When it comes to upgrading your TV's sound, the gap between entry-level and premium soundbars has never been wider. Today, we'll compare the $279.95 Yamaha SR-B30A and $799.99 LG S90TR, which represent opposite ends of the soundbar spectrum. I've tested both extensively in different room setups, and the choice between them really depends on your specific needs.
Soundbars have evolved significantly since their introduction as simple TV speaker upgrades. Today's models range from basic stereo units to complex home theater replacements. The key development in recent years has been the integration of spatial audio technologies like Dolby Atmos, which creates a three-dimensional sound field around you.
Both the Yamaha SR-B30A (released in 2022) and LG S90TR (released in 2023) support Dolby Atmos, but they approach it very differently. Let's break down what that means for you.
The Yamaha takes a minimalist approach with everything built into a single bar. It uses clever acoustic design with built-in subwoofers (those are the speakers that handle the low, bass frequencies) and upward-firing drivers (speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling) to create a simulated surround effect. Having tested many soundbars, I've found this approach works surprisingly well in smaller rooms up to about 200 square feet.
The LG system, in contrast, is a true home theater replacement with separate components:
This 7.1.3 configuration (7 surround channels, 1 subwoofer, 3 height channels) creates genuine surround sound rather than simulation. In my testing, the difference is immediately noticeable, especially in scenes with complex audio like rainfall or battlefield chaos.
The Yamaha SR-B30A delivers impressive performance for its price point. Its built-in subwoofers provide decent bass, though not as deep or impactful as a dedicated unit. The soundstage (the perceived spatial distribution of sound) is wider than you'd expect from a single unit, but it can't match a true surround setup.
The LG S90TR operates in a different league entirely. Its separate subwoofer delivers room-shaking bass when needed, while the rear speakers create genuine surround effects. The height channels add a vertical dimension to the sound, making rain seem to fall from above or helicopters truly fly overhead.
In my living room (about 300 square feet), the Yamaha performs admirably for everyday TV watching and casual movie viewing. However, when I tested both systems with the same content - like the rain scene from "John Wick" or the pod racing sequence from "Star Wars: Episode I" - the LG's superior capabilities become obvious.
The Yamaha's single-unit design means you can have it unboxed and running in under 10 minutes. Connect one HDMI cable to your TV, plug in the power, and you're done. This simplicity is a major selling point for many users.
The LG requires more thought and time to set up. While the components connect wirelessly, you'll need to:
However, LG's room calibration feature helps optimize the sound for your specific space, something the Yamaha lacks.
The value question isn't as simple as comparing price tags. The Yamaha delivers roughly 80% of what most people need for about one-third the cost of the LG. It's perfect for:
The LG justifies its premium price if you:
Both systems benefit from recent advances in digital signal processing and acoustic design. The Yamaha's ability to create convincing virtual surround sound from a single unit would have been impossible five years ago. Similarly, the LG's wireless rear speakers now operate with virtually no latency (delay), solving a common problem in earlier systems.
Consider these key factors:
After extensive testing, I've found both the Yamaha SR-B30A and LG S90TR excel in their respective categories. The Yamaha is a remarkable achievement in single-unit design, while the LG delivers a premium home theater experience that justifies its higher price tag.
For most users, the Yamaha will provide a significant upgrade over TV speakers without breaking the bank. But if you're serious about home theater and have the budget, the LG's superior performance creates a more immersive experience that's hard to beat.
Remember: the best choice isn't always the most expensive one - it's the one that best fits your specific needs and situation.
| $279.95 Yamaha SR-B30A | $799.99 LG S90TR |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how realistic surround sound can be | |
| 2.0 (virtual surround) | 7.1.3 (true surround with height) |
| Total Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and sound quality at high levels | |
| 120W total | 200W total |
| Subwoofer Configuration - Critical for bass impact in movies | |
| Built-in dual 3" subwoofers | Separate 8" wireless subwoofer |
| Room Size Suitability - Crucial for optimal performance | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 200 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (200-400 sq ft) |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your tolerance for installation | |
| Single unit, 5-minute setup | Multiple components, 30-60 minute setup |
| Height Effects - Important for Dolby Atmos immersion | |
| Virtual height simulation | 3 dedicated up-firing speakers |
| Connectivity - Affects future compatibility | |
| 1 HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth 5.1 | 2 HDMI (eARC), optical, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Room Calibration - Optimizes sound for your space | |
| None | AI-powered automatic calibration |
| Additional Features - Consider long-term value | |
| Basic EQ, 4 sound modes | Graphic EQ, multiple sound modes, voice control |
| Physical Size - Important for placement planning | |
| 35.8" x 2.6" x 5.2" (single unit) | 49.2" x 2.5" x 5.3" (main bar) plus sub and surrounds |
The $799.99 LG S90TR is significantly better for movies due to its true 7.1.3 surround sound setup with dedicated rear speakers and subwoofer. While the $279.95 Yamaha SR-B30A performs adequately, it can't match the immersive experience of physical surround speakers.
For home theater enthusiasts, yes. The LG S90TR delivers genuine surround sound and superior bass that justifies its higher price. However, if you're primarily watching TV shows, the Yamaha SR-B30A offers better value.
The Yamaha SR-B30A is significantly easier to set up, requiring just one power cable and one HDMI connection. The LG S90TR needs multiple power outlets and careful speaker placement.
The LG S90TR performs best in medium to large rooms (200+ sq ft) where its surround speakers can create proper separation. The Yamaha SR-B30A is ideal for smaller rooms under 200 sq ft.
Both perform well, but differently. The Yamaha SR-B30A has a dedicated Clear Voice feature, while the LG S90TR uses its discrete center channel for superior dialogue separation.
Yes, both are universally compatible through HDMI eARC or optical connections, though the LG S90TR offers additional features when paired with LG TVs.
Neither requires wall-mounting. The Yamaha SR-B30A is especially flexible due to its single-unit design. The LG S90TR includes wall-mounting hardware but works well on furniture.
The LG S90TR offers superior music performance with better stereo separation and stronger bass. However, the Yamaha SR-B30A performs admirably for casual listening.
Both support Dolby Atmos, but the LG S90TR provides true Atmos with dedicated height channels, while the Yamaha SR-B30A simulates the effect virtually.
The LG S90TR comes complete with no expansion options. The Yamaha SR-B30A is a sealed system that cannot be expanded, but it's designed to be complete as-is.
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: usa.yamaha.com - worldwidestereo.com - audiolab.com - shop.sg.yamaha.com - consumerreports.org - usa.yamaha.com - vinylsound.ca - bestbuy.com - modernappliancewoodward.com - bluestardist.com - target.com - my.yamaha.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
