As an audiophile, I believe that sound quality is just as important as video quality when it comes to home entertainment. That’s why placing a soundbar in the right location is crucial for a truly immersive audio experience. So, Where Should a SoundBar be Placed?
By finding the best spot for your soundbar, you can enhance the quality of your favorite movies and TV shows, music, and gaming. Every aspect plays a significant role in achieving optimal sound quality, from the distance and position to the angle and cable management.
In this context, let’s explore the best practices for soundbar placement to take your home entertainment to the next level.
Where a SoundBar Should be Placed?
As a Samsung Soundbar user, I can provide tips on where to place your soundbar for the best audio experience, along with Samsung audio settings. Here are some considerations:
Wall-mounted
If you have a wall-mounted TV, you can mount your soundbar directly underneath it. This placement is ideal as it ensures the soundbar is at ear level and aligned with the TV. Ensure the soundbar is mounted securely to the wall and the cables are hidden to avoid clutter.
Below the TV
If you have a tabletop TV, you can place the soundbar directly underneath it. Also, this position aligns the soundbar with the TV and allows you to hear the sound directly from the speaker. You can use the TV stand or a separate soundbar stand to place the soundbar.
In front of the TV
If you don’t have space to place the soundbar under the TV, you can place it in front of it. This placement works well for soundbars with a more comprehensive design or larger TVs. However, ensure that the soundbar is still aligned with the TV and that the sound is projected toward you.
On a shelf or table
If you have a bookshelf or a table next to your TV, you can place the soundbar on it. Ensure the soundbar is positioned at ear level and aligned with the TV. Also, make sure that the shelf or table is sturdy enough to support the weight of the soundbar.
Place in Cabinet
You can place the soundbar in a cabinet if you prefer a more concealed look. As a result, the sound quality may be muffled by this placement. If you choose this option, ensure that the cabinet has enough ventilation to prevent overheating and that it is not blocking the soundbar.
What should be the distance between the TV and the soundbar?
The distance between the TV and the soundbar depends on the size of the TV and the soundbar. Ideally, the soundbar should be placed as close to the TV as possible without obstructing the screen.
A general rule of thumb is to place the soundbar within 2-3 feet of the TV for the best audio experience. This distance allows for the sound to be synced with the action on the screen and ensures that the sound is directed toward the main listening area.
However, it is essential to consider the size and power of the soundbar. Larger soundbars with more speakers may require more distance to achieve optimal sound quality, whereas smaller soundbars may work best when placed closer to the TV.
Ultimately, the distance between the TV and the soundbar should be adjusted according to the specific setup and individual preferences for the best audio experience.
Can a soundbar be placed to the side of a TV?
Yes, a soundbar can be placed on the side of a TV, but it is not ideal for getting the best audio experience. Most soundbars are designed to be placed directly under or above the TV. Placing the soundbar to the side of the TV may affect the sound quality because it will be directed away from the primary viewing/listening position.
However, if there is no other option and the only available space is to the side of the TV, it is still better than not having a soundbar at all. In such a scenario, it is essential to angle the soundbar towards the main listening area for the best possible audio experience.
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Where to put the soundbar on the mounted TV?
When mounting a soundbar on a wall-mounted TV, there are a few options to consider:
Mount the soundbar directly below the TV
This is the most common placement option for a soundbar. Mounting the soundbar directly below the TV ensures the sound is directed toward the main viewing area.
Well, if your soundbar doesn’t emit the sound upwards, then you can put the soundbar below the TV but remember the kids and pets. We would advise you to place it on top of the TV, but placing the soundbar below the TV is also beneficial.
Advantages of Mounting Below the TV
The first advantage is that most of the power sockets are near the ground. Because of this, you don’t have to play with the strings of the soundbar. The other significant advantage is that if the soundbar strings are not long, you do not have to use extensions.
Mount the soundbar directly above the TV
Another option is to mount the soundbar directly above the TV. This placement can work well if there is not enough space below the TV for the soundbar.
Mount the soundbar on the wall above or below the TV? If the TV is mounted too high or the soundbar is too large to be mounted directly below the TV, you can mount it on the wall above or below it. This placement will ensure the sound is still directed toward the main viewing area.
Advantages of Mounting Above the TV
The soundbar is mostly placed under the TV, but we recommend that you mount the soundbar above the TV; doing so has many benefits.
The first advantage is that if you have children or pets in the house, they will not damage the soundbar. This benefit may seem small, but it is a significant advantage because you do not want your soundbar to go to the junk after four days.
Another reason why you should place the soundbar on top of the TV is that most soundbars emit sound upwards. So if you put the soundbar under the TV, the sound will be blocked, and you will not get the best sound quality.
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Also, the size of the soundbar should be the same as the width of the TV or less. That way, placing the soundbar above the TV won’t be a problem and won’t look bad either.
If the height of your soundbar is not high, then you can place the soundbar in front of the TV after placing the TV on the table. If the height of the soundbar is high, but you like our idea, then you can see if the height of your TV stand can be increased.
Look for the right settings for the soundbar, like Best Settings For Samsung Soundbar
Should the soundbar be on top or bottom of the TV?
Generally, placing the soundbar below the TV is recommended rather than above it for the best audio experience. Placing the soundbar below the TV ensures that the sound is directed toward the main listening area. It enhances the overall audio quality.
Mounting the soundbar above the TV may cause the sound to be directed toward the ceiling. It reduces the clarity of the audio. However, mounting it above the TV is a viable option if no space is below it. Another reason is if the soundbar is too large to fit in that area.
Ultimately, the ideal placement of a soundbar on a TV depends on the specific setup and the available space. Experimenting with different placement options can help determine the best audio experience for the individual’s needs.
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Recommendations
- Do not place the soundbar in a place where it may stumble and be damaged.
- Always place the soundbar in a place where its sound is not blocked due to any obstruction.
- Never place the soundbar on the floor. One is that it will make a difference in the sound quality; secondly, it can be damaged.
Sound Bar Won’t Fit Under TV – Troubleshooting?
You can opt for these quick alternatives and solutions:
- Wall mount the TV to fit the soundbar.
- Use a soundbar mount on the side or above the TV.
- Use a smaller soundbar – get a new one with a better fitting.
- Place the soundbar on a shelf or stand
- Consider a different TV stand or furniture.
How to hide a soundbar?
Here are some ways to hide a soundbar and wires for a clean and organized look:
- Use a soundbar shelf
- Wall mount the soundbar
- Use cable covers
- Use cable ties
- Use a TV stand with built-in cable management
Does a soundbar need to be centered?
While a soundbar doesn’t need to be centered, it’s generally recommended to place it as close to the center of the TV as possible for the best audio experience.
This is because most soundbars are designed to project sound in a specific direction, and positioning it closer to the screen’s center can help create a more immersive audio experience.
Conclusion
In summary, the placement of a soundbar should be determined by the room layout and desired audio experience. The soundbar should ideally be placed below or above the TV at ear level for a centered soundstage. A subwoofer can be placed anywhere in the room near a wall or corner for enhanced bass response. If space is limited, the soundbar can be mounted on the wall or placed on a shelf as long as it is not obstructed. Experimentation with different placements and configurations can help achieve a balanced and immersive audio experience. For more informative pieces of content, head to SoundbarPro!