The world of home audio has come a long way from the basic TV speakers of the past. Today's soundbars range from simple stereo upgrades to sophisticated surround sound systems that can fill a room with theater-quality audio. Let's compare two popular 2024 models: the entry-premium Samsung HW-S700D ($399) and the full-featured LG S90TR ($799).
Both soundbars represent different approaches to improving your TV's audio. The HW-S700D aims for simplicity and space efficiency, while the S90TR delivers a more traditional home theater experience. But what does that really mean for your living room?
When you see numbers like "3.1" or "7.1.3", they tell you how many speakers are working together. Let's break it down:
The Samsung HW-S700D is a 3.1 system:
The LG S90TR is a 7.1.3 system:
This difference isn't just about numbers - it fundamentally changes how sound moves around your room. The Samsung creates a convincing front soundstage with simulated surround effects, while the LG delivers true surround sound with dedicated speakers for each channel.
For movies, both systems handle dialogue well, but they create very different experiences. The Samsung's 3.1 setup ensures clear speech through its dedicated center channel, while creating a wider soundstage than your TV speakers. It uses digital processing to simulate surround effects, which works surprisingly well in smaller rooms.
The LG, however, creates a genuine theater-like experience. When a helicopter flies overhead in a movie, you'll actually hear the sound move from front to back and above you. This is thanks to its Dolby Atmos support with dedicated height channels - something the Samsung can only simulate.
Both soundbars handle music differently. The Samsung focuses on delivering clear stereo separation and vocal clarity, which works great for most music genres. Its slim design houses some impressive speaker technology that produces remarkably full sound for its size.
The LG's additional speakers aren't just for movies - they create a more enveloping music experience. Bass notes have more impact thanks to its larger subwoofer, and the extra channels help create a wider, more detailed soundstage. If you're an audiophile, you'll appreciate the additional depth and separation in complex musical passages.
Modern games use sophisticated audio to create immersion, and both soundbars handle this differently. The Samsung's Game Mode Pro adjusts audio processing to emphasize directional sounds, helping you hear footsteps and other crucial gaming audio cues.
The LG's true surround speakers provide more precise positional audio, which can be a real advantage in competitive gaming. You can actually hear exactly where opponents are coming from, rather than approximating their location from simulated surround effects.
The Samsung HW-S700D is notably compact:
The LG S90TR requires more planning:
Both systems offer modern connectivity:
The LG adds additional HDMI inputs, which can be helpful if you have multiple devices like game consoles and streaming boxes.
At $399, the Samsung delivers impressive performance for its price point. It's particularly strong in:
The LG's $799 price tag brings additional capabilities:
Both systems are 2024 models with current technology, including:
Both the Samsung HW-S700D and LG S90TR are excellent soundbars that serve different needs. The Samsung offers remarkable performance in a compact, affordable package, while the LG delivers a more complete home theater experience at a premium price point.
For most users, the Samsung's balance of performance and value makes it an excellent choice. However, if you're creating a dedicated home theater space and budget allows, the LG's additional capabilities create a more immersive experience that justifies its higher price tag.
Remember: The best soundbar is the one that fits your space, budget, and listening preferences. Don't feel pressured to buy more than you need - both of these systems will dramatically improve your TV's audio experience.
| Samsung HW-S700D ($399) | LG S90TR ($799) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how sound moves around your room | |
| 3.1 channels (basic surround simulation) | 7.1.3 channels (true surround + height effects) |
| Physical Size - Important for room placement and aesthetics | |
| Ultra-slim design (2.5" height, single bar + sub) | Standard size (5.3" height, bar + sub + rear speakers) |
| Dolby Atmos Support - Creates 3D sound effects above and around you | |
| Virtual Atmos only (simulated height effects) | True Atmos with dedicated height channels |
| Subwoofer Size - Affects bass impact and room-filling sound | |
| 6.5" driver (good for apartments/smaller rooms) | 8" driver (powerful bass for larger spaces) |
| Power Output - Influences maximum volume and sound clarity | |
| 330W total (sufficient for medium rooms) | 540W total (excellent for large spaces) |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 1 HDMI eARC (TV connection only) | 2 HDMI (1 input + eARC, more flexible) |
| Room Calibration - Optimizes sound for your specific space | |
| Basic SpaceFit Sound | Advanced AI Room Calibration |
| TV Integration Features - Enhances compatibility with same-brand TVs | |
| Q-Symphony (works with Samsung TVs) | WOW Orchestra (works with LG TVs) |
| Wireless Audio - Important for streaming and mobile device support | |
| Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi, AirPlay | Bluetooth 5.1, WiFi, AirPlay, Chromecast |
The LG S90TR ($799) provides a superior movie experience with true 7.1.3 surround sound and dedicated height channels for Dolby Atmos effects. The Samsung HW-S700D ($399) offers good movie performance with virtual surround, but can't match the immersive experience of physical rear speakers.
The key difference is channel configuration. The Samsung HW-S700D is a 3.1 system (three front channels plus subwoofer), while the LG S90TR is a 7.1.3 system (true surround with height channels). This affects overall sound immersion and home theater performance.
The Samsung HW-S700D is ideal for small rooms due to its slim profile and simpler setup. The LG S90TR requires more space for optimal rear speaker placement and may be overkill in smaller spaces.
Yes, both soundbars work with any TV through HDMI eARC or optical connections. However, the Samsung pairs best with Samsung TVs (Q-Symphony feature), while the LG offers enhanced features with LG TVs (WOW Orchestra).
The Samsung HW-S700D offers better value for casual users at $399. The LG S90TR at $799 is pricier but justifies its cost if you want true home theater surround sound.
Both perform well with dialogue. The Samsung uses Active Voice Amplifier technology, while the LG's dedicated center channel provides clear speech. Both offer dialogue enhancement modes.
The LG S90TR provides better gaming performance with true surround sound for precise positional audio. The Samsung offers good gaming features through Game Mode Pro but can't match the LG's spatial accuracy.
Neither requires wall-mounting. Both include tabletop placement options, though the Samsung's slimmer design may work better under low-sitting TVs.
The Samsung HW-S700D offers simpler setup with just a soundbar and subwoofer. The LG S90TR requires more setup time to position and configure rear speakers but includes auto-calibration.
Yes, both support Bluetooth, WiFi, and Apple AirPlay. The LG adds Chromecast support for additional streaming options.
The Samsung HW-S700D is more apartment-friendly due to its smaller subwoofer and lack of rear speakers. It's also more neighbor-conscious while still providing good sound quality.
While not essential, true Dolby Atmos (as found in the LG S90TR) adds significant immersion to home theater experience. The Samsung HW-S700D offers virtual Atmos, which provides some height effects but isn't as convincing.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: crutchfield.com - samsung.com - bestbuy.com - avsforum.com - walts.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - pcrichard.com - rtings.com - abt.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - microcenter.com - buydig.com - bestbuy.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - oceanstateappliance.com - youtube.com - lg.com
