Setting up a soundbar-based home theater system is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your living room audio without the complexity of a traditional surround sound setup. Whether you are going for a basic 2.1 configuration or adding a wireless subwoofer or rear speakers, it is still important to plan the wiring properly. A clear home theater wiring diagram helps ensure everything is connected the right way, giving you seamless audio and a clutter-free experience.
With tools like XTEN-AV, even casual users can create professional-grade wiring diagrams. Originally built for AV integrators, XTEN-AV lets you drag and drop real-world components, visualize cable runs, and document every connection. This is especially helpful when you are trying to decide whether to go with a simple HDMI ARC setup or add an optical cable or Bluetooth connection.
In this blog, we will walk you through how to build a wiring diagram for a soundbar-based home theater system, whether you include a subwoofer or not. We will also highlight best practices and setup tips to make sure your system is performing at its best.
Why Use a Soundbar for a Home Theater System?
A soundbar simplifies home theater design by combining multiple speaker channels into a single sleek unit. Many soundbars today support Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, or simulated surround sound, making them a strong alternative to full speaker systems.
Some configurations include:
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Standalone soundbar (2.0)
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Soundbar with subwoofer (2.1)
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Soundbar with subwoofer and rear surrounds (5.1)
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Dolby Atmos soundbar with upward-firing speakers
No matter the setup, a wiring diagram helps you understand what cables you need, where they go, and how the system will behave.
Step 1: Identify the Components in Your Setup
Before you create your home theater wiring diagram, list all the components in your system.
Here are common devices in a soundbar-based home theater:
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TV or projector
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Soundbar (with HDMI ARC, eARC, optical, or Bluetooth)
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Subwoofer (wired or wireless)
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Source devices (gaming console, streaming device, Blu-ray player)
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Optional rear speakers
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Power outlets and surge protectors
Using XTEN-AV, you can select these components from a real-world library and drop them into your living room layout. This visual clarity is especially useful when dealing with different brands and connection types.
Step 2: Choose Your Main Audio Connection Type
The main audio signal from the TV to the soundbar is typically transmitted using one of three options:
1. HDMI ARC or eARC
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Best quality and supports multi-channel audio.
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Allows volume control via a single remote (CEC).
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Ideal if your soundbar and TV both support eARC for Dolby Atmos passthrough.
Wiring path:
HDMI OUT (ARC) from TV → HDMI IN (ARC) on soundbar
2. Optical (Toslink) Cable
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Good for basic surround and stereo audio.
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Does not support Dolby Atmos or advanced features.
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Still common for TVs without HDMI ARC.
Wiring path:
Optical OUT from TV → Optical IN on soundbar
3. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
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Wireless audio transmission from smart TVs.
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Less reliable for home theater due to latency or compression.
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Fine for music streaming but not ideal for movies or gaming.
Use XTEN-AV to drag these cable types between the right ports on your devices and label them properly in your wiring diagram.
Step 3: Add the Subwoofer (Wired or Wireless)
Most modern soundbars come with a wireless subwoofer, which auto-pairs to the soundbar once powered on. However, some models use a wired connection for tighter sync and placement flexibility.
Wireless Subwoofer:
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Power only. No signal cable needed.
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Should be within range of the soundbar.
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Place near a wall or corner for stronger bass response.
Wired Subwoofer:
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Uses an RCA or LFE cable.
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Connects to the SUB OUT or LFE port on the soundbar or AV receiver.
Wiring path (for wired subwoofer):
Subwoofer OUT on soundbar → LFE IN on subwoofer
With XTEN-AV, you can draw and label the correct subwoofer cable route and indicate whether it is a signal or power cable.
Step 4: Connect Additional Source Devices
Your home theater likely includes source devices like:
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Gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation)
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Media streamers (Apple TV, Roku, Fire Stick)
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Blu-ray players
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Cable or satellite boxes
Depending on your setup, you can connect these in one of two ways:
Option 1: Direct to TV
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HDMI devices plug directly into the TV.
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TV sends audio back to soundbar via HDMI ARC or optical.
Option 2: Direct to Soundbar
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High-end soundbars have HDMI inputs.
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Devices connect to soundbar and video is passed to the TV.
Wiring path (Option 2 example):
HDMI OUT from PlayStation → HDMI IN on soundbar
HDMI OUT from soundbar → HDMI IN on TV
This reduces signal latency and allows the soundbar to process audio directly.
Use XTEN-AV’s drag-and-drop interface to add and route each device clearly in your home theater wiring diagram.
Step 5: Plan for Rear Speakers (If Applicable)
Some premium soundbar systems offer wireless rear surround speakers. These often connect to the soundbar wirelessly, either via a central hub or through the subwoofer.
Wiring options:
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Fully wireless rear speakers (only need power)
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Semi-wired rear speakers (connect to a wireless receiver unit)
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Optional speaker stands or wall mounting required
Label these speakers and power outlets clearly in your diagram to avoid installation confusion.
Step 6: Account for Power and Cable Management
Each component in your system needs reliable power. Do not overlook this step.
Best practices:
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Use surge protectors for your TV and soundbar
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Avoid overloading power strips
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Conceal cables using raceways or behind furniture
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Keep HDMI and power cables separate to avoid interference
XTEN-AV allows you to add power symbols, note cable paths, and keep everything organized in one document.
Step 7: Finalize and Use the Diagram
Once your wiring diagram is complete, review it to ensure:
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All components are labeled
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All cable paths are correct
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You have identified power needs
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You are using the right ports on each device
Then export the diagram as a PDF or image. Use it during installation or share it with a technician if you need help setting up.
Final Thoughts
A soundbar home theater system offers impressive performance in a compact, simplified format. But to get the best results, you still need a smart wiring plan. A proper home theater wiring diagram helps you visualize the connections, avoid mistakes, and plan for upgrades.
Using XTEN-AV, even basic setups become easy to design and execute. With real-world device data, automatic labeling, and intuitive layout tools, XTEN-AV ensures your soundbar system is both functional and future-ready.
Whether you are wiring a standalone soundbar or a full 5.1 setup with subwoofer and rear speakers, start with a diagram—then sit back and enjoy your perfect living room theater experience.
