Soundbar and Surround Setup in Santa Ana

Where the bar sits

A soundbar on its own wall bracket sits a short, even gap below the screen, so the TV mount does not carry its weight and the tilt is not blocked. The bracket goes into studs like the TV's, and the bar's remote window is kept clear.

What the numbers show

1. 1Own bracket The bar has its own wall bracket, fixed into studs.
2. 2Even gap A small gap keeps the bar clear of the tilt.
3. 3Centered on the screen The bar lines up with the center of the TV.
4. 4Short cables Short cables run behind the bar up to the TV.

Rear speakers in a small living room

Surround sound in a small apartment is mostly about where speakers can go without cables across the floor. A small speaker on a wall shelf behind the sofa needs a power run and a signal, and a wireless pair avoids the signal cable. The installer lays out the room before choosing the spots.

• Shelf: a rated shelf or bracket into studs.
• Cables: along the baseboard in a raceway.
• Distance: speakers at the same height on both sides.

Subwoofers, walls and neighbors

Bass travels through floors and walls. In an apartment or a condo, a subwoofer on a rubber foot away from the shared wall does more for the neighbors than a mount on it. Many owners keep the volume setting lower in the evening for the same reason.

Soundbar & Surround Setup — common questions