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LG SP7R Soundbar Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Reviewed Dec 14, 2023 at 10:05 am
LG SP7R Picture
7.0
Mixed Usage
7.5
Dialogue/TV Shows
7.3
Music
6.5
Movies

The LG SP7R is a mid-range option from this manufacturer that includes rear speakers for improved surround sound. It's a Bluetooth-compatible soundbar with lots of different sound modes, like Clear Voice and Bass Blast. It also supports the manufacturer's TV Sound Mode Share feature, so you can pair it up to a compatible LG TV for a more immersive sound. However, it can't playback more advanced formats like Dolby Atmos.

Our Verdict

7.0 Mixed Usage

The LG SP7R 7.1 is decent for mixed usage. This 7.1 setup is an affordable alternative to other options on the market. The inclusion of rear speakers brings a more clear and real feel to 5.1 surround sound formats like Dolby Digital, which are commonly found on streaming platforms and Blu-rays. However, the bar doesn't implement these formats properly, which takes away from the overall immersive feel. It lacks more premium features like Atmos support, too.

Pros
  • Bass and treble adjustments.
  • Rear speakers included.
Cons
  • No room correction.
  • No Dolby Atmos support.
7.5 Dialogue/TV Shows

The LG SP7R is good for dialogue-centric TV shows and podcasts. This 7.1 setup has a discrete center channel to improve vocal clarity in the mix. With a fairly even sound, it reproduces voices with clarity and detail. You can even use its dialogue enhancement tool to make voices more accurate. Also, it's easy to stream podcasts to the bar via Bluetooth.

Pros
  • Dialogue enhancement tool.
  • Bluetooth compatible.
Cons
  • No room correction.
7.3 Music

The LG SP7R is decent for music. Out-of-the-box, this soundbar has a fairly even sound, resulting in a clear reproduction of voices and instruments in the mix. The sub also brings out some punch in the bass, though it doesn't have as impressive a low-frequency extension as other models. You can customize its sound a bit with bass and treble adjustments, though it lacks more premium features like room correction.

Pros
  • Bass and treble adjustments.
Cons
  • No room correction.
6.5 Movies

The LG SP7R is fair for movies. This setup comes with rear speakers to improve the listening experience with multi-channel content like Dolby Digital and DTS. However, it doesn't implement these formats properly, resulting in a slightly less life-like listening experience. It doesn't support height content like Dolby Atmos, which is more and more common on different streaming platforms.

Pros
  • Rear speakers included.
  • Dialogue enhancement tool.
Cons
  • No room correction.
  • No Dolby Atmos support.
  • 7.0 Mixed Usage
  • 7.5 Dialogue/TV Shows
  • 7.3 Music
  • 6.5 Movies
  1. Updated Dec 14, 2023: Review published.
  2. Updated Dec 11, 2023: Early access published.
  3. Updated Dec 04, 2023: Our testers have started testing this product.
  4. Updated Nov 14, 2023: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  5. Updated Oct 27, 2023: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The LG SP7R 7.1 is available in Black, and you can see the label for our tested model here.

If you come across another version of this soundbar, let us know in the forums.

Compared To Other Soundbars

The LG SP7R 7.1 offers similar performance to models like the LG SP7Y, but the added rear speakers improve its surround sound. However, it lacks up-firing speakers, so it can't playback Dolby Atmos content like more premium bars from the manufacturer, like the LG S75QR. It's a pretty simple bar overall, and you won't find more advanced sound customization tools like room correction, either.

See also our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best LG soundbars, and the best soundbars for music.

LG SP7Y

The LG SP7R is better than the LG SP7Y for most uses. The SP7R comes with rear speakers designed to bring a clearer and more life-like feel to multichannel content like Dolby Digital. As a result, it's better for surround sound. However, the bar can't implement these formats properly like the LG SP7Y, so effects meant for the right and left surrounds play on the rears instead.

LG SPD7Y

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the LG SPD7Y or the LG SP7R. The main difference between these two setups is that the SP7R has rear speakers, while the SPD7Y doesn't. This means that the SP7R has a better surround sound performance. However, it doesn't support Dolby Atmos content like the SPD7Y.

Vizio M Series M512a-H6

The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the LG SP7R. The Vizio supports Dolby Atmos content, unlike the LG. It gets louder, too, and reproduces a more extended low-bass. You don't have to wire its satellites to a receiver, which some users may prefer.

LG S75QR

The LG S75QR is better than the LG SP7R. The main difference between the two bars comes from Dolby Atmos support. While the SP7R doesn't support Atmos, the S75QR does. Additionally, the S75QR can correctly implement surround sound formats like Dolby Digital and DTS for a more immersive feel.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style - Bar

The bar has a simple look. It's mostly made of black plastic. The fabric covering is made from recycled plastic bottles, according to the manufacturer, and it's black with gray tones.

Design
Style - Subwoofer
Sub Wireless
Yes
Enclosure
Ported

The sub is simple, too. The fabric covering the front matches the fabric found on the bar. The port is in the back.

Design
Style - Satellites
Satellite Wireless
Partial, satellites wired together

The satellites are made of plastic with a grille on three sides. They're wired to a receiver, which then connects wirelessly to the bar.

Design
Dimensions - Bar
Width 39.4" (100.0 cm)
Height 2.5" (6.4 cm)
Depth 4.2" (10.6 cm)

The bar is fairly wide and doesn't fit between the legs of most 65" TV stands. Still, since it isn't that tall, it won't block your screen unless your TV sits flat on your table.

Design
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Width 7.1" (18.0 cm)
Height 15.4" (39.0 cm)
Depth 11.4" (29.0 cm)

It's roughly the same size as the sub that comes with the LG S75QR. It connects wirelessly to the bar.

Design
Dimensions - Satellites
Width 3.9" (10.0 cm)
Height 5.5" (13.9 cm)
Depth 3.9" (10.0 cm)

The satellites are the same size as those that come with the LG S75QR. You have to wire them to the receiver, which limits where you can put them in your space.

Design
Mounting
Mountable Bar
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
Yes
Mountable Satellites
Yes
Satellite Brackets Included
No

You can mount the bar and the satellites to the wall. The bar comes with mounting brackets for the bar.

7.5
Design
Build Quality

The LG SP7R has a good build quality. The bar itself is mostly made of plastic, and tight fabric covers the speakers. The manufacturer says the fabric is made of recycled plastic bottles; it feels well-knit and decent to touch. The same fabric covers the front of the sub. The rest of the sub and the satellites are made of plastic, which feels solid. However, the plastic for the receiver feels a little on the cheaper side.

Design
In The Box

  • Manual
  • Mounting cutout
  • Remote + AA batteries
  • Power adapter (4.9 ft / 1.5 m)
  • Power cable for bar (3.2 ft / 1m)
  • Power cable for sub (4.9 ft / 1.5 m)
  • Optical cable (4.9 ft / 1.5 m)
  • Rear speaker receiver cables (16.1 ft / 4.9 m)
  • Wire holder/fastener
  • Mounting brackets + screws

Sound
7.4
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
Tested Preset
Standard
Slope
-0.90
Std. Err.
3.29 dB
Channels
7.1
Low-Frequency Extension
46.9 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

The LG SP7R has a decent stereo frequency response. Vocals and lead instruments sound clear, although a dip in the treble veils their detail a bit. The bar doesn't bring as much rumble in the low-bass as more premium models, but you still get decent punch in the mix.

7.6
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
Suggested Preset
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
-4
Suggested Treble Setting
2
Slope
-0.07
Std. Err.
2.48 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
46.9 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

If you want a more neutral sound with stereo content, set the bass to -4 and the treble to 2. The resulting sound follows our target curve more closely, and vocals and instruments sound brighter with a little extra emphasis in the treble.

7.0
Sound
Stereo Soundstage
Crosstalk Error
2.72 dB

The LG SP7R has a decent stereo soundstage. The width of the soundstage seems to stretch a little past the edges of the bar itself, but it doesn't go much further than that. Focus is decent, but some effects aren't as accurately placed to a pinpoint location in the soundstage.

7.9
Sound
Stereo Dynamics
SPL @ Max Volume
89.7 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
0.46 dB

The bar gets loud enough to fill an average-sized living room with sound. That said, compared to other models like the LG S75QR, it isn't quite as suitable for larger and more open rooms. Still, compression is minimal as you push it to max volume.

7.5
Sound
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.49
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
2.30

Distortion falls within good limits when you listen at an average volume. Cranking the bar to max volume causes a jump in distortion, especially in the bass range, though this is hard to hear with real-life content.

7.5
Sound
Center
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-0.36
Std. Err.
4.41 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
85.1 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.08
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
5.05

This 7.1 setup has a discrete center channel to improve vocal clarity in the mix. However, its frequency response is a little uneven, especially in the high-bass to low-mids. This dip thins out voices and makes them lack depth and body, so they sound a little flat but also bright due to the peak in the treble. Still, voices are clear and detailed, so they're easy to follow.

7.6
Sound
Surround 5.1
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-1.53
Std. Err.
5.49 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
96.6 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.29
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.61
7.1 Rears
Yes

Thanks to its rear speakers, this soundbar offers a good surround performance. You get a more clear and real feel with your audio, as sound effects stretch into the space around your living room. That said, the frequency response on these channels is a bit uneven, resulting in a dark sound that makes some effects, like the coins in the Ready Player One (2018) race scene, less than clear. The lack of low-bass is evident in action-packed scenes, too, as you don't get a deep rumble in the bass.

0
Sound
Height (Atmos)
Localization
Not Supported
Slope
N/A
Std. Err.
N/A
SPL @ Max Volume
N/A
Weighted THD @ 80dB
N/A
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
N/A
7.4
Sound
Sound Enhancement Features
Room Correction
No
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Yes
Bass Adjustment
Yes
Treble Adjustment
Yes
EQ
Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
Yes
Rear Level Adjustment
Yes
Height Level Adjustment
No
Virtual Surround
Yes

The LG SP7R 7.1 has a pretty standard selection of sound enhancement features. You won't find a room correction tool like with more premium bars, but you can make up for differences in the sound a bit with its bass and treble adjustments. There are lots of EQ presets on hand, too, including 'AI Sound Pro', 'Standard', 'Bass Blast', 'Music', 'Clear Voice', 'Game', 'Cinema', 'DTS Virtual:X', and 'Sports'. 'Clear Voice' enhances dialogue in movies and TV shows.

Connectivity
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Optical Audio In
1
HDMI Out
ARC
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
1
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
No
RCA In
No
USB for Files
1
Ethernet
No
Subwoofer Output
No

You can connect the bar to your TV over Optical or HDMI. Since it has a Full HDMI In port, you can use the bar as a hub between devices like a TV and a PC. There's also a USB port for audio playback.

3.3
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
Dolby Atmos
Not Supported
Dolby Digital
Incorrect Implementation
Dolby Digital Plus
Not Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Not Supported
DTS
Incorrect Implementation
DTS:X
Not Supported
DTS-HD MA
Not Supported
PCM Channels
2.0

The LG SP7R 7.1 supports some common surround sound formats like Dolby Digital and DTS. However, it plays sound meant for the left and right surround channels through the rear speakers instead. As a result, sound effects aren't quite as accurately localized in the space around you, so you don't get as life-like of a listening experience. Unfortunately, the bar doesn't support lossless and object-based formats like Dolby Atmos.

3.0
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
Dolby Atmos
Not Supported
Dolby Digital
Incorrect Implementation
Dolby Digital Plus
Not Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Not Supported
DTS
Incorrect Implementation
DTS:X
Not Supported
DTS-HD MA
Not Supported
PCM Channels
Not Supported

The bar performs similarly over HDMI In. It can playback Dolby Digital and DTS content, but audio intended for the right and left surrounds plays from the right and left rear speakers instead. It can't playback PCM content clearly, either. In our tests, we found that some channels played static noise while others were muffled.

6.0
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: Optical
Dolby Digital
Incorrect Implementation
DTS
Incorrect Implementation
PCM Channels
2.0

The same implementation issue is present over Optical. The bar can playback Dolby Digital and DTS content, though audio meant for the left and right surround channels plays from the rear speakers instead. As a result, sound effects aren't as accurately localized in the room around you, so you don't get as life-like of a feel.

5.9
Connectivity
Latency
ARC
172 ms
Optical
116 ms
Full HDMI In
64 ms

The LG SP7R 7.1 has middling latency. While it falls within good limits over Full HDMI In, latency is on the higher end over ARC and Optical connections. As a result, you notice some delay between the audio you hear and the visuals on your screen. Fortunately, the AV Sync feature in the LG Sound Bar app lets you adjust for any delay manually. Some apps and TVs compensate for latency differently, too.

3.4
Connectivity
Video Passthrough To TV
1080p Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
4k Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
8k Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
HDR10 Passthrough
No
HDR10+ Passthrough
No
Dolby Vision Passthrough
No
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
No
FreeSync Passthrough
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
No

This soundbar can only passthrough some common resolutions and refresh rates. According to the Murideo device, the bar is capable of 1080p passthrough at 60Hz. However, when we connected the bar to a PC and a Blu-ray player, it could only passthrough 480p at 60Hz, so your real-world experience may be a little worse than what our results show if you can't enjoy the clearer 1080p resolution. Let us know in the forums if you experience similar issues with this bar.

6.0
Connectivity
Wireless Playback
Bluetooth
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
No
Chromecast built-in
No
Apple AirPlay
No
Spotify Connect
No

You can wirelessly stream audio to the bar via Bluetooth.

Additional Features
Additional Features
Interface
Display
Yes

A simple display in the front of the bar shows the input you're on. Also, it lets you keep track of the volume and the EQ settings as you adjust them.

Additional Features
Bar Controls

Buttons on top of the bar let you power on/off, change the input, adjust the volume, and connect to Bluetooth.

Additional Features
Remote

The bar comes with a remote, or you can download the LG Sound Bar app to control its features from your smartphone.

Additional Features
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
Google Assistant
No
Apple Siri
No
Microphone Mute
No