Worth it? You Decide
Whether Dolby Atmos is worth the cost depends on your personal preferences, budget and the overall audiovisual experience you desire. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating the value of Dolby Atmos and if it’s right for you. Let’s dig in.
Immersive Sound Experience
Dolby Atmos is an audio technology that adds a new dimension to sound by creating a three-dimensional audio environment. It allows sound to be placed and moved in a more precise and realistic manner, including overhead and around you. This provides a more immersive and lifelike experience than a basic 5.1 or 7.1 home theater.
Pictured below is 7.1.4 diagram utilizing (4) in-ceiling speakers for the Atmos front and rear presence speakers.
If you appreciate high-quality audio and want to recreate a cinematic experience at home, Dolby Atmos can significantly enhance your viewing pleasure.
Dolby Atmos Review from a Client
Here’s what one of our Atmos clients had to say a few months after we installed a home cinema for him.
“Why even go to public cinemas anymore when mine’s better!”
Here’s some pictures of the home cinema we built for him and his family. More pictures coming soon on the Grand Central Wiring website.
Content Availability
Dolby Atmos is supported by a growing number of movies, TV shows, and streaming platforms. However, not all content is available in Dolby Atmos format, and the selection might vary depending on your area and streaming service. If you have access to a wide range of Dolby Atmos content that you enjoy, it can definitely enhance your overall entertainment experience. Content is availability is growing by the day.
Apple TV is a great source of Atmos content. Stream movies and music in Dolby Atmos which sounds phenomenal. Here’s a confirmed list of devices and streaming apps.
Confirmed devices:
- Blu-Ray Player
- Roku
- Amazon Fire Stick
- Apple TV 4K
- Xbox One
Confirmed apps:
- Netfilx
- Prime Video
- Hula
- Vudu
*Last checked 6/12/23.
Equipment Speakers and Setup
Implementing Dolby Atmos typically requires specific AV receivers and speaker configuration. This may involve investing in additional speakers, including in-ceiling speakers or upward-firing speakers, and a compatible AV receiver or soundbar. The cost of upgrading your audio setup to support Atmos can vary depending on the complexity and quality of the equipment you choose.
It’s important to assess your budget and consider whether the cost of the necessary equipment aligns with the value you expect to gain from the enhanced audio experience. If money isn’t a problem and you want the best, Atmos is your ticket.
2 key things you will need:
- Dollby Atmos receiver (front and rear presence speaker inputs)
- Additional in-ceiling speakers or front and rear upwards firing speakers
Through testing, we think achieving true Dolby Atmos is better with in-ceiling speakers’ vs upward firing. We recently completed a 7.4.2 Dolby Atmos cinema that blows my mind every time I listen to it.
Room Considerations and Acoustics
The layout and design of your room can also impact the effectiveness of Dolby Atmos. An optimal Atmos setup involves proper speaker placement, including in-ceiling speakers or Atmos speakers that bounce sound off the ceiling.
If your room layout or ceiling structure doesn’t allow for ideal speaker positioning, you may not fully experience the intended effect of Dolby Atmos. It’s worth considering the feasibility and potential limitations of implementing Dolby Atmos in your specific room. If you have any questions about this working in your room, see the last paragraph we can help.
All about Budget
Ultimately, Dolby Atmos can provide a remarkable audio experience, especially for movie enthusiasts or those passionate about audio quality. If you value immersive sound and have the budget and appropriate room setup to accommodate it, Atmos can be a worthwhile investment.
However, if you are more focused on other aspects of your home entertainment system or have budget constraints, it may be worth considering alternative audio options that still offer excellent sound quality without the additional cost of Atmos. Dolby Atmos gives you the extra wow factor!
We Can Help
Get in touch with us we can help you decide if Atmos is right for you and your space. Live in Greenville, SC or surrounding area? We can come out for quick meeting and do a walk through for a free assessment.
Passive vs Active Soundbar