As we all know by now, the audio fidelity of the 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 multi-functional sound bars. Sound bars have become popular in recent years thanks to their compact profiles and cost effectiveness.
As televisions have gotten bigger and thinner, embedded audio solutions haven’t evolved significantly. This is where sound bars find their way into your home theater setup. Sound bars are sleek, compact, and often mount right under the TV or on the wall. However, there is a slight downside, not all soundbars are the same. In most cases, you get what you pay for.
These are the key factors to remember when choosing, purchasing, and installing sound bars in your entertainment center. Here, we share purchasing and installation tips to help you get the most out of your soundbar installation.
Tips for buying a simple soundbar:
Sound quality
It is the most important factor to consider when purchasing a sound bar. A good soundbar provides a well-balanced sound that pleases your ears. Audio should be rich, clear, and detailed. Most soundbars also have subwoofers to enhance 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 soundbar will connect to your television. The most common method is to use an optical cable, and most modern televisions support it. However, be sure to check before selecting your soundbar. Many sound bars have HDMI inputs for audio and video signals (pass-through). Most soundbars 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 fit with your TV. Determine the size of the soundbar that your room can accommodate. 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 are available in all shapes and sizes. Opt for a soundbar that fits the size of your room. Bigger model doesn’t always mean better. If you are looking to upgrade your TV speakers in a small room, you can also consider a sound base, that is, a speaker dock with a sound bar. Sound bases do the same job as sound bars. Also, they often have built-in subwoofers, saving you space and offering good performance.
Stereo versus. surround sound
Stereo soundbars focus on providing high-quality sound that comes directly from the soundbar. 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 soundbars are more expensive and may also have additional speaker units to install. It would be worth knowing that it is better to opt 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 one for your needs. Buy a soundbar that provides excellent audio and is easy to use and configure. Finally, choose one that sounds good to you.
Soundbar placement tips
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Center align the soundbar just below the TV for a balanced sound experience. This ensures that the image and sound are reproduced from the same spatial point source, as intended by the film engineer.
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Position the soundbar so that the speakers are aligned with your ears. This allows you to hear more details, especially at high frequencies. Make sure you are balanced with your TV’s preferred height.
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To experience the maximum surround sound effect, leave a distance of 3-8 meters between the soundbar and the listening area.
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Leave at least 1 meter of space between the soundbar and both side walls so that the sound is reflected and dispersed in a balanced and symmetrical way.
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Obviously, make sure the soundbar is not blocking the TV screen. The TV can be raised higher or mounted on the wall.
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The ideal place for the TV and the sound bar is the wall. If the TV is wall-mounted, the soundbar should too, space permitting.
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When mounted on the wall, leave a space of 10-15 cm between the soundbar and the TV. This allows easy access to controls and connectivity options when needed.
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Good sound also depends on your home environment. A room with curtains and rugs helps dampen noise reflections for a more authentic sound. Outdoor speakers and subwoofers also produce better sound, so avoid placing sound bars in an enclosed space on shelves and cabinets.
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The subwoofer can be placed anywhere in the room. Preferably at least 1 meter away from the main unit. Leave a space of about 10 cm between the subwoofer and the wall for the sound to flow with the air flow.
Sound bars are clearly here for the long haul. They are the sleek new evolution of home theater speakers. These little speaker units can do more than just enhance your TV speakers. Find the right soundbar from a reputable brand that can completely change your home audio experience.