Recent Atmos demo

[Mr_Sukebe]

Had to replace my BD player recently as it was dying after several years of solid service. Whilst in the shop in question (who shall remain nameless, but let's just say that they're not what I'd call a high-end hifi shop), I asked whether they had an Atmos system setup. The answer was "yes sir, fancy a listen". Having heard so many positive things about Atmos, had to try that out.

I think they had a 5.1.2 system, i.e. the usual 5 channels, with a sub (maybe two) and 2 speakers on the ceiling). The dem was of Transformers something or other. Frankly, the film was irrelevant and probably just aswell, as I've not enjoyed any of them.

So, onto the dem and....WTF is this shop thinking. It was the audio equivalent of checking out TVs in a shop where everything is set to VIVID! In this case, with the bass. All the surround and vocals were simply submerged between the lower frequencies, which had clearly been turned up to emulate an earthquake. It was simply impossible to tell if the rear or height speakers were doing anything. Ghastly.

Makes me wonder. Was that just the shop in question, or a general thing and if so, no wonder the audio market is in such trouble. If I took that at face value, I'd stick with TV speakers (if I had a TV).

 

[stuman]

generally if they are not a "hifi" store then yes. they are a sales pitch. The scary thing is, people buy from these sales pitches and crap sounding demos. Thats why they do it.

if the public actually knew what they wanted then the settings would change, they would calibrate and actually get good results from the kit to achieve the sales they would need.

most people however just want boom and hiss and to believe its the best they can get. therefore what you get is a system that has all the boom and hiss turned up and a cheesy sales guy to tell you its amazing.

it's the general public that cause this.

 

[VincentHanna]

Atmos - A new way to sell extra speakers and new AV Receivers.

Edit - And before anyone asks, my Receiver does do Atmos.

Still gimmicky IMO.

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

Atmos - A new way to sell extra speakers and new AV Receivers.

Edit - And before anyone asks, my Receiver does do Atmos.

Still gimmicky IMO.

Just so I understand, is your view that it's really not worth the effort?

Not that I'm in a position to really change, just curious.

 

[Jano]

Have never understood why anyone would want a dolby deafening system anyway, can only imagine atmos is a further extension of the old ones which were always far too loud in some places and a mess in others during films.

 

[enigma27]

I have just set-up atmos in my Cinema room

Using a 5.1.2 system with two ceiling speakers just in front of the listening position.

At the weekend I watched Mad Max in atmos and in 5.1 and the Atmos did sound more immersive. Problem with this type of film is if you have to many explosion and stuff going on then you tend to miss the point.

 

[VincentHanna]

Just so I understand, is your view that it's really not worth the effort?

Not that I'm in a position to really change, just curious.

I think, that unless your room is specifically tailored with Atmos speakers in mind, like a dedicated cinema with appropriate walls etc then it's pointless.


"Bouncing sound" off walls? Nah.

 

[Richeh]

I don't have an Atmos receiver myself but can say when watching Mad Max in 7.1 that I did think at the time the Atmos mix would kick-ass considering the soundtrack.

Most people who aren't into Hi-Fi or don't want to take the time to look into it properley but decide they want to invest some money in one seem to translate more bass = better from what i've found.

 

[Grimley]

I'm of the school where 6.1 is quite enough for me thanks. As a early adopter of previous AV surround formats (& been fleeced for it plenty of times) its time for me to draw the line & say no. Besides, others who have decided to 'upgrade' I've benefited from, as I picked up a 2 year old Denon 7.2 receiver with all the features I wanted (& a few more) for less than half the price the original buyer paid for it.

To add anymore speakers to my room would be very difficult (lack of space, Current speakers no longer made & maker not planning on doing so, 2nd hand nigh on impossible to buy in the UK, adding more cable & holes in the ceiling out of the question)

I honestly don't think that now I would hear the difference if installed it with my hearing the way it is now anyway.

Looking at the titles that have this format I dont want to watch anyway (not that there are many at the moment) if they re released titles with this format I wouldn’t be tempted either, I've double dipped too many times now.

 

[nicknack35]

When it comes to sound for tv. all these speakers and wires everywhere really wouldn't give me much enjoyment watching films. To much going on LOLOL. But that's just me besides we wouldn't have the room for it all LOLOL. I just got a little Canton DM-55 stereo soundbase for our 48" sammy and love it sounds great for normal tv films and music. And added bonus its small and fits nicely on the shelf under the tv and looks good aswell as it sounds