How to place the soundbar and subwoofer correctly? After an exhausting search, we finally arrive at the purchase of the most preforming soundbar and subwoofer, but once we arrive at home, we wonder what their optimal position could be to enjoy an impeccable audio experience.
The question is legitimate, also because the sales assistants, as well as the manuals accompanying these products and drawn up by the manufacturers, do not offer much information about it.
Generally, the soundbar should be placed:
- In the area closest to the TV screen as possible
- At the foot of the TV, an operation not always possible, for reasons of space or because the TV frame proves to be an obstacle
- To the wall where the TV is located. It is not the case that many models are sold together with the wall fixing kit
As for the subwoofer, the matter becomes more complicated. It is usually placed:
- Next to the TV
- On the ground
- Next to the TV cabinet
- Behind a sofa
Those described are general rules and not definitive and suitable solutions for each individual case.
When it comes to positioning the soundbar and subwoofer the truth is that there is no rule that applies regardless and that can meet the expectations of every audiophile.
Indeed, risking getting it wrong, even high-end best soundbars for TV that includes subwoofers can detect a real flop and function as if they were low quality products, inadequate in adding power and details to the sound of the TV.
When it is necessary to find a correct position, a lot depends on the type of appliances purchased, as well as on the size and conditions of the room in question.
The size, the shape, the presence of furniture, as well as the absence of complements and absorbent elements, such as textiles, sofas, or carpets, are further factors that affect the reproduction of sound.
Nowadays the purchase of a soundbar and a subwoofer is absolutely essential, like the latest generation televisions, although of quality, have lost a lot on the audio front. Even cars need to have a brilliant sound system and shallow mount subwoofers for sure.
The ultra-flat design, in fact, is accompanied by increasingly thinner integrated speakers that do not offer great performance, thus forcing the end-user to integrate with the soundbar and with a subwoofer.
However, at the time of installation, problems arise and not so much for the connection of the cables and the digital audio output, as for the position to choose.
Having made these necessary premises, the question of how to position the soundbar and subwoofer could be answered substantially in two ways as regards the soundbar and in three as regards the subwoofer, without any pretense of providing exhaustive solutions.
In particular, the soundbar can be mounted on the table or on the wall. While the subwoofer can be hung on the wall, placed on the floor, under furniture or the sofa. Here is how to proceed for each individual case.
Where to Place the Soundbar?
Having regard to the environment, whether this is a living room, a living room, a study area, a kitchen, or a bedroom where there is a TV, we proceed with the placement of the soundbar.
The first option is to place it in front of the TV, which is possible if there is a large and stable cabinet for both devices.
A central location should be preferred so that the soundbar rests between the left and right sides of the screen.
Therefore, it will be centered on the front of the video and often you can use supplied accessories, such as rubber pads and other similar supports.
In fact, some soundbars have non-slip feet, precisely to facilitate stable positioning and keep the soundbar slightly raised from the support surface.
It is not recommended to mount the soundbar on the back of the TV, to prevent the sound from being perceived as if the channels were reversed, compromising the quality of the audio broadcast from the front.
In these cases, it is as if the viewer were hit by inverted sounds, with a consequent compromise of purity.
Otherwise, when the TV is mounted on the wall, you can use the special brackets to hang the soundbar, immediately below.
Make sure that the soundbar is positioned so that it does not block the view, use universal kits or those specific to the brand and model of soundbar chosen. 
Where to Place the Subwoofer?
As for the subwoofer, its performance is linked to its correct location in the listening room, as well as to its physical location with respect to the soundbar.
Our hearing does not perceive the directional sounds emitted at low frequencies by the subwoofer. Reverberations, standing waves, absorptions that are generated inside the room affect the listening quality.
Consequently, especially those who have audiophile claims, should perform tests and comparisons to test the performance of the subwoofer, with particular regard to the bass.
The first possible solution is to place the subwoofer on the floor, with the cone and the opening facing downwards.
This solution seems to be the most suitable in the case of bass-reflex subwoofers, precisely because these models use the flooring to intensify the low frequencies.
In this case, you can use the supplied stand, if present, or just connect the cables.
Alternatively, you can opt for wall mounting, using brackets.
Generally, it would be preferable to choose a corner of the room, to the right or left of the TV, as this would optimize the bass.
In many cases, however, with regard to the listening position, putting the subwoofer in the corner can prove to be an unfortunate choice, as this could increase the destructive effect of standing waves.
Furthermore, at certain frequencies, even the quality of the bass would be affected.
To overcome these advantages, the subwoofer could be moved to the same level as the soundbar, also trying to be behind the listening position, in order to generate optimal sound integration.
Please note that the wireless distance between the soundbar and subwoofer should not exceed 15 meters.
Another possibility is to put the subwoofer under the furniture, even without accessories and feet.
An ideal place is under the sofa or bed.
It should be at the right distance from any medium and high speakers, to avoid that the channels, although distinct, can generate real sonic chaos.
In short, subwoofers are not all the same and behave differently with standing waves.
The user will have to try, experiment, and try to understand with his own ear if the sound result is satisfying or not.
It may take several listening tests, placing the diver in different places, in order to catch the differences and make the necessary corrections.
Some even have a wooden stand built by hand, on which to place the subwoofer, claiming to obtain results in high fidelity.
In conclusion, while the soundbar does not require special precautions, the sub wants more attention and cannot be generalized by setting a perfect position a priori. Moreover, you can easily get how should you set up your best home theatre with TV, Soundbar, and Subwoofer according to your room. In a video guide, Andrew Robinson has clearly explained all the scenarios that you might have to perceive while installing a soundbar with your TV.
During the listening tests the subwoofer, temporarily placed, must reproduce the sound with a strong bass content.
It will have to be moved, according to the positions described, until the optimal location is determined, that is, the one that offers the best bass performance.
