Home theater systems: Denon AVR-X2800H + Klipsch Reference Premiere Speakers vs. LG S95QR

Quick Verdict

The Denon AVR-X2800H + Klipsch Reference Premiere Speakers system offers a more flexible, component-based approach with potentially superior HDMI 2.1 support and detailed sound, while the LG S95QR soundbar provides a more integrated and convenient solution with a wider soundstage and immersive surround sound. The best choice depends on the user's preference for flexibility versus convenience, as well as their tolerance for potential calibration issues and bass performance.

The Denon system is a component system with a 7.2 channel receiver and Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers, offering flexibility in speaker configuration and Audyssey MultEQ XT room calibration.
The LG S95QR is a 9.1.5 channel soundbar system with a dedicated subwoofer and rear speakers, featuring AI Room Calibration and multiple wireless connectivity options.
Both systems support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive audio, but the LG S95QR also supports IMAX Enhanced.
The Denon system has more HDMI 2.1 ports, supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz, while the LG S95QR's HDMI 2.1 support for 4K/120p is uncertain.
The Denon system uses HEOS for multi-room audio, while the LG S95QR uses Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast.
The Denon system is praised for its dynamic range, clarity, and detailed sound, while the LG S95QR is noted for its wide soundstage, realistic surround sound, and clear dialogue.
The Denon system's subwoofer may lack some depth, while the LG S95QR's bass can be underwhelming or slow to kick in. Some users have also reported issues with the LG S95QR's auto-calibration.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Denon AVR-X2800H + Klipsch Reference Premiere Speakers	LG S95QR
System Type	Component	Soundbar
Number of Channels	7.2	9.1.5
Amplifier Power Output	95 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven). Some sources state 150W per channel.	810W
Speaker Configuration	Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers come in various configurations, including floor-standing, bookshelf, and Dolby Atmos modules.	Main soundbar with front left, front right, front center, side left, side right, and three up-firing drivers; Rear speakers with two front-firing speakers and one up-firing driver each; Dedicated, wireless subwoofer
Dolby Atmos Support	Yes, including Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	Yes
DTS:X Support	Yes, including DTS Virtual:X	Yes, also supports IMAX Enhanced
HDMI 2.1 Ports	3 inputs and 2 outputs support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video. All inputs and outputs support 4K/60Hz.	Two input, one eARC/HDMI output (4K @60Hz with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support, some sources say it does not support 4K/120p)
eARC Support	Yes	Yes
Wireless Connectivity	Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz) and Bluetooth	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect
Multi-room Audio Support	HEOS Built-in	Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast
Room Calibration Technology	Audyssey MultEQ XT	AI Room Calibration
Voice Control Compatibility	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri	Alexa, Google Assistant
Price	Not available	Not available
Ratings	Not available	Not available

Overall Comparison

Denon AVR-X2800H: 7.2 channel, 95W per channel, Audyssey MultEQ XT. LG S95QR: 9.1.5 channel, 810W, AI Room Calibration.

Pros and Cons

Denon AVR-X2800H + Klipsch Reference Premiere Speakers

Pros:

Stunning dynamic range
Fully enveloping 3D audio experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Audyssey MultEQ XT automatically adjusts speaker levels and optimizes sound according to the room's acoustics
Simple setup with Denon Setup Assistant
HEOS Built-in technology allows access to music from personal libraries, internet radio, and streaming services
Integrates well with smart home devices and voice assistants
Maintains impressive clarity even at higher volumes, with minimal distortion
Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers use horn-loaded tweeters for improved sensitivity and retrieve exceptional amounts of detail

Cons:

Subwoofer may lack some depth

LG S95QR

Pros:

Wide and immersive sound with Dolby Atmos content
Realistic surround sound experience with rear speakers
Clear and present dialogue (with up-firing center channel)
Good sound quality at different volume levels, avoids distortion at max volume
Seamless wireless connectivity
Easy to set up
Integrates well with smart home devices and voice assistants
Huge dynamic range
Performs well with various music genres

Cons:

Dialogue can occasionally sound too clean
Some reviewers had difficulty getting the auto calibration to sound right and preferred manual adjustments
Bass can be underwhelming or slow to kick in
Some sources say HDMI 2.1 does not support 4K/120p

User Experiences and Feedback

Denon AVR-X2800H + Klipsch Reference Premiere Speakers

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The system delivers stunning dynamic range, with discrete high-current power transistors for optimum realism. It handles action-packed movie scenes and subtle musical details equally well.
The system provides a fully enveloping 3D audio experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Audyssey MultEQ XT automatically adjusts speaker levels and optimizes sound according to the room's acoustics.
The Denon Setup Assistant provides simple, clear instructions to get started.
HEOS Built-in technology allows you to access music from personal libraries, internet radio, and streaming services.
The system integrates well with smart home devices and voice assistants, allowing voice control for various functions.
The system maintains impressive clarity even at higher volumes, with minimal distortion.
Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers use horn-loaded tweeters for improved sensitivity and retrieve exceptional amounts of detail.
The subwoofer may lack some depth, but the overall soundstage has cinematic scale and excellent tonal balance.

LG S95QR

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

Some reviews note that dialogue can occasionally sound too clean.
Some reviewers had difficulty getting the auto calibration to sound right and preferred manual adjustments.
Some reviews mention the bass can be underwhelming or slow to kick in.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.