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 it’s more common to position a soundbar below a television, it may also be mounted higher up. Depending on the model, the soundbar’s performance and appearance may be affected by where it is placed. In order to have the best sound quality, it’s 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, you’ll 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 device’s 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 don’t have the room to hold CRT televisions’ powerful audio technology. Soundbars fill that gap. Even while soundbars don’t sound as well as more powerful speakers, they nevertheless beat over the TV’s built-in speakers when it comes to music.
If you’re looking for stereo or surround sound, you’ll often find many speakers in the soundbar’s cabinet. A separate subwoofer might be added to the box to enhance the soundbar’s performance. Soundbars featuring right, center, and left speakers are available from various manufacturers.
Adding a soundbar to a flat-screen TV isn’t 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 room’s 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, it’s 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 device’s 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, you’ll 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. It’s 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 you’re placing the soundbar behind the TV and need assistance concealing the soundbar’s cords without damaging them, check out this video.
No Mounting Needed
In theory, a soundbar should be portable. You shouldn’t install it against your wall, if at all possible. Soundbars don’t need to be mounted if they’re put on a stand underneath the TV. This isn’t 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 you’re using a flat-screen TV, you don’t 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 room’s 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 it’s located extremely near to the TV’s bottom bezel, a soundbar placed below it might get in the way of your TV remote’s 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 TV’s stand height may be adjusted, or the TV can be raised to a more comfortable viewing height. The soundbar’s 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 shouldn’t 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 isn’t the best option.
Anti-Kids and Pets
Placing a soundbar beneath a television might be difficult if the TV stand or table isn’t deep enough. It’s 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?
It’s OK to place a soundbar vertically on a few instances, but it’s 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, it’s best to conduct a little home improvement job or change around the furniture rather than relying on vertical speakers.
A soundbar’s horizontal placement is sometimes a problem when audio equipment is acquired without much consideration for the room’s existing furniture and decor. A soundbar shouldn’t cost a lot of money, but you shouldn’t skimp on it to the point where you wind up with a piece of audio equipment that isn’t appropriate for your room.
A soundbar’s 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 soundbar’s weight horizontally; thus, this isn’t an actual option. Not only will an upside-down or vertically-mounted soundbar be damaged, but so will the wall.
Soundbar Shopping/Placement Considerations
It’s 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 you’re 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 you’re purchasing for or installing the soundbar, here are some additional considerations:
- Keep the soundbar’s 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 mustn’t be located near any power lines. This is to verify that there is no or little interference with the power supply.
- The soundbar’s back must be completely free of any obstructions. Anything and everything should be at least a centimeter away from the item you’re using. The soundbar’s acoustics are improved if the area behind it is filled up.
- 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 don’t 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. There’s 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, you’ll 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 don’t plan on attaching your TV or soundbar, be sure they’re on the same or separate stands.
- It’s 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 can’t 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 soundbar’s settings.
- In addition, you should not put your soundbar in front of or behind your sofa. The soundbar’s 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, don’t 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 shouldn’t 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 product’s user handbook to see what it recommends regarding positioning. A product’s 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:
- 【𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭】: Multiple placements to suit any space: Horizontal Tabletop – Ideal for TV shows/news with clearer mids and highs. Clearer sound with less deep bass. Perfect for easy setup and compact space. Vertical Tower – Rich surround sound with deep bass for movies, gaming, and bass-heavy music where detail is key. Designed for detailed sound in larger rooms. Wall-Mounted – Direct, even sound for open spaces. Great for space-saving and party atmospheres.
- 【𝐃𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭】: With 80W volume boost, brings each sound in stunning detail. Feel the crisp clarity of footsteps echoing, hear the subtle rustling of leaves. Each press add 3 units soundbar volume, offering larger and noticeable volume changes with fewer button presses. No more endlessly pressing remote.
- 【𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐐 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬】: Switch between 3 dynamic EQ modes to fine-tune your need. Movie mode - tense atmosphere and explosive sound. Music mode - richer tones, deep bass, vibrant highs. New mode - natural voices, crisp dialogues. Perfect for movie lovers, gamers, and music enthusiasts.
- 【𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐔𝐬𝐞】: Enjoy seamless Bluetooth 5.3 and reliable ARC, OPT, AUX. In ARC mode, control your soundbar with TV remote. Note: First assemble soundbar refer to our Assembly Guide, then refer to User Manual carefully for setup and connect to ensure optimal performance. With detailed instructions and video tutorials—perfect for tech enthusiasts and beginners.
- 【𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭】: Backed by an 18-month warranty and 24/7 online support. Important: 1. For wired connections, your TV must have one of ARC, OPT, AUX ports. 2. Use ARC TV port not other HDMI TV ports. 3. Manual TV settings is required for TV compatibility — please consult the manual for optimal results.
- HEAR YOUR TV BETTER: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is an all-in-one 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 sound bar for smart tv 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
- Immersive 3D Audio with True Sound and Dolby Atmos: The Yamaha SR-B30A transforms your home entertainment with immersive 3D sound powered by Dolby Atmos and Yamaha True Sound engineering. Precision drivers and advanced sound field creation deliver depth and clarity that bring movies, games, and music to life. Every scene surrounds you in rich, spatial audio, creating a listening experience that feels expansive and true to the source.
- Deep Bass with Dual Built-In Subwoofers: Designed for powerful yet balanced audio, the SR-B30A features dual built-in subwoofers that add depth and dimension to every soundtrack. Experience impactful low frequencies without the need for extra equipment, or connect an external subwoofer for even more bass. The result is a sound that fills your space with warmth and presence, perfect for any living room or entertainment setup.
- Clear Dialogue with Yamaha Clear Voice Technology: Enjoy every word and whisper clearly with Yamaha’s Clear Voice technology. This feature enhances vocal frequencies, ensuring dialogue stands out even during action scenes or when background effects are strong. Whether you’re streaming a movie, watching sports, or catching up on shows, you’ll hear speech with greater definition and balance without needing to raise the volume.
- Easy Connectivity and Personalized Control: Connect and control effortlessly with HDMI ARC/eARC, optical input, or Bluetooth 5.1. Adjust your sound experience through the included remote or the free mobile app for iOS and Android. Choose from four distinct sound modes—Movie, Game, Stereo, and Standard—to tailor the audio to your content and mood. Fine-tune EQ and subwoofer levels to create the perfect sound for your space.
- Bundle Includes: Yamaha SR-B30A 120W 2.1-Channel Sound Bar with Built-In Subwoofers + Cleaning kit + Reusable Fastener Straps
- All-new acoustic architecture with Sound Motion technology fills every inch of the room and precisely place sounds all around you
- Unparalleled 9.1.4 spatial audio experience with Dolby Atmos
- Ultra-clear dialogue plus Speech Enhancement, powered by AI, detects the human voice to clarify every word
- Elegant design looks great in your home and won’t distract from your entertainment
- Control with your TV remote, the Sonos app, the touch controls, Sonos Voice Control, and Amazon Alexa
- Simplified 5.1ch Dolby Atmos Setup: Enjoy immersive 4D sound with real Dolby Atmos and 5.1-channel audio. Five built-in speakers, including two side-firing drivers, create wide surround without rear speakers. Precision DSP ensures
- Voice Clarity Enhancement: VoiceMX technology uses advanced DSP algorithms to isolate and enhance vocal frequencies in real time. Dialogue remains crisp and easy to follow by separating speech from background effects and music, even at low volumes or during intense scenes.
- 300W Output with 6-Driver System: Featuring five precision-tuned full-range drivers and a dedicated wired wooden subwoofer, the system delivers up to 300W of peak power for bold, room-filling sound. With a frequency response of 45 Hz–18 kHz and a maximum SPL of 99 dB, it reproduces everything from subtle nuances to explosive cinematic effects.
- 18 mm High-Excursion Driver: Powered by BassMX technology, the wired wooden subwoofer features a 18 mm high-excursion driver, a 5.3L tuned cabinet, and a high-density magnetic circuit. This design delivers deeper, tighter bass with greater air displacement and enhanced low-frequency performance—bringing more realism to every scene.
- HDMI eARC for True Dolby Atmos: HDMI eARC supports up to 37 Mbps of bandwidth, unlocking the full potential of lossless Dolby Atmos 5.1-channel audio. Compared to standard ARC, eARC delivers richer surround effects and greater detail. CEC integration allows the TV and soundbar to work together with unified control.
- FULL, BALANCED SOUND WITH A SUBWOOFER INCLUDED: Immerse yourself in your favorite content with perfectly balanced sound and rich bass from the built-in woofer.
- ONE REMOTE. TOTAL CONTROL: Use your Samsung TV remote to control key soundbar functions, including power, volume and sound effects.
- EXPANDS YOUR LISTENING ZONE SO YOU CAN FEEL THE SOUND ALL AROUND YOU: Experience immersive sound that fills the room. Clear audio is projected in all directions so you can feel the action from every angle.
- SEAMLESSLY CONNECTS TO YOUR TV: Connects to your TV without cable clutter. Just pair and play your favorite content.
- PICK UP EVERY PIECE OF DIALOGUE: Hear voices more clearly with dialogue automatically amplified so you don't miss a word.
- Wide Sound Scene with Super Wide Technology | Despite its compact format, Stage Pro delivers rich sound that fills the room with SuperWide technology and expands the sound scene for a captivating and immersive listening experience.
- 160W Cree Power with custom, optimised speakers | Experience rich and powerful sound with a peak power of 160W and custom-tuned full-scale speakers to deliver accurate, high-quality sound, whether for your movies, games or playlists.
- Versatile Connectivity | Stage Pro offers a wide range of connection options: HDMI ARC, USB audio, optical input, aux input and Bluetooth 5.3, for smooth wireless and wired playback on all your devices.
- TUITIVE CONTROLS FOR DAILY USE | Take control easily: Adjust the volume, change source and more with the controls on the top panel or the included remote for comfort, even from a distance.
- Compact shape, biographical experience Enhance your entertainment with the 2.1-channel Soundbar Stage Pro. Powered by Dolby Audio and SuperWide technology and offers rich sound that fills the room, with deep bass and clear dialogue - ideal for movies, music and games. Smooth connection via HDMI ARC, USB or Bluetooth ensures quick and easy installation on your TV or PC.
- Compact, versatile design – Sleek, rounded all-black finish with easy-to-clean textured surface, optimized for small-med rooms.
- DTS Virtual:X – Sound Enhancement for room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized sound
- Full-Range Speakers – 2 full-range speakers in the sound bar provide coherent sound and brilliant clarity.
- Optimized for 4K HDR Content with Dolby Audio – Bring out the best audio performance from your 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio when connected through HDMI.
- 70Hz – 20kHz Frequency Response – Wide, natural frequency response means you can hear what the artist intended.
- 【𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭】: Experience powerful rhythm without harshness, discern every delicate whisper without distortion, and transform your space into an immersive private theater. Four placements optimize acoustics: horizontal (studio-grade clear), vertical (concert-hall immersion), tabletop (intimate vocal focus), wall-mounted (3D surround).
- 【𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐬】: Get ready to feel the sound, not just hear. Powered by 4 premium drivers and a extra subwoofer, whether it’s the softest whisper or a heart-thumping bass, feel the crisp clarity. The adjustable subwoofer amplifies the drama, injects vibrancy and energy, and for gaming, it intensifies every pulse-pounding moment. Let the bass shake your room.
- 【𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝】: Choose from 3 EQ modes to enhance sound clarity and texture. Movie mode: cinematic depth with dynamic range; Music mode: richer notes with and deep rumbles; News mode: natural tones, perfect for podcasts and talk shows. Ensures everyone, no matter where they sit, enjoys the room filling sound.
- 【𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐔𝐬𝐞】: Enjoy seamless Bluetooth 5.0 and reliable ARC, OPT, and AUX connections. In ARC mode, control your soundbar with TV remote. Note: Must use TV remote to select TV connection, then set TV audio output format to PCM.(TV settings are required to make sound bar and TV compatible).
- 【𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤】: Must-Check: Your TV must have one of these ports: ARC, OPT, AUX. Important: must be 'ARC', NOT HDMI 1or 2. NOT a plug-and-play soundbar. Please set TV to PCM mode to make sound bar and TV compatible. Your satisfaction is our top priority with our 18-month warranty and 24/7 online tech support.
- 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
Last update on 2025-11-20
