Optimise Your Speaker Placement

Whether you’ve invested in a cinematic soundbar or a powerful Bluetooth speaker, positioning them correctly makes all the difference. Learn how to unlock the best performance from your setup with these simple placement tips.

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1. Soundbar Placement

A soundbar can transform your TV’s audio—but only if placed correctly. Follow these key steps:

• Centre the bar: Position it directly beneath or above your TV screen for balanced stereo imaging.
• Height matters: The soundbar’s tweeters should sit roughly at ear level when you’re seated.
• Wall mounting: Mount flush beneath wall-mounted TVs using the included brackets. Leave 5–8cm of clearance for airflow and ports.
• Don’t block the IR sensor: Ensure the bar doesn’t interfere with your TV’s remote control line of sight.
• Subwoofer placement: Place the wireless sub along the same wall as your soundbar—corner positioning can enhance bass, but avoid pushing it directly into walls.

2. Stereo or Bookshelf Speakers

If you’re using wireless or bookshelf speakers, positioning defines the soundstage and clarity:

• Form a triangle: Place speakers and your listening position in an equal-sided triangle—each speaker aimed toward your ears.
• Distance from walls: Keep 15–30cm from the back wall to avoid muddy bass.
• Tweeter height: Tweeters should be roughly at ear level for the clearest high frequencies.
• Symmetry: Avoid one speaker being closer to a side wall than the other—it can cause imbalance.
• Isolation pads or stands: These reduce vibration and improve focus, especially on desks or shelves.

3. Bluetooth & Wireless Speakers

Portable speakers give you flexibility—use these placement tips for the best sound indoors and out:

• Height & surface: Place on a stable, flat surface near ear level for clearer mids and vocals.
• Room acoustics: Hard walls reflect sound; soft furnishings absorb it. Experiment for your ideal tone.
• Outdoor setup: For even sound outdoors, raise speakers off the ground and position near a reflective surface (like a wall or patio edge).
• Multi-room sync: Many Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers can pair together—distribute evenly across rooms for consistent coverage.
• Avoid corners: Corners amplify bass but can distort clarity. Start 15–20cm away and adjust by ear.

4. Surround & Multi-Speaker Placement

If you’re creating a full surround system or expanding your soundbar with rears and subs:

• Front L/R: Evenly spaced on either side of your TV, angled 20–30° toward your seat.
• Centre channel: Directly under or above your TV, angled at ear level for clear dialogue.
• Surrounds: Slightly behind and to the sides of your main seating position, at ear height or just above.
• Dolby Atmos speakers: Up-firing speakers work best with flat ceilings 2.4–2.7m high.
• Subwoofer: Try “sub crawl” testing—place the sub at your seat, walk the room, and find where bass sounds most balanced.

5. Room Optimization Tips

• Soft furnishings help: Rugs, curtains, and sofas reduce echo and balance bright rooms.
• Avoid corners for speakers: Prevents excessive bass buildup.
• Symmetry matters: Keep furniture and speakers balanced to maintain stereo imaging.
• Experiment! A few centimetres can make a big difference—listen, adjust, repeat.

Quick Comparison: Soundbars vs Bluetooth Speakers

FAQs

How far should my soundbar be from the TV?
Ideally, 5–10cm below or above the TV to align sound with the screen.

Can I wall-mount a Bluetooth speaker?
Yes, many models include hooks or mounts. Keep ports accessible and avoid placing near heat sources.

Does room size affect sound?
Absolutely. Smaller rooms amplify bass; large spaces may need more powerful speakers or multi-speaker setups.

Where should I place my subwoofer?
Near the front wall or in a corner for stronger bass—but experiment to avoid boominess.

Fine-Tune Your Sound

Explore premium speakers and soundbars to suit every space and listening style at Euronics Ireland.