The post shared by user “ideal-clips” on a sound technology subreddit and titled ‘LG is horrible’ encapsulates the frustration felt by many audiophiles when pairing sound systems with new technology. Ideal-clips recently purchased an LG C4 Evo TV and paired it with an LG S70TR sound bar, only to experience a series of disappointing issues. From underwhelming performance of the subwoofer during Dolby content playback to an annoying green light indicator, this user articulates a broad dislike for LG’s soundbar performance, leading to a stark comparison with an older Vizio model that he feels outperforms the LG by a landslide.
Summary
- Users express significant dissatisfaction with LG soundbars, contrasting them unfavorably with Vizio alternatives.
- Complaints about poor audio performance, design flaws, and functionality issues are prevalent.
- Many users recommend alternative brands like Vizio, Sonos, and Samsung based on their superior sound quality.
- Some users, however, defend LG soundbars, suggesting that models vary in quality.
The Frustrating Sound Experience
One of the most pressing complaints from ideal-clips was the performance of the LG S70TR’s subwoofer. It seems counterintuitive for a sizable subwoofer to underperform so dramatically, especially when paired with high-quality content like Dolby audio. Ideal-clips explicitly states, ‘the subwoofer, while listening to Dolby content or any content is incredibly low for such decent size subwoofer.’ This sentiment resonated with several other users who echoed similar concerns. One commenter, StormTrpr66, bluntly stated, ‘LG soundbars suck. The Vizio M512a-h6 is the best soundbar in its class.’ The collective dissatisfaction seems to stem from expectations that modern devices like soundbars should perform exceptionally well, making this disjointed experience all the more frustrating.
Design: Form Meets Frustration
Another significant point raised in the post was a particular design flaw: the annoying green light on the left rear speaker. ‘I have to turn off the sound bar turn it back on just so the TV can recognize the signal,’ ideal-clips noted, highlighting a remarkable flaw in functionality that users found irritating. FrequentPoser made a light-hearted comment asking if the ‘green light behind the speaker that you don’t see’ is indeed the cause of frustration, hinting at the absurdity of letting such a minuscule detail affect the listening experience. This speaks to a broader issue—consumers expect intuitive design where functionality meets user-friendliness, and any offset creates considerable dissatisfaction. The sentiment from the user community suggests that improvements in these areas could resurrect the falling appeal of LG soundbars in comparison to stronger competitors like Vizio.
The Brand Wars: Vizio vs. LG
The rivalry between LG and Vizio is palpable in this discussion, with multiple users practically rallying behind the Vizio flag. Vizio’s M Series appears to have become the de facto benchmark for soundbars in this conversation. User comments reflect this sentiment, as many suggest that Vizio’s approach to sound quality is superior, underscoring the audience’s desire for products that deliver a seamless audio experience. Cultural_Doctor_8421 even remarked, “Personally would look into the Sonos arc or Samsung q900 series,” giving an example of other brands that have been positively received. There’s an underlying current of loyalty toward Vizio that highlights not just brand preference, but also a communal understanding among audiophiles regarding what truly makes a good soundbar. Comparisons like these help buyers gravitate toward more reliable brands and expand their knowledge of audiophile favorites, allowing them to make informed purchases.
Shopping for Sound: What’s Next?
Amidst the rising tides of frustration for LG products, recommendations for alternative soundbars abound. User pocahantaswarren shared about upgrading from an ancient Panasonic soundbar to a JBL 1300x, noting it was ‘like a deaf person hearing for the first time.’ This represents a common journey among audio consumers, revealing how moving away from underwhelming equipment to more pronounced technology can significantly enhance the listening experience. Aside from Vizio and JBL, there’s a hearty recommendation for Sonos and other premium brands. While budget considerations often come into play, the general mood appears to lean towards encouraging investment in quality over settling for underperforming items. Many commenters suggest that if ideal-clips enjoys their new LG Evo TV, they should eventually save up for a higher-end soundbar rather than suffering through this current frustrating setup.
What stands out from this discussion is the passionate connection audiophiles and casual listeners alike have with sound quality. Everyone’s looking for that sweet spot where technology meets seamless performance, and in the cacophony of product options, recommendations carry significant weight. Whether you’re considering an AT&T phone plan or that vague friend’s Netflix account sharing, at the end of the day, your audio experience defines your viewing culture. With fervent debates raging online and consumer technology evolving at breakneck speed, it seems crucial for both manufacturers and consumers alike to engage in honest conversations about sound quality. If you’re in the market for a new soundbar, the feedback from pleased users—and those who learned the hard way—could offer valuable insight as you embark on your next purchase journey.