When it comes to improving your TV's audio, soundbars have become the go-to solution for many homes. But with options ranging from basic stereo upgrades to complex home theater replacements, choosing the right one can be tricky. Let's break down two popular but very different approaches to better TV sound.
Soundbars have come a long way from their simple stereo-only beginnings. Today's models pack sophisticated audio processing, multiple speakers, and even artificial intelligence to improve your listening experience. The two soundbars we're comparing today represent different philosophies in modern soundbar design, released about two years apart.
The Yamaha SR-B30A, released in 2022, takes the elegant approach of packing everything into one sleek unit. Meanwhile, the LG S95TR, fresh for 2024, represents the latest in multi-component home theater technology.
The Yamaha takes the "less is more" approach. Everything you need is in one bar that's just under 36 inches wide. It uses built-in subwoofers (the speakers that handle the low, bass frequencies) instead of a separate unit. This design makes it perfect for apartments, bedrooms, or anywhere you want better sound without the complexity.
Setup is refreshingly simple: one cable to your TV (either HDMI or optical), plug it in, and you're done. The bar can sit in front of your TV or mount on the wall with built-in keyhole mounts.
The LG system is more complex but more capable. You get the main soundbar, two wireless rear speakers, and a separate subwoofer. While setup requires more thought about speaker placement, it's still wireless between components, making it easier than traditional home theater systems.
The S95TR offers "9.1.5" channels - meaning nine main speakers, one subwoofer, and five upward-firing speakers for height effects. This creates a dome of sound around you, which is especially noticeable with movies that use Dolby Atmos (a technology that lets sounds move precisely around and above you).
The Yamaha SR-B30A performs admirably for its size and price. Its built-in subwoofers provide surprisingly good bass, though naturally not as deep or powerful as a dedicated unit. Dialog clarity, often a weak point in TV speakers, is notably improved thanks to Yamaha's "Clear Voice" technology. Music sounds balanced and clear, though it won't fill a large room like more powerful systems.
The LG S95TR operates in a different league. Its dedicated subwoofer delivers room-shaking bass when needed, while the separate rear speakers create true surround sound. Those upward-firing speakers really do create a noticeable height effect - raindrops seem to fall from above, helicopters genuinely sound like they're flying overhead.
For everyday TV watching, both systems significantly improve upon built-in TV speakers. The Yamaha excels at making dialogue clearer and adding depth to TV shows and YouTube videos. It's perfect for news, sports, and casual viewing.
The LG transforms movie night into a cinema-like experience. When watching action movies or playing video games, the difference is dramatic. Explosions rumble, cars pan convincingly from front to back, and that height channel adds an extra dimension to the experience.
Both bars support basic Bluetooth streaming from your phone or tablet. The Yamaha keeps things simple with HDMI-eARC (which lets your TV remote control the soundbar) and an optical input.
The LG adds Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing streaming from services like Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2. It works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, and its app offers more detailed control over sound settings.
At $279, the Yamaha offers excellent value for basic sound improvement. It's a significant upgrade over TV speakers without breaking the bank or complicating your setup.
The LG's $999 price tag requires more consideration. While it delivers superior performance, it's competing with traditional home theater systems at that price point. However, its wireless design and simpler setup might justify the cost for many users.
Choose the Yamaha SR-B30A if:
Choose the LG S95TR if:
Both soundbars excel at their intended purposes. The Yamaha proves that you don't need to spend a fortune or fill your room with speakers to get better TV sound. The LG shows just how far soundbar technology has come, delivering home theater performance in a relatively simple package.
Remember: the best soundbar is the one that fits your space, budget, and listening habits. Don't feel pressured to buy more than you need - the Yamaha's simpler approach might be perfect for your situation. Conversely, if you're a movie enthusiast with the budget for the LG, its premium features could transform your entertainment experience.
| Yamaha SR-B30A ($279) | LG S95TR ($999) |
|---|---|
| Speaker Configuration - Determines how immersive and realistic sound can be | |
| 2.0 system with built-in subwoofers | 9.1.5 system with wireless sub and rear speakers |
| Total Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and ability to fill larger rooms | |
| 120W total (adequate for small/medium rooms) | 810W total (suitable for large spaces) |
| Atmos Performance - Affects how convincing overhead sounds appear | |
| Virtual Atmos (basic height simulation) | True Atmos with 5 up-firing speakers |
| Size - Consider your available space | |
| 35.8" x 2.6" x 5.2" (single unit) | 49.2" x 2.4" x 5.3" (plus separate speakers) |
| Subwoofer Integration - Impacts bass quality and placement flexibility | |
| Built-in dual 3" drivers (fixed location) | Separate 8" wireless sub (flexible placement) |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your tolerance for installation | |
| Single unit, one cable connection | Multiple speakers, wireless but needs planning |
| Smart Features - Affects integration with your devices | |
| Basic Bluetooth and HDMI-eARC | WiFi, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, voice assistants |
| Best Use Case - Most important factor in decision | |
| Small spaces, casual viewing, simplicity | Home theater, movies, gaming, large rooms |
The LG S95TR ($999) is significantly better for movies thanks to its true surround sound setup and dedicated subwoofer. While the Yamaha SR-B30A ($279) provides good movie audio, it can't match the immersive experience of the LG's 9.1.5 channel system.
Yes, both soundbars are compatible with any modern TV through HDMI-eARC or optical connections. The Yamaha SR-B30A and LG S95TR will work regardless of your TV brand.
The Yamaha SR-B30A is ideal for small apartments due to its compact, single-unit design. The LG S95TR, while more powerful, requires space for multiple speakers and may be overkill for small rooms.
The LG S95TR includes a wireless subwoofer in the package. The Yamaha SR-B30A has built-in subwoofers and doesn't require an external unit, though bass impact won't be as powerful.
The LG S95TR offers superior gaming performance with its surround sound capabilities and Dolby Atmos support. The Yamaha SR-B30A works fine for casual gaming but won't provide the same immersive experience.
Both soundbars support Bluetooth streaming. The LG S95TR adds WiFi streaming options like Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2, while the Yamaha SR-B30A is limited to Bluetooth only.
The Yamaha SR-B30A is extremely simple to set up with just one cable connection. The LG S95TR requires more setup time to position multiple speakers, though connections are wireless.
Both perform well for sports, but the Yamaha SR-B30A offers excellent dialogue clarity for commentary. The LG S95TR provides more room-filling sound but might be unnecessary for sports viewing.
Both support Dolby Atmos, but the LG S95TR provides true Atmos with dedicated up-firing speakers. The Yamaha SR-B30A offers virtual Atmos, which is less convincing.
The Yamaha SR-B30A offers excellent value for basic audio enhancement at $279. The LG S95TR at $999 is pricier but provides significantly better performance for serious home theater enthusiasts.
Yes, both soundbars can be wall-mounted. The Yamaha SR-B30A has built-in keyhole mounts, while the LG S95TR includes wall-mounting brackets for both the main bar and rear speakers.
The LG S95TR is clearly superior for dedicated home theater use, with its full surround sound system and powerful subwoofer. The Yamaha SR-B30A is better suited for casual viewing or secondary room use.
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 - techradar.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - trustedreviews.com - zdnet.com - rtings.com - lg.com - lambcotvandappliance.com - valueelectronics.com - romomattressfurniture.com - dolby.com - youtube.com
