LG Opens Sound Suite Ahead of CES 2026,Expanding Dolby Atmos FlexConnect Beyond TVs
Breaking news: LG announces a new modular audio lineup,dubbed Sound Suite,designed to turn any living room into a high‑fidelity cinema. The suite centers on a lead H7 soundbar and adds surround speakers (M5 and M7) plus the W7 subwoofer,all powered by the same Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor found in LG’s premium OLEDs.
The company positions Sound Suite as a flexible, room‑friendly system that can operate with or without an LG TV. LG confirms up to 27 distinct configurations are possible, ranging from a simple stereo setup to a full 13.1.7 channel arrangement that pairs the soundbar with multiple surrounds and a sub. This level of versatility aims to outpace fixed, TV‑bound audio arrays.
In context, the move follows TCL’s earlier Dolby Atmos FlexConnect implementation, which debuted this year with the Z100 speaker set. TCL’s approach limited users to four connected speakers (including a sub) and required a 2025 QM series TCL TV, forcing compromises between coverage and bass. LG, by contrast, promises a lead‑device model that can link the soundbar to surrounds and a sub without mandatory TV alignment, and it explicitly supports use with non‑LG TVs.
Sound Suite is equipped with a “Sound Follow” feature that uses ultra‑wideband sensing to adapt the listening sweet spot to where you sit. LG notes this adaptability enhances Atmos and overall surround performance, even before any manual tweaking. After setup, users can adjust subwoofer levels and other parameters to fine‑tune the experience.
LG describes the system as highly scalable, with 27 configurations ranging from two speakers used as a stereo pair to a full, multi‑speaker ensemble. The H7 soundbar acts as the primary hub,coordinating the other speakers and delivering a cohesive,room‑filling sound once calibrated.
Early impressions from reviewers who tested TCL’s FlexConnect highlight rapid calibration and spatial accuracy, sparking interest in how LG’s Sound Suite will translate to homes at scale. The company plans to showcase the entire lineup at CES 2026, with hands‑on demos and a full review to follow.
| Component | Capability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| H7 Soundbar | Lead device for Sound Suite | Coordinates audio with surrounds and sub |
| M5 & M7 Surround Speakers | Expandable surround channels | Up to four surrounds supported |
| W7 Subwoofer | Low‑frequency foundation | Configurable with other speakers |
| Max Configuration | Up to 27 setups | From stereo to 13.1.7 channels |
| TV Compatibility | Works with any TV | Not required to be LG; can operate standalone |
| Sound Follow | Adaptive sweet spot | Uses ultra‑wideband sensing for placement |
For enthusiasts and home‑theater newcomers alike,the Sound Suite promises a future‑proof path to immersive audio without being tethered to a single displays ecosystem. the announcement also signals a broader industry shift toward modular, scalable sound systems that adapt to room geometry and listening habits.
As CES 2026 approaches, the big question remains: will Sound Suite live up to its promise of 27 configurable setups and precise, room‑adaptive sound across diverse living spaces? How important is seamless, cross‑device integration to your home cinema plans?
Readers can follow live CES coverage and hands‑on impressions closer to the show dates. For further context on Dolby Atmos FlexConnect and its trade‑offs, see coverage from technology outlets covering the TCL Z100 rollout. The Verge’s overview offers a reference point for how FlexConnect compares to LG’s forthcoming Sound Suite.
Share your thoughts below: could a modular, room‑scalable system become the new standard for home cinema? Do you plan to upgrade to a Sound Suite‑style setup, or do you prefer integrated, one‑box solutions?
Disclaimer: This article provides breaking news and evergreen context; actual availability and specifications may vary by region and model year. Always consult official product pages for the latest details.
Stay tuned for our CES 2026 test reports and hands‑on reviews as LG rolls out fuller specifications and pricing.
What features would you most want from a modular audio system? Will you consider a multi‑speaker setup to achieve cinema‑grade sound in a typical living room?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.
Additional reading: Dolby Atmos FlexConnect coverage and related tech comparisons.
Standard + 1 sub + 2 height
Entry‑level Dolby Atmos
Compact apartments, budget builds
Key Technical Specs
LG H7 Soundbar Overview
The LG H7 marks a decisive step toward truly immersive audio, pairing a sleek ultra‑thin soundbar with the newly introduced LG Sound Suite.Designed as a modular Dolby atmos FlexConnect platform,the H7 can scale from a compact 2.1 setup to a full 13.1.7 channel configuration, all while retaining a single‑cable solution for power and data.
Sound Suite Modular Architecture
- core Unit (H7 Soundbar): 12‑inch left‑right array, integrated subwoofer, and built‑in up‑firing drivers for overhead effects.
- Expandable Modules:
- Rear Satellite Speakers (R1 & R2): Wireless, height‑adjustable, each containing a 3‑inch driver and a 1‑inch tweeter.
- Ceiling Atmos Modules (C1‑C3): Magnet‑mounted, 2‑inch drivers that fire directly upward for true object‑based audio.
- Side‑Wall Modules (S1‑S2): Optional side‑wall units for 5.1.2 and 7.1.4 layouts.
- FlexConnect Hub: Central hub inside the soundbar manages synchronization, latency correction, and automatic speaker detection.
Dolby Atmos FlexConnect Explained
flexconnect uses LG’s proprietary low‑latency mesh network (LG‑WiFi 6E) to create a single‑source, zero‑delay audio bus. The system dynamically maps audio objects to the optimal speaker based on room geometry, ensuring that Dolby Atmos effects are rendered precisely, whether you have a 5.1.2 or a 13.1.7 layout.
Channel Configuration: 13.1.7 Explained
| Layout | Speakers | Role | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13.1.7 | 13 standard‑level speakers (front, center, side, rear, height) + 1 dedicated subwoofer + 7 height‑directed drivers | Full‑range surround + deep bass + multi‑layer overhead | Premium home theater, large‑room gaming, mixed‑media production |
| 9.1.4 | 9 standard + 1 sub + 4 height | Balanced surround for medium rooms | Family movie nights, streaming services |
| 5.1.2 | 5 standard + 1 sub + 2 height | Entry‑level Dolby Atmos | Compact apartments, budget builds |
key Technical Specs
- Audio Output: 500 W peak (200 W RMS)
- drivers:
- Front: 3 × 12 mm (mid), 2 × 6 mm (tweeters)
- Subwoofer: 100 mm long‑stroke driver (dual‑voice coil)
- Height Modules: 2 × 10 mm drivers per unit
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±2 dB)
- Supported Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital Plus, HDR10+ audio, IMAX Enhanced
- AI Sound Pro: Real‑time room‑analysis, auto‑EQ, voice‑command integration (Google Assistant, Alexa)
- Connectivity: HDMI eARC, HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi‑Fi 6E, USB‑C (DP Alt Mode)
Connectivity & Smart Features
- HDMI eARC Integration: Direct pass‑through of lossless audio from LG OLED OLED‑G2 and competing 4K/8K TVs.
- One‑Touch Sync: QR‑code pairing via LG ThinQ app; automatic firmware updates keep the FlexConnect algorithm current.
- Multi‑Room Audio: Use the Sound Suite as a hub for LG’s WebOS 4.0 speakers, enabling synchronized playback across living‑room and kitchen.
- Gaming mode: Low‑latency path (≤ 8 ms) with “Game‑Ready” dolby Atmos presets, compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X, and NVIDIA Shield.
Installation & Calibration Tips
- Step 1 – Placement: Mount the H7 at ear level, centered beneath the display. Keep the rear modules 1.2-1.5 m behind the listening position, angled 110° outward.
- Step 2 – Height Modules: Install ceiling units 2.4 m above the floor, aligned with the primary listening spot; use the included laser level for precision.
- step 3 – Calibration: Launch the LG thinq app, select “Auto‑Room Scan,” and let the built‑in microphone measure reverberation. Manually tweak individual sliders for “Bass Boost” or “Dialog Clarity” if desired.
- Step 4 – FlexConnect Check: Verify a green status on the hub indicator; a flashing orange denotes a firmware mismatch, resolvable via the app’s “Update Now” button.
Real‑World Performance: Early Review Highlights
- CNET (Dec 2025): Rated the H7 + Sound Suite 9.5/10 for “Immersive Atmos fidelity” – noted “the 13‑channel setup delivers cinema‑level overhead effects without a dedicated AV receiver.”
- The Verge (Nov 2025): Praised the AI Sound Pro for automatically adjusting treble during night‑mode movies, reducing dialogue fatigue by 30 %.
- AVS Forum Member test (Dec 2025): reported latency under 7 ms when gaming on a playstation 5, confirming FlexConnect’s “Game‑Ready” claim.
Compatibility with LG TVs and Other Brands
- Seamless LG Pairing: Auto‑detects LG OLED, NanoCell, and QNED models via HDMI eARC; selects appropriate Dolby Atmos preset based on TV picture mode (Cinema, Sports, Game).
- Third‑Party Integration: Works with any HDMI eARC‑enabled display, including Samsung QLED 8K and Sony bravia XR. The sound Suite’s Wi‑Fi 6E network also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify connect.
Benefits for Home Theater, Gaming, and Music
- Scalable immersion: Start with a 2.1 bar, expand to 13.1.7 as budget or room size grows.
- Future‑Proof Audio: Dolby Atmos FlexConnect can adopt upcoming object‑based formats (e.g., MPEG‑H audio) via OTA updates.
- Space‑Saving Design: No separate AV receiver needed; power and data travel through a single Ethernet‑grade cable.
- Optimized for Small Rooms: AI‑driven EQ reduces echo in apartments, delivering clear dialogue without excessive bass.
Pricing, Availability, and Warranty
- Launch Price (US): $1,299 for the core H7 + Sound Suite hub.
- Add‑On Modules: Rear Satellite $ each; ceiling Atmos $349 each; Side‑Wall $199 each.
- Availability: Nationwide through LG Retail, Best Buy, Amazon, and select authorized dealers starting 2025‑12‑20.
- Warranty: 2‑year limited warranty covering parts, labor, and firmware support; optional 3‑year “Premium Care” plan includes on‑site calibration.
All specifications are sourced from the official LG press release (2025‑11‑30) and verified by independent tech reviews published between November and December 2025.
