Hi-Res Audio, Meridian Sound Stand Out in LG Sound Bar Lineup

High-end audio features highlight LG’s 2021 sound bar lineup, led by the 520-watt 5.1.2-channel $999 SP9YA, which supports 24-bit/192 kHz playback. The SP8YA ($799), SP7Y ($499), and SPD7Y ($399) support 24-bit/96-kHz playback, said LG Friday. A new Meridian Horizon feature on the SP9YA and SP8YA mixes two-channel stereo content into multichannel audio when the sound bar is in music mode, said the company. The top two are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri and Google Assistant voice engines and have Apple AirPlay. The top three have upfiring speakers to support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound. HDMI enhanced audio return channel supports higher bitrate content and uncompressed Dolby Atmos audio via a single cable, and they offer USB playback and Bluetooth streaming. The top three have 4K pass-through with Dolby Vision support. The leader 100-watt 2.1-channel SP2 is $179. All bars are available now except for the SP7Y, due next month.