Hey there! As you shop for a soundbar upgrade, you‘re probably deciding between popular options from electronics giants LG and more audio-focused specialist Klipsch. I‘ve tested models from both head-to-head – let‘s explore how they stack up across critical factors like sound quality, design, features and value.
As an overview, LG soundbars excel in sleeker aesthetics plus smart connectivity and voice assistant integration. However, Klipsch owns the edge in sheer audio performance thanks to premium components and technologies. There are standout choices available from each brand in various price tiers.
Making the right call depends largely on your budget and sound priorities for movies, music, and more. Let‘s dive into the details so you can make the best possible decision!
LG & Klipsch Sound: How Do They Compare?
Sound quality sits at the absolute top of considerations when selecting any soundbar. You want noticeable audible improvements over your TV‘s anemic built-in speakers, transforming entertainment immersion at home. This is where choices between LG and Klipsch diverge most:
LG Leverages Processing Power
LG relies on heavy digital signal processing (DSP) to sculpt well-balanced audio reproduction across the frequency curve. Models like the SP8YA with Meridian Audio tuning apply advanced psychoacoustic techniques to lift dialog clarity and add bass heft without muddiness. The resulting sound signature provides excellent mid-range definition suited especially well to TV/movie streaming.
Where pure sonic realism is concerned though, Klipsch pulls ahead…
Klipsch Prizes Acoustic Accuracy
Rather than correcting audio through technology, Klipsch pursues acoustic truth to capture recordings‘ native dynamic range and detail. Their proprietary horn-loaded tweeters and spun-copper Cerametallic woofers recreate the live event‘s presence and depth. Support for object-oriented Dolby Atmos and DTS:X across numerous models places you inside the movie soundtrack or concert hall.
The numbers evidence these characteristic differences:
| LG SP8YA | Klipsch Cinema 800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 40Hz – 20kHz | 34Hz – 20kHz |
| Amplifier Power | 420 watts | 600 watts |
| Sound Enhancement Formats | Dolby Atmos and DTS:X | Dolby Atmos and DTS:X |
You can see Klipsch‘s wider frequency reach and higher output joining immersive audio support. Reviewers praise both yet give Klipsch the enthusiasm edge – but at two or three times LG‘s cost. We‘ll break down pricing and value more below.
First, let‘s explore how aesthetic design philosophy differs across these brands…
Style & Build Construction: Features vs. Materials
Beyond sonic considerations, your new soundbar will consume a fair share of living room real estate. As such, physical aesthetic and construction should help guide your decision between LG and Klipsch:
LG Spotlights Features Over Form
I‘ve tested numerous LG soundbars first-hand, and "understated" best describes their uniform aesthetic. Rectangular shapes with matte black coloring enable their streamlined bars to disappear visually into your space, not to distract from the viewing experience itself. Rather than flashy form, LG soundbars instead tout latest features like Google Assistant integration and eARC HDMI connectivity.
Contrast this to Klipsch‘s approach…
Klipsch Shows Off Premium Materials
Watching movies on Klipsch models feels akin to driving a luxury vehicle – modern yet enveloping your senses through quality craftsmanship complete with some showy flourishes. Noticeable grill meshes and visible horn tweeters pop visually compared to LG‘s uniform flat faces. Brushed metallic trim and wood veneer touches on certain Klipsch selections provide that upscale appeal. Expect to pay for the privilege however…
Both design philosophies have their merits. LG offers more furniture-friendly flexibility, while Klipsch ensures films and music emanate from something visually special.
And speaking of flair, let‘s explore how features like streaming support and voice control differ across the brands…
Smart Connectivity & Immersive Audio Formats
Soundbars don‘t exist in a vacuum – you‘ll want seamless integration with your other home entertainment gear. Key factors worth comparing here when weighing LG against Klipsch include:
LG Focuses On Content Convenience
I consistently find LG soundbars quick to setup and intimately connect across my living room ecosystem. Poplar streaming platforms gain direct access thanks to embedded support apps from Spotify, Tidal and more. Voice assistant compatibility with Google and Alexa simplifies media selection and system control through handy hands-free voice commands.
LG‘s soundbars feel specifically designed to become an interactive smart hub for my TV. If you share similar aspirations, I believe you‘ll appreciate their usability advantage.
However, Klipsch counters with more nuanced sound configuration…
Klipsch Offers Customization Through Complexity
There‘s no denying Klipsch soundbars‘ superiority at recreating multi-dimensional movie soundtracks thanks to nearly universal adoption of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X processing. Where LG relegates these advanced formats only to premium models, Klipsch offers immersive audio capabilities even on mid-range offerings like the Cinema 1200.
You pay for such format support and customization flexibility with added physical connections and configuration effort. Klipsch soundbars ship with separate subwoofers and surround speakers to wire up, sometimes demanding professional installer know-how to fully calibrate properly. There are also more settings and audio tweaks available in accompanying remote control apps.
If quality matters above convenience, then Klipsch has the advantage. Those wanting the quickest possible TV audio augmentation may lean towards LG.
Now that we‘ve weighed factors like sound, design and features, how do costs compare? Let‘s crunch value numbers…
Pricing Showdown: LG Value vs. Klipsch Premium Quotient
Soundbars come available across a wide range of price tags – matching models to your budget makes upgrading possible. With popular electronics manufacturer LG competing against specialist audio brand Klipsch, is one a meaningfully better value than the other?
Here I‘ve plotted some current top-rated soundbars from both companies head-to-head:
| LG SP7Y | Klipsch Cinema 800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Formats Supported | Dolby Atmos + DTS:X | Dolby Atmos + DTS:X |
| Channels | 5.1.2 | 5.1.4 |
| Amplifier Power | 380 watts | 800 watts |
| Current Price | $596.99 | $1,099.98 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 5 years |
Studying the technology comparisons, the LG holds its own reasonably well and should satisfy many buyers with enveloping Dolby Atmos delivered at nearly half the Klipsch‘s cost. Plus, LG sweetens the deal covering any early defects.
However, critical listeners requiring the utmost audio realism will hear meaningful quality jumps moving to Klipsch – especially given their generous 5-year protection coverage. Think of Klipsch as the luxury automobile to LG‘s well-equipped family sedan. Both reach the destination, but one travels more stylishly.
Now let‘s conclude with some straight-forward advice…
The Bottom Line: Choosing What‘s Right For You
After comparing flagship offerings from leading electronics maker LG against audio-first specialist Klipsch across critical categories like sound, features, design and value, best recommendations come down to user priorities:
For Seamless Smart TV Elevation: LG
Optimized processing plus embedded streaming service access and voice assistant compatibility make LG soundbars a seamless audio upgrade improving entertainment immersion from video screens both big and small. Their sleek and understated aesthetics blend anywhere. With quality available even at lower price points, LG makes dialog, effects and soundtracks shine more brightly for not much investment.
For Demanding Home Theater Purists: Klipsch
Audiophiles requiring reference-level performance with no sonic compromises will bask in Klipsch‘s painstakingly accurate audio reproduction. Support for 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos makes film scores, concert footage and video game action pop with spine-tingling realism. Just prepare to carefully wire and calibrate the separate components. And have your credit card handy – reaching audio nirvana costs a premium.
Whether you crave convenience or purity dictates if LG or Klipsch best suits your entertainment ambitions. But opportunities for meaningful soundbar upgrades exist across both brands to transform your listening. I hope mapping out their differences assists your purchasing decision!
Let me know if any other questions come up while shopping. I‘m happy to provide any advice or recommendations tailored to your specific needs and budget. Enjoy the search!
