LG targets Sonos with NP8740 wireless music system

LG has taken the wraps off its audio products to be launched at CES, and they include a Sonos rival.

Joe Svetlik

Joe has been writing about consumer tech for nearly seven years now, but his liking for all things shiny goes back to the Gameboy he received aged eight (and that he still plays on at family gatherings, much to the annoyance of his parents). His pride and joy is an Infocus projector, whose 80-inch picture elevates movie nights to a whole new level.

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Joe Svetlik

Dec. 23, 2013 4:36 a.m. PT

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We already knew LG was launching a gargantuan gogglebox at CES in a couple of weeks, but now the company has unveiled its audio line-up, too. The jewel in its audio crown is the NP8740, a wireless music system that's a bit like the Sonos.

Also in store are a device that's as flat as a pancake to go under your telly, and a new sound bar. Happy New Year, audiophiles!

Just like with Sonos, you can put multiple NP8740 speakers in rooms all over the house, then either fill your abode with the same song, or play a different tune in each. Which should be great for house parties.

The NP8740 can connect to other audio systems too, so should integrate nicely into your home set-up. Also like Sonos, you can turn your smart phone into a remote control for it, using the dedicated app.

Joining the NP8740 is the LAB540W, aka the SoundPlate. It's just 39.5mm tall, so it won't clutter your lounge. Place it under your TV, and it'll enhance sound no end, with its 4.1 channel, 320-watt innards. But it's not all sound: it has a built-in 3D Blu-ray player, and adds smart TV skills to your set, too. The external subwoofer adds a bit of unsightly bulk, but that's the price you pay for extra bass, I suppose.

Rounding off LG's audio offerings is the NB5540 sound bar. Like the SoundPlate, it packs 4.1 channel, 320 watt performance, but has no external parts, making it an all-in-one under-the-telly sound chucker. You can stream music to it wirelessly using Bluetooth as well.

I've asked LG for UK prices and release dates on all of these, and will update this story if I hear back.

What do you think of the range? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook page.