Dolby ATMOS - the latest audio format for theatre was released last year and it has been the Hoo Haa for many enthusiasts.
The market has evolved into a new edge where everybody is looking into THE ATMOS feature when buying their Theatre equipment.
Like 3D, ATMOS is a new trend that changes the minds of many to go searching for new speakers, ATMOS capable upgrade to existing system and AVR or Pre-Amp that is capable of producing the extra so called audio objects in the atmosphere.
As usual, speakers manufacturers come up with many upgrade options just to grab a piece of pie from the consumers; introducing front reflective speakers so that existing users can buy the extra speakers.
Many will buy an ATMOS capable AVR and get these speakers so that they can enjoy the latest Audio "Trend". So when people see a 5.1.4 or 7.1.4, they will feel "WOW ATMOS".
Little did anyone realized that with the emerging ATMOS AVR/PRE and with all these height speakers or reflectors; the crucial part still depends on how the correct setup is.
Sadly, people are adding new speakers with ever confusing guidelines on the Internet and from their friends and dealers. How many actually got it correctly setup?
Yes you may get extra audio channels ( objects in ATMOS), but did you realize if these extra speakers are blending them well into your existing system?
I've audited many ATMOS home theatres & even local cinemas and I am disappointment that I only came across a few good ones. Most setups to me are "ANNOYING" because the heights are just too distractive due to mismatch types. And unfortunately, most dealers do not know ATMOS heights are mixed in full range.
It is not easy to get the ATMOS setup correctly given the following conditions:
1) Room Size / Dimension
2) Seating layout
3) Type of speakers & timbre matching
4) Type of walls & ceiling materials that affect the envolvement of sound stage.
5) Proper EQ to phase match all speakers & Subwoofers, height speakers alignment, etc.
IF you want extra channels, then ATMOS is a good excuse to let you spend the money.
IF you want an ultimate cinematic experience, ATMOS is a great way to go if you are able to get all the above 5 points to work.
IF you can't fulfill the 5 points, I say better to stick to your existing setup and improve it through upgrading of your existing gears.
I have setup many home cinemas which sound much better without ATMOS than others who have setup ATMOS wrongly.
Be a wise consumer!
