The SK9Y’s mid-tier pricing should satisfy buyers that prioritize exceptionally accurate vocals over anything else while being ready to compromise on a low-range bass response and average surround sound performance.
The LG SK9Y is a 5.1.2 channel, mid-range soundbar first released in 2018. The soundbar comes with Dolby Atmos support and up-firing speakers to create a surround sound experience, but even though it ships with a subwoofer, its bass does not have the kind of rumble that the very best speakers can boast about.
Its soundstage is also narrower than the bar itself, but despite this, object sounds are still spatially accurate, and this is a highlight that it shares with the most popular soundbars in the market.
The SK9Y’s input options include an Optical Audio In port, three HDMI ports, and an AUX analog input. The soundbar also supports music streaming over Bluetooth, WiFi, and Chromecast, and its varied connectivity options make it much easier to set up than the LG SK1 (check it out in our LG SK1 soundbar review).
Consensus
our Verdict
The 5.1.2 channel LG SK9Y’s bright sound quality is accompanied by its average surround sound performance, even with support for Dolby Atmos. Its soundstage is also narrower than the bar, and its subwoofer doesn’t deliver a thumpy, low bass effect.
Still, it can accurately reproduce vocals, making it great for podcasts and dialogue in movies. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get as loud, peaking at only 89.2 decibels.
Wireless connectivity options are varied and reliable, with support for both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, as well as Chromecast.
Its super low 76ms (ARC) and 80ms (Optical) tested latencies keep audio-visuals well in sync, and its port selection (Optical Audio In, an HDMI ARC, a Full HDMI In, a 3.5mm AUX port, and an Ethernet port) should satisfy most.
Reason to Buy
Good build quality
Many wired and wireless connectivity options
Accurate vocal reproduction
Clear sound at max volume
Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound
Reason to Avoid
Narrow soundstage makes for average surround sound performance
Bass output is not the best since there’s no subwoofer
Bright sound profile
Doesn’t get as loud
LG SK9Y Specs
Bluetooth Enabled
Yes
Depth
5.7"
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
Yes
Energy Star Certified
No
HDMI ARC
Yes
Height
2.3"
Number of Audio Channels
5.1.2
Subwoofer
Included
Surround Sound Supported
Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS Digital Surround
Voice Assistant
Google Assistant
Wall Mountable
Yes
Weight
12.4 lbs
Width
47.2"
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
Yes
Works With
Bluetooth, Chromecast, Google Assistant, Wi-Fi
All Specs
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The LG SK9Y is a 5.1.2 channel, mid-range soundbar first released in 2018. The soundbar comes with Dolby Atmos support and up-firing speakers to create…
The LG SK9Y is a 5.1.2 channel, mid-range soundbar first released in 2018. The soundbar comes with Dolby Atmos support and up-firing speakers to create a surround sound experience, but even though it ships with a subwoofer, its bass does not have the kind of rumble that the very best speakers can boast about.
Its soundstage is also narrower than the bar itself, but despite this, object sounds are still spatially accurate, and this is a highlight that it shares with the most popular soundbars in the market.
The SK9Y’s input options include an Optical Audio In port, three HDMI ports, and an AUX analog input. The soundbar also supports music streaming over Bluetooth, WiFi, and Chromecast, and its varied connectivity options make it much easier to set up than the LG SK1 (check it out in our LG SK1 soundbar review).
The LG SK9Y and the LG SN9YG are both 5.1.2 channel soundbars, but the SN9YG supports the DTS:X sound format while the SK9Y does not,…
The LG SK9Y and the LG SN9YG are both 5.1.2 channel soundbars, but the SN9YG supports the DTS:X sound format while the SK9Y does not, and it also has built-in Google Assistant support unlike the SK9Y
The LG SK9Y has a slightly louder max volume of 89.2 decibels compared to the LG SK10Y, which peaks at 87.1 decibels. The SK10Y also…
The LG SK9Y has a slightly louder max volume of 89.2 decibels compared to the LG SK10Y, which peaks at 87.1 decibels. The SK10Y also has two Full HDMI In ports, while the SK9Y only has one. Feel free to learn more about the SK10Y in our LG SK10Y review.
The LG SK9Y ships with a Digital Optical Cable while the Sonos Arc does not, however, the Sonos Arc includes a HDMI cable, while the…
The LG SK9Y ships with a Digital Optical Cable while the Sonos Arc does not, however, the Sonos Arc includes a HDMI cable, while the SK9Y ships without one. Also, the Sonos Arc gets much louder than the SK9Y, peaking at 96.6 decibels compared to the SK9Y, which only gets as loud as 89.2 Db.
