Traditionally, soundbars find their place below the TV, seamlessly integrated into wall mounts or entertainment systems. However, envisioning a sleeker setup with the soundbar above the TV raises questions about potential compromises in audio quality, especially with advanced features like surround sound.
Can you mount a soundbar above the TV? In some situations, it can be a better option for audio quality. The most important factor in mounting a soundbar is that it is as close to ear level as possible, whether that is above or below the television.
In this guide, we will explore the ins and outs of soundbar placement in this guide—from basic rules to advanced models with special features. If you plan to mount a soundbar above the TV, this guide will give you insights for informed decisions on your unique home theater setup.
Why You Should or Shouldn’t Mount a Soundbar Above The TV
Almost all soundbars are best to mount near ear level. Acoustics will almost always be better to be pointed at the listener. There are of course exceptions to this rule when considering speakers that imitate surround sound or have upward-firing elements, but we will first focus on a normal setup.
To see various soundbars and exactly what we recommend, check out our complete soundbar buyer’s guide! It will assist you with choosing the best soundbar for your particular setup.
Normal Soundbars with No Upward-Firing Speakers
Trying to balance television and soundbar placement usually requires compromise. While you do want this ear-level sound, you also want the television to be at about eye level to prevent neck strain.
Many people opt to put the television a bit above eye level, and the soundbar a bit below ear level. However, there are setups where the reverse makes more sense, like in a home theater where the chairs or floor slant upwards.
Depending on the placement of the soundbar below a television, it could potentially block the remote receiver. This will frequently happen if the soundbar is positioned close to the bottom of the television on the stand that the television is placed on.
If this ends up being an issue with your soundbar model, this could be a situation where placement above the television could save you a lot of frustration and be more aesthetically pleasing.
Soundbars with Upward-Firing Speakers
When considering something like a Dolby Atmos soundbar, like this fantastic Samsung HW-Q950T (our review), there are quite a few elements that need to be considered in the design. Many of these soundbars rely on specific placements to work because they need reflective surfaces to imitate a surround sound setup.
It is essential to find details on your specific soundbar so that you can find out the suggested placement, however, there are some basic rules you can use.
When a soundbar incorporates upward-firing elements, it relies on using ceiling reflections to enhance overhead sound. However, improper placement, such as positioning it too close to or below the television, can hinder the effectiveness of this feature. It’s essential to find the right balance to ensure optimal audio performance.
For something like a Dolby Atmos virtual surround soundbar, placement needs to not only be considered but the layout of your theater itself. The Dolby Atmos setup guide suggests placing a Dolby Atmos bar below your television, and at about ear level. Alternatively, you must avoid anything being placed between the soundbar and you.
Does a Soundbar Need to be Under a TV?
So, with some situations now laid out, does a soundbar need to be under a television? Most of the time, yes. It’s often a better choice to place a soundbar under a TV rather than behind it or upside down (as explained in our guides), but it depends entirely upon your home entertainment setup.
When considering the dilemma of wanting the soundbar at ear level and the television at eye level, it often is the easiest way and more aesthetically pleasing to have the television a bit above eye level, and the soundbar a bit below ear level. Usually, this sacrifices the least in terms of difficulty of placement and sound quality.
Something else to pay attention to is wiring and installation. It can be a lot easier to wire to something underneath the television than above it. If the wiring is an issue, either way, you can always connect your soundbar to your television via Bluetooth.
Different Issues with Soundbar Placement Options
While it depends on your television model, it is often the case that the connectors are closer to the bottom of the screen. Also, when placing a soundbar below a television, it is a great option to just set it in the entertainment center rather than wall mounting. When putting a soundbar above the television, you will almost always have to wall-mount it.
Even with digital surround sound style soundbars, often it is recommended to have the unit underneath the television. With that being said, a few things need to be considered. Depending on placement, the television itself can end up blocking the upward-firing speakers when the soundbar is placed directly underneath it.
Also, some models bounce the sound off of the walls of your home theater to create that surround sound feel, and interior decoration or layout can block this sound.
Aesthetically, a lot of people prefer the soundbar below the television, including myself. Many soundbars are designed with a sleek under-the-television design, meaning putting the soundbar above could potentially throw off the weight visually of your setup.
With that being said, some soundbars won’t fit underneath a television without blocking the remote receiver when placed directly on the entertainment system.
Soundbar Positioning and Why It’s Important
When buying a soundbar for an enhanced audio experience, proper positioning is critical. Incorrect placement can muffle the sound, rendering the purchase ineffective. Common errors, such as misplacing soundbars with upward-facing speakers (but there are a few more we’ve written about as well), can lead to sound misdirection and absorption issues.
Your home setup is unique, and it’s up to you to determine the best place to put a soundbar. High-end surround soundbars often come with specific recommendations, but a general rule is to position the soundbar as close to the ear level as possible. Take a look at the video below on how to properly mount a soundbar to a TV (which we also have a guide on).
If you are still unsure about where you want to put your soundbar after considering these suggestions, then try to experiment with the placement, including in an open-faced cabinet as we said in our guide! Have someone hold the soundbar while sitting in your desired place, and have them tilt the bar as well as move it around.
Related Questions
How Far Should The Soundbar Be Above The TV?
There isn’t a strict rule, yet a common recommendation is to place the soundbar within a few inches to a foot above the TV, which allows you to have optimal audio alignment. Experiment with the placement to find the position that provides clear sound without obstructing the view.
What Is The Best Height Off The Floor For Placing A Soundbar?
As we have mentioned before, for an impressive audio experience, it is best to aim to place the soundbar at a height that is close to ear level when you’re seated. Generally, this means mounting the soundbar or positioning it on a surface at a height of about 24 to 36 inches (61 to 91 cm) from the floor. Adjust the height based on your seating arrangement and personal preferences for optimal sound clarity and balance.
