Wiring and speakers for Dolby Atmos

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mailmarshall

246 posts

Master Geek

# 189574 5-Jan-2016 10:38

Hi guys

Currently doing some renovations which include building a cinema / tv room - no gibbing has gone up yet.

Seeking some advice on speaker wiring / speakers for Dolby Atmos.

In particular, would like to know what is recommended for a 7:1 config:
a. Should I install in-ceiling speakers for some of the Atmos setup or use externals for everything?
b. Are THX certified speakers any better than non certified? I was thinking using Klipsch CDT-5650-C II (in ceiling) which are not certified? The other option was Klipsch KL7502THX Ultra2 but its very expensive!

Any advice graciously accepted :)

1 | 2

3594 posts

Uber Geek

# 1461395 5-Jan-2016 10:56

If it helps, I've heard...
External modules.
Upward firing drivers built into speakers.
In-ceilings.

CDT-5650's and CDT-5800's work very well for ATMOS.
You can see why certification is preferred for upward firing modules... the isolation foam around the speaker helps kill energy so it can produce audio in the way that ATMOS specifies.
It's really quite effective, even using modules.
However a properly setup 5.2.4 with downward firing effect speakers is the best I've heard to date.
Having said that, I was more than surprised to hear how well the upward firing modules did! It's not hype, it is really quite immersive and it made going back home to watch the same movie (Mad Max Fury Road) on my home system a little deflating...

billgates

3958 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

# 1461460 5-Jan-2016 11:10

SVS Prime Satellite's make for great Atmos speakers. You can buy the brackets for cheap from amazon to mount them on the wall or ceilings.

http://www.rapalloav.co.nz/svs-prime-satellite-speakers-pair.html

Do whatever you want to do man.

timbosan

1566 posts

Uber Geek

# 1461467 5-Jan-2016 11:18

mailmarshall:

In particular, would like to know what is recommended for a 7:1 config:

As @Dunnersfella notes, it's actually 5.2.4 for Atmos - so you ideally want to wire for 2 subs, not just one.

I would question the cost vs. how many titles are actually available in Atmos, last time I looked it was a very very low count.

EDIT - I checked and find 29 of them - http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Dolby_Atmos/Atmos/Dolby/upcoming-dolby-atmos-bluray-releases-and-all-of-the-atmos-titles-on-bluray-right-now/27283

4K Blu-Ray discs do support Atmos, however it looks like this will only be on selected titles.

Jaxson

6970 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

# 1461474 5-Jan-2016 11:25

Yeah as with most accreditations, watch the outlay to return, unless you're after the gloat factor of obtaining that level etc.

Kopkiwi

2274 posts

Uber Geek

# 1461531 5-Jan-2016 12:12

Jaxson: Yeah as with most accreditations, watch the outlay to return, unless you're after the gloat factor of obtaining that level etc.

Or future proofing

Dunnersfella

3594 posts

Uber Geek

# 1461653 5-Jan-2016 13:40

I was in the 'meh' camp until I listened to the setup - then after hearing genuine ATMOS soundtracks I was into it.
Then once I played with a ATMOS up-scaller on the amp, I found I was really loving it.

Having said that, the list of ATMOS titles is increasing:
http://www.dolby.com/us/en/experience/dolby-atmos/movies.html

Watch CES for announcements of ATMOS streaming from the 'big players'.

Jaxson

6970 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

# 1461658 5-Jan-2016 13:50

Kopkiwi:
Jaxson: Yeah as with most accreditations, watch the outlay to return, unless you're after the gloat factor of obtaining that level etc.

Or future proofing

Not meaning to sound old or grumpy here, but this rarely works either. By the time you get to implement your setup the standard has changed.

Lots of expensive older AV cable simply become draw wires by the time you install current tech.

Not knocking it, just conveying that it pays to be really certain about what you're expecting from it.
Again, not saying its not super cool.

rokki

374 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 1461794 5-Jan-2016 16:26

mailmarshall: Hi guys

Currently doing some renovations which include building a cinema / tv room - no gibbing has gone up yet.

Seeking some advice on speaker wiring / speakers for Dolby Atmos.

In particular, would like to know what is recommended for a 7:1 config:
a. Should I install in-ceiling speakers for some of the Atmos setup or use externals for everything?
b. Are THX certified speakers any better than non certified? I was thinking using Klipsch CDT-5650-C II (in ceiling) which are not certified? The other option was Klipsch KL7502THX Ultra2 but its very expensive!

Any advice graciously accepted :)

Hi I have a Dolby Atmos setup using a Denon AVR-X4200W in a 7.1.2 configuration using an external Denon Amp the PMA-520AE to power the Atmos ceiling speakers which are Cambridge Audio Minx C46 in ceiling speakers in the Dolby Atmos Essential setup http://www.dolby.com/in/en/guide/dolby-atmos-speaker-setup/index.html .

I don't have the worlds biggest room , I considered buying the AVR-X6200W to do 7.1.4 but it wouldn't have looked right all the speakers in the ceiling. The only thing I may do is add another sub :)

I explored the Atmos speaker on top of a speaker but it didn't really add any effect to my ears so that is why I went in ceiling the effect with the right movie is awesome.

With regards to THX versus non THX Speakers I feel you would be paying a lot for something that would be hard to hear any difference ( The Law of Diminishing Returns ) .

In ceiling speakers in my opinion look better that external ceiling mount.

My gear 55" Samsung 4K SUHD LCD HDR , Denon AVR-4200W Reciever in 7.1.2 Surround , Denon 2 Channel Amp to power ceiling speakers , Combination of Polk Audio Fronts And Tannoy Surrounds plus 2 Cambridge Audio Ceiling Speakers Pioneer Downfiring Subwoofer , Oppo UDP-203 UHD Player , Roku Ultra , Apple TV 3

JimmyC

685 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 1474756 19-Jan-2016 16:30

This seems as good a thread as any... if I were looking for an Atmos capable receiver that could handle a 5.1.4 setup, what are my options in the <$3k category?

I've expressed my preference for Marantz in the past but neither their new 5010 or 6010 receivers will handle 5.1.4 without an additional external amp.

rokki

374 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 1474791 19-Jan-2016 18:51

Hi either the Marantz 7010 or Denon AVR-X6200 can do without an extra amp but the cost dramatically rises :(

Dunnersfella

3594 posts

Uber Geek

# 1474855 19-Jan-2016 20:08

Wow that's some pricey kit!

You can get an Onkyo, Pioneer or Yamaha 9-channel receiver for a lot, lot less.

rokki

374 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 1474868 19-Jan-2016 20:30

Dunnersfella:
Wow that's some pricey kit!

You can get an Onkyo, Pioneer or Yamaha 9-channel receiver for a lot, lot less.

Hi yes your dead right but you do get what you pay for. I just looked at the Pioneer website and their SC-LX88-K top of the line reciever 9.2 it does Atmos but not upgradeable to DTS-X if you are going to get Atmos you may as well get DTS-X my AVR-X4200W gets it on the 18/02/16 via firmware update.