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77" A9G or A80J?

2562 Views 25 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  E2K
I know A9G is last year's model but assuming a really good open box deal (with a panel that is clean and good condition, no catch - not sure of) or a A80J that is that new established MSRP of $3499

...what would be better? I know that the a80j has XR and a9g is X1, and a80j seems to have EVO panels for the 77" and a9g does not.
HDMI 2.0 all around on a9g vs HDMI 2.1 x2 on a80h. input lag on a9g is 25 or 26 ms I think the a80h is like 15 or 16ms.

It is nice that a9g is 'master series' and top of the line from last year but it is last year. And that a9g can be used as a center whereas a80j cannot and that's been only offered on a90j.

Dont really see any comparisons directly between the two

its always a80j vs a8h, or a80j vs. a90j, or a8h vs. a9g.

but never a9g vs a80j

anyways thoughts? Let's say price difference of 1k for arguments sake, or $750-1k.
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FWIW, the A9G is a 2019 model. The similar A9S and the A8H were the 2020 models (but no new 77" last year). My impression is that the A8H was basically an improved A9G, but I didn't own either of them. Personally, if I wasn't comfortable with the current price of the 77A80J, then I'd wait until November to buy it. I wouldn't buy the A9G now.
FWIW, the A9G is a 2019 model. The similar A9S and the A8H were the 2020 models (but no new 77" last year). My impression is that the A8H was basically an improved A9G, but I didn't own either of them. Personally, if I wasn't comfortable with the current price of the 77A80J, then I'd wait until November to buy it. I wouldn't buy the A9G now.
The A9G with a 2020 panel in it, manufactured late = same as A8H right in that its X1 processor also?

it is wild they just skipped 77" period afiak for 2020's and went right into a80j and a90j

I am going to go with 77 A80J I think, I need a living room tv and could wait a few months but not sure its worth it to maybe save a few hundred.
The A9G with a 2020 panel in it, manufactured late = same as A8H right in that its X1 processor also?
I'm not completely sure what all of the differences are. I think the A8H introduced better BFI and has lower input lag, but for those who care, it lacks the center channel audio capability that the A9G has. Beyond that, I'm not entirely sure. Between the two models (55" or 65"), I would rather have an A8H. I think that a planned 2020 Master Series was cancelled because of the pandemic.
To my understanding, “Master Series” doesn’t launch every year... it’s more like 1.5 to 2 years.

The A9G is a 2019 TV. It might have been a late build with a 2020 panel, but that won’t change anything; all the technology in the TV is from when that TV was designed.

The A9G is better than the A8H for use as a computer. As for Input lag, the difference is going to be rather negligible, but the A8H is definitely faster.

According to rtings.com, the A8H has a marked improvement SDR brightness and slightly better for HDR brightness. Also, based on their test units, they said the A8H had significantly better out-of-the-box color accuracy. Mind you, they don’t check that with a statistically significant number of TV’s, but it is what they found on the ones they tests.


I think the “use it as a center channel” is a bit of a gimmick. The center is of paramount importance to a movie, and the TV won’t match the sound of the rest of the surround system, so the only reason to use a TV as a center would be that someone has absolutely no space for an actual center.... or they care about the aesthetic look of a living room more than sound quality.
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To my understanding, “Master Series” doesn’t launch every year... it’s more like 1.5 to 2 years.

The A9G is a 2019 TV. It might have been a late build with a 2020 panel, but that won’t change anything; all the technology in the TV is from when that TV was designed.

The A9G is better than the A8H for use as a computer. As for Input lag, the difference is going to be rather negligible, but the A8H is definitely faster.

According to rtings.com, the A8H has a marked improvement SDR brightness and slightly better for HDR brightness. Also, based on their test units, they said the A8H had significantly better out-of-the-box color accuracy. Mind you, they don’t check that with a statistically significant number of TV’s, but it is what they found on the ones they tests.


I think the “use it as a center channel” is a bit of a gimmick. The center is of paramount importance to a movie, and the TV won’t match the sound of the rest of the surround system, so the only reason to use a TV as a center would be that someone has absolutely no space for an actual center.... or they care about the aesthetic look of a living room more than sound quality.
that's a good point about sound signature being a mix-match but you dont think a 65 or 77" Sony sound system that projects speakers from behind the screen would sound better than an Andrew Jones Pioneer center? Which I like granted, but AJ Pioneer set is a budget but good set of speakers. Still, I'm using an older Denon receiver + optical audio out even after all these years... I know. I will upgrade eventually just not a top priority

Some are saying even a Vizio sound bar would sound better - is that true?
that's a good point about sound signature being a mix-match but you dont think a 65 or 77" Sony sound system that projects speakers from behind the screen would sound better than an Andrew Jones Pioneer center? Which I like granted, but AJ Pioneer set is a budget but good set of speakers. Still, I'm using an older Denon receiver + optical audio out even after all these years... I know. I will upgrade eventually just not a top priority

Some are saying even a Vizio sound bar would sound better - is that true?
On its own, the A80J is supposed to have pretty decent internal speakers. However, I don’t see any reason to use it in a surround setup. The center channel is super Important. Everyone will attest to that. Why use the TV when an excellent center is just several hundred? It doesn’t even have to be that expensive. Many can do it for much cheaper. A TV will be designed to, in some way, fill a soundstage on its own. Did Sony really design it with the capabilities to be used as a designated center? The entire speaker makeup is different for the 2 purposes. I just don’t believe it. I mean, I know it can be used, but that doesn’t mean a cheap alternative won’t be more useful due to its dedicated design.
Some are saying even a Vizio sound bar would sound better - is that true?
I assume anything designed with a specific purpose would probably be better than a TV with a set of speakers designed for a completely different purpose. How do the speakers in the TV change their angles based on whether you want to use it alone to fill a room in different directions, versus a center speaker that has a specific purpose and target? Just my opinion. I would just get a center.
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Some are saying even a Vizio sound bar would sound better - is that true?
I was told the sound from the A80J is good and a sound bar might not be needed. That’s comparing to other tvs with modest sound production. That’s something you can easily test anywhere. I did that recently. I checked the Sony X90J. I felt that yes, I would need a sound bar With the X90J.

In any event, none of that is about using the TV as a center.
The center is really important, and on its own is not that expensive for decent quality. Good quality isn’t that expensive. This is all based on the importance of a center. If I get the A80J, I will try to get by without a sound bar, at least for as long as possible. Some tvs will make you want a sound bar immediately. I certainly won’t build a surround system around my TV as the integral center channel.
that's a good point about sound signature being a mix-match but you dont think a 65 or 77" Sony sound system that projects speakers from behind the screen would sound better than an Andrew Jones Pioneer center? Which I like granted, but AJ Pioneer set is a budget but good set of speakers. Still, I'm using an older Denon receiver + optical audio out even after all these years... I know. I will upgrade eventually just not a top priority

Some are saying even a Vizio sound bar would sound better - is that true?
If you build a surround system, then you need a receiver and a bunch of speakers and a sub. Are you thinking you can save a few bucks and just need one less speaker because of your TV? I don’t see why you would want, or need, to do that.
Unless you are going with a new G1 or A90J, just find the best deal for the A9G, A8H or A80J you can find. Once it's on your wall, you'll forget the minute differences rtings or any review will give.

Saying that, I picked up an A9G at the end of Jan 2021. The box said it was a Dec 2020 manufacturing date. It's been perfect and noticeably better than my LG B9 in terms of colour. It's bright enough for a bright family room use and picture quality is exemplary. I don't care much for HDR nor Dolby Vision. It's good out of the box in Cinema mode. Plug in an AppleTV4k/reciver and I don't worry aboutbuilt in speakers/smartTV functions anymore.

My use may vary to yours. I just want to watch streaming channels. I just wish there was a Blu-ray 4K rental service. RedBox shut down in Canada.
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Saying that, I picked up an A9J at the end of Jan 2021.
sorry, I just want to confirm what TV you are referring to, There is a typo in some way. Thanks.
sorry, I just want to confirm what TV you are referring to, There is a typo in some way. Thanks.
Would assume A9G
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Would assume A9G
Yes, but I just wanted to make sure. When we type all these models, sometimes we just type incorrectly.

btw, did you get the message I sent you in “conversations”?
Yes, but I just wanted to make sure. When we type all these models, sometimes we just type incorrectly.

btw, did you get the message I sent you in “conversations”?
saw it thanks

The consideration is im seeing two 'fair condition' priced 77" A9G's for ~$2500

I dunno if they're beat up, driven into the ground by being demo units, or rejected from previous owner or some real defect but. That is something worth exploring possibly (but not necessarily)

Not sure what I would do warranty wise, just roll the dice and hope for the best since its probably expired being an older model
saw it thanks

The consideration is im seeing two 'fair condition' priced 77" A9G's for ~$2500

I dunno if they're beat up, driven into the ground by being demo units, or rejected from previous owner or some real defect but. That is something worth exploring possibly (but not necessarily)

Not sure what I would do warranty wise, just roll the dice and hope for the best since its probably expired being an older model
Hmmm, tough one. The savings is nice, albeit for an older (and lesser) model, but certainly fair.

im not sure I could deal with the uncertainty. Every time I saw something I thought seemed “off”, I might wonder if it’s because of the open-box situation.

Also, you won’t get the same warranty I assume (as the new one). For me, I think the warranty would be the biggest peace of mind that I could get. It sounds great.
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Yes, it was A9G. My typo error.

As for a USED TV I wouldn't personally buy used unless it was a LCD. Coming from Plasma, I know you have to be careful with OLED.
Hmmm, tough one. The savings is nice, albeit for an older (and lesser) model, but certainly fair.

im not sure I could deal with the uncertainty. Every time I saw something I thought seemed “off”, I might wonder if it’s because of the open-box situation.

Also, you won’t get the same warranty I assume (as the new one). For me, I think the warranty would be the biggest peace of mind that I could get. It sounds great.
My 9600 65" I had for 5 years was an open box unit from Fry's. but it was on display, had 20 hours on it, and I got to take a good hard look at it before buying and was able to slap an LG warranty on it - which I never ended up using but sure was glad I had it for peace of mind as mentioned

It was a risk though
My 9600 65" I had for 5 years was an open box unit from Fry's. but it was on display, had 20 hours on it, and I got to take a good hard look at it before buying and was able to slap an LG warranty on it - which I never ended up using but sure was glad I had it for peace of mind as mentioned

It was a risk though
Does the warranty you can get cover burn-in and accidental damage?

and tell me it’s transferable. 😍
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