Dolby Atmos?

[Tonesky 973]

Is this something that will stick and that I will want?  We are embarking on new construction and will be pulling wire.  But, unless it is to future-proof for Dolby Atmos, I am not likely to run any wire for in-ceiling speakers.  My current receiver does not support Atmos and I am not likely to replace it any time soon.  When I get to that point, will I want to have wiring in place for Atmos? 

[Lobwedgephil 1139]

You should probably decide if you want speakers or not regardless of the format. I think it sticks with the players behind it. doesn't matter though if you don't want ceiling speakers, atoms has nothing to do with that question. 

[msbesq 387]

If you’re interested in Atmos you will need a 7.2 system. Virtually  all new receivers support Atmos. I would run the wiring in case you want to do it later.

[Tonesky 973]

My primary setup will be wall or stand mounted, not in-ceiling speakers. Would only pull wire for 2 or 4 ceiling speakers, if being positioned for future Atmos channels.  

[Sam Lin 3564]

One guarantee is future standards will never <decrease> the number of speakers. Pull the wires now.

[52-80 19274]

Yes, what you really need is an audio standard supporting a sound channel specifically coming from the ceiling.  

It's the only true way to experience such Atmos-compatible titles such as La La Land, Brave, and My Little Pony: The Movie.

 

Honestly, who has the right speakers, placement, environment, and calibration to take advantage of all stuff?

[Tonesky 973]

5 hours ago, 52-80 said:

Honestly, who has the right speakers, placement, environment, and calibration to take advantage of all stuff?

When I gave up my dedicated audio space and $10K in stereo equipment a few years ago, I got a firm commitment that I would have full and perpetual control over the HT space in the den.  But, we'll see how that goes, because we all know that pussy always wins.

[Jimbaround 975]

I second what Sam said.  Running wires doesn't cost shit in the grand scheme, and it is much better to have them and not use/need them than the other way around.

[Tonesky 973]

OK, shifting the discussion a bit, any thoughts on minimum room size/depth to utilize overhead atmos speakers?  I guess even with 5.1, I could put a pair above, or maybe slightly forward, of the listening sweet seat.  But, to really get the benefit of a 7.1.4 setup, how big of a room do I need to have?

[ChickenSandwich 9856]

I have Atmos (speaker reflecting kind, not in ceiling speakers - have surrounds in ceiling ceiling though). If I had the chance I’d run 3 pairs of wires in ceiling. Front stage, middle and rear. It’s cheap and helps to future proof. 

The auto conversion from the reciver (to ATMOS) is very impressive even on non ATMOS soundtracks

Most ceiling speakers are also very reasonably priced. That way you can put your money into the front channel and center speaker.  The height channels really make a difference on movie surround, music - never used. 

[Liquor and Poker 3659]

I have the Andrew Jones 5.1.2 setup with the reflectiing speakers sitting on the fronts.  It makes a difference.  Almost as much as rear speakers do. 

[Tonesky 973]

I have a nice 5.1 setup, with wall mounted speakers.  With the new build, I hope to keep them on the walls or on stands.  If I move to 7.1, my preference would be to shift my mains to the rear, and add compatible floor standing speakers as the new mains.  The only ceiling mounted speakers would be for Atmos.  But, the room may not end up large enough to really take advantage of this.  How deep of a room do I need to really utilize a 7.1 setup?