High-Quality Soundbar Outperforms Premium OLED TV in Audio Performance, Setting it Apart from Other Models
Rethinking Your Home Cinema Setup:
So, you bought a swanky new TV thinking it's your ultimate home cinema solution. But reality hits when you try to enjoy a film on it. That's because the ugly truth is, most TVs suck when it comes to sound.
This sound gruffness comes from manufacturers continuously chasing thinner TVs, particularly with OLED sets. Thinner TVs may look snazzy, and they usually don't mess with picture quality. Unfortunately, they compromise on sound, as there's less space for high-quality speakers.
Recently, we reviewed the 65-inch LG G5, a £3299 / $3400 / AU$5299 TV boasting a Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel, 4K resolution, and the second-generation Alpha 11 AI Processor. While it's a 2025 flagship TV and a mere 2.4cm thick, its sound quality is sadly lacking.
The G5's picture quality is magnificent, with great features for gamers, but its audio performance pales in comparison. In Blade Runner 2049, for instance, the low-end dynamics didn't dig deep enough into the throbbing bassline, and voices during conversations were dull and emotionless.
It's disheartening because a £120 / $120 soundbar delivers better sound quality, offering punchier bass and better clarity compared to the LG G5's built-in speakers. We paired the G5 with the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, and the difference was astounding.
The Fire TV Soundbar, though it only earned a three-star rating, improved the LG G5's sound significantly. Watching the Bohemian Rhapsody biopic with the TV speakers alone, the sound didn't feel immersive, lacking the wrap-around effect it should have. But with the Amazon soundbar, the sound managed to create a sense of a seemingly endless crowd.
Don't be fooled – this issue isn't limited to LG. Other TV brands often focus more on picture quality, leaving audio quality somewhat in the shadows. That's why we almost always recommend budgeting for a soundbar to partner with your flatscreen.
While you don't have to splurge to upgrade your TV's sound, it showcases a larger issue that TVs simply need better sound quality. Maybe it's time manufacturers gave audio some serious thought.
Pro Tips:
- Pair your high-end OLED TV with an external soundbar or home theater audio system for a truly immersive sound experience.
- Use HDMI eARC for a lossless, high-quality audio transfer between your TV and soundbar.
- Dolby Atmos is great for heightened audio immersion, but it doesn't replace the need for better built-in speakers.
- Experiment with your TV's sound settings to optimize the audio output according to your preference.
- Don't rely solely on TV speakers for critical listening, like watching movies, gaming, or listening to music.
- The lackluster sound quality of most TVs, including the LG G5, can be significantly improved by pairing them with external soundbars or home theater audio systems, offering a more immersive audio experience.
- For a lossless, high-quality audio transfer between your TV and soundbar, use HDMI eARC technology.
- Though Dolby Atmos enhances audio immersion, it does not replace the need for better built-in speakers.
- To enjoy critical activities like watching movies, gaming, or listening to music, it's better to experiment with your TV's sound settings to optimize the audio output according to your preference.
- TV brands often prioritize picture quality over audio quality, so it's almost always recommended to budget for a soundbar when setting up your home cinema.
- High-end OLED TVs lacking audio quality, like the LG G5, can greatly benefit from the addition of a soundbar, providing punchier bass and better clarity compared to built-in speakers.
