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.
- Bass and treble adjustments.
- Room correction feature.
- 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.
- Dialogue enhancement feature.
- Auto-volume mode.
- 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.
- Bass and treble adjustments.
- Room correction feature.
- 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.
- Bass and treble adjustments.
- Room correction feature.
- Poor surrounds performance.
Changelog
- 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.
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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.
Popular Soundbar Comparisons
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.
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 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 performance than the LG. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you prefer.
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 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.
Test Results
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