LG S70TY: A Basic Yet Capable Soundbar for Clear Dialogues

In Brief: LG S70TY

The LG S70TY is a mid-range 3.1.1-channel soundbar system with a wireless subwoofer, aiming for ease of setup, solid bass reinforcement, and clear dialogue reproduction rather than a fully immersive surround experience. Featuring an unusual single up-firing speaker for Dolby Atmos, it’s not the best for height effects or surround, but it delivers decent performance for everyday TV and movie use at an affordable price point.

Pros

• Precisely articulated dialogue
• Subwoofer delivers sufficient bass punch
• Understated design and good build quality
• Sufficient connectivity and format support

Cons

• Treble lacks clarity and finesse
• Weak surround effects, no real height dimension for Atmos
• Audible gap between the bar and the sub
• LED-based display can be confusing

Price & Availability

The LG S70TY launched in April 2024 at a starting price of around €349. A version with rear surround speakers (the S70TR) is also available for about €449. Given its size and feature set, it’s a cost-effective solution if you need clear vocals and decent bass, but not advanced 3D audio.

Test Conditions

We tested the S70TY under firmware version 24071852 with the LG ThinQ app at version 5.0.36320.

Build & Design

Straightforward Aesthetic

Measuring about 950 mm wide, 63 mm high, and 115 mm deep, the S70TY suits TVs of 42–65 inches. It’s finished in a matte anthracite grey with a subtle beveled front. Despite its relatively light weight (3 kg) and mostly plastic construction, the S70TY feels solid. The mesh grille at the front is metal, while the rest of the bar is a decent-quality plastic that’s not overly glossy or cheap-feeling.

Subwoofer

The included wireless sub is similarly understated, with a slanted front. Its compact form factor ensures it won’t overwhelm your space.

In the Box

• Remote Control (with batteries)
• Wall-Mount Bracket
• HDMI Cable

Connectivity & Wireless

Inputs & Outputs

• 1× HDMI eARC (for TV output)
• 1× HDMI In (2.1) supporting 4K/120 Hz, VRR, ALLM
• Optical (Toslink)
• USB-A (for file playback/charging)

No analog input is included. Nonetheless, the bar decodes a range of formats (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, etc.).

Bluetooth

The system integrates Bluetooth 5.1 for audio streaming and initial app pairing. Codec support is minimal (SBC only), and latency (~280 ms) is average—noticeable lip-sync lag if you watch videos from a BT source.

User Experience

LED Display

LG’s minimal front display uses three stacked RGB LEDs instead of a numeric or text-based panel. Each LED changes colour or number of lit segments for different modes and volume levels, which can be confusing at first. But the voice prompts help guide more complex settings (like switching sound modes).

Remote & Control Methods

The familiar LG soundbar remote is straightforward, letting you adjust volume, modes, and basic settings. For owners of recent LG TVs, an on-screen UI is available. On the soundbar itself, a few top-panel touch controls handle power, source selection, pairing, and volume.

LG ThinQ App

LG has migrated soundbar control to LG ThinQ, an all-in-one solution for LG appliances. After a somewhat cumbersome setup, you can manage advanced features (firmware updates, sound modes, channel levels). Once configured, you may rely primarily on the remote or your TV’s interface.

Audio Performance

Configuration

Labeled a 3.1.1 system, the S70TY includes:

• L/R front: Each side features an elliptical woofer and a tweeter.
• Center: One mid-tweeter driver.
• Height (Atmos): One up-firing driver placed centrally.
• Subwoofer: A wireless, single-driver unit with bass-reflex port.

Sound Signature

Overall frequency balance is acceptable for everyday viewing:

1. Subwoofer: Reaches moderately deep, adding punch, though not as tight or well-integrated as pricier systems. A mild gap around the lower-mid region can reveal a disconnection between bar and sub.
2. Midrange: Clear and well-defined, especially for vocals. No major mid-bass boom or muddiness.
3. Treble: Some unevenness; it can sound slightly harsh or sibilant at higher volumes.

At moderate volumes, it handles dialogue and casual music playback decently. Beyond that, treble artifacts appear.

Spatialization & Surround

Given only one vertical speaker for height channels and no side-firing drivers, don’t expect robust Atmos or surround immersion. Sound remains front-centric. Dialogues are projected well—arguably the bar’s biggest strength, but surround cues are minimal. At best, you get a slightly wider stereo image.

For more immersive experiences, consider adding LG’s optional SPT8-S rear speaker kit, or look at fully equipped bars with additional drivers.

Conclusion

Overall Rating: 8/10

While the LG S70TY doesn’t excel in immersive surround or refined treble, it effectively covers the essentials of a mid-tier soundbar: strong dialogue clarity, a decent subwoofer for extra low-end, and enough inputs to handle typical setups. Its unique LED indicator may take some getting used to, and the modest overhead channel can’t replicate a true Atmos environment. However, for a budget-friendly option delivering a punchy, straightforward listening experience—especially if you want coherent voices and do not need advanced 3D audio—the S70TY is a solid pick.