A soundbar can take your viewing experience from average to optimal, but the installation can be a daunting process. From finding the right placement and choosing the right bracket to deciding on cable management, there are many factors to consider. Here is everything you need to know about mounting your soundbar.

Wall-Mounted vs. Shelf-Placed Soundbars: Which is Better?

Finding the perfect spot for your soundbar can have an impact on the quality of the sound emitted. If you are looking for optimum audio performance, a wall-mounted soundbar will generally be a better choice. But this can come with complications.

You will need to carefully consider the placement, the weight and mounting capabilities and the material of the wall that you’ll be drilling into. A shelf-placed soundbar ensures easy setup and flexible placement options, but the sound quality could be compromised.

Positioning a Soundbar Relative to Your TV Height

Placing your soundbar in the right place will give you the best viewing experience possible. Most people prefer to place their soundbar below their TV, but it is important to ensure that the positioning is relative to your TV height. If you place it off centre, too high or too low, it will appear as though the sound is coming from another location. In an ideal world, your soundbar will be placed approximately 10cm below or above your TV screen, keeping the audio as close to the on-screen action as possible.

Bracket Types and Compatibility

When it comes to bracket types, there is a range of options to choose from.

TV-Mounted Brackets: Brackets that are mounted to the TV offer great audio performance and conceal the soundbar.
Wall-Mounted Brackets: These are mounted directly to the wall, usually placed near the TV.
Universal Brackets: These offer compatibility with a range of soundbars, offering a solution that will last for life.
Brand-Specific Brackets: Some brackets are tailored specifically for certain brands, offering a perfect fit but less versatility.

Cable Concealment for a Clean Finish

If you are looking for a clean finish, cable concealment is a must. Regardless of whether you choose a wall-mounted or shelf-placed soundbar, you have options for proper cable management.

Running cables inside the wall cavity using brush plates (note that power cables must exit through the brush plate at the bottom, as fully sealing power cables inside a wall is not permitted under Australian standards due to fire risk)
Choosing cord concealing products that help to organise and disguise cables.
Concealing cables behind well-placed accessories.

The option that you choose will depend on your budget, the material of your wall, the placement of your soundbar and whether you’ve opted for a professional or DIY installation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Soundbar Installation

When you are installing your soundbar, one mistake can impact your entire viewing experience. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Placing the soundbar too far away from the TV
Blocking the speaker drives causes muffled sound
Hiding the soundbar inside furniture impacts sound quality
Blocking the infrared sensor prevents your remote from working
Ignoring cable concealment suggestions leads to a messy aesthetic

Why Bundling Soundbar and TV Installation Saves Time and Money

If you are looking to install both a TV and a soundbar, it can save time, effort and money to do both at the same time.

It ensures adequate spacing for both to create a balanced finish.
It ensures proper placement for an optimal viewing experience.
It ensures that cables are concealed effectively without repeating efforts.
It saves on labour costs when seeking professional services.
It ensures that both are working in sync with each other.

Ace your install by consulting the experts. Achieve proper placement, cable concealment and optimum audio performance with All About Hanging. Our professional TV wall mounting services include expert soundbar installation, ensuring perfect positioning and seamless integration with your TV setup for the ultimate viewing experience.

How to Mount a Soundbar: A Complete Guide