Where Should A Soundbar Be Placed? Some of the best options

In this guide, we are going to talk about Where a soundbar should be placed.

Flat-screen TVs are too thin to accommodate high-quality speakers, like their CRT (cathode-ray tube) counterparts did in the past.

True sophisticated flat-TV speakers may take some time to become a reality, given the TV industry’s growing concentration on display size and fondness for pixels.

Until then, it seems that a soundbar is the only option – and a decent one at that – but where should it be placed? A soundbar is normally mounted below a television, although it may also be mounted above one.

Depending on the model, the soundbar’s performance and appearance may be determined by the location.

If the speakers are upward-firing, positioning the soundbar above the TV makes a lot more sense in terms of acoustics.

Where Should A Soundbar Be Placed?

1. The best location is below and in front of your TV and mounted on the wall. This helps to associate where the sound is coming from with the visuals on the screen.
2. Place the soundbar at ear level while sitting to optimize sound quality.
3. Point the soundbar directly toward the main listening area rather than angled toward the ceiling or floor.
4. Avoid placing the soundbar in a closed cabinet.
5. If placing speakers around the speakers, place them on the sides, corners or back of the seating area at ear level for an immersive effect.
6. The sound bars align with the pictures, creating a more immersive experience.
7. Center the soundbar: This helps distribute the sound evenly throughout the room.

Things To Consider When Positioning A Soundbar

1. Make sure the soundbar’s power cable and the socket it plugs into are near togethera perfect audio output with no electrical concerns.
2. Ensure the soundbar’s cords are not near any power cables. This ensures low or no power interference.
3. The soundbar’s back must be clear of obstructions. It should be a centimeter apart from everything. The soundbar’s acoustics require that the area behind it be blocked.
4. The soundbar must face the room, not the wall, for the speaker grille to face the room. It also shouldn’t be behind the TV.
5. To avoid wireless interference, make sure no wireless equipment is near the soundbar. But anything within two to three feet of the soundbar is OK.
6. Not on polished wood, glass, or any flat surface. The soundbar’s vibrations may lead the gadget to move unsteadily. So, instead of putting it straight on your table, use a rubber mat for further stability and support.
7. Also, avoid placing your soundbar on fragile or polished furniture to avoid damage. Place the soundbar on a rubber sheet on the furniture.
8. Use the soundbar in a room that is not too small or has good acoustics. Even the greatest soundbars may struggle to provide their full promise in a small space.
9. It must be correctly positioned whether the soundbar is above or below your TV. Also, it should be placed at the same height as your TV. If it’s long, make sure it’s wider than the TV on both sides—the cinema engineer planned for the image and audio to emerge from one spatial point source.
10. Sit at least 3 meters (300 cm) away from the audio equipment to get the best surround sound effects. 5–8 m is ideal (500 to 800 cm). Move the soundbar closer to the TV if you use wireless to avoid video-audio delay problems.
11. Though stands are useful, the TV and soundbar should be wall-mounted. If you don’t want to mount anything, ensure the TV and soundbar are on the same or separate stands.
12. If both devices are wall-mounted, leave a 10 cm (4 inches) space between them. This makes both device controls and connection choices readily accessible.
13. Use drapes and rugs to enhance or reduce sound reflections. Soundproofing using echo foam cushions might be helpful, too.
14. Not behind the TV. If ugly cables are the cause, conceal them. If they can’t be hidden, buy a Bluetooth soundbar. In addition to audio issues, hiding a soundbar makes adjusting its settings difficult.
15. No soundbars behind you or your sofa. The sofa may obscure the soundbar’s sounds. Also, soundbars are meant to be placed before the spectator, not behind.
16. Remember that the best audio is achieved when the source and destination are on the same level. Do not attach the soundbar if the room on the TV stand is limited. Instead, position it on an elevated surface or platform.

Positioning Soundbars In Different Locations

Soundbar on the Floor

Again, ear-level soundbars provide the highest audio quality.

If you’re going to put it on the floor, why not hoist it up on your entertainment console? We understand that not everyone’s home has an entertainment unit, but we strongly advise wall mounting it in that situation.

It will not only improve sound quality but also be safer. A soundbar on the floor may pull cables if you use a connected connection. They may easily trip youngsters, dogs, and even you.

Can You Put a Soundbar in the Cabinet?

Yes, providing the cabinet has no doors and is the proper height. However, if your soundbar has upward-firing speakers, the cabinet’s top will likewise restrict and muffle the sound. These upward-firing speakers have to surround sound technology for a complete audio experience. They were supposed to utilize the ceiling as a soundboard to create a 3D effect. This positioning is not recommended for sophisticated sound systems like Dolby Atmos soundbars. Otherwise, a simple model with front-firing speakers may be placed in the cabinet.

Why Should A SoundBar Be Placed Below the TV?

Now let’s look at why you should place your soundbar below the television.

Easy Connection

SoundBars may be connected wirelessly or wired. If your soundbar needs cables to connect, place it below the TV since the cable usually is no longer than 10 meters. Because most power outlets are near the bottom of the TV, connecting the soundbar with wire is easy. But if you have a SoundBar atop the TV, the connection will be a significant issue.

Easy Setup

Soundbars don’t need to be mounted since they’re portable. It is quite handy to put it underneath the television on a tiny stand. We don’t need to mount it. However, it must be placed to receive the remote’s signal adequately and is not obscured by other devices.

Behind the Couch

Although this is not a suggested position, we have seen many individuals choose it. If you don’t have enough room to mount on the wall or display it on a table, you may choose this placement option. However, if you maintain the soundbar in this position, it may seem like the sound is coming from behind you, and the sound quality may suffer as a result.

Is There Anywhere Else I Can Place My Soundbar?

A soundbar should be placed underneath the television, and a subwoofer should be placed someplace or in the corner of the room.

To simulate a movie theater experience in the comfort of one’s own home or apartment, many people buy many speakers.

However, is it OK to place a soundbar behind you? Nowadays, the majority of soundbars have two distinct nodes.

For example, if a film has an explosion on the right side of the screen, the audio will come from the speaker’s right side, providing genuine noises.

However, if you install a soundbar behind you, the sound may not sync with the display (the explosion on the right side of the screen would now be heard from your left ear).

Issues With Soundbar Placement

Each soundbar location has its own set of challenges. The TV’s connection is always closer to the bottom; therefore, wall mounting it below the TV may cause some interference. So, rather than placing it on the wall, place it on the table.

Some Soundbar systems bounce sound off walls to produce a surround sound experience. So, the wall arrangement and interior design may impede sound.

When selecting the finest soundbar under £100, measure the height of the Infrared Receiver on the TV via which the remote operates. Your remote may not function if the soundbar is too high.

Should soundbar be above or below TV?

This depends on the functionality it is designed for. Here are some things to consider when making this decision.

Consideration should be given to ear level, high-firing speakers, distance from the TV, and ceiling height.

How far should a soundbar be from the TV?

The ideal distance between a sound bar and a TV is about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches).

Conclusion

The positioning of the soundbar influences the sound delays and overall quality. Examine your setup and gadget to identify the ideal soundbar location.

Keep it at ear level for the most significant home theater experience.