LG today unveiled its 2021 soundbar lineup, led by the flagship SP11RA. This 7.1.4 configuration model received upward-facing speakers not only in the main unit, but also in the supplied rear speakers, which is the first time in the history of this Korean manufacturer. Thus, last year’s flagship SN11RG, which had the same number of channels, receives a worthy replacement with a deeper immersive effect.
The LG SP11RA soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, DTS: X surround formats, 4K HDMI capability, 24-bit / 96kHz High-Resolution Audio, eARC, AirPlay 2 and Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri. Also for the first time, LG is introducing AI Sound Pro technology to sync with LG’s 2021 TVs.
Other models of the new range
In addition to the SP11RA, the company introduced 4 more soundbars:
– SP9YA with 5.1.2 configuration;
– SP8YA with configuration 3.1.2;
– SP7Y with 5.1 configuration;
– SPD7Y with configuration 3.1.2.
They are not initially supplied with rear speakers, which can be purchased separately as an option (SPK8). More details on the characteristics of the soundbars can be found in the table below.
| Specifications | SP11RA | SP9YA | SP8YA | SP7Y | SPD7Y |
| Total power, W | 770 | 520 | 440 | 440 | 380 |
| Channel configuration | 7.1.4 | 5.1.2 | 3.1.2 | 5.1 | 3.1.2 |
| Rear speakers | Yes | For a fee (SPK8) | For a fee (SPK8) | For a fee (SPK8) | For a fee (SPK8) |
| Dolby Atmos / DTS: X | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Meridian technology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| High Resolution Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic calibrating | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AI Sound Pro technology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| eARC / ARC | eARC | eARC | eARC | ARC | eARC |
| The ability to carry a 4K Dolby Vision signal | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | Yes |
| Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, AirPlay 2 features | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| Unified audio modes with LG TVs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SGS Environmental Certificate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
As before, the specialists of the well-known company Meridian took part in the development of this year’s soundbars. Sales of new products will begin in April in the US and Europe. Prices have not yet been announced, but they are unlikely to be much different from the starting levels of last year’s models.
The soundbars announced today are in the premium category. Later in the year, the company will introduce models of the mid-range and budget segment.
