LG SK10Y Dolby Atmos Sound Bar - How Does it Compare to my 5.1.2 Speaker Setup?

A review of the LG SK10Y Dolby Atmos Sound Bar - How Does it Compare to my 5.1.2 Speaker Setup?
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[@sirjonsmithiii992]

I have the SK9y. It is ok. I got it on sale for under $300 last black friday. I use it for a tv that is near me in my computer room. For that purpose, it works well (and for that price). I also got the surround sound add-ons, which make a big difference. Sound is average and connections/issues is also average (had a few problems hooking it up to my 55 inch c8). In the future, I will stick with dedicated speakers (I have Klipsch Reference Premiere in my living room). Even Klispch basic speakers would be an upgrade and not that much of a price difference (which I have in my bedroom).

[@therealshanelee]

I think you may have liked it more than me. Surprised they sent you the older one though.

[@joentell]

I think it's super location dependant and it really makes use of the rear speakers.

[@rafitorres15]

Is there a way you could test the frequency for the sound bar, subwoofer, and rears?

[@zihotki]

A review of sound system without frequency test is useless indeed

[@joentell]

I love to do measurements as you know. I'm looking for a new studio space so I can get reliable and consistent measurements. Feel free to help support on my Patreon. Http://www.patreon.com/joentell

[@daninetbilbao1774]

Sin duda uno de los mejores review videos que he visto en mi vida. Congratulations. Muy muy muy profesional. Muy agradecido!

[@kerkiraz]

Nice easy video Buddy. After about a month or so I thought I had finally decided to pull the trigger on the Samsung atmos sound-bar however with your review I’m not so sure now. Cheers for confusing me 👍👍👍👍👍 Have you any experience with the Samsung please pal?

[@joentell]

I haven't tested the Samsung one.

[@brandonblack344]

Great vid!! I listen to these things every day at work and can’t help but wonder what they sound like in an enclosed “home” space. It’s impossible to get the effect of the atmos in a massive room. Still not a fan of sound bars but hey, component isn’t for everyone haha.

[@brandonblack344]

Also I wonder why they opted to let you text the SK10 vs either the SL9 or SL10 they seem to be pretty proud of their “hifi” capability in their new bars (2019).

[@Oldheman-22]

Liked your review. You are right that this is a soundbar and not a hifi-system. Just bought the LG C8 65inch and now looking to buy a LG soundbar. The LG SK10Y can be bought for around usd 450,-. Do you think that the system is still a good choise in 2019 for that price, or schould I go for the LG SJ9 for a bit more at usd 600,-? Thank you for your response and keep up the good work.

[@joentell]

I wish I could tell you for sure, but I have not reviewed the other soundbars. That sounds like a very good price though.

[@matthewgaines10]

For the retail price, you can piece together a better, 5.1.2 system with ATMOS and DTS-X. If you can't accommodate an AVR set up, you may actually pay more for the 'convenience'. Otherwise, I heard decent things about this soundbar. The previous model lacked DTS-X support. At least they fixed that issue. Good review.

[@jamiemui5186]

You might get some thumb down for saying it is a bar that is worth recommending. But it is a pretty spot on review of its capability.

[@joentell]

I understand that. I think people just need to be realistic about what they're sacrificing when they're going with their form factor. If they understand and still prefer it, that's their choice.

[@hustledad5394]

Your reviews are precisely descriptive!

[@joentell]

Yee! I have fun with it. I like your videos by the way. We'll collab soon.

[@Sai-rl8re]

nice review bro i have one doubt if i want to expect sound quality like in a movie theatre which one would you suggest, this sound bar or an 5.2 av receiver

[@callmevil]

Thank u for the useful info and comparisons

[@jayjay378378]

What centre speaker did you have in this video for your set up

[@symbian1530]

Hello Joe I just discovered your channel and I loved your review of the LG SK10Y. I bought this soundbar a week ago at a very good price and I have a bittersweet taste, it does not quite convince me at all. I'm thinking of returning it and maybe buying a Denon AVR X3500H or Marantz SR5013 with a set of Jamo S 807 HCS speakers that I've seen at a great price. Would I notice the change considerably? Is it worth it? I have to say that at home I have no space problems and I can perfectly hide the cables so this change would not be a problem although I obviously like the simplicity of the sound bar in this aspect. I have to say that I own a HI Fi Marantz system with Q Acoustics Concept 20 speakers that I like a lot. I would like my future home theater equipment to have good sound quality also to listen to music (classical and jazz). Thank you very much for your reviews

[@joentell]

You already know what 2 channel audio can sound like. I think you'll appreciate the component system.

[@tannermeyers]

Thumbs up 👍 before even watching!! I know this review will be dope!!

[@joentell]

Thanks!🙏

[@Ballagun]

Very good review answers all my questions 👍

[@lumntoob999]

It's nice to see a company putting effort into a soundbar. People who can't spare the space for a full system still deserve to have good sound. Although I have a full surround system, if I wasn't able to I would be happy to put another LG product in my home, I won't buy any other brands when it comes to TVs, there quantom dot and oled TVs are the best!

[@quairol]

own an LG SP8YA sound bar. is there a rear surround speakers that i can buy to connect with this sound bar. Can the SPK8 rear speakers connect to this model

[@DrLoomis666]

would a dolby atmos soundbar be better than 2 good bookshelf speakers or is the sound from the bookshelf speakers heavier and better

[@hatje1]

So, the "wireless" background speakers come with cables??? Is that the reason why there is this mysterious extra box coming with the background speakers, cause they are actually just ordinary speakers connected with a chunky wifi receiver box? :-(

[@joentell]

Yes, they are not truly wireless. They just wirelessly connected to the sound bar. Handy if you don't want to run wiring up through the ceiling.

[@leatijoseph828]

Would you advise that it is said to be the best soundbar I currently want to buy senheiser ambeo?

[@joentell]

I haven't heard it, but I've heard good things. The Sonos Beam I reviewed was tonally correct which I was surprised by. I would assume the Sonos Arc would be also.

[@asiong10211986]

Is the Meridian audio only applies to standard mode? I have the sk9y and planning on buying this cause the price right now for a like new condition is $440. Very informative review 👍

[@joentell]

I'm not sure what mode it applies to, but it comes default as bass blast so I would assume it definitely is applied then. It's a really good deal right now right!?

[@reufie3591]

Hi Joe, I just bought the sk10y. The sound is pretty good but i heard that there is a update out and that this will benefit the sound. Do you know more about this? And if so, what should i do to get the update Thanks!

[@joentell]

Download the app on your phone for it. It will offer the update there. It enhances the dialogue from the center channel

[@reufie3591]

Thanks for the respons, I did this but the app is telling that the latest firmware is already installed. Im not sure now if its the latest or it is just not finding the update. Do you know what the latest update is or what the different is between the stock and the update?

[@joentell]

@@reufie3591 I'm not sure. I'm sure it will say on the LG website what the latest update is

[@MrWwwshubham]

Thanks Joe for the great reviews as always , kindly suggest me I have bought Elac cinema 5.1 sound systems and planning to buy sony avr but I am also getting this lg sl10yg in offer price of 650$ . So please help me now I'm so confuse

[@G17-911]

This is a much better option for me , I do not want a room full of equipment and speakers . Sometimes, it’s just an eyesore.

[@joentell]

I can understand that.

[@Zoranurai13]

This is not a good soundbar at its full retail price. However it suddenly dropped in price here from 949 to 499. And at that price its terrific

[@joentell]

Yes agree. Pricing definitely matters!

[@Tyboii1999]

Can you make a comparison video between the SK10Y and the newer SL10YG ? I have the SK10Y and I really like it but I was just wondering if I could see a in-depth comparison

[@pradeepkumarprabhu461]

G series add dts:x i think so

[@linuxvce5845]

hi did lg added the eARC support ?

[@iam_nick]

hey, does this the led always on? is there a way to turn of it while watching shows? hate that seeing it in a dark room

[@pradeepkumarprabhu461]

It does go dim while watching

[@arturgarncarz3631]

Good review. How is music from it? I've heard that many soundbars even though play good movie sound suck when it comes to music I usually play Spotify on my audio. How about that?

[@joentell]

I prefer music through two decent bookshelf or floorstanding speakers to any soundbar I've ever heard. For TV and movies, a soundbar is ok

[@StabbyMcBlade]

Did you even watch this review?? He mentioned this 3 times...

[@thebrightsideofthemoon5829]

@@StabbyMcBlade and the bold Stabby strikes again, tell yer maw to stitch that 🔪

[@StabbyMcBlade]

@@thebrightsideofthemoon5829 ok boomer 👍

[@thebrightsideofthemoon5829]

@@StabbyMcBlade , have u got this Soundbar ? I’m trying everything to get Atmos but no joy , linked up to my LG Oled tv via HDMI arc and watching Netflix Atmos programmes but not getting the Atmos display on the bar , any tips 🙏

[@jayakumars2100]

Hey Joe, you have a great channel, I have subscribed now so I don't miss your future videos. I am not sure if I will be able to audition this so may be if you or anyone reading this please advise me , I live in a small apartment, and my current setup is JBL Northridge E80 5.1 speakers and Denon AVR X2000. I was planning to upgrade to a 7.1 Atmos setup without breaking the bank, I was thinking upgrading only the AVR to a 7.1 and get additional 2 atmos speakers. Do you think this LG soundbar will give me a better Atmos home theater experience ? I am sorry I have not listened to any soundbars and I really don't know what to expect.

[@joentell]

A true surround sound system will be significantly better

[@jayakumars2100]

@@joentell Thank you very much for you advise, I shall stick to my traditional setup than the sound bar, Thanks

[@eaglesphiladelphia1933]

This coming from me who did not learn a thing or two about soundbars. I bought a panasonic soundbar with wireless sub about 5 years ago and got decent sound from my tv and last year bought a bose solo 5 for my desktop (really?!) and a sony ht300 soundbar w/ sub for bedroom. What a big mistake that was. I don’t know what I’m thinking but I hope you guys who is planning to buy a soundbar please don’t just buy 2 bookshelf speakers and a mini speaker amp and it sounds way better because I bought something like that (micca rb42 and topping mx3) to test it out and it sounds like night and day if there is a phrase for that.

[@nagarajsivakumarremadevi9255]

Hey thanks for the review, I'm looking at this LG system vs Bose 500 with 500 Sub. which one is good for an apartment living room. Movie Series and Music are these speakers using for..help me out.

[@rohan123Utube]

@nagaraj did you finalize ?

[@uptownsfinest1598]

Whats the best settings for it i have the bass all the way down the sub all the way down and still cant hear what they say in most shows or movies

[@joentell]

It's tough to say because it's room dependent. Try changing sound modes. What works in my room might not work in yours.

[@uptownsfinest1598]

@@joentell movie setting sounds good with the rear speakers but but it like drowns out the voice , but i appreciate you boss thank you

[@joentell]

@@uptownsfinest1598 Have you also done the firmware update using the app? It's supposed to help increase the volume on the center channel which helps with vocal intelligibility.

[@uptownsfinest1598]

@@joentell yes when i 1st bought it has there been new updates since ?

[@mitchellsx]

Hey do you still have this same issue, been thinking about getting one of these

[@khourshedtewfik6286]

Thanks for the review my current sound bar from Sony HT-RT5 sound bar with 5.1 ch, is it worth to move to LG SK10Y currently i am not happy with my setup very wimpy sound

[@joentell]

I don't have any experience with the Sony

[@khourshedtewfik6286]

Joe N Tell any recommendation for 5.1 ch with wireless system, budget is not any issue .

[@itsmekenlai]

It’s a good option for folks who can’t or won’t pull speaker cables to the back of the room.

[@venturarodriguezvallejo1567]

Nice and informative video, Joe. You know? Even being a traditional "two sides stereo guy", somehow I think the future for TV immersive sound is hidden in soundbars and smart DSP designing.

[@joentell]

Yes. Innovative design for a sound bar can lead to better two channel audio as well.

[@leatijoseph828]

How were the basses in the movies?

[@joentell]

At this price point, see my review of the Klipsch The Fives. I think the bass is better on those.

[@tarains]

Would you be able to send me a picture of the back of the subwoofer? I need to replace the one I have and the sticker was removed. Looking for the model number on the back of it. LG is no help and to order a new sub only is on backorder for months now. Trying to find one on eBay or something. Thanks in advance!

[@joentell]

It's in storage right now. I have a video clip of the back. I don't know if you can see it there.

[@tarains]

Unfortunately the label does not appear in the video. And others I’ve looked for either show it and it’s not readable or don’t show it at all. This just doesn’t even come close to sounding the way it did with the sub and LG makes it so no other sub will work. Sucks I can not find a replacement. Thanks for responding anyway.

[@thebrightsideofthemoon5829]

@@tarains are you still needing the no. ?

[@tarains]

@@thebrightsideofthemoon5829 No, I was able to find one. Thanks!

[@mikahl757]

Thx for the review the atmos/dtsx soundbar experience sounds good for casuals just at a premium price still Awesome including Lolo/Tatay's impression reminded me of my Dad :)

[@Halbmond]

Thanks, great review as always! I love soundbars and this is really interesting. Love the ability to extend a soundbar with rear speakers, unfortunately my B&W soundbar doesn’t offer that.

[@abdulrazakbinmamat4459]

Hi there.. thanks for review. May i know - HOW to get Dolby Atmos display LED on that soundbar? Mine only display HDMI IN when i play movie with Atmos audio. Any idea? Thanks ❤️

[@joentell]

Make sure your devices are capable of playing and decoding Atmos

[@abdulrazakbinmamat4459]

I use Samsung 4k player, K8500 model

[@joentell]

@@abdulrazakbinmamat4459 make sure the Samsung player is set correctly. See if there's an output decoding option. Try messing around till you find the one that enables Atmos

[@abdulrazakbinmamat4459]

@@joentell thanks. One more question - decible (dB) What decible you used for each speakers? Front, rears, subs..

[@joentell]

That depends on your room and how far you are from the speakers. As long as it sounds good to you.

[@yashwantpuli2453]

why not you show your dolby atmos setup room

[@joentell]

I showed it a few times in this video

[@reviewforthetube6485]

Man I know you have a projector but my dude get you the 77 inch c9 you will absolutely love it yes even more then your projector lol at least in my opinion I would lol but for my room I only needed the 55 inch good thing is you dont need an e9 even tho the e9 doesnt come in 77 inch only the c9 does but again you dont need the sound from the e9 you already have amazing sound add that 77 inch c9 yeah perfection buddy

[@joentell]

I love my projector. You'd be surprised how much bigger a 106" screen is compared to a 77". It has an 89% larger area! www.displaywars.com/77-inch-16x9-vs-106-inch-16x9 I am only constrained by the size of my wall. I could go to 120" or 150" no problem. It says even up to 300" on BenQ's website. That's crazy! Here's how 77" looks compared to 150": www.displaywars.com/77-inch-16x9-vs-150-inch-16x9 And compared to 300" www.displaywars.com/77-inch-16x9-vs-300-inch-16x9 Don't get me wrong, I would take a nice TV for certain rooms, but not for my main room.

[@dantemikey]

Awesome review!!New Sub here

[@denniskubiak3465]

Had this for about a year, and it's been a big disappointment. Mine had a problem handling transitions to non-surround audio, the rear speaker volume spikes to a ridiculous level, could wake the dead. Been going in circles with LG, they were blaming my cable box, my settings, etc., all of which were correct. The only real solution is to turn off the surround feature, which is ridiculous. They finally authorized a warranty return for the soundbar, and replaced the main board, but the problem persists. Just returned the rear speakers, but I'm not optimistic. LG has been fighting me the entire time, I get the impression they just want me to go away. As another check, I swapped to a new cable box, still a problem. My final check was ridiculous one, but informative. I purchased an inexpensive ($199) Vizio 5.1 system at Walmart. Guess what? It works perfectly... I have almost a grand in this system, and I was not impressed to begin with, and the experience has left me cold. I'd trash it if I didn't have so much invested in it. But the cheap Vizio system sounds great and works flawlessly..

[@darrellmason8791]

You right

[@SavonChristian]

Try the Vizio 5.1.4 then you will hear immerse atmos sound.

[@mikehanks1399]

Me and the other two old white dudes are still watching CRT televisions so I can't really speak to this review. Except...that sucker is over 4 1/2 feet long! There is no place in my house where I could fit it. I suspect this might be a deal breaker for a lot of people. Speaking of LG, they have come a very long way. At one time their consumer electronics division was called Goldstar and I seem to remember that stuff being a bit cheap. But they soldiered on and eventually bought out Zenith which was no small electronics company. They started out as part of a South Korean conglomerate that included Lak-Hui Chemicals (pronounced Lucky) which is where the L in LG comes from. Sorry, I'm a history guy and I couldn't resist. Getting back to your review, you stated an absolute truth. There is NO replacement for displacement.

[@joentell]

That's awesome info! 🙏

[@mikehanks1399]

LG's rise is a modern day miracle just like Hyundai. When I was your age Hyundai cars were a joke. While they're still a little behind when it comes to chassis dynamics, they have nailed everything else. But from what I hear, the new Kia Stinger handles pretty good. Sorry to get off the audio track.

[@joentell]

I'm a car guy too! 😉

[@mikehanks1399]

Interesting. I have this little old Mustang that might ring your bell. It's a 91 Fox body that I converted to 95 Cobra R specs and then some. Mine has a blower and a tubular K member. Actually, everything in the drivetrain has been changed. It was featured in a national magazine and at the 35th Mustang Anniversary Celebration of the Mustang held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway (now Lowes) nothing could touch it. A bunch of us went out on the track and even the semi-pro drivers couldn't keep up. I have it geared for top end, not quarter mile, and that helped. With the 351 and the supercharger, it pulls the taller gears with no problem. I've kept the weight down (3200 lbs.) so it handles like it's on rails. Watch out for old white dudes. ya never know what's under their hood.

[@joentell]

Wow!

[@gondokist]

what if you ultra rich and buy FOUR of those suckers and stick it to every side of your wall (including those FOUR woofer) aint em will sound heavenly then?? 😁

[@joentell]

LOL. Awesome! I hope someone tries it. 🤣

[@MarceloTezza]

Mate the video is very dark. Interesting review.

[@joentell]

Yes, you're right. I wasn't where I normally do my reviews in my shop. Sorry about that

[@MarceloTezza]

@@joentell No prob, i was just pointing out, exactly because your videos are normaly well exposed.

[@victor2410]

@@joentell how is the studio shopping coming along?

[@joentell]

It's coming along. I have to stack up my chips too if you know what I mean.

[@sudd3660]

first i have to say that your amazon link don't provide price, probably not your fault but amazon. but it is the price that really makes this awful value, its actually easier to place small bookshelf speakers than a wide soundbar, wall mountable and all that. an amp is not difficult to place either, especially since 2 channel amps are better than this. add a 200 dollar subwoofer and you can have twice the sound for half the price. conclusion, this is a ripoff, shame on LG

[@russelllow4073]

sudd I get what you are coming from but some don’t have the space for speakers all over the place.

[@sudd3660]

that's why i said 2 channel are good enough for people looking at a soundbar. and the soundbar still is a quite wide and deep bar plus the rear speakers. its not a space saving system at all when you think about it.

[@nrc9275]

Please review Bose Soundbar 700+Bass Module+Surround speakers

[@joentell]

Yes, perhaps one day

[@relax_habibi]

much like comparing a laptop with a fully powered gaming PC. Laptop has its own uses and gaming PC has its own uses

[@AexoeroV]

Wired wireless rear speakers!

[@awwbollocksthen1359]

Dolby Atmos this Dolby Atmos that, I think people should be made aware if you buy any kind of Dolby Atmos soundbar or AV/receiver to use through streaming you need to get yourself at least £1,000 TV (lg OLED 2017+ or other brand oled makers 2018 or newer) the only other option to receive Dolby Atmos would be through a Blu-ray player! and I don't think most people want to start buying discs! The industry should be better regulated so people are not miss-informed or missguided, Anyway by far the most crucial aspect in a audio soundtrack no matter what movie you are watching is the Way It Is 'mastered', regardless what decoding you're using PCM, Dolby d, Dolby d + or even Dolby Atmos!!! Click on the red dragon twice to hear/see what my audio sounds like.!!!

[@epicmoments2190]

We would love for you to review our product. Please contact us and we will send it out for you to keep. Thanks!

[@UpgradingAsUsual]

No Friday intro anymore?

[@joentell]

I gotta mix it up once in a while. Next time!

[@UpgradingAsUsual]

@@joentell Ok, cool. Lots of people love the introduction with the music. People just know it's Joe N Tell!

[@joentell]

Thanks for that! I didn't know that. 🙏 I appreciate the feedback.

[@opendebate]

You know the sound is going to be bad if it is tuned by Meridian.

[@xedasxedas]

Plastic speaker manufacturer giant LG partners with old respected hi fi brand: i can see the advantages from both of them....but its Hard to see advantages for the average consumer. Think sony and why they gave up the quality hi fi home cinema separate products

[@joentell]

I get what you're saying. I guess it's because Meridian has always been a pioneer in the DSP space.

[@hutopdehei]

BEWARE!!! Do not buy this crap, you can not here the voices. The centre speaker is not loud enough at +6 !! Search on google lgsk10y voice problem or vocal problem. I returned mine.

[@tcpomeroy]

Are the separate rear speakers controlled by the main remote for sound?

[@joentell]

Yes they are sync'ed.