However, this should be relatively easy, and you can do it in a couple of minutes if you are OK with basic DIY tasks. 3. Cabinet or Table Mounting: Preserve Your Walls Plus, any buttons on the soundbar itself should be within easy reach and won't require you to have to contort your body into an uncomfortable position to make adjustments or change audio sources. Dolby Atmos This is an excellent value soundbar. It may not carry the same power and soundstage as the Samsung HW-Q900C, but it's a fraction of the price and the rear optional speakers will certainly add to the already fantastic 5.1.2 channels in the HW-Q800C itself.When you add all that together, it's no surprise that this is the best soundbar for most people. However, you will still get quality audio and an optical connection does work with soundbars and surround sound systems. What size soundbar should I get?

Near Heat Sources:Don’t mount the soundbar near radiators, heat vents, or other heat-producing appliances. Excessive heat can damage the soundbar’s internal components. However, this is not always the best solution, as you may compromise on the sound quality if the position interferes with the acoustics. The HT-A7000 also has excellent, clear dialogue levels that will suit any dialogue heavy video games and movies and features 360 Reality Audio music, which gives a room-filling sound when listening to music that we said in our review gives a "clear idea of where all the instruments are located." Soundbars with Atmos generally have upwards-firing speakers that bounce audio off the ceiling to achieve this audio height and this can be very effective, although how effective they are depends on how high your ceilings are. There’s usually an optimal height, which you can find in the specifications. Dolby Atmos is a relatively new surround-sound standard that expands upon the 5.1- and 7.1-channel setups previously offered by soundbars and other surround-sound systems. The main thing that Atmos adds is audio height: where other systems aim to surround you with audio to the side and rear, horizontally, Atmos extends that to sounds that come from above you.

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You can always trust iMore. Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test. While the soundbar’s horizontal placement is vital in influencing sound quality, the angles at which the speakers are pointed play an equally important role. For upward-firing speakers, proper angling allows you to take full advantage of ceiling reflections, while for front-firing speakers, angling directly at the listener provides an enhanced audio experience. Section 6: Should You Wall-Mount or Keep It on a Table? Wall Mounting Make sure to leave some space between the upper part of the soundbar and the bottom of the TV to be able to use the buttons on top of the soundbar.

The biggest difference between the two is shape. Soundbars are long and thin, sitting either in front of your TV or mounted to a wall. A soundbase is wider and has a flat surface, allowing your TV to sit on top of it. Plus, it is easy to install. All you need to do is screw in four bolts and watch the installation video to ensure you’re doing it properly. The hardware is included. Brand-Specific Options The benefit of mounting your sound bar directly to the TV is less damage to the wall and fewer holes to align. If you’re seeking to recreate a cinematic experience at home, there are no two ways about it, you need the best soundbar you can afford.Find the wall mounts that came with the soundbar or buy universal mounts at the nearest electronics store or online. Soundbars are a fantastic way to enhance your audio experience at home. To make the most out of your soundbar, you might be thinking of the best ways to place it. Mounting the soundbar to TV takes the experience a bit further into perfection. In addition to Atmos support, the Stage 360 offers a decent range of connection options, including two HDMI 2.0 inputs and Bluetooth, and isn’t short of audio options either. There are four sound modes to choose from: Music, Movie, Wide and Night, along with near-field and far-field profiles which take into account how close you are to the bar. If you want to enjoy Atmos content but can’t stretch your budget to a true surround sound system, the Creative Stage 360 is your best bet. Near Windows or Doors:Mounting a soundbar near windows or doors can interfere with the audio output due to external noise and may also expose the device to potential damage from elements like sunlight, rain, or wind.

If you have wall-mounted the TV, you’ll need to move it up a little (no easy task) or buy a shorter cabinet. Even when the Samsung Q990C is being pushed to its limits, it maintains an excellent quality sound without distorting. We said in our review that "Even the most shrill trebles manage to avoid sounding harsh or exposed," and that the "bass from the subwoofer is deep, enthusiastic and reactive." You can hook it up to one of Sonos' subwoofers if you're looking for more bass in your music, but the Beam's built in speakers provide a rich sound that make it an ideal choice for those who are looking for their soundbar to double as a speaker.You need to get a soundbar that fits in the space you have available. Some people have their TV mounted and a soundbar could happily be mounted underneath. Others have their TV on a stand and the soundbar can sit in front of it. They sit in front of your TV, so soundbars should be well designed with at least some thought given to style, without making them stand out so much that they become a distraction.

The distinctive bar shape and strategic speaker placement all contribute to a carefully crafted soundstage extending beyond the confinement of the device itself. This sound dispersion characteristic of soundbars enhances sound width, depth, and height when positioned properly. Section 2: Tips on Placing Your Soundbar Position 1: Below the TV The soundstage is pleasingly wide thanks to the soundbar’s side-firing speakers and the dedicated centre channel ensures dialogue remains clearly intelligible. Alexa built-in provides a decent level of smart functionality to complement the HW-Q990B’s first-rate sound, while the new design of the bar, sub and rear speakers mean it looks a lot better than its 2021 predecessor. We would have liked to have seen a couple of additional HDMI inputs and support for 4K/120 and Variable Refresh Rate passthrough, but the HW-Q990B is a roaring success regardless. There’s a newer model available – the HW-Q990C– but given the price difference, we’re still recommending last year’s model. Beyond great audio quality, there are a few things you should expect from a good soundbar. Wide listening angles and high maximum volumeWhere will the soundbar go? Can it sit comfortably in front on your TV? Does it need to be wall-mounted?