Does it go above, below, or even behind the TV? What if it came with a subwoofer? So many questions, we're happy to provide you with some answers! TV sound is so important when it comes to enjoying your entertainment experience. As TVs become smart, in Ultra 4K, it's not wonder people are becoming more aware of the sound coming out of them.
A sound bar is a great way to maximize your listening experience, without having to pay for an entire stereo system, with some even giving you the benefits of a subwoofer. These are also a great option for anyone living in multi-unit dwellings, like a condo, or apartment building. This post tries to answer some of the most frequently asked questions we get when it comes to soundbars, where to place them, and spots you should avoid.
Let's dive in!
3 Tips for your soundbar placement options.
1. Where should sound bars be positioned?
You want to make sure you are giving your sound bar the space it needs to do it's job. We've seen it too many times, where we come into a home to help with a smart TV setup, and our clients have their sound bar tucked into their TV cabinet, or at the back of a shelf.
We understand they might not always fit the aesthetic you're going for in your living room, but blocking these devices off will work against your goal (better audio). Meaning it isn't going to be able to project the audio out to you on your couch in the way it's designed to.
If your TV is on a stand, you should try to place the soundbar just below the TV, so that the sound is coming from the direction you are watching the screen, keeping them in sync. We would recommend measuring the available vertical space between the TV and the soundbar, to ensure it does not end up blocking your screen.
2. Where should a sound bar be mounted on a TV?
We usually recommend you position your sound bar directly under your TV, with a few inches of space in between for the sound to travel upward, just in case if has upward firing drivers. If your TV is mounted on a flat or tilt bracket, you are okay to install the sound bar on the wall, underneath the TV.
That being said, if you have your TV mounted on full motion TV bracket, you should mount your sound bar to your TV. Reason being, you'll want your sound to be in sync with your TV when you adjust it's positioning in the room, so as you shift it out from the wall and leverage the full motion of the TV bracket, you will want your soundbar to be positioned to project sound in the same direction the TV is facing.
3. Where should you not put a soundbar?
Behind your TV! If you position your soundbar so that it is behind something, that something will directly interfere with the sound, reducing the sound and obstructing the sound waves, making for a less than ideal audio experience!
We also tend to recommend positioning your sound bar below your TV rather than above it. There have been rare cases where we do this the other way around, but this is highly dependent on the space in the room and positioning of the TV. A good rule of thumb is to keep your sound bar mounted below your TV, inline with the center of it, in a space where the sound waves will not be obstructed.
Here are our top choices for sound bars and sound bar accessories.
Best Overall Sound
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers and Base Module
If you're looking for the best sound, without splurging on an entire sound system for your space, than the Bose Smart 900 with a Bass Module should be your top choice. It's ability to connect through various points, like Bluetooth and WiFi and its compatibility with built in voice assistants just adds to the awesome sound effects you'll soon be enjoying.
This soundbar is easy to connect to your TV, plays an awesome sound and is very easy to use and control, giving you the ultimate in features and functionality from your soundbar. Making your room seem like it is filled with sound from every direction, you really can't go wrong with this soundbar!
This item can also be remote control operated, requiring 3 AAA batteries. The soundbar on it's own weighs about 17 lbs, with the entire system weighing 55.4 lbs all together. The soundbar measures 41.14 x 4.21 x 2.29 inches (1044.96 x 106.93 x 58.17 mm).
Pros:
Includes Bass Module.
Dolby Atmos + TrueSpace spatial processing.
WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple Airplay and Spotify Connect.
Built in Google and Alexa Voice Assistants.
Cons:
Expensive.
Pricing:
$1598.00/unit.
Add the Bose Soundbar to your home theater system for the best overall sound!
Best in Affordability
Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Premium Sound Bar
As the Editor's Choice from Newsweek, this sound bar system is highly rated and at this price point is one of the best options on the market when it comes to value. This sound system works best with 55" to 65" TVs and the sound bar itself measures 40 x 4.1 x 2.7 inches (1016 x 104.14 x 68.58 mm).
Offering Bluetooth and HDMI connectivity, this system is can also connect with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant devices to assist you in your audio experience. This system would be a great addition to your smart TV, or video streaming device.
This sound system includes surround speakers, and a 6" wireless subwoofer, so that you can truly immerse yourself into the entertainment you're enjoying. Leverage the HDMI connection for the best audio quality and enjoy using your TV remote to control your sound bar.
Pros:
Affordable.
Dolby Atmos and DTS;X.
3D surround sound.
Dynamic and accurate sound.
Cons:
Does not include Smart capabilities, like assistant integrations.
Pricing:
$499.99/unit.
Get the most affordable Sound Bar you can today!
Best Sound Bar Mounting Bracket
Mounting Dream Universal Sound Bar Wall Mount
Although not a sound bar, this affordable product is versatile and will absolutely improve your acoustic experience. Whether you want to mount your sound bar to your TV, or the wall, this sound bar mount can help you place your sound bar wherever you think it fits best, keeping ti secure and in place.
This is the heavy duty option and fits most sound bars, weighing up to 25.6 lbs, giving you the best in sound bar mounting. The adjustable base allows you to fit multiple different types of soundbars, so you don't have to worry about fit when purchasing this item. This will help you save space and clean up your TV area, and works with most fixed, tilt, and full motion TV mounts. The maximum VESA mounting holes spacing is 23.62 x 15.75 inches (600 x 400 mm), so please ensure your TV's VESA dimensions on the back of your TV are this size, or smaller.
Pros:
Affordable.
Heavy Duty.
Adjustable Base.
Can install to TV, TV stand, or the wall.
Results in better acoustics
Cons:
Unknown.
Pricing:
$45.99/unit.
Get your sound bar mount today and rest easy knowing your sound bar is secure in place!
Which sound bar are you going to add to your home theater system and why?
Let me know in the comments below.
Already have a soundbar, but need help with installation and setup? Reach out to one of our smart home techs today, so we can help get your smart devices up and running without the hassle!
Have you ever wondered what TV mounts are the best for your space?
Check out our TV mount options, so you can maximize your viewing space. From your living room, to your man cave, we have the mount you'll need to get your ultimate TV watching experience.
This will allow you to enjoy watching TV, no matter what space you find yourself in.
Disclosure: I may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. This site is not intending to provide financial advice. This is for entertainment only.
