Upgrading to Dolby Atmos

[hybridauth_Google_117949439720551066952]

Hi,

I posted a few weeks ago about upgrading to a home cinema system. I'm quite happy with projector and screen choices, but am now thinking about branching out into Dolby Atmos. I currrently have Dali Opticon 5.1 driven by a Yamaha RX-A3050 amp. What would you recommend I purchase to compliment the existing speakers to create Atmos (I would like the additional speakers mounted in the ceiling). Would I need a new amp or can a bi-amp arrangement be set-up?



Thanks,

Rob.

 

[bigboss]

You can use your existing amp for Atmos. How many overhead speakers are you thinking of? 2 or 4? Are you looking at in-ceiling speakers?

 

[michael hoy]

Have a look here or here

 

[hybridauth_Google_117949439720551066952]

Thanks both. Does Atmos also benefit from side speakers (at the moment I have 5.1, rather than 7.1)? What speakers should I get for that?


Rob.

 

[bigboss]

Adding rear surrounds won't help Atmos per se, but you can benefit from 7.1 audio codecs. If you've got Dali, stick to Dali (same as surround speakers you've got).

 

[hybridauth_Google_117949439720551066952]

Thanks, so are you saying that most Atmos sound tracks don't make use of the 7-speaker arrangement. I thought most 4K UHD discs would have audio mixed in 7.1.4? It it a case they are more likley to be 5.1.2?

Also out of the E50, E60 and E80, what is on a par in terms of sound quality with what I already have (Dali Opticons).


Thanks,

Rob.

 

[bigboss]

What I'm saying is; Atmos effect comes from ceiling speakers instead of rear speakers. So if you want Atmos and have 7 speakers, you need to go for 5.1.2 setup instead of 7.1. Not all discs are coded for Atmos (7.1.4). You need to check the individual discs to confirm that.

 

[bigboss]

In terms of ceiling speakers for Atmos, they're mainly for "presence", so all would work fine. I went for the middle of the range one for mine.

 

[hybridauth_Google_117949439720551066952]

What I'm saying is; Atmos effect comes from ceiling speakers instead of rear speakers. So if you want Atmos and have 7 speakers, you need to go for 5.1.2 setup instead of 7.1. Not all discs are coded for Atmos (7.1.4). You need to check the individual discs to confirm that.

Yes, absolutely get that they come from ceiling speakers. What I was asking is will I be missing out on the full atmos experience if I am missing out on 2 rear and 2 (of the 4 ceiling speakers)?

 

[bigboss]

Yes, absolutely get that they come from ceiling speakers. What I was asking is will I be missing out on the full atmos experience if I am missing out on 2 rear and 2 (of the 4 ceiling speakers)?

No, you won't miss much. The only effect you might miss by having 2 ceiling speakers instead of 4 is the directional effect, eg. a helicopter flying over your head. A 5.1.2 system will give you a decent Atmos experience.