Tuesday, September 14th 2021
LG Debuts UltraGear GP9 Gaming Speaker, Matches its Displays
LG has gained a pretty good reputation for its UltraGear monitors and the company has now launched its first accessory, the matching GP9 gaming speaker. At first glance, it just looks like a compact soundbar, but looks can be deceiving and that's very much the case here, as not only is it a portable, battery powered speaker, but it hides quite a few features that aren't apparent at first glance.
For starters, LG has incorporated what they call a "Quad DAC" with some help from ESS in the shape of the 9038Pro, which is ESS' flagship 32-bit DAC. LG uses this to deliver virtual 7.1-channel audio and the GP9 is Hi-Res Audio certified. The GP9 also has a built-in noise cancelling microphone, so you can use it for voice chat or online meetings if so inclined.
As this is a portable speaker, it also comes with a 2600mAh battery, which LG claims is good for up to 6 hours of usage, although it's not clear if this is with RGB on or off, as yes, the GP9 does of course come with built in RGB LEDs like any respectable gaming focused product these days.
Connectivity consists of USB-C, optical S/PDIF and Bluetooth, as well as a 3.5 mm output jack that can be used with a headset for those times when the speaker might be too loud. There's also support for DTS Headphone:X and a customizable equalizer that can be configured via LG's XBOOM app. LG doesn't seem to have paid too much attention to the Bluetooth side of things, as only the SBC and AAC audio codecs are supported. Both Google Assistant and Siri are also supported, although it's not clear if this works in a stand-alone mode or requires a mobile device to be connected.
Speak wise, we're looking at two 2-inch "woofers" and two 20 mm tweeters with a total output of a meagre 20 W, so don't expect this speaker to be a floor shaker. LG has also incorporated several gaming presets, such as FPS and RTS modes, in addition to three EQ modes. With an MSRP of US$499.99 we can't see this being a huge seller though, as the GP9 is really quite overpriced for what it seems to offer.
Source:
LG Electronics
For starters, LG has incorporated what they call a "Quad DAC" with some help from ESS in the shape of the 9038Pro, which is ESS' flagship 32-bit DAC. LG uses this to deliver virtual 7.1-channel audio and the GP9 is Hi-Res Audio certified. The GP9 also has a built-in noise cancelling microphone, so you can use it for voice chat or online meetings if so inclined.
Connectivity consists of USB-C, optical S/PDIF and Bluetooth, as well as a 3.5 mm output jack that can be used with a headset for those times when the speaker might be too loud. There's also support for DTS Headphone:X and a customizable equalizer that can be configured via LG's XBOOM app. LG doesn't seem to have paid too much attention to the Bluetooth side of things, as only the SBC and AAC audio codecs are supported. Both Google Assistant and Siri are also supported, although it's not clear if this works in a stand-alone mode or requires a mobile device to be connected.
Speak wise, we're looking at two 2-inch "woofers" and two 20 mm tweeters with a total output of a meagre 20 W, so don't expect this speaker to be a floor shaker. LG has also incorporated several gaming presets, such as FPS and RTS modes, in addition to three EQ modes. With an MSRP of US$499.99 we can't see this being a huge seller though, as the GP9 is really quite overpriced for what it seems to offer.
42 Comments on LG Debuts UltraGear GP9 Gaming Speaker, Matches its Displays
This is not quite what I expected when I read the title, but in any case, I hope soundbars for PC become a thing. I want one, but the options are extremely limited right now.
Gamur looks, yep. Strange how it is always synonymous to horrible design. Looks good as a brick to toss at your buddy's head though if you lose.
In a world of curved 21:9 displays they manage to make a 'matching' shape out of rectangles. Well done.
Who in the right mind would buy this at $499.99 ?
This is a tough sell even at $299.
UltraGear. I guess they REALLY dislike curves and love straight lines.Yeap. Its basically a jbl charge without the charge, the portability or the decent design, or the featureset.. at triple price.
But it has RGB leds!
This is unbelievable to me that there are even people shelling out money in this range for a piddly-ass 2inch tweeter device. Thank the world of beats headphones and the like for the state of fashion audio equipment and it's prices. Instead of fashion it's the gamerbroz you gotta upsell, now.
I am personally inclined to have an entire audio system with an AVR and speakers. $500 basically can buy that.... Lately I wouldn't mind a speaker bar for just my desk. I have an 34" wide monitor that takes up most of the desk space so underneath is really the only place for speakers. But, a $500 portable speaker from a refrigerator company aint it.
Edit: I'm not a big DAC audiophile. Does the 9038 cost $400. If so, then it makes sense.
Yamaha 5.1Ch Home Theatre Pack YHT-1840B $435. AUD
www.amazon.com.au/Yamaha-Channel-Home-Theater-YHT1840B/dp/B07DGJ1PN9
Feature-wise it's actually pretty neat - a good DAC and USB-C + SP/DIF inputs makes this a pretty unique product. But ... ugh, that design. NO. And for $500? **** NO.
Hell, a good 3-way speaker has a mid-band speaker bigger than 2".
Putting the speakers next to each other then using software gimmicks to emulate positional sound. :kookoo:
Then again, their highest-end model is only $70.
www.dell.com/en-us/member/shop/dell-pro-stereo-soundbar-ae515m-skype-for-business-certified/apd/520-aaor/monitors-monitor-accessoriesC'mon, it has the same red grills and weird angular design language...
Oh, btw, when did you start writing for TPU? Haven't noticed that until now. Great to see another knowledgeable writer on the team :)Kind of doubt that, at least unless you're willing to go into a very different product category. You won't find a good soundbar for $100; you will likely find a decent BT speaker for that price but with no USB or SP/DIF connectivity; you will definitely not find anything with this DAC. That obviously doesn't mean this price is warranted - far from it. And audio quality can absolutely be pretty crap even with the best DAC around - it has tiny speakers packed close together after all. And of course you can't put a price on that design :roll:
I guess you've missed the entire soundbar trend that has been going on for years? People seem to prefer them to surround sound setups in their living rooms, as there are fewer wires going everywhere.
And yes, that's also annoying, you see those speakers being trashed every so often when office equipment is being upgraded and they can no longer be attached to the replacement monitors.
Yesterday, just helping out a bit.
This is the actual press release text...
"ultra-stylish" :roll:
""tactical" matte black finish and understated metallic elements" :roll::roll:
"looking great next to any device in any room" :roll::roll::roll:
Man, this is too good.
But still, for $140 you can buy a good BT speaker for portable use and both the philips and the BT speaker would be cheaper than LGs GP9. So youre still winning either way. Reviews for the costco soundbar are pretty positive.