LG DS95TR Review
For some time now, LG’s soundbar and TV have been working together as a team. This year’s top model, the LG DS95TR, can also convince on its own, as demonstrated by an elaborate lab analysis test.
If you have high standards and want to enjoy movies and series at home in the living room with an impressive soundscape and gripping 3D effects, you can’t get around a top-tier soundbar system. The LG DS95TR, LG’s flagship model from 2024, is one such system. It consists of the main unit, which is 1.25 meters wide and in the typical soundbar format, with an additional center speaker placed in the middle on the top and pointing upwards. Two wireless satellite speakers, each with two side-facing drivers and one upward-facing driver for rear effects, join in, along with a relatively unadorned but powerful wireless subwoofer that handles the bass.
Overall, the system follows a 9.1.5 configuration with 14 directional channels plus a subwoofer. The center height channel is a special feature; other 3D soundbar systems typically work with four, or sometimes only two, height channels instead of five. LG lists the DS95TR with a non-binding recommended price of $1800. That is within the usual range for such multi-part 3D soundbar systems.
THE APP CHECK
The app for controlling the soundbar impresses in the test with intuitive operation and versatile functions, including automatic room calibration. It helps with Wi-Fi integration and Alexa setup, while music can be played via Bluetooth, Chromecast, AirPlay, or USB. Simple control and clear feedback round off the ease of use.
Together We Are Strong
Technically, the LG DS95TR offers everything you would expect from a current top model. The soundbar can be connected to the TV via HDMI eARC or, if necessary, via Toslink, and it processes the two most important 3D audio formats: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. In addition, it provides a separate HDMI input for external sources such as game consoles or Blu-ray players, whose image data can be passed through at up to 4K resolution and 120 Hz. Thanks to broadband wireless transmission, the DS95TR can also be connected wirelessly to the TV via Wi-Fi.
This does not only work with compatible LG TVs that already have the appropriate transmitter built in. With a separately available dongle (LG WOW-CAST WTP3), you can also connect the LG DS95TR wirelessly to TVs from other manufacturers.
With current LG TVs, however, the DS95TR merges into one unit technically. The soundbar system and the TV’s speakers automatically coordinate with each other and play in parallel, giving the soundscape more stability and substance. In addition, all settings for the soundbar can be conveniently made in the TV’s on-screen menu.
LG’s top model is a three-part 3D soundbar system with a 9.1.5-channel configuration.
Full Control via App
The soundbar is best configured and controlled via the app, where you also perform automatic room calibration. This feature uses, among other things, the smartphone’s microphone to adjust playback to the room’s acoustic conditions.
The practical test in the in-house cinema was accordingly impressive. The initial setup via the app, including calibration, was quickly completed.
With blockbusters like “Top Gun: Maverick,” the LG DS95TR demonstrated that it can create a masterful home cinema atmosphere with well-placed 3D effects. It not only gave the breathtaking flight scenes the necessary punch but also added a particularly gripping dramatic effect.
The numerous sound programs offer many possibilities to experiment.
In our test, however, we repeatedly came back to the well-tuned standard programs, which can be fine-tuned if necessary. “Cinema” lends the sound an impressive spaciousness, while “Standard” and “Music” are more tonally balanced and are better suited for stereo soundtracks or music. “AI Sound Pro,” the automatic, supposedly “artificially intelligent” sound optimization that LG praises, did not convince us.
Measured Performance
The frequency response in Standard mode is tonally balanced, though somewhat uneven. Even listeners seated to the side get a decent sound, as shown by the 30° curve (blue). The 10° vertically elevated measurement (green) shows an interference-related attenuation of the highs. Frequency response and distortion in the room with subwoofer: Bar and sub complement each other seamlessly, distortion is unobtrusive up to the acceptable maximum level of 90 dBSPL for this device class. The subwoofer plays decently deep with a lower cutoff frequency of 38/35 Hz (–3/–6 dB). Power consumption for the complete system (standby/operation): 2.4 W/22 W. Fairly high signal delay of 53 ms (measured at the HDMI input).
LG DS95TR Tech Specs
Model: LG DS95TR
Website: www.lg.com
Warranty Period: 2 years
Dimensions/Weight Soundbar: 125 × 63.3 × 13.5 cm / 5.65 kg
Dimensions/Weight Subwoofer: 20 × 40.7 × 40.3 cm / 10.0 kg
Dimensions/Weight Satellites: 15.9 × 22.3 × 14.2 cm / 4.1 kg
Connections
HDMI Inputs/Outputs: 1 / 1 (eARC)
Digital Inputs (opt./coax): 1 / 0
Analog Inputs (2.0/5.1): – / –
LAN/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: – / • / •
Other: USB
Features
Soundbar Design: 9.1.5
Subwoofer Design: Bass reflex, wireless
Sound Modes: AI Sound Pro, Standard, Music, Cinema, Clear Voice Pro, Sports, Game, Bass Blast
Sound Adjustment: 3-band EQ, channel levels
Dolby Atmos/Pro Logic IIz: • / –
DTS:X/Neural:X: • / –
Remote Control/App: • / •
On-Screen Display/Setup Wizard: – / •
Included Accessories: Wall mounts, various cables
Special Features: Room calibration (AI Room Calibration), Wow Orchestra, Amazon (Alexa) compatible
CONCLUSION:
With the DS95TR, LG takes a big step forward. This 3D soundbar system is very well balanced sonically and clearly better than some predecessors. The combination with LG’s own TV models is particularly attractive, as it offers extended interaction. Especially for LG fans, the soundbar is therefore a real recommendation. The wireless broadband transmission of audio data via a dongle also makes it interesting for combination with TVs from other manufacturers.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent 3D reproduction (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X)
- Powerful subwoofer
- Room calibration
- WOW Orchestra
Cons:
– Relatively high list price
Test Results
Sound: 9.6/10
Features: Outstanding
Operation: Very good
Build Quality: Very good
Overall Rating: 9.6/10
Value for Money: Very good
