Choosing Between Basic and Premium Soundbars: A Complete Guide

When it comes to upgrading your TV's audio, the choice between the compact $279 Sonos Ray and the premium $999 LG S95TR isn't just about price - it's about matching your space, needs, and expectations. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.

Understanding Soundbar Basics

Before diving into specifics, it's helpful to understand what soundbars actually do. Think of them as your TV's audio system upgrade - they replace those tiny built-in speakers with something much more powerful and clear. But not all soundbars are created equal.

The most basic ones, like the Sonos Ray, focus on improving stereo sound (left and right channels) and making dialogue clearer. Premium systems like the LG S95TR go further, creating a bubble of sound around you with additional speakers and special effects that can even make it seem like sound is coming from above your head.

Breaking Down the Key Differences

Physical Setup and Installation

The Sonos Ray, released in 2022, takes a minimalist approach. It's a single bar that's just 22 inches wide - perfect for smaller TVs and tight spaces. Setup literally takes minutes: plug in the power, connect the optical cable to your TV, and you're done. This simplicity is part of its charm.

The LG S95TR, new for 2024, is more complex but more capable. You're setting up four pieces: the main bar (almost 50 inches wide), a wireless subwoofer for bass, and two rear speakers. While "wireless" means they don't connect to the main bar with cables, each piece still needs power. The upside? You get true surround sound with speakers behind you.

Audio Technology

Here's where the price difference really shows up in practical terms:

The Sonos Ray uses clever acoustic design to create good stereo sound from a compact bar. It handles basic audio formats and excels at making dialogue clear. While it can't process Dolby Atmos (the premium sound format that creates 3D audio effects), it does an impressive job with standard stereo content.

The LG S95TR is in a different league entirely. With 9.1.5 channels (9 main speakers, 1 subwoofer, and 5 upward-firing speakers for height effects), it creates a genuine home theater experience. Those upward-firing speakers bounce sound off your ceiling to simulate rain, helicopters, or anything else that should sound like it's above you. It supports all the premium formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Real-World Performance

I've tested both systems extensively, and here's what matters in daily use:

For regular TV watching:

• The Ray makes dialogue clearer and adds decent punch to sound effects
• The S95TR creates a more immersive experience where sounds come from all around you

For movies:

• The Ray provides a solid upgrade over TV speakers but keeps everything in front of you
• The S95TR delivers a true cinema-like experience with sounds moving around and above you

For music:

• The Ray surprisingly shines here, with balanced, clear sound that works well for most genres
• The S95TR offers more power and impact, especially for bass-heavy music

Value Consideration

The value equation isn't just about price - it's about what you get for your money:

The $279 Sonos Ray represents excellent value if you:

• Have a smaller room (under 200 square feet)
• Mainly watch TV shows and listen to music
• Want something simple that just works
• Plan to expand into multi-room audio later

The $999 LG S95TR makes sense if you:

• Have a dedicated TV/movie watching space
• Want the full home theater experience
• Watch lots of movies with surround sound
• Have a larger room where the extra speakers make a difference

Special Considerations for Home Theater Use

If you're building a home theater, there are additional factors to consider:

Room acoustics matter more with the S95TR because it's creating complex sound patterns. You'll want:

• Enough space behind your seating for the rear speakers
• A flat ceiling (vaulted ceilings reduce the effectiveness of height channels)
• Some sound-absorbing furniture or materials to prevent echo

The Ray is more forgiving of room layout but won't give you that "movie theater" feel. It's better suited as a TV room upgrade than a dedicated home theater solution.

Technical Improvements Over Time

It's worth noting how these systems reflect their release dates:

The Ray (2022) brought Sonos's audio expertise to a lower price point without sacrificing core sound quality. While it lacks newer features like HDMI, its focus on fundamental sound quality means it doesn't feel dated.

The S95TR (2024) represents the current state of the art, with features like:

• Enhanced room calibration using AI
• Wireless Dolby Atmos support
• Integration with LG TV speakers for expanded sound
• HDMI 2.1 support for latest gaming features

Making Your Decision

The choice ultimately comes down to your priorities:

Choose the Sonos Ray if:

• You want better TV sound without complexity
• Your room is small to medium-sized
• Music playback is equally important as TV sound
• You might want to add more Sonos speakers later

Choose the LG S95TR if:

• You want the full home theater experience
• Your room can accommodate multiple speakers
• Movies are your primary focus
• You have an LG TV (for additional features)

Both systems excel at their intended purposes - they just serve different needs. The Ray brings Sonos's audio expertise to an affordable price point, while the S95TR delivers a premium home theater experience that justifies its higher cost.

The good news? Neither choice is wrong - it's just about matching the system to your needs and space. Whether you choose the straightforward upgrade path of the Ray or the full-featured immersion of the S95TR, you'll be getting a significant upgrade over your TV's built-in speakers.

Sonos Ray Soundbar Deals and Prices

LG S95TR 9.1.5 Channel Soundbar with Dolby Atmos Soundbar Deals and Prices