What is LG SL8YG?
The SL8YG is the entry-level Dolby Atmos soundbar in LG’s 2019 variety. Designed in partnership with Meridian, the LG SL8YG includes support for Atmos and also DTS: X sound formats, in addition to Google Aide voice control.
If you’re wanting to obtain Dolby Atmos into your residence, a soundbar is coming to be the most space-saving as well as the budget-friendly method of doing so, with a number of AV brand names embracing the modern technology in their house movie theater products.
The top-three soundbars in LG’s 2019 soundbar range are all Dolby Atmos compatible, with the SL8YG slotting beneath the SL9YG as well as SL10YG. Atmos isn’t the only feather in its cap, though, with DTS: X, Hi-Res Audio and Google Assistant including too.
LG SL8YG layout– A beautiful soundbar, however, the remote is fiddly
Taking the LG SL8YG out of its packaging as well as you’re greeted by a streamlined, modern-looking as well as unique device that prevents the beefy nature of some soundbars.
The anodized steel surface provides the soundbar a beautifully easy but exceptional look, with the audio speaker grille mesh wrapping and including the front around the chamfered sides.
On the top are 2 additional audio speaker grilles, under which sit the up-firing Atmos audio speakers that make the “.2” in the soundbar’s 3.1.2 audio speaker configuration. In the middle are touch-input controls for quantity, playback, power, feature (Input) and microphone on/off.
The “G” in the design number, alongside the Google Aide logo design show voice aide compatibility, with the little openings keying you to the location of the soundbar’s far-field microphones.
Initially undetected, however right in the middle of the front panel, is a LED display screen that gives scrolling updates to seem modes as well as audio layouts. Simply beneath it are four LED lights for Google Aide, which shows whether it’s on (blinking white or solid lights) or in standby (brownish-yellow). The display is tiny, but readable from a fair distance; it dims after 15 secs.
The SL8YG is accompanied by a 220W wireless soundbar, which should be placed far from walls to decrease representations. At 4.4 kg for bench (7.8 kg for the sub) it’s substantial, yet won’t confirm an issue if you’re aiming to wall-mount; wall surface corrections are consisted of in package. This soundbar is suitable for partnering with TVs of 49in as well as bigger.
The included remote is small as well as rather fiddly. Some switches are self-explanatory; others less so. You’re not likely to make use of some of these switches if you’re a laid-back user, however, the F switch (Function) would certainly be a lot more appropriately named “Inputs”. Often, simpleness is the best refinement.
There’s a GA switch stuck dead-center on the remote to involve the solution using a press of a switch if you’re not making use of Google Assistant using your voice.
LG SL8YG features– Inadequate physical links, although Atmos as well as DTS: X assistance rates
Transform bench over as well as you’ll find a recessed port for connections. The LG SL8YG has HDMI-out (ARC), HDMI-in (4K HDR10/Dolby Vision passthrough), USB and also optical– which is a rather little selection.
However, what the SL8YG lacks in physical connections, it attempts to make up for in cordless connectivity with integrated Chromecast, Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth 4.2. Is it enough to make up for the lack of HDMI ports? Not quite, yet Bluetooth– as well as specifically Chromecast– open up a raft of streaming opportunities (such as Spotify) from various resources.
The soundbar can change through several sound modes (Requirement, Bass Blast, Motion Picture, Songs as well as Flexible Noise Control) for TELEVISION web content, however, can not be made use of throughout an Atmos or DTS: X track, and neither can Night setting, which lowers the strength of a soundtrack. Sound tuning has actually been included for tweaking the different audio speakers as well as networks (including expenses).
Google Aide combination is, well, even more, indispensable than it remained in 2014’s SK10Y, which only worked via one more GA sustained speaker.
Setup through Google House is a doddle, using the ability for a location-specific response to queries (should you intend to enter your house address), as well as multi-room configuration via Google Home. Avoid using the LG Wi-Fi Speaker application, as you’ll obtain more use out of the House application.
Say “Hey, Google” and also ask “what’s the weather like?” and the SL8YG will return the request with information specific to your location (as long as it recognizes the location you remain in). Google Aide understood most inquiries we propounded and responded rather rapidly to them, although it aids to be fairly clear in your articulation.
In regards to audio formats, the LG SL8YG covers 24-bit/96kHz High-Resolution Sound, the abovementioned Dolby Atmos, and DTS: X, in addition to LPCM, Dolby audio, DTS-HD MA to name a few standard soundtracks. Audio formats cover the essentials and also consist of FLAC (as much as 192kHz), AAC/AAC+, WAV, MP3 and OGG (approximately 48kHz).
Related: What is Dolby Atmos?
LG SL8YG audio top quality– Uses expansive height channels, yet a front-heavy nature implies the soundstage isn’t the best
Remember that the SL8YG includes a compromise in regards to its “border noise” credentials– in the sense that it can’t generate one. At the very least not in a covering fashion.
Despite that, the LG SL8YG produces a pleasantly big sound, yet not to the point where it encompasses the room. Objective: Difficult– Fallout on 4K Blu-ray generates activity in elevations with countless minutes in the movie, especially obvious in the scenes that bookend the middle act’s thrilling chase sequence via Paris, where a helicopter approaches a touchdown spot, as well as a train, passes expenses during a stressful scene.
Related: Ideal 4K Blu-ray gamers
Results are aloud as well as eruptive film, which does not assist the SL8YG’s cause with clarity. In action-packed sequences, the discussion is challenging to listen to, regardless of the soundbar’s devoted center channel. There’s a comparable feeling in the opening of La Land; the opening music act can seem crowded in some minutes.
A spin of Blade Runner 2049 and once again the SL8YG’s confidence with elevation channels comes forward. Listen out for the Rewriter touchdown over Sapper Morton’s ranch in the opening scene– with Hans Zimmer/Benjamin Wallfisch’s moody, ambient as well as large rating enjoyably communicated as well as a solid, sure-footed bass performance.
The Atmos track on Darren Aronofsky’s Mother! The SL8YG makes a respectable effort at reproducing the intensity of the sound design with information and quality.
Bass is smooth, powerful as well as well-integrated right into the action. You are left questioning just how a lot far better it would be if it had rear speakers to enhance it.
Switch over to DTS: X with Go out (additionally on 4K Blu-ray) and the soundbar provides a bigger feeling of space. Characteristics are excellently managed with many highs and lows, with the dive terrifies specifically are efficiently done.
As for music, the SL8YG puts in a normally fine performance. Regardless of support from Meridian on its top-range soundbars, the stream of If Beale Road Could Talk on Spotify Attach lacks a sense of weight as well as existence. Quality is great and also while it has the ability to go loud, it tends to seem thin.
