LG's latest flagship soundbar, the S95AR, sets a high bar for immersive home audio with its true 9.1.5 channel configuration. Leveraging five up-firing drivers, six powerful channels in the wireless rear speakers, and an upgraded 8-inch subwoofer, this configuration delivers a cinematic listening experience that's more than marketing hype. The focus is on achieving authentic Dolby Atmos and DTS:X performance without relying on virtualization—making it a standout in a market often crowded with less capable alternatives.

At the heart of the S95AR is its emphasis on realism in spatial audio. Speakers are configured to handle distinct roles across the soundstage: front-firing drivers deliver robust dialog clarity, while up-firing units recreate height effects essential for complete Atmos immersion. The rear wireless speakers further enhance the surround effect with their multi-directional firing setup—from side and rear-facing drivers to additional overhead effects. The result is an audio environment that approaches the complexity and richness of dedicated overhead or wall-mounted speaker systems, minus the installation hassle.

Bass, often a weak point for soundbars, sees a notable improvement here. LG has redesigned the subwoofer with increased internal volume, growing from 18 liters to 20 liters, to accommodate its re-engineered 8-inch driver. This translates to a tighter, deeper low-end response that amplifies action scenes and music alike. Whether it's the rumble of explosions or the thump of bass-heavy tracks, the subwoofer complements the Atmos performance with visceral impact.

The S95AR isn't just about hardware; it incorporates advanced software optimizations like AI Room Calibration, which uses integrated microphones to measure and adjust audio settings based on room acoustics and speaker placement. LG's proprietary WOW Orchestra technology takes TV and soundbar integration to the next level, synching audio between LG OLED TVs and the soundbar for a unified, expansive hearing experience. For gamers and movie enthusiasts, HDMI 2.1 ports with support for 4K/120Hz passthrough, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) round out the package, ensuring compatibility with next-gen consoles and high-performance displays.

Streaming features are equally robust with built-in Wi-Fi for connecting to services like Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast. Compatibility with the LG ThinQ app adds another layer of convenience, providing remote customization of sound profiles and system settings beyond standard remote functionality.

Priced at $1,699, the S95AR won't come cheap, but its emphasis on delivering authentic surround sound paired with intelligent ease-of-use features makes it a flagship offering worthy of serious consideration, especially for owners of LG's premium OLED TVs. While it largely builds upon the successful S95TR, this model's incremental refinements to bass handling and up-firing audio ensure an even closer approximation of true home theater performance.

LG's latest flagship soundbar, the S95AR, sets a high bar for immersive home audio with its true 9.1.5 channel configuration. Leveraging five up-firing drivers, six powerful channels in the wireless rear speakers, and an upgraded 8-inch subwoofer, this configuration delivers a cinematic listening experience that's more than marketing hype. The focus is on achieving authentic Dolby Atmos and DTS:X performance without relying on virtualization—making it a standout in a market often crowded with less capable alternatives.

At the heart of the S95AR is its emphasis on realism in spatial audio. Speakers are configured to handle distinct roles across the soundstage: front-firing drivers deliver robust dialog clarity, while up-firing units recreate height effects essential for complete Atmos immersion. The rear wireless speakers further enhance the surround effect with their multi-directional firing setup—from side and rear-facing drivers to additional overhead effects. The result is an audio environment that approaches the complexity and richness of dedicated overhead or wall-mounted speaker systems, minus the installation hassle.

Bass, often a weak point for soundbars, sees a notable improvement here. LG has redesigned the subwoofer with increased internal volume, growing from 18 liters to 20 liters, to accommodate its re-engineered 8-inch driver. This translates to a tighter, deeper low-end response that amplifies action scenes and music alike. Whether it's the rumble of explosions or the thump of bass-heavy tracks, the subwoofer complements the Atmos performance with visceral impact.

The S95AR isn't just about hardware; it incorporates advanced software optimizations like AI Room Calibration, which uses integrated microphones to measure and adjust audio settings based on room acoustics and speaker placement. LG's proprietary WOW Orchestra technology takes TV and soundbar integration to the next level, synching audio between LG OLED TVs and the soundbar for a unified, expansive hearing experience. For gamers and movie enthusiasts, HDMI 2.1 ports with support for 4K/120Hz passthrough, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) round out the package, ensuring compatibility with next-gen consoles and high-performance displays.

Streaming features are equally robust with built-in Wi-Fi for connecting to services like Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast. Compatibility with the LG ThinQ app adds another layer of convenience, providing remote customization of sound profiles and system settings beyond standard remote functionality.

Priced at $1,699, the S95AR won't come cheap, but its emphasis on delivering authentic surround sound paired with intelligent ease-of-use features makes it a flagship offering worthy of serious consideration, especially for owners of LG's premium OLED TVs. While it largely builds upon the successful S95TR, this model's incremental refinements to bass handling and up-firing audio ensure an even closer approximation of true home theater performance.