LG USC9S Review: The Perfect Soundbar Match for LG OLED C3

Explore the LG USC9S soundbar’s unique design and features tailored for LG OLED C3, enhancing your home cinema with immersive sound and smart connectivity.

After spending a month with the LG OLED C3 TV, I just had to put the LG USC9S soundbar through its paces. This soundbar is such a natural fit for this particular TV—plus the slightly older C2 OLED model—that I honestly forgot it even came with a special stand. It’s not just any stand; it connects the TV and soundbar into a seamless unit. (A quick note: the stand in the box differs from the one shown in some official photos.) To add to the bass-heavy experience, there’s also a separate subwoofer included.

Designed to Impress and Perform

One of the biggest draws of the LG USC9S is its design, especially since the built-in sound on the LG OLED C3 leaves something to be desired. Pair that with cutting-edge features like AI Sound Pro that maximize the potential of its triple upward-firing speakers (supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced), plus WOW Orchestra technology that merges TV and soundbar speakers exclusively for LG sets, and you’ve got yourself an audio party.

But does the LG USC9S truly deliver when it comes to sound quality? Well, that’s where the story gets a little mixed. While it checks all the boxes—thoughtful design, sound integration, object-oriented audio formats, 4K/120Hz passthrough, and eARC—the listening experience has its ups and downs, especially at this price point.

Specs and Price Tag

The LG USC9S hit the market at $999. That’s a hefty sum for a soundbar and subwoofer combo (you’re definitely paying a premium for that unique TV stand). Fortunately, the price is starting to drop, making it a bit more accessible. At the time of testing, I found better deals available, though a further price cut wouldn’t hurt its appeal.

LG USC9S Specifications:

• Configuration: 3.1.3 channels
• Power Output: 400W
• Supported Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 (input/output), eARC, USB, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi
• Features: WOW Orchestra, VRR/ALLM (up to 60Hz), 4K/120Hz passthrough
• Soundbar Dimensions: 975 x 63 x 125 mm
• Subwoofer Dimensions: 221 x 390 x 313 mm

Designed Specifically for LG OLED C3 and C2 TVs

Here’s the kicker: the USC9S is crafted specifically for LG OLED C2 and C3 TVs, specifically the 55, 65, and 77-inch models, as only these sizes work with the included bracket-stand. If your TV is wall-mounted, no worries—you’ll find a solution inside the box to mount the soundbar directly beneath the screen, creating a stunning unified look.

Uniquely, the USC9S seems to be the world’s first soundbar with three upward-firing channels supporting Dolby Atmos. The center speaker, which is round and visually distinct, projects voice upward for better speech-to-screen anchoring. The two other upward channels add height effects in object-based sound formats, creating a more immersive audio experience.

Now, don’t expect miracles from its 3.1.3 setup—it’s not on the level of LG’s flagship LG S95QR with its army of drivers. However, you can expand the system with LG’s SPQ8-S rear speakers (sold separately), though that will push the price even higher.

Other important tech highlights include HDMI 2.1 ports enabling 4K/120Hz passthrough. When connected via eARC, you get high-quality sound with gaming-friendly features like ALLM and VRR, though VRR support caps at 60Hz, so pick your connection wisely. It also supports Hi-Res Audio at 24-bit/96kHz for audiophiles craving quality.

Sleek Design and Effortless Setup

While I won’t dive deep into mounting the USC9S on the OLED C3 (since this review focuses on the soundbar and subwoofer as a standalone unit—I tested it with an older Panasonic TV too), I will say the packaging is massive, mostly because of the stand and a lot of air. You’ll want a helping hand for assembling the TV and soundbar combo, but the bar itself is easy to install separately.

The USC9S looks restrained but elegant. Its 97.5 cm width pairs perfectly with 55- and 65-inch TVs. Standing only 6.3 cm tall, it fits comfortably without blocking the IR sensor or screen view.

Included is a remote, though most tasks can be handled easily with your TV remote. For manual sound tweaks, touch controls on top let you adjust power, source, volume, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Each input triggers a voice confirmation—a feature that, to be honest, got on my nerves quickly. The front “display” is just a couple of LEDs that light up unnecessarily without much info—definitely not the highlight.

Still, the exterior is stylish: matte finish, perforations on the front and sides, and two grills on top for height speakers. The central upward-firing speaker is subtly recessed with a darker shade. The only downside? Those pesky, somewhat pointless front LEDs.

Performance: Strengths and Stumbles

The LG USC9S comes with several sound presets: AI Sound Pro, Standard, Cinema, Clear Voice Pro, Sports, Music, Game Optimiser, and Bass Blast.

Owners of LG C3 OLED and some other models get access to WOW Orchestra technology, merging soundbar and TV speakers.

Here’s where my first major gripe comes in: the WOW Orchestra mode felt less than flawless. The sound was unbalanced with an echo effect persisting despite fiddling with delay settings. It simply didn’t match up to Samsung’s Q-Symphony system in cohesion—a real letdown for what should be a flagship feature.

Some presets felt off, too. “Standard” was dull and flat. “AI Sound Pro” tried too hard, making the sound sharp and sometimes harsh. “Bass Blast” often felt a bit over the top, especially as the subwoofer already has its own volume control.

Despite sounding critical, the USC9S has bright spots. It’s loud, the subwoofer packs a punch, and those three upward-firing speakers genuinely add a sense of height. I enjoyed watching 4K Blu-rays, gaming sessions, music, and TV shows — a significant upgrade over the TV’s native speakers. If the price were friendlier, my praises would come easier.

The experience is a mixed bag. LG has room to sharpen their AI and polish the WOW Orchestra feature. The potential is there, but the execution needs work. If you skip the “Standard” mode and pick the right presets, you’ll get powerful sound that lifts your movies and games.

For true surround sound enthusiasts, note that this soundbar focuses on a wide, elevated front stage—not full rear immersion. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced support sound cool, but physics matters: nine speakers (three forward, three upward, plus subwoofer) create more of a sound wall than a dome.

Final Verdict on the LG USC9S

If I could give the LG USC9S two different scores, I would.

For LG OLED C3 owners, it’s a stellar design match that greatly improves the otherwise mediocre TV sound. For this group, it’s a solid four-star pick: stylish, convenient, but there are better sounding options at this price.

If you don’t own an LG C3 and thus miss out on the special bracket and WOW Orchestra, I wouldn’t be so enthusiastic. The flaws—overly sharp AI Sound Pro, mediocre surround, and high price—drag down the experience. For these users, it’s a rating below four stars.

Sure, it’s feature-packed: triple height channels, powerful sub, 4K/120Hz support. But if you’re hunting for the best sound for your buck and aren’t locked into LG’s ecosystem, this soundbar might feel a bit uneven.

Consider This Alternative: Sonos Arc

If you want an all-in-one solution, the Sonos Arc is worth a look. It doesn’t come with a separate subwoofer, but it delivers strong bass and a more refined, balanced sound profile. It elevates any TV’s audio impressively. Its only drawback? It won’t blend as perfectly with an LG OLED C3 as the USC9S does with its custom bracket.

“The synergy in WOW Orchestra mode felt unbalanced with noticeable echo, unlike Samsung’s smooth Q-Symphony experience.”
— Personal testing notes

FAQ

• What TVs is the LG USC9S designed for?
  It’s made specifically for LG OLED C2 and C3 models, primarily 55, 65, and 77-inch sizes.
• Does the USC9S support Dolby Atmos?
  Yes, it supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced for immersive audio.
• Can the soundbar be expanded with rear speakers?
  Yes, LG’s SPQ8-S rear speakers can be added but sold separately.
• Is the WOW Orchestra feature effective?
  It has potential but currently feels unbalanced with some echo issues.
• What connectivity options are available?
  HDMI 2.1 (input/output), eARC, USB, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi are included.

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