How to Pair a Soundbar With the LG Evo C5 OLED for the Best Gaming Audio

Cut through the confusion: get low-latency, lossless gaming audio from your 65" LG Evo C5

Buying a great OLED like the 65" LG Evo C5 is only half the battle — getting the immersive game audio it deserves is where most people get stuck. HDMI ports, eARC vs ARC, Dolby Atmos passthrough, and HDMI 2.1 bandwidth all collide and leave you wondering which cable, which port and which soundbar will actually make gunfire, explosions and directional footsteps sound right. This guide gives exact LG menu settings, HDMI routing options, console tips, troubleshooting and vetted soundbar picks so you get the best gaming audio today (and remain upgrade-proof into 2026).

Quick summary (most important first)

• Best setup for most gamers: connect your console to a TV HDMI 2.1 input for 4K@120Hz/VRR; connect the soundbar to the TV’s HDMI (eARC) port. Set LG’s audio to pass through for Dolby Atmos and lossless formats.
• If your soundbar supports HDMI 2.1 4K@120 passthrough, you can chain console → soundbar → TV. That can reduce one device’s audio/HDMI handoffs but is only worth it if the bar explicitly supports 4K@120 and low-latency passthrough.
• Use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (48 Gbps certified) and keep firmware updated on TV, console and soundbar to avoid HDCP/eARC handshake issues.
• Recommended tiers: Premium (Sennheiser AMBEO or Sonos Arc ecosystem), Midrange (Sony HT-A7000 or Samsung HW-Q990C family), Budget (Vizio M-series / Polk / JBL) — details and why below.

Why pairing matters in 2026: trends that affect the LG Evo C5

By 2026, a few trends make pairing strategy important: object-based audio (Dolby Atmos and similar) is standard in many console titles and cloud-game clients; HDMI 2.1/2.1a features like VRR and 4K@120Hz are essential for competitive gaming; and eARC is widely used to transport lossless multi-channel audio from the TV to sound systems. Many newer soundbars now include advanced object-rendering engines, upward-firing arrays and wireless subwoofers that rival small home theater setups — but capabilities vary widely. Knowing exactly which HDMI path and TV settings to use ensures you get lossless audio, accurate spatial imaging and minimal latency.

Exact LG Evo C5 settings for the cleanest gaming audio

Follow these steps on your LG Evo C5 (webOS) to get the most reliable, low-latency pass-through of game audio to your soundbar.

1) Update firmware first

1. Settings → All Settings → Support → Software Update → Check for Updates. Install any available updates on TV and soundbar before pairing.

2) Use the right HDMI ports and cable

• Locate the port labeled HDMI (ARC/eARC) on the TV — this is the port your soundbar should use when relying on eARC.
• For your console, use any HDMI port on the C5 marked HDMI 2.1 (usually labeled on the TV). These ports handle 4K@120Hz, VRR and ALLM.
• Use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (48 Gbps) for both links if possible. Cheap cables are common causes of handshake and bandwidth problems in 4K@120/Atmos setups.

3) TV audio menu — exact choices

1. Settings → Sound → Sound Out → choose HDMI (ARC/eARC) (or the soundbar name if it appears).
2. Settings → Sound → Additional Settings → Digital Sound Out (or S/PDIF settings) → set to Auto / Pass Through. This lets the TV pass Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA to the soundbar via eARC (lossless where supported).
3. Settings → Sound → Sound Mode → set to Game or Direct. Avoid heavy TV sound processing (AI Sound Pro, virtualizers) that can alter spatial cues and increase latency.
4. Settings → Sound → AV Sync Adjustment → keep at 0 ms initially; if you notice lipsync, adjust +/- in small increments. eARC usually preserves sync, but some chains need fine-tuning.
5. If present: Settings → General → HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color → enable for any HDMI port used for 4K@120/VRR (usually the console port).

4) Soundbar settings to check

• Enable eARC or ARC mode on the soundbar if the firmware has a toggle.
• Set the bar’s HDMI audio input to allow passthrough of the original bitstream (Dolby Atmos / TrueHD) instead of forcing PCM downmixing.
• Run the soundbar’s room-calibration mic/setup (if available) and place the subwoofer where it gives deep bass without boominess — usually a front corner works best.

Best HDMI routing for gaming — two practical options

Option A (recommended for most): Console → TV (HDMI 2.1) + TV eARC → Soundbar

Why: preserves the highest video bandwidth (4K@120Hz, VRR) and uses the TV’s eARC to send full multichannel audio (including Dolby Atmos in supported games/streams) to the soundbar. This is the simplest and most future-proof approach for a home gaming setup in 2026.

Option B (use only if the soundbar explicitly supports HDMI 2.1 4K@120 passthrough): Console → Soundbar → TV

Why: this reduces device count and can be handy if you want the soundbar as the central AV hub. Downside: most soundbars still lag AV receivers in HDMI switching features. Use this only if your soundbar clearly advertises 4K@120 passthrough, low latency, and you confirm it supports HDR/VRR passthrough for your console.

Console audio tips — make the TV/soundbar chain carry Atmos and lossless audio

• Set the console output to pass-through bitstream or Dolby-compatible bitstream where available. On Xbox/PlayStation, choose the highest-quality bitstream/bitrate that your bar supports (or Linear PCM if your bar expects decoded PCM).
• If using streaming apps on TV (Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+), make sure you play Dolby Atmos-enabled content or Atmos-enabled game trailers to validate pipeline. If Atmos isn’t detected, check the TV’s Digital Sound Out is still set to Pass Through.
• Some consoles and apps require enabling advanced audio formats (e.g., Dolby Atmos for home theater in app settings). Consult the console/app guide if Atmos isn’t showing.

Recommended soundbars for the LG Evo C5 (by use-case)

Below are practical picks in 2026 that match the LG Evo C5’s strengths: excellent OLED image, low-latency HDMI 2.1 video, and eARC audio. Each pick focuses on gaming: low latency, strong spatial imaging, and good sub-bass.

Premium / Best-in-class (immersion and future-proofing)

• Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar — unmatched spatial rendering and upmixing, excellent for movies and object-based gaming audio; solid eARC handling for lossless formats and a huge soundstage. Pair with AMBEO Sub for earth-shaking bass.
• Sonos Arc (latest gen) — tight integration if you use other Sonos speakers, excellent Atmos virtualization and consistent home ecosystem updates. Works very well with LG eARC; best for users already in Sonos ecosystem.

Midrange / Best value for gamers

• Sony HT-A7000 + optional sub/rear kit — excellent object rendering, clarity at high volumes, and Sony’s room calibration gives realistic imaging. Great 3D feel for competitive and cinematic titles.
• Samsung HW-Q990C family — full-channel solution with wired/wireless rear channels and deep bass; many models in this family provide robust game-focused modes and strong Atmos performance.

Budget-conscious / small-room

• Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 or M-Series — surprisingly good Atmos rendering for the money; solid subwoofer included. A great match for smaller living rooms where a full discrete AV stack isn’t an option.
• Polk Magnifi or JBL Bar series — reliable performance, low latency, and often cheaper bundles with subwoofers.

If you want discrete channels: AV receiver + speakers

If your priority is a true multi-channel setup with real rear speakers and the absolute lowest latency for competitive gaming, choose an HDMI 2.1 AV receiver with discrete speakers. Route console → AVR → TV. Benefits: full support for Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA and complete channel control. Brands to consider in 2026: Denon/Marantz, Yamaha, and Onkyo models with HDMI 2.1 switching.

Room setup, placement and calibration tips that actually help in games

• Place the soundbar centered under the C5 and keep upward-firing drivers unobstructed; do not place the bar inside a closed cabinet.
• Subwoofer: keep it on a floor surface, near a front wall or corner for stronger low-frequency extension; move in small increments to avoid boominess.
• Use the bar’s room-calibration mic; then test with in-game directional audio and a movie Atmos trailer — trust your ears more than presets.
• Turn off TV surround processing and virtualizers for competitive gaming — they can distort positional cues and add latency.

Common problems — and exact fixes

1) No Dolby Atmos label on the TV or soundbar

• Check: TV Sound Out → HDMI (eARC); Digital Sound Out → Auto/Pass Through.
• Ensure the source (game or app) actually outputs Atmos. Try an Atmos demo on Disney+/Apple/Netflix or an Atmos-enabled game trailer.
• Update firmware on TV and soundbar, reboot both devices, and replug the HDMI cable into the eARC port.

2) Lip-sync delay

• Toggle AV Sync Adjustment on the LG (Settings → Sound) and adjust in small steps. If delay persists only when using eARC, try enabling/disabling the soundbar’s lip-sync setting or use the soundbar’s remote to correct.

3) 4K@120Hz not working when soundbar is connected

• Ensure console → TV is direct to an HDMI 2.1 port with HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color enabled for that port. If console is routed through soundbar, confirm the soundbar explicitly supports 4K@120 passthrough.

4) Handshake/HDCP errors

• Use certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables, power-cycle devices, and confirm firmware versions. If a component does not support HDCP 2.3 or later, you may lose HDR/4K features.

Maintenance and long-term tips for reliability

• Keep TV and soundbar firmware current — manufacturers continue to improve eARC and HDMI behaviors through 2026 updates.
• Keep the soundbar and subwoofer vents free from dust; run manufacturer-recommended calibration once after any room change.
• Label your HDMI cables and ports after you finalize the setup. It speeds troubleshooting and prevents accidental re-routing that breaks 4K@120/eARC handshakes.

What to buy in 2026 if you want the easiest, most future-proof experience

1. Buy a soundbar that explicitly lists eARC (lossless Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD MA), Dolby Atmos rendering and — if you plan on routing sources through the bar — 4K@120 HDMI 2.1 passthrough.
2. If you play competitively and demand the lowest possible latency, prefer console → TV HDMI 2.1 and use eARC to the bar. This avoids HDMI switching bottlenecks and preserves ALLM/VRR without extra hops.
3. For a full-channel home theater with gaming flexibility, choose an HDMI 2.1 AV receiver and discrete speakers — it’s the most flexible route and remains the best long-term upgrade path.

Final checklist before you launch into a long gaming session

• TV firmware updated
• Soundbar firmware updated
• Console video set to 4K@120 (if supported) and audio set to pass-through bitstream where appropriate
• HDMI cable: Ultra High Speed (48 Gbps) on console → TV, and TV eARC cable certified
• TV Sound Out = HDMI (eARC), Digital Sound Out = Auto/Pass Through
• Soundbar room-calibration run and Sound Mode set to Game/Direct

Pro tip: if you want both maximum video performance and absolute audio fidelity, route the console to the TV’s HDMI 2.1 port for 4K@120 and use the TV’s eARC port to feed your Atmos-capable soundbar. It’s the least fragile and most compatible solution in 2026.

Where to go next — actionable takeaways

• Follow the exact LG menu steps above and confirm Digital Sound Out is set to Auto/Pass Through.
• Test with a known Atmos demo (streaming app or game trailer) and then with your favorite multiplayer game — pay special attention to directional cues.
• If you’re buying a soundbar in 2026, prioritize eARC and explicit HDMI 2.1 4K@120 passthrough specs. If you need the deepest bass and full discrete channels, choose an AV receiver and speaker package instead.

Call to action

Ready to upgrade your gaming audio for the 65" LG Evo C5? Check our curated picks and latest deals on earpod.store — we’ve tested and matched soundbars by room size, budget and competitive vs cinematic gaming needs. Click through to compare models, get exact bundle prices, and read hands-on tests to find the perfect match for your setup.

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