Can You Add Speakers To LG Sound Bar?
If you're looking to boost the sound in your room with more than just a standard soundbar, then the answer to your question is - yes, you can add speakers to an LG Sound Bar! But there are a few things you should know first.
It's hard to connect external speakers to a versatile LG soundbar since few of them come with wired or wireless surround sound speakers. It is possible though if you're willing to tackle a setup that might involve a jumble of wires.
While it sounds like a hassle, if you don't want the expense of buying a full surround sound system then integrating extra speakers into your existing set-up may be the right solution for you. If this all sounds daunting there are tutorials available online such as one regarding how to best integrate Sound Bars with projector systems.
No matter which route you take adding extra speakers to an LG Sound Bar can greatly expand and improve what already exists in your home entertainment system.
Did you know that according to a 2021 report, LG is a leading electronics company with a global income of over 67.25 billion U.S. dollars that year?
https://www.statista.com/topics/2302/lg-electronics/#topicHeader__wrapper
Why Shouldn't Surround Sound Speakers Be Added To Any Soundbar?
Adding surround sound speakers to any soundbar is not as simple as it may initially seem. While some soundbars are specifically created with additional speakers, the options available to you may be limited since there is usually only one option available for such a setup.
Additionally, it can be difficult and expensive to try and jerry-rig a surround sound setup for your well-built soundbar if it isn't already prepared for one. The best way to make sure that you get a quality surround sound setup is through specific surround sound-ready soundbars built with the capability in mind.
Sonos, Bose, and Nakamichi all make great dedicated products of this kind so that you can easily achieve an immersive audio experience without having to build something yourself or put together incompatible components.
That said, if you really want to customize your own system then searching online for compatible pieces might work out - just stay alert that you don’t end up with a bunch of incompatible parts.
How Do Most Soundbars Operate?
Most soundbars operate by using clever audio tricks in order to simulate surround sound. Some of these soundbars have speakers that are angled outward, which allows the sound to bounce off the walls of the room and create a more immersive experience for the listener.
Other soundbars use different techniques, such as creating overlapping waves in order to mimic a surround sound effect. These overlapping sounds allow for an accurate representation of what someone would hear in an actual home theater setup.
It is important that you don't add surround speakers to your soundbar setup if it doesn’t provide directions or if it isn’t natively capable of surround sound. Adding additional speakers may disrupt the intended sound design and result in patches of lower or higher volume throughout your listening experience.
Therefore, if you want to make sure that you get the best out of your audio experience, then it is definitely recommended to stick with the setup suggested by your product's instructions!
When Can Surround Sound Speakers Be Added Directly To A Soundbar?
Hooking up surround sound speakers directly to a soundbar is not the ideal solution, as most soundbars do not have a speaker out. This is because they are intended to be one complete system, and there is no audio out on them. Plugging your speakers into the soundbar's audio in channels will not work either as they won't produce any sound.
Additionally, most soundbars come with an external subwoofer which isn't suitable for this setup because it only transmits bass frequencies and does not have stereo signal input capability. Manufacturers make it difficult to use external speakers with a soundbar since it's not an ideal way of setting them up.
Although it's not recommended, roundabout solutions still exist if you insist on connecting your speakers directly to a soundbar. Be aware of potential noise problems that could occur from such a configuration and understand that what you're doing is against the manufacturer’s wishes. If you choose this option, sound quality will suffer and you would be better off upgrading your equipment instead.
How Can Surround Sound Speakers Be Added To Almost Any Soundbar?
Adding surround sound speakers to almost any soundbar is possible but with some preparation. To connect the soundbar to speakers you will need a specific setup, including:
- Look for a soundbar with an RCA, AUX, or Digital Optical connection.
- 5.1 channel audio/video receiver with pre-outs for the front right, front left, and center channels
- Look for a mini stereo mixer with at least three inputs and one output.
- Speakers that use either wired speaker cords or wireless connections to the receiver for surround sound.
Adding surround sound speakers to almost any soundbar can be easily achieved. All you need is a receiver with a pre-out option, a mini stereo mixer, and RCA cables. Then connect the RCA cable from the pre-outs of your receiver to the mini-stereo mixer.
You’ll then connect another set of RCA cables from the mini stereo mixer to either a Soundbar’s AUX or RCA input, or alternatively, if your soundbar does not have an ARC or AUX physical input option but does have a digital optical input, then using an analog to digital converter and connecting it between the mini-stereo mixer and soundbar is an ideal solution.
All that's left is to connect your surround speakers with regular speaker wires directly to your receiver - allowing you to create a 5.1, 7.1, 9.1, etc.. sound system as long as your receiver will allow it! If you'd prefer wireless speakers, there are also easy solutions for making regular speakers wireless too!
So regardless of whether you're looking for wired or wireless setup options, adding surround sound speakers provides great quality audio that adds more enjoyment to your listening experience.
Why Shouldn't You Put Surround Sound Speakers In A Soundbar?
If you're looking for a true surround sound experience, adding speakers to your soundbar is not the way to do it. Sure, you may be able to get a 4.1 or 5.1 setup with a 2.1 or 3.1 soundbar respectively. However, this can actually detract from the quality of the overall sound instead of improving it thanks to mismatching speakers and the difficulty of properly setting up the system.
Even if you have the right combination of audio jacks, this provides unsatisfactory surround sound with more wires and converters than necessary. Adding speakers to your soundbar simply isn't worth it as it does nothing but interfere with the simulated surround sound broadcasted by your soundbar on its own.
For top-notch surround sound, buying a dedicated setup or one of Anlg's new sound bars with wireless speakers is the way to go, instead of trying to put together something yourself (wise advice: don't do it).
LG Soundbar In The Upper Mid-range
The LG S90QY is a great option for those looking for an upper mid-range soundbar. This 5.1.3 setup was released in 2023, and it comes with three additional up-firing center channels - two of which serve as height content, in addition to another that acts as a secondary extra center channel.
Its audio quality is decent due to its room correction capabilities and overall balanced sound signatures full of mids and extended low-bass from the dedicated subwoofer - perfect for listeners interested in a thumpy experience.
Moreover, the normal soundbar has multichannel support with formats such as Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital, allowing you to immerse yourself in sound coming from different streaming platforms and Blu-rays alike.
Unfortunately, there are no satellite speakers included here; instead relying on side-firing surround channels built into the bar itself which delivers only okay Atmos performance. If you're looking for something more immersive then perhaps consider investing in some rear speakers.
LG Soundbar In The Mid-range
The LG SP9YA soundbar model is a great option for those looking for a mid-range sound system. Unlike its next-generation counterpart, the S90QY, this 5.1.2 setup features one less channel and lacks an up-firing center speaker - but the sound difference between the two may be difficult to distinguish in most cases.
The SP9YA offers balanced and accurate audio; lead instruments and dialogue are clear and detailed while the bass is deep and extended when playing action-packed scenes. The bar supports Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos, so it's suitable for a wide range of content. You can also access a selection of sound enhancement tools so you can customize your experience.
Although it doesn't come with satellite speakers, you can always add them on separately if desired and get even better performance from your system. All in all, the LG SP9YA is great value for an affordable price!
LG Soundbar For The Lowest Price
The LG S65Q is the perfect budget soundbar for those looking for an affordable soundbar to upgrade their television audio. This model has a 3.1 configuration and is designed mainly for listening to stereo content. The system faithfully reproduces lead instruments and voices, allowing for easy dialogue comprehension due to its discrete center channel; TV shows and music included.
When it comes to streaming, you'll be glad to know that this budget LG soundbar supports common 5.1 surround sound formats such as Dolby Digital; however, it does have to downmix it into the stereo in order for it to play, which might have an impact on its immersiveness. And unfortunately, watching Dolby Atmos content isn't supported by this soundbar.
But overall, if you're looking for an unbeatable product price point soundbar without any fancy specs or features, then the LG S65Q is definitely your best bet.
The Best Small LG Soundbar
The LG Eclair QP5 is the best small soundbar for those who live in smaller apartments or have limited space, but still want to enjoy a quality listening experience. Measuring only twelve inches in width, this 3.1.2 soundbar uses psychoacoustic principles to create a wide acoustic field, so the sound feels like it's all around you - especially when watching content like Dolby Atmos or Digital.
Its bass and treble adjustments give you some control over its default settings and its EQ presets allow you to customize its output even further. Plus, its TV Sound Mode Share feature lets you link it with compatible LG TVs for an even more intense experience.
Whether you're jamming out to your favorite music, watching your favorite shows, or catching up on the latest movies, this small yet powerful setup can deliver a big sound without taking up much space.
Contents
- 1 Can You Add Speakers To LG Sound Bar?
- 1.1 Why Shouldn't Surround Sound Speakers Be Added To Any Soundbar?
- 1.2 How Do Most Soundbars Operate?
- 1.3 When Can Surround Sound Speakers Be Added Directly To A Soundbar?
- 1.4 How Can Surround Sound Speakers Be Added To Almost Any Soundbar?
- 1.5 Why Shouldn't You Put Surround Sound Speakers In A Soundbar?
- 1.6 LG Soundbar In The Upper Mid-range
- 1.7 LG Soundbar In The Mid-range
- 1.8 LG Soundbar For The Lowest Price
- 1.9 The Best Small LG Soundbar