When it comes to upgrading your TV's audio in 2024, two standout options are the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 ($1,099) and the LG S90TR 7.1.3 ($799). Both promise theater-quality sound, but they take quite different approaches to delivering it. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Premium soundbars have evolved significantly in recent years. Unlike basic models that simply make your TV louder, today's high-end options create immersive soundscapes using advanced audio processing and multiple speakers. They can bounce sound off your walls and ceiling, simulate surround speakers where none exist, and integrate with your TV's software for enhanced performance.
The most important advances have been in spatial audio processing (making sound appear to come from specific locations around you) and wireless connectivity. Both of these soundbars represent the latest in these technologies, released in late 2023 and early 2024.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 and LG S90TR take fundamentally different approaches to premium sound. Sony offers a high-performance single unit that you can expand over time, while LG provides a complete surround system out of the box.
Let's break down what you actually get:
The Sony includes just the soundbar itself, with 13 speakers arranged in a 7.0.2 configuration. This means:
The LG system includes:
Here's where things get interesting. The Sony costs $1,099 for just the bar, and adding the matching subwoofer ($399) and rear speakers ($349) brings the total to nearly $1,850. The LG includes everything for $799, making it significantly more affordable.
Having tested both systems, I can say the value proposition isn't quite that simple. The Sony's single-unit performance is exceptional, particularly for dialogue clarity and vertical sound effects. However, for most users, the LG's complete package will deliver a more immersive experience right away.
Both soundbars support modern audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which add height effects to traditional surround sound. Think of hearing a helicopter actually passing overhead in a movie, or rain seeming to fall from above.
The Sony bar uses sophisticated processing called "360 Spatial Sound Mapping" to create phantom speakers - making sound appear to come from places where there aren't actually any speakers. In my testing, this works surprisingly well in smaller rooms with regular-height ceilings (8-9 feet). The bar excels at dialogue clarity and precise sound placement.
The LG system takes a more traditional approach by physically placing speakers around you. Its AI Room Calibration feature measures your room's acoustics and adjusts the sound accordingly. The included subwoofer provides much better bass response than the Sony bar alone, which makes action movies and music more impactful.
Both systems offer modern connectivity, but there are important differences:
Having spent time with both systems, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
If you're setting up a dedicated home theater room, there are additional factors to consider:
Here's my straightforward advice based on different scenarios:
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 and LG S90TR represent two valid approaches to premium home audio. The Sony offers exceptional single-unit performance with room to grow, while the LG provides a complete, immersive solution at a lower price point.
For most users, I recommend the LG system. Its complete package delivers more immediate value and better overall performance for movies and games. However, if you're particularly space-constrained or plan to build your system over time, the Sony bar is an excellent foundation for a premium audio setup.
Remember that room size, ceiling height, and TV brand should all factor into your decision. Either way, both represent significant upgrades over basic soundbars and TV speakers, bringing you much closer to a true cinema experience at home.
| Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 ($1,099) | LG S90TR 7.1.3 ($799) |
|---|---|
| Base Channel Configuration - Determines how immersive the sound can be | |
| 7.0.2 (soundbar only) | 7.1.3 (complete system with sub and rears) |
| Included Components - Impacts total cost and immediate performance | |
| Soundbar only (additional purchases needed) | Soundbar, wireless sub, two rear speakers |
| Primary Audio Processing - Affects how convincing the surround effect is | |
| 360 Spatial Sound Mapping (excellent phantom speakers) | AI Room Calibration (optimizes for physical speakers) |
| Vertical Audio Channels - Important for overhead sound effects | |
| 2 up-firing (very effective in standard rooms) | 3 up-firing (better for larger spaces) |
| Gaming Features - Critical for PS5/Xbox Series owners | |
| VRR, ALLM, 4K@120Hz (complete gaming support) | VRR, ALLM, 4K@120Hz (complete gaming support) |
| TV Brand Integration - Can significantly enhance performance | |
| Acoustic Center Sync with BRAVIA TVs | WOW Orchestra with LG TVs |
| Room Size Sweet Spot - Critical for optimal performance | |
| Small to medium rooms (under 300 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (200-500 sq ft) |
| Expandability - Future upgrade potential | |
| Can add wireless sub and rears later | Complete system, no major upgrades available |
| Total Cost for Full System - Value consideration | |
| $1,850 (with optional sub and rears) | $799 (everything included) |
The LG S90TR provides better movie performance out of the box thanks to its included subwoofer and rear speakers. While the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 offers excellent dialogue clarity, it needs additional speakers for a true cinematic experience.
At $799, the LG S90TR includes everything needed for surround sound, while the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 costs $1,099 for just the soundbar, making the LG a better value for most users.
While both work with any TV, the Sony bar works best with BRAVIA TVs, and the LG performs optimally with LG TVs. Each has special features that only work with their respective TV brands.
Both soundbars support modern gaming features like VRR and 4K@120Hz. The LG S90TR offers more immersive gaming due to its complete surround setup, while the Sony Bar 9 excels at vertical sound positioning.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 can be expanded with a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers. The LG S90TR comes complete with no major upgrade options.
The LG S90TR performs better in larger rooms due to its physical speaker placement. The Sony Bar 9 is more suited to small and medium-sized rooms.
Yes, both support Dolby Atmos. The LG uses physical speakers for height effects, while the Sony uses advanced processing to create virtual height channels.
The LG S90TR is easier to set up initially since all components are included and pre-paired. The Sony Bar 9 has a simpler initial setup but requires additional setup when adding optional speakers.
Both excel at music playback. The Sony offers better stereo separation and clarity, while the LG provides fuller bass response thanks to its included subwoofer.
No, both use up-firing speakers for height effects. The LG S90TR has three up-firing speakers, while the Sony Bar 9 has two.
Both perform well for sports, but the LG S90TR has better dialogue enhancement features and crowd atmosphere reproduction due to its complete speaker setup.
While both provide excellent sound, the LG S90TR comes closer to traditional home theater performance due to its complete speaker setup. The Sony Bar 9 requires additional components to match this experience.
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: rtings.com - residentialsystems.com - rtings.com - bestbuy.com - valueelectronics.com - sony.com - sony.co.uk - sony.co.uk - rtings.com - sony.co.in - sony.com - pocket-lint.com - sony.com - crutchfield.com - rtings.com - abt.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - microcenter.com - buydig.com - bestbuy.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - oceanstateappliance.com - youtube.com - avsforum.com - lg.com
