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Atmos-Enabled Speakers: Can they rest on top of my existing speakers?

436 Views 11 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Herkdrvr, Aug 13, 2019

Herkdrvr

Discussion Starter · Aug 12, 2019

Hi All,

I currently have a 5.1 system using Studio 60v2s for the L/R and Studio 20v5 for the rears.

Separately, I plan to upgrade my AVR and would like to take advantage of Dolby Atmos. Unfortunately, I'm in a housing situation where affixing speakers to the ceiling (or even high on the walls) is not feasible.

I thought about placing Atmos-enabled speakers on top of my existing fronts & rears--something like the Klipsch RP-500SA--but the Studio 20s have an odd shaped plastic piece which may inhibit such placement.

Looking for any/all recommendations on how to overcome my lack of ceiling space! Budget for upward firing speakers would be ~$1500.

Thanks!

Herk

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Knucklehead90

· #2 · Aug 12, 2019

You might want to look at the speaker models that bounce the sound off the ceiling. I was looking into something like that, until I realized that I had an acoustic tile ceiling. I'll either have to find some floor brackets that hold the Atmos speakers in place, or forget the Atmost idea. Which is what I've done so far.

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Herkdrvr

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 12, 2019

Knucklehead90,

Thank you very much for replying.

Our ceiling is basically flat drywall. I hope I don't have to completely abandon the Atmos idea....

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sdurani

· #4 · Aug 12, 2019

Atmos upfiring modules don't have to be on top of another speaker, they can be nearby (within 3 feet, according to Dolby).

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SuperFist

· #5 · Aug 12, 2019

Herkdrvr said:
Knucklehead90,

Thank you very much for replying.

Our ceiling is basically flat drywall. I hope I don't have to completely abandon the Atmos idea....

I can imagine you using something like what i have pictured below from my signature, but with maybe coned rubber feet, which are fastened with double-sided removable tape, by the way. I see the top of your Paradigms are convex so it should still work as intended.

The reason I wanted to show you a picture of mine is to emphasize the need to angle them to a degree you will get maximum benefit from your 360 degree ATMOSpheric sound (use the official demos as a reference to where you notice absolutely no holes in the tracking of objects around the room - also, close your eyes as you will notice it a lot more). This isn't emphasized enough and isn't at all possible with left and right speakers with Atmos speakers built in.

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m0j0

· #6 · Aug 12, 2019

What is your seating distance from the fronts and rears? What is your ceiling height?

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Herkdrvr

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 12, 2019

@sdurani: I didn't realize that. Thanks for the option.
@SuperFist: What speakers are those? I hadn't considered Panny's & perhaps they would work as you describe.
@m0j0: I'm about 10-12 ft from the front & the rears are about 8ft. The ceiling height is 9ft.

Thank you all again!

Herk

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m0j0

· #8 · Aug 12, 2019

Herkdrvr said:
@sdurani: I didn't realize that. Thanks for the option.

@SuperFist: What speakers are those? I hadn't considered Panny's & perhaps they would work as you describe.

@m0j0: I'm about 10-12 ft from the front & the rears are about 8ft. The ceiling height is 9ft.

Thank you all again!

Herk

Ok, thanks. You could place the Amos enabled speakers on top of your front and rear speakers, but try to ensure they are above ear height, as otherwise the sound may reach your ears directly from the speakers vs the sound reflecting off the ceiling. Also, you will want to experiment with the angles by placing some objects underneath the back end of the speakers (like a cd or dvd type jewel case, for example) until you feel like the sound is reaching your seating area correctly. Lastly, you will want to adjust speaker volume/trim on the atmos enabled speakers, anywhere from 3db to 8db to make sure you are getting a good affect overall.

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markmon1

· #9 · Aug 12, 2019

The ceiling bouncing speakers are not impressive *at all*. I would pass on atmos if you plan on going this route. It's not worth the upgrade and will be underwhelming.

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Herkdrvr

Discussion Starter · #10 · Aug 13, 2019

@m0j0: Understood. Thank you very much.
@markmon: I've not heard that take re: ceiling bouncing before. What's the benefit of upward-firing speakers if the overall result is underwhelming? Do you view upward-firing speakers as always missing the mark? (BTW, I guess I'd have some return period if I did really hate the speakers, correct?)

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m0j0

· #11 · Aug 13, 2019

Herkdrvr said:
@m0j0: Understood. Thank you very much.

@markmon: I've not heard that take re: ceiling bouncing before. What's the benefit of upward-firing speakers if the overall result is underwhelming? Do you view upward-firing speakers as always missing the mark? (BTW, I guess I'd have some return period if I did really hate the speakers, correct?)

My first attempt at atmos was with 2 of those pioneer atmos enabled speakers. I found that they could give a decent affect at the correct angle and trim level, but it was more affective with mono type ambiance sounds, like rain for example. They were not very good at placing sounds properly though, so panning wasn’t great. But I do believe they were better than no atmos, so if that’s your only option, I would still recommend you give them a try.

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Herkdrvr

Discussion Starter · #12 · Aug 13, 2019

@m0j0: Thank you very much, again!

And to all--I am grateful for your inputs. Looks like I'll grab a new AVR & research some speakers.

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