Build a Gamer-Grade Audio Stack for Your New 65" LG Evo C5 OLED

Hook: You bought the 65" LG Evo C5 — now make it sound like a true gaming rig

That steep discount on the 65" LG Evo C5 just landed you a best-in-class panel for visuals. But your games will still sound flat unless you pair the TV with the right audio stack. Low latency, precise positional cues and credible Dolby Atmos overheads matter more for competitive play and immersion than ever in 2026. This guide walks you through practical, tested builds — budget to pro — plus step-by-step wiring, firmware and calibration workflows so your C5 performs like the centerpiece of a gamer-grade audio system.

Why the LG C5 is a great gaming foundation (2026 context)

Short version: the C5 gives you OLED contrast, true blacks and the HDMI feature set modern gamers need. As of late 2025—early 2026, LG's C-series ships with:

• HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K@120Hz, VRR and ALLM — crucial for consoles and high-refresh PC GPUs.
• eARC on HDMI output so you can pass through Dolby Atmos and high-bitrate audio to soundbars/AVRs.
• WebOS updates that continue to add streaming and audio features, and basic TV-side audio processing like AI Sound Pro and game-focused audio profiles.

Those features let you choose two practical routing philosophies: route consoles through the TV and use eARC for Atmos pass‑through, or route consoles through an HDMI 2.1‑capable AVR and send video to the TV. I’ll show both workflows, and when each wins.

Core concepts (fast)

• Low latency comes from using Game Mode (TV) and minimal audio processing. Route signals with as few processors as possible.
• Dolby Atmos requires bitstream passthrough via eARC (TV → soundbar/AVR) or direct source → AVR routing that preserves object audio.
• Positional cues are delivered by real multi-channel speakers or modern soundbars with height channels; room correction and speaker placement are essential.
• Calibration (SPL, delay, EQ) is the difference between ‘good’ and ‘pro’-grade setups — use measurement mics and receiver/room-correction tools where possible.

Three practical builds: Budget, Mid, Pro (with step-by-step wiring & settings)

Build A — Budget (< $600): Single soundbar optimized for low latency and Atmos-lite

Goal: Big upgrade over TV speakers, minimal fuss, keep gaming lag under 20 ms. Best for small to medium rooms.

1. Choose a value Dolby Atmos soundbar (5.0.2 or 3.1.2) with native eARC support — look for low processing latency in reviews and a dedicated Game Mode.
2. Wiring: Plug your PS5/Xbox/PC HDMI outputs into the LG C5 HDMI inputs. Connect the C5 eARC HDMI out to the soundbar's HDMI eARC/ARC input using a certified HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1-certified if possible).
3. TV settings: Enable Game Mode (reduces input processing). Set Sound Out → HDMI ARC/ eARC and Audio Format to Pass Through when available.
4. Soundbar settings: Select a Direct or Game preset, disable additional surround processing or voice enhancements that introduce latency, enable HDMI eARC passthrough of Dolby Atmos or set to Auto for Object Audio.
5. Calibration: Use the soundbar app to run its room optimization, then manually verify lip‑sync. If dialogue is delayed, tweak the TV lip‑sync/audio delay value in 10 ms steps.

Why this works: this routing keeps the signal chain short (source → TV → soundbar) and uses eARC’s bandwidth to carry object audio. For many gamers, an Atmos‑capable budget soundbar provides credible overhead effects and strong center imaging for voice cues.

Build B — Mid-range ($800–$2,000): AVR + bookshelf surrounds (best balance of latency & realism)

Goal: Lower latency and accurate positional cues with real surround speakers; keep Dolby Atmos and 4K120 support.

1. Select an HDMI 2.1-capable AV receiver (AVR) with VRR/ALLM passthrough and at least one HDMI output to the TV. Pair with a matched 5.1.2 speaker set: front L/R, center, surrounds, and two height modules (or upward-firing modules).
2. Wiring option A (best latency): Connect your console/PC HDMI outputs to the AVR inputs, then AVR HDMI out → LG C5 HDMI input. Set the AVR to pass video at the native refresh rate (4K120) and route audio natively to the AVR to decode Atmos.
3. Wiring option B (TV-first passthrough): Connect consoles to the TV and use eARC to the AVR. This is simpler but depends on AVR handling eARC reliably for Atmos. Use if your AVR lacks full HDMI 2.1 switching.
4. Settings: On the LG C5, enable Game Mode and set HDMI Deep Color / HDCP consistent with the AVR. On the AVR, enable passthrough for bitstream/Dolby Atmos and run the built-in room calibration (Audyssey, Dirac Live, YPAO).
5. Calibration: Use a measurement microphone (UMIK‑1 or the AVR mic) to set distances/SPL and apply room correction. Verify latency by toggling Game Mode and measuring subjectively with a rhythm game or FPS test — the AVR routed pipeline is typically lower latency than heavy TV audio processing.

Why this works: AVRs give you true multi-channel sound, better positional separation and advanced correction. Routing sources through the AVR gives the most consistent low-latency audio path and preserves full Atmos object streams.

Build C — Pro (>$3,000): Full multi-channel, WiSA or wired 7.1.4 with professional calibration

Goal: Absolute positional accuracy, low-latency wireless options and top-tier Atmos. For streamers, content creators and dedicated game rooms.

1. System: High-end AVR with HDMI 2.1 + Dirac Live or industry-grade room correction. Use wired 7.1.4 speakers or a WiSA-certified wireless multi-channel speaker set to minimize run cables while retaining high bandwidth, low latency audio.
2. Wiring: Best practice is source → AVR → TV (for 4K120 & VRR), with the AVR decoding Atmos. If using WiSA, use a WiSA transmitter to talk to the wireless satellites; keep the subwoofer wired for stability where possible.
3. Calibration: Use a calibrated microphone (miniDSP UMIK‑1 or X‑HD) and run multi-point measurements. If you can, hire a pro for Dirac Live or similar — they will tune parametric EQ, group delay, and time-alignment for precision positional cues.
4. Firmware & Network: Put all devices on a wired or high-quality mesh network. Use the manufacturer's pro apps for firmware updates. For multiroom integration, keep Atmos zones separate; in 2026 Matter and Thread make smart control simpler but don’t merge Atmos to other rooms.

Why this works: Professional room correction and time-aligned speaker systems reproduce object audio exactly where it should be, which matters for competitive audio cues and streamer content quality.

Step-by-step configuration checklist (Apply to any build)

1. Unbox and place speakers: L/R at ear height angled 22–30°, center under the screen, surrounds slightly above ear level, heights or upward-firing for Atmos.
2. HDMI routing: Decide AVR-first (best latency) or TV-first (simpler eARC pass-through). Use certified HDMI 2.1 cables for 4K@120 and Atmos passthrough.
3. Enable Game Mode on the LG C5 and set all HDMI ports to their correct mode (HDMI Deep Color/HDCP if present).
4. TV Audio Output: Set to HDMI eARC (Passthrough) if using TV-first. Turn off TV processing (Surround, AI Audio Enhancers) for lowest latency, unless you want spatial up-mixing.
5. Sender Device (console/PC): Configure audio output to Bitstream/Dolby Atmos for Home Theater (if supported) or Dolby Atmos on apps where available. For PC, use Windows Spatial Sound for Atmos or passthrough bitstream if using an AVR.
6. Receiver/Soundbar: Select Pure/Direct or Game mode, enable Dolby Atmos decoding and run room EQ. Check for firmware updates immediately.
7. Fine tune lip-sync: Use the TV’s and AVR/soundbar’s lip-sync controls to match audio to picture; measure with test sequences or eye/ear tests.
8. Save presets: Create a Game preset that disables heavy processing, and a Media preset that uses more immersive processing for movies.

Firmware & ecosystem tips (2026 best practices)

• Update everything: LG releases webOS patches and HDMI compatibility fixes; soundbar/AVR makers also push latency and eARC stability updates. Check monthly during the first 3 months. Use vendor apps and pro tools similar to workflows in the NomadPack AV and touring kit reviews to manage firmware more predictably.
• Use vendor apps for OTA updates — Denon/Marantz/ Yamaha/ Sonos apps make firmware management easy. For multi-device houses, keep a revision log or use a spreadsheet — it helps when troubleshooting.
• Networking: Put streaming boxes and AV devices on a wired or high-quality mesh network; if you're running pop-up streams or temporary rigs, follow the network notes from pop-up guides like the Pop-Up & Edge POS playbooks.
• Cloud features: Many devices now offer cloud-based calibration profiles and room learning; treat these as starting points and always run a manual verification pass. See the debates about cloud calibration and creator ops in the Behind the Edge playbook.

Calibration deep dive: Tools & workflows

Calibration separates casual setups from the ones that pin audio cues on-screen. Here’s a concise, professional workflow.

1. Tools: measurement mic (miniDSP UMIK‑1), SPL meter app (for quick checks), AVR/Dirac/Audyssey microphone or hire a pro with an XLR-capable mic. For touring or mobile setups, read field reviews of compact kits to understand tradeoffs.
2. Placement & distances: measure speaker-to-ear distances precisely and enter them into the AVR. Time alignment is crucial for positional accuracy.
3. Run auto-EQ: Use your AVR’s room correction (Audyssey/Dirac). Accept the filter, then do spot checks with test tracks. Avoid over-eq'ing to preserve transient clarity for gaming cues.
4. Manual tweaks: Raise center channel by 1–2 dB for clearer dialogue. Reduce sub level slightly if explosions smear footsteps. Use parametric EQ sparingly.
5. Retention: Save a dedicated Game profile with a flatter low-end and centered imaging, and a Movie profile that uses more immersive processing.

Latency measurement & troubleshooting

Signs you have too much latency: weapon sounds feel delayed from visual impact; lip-sync is off. Quick checks and fixes:

• Enable Game Mode on TV and Game/Direct mode on AVR/soundbar.
• If using TV-first and noticing latency, try AVR-first routing (source → AVR → TV) to remove TV processing from the chain.
• Measure audio delay: the easiest test is a lip-sync video and adjust the audio delay/lip-sync slider in 10 ms steps. Pro measurement: use an oscilloscope or an app that timestamps an audio click vs video flash.
• Turn off wireless post-processing modes on soundbars that buffer audio for upmixing — they add noticeable delay.

Multiroom, streaming and cloud integration tips for creators

Creators and streamers need flexible routing:

• Keep your gaming Atmos zone separate from multiroom music zones. In 2026, Sonos, Bluesound and other ecosystems support high-res streaming, but Atmos remains a single-room experience.
• Use capture cards (Elgato/Razer) when streaming console gameplay — capture HDMI pre-AVR or use AVR loop-out with zero-latency passthrough to the capture device.
• Centralize firmware updates and device health monitoring using the manufacturers’ pro tools or an IT-friendly SDM (some third-party AV managers now support common AV brands).

Pro tip: For competitive gaming, prioritize direct speaker routes and minimal processing over spatial enhancement. You can always switch to an “immersive” profile when streaming cinematic playthroughs.

Short shopping checklist (what to look for in 2026)

• AVR: HDMI 2.1 x2+, VRR & ALLM support, native Atmos decoding, robust room correction (Dirac/Audyssey).
• Soundbar: eARC, dynamic headroom for Atmos channels, low-latency game preset.
• Speakers: Time-aligned fronts, dedicated center, upward-firing or ceiling heights for Atmos.
• Network: Wired Ethernet or Wi‑Fi 6E/7 mesh for streaming boxes; consider wired backhaul for AV racks.
• Accessories: certified HDMI 2.1 cables, measurement mic (UMIK‑1), subwoofer isolation pads.

Final checklist before you game

1. Confirm all firmware is updated (TV, AVR/soundbar, consoles, streaming boxes).
2. Choose routing (AVR-first for lowest latency; TV-first if you need simplified pass-through via eARC).
3. Enable Game Mode and the audio device’s Game/Direct profile.
4. Run room calibration and save a Game preset with minimal processing.
5. Test: play a 4K@120/VRR enabled title and monitor lip-sync + positional accuracy. Tweak audio delay if needed.

Why this matters in 2026 — trends that change the game

Object-based audio (Dolby Atmos) is mainstream for both games and streaming. HDMI 2.1 is widely adopted, but implementation variance means you still must choose hardware carefully. Wireless standards (WiSA for high-bandwidth audio, Matter/Thread for smart control) matured in 2024–2025 and now provide better integration — but wired or AVR-first routing still gives the most consistent low-latency results for competitive play.

Finally, automated firmware fixes and cloud-assisted room tuning are becoming common; use them, but always validate with manual measurements. For creators, this year is about blending cinematic immersion with the surgical precision competitive gamers demand.

Actionable Takeaways

• If you’re competitive: route sources through an HDMI 2.1 AVR, enable Game Mode, use Direct/Bypass audio presets and measure latency.
• If you want simplicity: buy a Dolby Atmos eARC soundbar, plug the C5 eARC to the bar, set TV audio to Pass Through and use the soundbar’s Game profile.
• If you want pro-grade immersion: invest in a wired 7.1.4 or WiSA system with Dirac and a pro calibration session.

Call to action

Ready to level up your LG C5 setup? Start with our downloadable wiring & calibration checklist and a model-specific compatibility matrix for 2026 — visit speakers.cloud to grab both, or ask below for a custom recommendation based on your room, budget and consoles. Share your current gear and I’ll map out the exact cables, settings and EQ steps to get you game-ready.

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