Grabbing a new soundbar is always an exciting experience. When paired with an equally large television screen, a soundbar makes it much easier to lose yourself in the magic of film and TV. However, there is often quite a lot of debate as to where exactly a soundbar should be placed.
A soundbar makes it much easier to enhance the sound of your favourite content, without needing to invest hundreds of pounds in a cumbersome surround sound system. But, in order to make the most of it, you’ll need to make sure to put it in just the right place.
Worried about putting your soundbar in the right place? Want to ensure it sounds perfect right from the jump? Don’t worry, our Reliant tech experts can help you to do just that. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of soundbar positioning for maximum enjoyment!
Can You Place Your Soundbar Above The TV?
Most people tend to place a soundbar directly under the TV it’s paired with. As such, many people often wonder whether it’s a bad idea to place a soundbar above the screen instead. Our experience with soundbars has shown that you can place it above or below the screen, and still get a great audio experience.
As long as the sound from your soundbar is aligned with the action on-screen, you’ll be getting the best experience. By this, we mean that the soundbar should be placed parallel to the screen, in the direct centre. If your soundbar is skewed too far to the left or the right of the screen, it can result in the audio sounding off-centre. This can destroy your immersion, as it will create a mental disconnect between the action on-screen and the sound from the soundbar.
You definitely can place a soundbar above the TV. Just make sure it’s aligned to the centre of the TV screen, to bridge the gap between visuals and sound. This ensures the best experience!
If you’re stuck deciding between placing the soundbar above or below the screen, you’ll want to consider where you will be sitting while watching the TV. Your relation to the TV is highly important. This also extends to the sound. Generally, your soundbar should be at around ear level. This is similar to how a TV should be at around eye level for maximum comfort. Placing your soundbar at ear level makes it easier for sound to reach you without sounding muted in any way.
Should You Place A Soundbar Above Or Below The TV?
Provided your soundbar is placed at ear level, and it’s easy to hear, it can be placed above or below the screen. But, if you’re having trouble deciding between placing the soundbar above or below the screen, you’ll want to consider how you plan to store it.
If your TV is wall-mounted, then it’s a great idea to wall-mount the soundbar too. For most people, the most convenient option would be to wall-mount below the screen. This is because, on most TVs, audio output ports are positioned towards the bottom of the unit. This makes it easier to directly connect to a soundbar. However, if you’re connecting your soundbar wirelessly, then you can opt to mount it above the TV, as well as below.
In some cases, you might opt to rest your soundbar on a TV stand, or on the shelf of an entertainment centre. Again, in this kind of case, it’s best to place the soundbar below the screen, so that it’s firmly held in place. If your TV is stored in a television cabinet, with plenty of shelf space surrounding the screen, then you can more justifiably place the soundbar above the screen. Just make sure that it is firmly and securely held in place!
Is It Better To Place A Soundbar Below The TV?
In most cases, placing your soundbar beneath its paired TV is the most convenient option. As we’ve shown already, it’s much easier to find a secure spot for a soundbar when it’s placed below a TV. This means that you can more quickly get to enjoying your new soundbar, and remain confident that it won’t tumble towards the ground.
For most people, the most convenient option will be to place a soundbar below its paired TV. This makes it easier to place the soundbar at ear level to the listener!
It’s also more likely that the position beneath your TV will be closest to ear level. Thus, the sound from your soundbar will be much clearer, and much more like the real thing. This increases believability and creates a stronger connection between the on-screen images and the associated audio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Soundbar Be Placed Above A TV?
Yes. A soundbar can absolutely be placed above its paired TV. As long as a soundbar is aligned to the centre of the TV, it will sound fantastic. This is why you should not place it to the left or right of the screen. In some cases, however, it’s best to place the soundbar below the screen. This puts the soundbar at ear level, for better clarity.
How Far Below A TV Should A Soundbar Be Mounted?
If you’re mounting a soundbar beneath a wall-mounted TV, you’ll want to ensure there is around 2 inches of space between the two devices. This ensures a clean look and also keeps both devices safe. The distance will prevent the soundbar from vibrating against the TV screen. Feel free to place the soundbar any lower than 2 inches below the screen. Just make sure it’s close to ear level for the best sound.
