LG S40TR
Overview
The LG S40TR is LG's 2024 Amazon-exclusive attempt to bring genuine surround sound to living rooms without the usual hassle or expense. This 4.1-channel setup comes with a wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speakers straight out of the box — no receiver, no cable runs across the floor. The soundbar itself measures a slim 28.4″ wide, so it sits comfortably in front of most TVs 32″ and larger without crowding the setup. At its price point, it undercuts most comparable multi-piece surround systems by a meaningful margin. For buyers tired of choosing between a simple stereo bar and a complicated AV receiver system, this LG soundbar system lands squarely in the middle.
Features & Benefits
The S40TR supports both Dolby Audio and DTS Digital decoding, which covers the vast majority of streaming and disc-based content without any extra configuration. Clear Voice Plus is a standout addition — it actively analyzes the audio signal to pull dialogue forward through the center channel, which makes a real difference during dense action scenes or crowded soundtracks. HDMI eARC with 4K pass-through keeps the connection tidy and future-ready. For LG TV owners specifically, the WOW Interface lets you manage all soundbar settings directly from the TV remote, and WOW Orchestra can blend both speaker systems for a fuller overall sound. The metal mesh grille also does a practical job of keeping dust out.
Best For
This 4.1-channel setup is the most logical choice for anyone already in the LG TV ecosystem. The WOW Interface and WOW Orchestra features are exclusive to compatible LG televisions, so non-LG owners will get a solid surround system but miss out on those integrations entirely — worth knowing before purchasing. Renters and apartment dwellers will appreciate the fully wireless rear speakers, which eliminate the need to run cables across a room or around door frames. It also works well for families who cycle through streaming, sports, and casual movie nights, since it handles varied content types without requiring constant manual mode switching. Anyone expecting audiophile-level EQ control may find the options limited.
User Feedback
Across verified reviews, this LG soundbar system holds a 4.2-star average — respectable for its category. Most buyers highlight the wireless subwoofer performance as a genuine strength, noting that bass response is noticeably fuller than what standalone soundbars typically deliver at this price. Setup also earns consistent praise; the subwoofer pairs automatically and the rear speakers connect without much fuss. On the other side, some users report that dialogue clarity drops off at higher volumes in larger rooms, and buyers with non-LG TVs note that the remote integration they expected simply is not there. A few complaints touch on app and remote limitations, particularly around fine-tuning audio modes. Being Amazon-exclusive, return options are worth verifying before purchase.
Pros
- Wireless rear speakers and subwoofer eliminate the need for any cable management across the room.
- Out-of-the-box setup takes most buyers under 20 minutes, including subwoofer pairing.
- Subwoofer delivers noticeably impactful bass that most single-bar soundbars simply cannot match.
- HDMI eARC with 4K pass-through keeps the connection future-ready for modern displays.
- Clear Voice Plus meaningfully improves dialogue intelligibility at moderate listening volumes.
- The S40TR undercuts most comparable multi-piece surround systems at its price point.
- Slim 28.4″ bar sits cleanly in front of most TVs without overhanging standard media consoles.
- LG TV owners get single-remote control over both soundbar and TV through WOW Interface.
- Dolby Audio and DTS Digital decoding cover virtually all mainstream streaming and disc formats.
- Metal mesh grille resists dust buildup and gives the bar a more refined appearance than competitors.
Cons
- WOW Interface and WOW Orchestra are fully locked to LG TVs — non-LG owners lose two headline features entirely.
- No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support means premium streaming audio is downmixed rather than spatially rendered.
- Rear channel presence drops off significantly in rooms larger than roughly 250 square feet.
- There is no companion app and no manual equalizer, leaving limited options for audio fine-tuning.
- Subwoofer bass can turn boomy at higher volumes, losing definition on music-heavy content.
- Dialogue clarity weakens noticeably at louder settings during effects-heavy or music-dense mixes.
- As an Amazon-exclusive model, warranty service and support access are less straightforward than retail-channel products.
- Rear speaker housings feel noticeably budget in construction relative to the soundbar itself.
- Bluetooth connectivity has reported dropout issues when the source device is behind walls or furniture.
- Some users report rear speakers needing a manual re-pair after power interruptions.
Ratings
Our AI rating engine analyzed thousands of verified global purchases of the LG S40TR, actively filtering out incentivized, bot-generated, and unverified submissions to surface what real buyers actually experience. The scores below reflect a balanced picture — strong points are credited honestly, and recurring frustrations are not softened. Whether this 4.1-channel setup is the right call for your room depends heavily on a few key factors, and those are exactly what these ratings are designed to surface.
Audio Performance
Subwoofer Quality
Wireless Rear Speakers
Dialogue Clarity
Setup & Installation
LG Ecosystem Integration
Remote & Control Experience
Sound Mode Variety
Build Quality & Design
HDMI eARC & Connectivity
Value for Money
Volume & Room Coverage
Dolby & DTS Decoding
Long-Term Reliability
Suitable for:
The LG S40TR is genuinely well-matched for anyone who already owns a compatible LG television and wants to step up from built-in TV audio without wiring a full home theater system. Renters are a natural fit here — the wireless rear speakers and wireless subwoofer mean no cables snaking across baseboards or under rugs, which makes setup and future moves considerably easier. Families who rotate between streaming shows, live sports, and weekend movies will find this 4.1-channel setup handles varied content reliably without requiring manual mode changes for every session. It also works well in apartments or medium-sized living rooms where the listening area is reasonably contained, since the surround effect holds up well in tighter spaces. For buyers upgrading from a basic two-channel soundbar who want a tangible step toward real surround sound without a steep learning curve or a complex receiver setup, this system delivers that jump in a practical, accessible package.
Not suitable for:
Buyers who do not own a compatible LG television should think carefully before committing to the LG S40TR, because the WOW Interface and WOW Orchestra features — two of the system's headline selling points — simply do not work with Samsung, Sony, TCL, or other non-LG displays. Anyone with a large open-plan room, typically above 300 square feet, may also be disappointed by how quickly the surround effect fades at distance, since the rear speaker output struggles to fill bigger spaces convincingly. Audiophiles or users who expect hands-on equalizer control, channel-level balancing, or a dedicated companion app will find the control options frustratingly thin. This 4.1-channel setup also does not support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, so buyers specifically targeting those height-channel formats from premium streaming services will need to look further up the product range. Finally, buyers who prioritize long-term service access should note this is an Amazon-exclusive model, which can complicate warranty claims and in-person support options compared to retail-channel alternatives.
Specifications
- Channel Config: This system operates as a 4.1-channel setup, with a dedicated center channel, left and right front channels, a wireless subwoofer, and wireless rear surround speakers.
- Soundbar Dimensions: The soundbar measures 28.4″ wide, 2.5″ tall, and 3.4″ deep, making it a low-profile bar that fits in front of most televisions 32″ and larger.
- Subwoofer Dimensions: The wireless subwoofer measures 6.7″ wide, 12.6″ tall, and 9.9″ deep — a compact footprint suitable for placement beside a media console or sofa.
- System Weight: The total system weight across all components is 12.9 lbs.
- Audio Formats: The system decodes Dolby Audio and DTS Digital, covering the majority of encoded content from streaming services and physical media.
- Connectivity: Available connections include HDMI eARC, optical input, Bluetooth, and USB port, with the subwoofer and rear speakers connecting wirelessly to the main bar.
- HDMI Pass-Through: The HDMI eARC port supports 4K pass-through, allowing a 4K video signal to pass cleanly from a source device to the television without quality degradation.
- Speaker Type: All drivers across the system use a dynamic driver configuration, which is standard for home theater soundbar systems in this category.
- Subwoofer Connection: The subwoofer pairs wirelessly with the soundbar and does not require a separate receiver, dedicated cable run, or manual frequency configuration.
- Rear Speaker Connection: The rear surround speakers connect wirelessly to the soundbar unit, though a power cable is still required at each rear speaker location.
- Control Method: The system ships with an infrared remote, and LG TV owners can additionally manage all soundbar settings through their TV remote via the WOW Interface feature.
- Voice Enhancement: Clear Voice Plus analyzes the outgoing audio signal in real time and routes processed dialogue through the center channel to improve speech intelligibility.
- Materials: The soundbar body uses a combination of metal mesh grille and plastic casing, while the subwoofer and rear speaker enclosures are plastic-bodied.
- Color: The system is available exclusively in black across all components — soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers.
- In-Box Contents: Each package includes the soundbar, wireless subwoofer, two wireless rear speakers, an optical cable, a remote control, two AAA batteries, a rear speaker power cable, and a warranty card.
- Power Source: All components are corded electric — the soundbar, subwoofer, and each rear speaker require their own AC power connections.
- Recommended TV Size: LG recommends pairing this system with televisions 32″ and larger, and it is optimized for use with LG OLED, QNED, and UHD display series.
- Release Year: This model was released in 2024 and is sold exclusively through Amazon as a platform-exclusive configuration.
- Warranty: The system includes a limited warranty from LG; buyers should confirm specific coverage terms and service options through Amazon at the time of purchase.
- Batteries: Two AAA batteries are required for the included remote control and are included in the box.
Related Reviews
LG GP65NB60 DVD-Writer
LG GP70NS50 Portable DVD Rewriter
LG 27MK600M-B 27-inch Monitor
LG DP132 Region Free DVD Player
LG 32LQ630B6LA 32-inch HD TV
LG UBK90 UHD Blu-ray Player
LG CineBeam UHD 4K Projector HU70LAB
LG WP50NB40 External Blu-ray Writer
LG XG5QBK Go Portable Bluetooth Speaker