CRT (cathode-ray tube) TVs from the past were able to accommodate high-quality speakers in their thin, flat screens. It may be some time before we see genuinely sophisticated flat-TV speakers since the TV industry is so focused on display size and pixels. It seems that until then, the only option is a soundbar, and a decent one at that, but where does it go?
Soundbar Location: Above vs. Below TV
Although itโs more common to position a soundbar below a television, it may also be mounted higher up. Depending on the model, the soundbarโs performance and appearance may be affected by where it is placed. In order to have the best sound quality, itโs best to mount the soundbar above the TV, with the speakers pointing upward.
Continue reading to find out how the placement of a soundbar concerning a TV (above or below) might affect the sound quality. In addition, youโll learn why placing the soundbar vertically is a horrible choice.
Soundbars: A General Overview
A soundbar is more than simply a flat piece of metal with a bunch of speakers attached to it. The audio deviceโs performance, appearance, and location are all influenced by a variety of design considerations. A television or other display-equipped device may be mounted below or above it, although the extra width is also for acoustic reasons.
TVs with flat screens donโt have the room to hold CRT televisionsโ powerful audio technology. Soundbars fill that gap. Even while soundbars donโt sound as well as more powerful speakers, they nevertheless beat over the TVโs built-in speakers when it comes to music.
If youโre looking for stereo or surround sound, youโll often find many speakers in the soundbarโs cabinet. A separate subwoofer might be added to the box to enhance the soundbarโs performance. Soundbars featuring right, center, and left speakers are available from various manufacturers.
Adding a soundbar to a flat-screen TV isnโt the only way to improve its audio quality. A traditional home theater system might, in fact, be connected to your television through an audio cable.
Because soundbars are easier to install, take up less room, and are less costly than other comparable goods, most purchasers choose soundbars over other similar products.
Positioning Your Soundbar
It is critical to situate a soundbar correctly in order to have the best possible sound quality and audio output. Alternatively, you might mount the soundbar to the wall above or below your television and set the audio device on a table, stand, cabinet, or another piece of furniture.
The location of the audio device is determined by a number of factors, not only the soundbar type and design. Several aspects might influence your decision, such as your roomโs environment or design, your own preferences, etc.
Reasons You Should Place the Soundbar Below TV
You can either place the soundbar directly in front of a television or mount a soundbar directly below your television. For these reasons, itโs so commonplace.
Aesthetically Pleasing
The majority of soundbars are designed to be placed directly below a television. In this case, the layout will not be aesthetically correct if these speakers are placed above the television. If the deviceโs speakers are aimed upwards, you may think the sound is blown over your head.
Superior Audio Performance
If you install a soundbar below your TV, it will likely be at or slightly below your eye level while you listen to it. As a result, youโll be hearing the music in its entirety.
Less echo and a better audio experience are achieved since there is no scattering or reflection from the ceiling. All of this is included, and the soundbar can be mounted beneath a TV or have front-firing speakers as an option.
Easy Wiring
Wireless and cable soundbars are also options. The soundbar may be positioned as far away from the television as the length of the cable allows. 33 feet is the typical length of the wire (10 meters). Glass fiber cables have the potential to reach lengths more than ten meters. Itโs possible to get up to 20 feet of shielded cable length when connecting using a 3.5mm copper connector. Connectors are often located at the bottom of the TV. Soundbar setup and wiring get easier when it is positioned beneath a television. When the soundbar is put in front of or beneath the television, hiding the cables is a breeze. For example, the cable might be routed via a concealing channel.
If youโre placing the soundbar behind the TV and need assistance concealing the soundbarโs cords without damaging them, check out this video.
No Mounting Needed
In theory, a soundbar should be portable. You shouldnโt install it against your wall, if at all possible. Soundbars donโt need to be mounted if theyโre put on a stand underneath the TV. This isnโt the case if the soundbar is placed on the TV.
Mounting the stand is required even in the case of a simple glass or wood stand above the TV.
As a result, if youโre using a flat-screen TV, you donโt have to worry about a piece of hardware being stuck. Moving the music player forward or backward is a simple matter of pushing or pulling on the gadget.
Choosing the appropriate location for a soundbar above a television is essential. This requires extensive experimentation to find the ideal location. Not to mention the time and effort required to put up the mount.
Reasons You Should Mount the Soundbar Above TV
A soundbar, as previously said, is often positioned beneath a television. Placing a soundbar underneath the television may not be the best option in certain cases.
Upward-firing soundbar Speakers Must Go Above the TV
Using soundbars with upward-firing speakers should not be positioned below or in front of a flat-screen television. To get the most out of the roomโs acoustics, these soundbars need to be positioned in a certain manner.
These models have indeed been developed to utilize the walls and ceilings of a whole room to create a more immersive sound stage. Dolby Atmos technology is almost always included.
In order to get the intended effect, the sound would have to travel to the ceiling and bounce off of it; therefore, placing the soundbar below the TV is not an option. You should ensure that the soundbar is not placed too near to the ceiling of your room, as this might cause sound to not bounce back properly.
No Remote Sensor Blocking Issues
Especially if itโs located extremely near to the TVโs bottom bezel, a soundbar placed below it might get in the way of your TV remoteโs sensor. This problem may be avoided if the external speaker was placed on top of the TV. Make sure the soundbar is small enough, or the TV is placed high enough if you insist on putting it below its speaker grille.
The TVโs stand height may be adjusted, or the TV can be raised to a more comfortable viewing height. The soundbarโs thickness may be an issue if the TV can only be tilted vertically to a certain degree or if mounting the TV is not an option.
Every time you want to adjust the station or TV settings, you shouldnโt have to get up from the sofa or raise your arm.
Ideal for Low-Lying Seating or TV Stand
Mounting a soundbar over a lower-than-eye-level television would be aesthetically and acoustically appealing. You may lower your television if you have a sofa or chair that is near to floor level. In these cases, placing the soundbar underneath the TV isnโt the best option.
Anti-Kids and Pets
Placing a soundbar beneath a television might be difficult if the TV stand or table isnโt deep enough. Itโs possible that putting the soundbar on the table will make it too simple for children to reach the audio equipment and mess with it.
Can You Position the Soundbar Vertically?
Itโs OK to place a soundbar vertically on a few instances, but itโs not a good idea. Soundbars are speakers that are specifically designed to guide sound in a certain direction. Right, and left speakers may sound like they are coming from the floor or ceiling when a soundbar is turned 90 degrees or to its side.
If this were to happen, the audio would be entirely ruined. The possibility of installing a soundbar vertically was previously proposed. When all other placement methods have failed, you may want to consider this alternative as a last-ditch effort.
There are certain folks who have no choice but to place their soundbars vertically, whether for aesthetic or space reasons. A soundbar may not be able to be placed horizontally in certain cases due to the placement of the wall mount and other furniture. When it comes to such situations, itโs best to conduct a little home improvement job or change around the furniture rather than relying on vertical speakers.
A soundbarโs horizontal placement is sometimes a problem when audio equipment is acquired without much consideration for the roomโs existing furniture and decor. A soundbar shouldnโt cost a lot of money, but you shouldnโt skimp on it to the point where you wind up with a piece of audio equipment that isnโt appropriate for your room.
A soundbarโs vertical location becomes much more critical if you want to attach it. This is largely due to the absence of soundbar mounts that are able to extend vertically. No soundbar mount maker even considers developing a vertical mount since manufacturers prefer horizontal positioning by default.
The horizontal mount may be turned vertical by 90 degrees by simply tilting it. Soundbar mounts are specially built to distribute the soundbarโs weight horizontally; thus, this isnโt an actual option. Not only will an upside-down or vertically-mounted soundbar be damaged, but so will the wall.
Soundbar Shopping/Placement Considerations
Itโs much simpler to browse for a soundbar if you know ahead of time or have already selected where it will go next to the TV.
If youโre thinking of putting your soundbar, be sure it has specialized mounting features, such as keyholes for brackets that are rear-positioned. Instead of installing it, mounting-friendly qualities are not necessary. It would be sufficient to use a simple long bar with no keyholes.
When youโre purchasing for or installing the soundbar, here are some additional considerations:
- Keep the soundbarโs power wire and the outlet it plugs into in close proximity. As a result, there should be no difficulties with audio output or electrical power.
- The soundbar cables mustnโt be located near any power lines. This is to verify that there is no or little interference with the power supply.
- The soundbarโs back must be completely free of any obstructions. Anything and everything should be at least a centimeter away from the item youโre using. The soundbarโs acoustics are improved if the area behind it is filled up.
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- There must be a gap between the soundbar and a wall in order for it to work properly. It should also not be placed in front of a television.
- To minimize wireless interference, make sure no wireless equipment is placed next to the soundbar. However, a distance of two to three feet from the soundbar is sufficient.
- Avoid placing the soundbar on flat surfaces such as polished wood or glass. As a result, the soundbar might wreak havoc on the smartphone by causing it to shake. As a result, placing it directly on your table is not suggested; instead, place it on a rubber mat for further stability and support.
- Ensure that you donโt lay your soundbar on any lacquered or fragile furniture. Place the soundbar on top of a rubber sheet placed on the furniture.
- To get the optimum sound, use the soundbar in a room with good acoustics that is not too cramped. Even the greatest soundbars may not provide their full potential if the space itself is physically constrained.
- Make sure the soundbar is correctly aligned with your television, whether it is placed below or above the screen. Thereโs no need to reposition it if its length is the same as your television. For a long piece of furniture, make sure it covers the width of the TV on all sides. The cinema engineer intended for this kind of center alignment to produce an image and sounds that emanate from the same spatial point source.
- Make sure you are at least 3 meters (300 cm) away from the audio device in order to have the best surround sound experience. 5 to 8 meters is a good distance for a conversation (500 to 800 cm). To avoid video-audio delay difficulties, youโll need to place your soundbar closer to the television.
- While TV stands are convenient, mounting the TV and soundbar on the wall is preferable. If you donโt plan on attaching your TV or soundbar, be sure theyโre on the same or separate stands.
- Itโs best to leave at least a 10-centimeter (4-inch) spacing between two wall-mounted devices. This would simplify accessing the many settings and connection options on either device.
- Curtains and rugs may help create a more realistic sound or reduce noise reflections. When it comes to soundproofing, echo foam pads might be a lifesaver.
- Keep your soundbar out of the way of the television. In such a case, take steps to conceal the ugly cables. If you canโt conceal them, consider a Bluetooth soundbar. Not only can hiding a soundbar result in poor audio quality, but it will also make it impossible to adjust the soundbarโs settings.
- In addition, you should not put your soundbar in front of or behind your sofa. The soundbarโs output might be obstructed if the sofa is in the way. Apart from that, they should be positioned directly in front of the spectator rather than behind them.
- As a rule of thumb, donโt put your soundbar on the floor, as this will impede your ability to hear the music. Instead of mounting the soundbar and also not having enough room on the TV stand, you may install it somewhere elevated like a platform or raised surface.
Conclusion
Most individuals want their soundbar to be positioned somewhat below their ear level and their television slightly above their eye level. However, the inverse may provide the best results in theaters with slanted floors or chairs. There shouldnโt be any debate over whether the soundbar should be placed below or above the TV.
Consider and verify whether or not your soundbar is supposed to be placed beneath or below your television. The soundbar should be positioned above the television to include speakers that project upward. You may still place the speaker underneath the television, but the audio quality may suffer.
Always check the productโs user handbook to see what it recommends regarding positioning. A productโs technical documentation would have stated whether the soundbar had special criteria. Place the bar on the television stand if nothing else is specified.
Best Seller List of Sound Bars:
- Hear your TV better: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound
- Wide, natural sound: 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar
- Enhanced dialogue: This TV speaker is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation
- Bluetooth TV Speaker: Pair your device to this Bluetooth soundbar to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts. Connect up to 3 devices through the inputs (HDMI, Optical in, and AUX in); the first powered on device will automatically connect
- Simple setup: A single connection from this compact soundbar to the TV via an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately) has you up and running in minutes
- Straight from the theater to your home: easy set-up, built-in tweeter, 2-ch speaker with simple Bluetooth connection
- Deep sound with Bass Reflex speaker
- High power with a slim design that matches any room and is perfect for small living spaces
- Voice enhancement feature is great for TV content with hushed dialogue, or to make conference call participants easier to hear
- Easy TV set up with HDMI ARC
- Compact, versatile design โ Sleek, rounded all-black finish with easy-to-clean textured surface, optimized for small-med rooms.
- DTS Virtual:X โ Sound Enhancement for room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized sound
- Full-Range Speakers โ 2 full-range speakers in the sound bar provide coherent sound and brilliant clarity.
- Optimized for 4K HDR Content with Dolby Audio โ Bring out the best audio performance from your 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio when connected through HDMI.
- 70Hz โ 20kHz Frequency Response โ Wide, natural frequency response means you can hear what the artist intended.
- โ 360ยฐ Surround Sound Experience: Transform your living room into a cinematic oasis with our sound bar, featuring four advanced drivers that deliver precise, powerful audio. From subtle whispers to booming explosions, enjoy a full spectrum of sound that makes movies and music truly immersiveโright at home.
- โ Advanced DSP Technology for Clear Audio: Upgrade your audio-visual experience with state-of-the-art DSP technology, delivering stable, high-fidelity sound without distortion. Custom sound profiles for news, music, and movies let you enjoy optimized audio tailored for every occasion, ensuring crystal-clear sound every time.
- โ Dynamic, Stylish Audio Performance: Experience powerful, immersive sound with our unique TV sound bar, which can split into two sleek tower speakers. The vertical alignment enhances audio depth, perfect for movie nights and music. Beyond audio quality, its modern design adds a stylish flair to any decor.
- โ Effortless Setup and Broad Compatibility: Begin your audio journey with easy setup and versatile connectivity options. Our sound bar is designed for seamless integration, supporting Optical, ARC, AUX, and Bluetooth connections to connect effortlessly with a wide range of devices.
- โ Dedicated Support & Complete Package: Your satisfaction is our priority. Enjoy life-time after-sales service and responsive support within two days. The package includes the soundbar, remote control, power adapter, ARC/Optical/3.5mm audio cables, base, quick setup guide, and user manual for a smooth, complete setup.
- ใHearing Every Wordใ Say goodbye to muffled dialogue and hello to our soundbar that brings words to life, making you feel like you're part of the conversation.
- ใCompact yet SuitableใAt a little over 2.5 inches in height, our sound bar is compact enough to fit in most spaces. You can easily mount it on the wall or place it in front of your TV without worrying about it blocking the bottom edge or IR remote sensor.
- ใDSP&Three Sound EffectsใWith DSP, sound bar offers three sound modes or presets that cater to different program types, such as movies, music, news. These profiles can optimize the audio settings to suit the specific genre, enhancing your listening experience based on your preferences.
- ใCompatible with Fire TV RemoteใSoundbar is compatible with Fire TV remote control. Additional remotes compatible with Roku box or Roku TVs can be provided as per your request.
- ใHassle-free InstallationใWe've made the installation steps for the soundbar much simple. Plus, a special vibrant, easy-to-follow installation instructions has been included in the package. In case you still encounter any issues during the sound bar installation process, our dedicated after-sales team is always available to assist you!
- DTS Virtual:X&Dolby Audio: HS205G supports select Dolby Digital audio formats and DTS Virtual:X to reproduce multichannel audio, delivering a 3D surround sound experience.
- Wireless Streaming: Hisense Soundbar includes Bluetooth technology for easy wireless connections to the smart devices.Enjoy music from your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
- Connectivity: With HDMI OUT (ARC), Hisense Soundbar can connect to your TVs though one single HDMI cable, also connect wireโ lessly via Bluetooth.You can control both with one remote.
- Multiple Audio Mode: According to different sound demands in different scenes, we designed multiple audio enhancements, such as Movie mode, Music mode and News mode, you can switch to your desired freely.
- Roku TV Ready: As a Roku TV Ready device.Hisense HS205G Soundbar is fully compatible with any Roku TV through HDMI ARC, and use only one Roku TV remote to control both, easier setup and better integrated on-screen Soundbar settings experience during use.
- Simple, Convenient 2.1 Design - Experience the performance and features of a larger, more complex home theater system in a simple solution designed to blend seamlessly into any home.
- Powerful Performance - Brilliant clarity, thunderous bass, and Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround support combine for performance beyond its size.
- Simple Setup, Streaming & Control - Get setup and listening in minutes with HDMI ARC and Bluetooth connectivity for unparalleled ease of use, control, and access to your content.
- Minimal Modern Design - Clean, low-profile silhouettes, subtle textures, and matte finishes seamlessly blend into any environment.
- 2.1-Channel Sound - Experience a powerful room-filling, true stereo experience ideal for movies, music, and gaming.
- ใDetachable sound barใ:The 2 in 1 sound bar, suitable for TVs, computers, and more, is innovative. In detachable mode, it connects to a base accessory and can be placed on either side of the TV to create two two-tower soundbars, delivering immersive 3D surround sound. You can also combine the two tower speakers into a long soundbar for placement on a table or mounted on the wall. It not only provides a more immersive listening experience but also serves as an elegant piece of decoration
- ใ6 Audio Sources&Powerful Bassใ: The 100W soundbar features 2 full-range speakers, 2 tweeters, and 2 bass diaphragms, for total 6 audio drivers that deliver 3D surround bass sound. It's perfect for enjoying music working or dining. its compact design makes it a great choice for small spaces like living rooms, offices, or bedrooms. Whether gaming or watching movies, it creates a concert-like or personal theater atmosphere, enhancing overall home entertainment experience
- ใUpgraded 5.3 Bluetooth &5 Connection Methodsใ: The TV sound bar is upgraded with Bluetooth 5.3, offering faster and more stable connections, and easily connects to any Bluetooth device and improves sound clarity. Sound bar for smart TV supports USB, AUX, Optical, and HDMI ARC. In HDMI ARC mode, you can easily control the soundbar with your TV remote control. it has a dedicated subwoofer port for connecting the external subwoofer (not included), enhancing bass effect
- ใDistinct EQ Modes & Home Theater Audioใ: The TV soundbar offers 3 customizable EQ modes for music, movies, and games, allowing to personalize your listening experience, and enjoy deep, immersive sound. The soundbar delivers cinematic 3D audio, ensuring explosion sound quality in any scene. Whether you're watching a movie enjoying a concert, or catching up on the news, the sound bar enhances the audio of your TV shows and movies for a richer, more dynamic experience
- ใTwo control methodsใ: The TV speakers feature two convenient control methods. You can use the remote control to adjust the surround sound volume, switch tracks, and enjoy the listening experience. you can also use the buttons on the TV sound bar to control the volume
- IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND: S-Force PRO Front Surround and Dolby Digital create cinematic style surround sound.
- ENJOY CLEAR DIALOGUE AND POWERFUL SOUND: Powerful audio technology, such as the X-Balanced Speaker Unit and Separated Notch Edge, works to deliver wide-ranging sound and enhanced vocal clarity.
- SIMPLE & EASY OPERATION: The simple, compact remote control and convenient OLED display window make operation a breeze.
- WIRELESS SUBWOOFER INCLUDED: A powerful wireless subwoofer with a large 160mm speaker unit delivers a deeper, richer bass sound.
- EASY WIRELESS CONNECTION: Flexible layout and wireless connection to compatible BRAVIA TVs minimizes cable clutter.
- ใ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญใ: Say goodbye to weak, muffled sound and hello to crystal-clear audio that automatically adjusts to suit your environment. Whether placed horizontally for room-enveloping sound or vertically for a dynamic audio, this splitable soundbar offers versatility to complement any room, bringing your TVโs audio to life in ways you've never imagined. Unleash the full power of your entertainment with our Automatic Loudness Boost feature.
- ใ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ใ: Step into a world of audio excellence with our powerhouse 90W soundbar, designed to deliver breathtaking sound. Equipped with 4 high-performance drivers, this speaker transforms your flat TV audio into a captivating surround sound. Feel every heartbeat, hear every whisper, and experience explosive sound effects with unparalleled clarityโturn your living room into a personal movie theater.
- ใ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ใ: Indulge in a fully customized listening experience with 3 expertly crafted sound modes: Movie, Music, and News. Whether you're diving into the latest blockbuster, jamming to your favorite tunes, or catching up on world events, our soundbar adapts to deliver exceptional audio tailored to your needs. Enjoy cinema-quality sound, crisp dialogues, and crystal-clear melodies.
- ใ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ฉใ: Setting up your new soundbar is a breeze with our intuitive connection options. Stream music wirelessly with Bluetooth 5.0, or enjoy a stable, high-quality connection with ARC, OPT, or AUX cables. In ARC mode, you can easily control everything using your TV remote, saving you time and effort. With our user-friendly instructions and detailed video tutorials, youโll be enjoying exceptional sound in no timeโno tech expertise required.
- ใ๐๐ง๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญใ: We stand by our product with our hassle-free 18-month warranty and 24/7 support. If you ever need assistance, our team is ready to help. Plus, our 60-day, no-questions-asked replacement policy ensures that you can shop with confidence. Weโre committed to delivering not just great sound, but a stress-free experience from purchase to enjoyment.
Last update on 2025-01-08
