5.1.3 audio system, the LG S80QY comes in the form of a sound bar with a classic design, 1.2 m long, 6.3 cm high and 13.5 cm deep, accompanied a wireless subwoofer (20 cm boom) and two surround speakers, also wireless. To sum up, the LG S80QY is in fact an LG S95QR without the surround speakers.
LG S80QY, Center Up-Firing Speaker
As stated during its presentation last December, the big upgrade offered by the LG S80QY is an additional central Up-Firing speaker, for a total of three on the soundbar.
LG S80QY, main specs
In addition to Dolby Atmos/DTS:X compatibility, the technical characteristics of the LG S80QY state Class D amplification delivering a total power of 570 W, Imax Enhanced certification, sound diffusion at 135° for the surround speakers , a more stable wireless connection for enhanced audio quality, not to mention the exclusive Meridian Horizon technology capable of converting a stereo signal up to 5.1.
New this year, the management of the Music mode is changing: in the presence of a stereo signal, only two channels (right and left) of the soundbar will be automatically implemented and not all the channels. Of course, it is still possible to extend the stereo signal as desired. And to finish with the stereo chapter, the LG S90QY is certified Hi-Res Audio (96 kHz/24 bits).
Lastly, it is possible to upgrade the LG S80QY by adding the optional LG SPQ8 wireless 2.0 surround speaker kit (2 x 70 W) (see photo above) for a total power of 610 watts.
AI Sound Pro function, voice assistants and connectivity
The AI Sound Pro function directly from the brand's televisions is present. This means that the settings made in real time by the TV depending on the nature of the signal are transmitted to the sound bar for even better sound reproduction. Likewise, an AI calibration of the room is on the program to perfectly adapt the sound to the acoustics of the room.
We can still point out support for the main music streaming platforms plus voice control with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Also worth mentioning are the AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth functionalities, not to mention the possibility of connecting the optional Wowcast Wi-Fi module for wireless association with a compatible television.
Namely, the transfer of the audio signal between the TV and the Wowcast module is not compressed (guaranteed until 7.1.4). Precision, the LG Wowcast module (a wireless eARC add-on in fact) works with all LG Wi-Fi soundbars, so it can be associated with a model of the year. It should even work with all Wi-Fi TVs associated with a suitable LG soundbar, although this has yet to be confirmed.
LG S80QY, the connection
The HDMI 2.1 connection (2 inputs/1 output) of the LG S80QY manages the eARC, VRR and ALLM functions. The same goes for the management of HDR10 and HDR Dolby Vision. On the other hand, 4K/120 compatibility is not required. For completeness, there is also an optical input.
Availability announced for the month of April. Indicative price: 899 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the LG S80QY:
• Type: soundbar
• System: 5.1.3
• Amplification: Class D
• Total power: 570 W
• Subwoofer: external wireless
• Meridian Horizon technology
• Bluetooth compatibility
• Wi-Fi compatibility
• AirPlay 2 compatibility
• HDR10 compatibility
• HDR Dolby Vision compatibility
• 4K Pass-Trought function
• ALLM function
• AI Sound Pro function
• VRR function
• eARC function
• Input(s): 2 HDMI 2.1, 1 optical
• Output(s): 1 HDMI 2.1
• Dolby Atmos decoder
• DTS:X decoder
• Voice assistants: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
• Hi-Res Audio certification
• Imax Enhanced certification
• Dimensions (W x H x D, mm): 1,200 x 63 x 135 mm for the bar, 200 x 407 x 403 mm for the box
