Beginner’s Guide to a Dolby Atmos Surround Sound System

If you want to create an epic home movie experience, you don’t just need a giant screen; you also need a fully encompassing surround sound system. And now the immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound experience that was once reserved for commercial theaters can be enjoyed at home!

Dolby Atmos technology revolutionized how we experienced film at the cineplex, freeing sound from channels and transporting us into the story. With the right gear and speaker setup, you can recreate the same experience from the comfort of your Darien, CT home.

Keep reading to learn more about the Dolby Atmos audio format and how to fully enjoy it in your own home theater.

SEE ALSO: Should I Use a Projector or TV for My Home Theater?

Dolby Atmos Defined

Dolby Atmos is an audio technology that unleashes sound from channels and allows it to move all around you in a three-dimensional sound field. Unlike standard surround sound systems, Dolby Atmos isn’t defined by the number of channels but by the ability to deliver a much more realistic and immersive sound experience. Sound will move from speaker to speaker, mimicking how it moves in real life.

Another notable difference between a standard surround sound system and a Dolby Atmos surround sound system is the addition of height channels. Height channels provide more enveloping sound effects by moving sound above you in addition to behind, in front, and next to you.

Speaker Layout Options

There are several ways to experience Dolby Atmos at home, from Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbars like the Sonos Arc to elevation speakers that feature up-firing drivers to reflect the effects off the ceiling. However, we’d argue that the best way to experience Dolby Atmos is through a full-fledged surround sound system with in-ceiling speakers. Below are two speaker setups to consider:

7.1.4

• 7 main speakers (center, two fronts, two surrounds, two rears)
• 1 subwoofer
• 4 height channels

9.1.2

• 9 main speakers (center, two fronts, two wides, two surrounds, two rears)
• 1 subwoofer
• 2 height channels

The first option features four height channels versus two, while the second option includes two additional wide speakers. The benefit of wide speakers is that they bridge the gap between your front and side-surround speakers to provide an additional sense of envelopment.

Likewise, adding another pair of ceiling speakers creates more dimension from above, which can benefit large theater rooms. The choice is ultimately up to you. Dolby Atmos setups can be as small or large as you want! Of course, the experts at Phoenix Audio Video can help you decide on the ideal speaker setup for your space and budget.

Upgrade Your Home Theater Listening Experience

Want to bring the Dolby Atmos experience to your home theater? Call on Phoenix Audio Video, a specialist in custom home theater design and installation. We partner with the best brands in home audio-video products to bring the highest quality solutions to your home.

One of those partners is Focal, a world leader in high-fidelity Dolby Atmos speakers for stereo and home cinema. The Focal 1000 Series in-wall and in-ceiling speakers offer sensational audio experiences for the most discerning cinephiles. Featuring exclusive technologies and multiple configurations, the 1000 Series speakers are discreet, adjustable, and can be positioned for flawless sound spatialization.

Schedule a free consultation with our home theater experts today by calling (203) 338-0706 or filling out our contact form. We look forward to working with you.