Dolby Atoms

[InnocentShadows]

I have had a one box Sony system for the quite awhile, there is nothing wrong with it but using my perfect man maths it needs replacing!

I've been looking at a few systems and Atmos keeps popping up, does anyone have any real life "lounge" experience of this system?

Is it worth the extra cost for the speakers?

thanks...

[OldSkoolRS]

I think if you're sticking with a one box system then I wouldn't bother considering Atmos. I've had about 5 different demos of Atmos/Auro at various dealer open days and TBH I'm not that taken by it even in a properly set up room let alone in a compromised set up (especially if trying to use the upfiring speakers to 'bounce' the Atmos sound off the ceiling).

IMHO I'd say that most of us would be better off just focusing on trying to get the best performance out of the main LCR + subs. I see so many set ups on AVforums using an odd mix of cheap speakers (especially the ceiling ones) when they might just get a better film experience by just having the three front speakers properly set up and ideally identical models (or at least from the same range). Maybe just spend the extra budget on better front speakers?

I've just bought a new AVR which happens to have Atmos, but only because I wanted a certain level of quality for other purposes (and I wanted HDCP2.2 compatibility for future 4K use with my projector). I won't be connecting up the extra 2 speakers above my existing 7.2 channels and that's in a relatively well laid out room (just nowhere to move the existing surround speakers any lower down, to make it worthwhile installing height ones above).

I'm sure there are plenty around who are wow'd by hearing sounds above them (I'm used to it after 7 years of having my 4 surrounds high up the wall), but when most of a film is about the sound from the front I really want the best I can manage from that area first before adding any extra stuff for very occasional effects and ambience.

(Perhaps I should add a 'bar humbug' to that post, but I'm just a bit jaded about all the various AV 'must haves' that get pushed on us to extract more money).

[51mes]

Agree very much with the above, and the complete pita of installing all the extra speakers, not forgetting the WAF factor.

But Dolby Atoms on the other hand - could potentially be the answer I'm looking for - very very small speakers by any chance ;-)

S.

[InnocentShadows]

have been looking at this AV - http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/p...

I agree, I'm not entirely sure that bouncing sound truly works & there's no chance I'll get sign off from the wife to put speakers in the ceiling....


thanks for your views so far.

[OldSkoolRS]

I suspect that would be a set up from an existing all in one, even if only used for 5.1/7.1. What speakers are you considering to use with this amp (bare in mind the all in one speakers likely won't work with it as they tend to be very low impedance)? Also if the all in one has a passive sub (there is standard speaker cable going to it rather than a phono cable) then you will need an active sub to use with that amp.

[anonymous-user]

InnocentShadows said:

I have had a one box Sony system for the quite awhile, there is nothing wrong with it but using my perfect man maths it needs replacing!

I've been looking at a few systems and Atmos keeps popping up, does anyone have any real life "lounge" experience of this system?

Is it worth the extra cost for the speakers?

thanks...

I recently installed a 7.1.2 Atmos setup in my lounge, having previously had a 9.1 (wides rather than heights). The worth is dependant upon your viewing habits really. The content is readily available, and can sound impressive with some setup work (most AVR's have Audyssey or another room EQ system built-in that will give you a ballpark configuration).

Depending on what kind of system you were looking at, some have the ability to upmix a regular 5.1 / 7.1 mix to an Atmos arrangement without it sounding crude (certainly from what I've heard, it's quite good). I don't know if this capability has found its way down into the 'home cinema in a box' type units though.

If you can, try and get a demo of Atmos, with a variety of content (Atmos equipped Blu-Ray soundtracks as well as non Atmos discs, as these make up the majority of available titles).