Movieman:

 

 

For those who don't have a Dolby Atmos set up; is it worth the cost of upgrading from your 5.1 or 7.1 system?

 

Well, I certainly aren't going to push you one way or the other. I did have a reasonably expensive Dolby Atmos/DTS:X setup. Two speakers installed in the ceiling, a Yamaha receiver, subwoofer etc. I have since sold off my separate components (ceiling speakers are redundant, but still up there) and bought a Samsung HW-Q990F 11.1.4. Which has surround speakers and a subwoofer. That model has now been superseded by the "H" series, but there are deals available right now on the "F" series (Noel Leeming $1499) and I expect that there will be a minimal difference between the two.

 

Many "Atmos" encoded films are amazing to listen to, with lots of overhead sounds filling out the soundstage, but there are just as many that hardly use the overhead channels, So, should you splash your cash on a Dolby Atmos system? I suggest that you read as many articles on the subject from "experts" in the audio field before making a decision.

 

I do have an Atmos favourite, which is absolutely outstanding; the first 10 minutes of Unbroken (2014) is the best that I have heard. Unfortunately you will need to buy the Blu-ray to hear the Atmos track.

 

My Atmos system comprises of 2 upward pointing speakers as part of the front speaker setup. So 2 pairs of cables to each speaker. Not as good as ceiling mount of course, but still a great sound.