LG Electronics has announced the SC9 and SE6 soundbars for 2023 in pre-CES 2023 news.
Tip: LG indicated in a previous online press briefing that the SC9 and SE6 are going to be its only new soundbars for 2023 and that most models announced for 2022 will carry over. If this changes we will report as needed.
3/22/2023 Update: The SC9 and SE6 Soundbars are now available. The SC9 is priced at $999.99 at LG.com and the SE6 is priced at $450.00 at LG.com.
SC9 and SE6 Overview
As a complement to LG’s 2023 TV lineup, the SC9 and SE6 soundbars are designed to deliver great value with immersive spatial audio and a range of convenient features, and connectivity.
Lossless audio playback is possible when listening to compatible music streaming services such as TIDAL Connect.
The new soundbars are also MQA compatible. MQA capability can also be added to select LG soundbars that are being carried over from last year (S95, S90, and S80 series) via firmware update
LG’s new soundbar models offer seamless integration with the company’s TVs, providing an effortless user experience and stronger, more authentic sound that makes home entertainment even more immersive.
Wow Orchestra
This new feature combines the speakers in select LG TVs with the speakers in the soundbar to create an expanded soundstage with improved height, depth, and power.
LG’s 2023 soundbars and LG TVs offer more synergy for outstanding multi-surround sound solutions, allowing listeners to enjoy Dolby Atmos and IMAX enhanced quality powered by DTS: X.
Tip: WOW orchestra will be applied via software update.
WOWCAST
LG’s WOWCAST feature allows SC9 and SE6 2023 soundbars to connect wirelessly with LG TVs, providing cable-free convenience in the living room without sacrificing audio quality.
Tip: WOWCAST can be used with Wi-Fi-enabled soundbars. The soundbars can also be connected to TVs via HDMI/ARC/eARC.
Triple Sound Technology
LG’s Triple Sound Technology has three features:
Triple Up-Firing Speakers: With left/right and center channel speakers, the sound stage is more immersive and dialog is more present.
Triple Level Spatial Sound: This employs channel analysis performed by an HRTF-based 3D engine to add a virtual mid-layer. The result is an incredibly lifelike sound with a convincing sense of space that puts listeners at the center of an immersive audio environment.
Triple Sound Optimizer: This feature is designed to boost the soundbars’ performance – and enjoy upgraded sound via the Smart Up-mixer, which converts two-channel audio into multi-channel surround.
Enhanced AI Room Calibration
LG’s enhanced AI Room Calibration brings room correction capability to soundbars. This feature analyzes the circumstance of the room, then applies that information to the soundbars’ settings to deliver greater precision in the low-frequency range. It also subdivides the front channel frequencies to help improve overall balance, the clarity of vocal performances, movie dialogue, and the accuracy of the sound image.
AI Sound Pro
If all of the above audio performance features weren’t enough, The SC9 and SE6 soundbars also include LG’s advanced AI Sound Pro which was introduced in 2021. This feature analyzes audio signals in real-time and automatically applies the most appropriate settings. This ensures optimal sound for movies, sports, games, or music.
Home Dashboard
LG’s premium soundbars also bring an intuitive interface to the Home Dashboard on LG TVs, enabling users to easily manage their soundbar’s settings and share sound modes using the TV.
Tip: Home Dashboard functionality will be applied via software update.
Video Features
In addition to audio, the SC9, and SE6 soundbar also support HDMI video pass-through (up to 4K/120Hz) as well as VRR to reduce screen tearing, and ALLM to eliminate lag. This is great news for gamers that want to add a soundbar with video connectivity to their setup.
Exterior Design
In addition to an expanded feature set and greater ease of use, the new soundbars have an exterior design that complements the minimalist look of LG’s latest TVs and fits in with a wide variety of décors.
A new bracket enables users to place an LG Soundbar directly below LG TVs. The bracket which connects to the rear panel of a compatible LG TV, can be used to wall-mount or stand-mount the new soundbars at a height or location that ensures the best sound experience for TV viewing. The bracket helps to keep the viewing environment free from cable clutter and saves users the hassle of having to drill holes in the wall while still providing a wall-mounted look.
Tip: The new bracket along with the SC9 model is compatible with LG’s 2022 and 2023 C series OLED TVs.
Extra Features on the SE6
While the SC9 is a full-size soundbar, LG’s SE6 builds on the foundation of its Eclair compact sound bar.
SE6 has a compact form factor that is ideal for smaller spaces, and a sleek, modern design that works well with virtually any interior style. Despite being the most diminutive of LG’s soundbar lineup, the SE6 incorporates four passive radiators that help provide excellent sound with powerful bass. The SE6 also supports Dolby Atmos for cinematic audio that brings content to life.
Price & Availability
LG Sound Bar C SC9 3.1.3ch Perfect Matching for OLED evo C Series TV with IMAX® Enhanced and Dolby Atmos is available now for $999.99 at LG.com.
LG Eclair SE6 Smart Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos® and Apple Airplay 2 is available now for $450.00 at LG.com.
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