Is Dolby Atmos Worth It? A Practical Test and Comparison of 5.1.2 vs. 7.1 Home Theater Systems

Kpaceguy

Summary:

This video investigates whether Dolby Atmos is truly worth the investment for home theater systems. The speaker conducts a practical test using a Blu-ray movie, 'Hacksaw Ridge,' comparing the audio experience with all speakers on versus only the four ceiling-mounted Atmos speakers active. He discovers surprising elements, such as voices and screams originating from the overhead Atmos speakers, even when no on-screen visual suggests vertical audio. However, a significant finding was the limited activity from the Atmos channels; in a minute-long clip, only about 20% contained specific Atmos information, mostly ambient sounds or music, rather than primary action effects. Despite this, Atmos is deemed worthwhile for adding an immersive, enveloping layer to the overall sound experience. When faced with a choice between a 5.1.2 (5 bed layer, 2 Atmos) and a 7.1 (7 bed layer, no Atmos) system, the video strongly recommends prioritizing the 7.1 bed layer. The speaker argues that the additional side and rear surround speakers in a 7.1 setup provide a much more impactful and comprehensive surround sound field than the often subtle and infrequent effects from only two Atmos speakers. He advises opting for a 7.1 system if channel count is limited, saving Atmos for setups that can accommodate both a full bed layer and overhead speakers.

Introduction to the Dolby Atmos Test [0:00]

The video addresses a common question: "Is Dolby Atmos worth it?" The host aims to answer this by conducting a direct comparison test in his home theater.

• The setup includes four ceiling-mounted Atmos speakers.
• The test involves playing an action-packed Blu-ray movie, "Hacksaw Ridge," in two ways:
  • First, with all main speakers (floor-standing, subwoofers, and Atmos) active.
  • Second, with only the Atmos speakers active, demonstrating their specific contribution.
• The goal is to evaluate the activity and involvement of Atmos speakers within a scene and determine their overall value.

The Dolby Atmos Demonstration [1:00]

The host plays a movie clip from "Hacksaw Ridge" to illustrate the difference between the two audio configurations.

• All Speakers On [1:00]

  

• Only Atmos Speakers On [1:48]

  

Key Discoveries from the Atmos Test [3:02]

After the demonstration, the host shares his insights, noting this was his first dedicated Atmos listening test.

• Unexpected Voice Placement [3:32]
  • A surprising finding was that voices, screaming, and hollering could genuinely originate from the Atmos speakers.
  • This occurred even when the on-screen visuals did not suggest overhead sources (e.g., during a battle, people dying in agonizing pain were heard from above, despite being visually on the ground).
  • This indicates that Atmos carries more than just environmental effects like bullets or rain; it can include dialogue and human sounds.

    

• Limited Atmos Effect Activity [4:31]
  • A notable observation was the minimal engagement of Atmos effects.
  • Out of a minute-long action clip from "Hacksaw Ridge," only about 20% contained significant Atmos information.
  • Even in scenes with intense action (gunfire, grenades, sand blowing up), very little of the sound effects were routed to the Atmos channels.
  • An off-camera test with "Godzilla versus Kong: The New Empire" yielded even less Atmos information, often consisting of random music or singing rather than monster roars or impactful effects.
  • Most of the comprehensive surround sound came from the traditional bed-layer surround speakers (rear left, rear right, surround backs), not the overhead Atmos speakers.

Is Dolby Atmos Worth the Investment? [5:58]

Based on the test, the host concludes that Dolby Atmos is indeed worth it.

• Atmos adds an "icing on the cake" effect, tying everything together and enhancing immersion.
• It creates a cool, enveloping feeling, making sounds appear to come from all around the listener ("whoa, what was that?") rather than just front-to-back.
• The demo specifically highlighted left-to-right effects from Atmos, further enhancing the spatial experience.

Choosing Your Home Theater Configuration: 5.1.2 vs. 7.1 [6:03]

The video addresses a common dilemma for those with a 7-channel receiver: whether to opt for a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos system or a 7.1 non-Atmos system.

• Recommendation: Prioritize 7.1 Bed Layer [7:06]
  • The host strongly recommends choosing a 7.1 system over a 5.1.2 system if you have to make a choice due to limited channels.
  • He argues that a 7-channel bed layer provides a more comprehensive and impactful surround sound experience due to the constant information and volume from the side and rear speakers.
  • Swapping out rear speakers for only two Atmos speakers is considered a "loss" because the Atmos effects are often infrequent and less pronounced, especially with only two overhead channels (compared to four, which the host has).
  • The additional rear and side speakers in a 7.1 setup are crucial for enveloping the listener in sound.

    

• Ideal Scenario: Full System [8:23]
  • If possible, the ideal setup is to have both a full 7-channel bed layer and four Atmos speakers (e.g., 7.1.4).
  • However, if restricted to seven channels of amplification, dedicating those channels to a 7.1 bed layer is preferred over a 5.1.2 Atmos setup.

Final Recommendations for Dolby Atmos Setup [8:51]

The host encourages viewers to conduct their own tests to experience the activity level of Atmos speakers.

• Viewers should play familiar movies known for good Atmos tracks (e.g., "A Quiet Place," "Interstellar," "Mad Max," "Ready Player One").
• Turn off or unplug all main speakers, listening only to the Atmos channels, to understand their contribution.
• The results might surprise many, as Atmos speakers often contribute less than anticipated in typical movie scenes.