You can put a soundbar in a cabinet, but there are a few factors to consider before doing so. It is important to note that if you decide to place your soundbar inside a cabinet, it should be an open-facing cabinet rather than a closed one.
The primary reason for this is sound quality. Soundbars are designed to project audio in a specific direction, typically towards the listener. Placing the soundbar inside a closed cabinet can disrupt the sound waves, leading to a muffled or distorted audio experience. The sound may bounce off the cabinet walls and affect the overall clarity and balance of the sound.
Additionally, closed cabinets can also cause overheating issues for the soundbar. Soundbars generate heat during operation, and if placed in a closed cabinet, the heat may not dissipate properly. This can lead to overheating and potentially damage the internal components of the soundbar. It’s important to ensure proper ventilation for the soundbar to prevent any potential issues.
Another consideration is the use of infrared (IR) signals for remotes. Many soundbars come with a remote control that uses IR signals to communicate with the device. If the soundbar is placed inside a closed cabinet, the IR signals may not reach the soundbar properly, resulting in difficulties in controlling the soundbar using the remote control. This can be inconvenient and frustrating, as you may need to open the cabinet every time you want to adjust the sound settings.
To summarize, while it is technically possible to put a soundbar in a cabinet, it is advisable to place it in an open-facing cabinet to avoid compromising sound quality, overheating issues, and potential problems with remote control functionality. Before making a decision, it’s always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines for the specific soundbar model you have.
Personal Experience:
I once had a soundbar that I initially placed inside a closed cabinet. While it seemed like a convenient way to keep the soundbar out of sight, I quickly noticed a significant degradation in sound quality. The audio sounded muffled and lacked clarity. Additionally, I noticed that the soundbar became quite hot after extended periods of use. Concerned about potential damage, I decided to move the soundbar to an open-facing cabinet, and the difference in sound quality was immediately noticeable. The audio was much clearer, and I felt that I was getting the intended sound experience.