Changing these 5 soundbar settings made my living room feel like a movie theater

Soundbars are gaining in popularity because of their sleek design and ability to provide an ample boost in audio quality compared to built-in TV speakers. Even with their plug-and-play nature, you can make a few modifications to help unleash the best possible sound quality. 

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Whether you’re new to soundbar setups or a self-proclaimed audiophile, familiarizing yourself with some key settings can take your viewing and listening experience to new heights. Read on for five pointers on how to optimize your soundbar’s performance.

1. Placement and acoustics

It may sound obvious (because it is), but where you place your soundbar is a major factor. For the most balanced sound, position the soundbar directly below your TV, centered and parallel to the screen. Mounting a soundbar above your screen is also an option, but the ideal height placement for ultimate clarity is at or near ear level. Make sure your soundbar isn’t obstructed by furniture or even decorative items that can block soundwaves.

Each room has unique acoustics. Does your room have high ceilings or large windows? Are your floors hardwood or tile? If so, consider adding soft furnishings such as rugs and curtains to reduce reflections. Or, you could take it a step further by adding acoustic panels to your area. Acoustic panels or diffusers can help manage sound reflections and create a more balanced audio environment.

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As noted by ZDNET contributor Artie Beaty, advanced soundbars like LG’s S95TR go through a tuning process specific to the layout of your viewing area by using an AI room calibration feature. If your soundbar lacks such a feature, do some experimenting to find the sweet spot.

Remember that most soundbars are designed to project sound directly toward the audience, so make sure the device is angled for optimal sound dispersion across all seating positions. Moving the soundbar a foot or so from your listening area or adjusting the angle just a few inches can noticeably improve or degrade the output.

2. What about a subwoofer?

If your soundbar has a subwoofer, place it on the floor, preferably in a corner or along a wall, to enhance bass response. The aim is to create a seamless blend between low-frequency effects and the rest of the audio spectrum.

I’ve read about a music producer who would do a “crawling test” to pinpoint the best location. This involves playing some bass-heavy content and literally crawling around the room to find the spot with the most balanced bass output. Voilà — there’s the best place to put your subwoofer.

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Some soundbars come with a built-in subwoofer, and others allow you to connect an external subwoofer wirelessly or via a wired connection. (More on this later.)

In the absence of a subwoofer, and if it’s in your budget, consider adding a unit like the SVS SB-1000 Pro. A more affordable option is the Klipsch Reference R-120SW. Hooking up a subwoofer can significantly enhance your audio experience with deeper, more impactful low-frequency effects, making you feel like you’re part of the onscreen action.

3. Customizing your soundbar’s equalizer and audio settings

As I mentioned earlier, some soundbars feature automatic calibration systems that use a microphone to measure and adjust sound settings for your specific room. Many more of them come with various audio presets or EQ settings that you can adjust according to your tastes. Certain soundbars offer the flexibility to tailor audio settings for individual inputs, allowing you to fine-tune the sound quality based on whether you’re watching shows, listening to music, or gaming.

In any case, adjusting bass, treble, and other parameters can greatly improve audio quality based on your room’s acoustics and your listening habits. Also, make sure to experiment with any advanced features, such as Virtual Surround Sound, Dialogue Enhancement, or Bass Boost, if available.

Also: What is EQ and why is it an important factor in improving sound?

Increasing the bass can add depth and power to action scenes, making explosions and other intense moments more dramatic and engaging. Raising the dialogue levels puts a focus on the center channel and mid-frequencies, making vocals more distinct and easier to comprehend — so you can actually understand what Yennefer of Vengerberg is whispering in The Witcher.

Along those lines, check to see if your soundbar has a volume leveler. This feature (which can be turned on and off) lets you listen to content with greater consistency. You’ll be reaching for the volume button on your remote much less frequently with volume leveling.

4. Check your (HDMI) connection

Your soundbar is likely connected to your TV via an HDMI ARC (audio return channel) or eARC (enhanced audio return channel) port. This technology supports advanced 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony 360 Reality Audio for a super-immersive surround sound experience.

Ideally, your soundbar will support HDMI-CEC (consumer electronics control) connectivity, which lets you command devices connected through HDMI by using only one remote control. In this scenario, you can use your TV’s remote to control the soundbar and, for instance, an added Blu-ray player.

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Integrating the operation of multiple devices into one is certainly my preference. Who wants three separate remotes sitting on their coffee table? Having all your devices plugged into the soundbar reduces clutter and avoids having to install a switch box. You can then easily switch between audio sources by changing the soundbar’s input mode using your single remote.

Okay, this doesn’t pertain to maximizing audio quality, but here’s something that does. Compared with connecting your soundbar via Bluetooth, a wired connection remains the best method for transferring sound. Opting for a wired connection, such as HDMI or optical cables, guarantees a stable and lossless audio transmission. This allows the audio content to be heard as it was intended, without any degradation or disruptions caused by wireless signal interference or compression. Also, keep in mind that not all cables are created equal. Be sure to use a cable that supports high-res formats and has a higher bandwidth that can process more channels to support extra bass and tweeter speakers.

5. Updates are essential

This one is short and sweet: check for software and firmware updates! (This, by the way, is essential for any device.) Manufacturers often release updates that can improve your soundbar’s performance and add new features. Regularly installing updates ensures your soundbar benefits from the latest enhancements and fixes and squashes bugs that can corrupt sound quality.

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With these simple tips, you can maximize your soundbar’s performance and enjoy a richer, more immersive audio experience. Proper placement, room acoustics optimization, and thoughtfully adjusting your settings will surely elevate your listening experience for streaming. Whether you’re watching action-packed blockbusters or rocking out to your favorite tunes, your soundbar will be ready to deliver exceptional audio quality.