When it comes to improving your TV's audio, soundbars have become the go-to solution for many people. Today, we're comparing two very different options: the $399 Yamaha SR-B40A and the $999 LG S95TR, both released in early 2024. Let's explore how these soundbars can transform your home entertainment experience, and which one might be right for you.
Before diving into the specifics, it's helpful to understand what makes soundbars different from traditional speakers. A soundbar combines multiple speakers into a single unit that sits below or above your TV, offering better sound than your TV's built-in speakers without the complexity of a full surround sound system.
The number of channels (like 2.1 or 9.1.5) tells you how many separate speakers are inside. The first number is regular speakers, the middle number is subwoofers (for bass), and the last number (if present) is upward-firing speakers for height effects. More channels generally mean more immersive sound, but also higher cost and complexity.
The Yamaha SR-B40A takes a straightforward approach with its 2.1 channel system. It has two main speakers and a wireless subwoofer, focusing on delivering clear, powerful sound without unnecessary complications. This simplicity makes it perfect for apartments, smaller rooms, or anyone who wants better TV sound without dealing with multiple speakers and complex setup.
In contrast, the LG S95TR is a premium 9.1.5 channel system that aims to create a full home theater experience. It includes upward-firing speakers for height effects, rear surrounds for behind-the-couch sound, and more advanced processing to place sounds precisely in your room. This makes it better suited for dedicated home theater spaces or larger living rooms where you can take full advantage of its capabilities.
The Yamaha takes a "less is more" approach, focusing on getting the basics right. Its larger 6.5-inch subwoofer actually provides surprisingly deep bass for movies and music, often outperforming more expensive systems in this regard. The soundbar handles dialogue clearly thanks to its "Clear Voice" technology, which enhances speech without making it sound artificial.
While it supports Dolby Atmos (a technology that enables sounds to appear to come from specific locations, including above you), the Yamaha creates this effect virtually through clever processing rather than actual upward-firing speakers. The result is good but not as convincing as systems with dedicated height speakers.
The LG steps things up considerably with true Dolby Atmos support via multiple upward-firing speakers. Its room calibration feature uses microphones to measure how sound reflects in your space and adjusts accordingly. This creates a more precise and immersive experience, particularly noticeable in movies with lots of atmospheric effects or games where sound positioning is important.
In everyday use, the Yamaha excels at making TV shows and music sound better without calling attention to itself. Its four sound modes (Stereo, Standard, Movie, Game) are well-tuned and easy to switch between. The included remote is simple but effective, and the optional smartphone app provides additional control options.
The LG offers more flexibility but requires more setup and adjustment to get the best results. Its additional features like AI Sound Pro (which automatically adjusts sound settings based on content) and support for high-resolution audio formats make it more future-proof. However, some users report that music playback can sound a bit flat compared to movie performance.
Both soundbars include HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) connections, which allow them to receive high-quality audio from your TV through a single cable. They both support basic Bluetooth for playing music from your phone or tablet.
The Yamaha keeps things simple with just HDMI and optical inputs, plus Bluetooth. This covers most users' needs but lacks Wi-Fi streaming or voice assistant support.
The LG adds multiple HDMI inputs, Wi-Fi streaming, support for Spotify Connect, and compatibility with both Alexa and Google Assistant. It also includes features like WOW Orchestra, which can combine the soundbar's audio with compatible LG TV speakers for an even bigger sound.
At $399, the Yamaha SR-B40A represents excellent value, offering better sound quality than many soundbars costing significantly more. Its focus on core features rather than extras helps keep the price down while maintaining performance where it matters most.
The $999 LG S95TR justifies its higher price through additional channels, more features, and better processing. However, you'll only get your money's worth if you can properly position all speakers and take advantage of its advanced capabilities.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these soundbars:
Both soundbars represent significant improvements over TV speakers, but they serve different needs. The Yamaha SR-B40A is perfect for those wanting better sound without complexity, while the LG S95TR offers a more complete home theater experience for those willing to invest the time and money.
For most users, I'd recommend the Yamaha. It provides excellent sound quality for its price and remains simple to use. However, if you're setting up a dedicated home theater room and want the best possible sound, the LG's additional channels and features make it worth considering despite the higher price.
Remember that room acoustics play a huge role in any audio system's performance. Even the more expensive LG won't sound its best if placed in a poor location or room with challenging acoustics. Conversely, the Yamaha can provide surprisingly immersive sound when properly positioned in a suitable space.
| Yamaha SR-B40A ($399) | LG S95TR ($999) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how immersive and room-filling the sound can be | |
| 2.1 channels (good for small-medium rooms) | 9.1.5 channels (excellent for larger spaces) |
| Dolby Atmos Support - Enables 3D positional audio for more realistic sound | |
| Virtual Atmos only (simulated height effects) | True Atmos with dedicated up-firing speakers |
| Subwoofer Size - Larger drivers generally produce deeper, more impactful bass | |
| 6.5-inch driver (surprisingly powerful for size) | 8-inch driver (deeper but not necessarily cleaner) |
| Total Power Output - Indicates maximum volume and headroom for dynamic content | |
| 200W (sufficient for most rooms) | 810W (excess power for larger spaces) |
| Connectivity - More options mean greater flexibility | |
| HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth | HDMI eARC, 2x HDMI in, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay |
| Room Calibration - Optimizes sound for your specific space | |
| Basic EQ adjustments only | Advanced AI room calibration included |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your tolerance for configuration | |
| Simple 2-piece setup (15 minutes) | Complex 4-piece setup (30-45 minutes) |
| Additional Features - Nice-to-have capabilities that may matter for specific uses | |
| Basic sound modes, app control | Voice assistants, streaming services, gaming features |
| Space Requirements - Consider your room layout | |
| Soundbar: 35.8" wide, Subwoofer: 16" square | Soundbar: 49.2" wide, plus rear speakers placement |
The $999 LG S95TR provides a more immersive movie experience with true Dolby Atmos and dedicated surround speakers. However, the $399 Yamaha SR-B40A still offers good movie performance for smaller rooms and budget-conscious buyers.
The Yamaha SR-B40A costs $399, while the LG S95TR is priced at $999, representing a $600 difference. This price gap reflects their different feature sets and capabilities.
The Yamaha SR-B40A is ideal for apartments due to its compact size and simpler 2.1 channel setup. The LG S95TR may be overkill for smaller spaces and requires more room for optimal speaker placement.
While the Yamaha SR-B40A creates virtual surround without rear speakers, the LG S95TR includes physical rear speakers for true surround sound. For the most authentic home theater experience, rear speakers make a noticeable difference.
Both offer powerful bass, but in different ways. The Yamaha SR-B40A has a larger 6.5-inch subwoofer driver that provides surprisingly deep bass, while the LG S95TR uses a more powerful amplifier for higher output.
For dedicated home theater use, the true Dolby Atmos in the LG S95TR provides noticeably better overhead effects than the virtual Atmos in the Yamaha SR-B40A. However, virtual Atmos is sufficient for casual viewing.
The Yamaha SR-B40A is much simpler to set up with just two pieces and basic connections. The LG S95TR requires more time to position multiple speakers and calibrate the system properly.
Both can stream via Bluetooth, but the LG S95TR adds Wi-Fi streaming, AirPlay, and direct access to streaming services. The Yamaha SR-B40A is limited to Bluetooth only.
The LG S95TR offers better gaming performance with precise object-based audio and dedicated gaming modes. The Yamaha SR-B40A includes a basic game mode but lacks the spatial precision gamers might want.
Neither requires HDMI 2.1 for basic operation. Both the Yamaha SR-B40A and LG S95TR work well with standard HDMI ARC connections found on most modern TVs.
Both perform well for dialogue. The Yamaha SR-B40A includes a Clear Voice feature that works effectively, while the LG S95TR uses its center channel and AI processing for clear dialogue.
Yes, both the Yamaha SR-B40A and LG S95TR are compatible with any modern TV through HDMI ARC or optical connections. The LG offers additional connectivity options for enhanced features with compatible TVs.
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 - visions.ca - shop.usa.yamaha.com - bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - usa.yamaha.com - my.yamaha.com - europe.yamaha.com - adorama.com - usa.yamaha.com - digitalhomecreations.com - europe.yamaha.com - sundownone.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
