As we all know by now, the audio fidelity of your TV’s built-in speakers just isn’t the best. Many users have opted for a multi-channel home theater setup, while many have opted for multifunctional soundbars. Sound bars have become popular in recent years, thanks to their compact profiles and cost-effectiveness.

As TVs have gotten bigger and thinner, integrated audio solutions haven’t evolved significantly. This is where sound bars find a place in your home theater setup. Sound bars are sleek, compact, and are often mounted just below the TV or on the wall. However, there is a small problem, not all sound bars are created equal. In most cases, you get what you pay for.

Here are key factors to remember when choosing, buying, and installing sound bars in your entertainment center. Here, we share buying and installation tips to help you get the most out of your soundbar setup.

Simple tips for buying a sound bar:

Sound quality

It is the most important factor you should consider when buying a sound bar. A good soundbar provides well-balanced sound that is easy on your ears. Audio should be rich, clear, and detailed. Most sound bars also have subwoofers to improve bass reproduction. Try to choose a speaker with exceptional mid-frequency response to better understand dialogue and lyrics.

connectivity options

It is very important to consider how the sound bar will be connected to your TV. The most common method is to use an optical cable, and most modern televisions support this. However, be sure to check before selecting your soundbar. Many sound bars have HDMI inputs for both audio and video (pass-through) signals. Most sound bars also feature a 3.5mm mini-jack or dedicated RCA inputs. These allow connectivity to playback devices such as CD players, iPods, MP3 players, phones, and tablets. However, if you prefer the convenience of wireless streaming, look for a soundbar with built-in Bluetooth or WiFi.

Know your exact requirement

Your soundbar has to match your TV. Determine the size of the sound bar that can accommodate your room. Remember that certain sound bars are also better in certain spaces. For example, if you have an open room, a surround sound system may not work properly. A stereo soundbar should work for you.

consider the size

Sound bars come in all shapes and sizes. Choose a sound bar that fits the size of your room. Bigger model doesn’t always mean better. If you’re looking to upgrade your TV speakers in a small bedroom, you may also want to consider a sound dock, meaning a speaker dock with a sound bar. Sound bases do the same job as sound bars. Plus, they often have built-in subwoofers, saving you space and offering good performance.

stereo vs. surround sound

Stereo sound bars focus on delivering high-quality sound that comes directly from the sound bar. Surround sound bars use special time-delay speakers that bounce off walls to simulate a multi-speaker surround sound experience without all the wires. It goes without saying that surround sound bars are more expensive and you may also have to install additional speaker units. It might be worth knowing that it’s best to go for a multi-channel home theater system for immersive surround sound.

Consider the price-performance ratio

The most expensive soundbar doesn’t necessarily mean the best for your needs. Buy a soundbar that provides great audio and is easy to use and set up. Finally, choose one that sounds good to you.

Soundbar placement tips

  • Center align the sound bar just below the TV for a balanced sound experience. This ensures that the image and sound are reproduced from the same spatial point source, just as the film engineer intended.

  • Position the soundbar so that the speakers are in line with your ears. This allows you to hear more detail, especially in high frequencies. Make sure you are balanced with your TV’s preferred height.

  • To experience the maximum surround sound effect, keep a distance of 3 to 8 meters between the sound bar and the listening area.

  • Leave at least 1 meter of space between the sound bar and both side walls for sound to reflect and disperse evenly and symmetrically.

  • Obviously make sure the soundbar doesn’t block the TV screen. The TV can be raised higher or mounted on the wall.

  • The ideal place for the TV and sound bar is on the wall. If the TV is mounted on the wall, the sound bar should be too, space permitting.

  • When mounted on the wall, please allow a space of 10-15 cm between the sound bar and the TV. This allows easy access to controls and connectivity options when needed.

  • Good sound also depends on your home environment. A room with curtains and rugs helps muffle noise reflections for a more authentic sound. Outdoor speakers and subwoofers also produce better sound, so avoid placing sound bars in an enclosed space of shelves and cabinets.

  • The subwoofer can be placed anywhere in the room. At least 1 meter away from the main unit. Leave a space of about 10 cm between the subwoofer and the wall to allow the sound to be transmitted with the airflow.

Soundbars are clearly here for the long haul. They are the sleek and sexy new evolution of the home theater speaker. These little speaker units can do more than just upgrade your TV speakers. Find the right soundbar from a well-known brand that can completely change your home audio experience.