8 tips on where to put your soundbar
1) Near the Sockets
For optimal sound quality, place the soundbar near sound sockets to improve clarity and bass response. Make sure your soundbar’s power cord and the socket it goes into are positioned relatively close to each other. This should ensure optimal audio output and zero electrical issues.
2) The 1cm Rule
The “1cm Rule” of placement is to ensure that the sound bar is not being blocked. The rear side of the sound bar should be at least 1cm away from any surface/item. This is to ensure that there will be no interference with the acoustics from the equipment.
3) Grille Facing Room
When placing a soundbar you should pay close attention to the faces of the grilles. The soundbar must be positioned in a way that the speaker’s grille faces the room and not the wall. It should also not be positioned behind the TV.
4) Keep Wireless Equipment Away
Make sure there is no wireless equipment positioned near the soundbar to mitigate any wireless interference. Anything about at least 1-3 ft away from the soundbar would be fine.
5) A Stable Surface
Do not place the soundbar on polished wood, glass, or any smooth surface. The vibrations produced by the soundbar can cause it to move on the surface. Its recommended to place it on Rubber and/or a stable surface with its rubber feet firmly resting for support and stability. If you are looking to place it directly on your table, use a rubber mat below it.
6) Avoid Delicate Surface
Avoid placing it on delicate or varnish wood surfaces. A constant cycle of the sound vibrations can apply stress and cause a destructive process that increases the wear and tear on wood surfaces.
7) Avoid Confined Space
To experience best quality sound, soundbars should be placed in an open space that is free of obstruction. A soundbar placed in a confined space often hears sound booms and reflections. Even the best sounding soundbars could have trouble performing to their potential if the room is physically limiting. As such, most brands discourage locating a soundbar in a confined space as it can receive extreme low end noise.
8) Preferred Placements
Most brands recommend offer two placement options, a placement below the TV or above. This placement has been shown to have benefits to visual acuity. However, regardless of where the soundbar goes, make sure it is properly aligned. If the length is the same as your TV, positioned it accordingly. If it is longer, then make sure it exceeds the width of the TV equally on both sides. Such centre alignment ensures the picture and audio come from one spatial point source – exactly how the cinema engineer intended it to.