound customization features, including EQ presets and bass and treble adjustments.
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Bass and treble adjustments.
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Room correction feature.
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No graphic EQ.
The LG SP9YA is good for movies. Its neutral sound profile can reproduce dialogue clearly and accurately, and its extended low-bass helps you feel the deep rumble in action-packed scenes. Unfortunately, while it supports Dolby Atmos and surround content, it doesn't provide the most immersive listening experience since it lacks discrete speakers.
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Bass and treble adjustments.
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Room correction feature.
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Poor surrounds performance.
- 8.0 Mixed Usage
- 8.2 Dialogue/TV Shows
- 8.2 Music
- 7.7 Movies
- Updated Mar 20, 2023: Added cable lengths to In The Box.
- Updated Mar 16, 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.
- Updated Aug 07, 2022: Added information in the Atmos box to compare the bar's performance with the Samsung HW-Q800B.
- Updated Aug 04, 2021: Added more information about auto-off and app device casting features.
- Updated May 20, 2021: Review published.
- Updated May 17, 2021: Early access published.
- Updated May 13, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated May 11, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Apr 24, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The LG SP9YA comes in 'Black', and you can see the label for the model we tested here.
If you come across another version, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Soundbars
The LG SP9YA is a 5.1.2 soundbar that you can upgrade with satellites, sold separately. It's the next generation of the LG SN9YG, and it comes with more features, including Apple AirPlay, more EQ presets, and the 2021 LG TV AI Processor. Like other soundbars in the SP lineup, it comes with built-in Meridian Technology, advertised to help with audio reproduction.
See also our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best 5.1 soundbars, and the best LG soundbars.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sonos Arc or the LG SP9YA. The LG comes with a dedicated subwoofer that reproduces a more extended low-bass. Also, it comes with EQ presets for sound customization. However, the Sonos has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. Also, it can be upgraded to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers.
The LG SP9YA is a 5.1.2 soundbar that offers better performance than the 3.1.2 LG SP8YA. The SP9YA is better built, with a better soundstage performance. Also, thanks to its side-firing speakers, it doesn't have to downmix surround content into stereo to play it.
The LG SP9YA is a slightly better soundbar than the LG SN10YG. The SP9YA offers a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, which some users may prefer over the SN10YG's more bass-heavy sound. Also, the SP9YA supports Apple AirPlay connectivity. That said, the SN10YG offers better surround and Atmos performances.
The LG S90QY is the next generation of the LG SP9YA. The S90QY is a 5.1.3 setup, and it comes with one more up-firing driver for the center channel compared to its predecessor. However, the additional driver doesn't really improve its center performance in a meaningful way. Its sound profile isn't as neutral as last year's model, either. While there are some new features like TV Sound Mode Share and WOWCAST compatibility, when it comes to the sound, there isn't much of a difference between the two bars.
The LG SP9YA is the upgraded version of the LG SN9YG, and it has a better overall performance. The SP9YA has a better soundstage performance, and it gets louder. It also comes with more features, including more EQ presets and an LG TV AI Processor advertised to create a more immersive sound with compatible LG TVs. It supports Apple AirPlay too. That said, some users may prefer the SN9YG's built-in voice assistant support, while the SP9YA requires a third-party device to use the voice assistant.
The LG SP9YA and the Samsung HW-Q800B are both 5.1.2 setups, but the Samsung is better overall. The Samsung has better surround sound and Atmos performances, so sound effects are reproduced with greater clarity and accuracy in multi-channel content. Unlike the LG, it comes with a graphic EQ, too, which gives you more control over the bar's sound.
The LG SP9YA is better for mixed usage than the Sonos Beam (Gen 2). The LG is a 5.1.2 setup with a dedicated sub that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It gets louder and has more sound enhancement features like EQ presets. There's also a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough, which the Sonos lacks. However, if you prefer a more compact, standalone bar, the Sonos is still a solid choice. It's better built and has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances than the LG. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you prefer.
The LG S80QR is a bit better than the LG SP9YA. This is especially true if you like to watch a lot of surround sound or Dolby Atmos content since the SPQ8-S Speaker Kit improves its performance in this regard. If you don't have space for satellites, the SP9YA is a good alternative.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the LG SP11RA or the LG SP9YA. The SP11RA is a 7.1.4 setup that comes with discrete satellite speakers. It's a better choice for movies since it offers better surround and Atmos performances. However, some listeners may prefer the SP9YA's more neutral default sound profile compared to the SP11RA's slightly bass-heavy out-of-the-box sound.
The LG SP9YA is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The LG has a dedicated sub, which helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It has more sound enhancement features, too. Unlike the Bose, it has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. The Bose is better built with better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
The Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers is a better soundbar than the LG SP9YA. The Sonos comes with discrete surround speakers that offer a better surrounds performance. It's also better-built, with better soundstage and Atmos performances. It gets louder, too, though it has more compression at max volume. However, the LG has a more neutral sound out-of-the-box, and it comes with EQ presets, a Full HDMI In port, and more wireless playback options.
The LG SP9YA is better than the standalone Sony HT-A7000. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup with a dedicated subwoofer that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It gets louder, and it has a better Atmos performance. Also, it comes with bass and treble adjustments, unlike the Sony soundbar. The 7.1.2 Sony is better built with a better surrounds performance. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you prefer.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the JBL Bar 9.1 or the LG SP9YA. The JBL has better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. However, the LG has a slightly more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, and it comes with more sound enhancement features, including dialogue enhancement and bass and treble adjustments.
The LG S95QR is better for most uses than the LG SP9YA. The S95QR is a 9.1.5 setup with discrete satellites, and its surround and Atmos performances are better overall. That said, its default sound is quite bass-heavy, especially compared to the SP9YA. You can use its bass and treble adjustments to customize its sound for a similar response, though.
The LG SP9YA is better than the LG SK9Y. The SP9YA is better built with a better soundstage. It offers more sound enhancement features, such as room correction, and it also supports more wireless playback options. Some listeners may also prefer its more neutral, balanced sound profile out-of-the-box. That said, the SK9Y offers somewhat better surround and Atmos performances.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module is better for mixed usage than the LG SP9YA. The Bose is better built with discrete satellites. It has better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. That said, the LG offers more sound enhancement features, such as EQ presets. Unlike the Bose, it supports DTS content and has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough.
The Samsung HW-Q930B is better than the LG SP9YA. The Samsung is a premium bar with satellites included, so it has a better surround sound performance out-of-the-box. Its Atmos performance is better, too, and it even comes with a graphic EQ to make it more customizable than the LG.
The LG SP9YA is a better soundbar for most uses than the Sonos Beam. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup that comes with a dedicated subwoofer. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass and has a better surround performance. Unlike the Sonos, it supports Atmos content and has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. That said, the 3.0 Sonos has a more compact design. It also offers better soundstage and center performances, so it's a solid choice for users who listen to lots of dialogue-centric content and don't want to use up a lot of space in their setup.
The LG SP9YA is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q900T. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup that's better-built and supports more wireless playback options. Also, it comes with more sound enhancement features, including room correction and auto-volume. However, the 7.1.2 Samsung has a graphic EQ, and it gets louder, albeit with more compression.
The Samsung HW-Q950A is a better soundbar than the LG SP9YA. The Samsung is an 11.1.4 setup that comes with dedicated satellite speakers and offers better surround and Atmos performances. It gets louder, too, and it even comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization. That said, the 5.1.2 LG is better-built, and it supports more wireless playback options.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q850A or the LG SP9YA. The Samsung comes with discrete surround speakers that offer a better surrounds performance. It also comes with a graphic EQ and gets louder, albeit with more compression at max volume. The LG has a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, a room correction feature, and supports Chromecast built-in.
The LG SP9YA is better than the Samsung HW-Q700A. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup that reproduces a more extended low-bass. It supports more wireless playback options, and it comes with a room correction feature. It also has a better surrounds performance. However, the 3.1.2 Samsung comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the LG SP9YA or the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module. The Bose is better built with discrete satellites. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances, and it has built-in voice assistant support. That said, only the LG supports Dolby Atmos content. It has more wireless playback options and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough.
The Samsung HW-Q900A is a bit better soundbar for mixed usage than the LG SP9YA. The Samsung gets louder with less compression at max volume, and it has better center, surround, and Atmos performances. It also comes with built-in voice assistant support and a graphic EQ, unlike the LG. That said, the LG is better built with more wireless connectivity options.
The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is a bit better for mixed usage than the LG SP9YA. The Vizio has discrete satellites and a better surround performance. It also has better stereo soundstage and center channel performances. That said, the LG is better built with more wireless playback options. It also comes with room correction, unlike the Vizio.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the 3.1.2 Samsung HW-Q800A or the 5.1.2 LG SP9YA. The LG comes with a room correction feature and more wireless playback options. It also uses side-firing speakers to create phantom localization for its surround channels, while the Samsung has to downmix surround content into stereo. The Samsung also comes with a graphic EQ, and it gets louder, albeit with more compression at max volume.
The LG SP9YA is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 700. The LG comes with a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. Unlike the Bose, it supports Atmos content, and it has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. It also comes with more sound enhancement features like EQ presets. However, the Bose is better built with a better soundstage. It also has built-in voice assistant capabilities. You can even upgrade it to the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module for a better performance.
The LG SP9YA is better than the LG SL10YG. The SP9YA has a better soundstage and more sound enhancement features, including room correction. Unlike the SL10YG, it supports Apple AirPlay connectivity. Some listeners may also prefer its more neutral, balanced sound profile out-of-the-box. That said, the SL10YG offers a better surrounds performance.
The LG SP9YA is better than the LG SN8YG. The SP9YA is better-built, and it has better soundstage and surround performances. Unlike the SN8YG, it also supports Apple AirPlay. That said, the SN8YG has a better Atmos performance and built-in voice assistant support.
The LG SP9YA is better than the Sony HT-G700. The LG is a better-built 5.1.2 setup. It has better soundstage and surround performances, and it can reproduce a more extended low-bass. There are also more wireless connectivity options available and more sound enhancement features, like room correction.
The LG SP9YA is a bit better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q800T. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup with better soundstage and surround performances. It supports more wireless playback options, and it comes with a few more sound enhancement features, such as room correction and auto-volume mode. That said, the 3.1.2 Samsung has a graphic EQ for sound customization, which some listeners may prefer.
The Samsung HW-Q950T is a 9.1.4 setup that's better than the 5.1.2 LG SP9YA. The Samsung comes with discrete satellites that offer a better surrounds performance. Also, it gets louder, and it comes with a graphic EQ. However, the LG is better built, and it has room correction and more wireless playback support.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the LG SN11RG or the LG SP9YA. The SN11RG is a 7.1.4 setup that comes with dedicated satellites and offers a better surrounds performance. Some users may prefer its bass-heavy default sound profile compared to the SP9YA's more neutral default sound profile. The SP9YA is a 5.1.2 setup that supports Apple AirPlay.
The LG SP9YA is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It has better soundstage and surround performances. Also, there are more wireless playback options and more sound enhancement features, including room correction.
The LG SP9YA is better than the LG SP7Y. The SP9YA is a 5.1.2 setup that's better built. Unlike the SP7Y, it supports Dolby Atmos content, and it has a room correction feature. It can also reproduce a more extended low-bass, so you feel more thump and rumble in your audio. There are even more wireless playback options to choose from.
The LG SP9YA is better than the Denon Home Sound Bar 550. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup with a dedicated subwoofer that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It has better soundstage and center performances, and it gets louder with less compression at max volume. Also, it offers more sound enhancement features, including room correction.
The Samsung HW-Q990B is better than the LG SP9YA. The Samsung comes with rear speakers, meaning its surround sound performance is more clear and real. Its Atmos performance is better, so sound effects reproduce more accurately in the mix. There's even a graphic EQ on hand, which makes it more customizable than the LG. However, if you don't have room for rear speakers in your room, the LG is still a versatile alternative.
The LG SP9YA is better than the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. The LG supports Dolby Atmos content, unlike the JBL. It also has a better soundstage and more sound enhancement features, like bass and treble adjustments as well as dialogue enhancement. That said, the JBL has a better surround performance.
The LG SP9YA is better than the LG S65Q. The SP9YA is a 5.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content, unlike the S65Q. It's able to reproduce a more extended low-bass, too, and it has more premium features like room correction. Also, its surrounds and soundstage performances are better.
The LG SP9YA is better than the Sony HT-Z9F. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup with better soundstage and Atmos performances. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass, and it offers more sound enhancement features like room correction. Unlike the 3.1 Sony, it also has Apple AirPlay support.
The LG SP9YA is better than the onn. 42" 5.1. 2. Dolby Atmos Soundbar. They're both 5.1.2 setups with Atmos support, but the LG is more versatile. It's better-built with a better stereo soundstage. There are more sound enhancement features available, too, and DTS support. It also has a more neutral sound out-of-the-box compared to the onn.
The LG SP9YA and the Sony HT-A7000 with Speakers + Bass Module are both very premium setups, so depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The Sony is a 7.1.2 setup with discrete satellites that's better built. It offers a better surrounds performance. However, the 5.1.2 LG gets louder with less compression at max volume, and it has more sound enhancement features, including bass and treble adjustments.
The Samsung HW-Q90R is a bit better for mixed usage than the LG SP9YA. The Samsung is a 7.1.4 setup with discrete satellites. It has better surround and Atmos performances. While the LG comes with a few more sound enhancement features overall, it doesn't come with a graphic EQ like the Samsung. That said, the LG is still a really good bar overall.
The LG SP9YA is better than the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup with a dedicated subwoofer that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It has a better soundstage, and it comes with more sound enhancement features. Unlike the JBL Bar, it supports DTS content. That said, the JBL's standalone design may be preferable for some users. It has a better surrounds performance, and it's still a decent choice overall.
The LG SP9YA is marginally better for mixed usage than the Klipsch Cinema 800. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup that's better built and offers better Atmos and surround performances. It comes with more sound enhancement features, including room correction. That said, the 3.1 Klipsch can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It also has a better center channel performance.
The LG SP9YA is better than the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR. The LG is a better built 5.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content. It also has a better soundstage performance, and more sound enhancement features like room correction. That said, only the Polk Audio comes with discrete satellites included.
The LG SP9YA is better than the LG SPD7Y. The SP9YA is a 5.1.2 setup that's better built. It has better soundstage and surround performances, and it can reproduce a more extended low-bass. There are even more sound enhancement features available, including room correction.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the LG SP9YA or the Vizio M Series M51ax-J6. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup with a better soundstage. It has more sound enhancement features, too, including room correction. That said, the Vizio has a better surround performance thanks to the included satellites. While you can purchase satellites for the LG separately, the Vizio offers a better value overall.
The 5.1.2 LG SP9YA is better than the 3.1 LG GX Soundbar. The SP9YA is better built, and it can reproduce a more extended low bass. It offers better center and Atmos performances. Also, there are more wireless playback options and sound enhancement features, including room correction. That said, some users may prefer the GX's unique design.
The Vizio Elevate is a bit better for mixed usage than the LG SP9YA. The Vizio comes with discrete satellite speakers, and it offers better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. It also has a unique design with sides that rotate upwards to enhance its soundstage, which some users may prefer. That said, the LG has a few more sound enhancement features like room correction, and it supports Apple AirPlay.
Test Results
The LG SP9YA has a simple design. It's mostly plastic, with a metal grille that goes around the sides. On top, there are two round metal grilles, as well as the touch-sensitive controls.
The subwoofer is made of plastic, and there's fabric covering three sides.
This setup doesn't come with satellites, but you can purchase LG SPK8 rear speakers separately.
The LG SP9YA is a wide soundbar. It likely won't fit between the legs of a 55" TV. That said, it also isn't very tall, so it shouldn't block your TV screen unless your TV sits flush on your table.
The sub is about the size of an average desktop computer. It connects to the bar wirelessly, so you can place it anywhere in your room as long as it's connected to a power outlet.
The LG SP9YA has an impressive build quality. The bar itself is mostly made of plastic, which feels solid and durable. The metal grille around the sides helps to protect the drivers, too. While the sub is also made of plastic, unfortunately, the fabric covering seems like it could rip or get dirty easily.
- Manual with mounting template
- Optical cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
- 2x mounting brackets
- 2x screws
- Power cable for subwoofer (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
- Remote with batteries (2xAA)
The LG SP9YA has an impressive stereo frequency response. It comes with a room correction feature called AI Room Calibration that automatically optimizes audio reproduction based on the room you're listening in. With this feature turned on, it has a neutral, balanced sound profile with a touch of extra punch and boom in the bass range. However, since room correction relies on the acoustic capacities of your room, our results may be unique to our testing room. There are also bass and treble adjustments as well as some EQ presets to help you customize its sound.
With its bass set to '-1' and its treble set to '1', this soundbar has a great stereo frequency response. Its sound profile is more neutral and balanced, making it suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content.
The LG SP9YA has a good stereo soundstage performance. The soundstage is perceived to be a bit wider than the bar itself, but it doesn't have any tricks to make it sound wider than that. It also has very good focus, so sound objects like voices and footsteps seem to come from an accurate, pinpoint location rather than a general area.
The LG SP9YA has a very good stereo dynamics performance. It doesn't get as loud as some of the other bars we've tested, like the Samsung HW-Q850T. However, there isn't a lot of compression when you play it at max volume, so it's suitable for turning up the volume at parties.
The LG SP9YA has a decent THD performance. At normal listening volumes, the amount of distortion falls within good limits, resulting in clean and pure audio reproduction. At max volume, there's a jump in THD. This may not be noticeable with real-life content, though.
The LG SP9YA has a good center channel performance. This 5.1.2 setup comes with a discrete center channel, which helps to reproduce dialogue more clearly and accurately in movies and TV shows. Its frequency response is also quite balanced in the mid-range, so voices are clear and present, though they may also sound a bit dark.
The LG SP9YA has a poor surrounds performance. It uses side-firing speakers to create a phantom localization, so sound objects like voices and footsteps aren't as accurately localized in the soundstage. Audio can seem like it's coming from in front of you, rather than from speakers placed all around you.
The LG SP9YA uses its two up-firing speakers to bounce sound off the ceiling and back down towards you to create the illusion of height with Dolby Atmos content. However, the localization of objects can seem diffused, and it doesn't sound as real as down-firing speakers found with home theater setups. The frequency response is uneven, so sound effects aren't as clear or accurate in the mix. For a bar with a better Atmos performance, check out the Samsung HW-Q800B.
The LG SP9YA has an incredible selection of sound enhancement features. It comes with several EQ presets to help you customize its sound, including 'AI Sound Pro', 'Standard', 'Music', 'Cinema', 'Clear Voice', 'Sports', 'Game', and 'BassBlast'. The 'Cinema' preset doubles as a virtual surround feature advertised to help create a more 3D sound. You can also turn on the auto-volume and AI Room Calibration features and adjust the surround level using the app.
This soundbar is advertised to come with some sound enhancement features, which we don't test. The manufacturer says it comes with the 2021 LG TV AI Processor, which helps sync up the bar with the speakers on compatible LG TVs to help create a more immersive listening experience. It also supports Dolby Atmos Music, which enhances music on compatible services like Amazon, Tidal, and Blu-ray Music. However, you may need a subscription to access some of these services, like Tidal.
The LG SP9YA comes with several physical inputs. There's a Full HDMI In port that lets you use the bar as a hub between different devices, and you can also plug in a USB port to playback audio. However, it doesn't support WOWCAST like the LG S90QY.
The LG SP9YA has incredible audio format support over its HDMI ARC port. It supports Dolby Digital, which is commonly found on Blu-ray discs and streaming services. You can also use it to playback lossless and object-based surround formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
The LG SP9YA also has fantastic audio format support over its Full HDMI In port. It can play back all the formats we test for, including Dolby Digital, commonly found on Blu-ray discs and streaming platforms.
The LG SP9YA also supports Dolby Digital content via Optical, which is useful if you want to watch content from streaming platforms and Blu-ray discs. Unlike the onn. 42" 5.1. 2. Dolby Atmos Soundbar, it supports DTS, too.
The LG SP9YA has a good latency performance. It has fairly low latency over Optical and Full HDMI In, so your audio and video are mostly in sync when you watch movies. However, you may notice a bit of a delay when watching videos over ARC. That said, some apps and some TVs compensate for latency differently, so your experience may vary.
This soundbar has incredible wireless playback connectivity. It supports all common formats, letting you wirelessly stream audio from your mobile device to the bar over the connection you prefer.
The LG SP9YA can passthrough the highest quality bandwidth signals. You can connect the bar to your TV and another device like a PC, and text on the screen appears clear and crisp.
There's a small display screen that shows the volume level and the input you're on. It also shows you when you change a setting using the remote or the app. However, it's a small screen, so you may need to wait for it to scroll through longer messages.
There are touch-sensitive controls located on the top middle of the bar. You can use them to power the bar on/off, change the input, adjust the volume, play/pause your audio, and connect to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
The remote is simple and lets you control the bar's basic functions. You're also able to use the LG Sound Bar app as a remote via your mobile devices.
The LG SP9YA doesn't have built-in voice assistant support. It supports Google Assistant and Alexa, but only when you connect the bar to another device that supports these features, like a Google Home or an Amazon Echo. Since this requires purchasing a third-party device, we don't test for it.