LG S80QR Review: How Does Meridian Audio Elevate Home Cinema?
The LG S80QR delivers a truly immersive 5.1.3-channel audio experience with its dedicated rear speakers and up-firing drivers, making it a compelling choice for LG TV owners and home cinema enthusiasts.
By Elvis Dicki
Updated October 20, 2026
The LG S80QR 5.1.3ch Sound bar with 4ch Rear Speakers is a comprehensive home audio system designed to transform your living room into a cinematic soundstage. It targets users seeking a significant upgrade from built-in TV speakers, particularly those invested in the LG ecosystem who value immersive, object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This review analyzes its specifications, design, and user feedback to determine if its combination of Meridian audio technology, a complete speaker array, and smart features justifies consideration for your entertainment setup.
At its core, the LG S80QR is engineered for immersion, bundling a soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and four rear speakers to create a genuine 5.1.3-channel surround sound experience. The inclusion of a center up-firing speaker aims to enhance voice clarity and overhead effects, a key component for realistic Atmos playback. For owners of LG televisions, the system promises deeper integration through features like Synergy TV and WOW Orchestra, allowing the TV and soundbar to work in concert. This review will delve into how these features perform in practice, based on available specifications and owner testimonials.
LG S80QR 5.1.3ch Soundbar with Rear Speakers
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LG S80QR at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Audio Channels | 5.1.3 Channel |
| Included Speakers | Soundbar, Wireless Subwoofer, 4 Rear Speakers |
| Key Audio Technologies | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Meridian Audio, High-Res Audio |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI (with ARC/eARC) |
| Smart Features | Works with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Special TV Features | Synergy TV, WOW Orchestra (with compatible LG TVs) |
| Gaming Features | Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) |
| Subwoofer Connectivity | Wireless |
| Controller Options | Included Remote, Voice Control, LG TV Remote (Synergy), Mobile App |
| Add-on Accessory | LG WOWCAST Wi-Fi Audio Dongle (optional) |
Design and Build
The LG S80QR presents a substantial physical footprint, reflecting its multi-speaker configuration. The main soundbar unit measures 39.4 inches in width, making it suitable for larger televisions. Its design is straightforward and modern, finished in black to blend with most home theater setups. The system is strictly tabletop-mounted, with no wall-mounting hardware detailed in the specifications. The package includes a wireless subwoofer with a 4-inch driver and four separate rear speakers, which are essential for achieving the advertised 5.1.3-channel soundscape. This design choice means users must have space and available power outlets near the primary listening area to accommodate the rear satellites, a consideration for room layout.
Performance and Features
Immersive Audio Performance
The defining feature of the S80QR is its 5.1.3-channel configuration. This includes the standard front left, center, and right channels, a dedicated subwoofer for low frequencies (.1), and three height channels (.3) facilitated by up-firing speakers in the soundbar. The inclusion of four physical rear speakers, rather than virtualized ones, provides a tangible foundation for surround sound. Key audio technologies drive this setup: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for object-based, three-dimensional sound; Meridian Audio Technology for sound tuning and enhancement; and High-Res Audio certification for detailed playback of high-quality music files. The center up-firing speaker is specifically noted to improve voice clarity, a common pain point in home audio.
Connectivity and Smart Integration
Connectivity is versatile, catering to both traditional and wireless setups. It features HDMI with Audio Return Channel (ARC) and enhanced ARC (eARC) support for a single-cable connection to compatible TVs, passing high-bandwidth audio formats. Wireless options include both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi connectivity enables integration with multiple smart platforms, including Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Chromecast built-in, and voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows users to choose their preferred ecosystem for streaming music and issuing commands. For a fully wireless TV connection, LG offers the optional WOWCAST Wi-Fi audio dongle, which plugs into a TV’s HDMI ARC port and transmits audio to the soundbar over Wi-Fi, eliminating an HDMI cable.
Synergy with LG TVs and Gaming
The system is marketed as a “Best Match for LG TVs,” and several features support this claim. Synergy TV allows the soundbar to be controlled directly by an LG TV’s remote controller. More significantly, the WOW Orchestra feature, when used with a compatible LG TV, combines the processing power of the TV’s sound engine with the soundbar’s speakers to create a unified, expansive sound field. For gamers, the soundbar supports HDMI features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which are designed to reduce visual tearing and minimize audio lag, respectively, when connected to compatible game consoles.
Setup, Support and Ownership
Setup involves placing the soundbar, connecting the subwoofer (which pairs wirelessly), and positioning the four rear speakers, which require both power and a signal connection. Owner reviews suggest the initial physical setup is straightforward, especially when using the included HDMI cable with an ARC/eARC TV. However, some users note that the printed manual is insufficient, recommending downloading a full guide from LG’s support site and using the dedicated smartphone app for more intuitive control and fine-tuning. The system comes with a one-year limited warranty for parts and labor. Firmware updates, if available, would presumably be delivered via its Wi-Fi connection. The main ongoing consideration is the need for power outlets for the rear speakers, which impacts placement flexibility.
What Owners Say
Owner feedback for the LG S80QR is overwhelmingly positive, with a high proportion of top-tier ratings. Common praises highlight the “immersive” and “crystal clear” surround sound, with specific commendation for dialogue clarity and the impact of the up-firing speakers during Dolby Atmos content. Many users celebrating the seamless integration with LG TVs, especially after enabling the WOW Orchestra feature, describe the combined audio performance as “premium” and “incredible.” The system is frequently described as offering great value, delivering a cinematic experience that belies its cost. Critical feedback is less common but points to specific areas: some users feel the subwoofer performance could be more powerful or refined, and a few mention that achieving a fully wireless setup requires the separate purchase of the WOWCAST dongle. The need for external power for the rear speakers is noted as a minor logistical hurdle.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Authentic 5.1.3-channel immersion with physical rear and up-firing speakers
- Excellent dialogue clarity enhanced by the center up-firing driver
- Deep, feature-rich integration with LG TVs (Synergy, WOW Orchestra)
- Broad compatibility with major smart assistants and streaming platforms
- Supports high-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and High-Res Audio
- Includes gaming-friendly features like VRR and ALLM
Cons
- Rear speakers require accessible power outlets, limiting placement options
- Fully wireless TV connection necessitates an optional accessory (WOWCAST)
- Some users desire more impactful or refined bass from the subwoofer
- Advanced features and optimal control rely on using a smartphone app
- Physical size may be imposing for smaller media consoles or rooms
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
The LG S80QR is an ideal choice for home cinema enthusiasts who want a genuine, speaker-driven surround sound experience without the complexity of a traditional component system. It is particularly compelling for owners of LG televisions, who can unlock unique synergies like single-remote control and the enhanced WOW Orchestra audio. Users who frequently stream music via services like Spotify HiFi or use voice assistants will also appreciate its multi-platform smart features. It’s also a solid option for gamers looking for a soundbar that supports modern console features.
This system may not be the best fit for those with severe space constraints or rooms lacking convenient power outlets near the rear seating area, as the four satellite speakers need both placement and power. Users who prioritize an absolutely minimalist, completely wireless setup should note that the cleanest TV connection requires an extra purchase. Those who are not heavily invested in movie watching or spatial audio formats might find a simpler, less expensive 2.1 or 3.1 channel soundbar sufficient for their needs. For more options on immersive audio, explore our guide to the best surround sound soundbars.
Final Verdict
The LG S80QR 5.1.3ch Sound bar with 4ch Rear Speakers stands out as a feature-packed, performance-oriented audio system. Its commitment to a true multi-speaker setup, including dedicated rear channels and height speakers, provides a tangible advantage in creating an enveloping sound field for movies and music. The integration of Meridian audio technology and support for all major high-definition audio formats ensures sound quality is a priority. While its full potential is most readily realized within an LG ecosystem, its broad smart connectivity makes it a versatile centerpiece for any modern entertainment setup.
Ultimately, this soundbar system successfully bridges the gap between the simplicity of a soundbar and the immersive capability of a full home theater system. The logistical considerations of speaker placement and power are trade-offs for the audio payoff. For users seeking a substantial upgrade to their TV’s audio, particularly for cinematic and gaming content, and especially those with an LG TV, the LG S80QR presents a compelling, all-in-one solution. It exemplifies how thoughtful engineering and a complete speaker package can deliver a genuinely transformative listening experience. For further reading on enhancing your home audio, check out our reviews of other soundbars focused on voice clarity.
FAQs
Does the LG S80QR work with non-LG TVs?
Yes, the LG S80QR is fully compatible with any television that has an HDMI ARC or eARC port, which is standard on most modern TVs. You will be able to use all its core audio features like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. However, specific LG-only features like Synergy TV control with the LG remote and the WOW Orchestra sound field enhancement will not be available when used with a non-LG television.
What is the difference between 5.1.2 and 5.1.3 channels?
The first number (5) refers to standard surround channels: front left, center, front right, rear left, rear right. The second number (.1) is the dedicated low-frequency effects (LFE) channel handled by the subwoofer. The third number (.2 or .3) indicates the number of height or upward-firing channels for overhead sound in formats like Dolby Atmos. A 5.1.3 system, like the S80QR, has three upward-firing speakers (typically two at the front and one in the center) compared to two in a 5.1.2 system, aiming to provide a more detailed and precise overhead audio experience.
Is the WOWCAST dongle required for setup?
No, the WOWCAST Wi-Fi audio dongle is an optional accessory. The soundbar can be connected to your TV using the included HDMI cable via the ARC/eARC port for both audio playback and control. The WOWCAST dongle is designed for users who want to eliminate the HDMI cable between the TV and soundbar entirely, creating a wireless connection for audio while maintaining high-quality, lag-free performance. It is compatible with all ARC/eARC enabled TVs, not just LG models.
Can I use the rear speakers wirelessly?
The rear speakers in the LG S80QR system require a physical connection to a receiver unit that is included in the package. They are not independently wireless. While the signal is transmitted wirelessly from the main soundbar to this receiver unit, the rear speakers themselves plug into this receiver via wires. Furthermore, both the receiver and the subwoofer need to be plugged into power outlets. This setup reduces cable clutter across the room but does not eliminate the need for power cords near your seating area. For those exploring other wireless audio solutions, our article on the best WiFi soundbars offers alternatives.
About the author
Elvis Dicki writes reviews and buying guides for CyberSecLabs.