The Sonos Beam is a compact yet powerful soundbar that can elevate your home entertainment experience. However, to get the most out of this device, it’s crucial to mount it in the right spot. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to mount your Sonos Beam, ensuring you enjoy crystal-clear sound, optimal performance, and a sleek aesthetic.
Understanding the Sonos Beam’s Design and Capabilities
Before we dive into the best mounting options, it’s essential to understand the Sonos Beam’s design and capabilities. This compact soundbar measures 25.6 inches wide, 2.7 inches tall, and 3.9 inches deep, making it an ideal choice for smaller rooms or apartments. It features five Class-D digital amplifiers, one tweeter, and four full-range woofers, producing a rich, immersive sound.
One of the standout features of the Sonos Beam is its ability to connect seamlessly with your TV, streaming devices, and other Sonos speakers. It supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice control and effortless integration into your smart home setup.
Determining the Ideal Mounting Location
When selecting the perfect mounting location for your Sonos Beam, consider the following factors:
Room Acoustics and Layout
- The shape and size of your room will significantly impact the sound quality. For example, a rectangular room with reflective surfaces can cause sound waves to bounce around, while a room with lots of soft furnishings can absorb sound.
- Identify the main seating area and consider the mounting location’s proximity to this spot. You want to ensure the sound is directed towards the primary listening position.
TV Placement and Soundbar Orientation
- The Sonos Beam is designed to be mounted below your TV, ideally centered and angled slightly upwards to direct the sound towards the listener.
- If your TV is mounted on a wall, consider the soundbar’s height and adjust the mounting location accordingly to ensure the sound is not blocked by the TV.
Aesthetics and Concealment
- Think about the overall look and feel of your room. You may want to mount the soundbar in a way that hides it from view or creates a sleek, modern appearance.
- Consider the color and design of your TV, walls, and furniture to ensure the soundbar blends in or makes a stylish statement.
Top Mounting Locations for Your Sonos Beam
Now that you’ve considered the factors above, here are some top mounting locations to get the most out of your Sonos Beam:
Wall-Mounted Below the TV
- This is a popular and recommended mounting location, as it allows the soundbar to project sound upwards and towards the listener.
- Use a wall mount specifically designed for the Sonos Beam, ensuring a secure and level installation.
TV Stand or Console
- If you prefer not to mount the soundbar on the wall, placing it on a TV stand or console can be a viable option.
- Position the soundbar in the center of the TV stand, ensuring it’s level and secure.
Under a Soundboard or Shelf
- If you have a soundboard or shelf below your TV, consider mounting the Sonos Beam underneath it.
- This can create a sleek, minimalist look while maintaining optimal sound quality.
| Mounting Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-Mounted Below the TV | Optimal sound quality, sleek appearance | Requires drilling into the wall, may not be suitable for renters |
| TV Stand or Console | Easier to install, adjustable placement | May not provide the same level of sound quality, cluttered appearance |
| Under a Soundboard or Shelf | Sleek, minimalist look, easy to conceal | Limited flexibility in terms of placement, may require additional installation |
Additional Mounting Considerations
When mounting your Sonos Beam, keep the following in mind:
Power and Cables
- Ensure the mounting location provides easy access to power outlets and HDMI ports.
- Use cable ties or management systems to keep cables organized and hidden from view.
Ventilation and Heat Dissipation
- Avoid mounting the Sonos Beam in a way that blocks airflow or traps heat.
- Leave sufficient space around the soundbar to ensure proper ventilation and heat dissipation.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect mounting spot for your Sonos Beam is crucial to unlocking its full potential. By considering room acoustics, TV placement, and aesthetics, you can create an immersive audio experience that complements your home entertainment setup. Remember to choose a mounting location that balances sound quality, convenience, and style, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different options to find the perfect fit for your unique space.
What is the Sonos Beam and how does it work?
The Sonos Beam is a compact, soundbar-style speaker designed for small to medium-sized rooms. It connects to your TV and enhances your viewing experience with premium sound quality, clear dialogue, and deep bass. The Beam is also a smart speaker, allowing you to control it with your voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and stream music, podcasts, and other content from your favorite services.
The Beam is incredibly easy to set up and use. Simply plug it into power, connect it to your TV with an HDMI cable, and follow the in-app instructions to complete the setup process. From there, you can use the Sonos app to customize your audio experience, adjust settings, and access a wide range of features and services.
Where is the best place to put my Sonos Beam in my living room?
The ideal placement for your Sonos Beam will depend on the specific layout and design of your living room. However, as a general rule, it’s best to place the Beam directly below or just to the side of your TV, and at least a few inches away from any walls or obstructions. This will help ensure that the sound is directed towards you and your listening area, and that the Beam can produce the most immersive and engaging audio experience possible.
Experiment with different placement options to find the one that works best for you and your space. You may also want to consider investing in a wall mount or stand to elevate the Beam and improve its performance. The Sonos app also includes a feature called “Trueplay” that can help you optimize the sound quality of your Beam based on the specific acoustics of your room.
Can I connect my Sonos Beam to multiple TVs or devices?
Yes, the Sonos Beam is designed to be flexible and adaptable, and it can be connected to multiple TVs or devices. You can use the Beam with your TV, computer, gaming console, or any other device that has an HDMI output. The Beam also supports Apple AirPlay 2, which allows you to stream audio content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
To connect the Beam to multiple devices, simply use the HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port on your TV to connect it to the Beam, and then use the Beam’s HDMI output to connect it to your other devices. You can also use the Sonos app to switch between different sources and control the audio experience on your Beam.
How do I set up Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant with my Sonos Beam?
Setting up Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant with your Sonos Beam is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. First, make sure that you have the Sonos app installed on your smartphone or tablet, and that you’ve completed the initial setup process for your Beam.
Next, open the Sonos app and navigate to the “Settings” menu, where you’ll find options to integrate Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant with your Beam. Follow the in-app instructions to link your Alexa or Google Assistant account, and then you’ll be able to use voice commands to control your Beam, access information, and more.
Can I use my Sonos Beam as a speaker for music and podcasts?
The Sonos Beam is an excellent speaker for music and podcasts, and it offers a range of features and capabilities that make it an ideal choice for listening to your favorite audio content. The Beam supports a wide range of music services, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music, and it also supports popular podcast apps like Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
The Beam’s compact design and powerful drivers make it well-suited for small to medium-sized rooms, and its crystal-clear sound quality and deep bass response ensure that your music and podcasts will sound great. You can use the Sonos app to access your favorite music and podcast services, create playlists, and control the audio experience on your Beam.
Can I use my Sonos Beam with other Sonos speakers?
Yes, the Sonos Beam is part of the Sonos ecosystem, which means it can be easily integrated with other Sonos speakers and devices. This allows you to create a whole-home audio system that can be controlled and customized using the Sonos app.
You can use the Beam as part of a stereo pair with other Sonos speakers, or as a rear surround sound speaker in a home theater setup. You can also use the Beam as a standalone speaker, or as part of a larger multi-room audio system that includes other Sonos speakers and devices.
Is the Sonos Beam compatible with 4K TVs and other advanced audio formats?
The Sonos Beam is designed to work with the latest 4K TVs and advanced audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and HDMI eARC. It supports HDMI 2.1, which allows it to pass through 4K video and advanced audio formats, and it also supports ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel).
The Beam’s advanced audio processing capabilities and drivers ensure that it can produce high-quality audio that matches the stunning visuals of your 4K TV. The Sonos app also includes features and settings that allow you to customize the audio experience on your Beam, including options for adjusting the dialogue clarity, bass response, and other aspects of the sound.