Anyone got a Dolby Atmos setup ?

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Garchiba

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#1261494 18-Mar-2015 10:49

I have a 5.2.4 Dolby Atmos set up. I like it. The limited Atmos content I have heard so far has been very good. The new Dolby Surround Upmixer is also good - so you do get some use out of the top speakers even if there is not much native content.

Basically if you are a big surround sound fan you will like Atmos - it does add another dimension to the movie. I don't think it is so revolutionary as to be worth the price of an upgrade alone. But if you are buying new equipment or building a new home theater I would definitely include it.

DTS:X is also launching this month so all new AVR's launched this year should support both formats.

Whether Atmos and DTS:X are worth the extra cost will largely depend on how much content DTS and Dolby can bring to the market. You would have to say that Dolby Atmos has been pretty dismal so far with only 3 or 4 Dolby Atmos titles making it to NZ.

JimmyC

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#1282275 13-Apr-2015 15:59

I'm factoring in a 5.1.4 setup in our next house build, should be easy to install 4 ceiling speakers inconspicuously during construction. The bit I can't wrap my head around is the cost of the receivers in NZ though. Standard 5.1 and 7.1 receivers are priced reasonably relatively with the UK, but the Dolby Atmos ones are a tad silly. UK pricing is less than $1700NZ for a Marantz SR7009 vs $3,999NZ RRP. That leaves a lot of room for freight and customs costs, and even repairs if needed.

kiwijunglist

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#1282282 13-Apr-2015 16:09

You can get a pioneer sc lx88 for about 2700. It paid 1900 delivered for my sclx87. I think it's top of the line consumer grade avr for pioneer.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

Dunnersfella

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#1282546 13-Apr-2015 22:11

RXV2077's / equivalent Avantage are available for under $2500...
So you're not stuck with the Marantz by any means.

JimmyC

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#1282631 14-Apr-2015 08:28

Dunnersfella: RXV2077's / equivalent Avantage are available for under $2500...
So you're not stuck with the Marantz by any means.

But I really like the Marantz :-)

Masterpiece

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#1283206 14-Apr-2015 20:24

Soon all the brands will do Atmos and DTSx and slowly it will slip down the model range.

Just note a few of the models right now that support atmos can't drive the atmos channels without external amps to drive the speakers.
I neally got the Aventage RX-A2040, but got a great deal on the 3040 then when setting up I noted the fine print about limitations....lucky save!

Me:"I'm not a robot!"

ET: "Maybe; you have some freewill, but you chose your path by arrangement"

Me "That sounds like a program with no freewill?"

ET: "We will catch up when you end this cycle"

Me: "Sounds like a 'KPI'!"

ET: "Did you read the terms and conditions?"

Me: .....

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Dunnersfella

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#1283220 14-Apr-2015 20:38

Can the RX-A2040 not do 5.2.4?
Surely, with 9 amplifier built into the amp, there would be no need for external power amps?

Masterpiece

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#1283232 14-Apr-2015 20:42

I believe 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 is the limit for the RX-A2040(subs could be 2 or split for more if required)
However if you want 7.1.4 with the RX-A2040 you need a pair of amps to drive the extra speakers.

Note if doing this I'd consider better amps for the front mains and configure the outputs to drive the atmos from the AVR.

Me:"I'm not a robot!"

ET: "Maybe; you have some freewill, but you chose your path by arrangement"

Me "That sounds like a program with no freewill?"

ET: "We will catch up when you end this cycle"

Me: "Sounds like a 'KPI'!"

ET: "Did you read the terms and conditions?"

Me: .....

LennonNZ

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#1283236 14-Apr-2015 20:47

I have an onkyo 838 with atmos. Just need to find some source material to play.

Dunnersfella

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#1283250 14-Apr-2015 21:05

Masterpiece: I believe 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 is the limit for the RX-A2040(subs could be 2 or split for more if required)
However if you want 7.1.4 with the RX-A2040 you need a pair of amps to drive the extra speakers.

Note if doing this I'd consider better amps for the front mains and configure the outputs to drive the atmos from the AVR.

That's the same as the RX-A3040 though... both are only 9 channels.
http://soundgroup.co.nz/yamaha_aventage_current

Masterpiece

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#1283282 14-Apr-2015 21:30

Yes I was aware or 9 channels, it was lucky save for myself with regards not purchasing further components other than the 7.1 gear at this time. Just considering now if 7.1.2 is enough, but if I can find some secondary amps I can borrow I can test 7.14 before I go purchase better front amps or cheap amps for atmos speakers. I've run wiring to locations in ceiling but not pulled anything through yet, allows a number of options of speaker location and final config.

I was just trying to make people aware of the marketing with all the brands about atmos capable when they need to check the limitations of any current AVR.

However I read a number of posts overseas about atmos and guys with aventage models and they don't talk about secondary amps running 7.1.4, either they don't realise they aren't all working or they gloss over the details of their setups.

I've still some testing to do with regards atmos, I'll keep ya posted.

PS: note the 3040 can do 11 channels processing where as the 2040 can only do 9 channels, which is why the 2040 is limited to 5.14 only, but the 3040 with expansion can do 7.1.4

Me:"I'm not a robot!"

ET: "Maybe; you have some freewill, but you chose your path by arrangement"

Me "That sounds like a program with no freewill?"

ET: "We will catch up when you end this cycle"

Me: "Sounds like a 'KPI'!"

ET: "Did you read the terms and conditions?"

Me: .....

Apple TV

Stream your favourite shows now on Apple TV (affiliate link).

Dunnersfella

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#1284618 15-Apr-2015 11:48

I know a guy who has the RXV3077 and runs 5.1.4 ATMOS, he is over the moon.
He paid less for the RXV3077, than he could for the Aventage (5 legged) cousin, so now he is looking to work on the bass performance in his room.
It's a never ending path...

MarkX

109 posts

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#1288473 21-Apr-2015 13:22

kiwijunglist: I have a 9.2 ch dolby atmos receiver (can do 11.2 with pre/outs), but I only run 5.0 speakers :p Haven't got atmos source material to listen to.

My understanding is that a dolby atmos receiver will need Dolby Atmos speakers to get the best soundtrack possible. Looking online there don't appear to be any dolby atmos speakers available for sale in New Zealand at this stage, other than possibly an all in one home theatre system.

LennonNZ

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#1288524 21-Apr-2015 14:23

MarkX:
kiwijunglist: I have a 9.2 ch dolby atmos receiver (can do 11.2 with pre/outs), but I only run 5.0 speakers :p Haven't got atmos source material to listen to.

My understanding is that a dolby atmos receiver will need Dolby Atmos speakers to get the best soundtrack possible. Looking online there don't appear to be any dolby atmos speakers available for sale in New Zealand at this stage, other than possibly an all in one home theatre system.

http://www.avalon.co.nz/subwoofer-speaker-sets/575-onkyo-skh-410.html

MarkX

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#1288569 21-Apr-2015 15:22

LennonNZ:
MarkX:
kiwijunglist: I have a 9.2 ch dolby atmos receiver (can do 11.2 with pre/outs), but I only run 5.0 speakers :p Haven't got atmos source material to listen to.

My understanding is that a dolby atmos receiver will need Dolby Atmos speakers to get the best soundtrack possible. Looking online there don't appear to be any dolby atmos speakers available for sale in New Zealand at this stage, other than possibly an all in one home theatre system.

http://www.avalon.co.nz/subwoofer-speaker-sets/575-onkyo-skh-410.html

Thanks for that. These speakers have had some very positive feedback. Just waiting now to purchase a receiver and speakers that are compatible with dolby atmos and DTS X. This should happen later this year.

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