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Atmos upgrade question

444 Views 3 Replies 3 Participants Last post by andalex, Oct 21, 2019

andalex

Discussion Starter · Oct 19, 2019

I am thinking about an upgrade to Dolby Atmos configuration from a 7.1 surround system, but not sure about its value in my particular situation.

I have an architectural speaker system in the front (Martin Logan Edge) and as rear surround speakers (Yamaha) plus a subwoofer (Martin Logan Dynamo 1100x) but the left and right surround speakers (Yamaha 8 inch) are actually installed in the ceiling at about the level of our head. This is due to the fact that one side of the room is a giant glass door and my wife did not want any floor standing speakers for aesthetic reasons. I have to say that Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD master sound very nice. I use a Pioneer Elite VSX-32 AV receiver and I want to upgrade to something that will drive my front speakers better so Atmos configurations came to my mind.

So here is the question for the respected members of this forum:

How much benefit will I enjoy if I install height speakers into 7.1.2 or 7.1.4 configuration in front of and/or behind my left and right surround speakers, which are already on the ceiling?

Does anyone have any experience or recommendation?

I am open to suggestions.

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usc1995

· #2 · Oct 19, 2019

If you are unable to install your 7.1 speakers at ear height due to WAF or not wanting to place a speaker in front of your sliding glass door then you will not get the benefit of Atmos in your room. Atmos is designed to provide you with a 3D sound bubble by placing sound around you and above you. You will not get this effect by placing all of your speakers in the height plane. I am a huge fan of Atmos but I wouldn’t bother in this situation unless you can negotiate with your wife. Maybe start with something sparkly and expensive? That is what my wife would require...

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robusto400

· #3 · Oct 19, 2019

usc1995 said:
If you are unable to install your 7.1 speakers at ear height due to WAF or not wanting to place a speaker in front of your sliding glass door then you will not get the benefit of Atmos in your room. Atmos is designed to provide you with a 3D sound bubble by placing sound around you and above you. You will not get this effect by placing all of your speakers in the height plane. I am a huge fan of Atmos but I wouldn’t bother in this situation unless you can negotiate with your wife. Maybe start with something sparkly and expensive? That is what my wife would require...

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I can attest to this as my 4 surround speakers were at ceiling level (height on wall). My new Yamaha AVR supports Dobly Atmos so I switched 2 of them (tried both Back and Side) as my Atmos height speakers and I can tell NO difference with 5.1.2 playback with Atmos content and regular 7.1. In my case I am stuck with this as I cannot lower rear surrounds to ear level because of living room configuration (sofa on rear wall with large door openings on each side). My suggestion is not to invest heavily into Atmos unless you have room set-up to support it.

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andalex

Discussion Starter · #4 · Oct 21, 2019

Thanks guys, that was very very helpful. Seriously.

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