Verdict

Pros

• Impressive sound quality
• Generous features and web content
• Chic, discreet design

Cons

• No HDMI inputs
• Not quite as refined as some rivals
• 3D Surround Processor doesn't add much

What is the LG NB3730A?

It’s a soundbar with a twist. Not only does it bring 300W of home cinema sound into your living room, but it also throws in a selection of online music and video streaming services through its built-in Wi-Fi. And with plenty of connections, including a USB port and Bluetooth, you certainly won’t be stuck for something to listen to. It even comes with a wireless subwoofer, which helps keep cable clutter to a minimum.

LG NB3730A – Design

Soundbars are all about style, and the NB3730A has it in abundance. The main speaker unit is fashioned in gloss black with six speaker drivers lined up along the front, accentuated by a glinting silver trim. This is definitely a system you’ll be proud to show off in your living room.

Also on the front you’ll find an LED display panel, a USB port hidden under a flap and a row of touch-sensitive controls, allowing you to adjust volume, toggle inputs and control playback. The flush front panel is devoid of unnecessary clutter, which helps it blend in.

Build quality is solid too, and with a depth of 71mm it’s not much thicker than most LED TVs, making it perfect for mounting on the wall below the screen using the supplied bracket and template. Alternatively you can place it on top of a TV cabinet, which is much simpler and no less stylish. Width-wise it’s best suited to 47in TVs.

The side-firing active subwoofer isn’t the best-looking box in the world, but then it doesn’t have to be. You can hide it away wherever you like thanks to its wireless connection to the soundbar – the only constraint is that it has to be installed near a plug socket. The matt and gloss black finishes are tasteful enough, plus it’s remarkably compact, which will be a godsend in small rooms.

LG NB3730A – Connections

On the back of the soundbar you’ll find three sockets – optical digital audio input, HDMI output and Ethernet. The HDMI output supports Audio Return Channel, which means it can receive audio from a compatible TV, both from its own tuner or a connected device like a Blu-ray player.

But the lack of HDMI inputs means you really will need a TV with ARC to get the best out of it. If not, things get a little complicated – you’ll have to hook up your Blu-ray player to the optical input, then connect the player and soundbar to separate HDMIs on your TV. If that sounds like too much faffing about, then we recommend looking elsewhere for a soundbar with HDMI inputs.