Finally, a credible alternative to Sonos

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dafman

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#323598 19-Dec-2025 17:57

After living through months of Sonos-induced pain following their app debacle, I swore off buying any new Sonos kit and have been looking for an feasible option which would allow me to offload my aging Sonos speakers.

Finally, it looks like hope might be on the horizon…

https://hometheaterreview.com/lgs-new-sound-suite-uses-dolby-flexconnect-to-do-what-sonos-cant/

davidcole

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#3445754 19-Dec-2025 19:37

Sounds just as locked In from a hardware point of view. Not sure I see the benefit. Maybe if it was just Google cast and/or airplay. But this sounds like it’s more of a standard, but you can’t mix and match hardware. So like musiccast or heos

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Dunnersfella

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#3445765 19-Dec-2025 20:58

Just a puff-piece really... no listening tests, measurements or demos.

Sonos is a multi-room product that pioneered a sound bar-centric surround sound system.

The Dolby tech is designed around a single room for a TV or sound bar-centric surround sound system... but not a multi-room system.

Using a TV as the front centre channel is always a recipe for poor results, but no doubt people will give it a nudge.

I have some memories of the god-aweful LG wireless multi-room system that was released about 10-11 years ago, so it's interesting that they haven't really tried to do this again. Or maybe they learned their lesson?

networkn

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#3445772 19-Dec-2025 21:50

LG make some lovely soundbars I have to say.

I'll reserve judgement on these new units and features until they are more widely tested and reviewed.

richms

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#3445829 20-Dec-2025 08:41

Lg made musicflow and then lost interest and abandoned it. Will this be different? No idea since I wont buy into it as LG is on my sh*tlist now for that. It worked ok when it was supported but now the google cast in the speakers is too old to work with anything and the app is gone from the store so I have to use my antique phone to group and ungroup them.

Richard rich.ms

freitasm

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#3445831 20-Dec-2025 09:11

I received the press release but didn't post. Here is an excerpt:

"LG Sound Suite works seamlessly with LG’s premium TVs, allowing users to pair any of its wireless components – including the M7 and M5 surround speakers, and the W7 subwoofer – with or without the H7 soundbar for 27 possible configurations. This flexibility means consumers can create the perfect setup for their space, whether starting small or building a full 13.1.7-channel home theater. And when the H7 soundbar serves as the lead device, Dolby Atmos FlexConnect works with any TV via HDMI, giving consumers the freedom to meet their entertainment needs. LG is also bringing Dolby Atmos FlexConnect to its 2026 premium TV lineup and select 2025 models through a future software update, unlocking even more ways to enjoy Dolby Atmos."

So, unless you have a LG TV, you must have the soundbar to drive the system.

I'm not sure how is this an alternative to Sonos, as it doesn't sound like a multi-room system.

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dafman

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#3446002 20-Dec-2025 12:19

freitasm:

I'm not sure how is this an alternative to Sonos, as it doesn't sound like a multi-room system.

A credible alternative for Sonos HT, but probably not for multi-room. I got too optimistic too early.