LG S40TR vs Sony HT-S40R
Which system fits my room’s rear-speaker placement and the TV connection and sound features I need?
Products compared
ASIN B0D1CPPL85
LG S40TR
You own a compatible LG TV and want its speakers to work alongside the S40TR through WOW Orchestra.
Last observed offer
$199.99
List Price: $279.99
- Confirm offer eligibility on Amazon
Size: 2.5 Inches
Price checked
Observed condition: new. Coupon and subscription requirements unverified.
ASIN B0961X3R2H
Sony HT-S40R
You want the manufacturer’s documented 5.1 layout and TV connection choices of HDMI ARC or optical.
Last observed offer
$248.00
List Price: $329.99
Price checked
Observed offer ends
Observed condition: new. Coupon and subscription requirements unverified.
Prices are per listed package. Pickoryx may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through the paid Amazon links on this page, at no added cost to you.
Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-11-05 · Source checked 2026-11-05 16:02 UTC
The main trade-off
LG’s standout documented integration is WOW Orchestra with select LG TVs, while Sony publishes a 5.1-channel layout and explicit ARC/optical connection and format details. Both need planning for rear-speaker wiring and power; a measured sound-quality winner is not established.
Quick verdict
Choose the LG S40TR if you have a compatible LG TV and want its TV speakers to work with the bar through WOW Orchestra. Choose the Sony HT-S40R if a documented 5.1 layout and clearly specified HDMI ARC or optical TV hookup matter more. Both include rear speakers, and neither is cable-free at the back: plan where speakers, an amplifier, and power outlets can go before buying. This is a feature-fit comparison, not a sound-quality test.
Choose LG S40TR if
- You own a compatible LG TV and want its speakers to work alongside the S40TR through WOW Orchestra.
Choose Sony HT-S40R if
- You want the manufacturer’s documented 5.1 layout and TV connection choices of HDMI ARC or optical.
When the recommendation changes
- Your TV has no HDMI ARC and you need optical: Sony documents this fallback; check the exact S40TR manual for LG's TV connection details.
- You require eARC or Dolby Atmos: verify compatibility for each exact model before choosing either system.
- Your room cannot accommodate rear-speaker wiring or the required power connections: neither documented setup is cable-free at the rear.
The differences that matter
| Decision point | LG S40TR | Sony HT-S40R |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Surround Immersion And Room Layout | LG identifies the S40TR as 4.1-channel and says it includes rear speakers and a subwoofer.[1] | Sony identifies the HT-S40R as a 5.1-channel system with a bar, subwoofer, wireless amplifier, and two surround speakers.[3, 5] |
What this changes: These are different channel configurations and component layouts; channel count alone does not establish which sounds more immersive in a particular room.[1, 3, 5] The better fit depends on your priorities | ||
| Speaker Wiring And Installation Burden | LG says its rear speakers need a wire connection between them, and one rear speaker needs AC power.[1] | Sony connects the surround speakers by speaker cords to a separate wireless amplifier and lists AC cords for both the subwoofer and amplifier.[5] |
What this changes: For either system, map the rear-speaker path and nearby outlets before purchase. Sony adds a separate amplifier to place; LG still needs an inter-speaker cable and AC power at one rear speaker.[1, 5] The better fit depends on your priorities | ||
| Supported Audio Formats And Hdmi Connectivity | LG identifies Dolby and DTS support, but its US S40TR page does not list the TV input ports or the specific formats accepted over each input.[1] | Sony documents one HDMI output with ARC, optical input, Dolby Digital and 2-channel LPCM over HDMI and optical; its guide says to use optical when a TV lacks ARC.[4, 5] |
What this changes: Sony documents an ARC-or-optical hookup path. LG's US S40TR page does not list the TV input ports or input-specific formats; that does not mean those connections are absent, so check the exact US manual if this decides the purchase.[1, 4, 5] The better fit depends on your priorities | ||
| Lg Tv Integration | LG says WOW Orchestra can combine sound from the S40TR and select LG TVs; availability depends on compatible models.[1] | Sony lists Cinema, Music, Auto Sound, Night Mode, and Voice Mode. Its published materials do not describe a feature that combines Sony TV and soundbar speakers in the same way.[4] |
What this changes: WOW Orchestra may be useful with a supported LG TV. Verify your exact TV model and year; this feature does not establish a general sound-quality advantage.[1, 4] The better fit depends on your priorities | ||
Best for your routine
You own a compatible LG TV and want its speakers to play alongside the soundbar.
Best fit: LG S40TR
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
LG documents WOW Orchestra for select TV and soundbar models; check the exact TV model/year compatibility list.
You want an explicitly documented TV hookup path and published input-format details.
Best fit: Sony HT-S40R
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
Sony's US manual and specifications list HDMI ARC, optical hookup, and supported formats. LG's US S40TR page does not list comparable TV input details.
Value and trade-offs
One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.
Compare the live price difference against the features that matter in your room: LG’s compatible-TV integration or Sony’s documented 5.1 layout and connection details. No stable premium amount is supported here.
No reliable price history is available for this comparison, so it does not support a buy-now or wait recommendation. Compare today's offer with the setup features you need.
Limitations
- No controlled side-by-side sound test for these US models was performed; channel count and manufacturer feature descriptions do not prove sound-quality superiority.
- LG's US S40TR page does not list its TV input ports or per-input audio formats. Do not assume they are absent; check the exact US manual if a connection detail is essential.
- Neither manufacturer's published information here confirms eARC or Dolby Atmos support for this exact US pair. Verify both features with the manufacturers if either is required.
- Room acoustics, TV model, seating layout, outlets and cable routes can change installation fit.
- No long-term price trend is assessed here, and this comparison makes no buy-now, wait, savings, or historical-price claim.
Questions shoppers ask
Does the Sony HT-S40R use eARC?
Sony lists HDMI ARC and does not identify eARC in its HT-S40R specifications. If you require eARC, verify that exact feature with Sony before buying.
Methodology and sources
Compared exact model identity, published channel layout, rear-speaker/power topology, TV connections and named audio functions. No cross-product listening test or performance scoring was performed.
Automation helped organize source-backed facts and draft conditional buyer guidance; it did not test either soundbar.
View 5 sources
- 1.S40TR LG Home Theater Soundbar with Dolby and Rear Speakers, 4.1 channelLG USA · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-11-05 16:02 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Key features and footnotes: Identifies the US S40TR; describes 4.1 channels, rear speakers and subwoofer, Dolby and DTS; states WOW Orchestra applies only to select LG TV/soundbar models and the rear pair needs a wire between them with one speaker on AC power.
- 2.S40TR.DUSALLK Support, Manuals, Warranty & MoreLG USA Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-11-05 16:02 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Model heading and English Manuals & Software list: The exact US support record confirms model S40TR.DUSALLK and lists English online and owner's manuals.
- 3.Support for HT-S40R | Sony USASony Electronics Inc. · Official support · Source checked 2026-11-05 16:02 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Model heading and product description: Identifies exact HT-S40R and describes 5.1-channel home cinema with wireless rear speakers; notes included component model numbers may vary by country/region.
- 4.HT-S40R Specifications | Sony USASony Electronics Inc. · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-11-05 16:02 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Amplifier, Interface, HDMI, Audio Formats, and Sound Function: Specifies 5.1ch, one HDMI output with ARC, optical and analog/USB inputs, Dolby Digital and 2-channel LPCM on HDMI/optical, and Cinema/Music/Auto Sound plus Night/Voice modes.
- 5.HT-S40R Startup Guide — For North America, Asia, and OceaniaSony Electronics Inc. · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-11-05 16:02 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- What’s in the box; Connect the speakers; Connect with a TV; Connect AC power cords: Identifies HT-S40R; lists two surround speakers and a separate wireless amplifier, shows speaker cords from surround speakers to that amplifier and two AC cords, and directs users to HDMI ARC or optical when the TV lacks ARC.