Dolby Atmos, Auro, and 3D audio thread

[AudioWarrior]

I'm stuck in a bit of a pickle for a bedroom set!

I can't decide which to get, the PSB Imagine X2T or Pioneer Elite SP-EFS73 Dolby Atmos-enabled Andrew Jones Floorstanding Speakers?

One obviously has Atmos, the other does not! Both are new and cost relatively the same, PSB is renowned for their sound quality, not to knock off the pioneer speaker, after all it was designed by Andrew Jones, but should I go with the Pioneer to stay future proof or go with a tried and tested brand?

I of course would not switch them for my Paradigm Signatures, as I won't sacrifice sound quality just for an extra pair of Atmos enabled speakers!

[Krelldog1977]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

This is a open topic forum, you started to badger me on this thread, if anything your are a rabid Atmos fanboy with no scruples that likes to call others names. If you don't like being more open minded to other opinions then don't respond to everyone here that doesn't think the same as you do.

I've removed myself from this conversation to avoid arguments with the obsessively passionate Atmos fanbase.

Hopefully it does well, and people enjoy it. But its just not for me. And I have confirmed that my current speaker manufacturer and Hi-fi gear company have absolutely no plans on Atmos enabled speakers, OR, Atmos AVR's. So for that, I'm out.

But I wish it all the best in the world

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by AudioWarrior

I'm stuck in a bit of a pickle for a bedroom set!

I can't decide which to get, the PSB Imagine X2T or Pioneer Elite SP-EFS73 Dolby Atmos-enabled Andrew Jones Floorstanding Speakers?

One obviously has Atmos, the other does not! Both are new and cost relatively the same, PSB is renowned for their sound quality, not to knock off the pioneer speaker, after all it was designed by Andrew Jones, but should I go with the Pioneer to stay future proof or go with a tried and tested brand?

I of course would not switch them for my Paradigm Signatures, as I won't sacrifice sound quality just for an extra pair of Atmos enabled speakers!

You should go with what sounds best for your application in regards to speakers. If you want a wonderful sounding speaker with ample bass, then the PSB Imagine X2T sounds wonderful with music and movie audio reproduction, while I have not heard Pioneer Elite SP-EFS73, I don't expect their speakers to sound equal, never mind this trait of using a famous name to sell them like the headphone industry. Its also $649 vs $699 each. If you think you like to try out a Atmos setup for the bedroom to make it a bit more immersive that be one reason, still traditional speakers if well chosen never fail in providing enjoyment. BTW I heard S8's with a Sub2, very nice. I like what Paradigm makes with their Studio and Signature lineup. Personally I like to see what the other established speaker brands provide with Atmos motivated designs. I would think KEF would do a better job then Pioneer. We also mentioned Triton, but who else is providing speakers? Maybe some more announcements at CEDIA 2014 on Sept 10th, but much more likely at CES 2015 when the industry has enough time to roll out a few products. Best of luck with your decision.

[JohnAV]

Definitive Technology offers a A60 elevation speaker to put on top of their BP-8060ST tower speakers, runs $499 a pair. It uses a 3" poly-composite cone midrange driver in each speaker frequency response: 200-15,000 Hz, sensitivity: 85 dB

[Bolty]

Quick question...........

I saw a 7.2 Onkyo "Atmos-ready" receiver at Amazon.

On the back it has hook-ups for "Back" OR "height" speakers...........

Does that mean it is either/or--you can't hook up both back surround AND height speakers?

Thanks.

[AudioWarrior]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

You should go with what sounds best for your application in regards to speakers. If you want a wonderful sounding speaker with ample bass, then the PSB Imagine X2T sounds wonderful with music and movie audio reproduction, while I have not heard Pioneer Elite SP-EFS73, I don't expect their speakers to sound equal, never mind this trait of using a famous name to sell them like the headphone industry. Its also $1699 vs $699 each. If you think you like to try out a Atmos setup for the bedroom to make it a bit more immersive that be one reason, still traditional speakers if well chosen never fail in providing enjoyment. BTW I heard S8's with a Sub2, very nice. I like what Paradigm makes with their Studio and Signature lineup. Personally I like to see what the other established speaker brands provide with Atmos motivated designs. I would think KEF would do a better job then Pioneer. We also mentioned Triton, but who else is providing speakers? Maybe some more announcements at CEDIA 2014 on Sept 10th, but much more likely at CES 2015 when the industry has enough time to roll out a few products. Best of luck with your decision.

I should wait for CES, right? And Paradigm is releasing new speakers next month at CEDIA, maybe Atmos too?

Anyways, here's the speakers.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MQEWQK0?...MAEGI043&psc=1

http://www.audiogurus.com/psb-imagin...amQRoCPpXw_wcB

The PSB pair would be $1300 - free shipping

Pioneer pair would be $1400 - free shipping

Both are new and came out this year,, both are of similar design, with the PSB having one less woofer.

[mrpink134]

Originally Posted by AudioWarrior

I should wait for CES, right? And Paradigm is releasing new speakers next month at CEDIA, maybe Atmos too?

Anyways, here's the speakers.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MQEWQK0?...MAEGI043&psc=1

http://www.audiogurus.com/psb-imagin...amQRoCPpXw_wcB

The PSB pair would be $1300 - free shipping

Pioneer pair would be $1400 - free shipping

Both are new and came out this year,, both are of similar design, with the PSB having one less woofer.

I don't get this, why buy speaker that are Atmos ready when you can buy ceiling speakers? There is not way I would replace my Monitor speakers for those crap Pioneer speakers.

[BozQ]

Originally Posted by Bolty

Quick question...........

I saw a 7.2 Onkyo "Atmos-ready" receiver at Amazon.

On the back it has hook-ups for "Back" OR "height" speakers...........

Does that mean it is either/or--you can't hook up both back surround AND height speakers?

Thanks.

From what I understand online, this is dependent on how many speakers the receivers support. For this case, it looks like the receiver supports 7 satellites. So you have a choice of configuring a regular 7.1 as you know it, or swap the surrounds for Heights.

If you want both Heights and surrounds, you'll have to get a more advanced receiver that supports more speakers.

Hope that clears up a little bit.

[AudioWarrior]

Originally Posted by mrpink134

I don't get this, why buy speaker that are Atmos ready when you can buy ceiling speakers? There is not way I would replace my Monitor speakers for those crap Pioneer speakers.

I'm not replacing nothing? Their for the bedroom. I sure as hell ain't replacing my Paradigm Signature speakers!

That will only happen when Paradigm announces new speakers next month

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by AudioWarrior

I should wait for CES, right? And Paradigm is releasing new speakers next month at CEDIA, maybe Atmos too?

Anyways, here's the speakers.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MQEWQK0?...MAEGI043&psc=1

http://www.audiogurus.com/psb-imagin...amQRoCPpXw_wcB

The PSB pair would be $1300 - free shipping

Pioneer pair would be $1400 - free shipping

Both are new and came out this year,, both are of similar design, with the PSB having one less woofer.

Sorry quoted the T2 price by accident vs X2T, still heard both, PSB is a another Canadian speaker vendor that makes nice products, not as big a vendor as Paradigm. To be candid its been a long time since i've even heard any Pioneer speakers, like a lot of Japanese hi tech vendors I've never thought that was their marketplace strength. I certainly remember their bass-reflex designs back a few years.

Paradigm last introduced their Tribute series end of September, but not sure they wouldn't want to continue just to offer all their built in wall/ceiling speakers over slapping a elevation driver on some of their models for someone interested in a Atmos oriented speaker array?

So yes I think CES 2015 would be more of a indication to what vendors will provide for early Atmos adopters. CEDIA would be a good way to see some Atmos Demo's probably.

[Bolty]

Originally Posted by BozQ

From what I understand online, this is dependent on how many speakers the receivers support. For this case, it looks like the receiver supports 7 satellites. So you have a choice of configuring a regular 7.1 as you know it, or swap the surrounds for Heights.

If you want both Heights and surrounds, you'll have to get a more advanced receiver that supports more speakers.

Hope that clears up a little bit.

Well it does--it means they are selling an ATMOS receiver that makes you choose between rear surrounds and "height" speakers.

So I'm going upgrade my 7.1 system by eliminating rear surrounds?

No thanks.

[AudioWarrior]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

Sorry quoted the T2 price by accident vs X2T, still heard both, PSB is a another Canadian speaker vendor that makes nice products, not as big a vendor as Paradigm. To be candid its been a long time since i've even heard any Pioneer speakers, like a lot of Japanese hi tech vendors I've never thought that was their marketplace strength. I certainly remember their bass-reflex designs back a few years.

Paradigm last introduced their Tribute series end of September, but not sure they wouldn't want to continue just to offer all their built in wall/ceiling speakers over slapping a elevation driver on some of their models for someone interested in a Atmos oriented speaker array?

So yes I think CES 2015 would be more of a indication to what vendors will provide for early Atmos adopters. CEDIA would be a good way to see some Atmos Demo's probably.

Apparently, their either going to announce new Studios, new Signatures, or both! We'll know in about 20 days! I only plan to upgrade my three front to the new series and use my current Signatures as back surrounds, as I already use a pair of Studio 100's v4 for my side surounds.

Guess I don't need a subwoofer for surround duty

[JohnAV]

I thought this was a fair even handed article for someone wanted to understand a lot of what being discussed here.

A Deeper Dive into the World of Dolby Atmos; Is This Audio’s 3D?

[AudioWarrior]

Now, I don't know if this would work? But, would I be able to use a pair of Atmos bookshelves for surround wide's, with heights enabled, if I bought a 9.1.2 capable receiver?

Or use Atmos speakers for rear surrounds and height 2's, while using the Paradigm setup for the fronts?

Basically, left, right, center, would be my Paradigm Signatures, Studio 100's for my surrounds, Atmos enabled speakers for the rear surrounds and wide surrounds, and still be able to use the height 1 and height 2 Atmos setup?

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by AudioWarrior

Now, I don't know if this would work? But, would I be able to use a pair of Atmos bookshelves for surround wide's, with heights enabled, if I bought a 9.1.2 capable receiver?

Or use Atmos speakers for rear surrounds and height 2's, while using the Paradigm setup for the fronts?

Basically, left, right, center, would be my Paradigm Signatures, Studio 100's for my surrounds, Atmos enabled speakers for the rear surrounds and wide surrounds, and still be able to use the height 1 and height 2 Atmos setup?

These are the suggested configurations.


Dolby Atmos Configuration Options with a 7 Channel Receiver
5.1.2 Configuration - 5.1 layout with one pair in-ceiling height speakers
5.1.2 Configuration - 5.1 layout including Dolby Atmos-enabled front speakers or add-on speaker modules

Dolby Atmos Configuration Options with a 9 Channel Receiver

5.1.4 Configuration - 5.1 layout with two pair in-ceiling height speakers
5.1.4 Configuration - 5.1 layout including Dolby Atmos-enabled front and surround speakers or add-on speaker modules
7.1.2 Configuration - 7.1 layout with one pair in-ceiling height speakers
7.1.2 Configuration - 7.1 layout including Dolby Atmos-enabled front speakers or add-on speaker modules

Dolby Atmos Configuration Options with an 11 Channel Receiver
7.1.4 Configuration - 7.1 layout with two pair in-ceiling height speakers
7.1.4 Configuration - 7.1 layout including Dolby Atmos-enabled front and surround speakers or add-on speaker modules
9.1.2 Configuration - 9.1 layout with one pair in-ceiling height speakers

[AudioWarrior]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

9.1.2 Configuration - 9.1 layout with one pair in-ceiling height speakers

So instead of replacing my fronts, or buying a peripheral, would I be able to use a pair of Bookshelf enabled Atmos speakers for rear surround duty and use the heights anyways? Or be able to use both heights, if I use Atmos speakers for the rear and wide surrounds, with a 9.1.2 speaker configuration and still keep my Paradigm speakers for front duty? Seems possible?

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by AudioWarrior

So instead of replacing my fronts, or buying a peripheral, would I be able to use a pair of Bookshelf enabled Atmos speakers for rear surround duty and use the heights anyways? Or be able to use both heights, if I use Atmos speakers for the rear and wide surrounds, with a 9.1.2 speaker configuration and still keep my Paradigm speakers for front duty? Seems possible?

Thats one way to do it, although not the best. In that 9.1.2 front height is replaced with ceiling, because normally you place a 11.1 system in a sizable room. The elevation speakers are usually from the front left and right, not wide surround locations. Better is ceiling mounted so you can have them more centered from front to rear. You should be able to reconfigure between a 11.1 and a 9.1.2 depending on your gear. But as with true surround speaker fashion, mix and match off brands of speakers is not a good idea, better to get speakers from same brand that are designed for each other, with the exception of the subwoofers which can be any brand that equals what LFE you are after. You might talk this over with your Paradigm dealer.

[mrpink134]

Only way I would do it is the 5.1.2 with ceiling speakers.

[Krelldog1977]

Originally Posted by AudioWarrior

So instead of replacing my fronts, or buying a peripheral, would I be able to use a pair of Bookshelf enabled Atmos speakers for rear surround duty and use the heights anyways? Or be able to use both heights, if I use Atmos speakers for the rear and wide surrounds, with a 9.1.2 speaker configuration and still keep my Paradigm speakers for front duty? Seems possible?

Hi,

Nice speakers!,..I'm a longtime Paradigm fan... If you have the Signature S8's(?) and other high end Paradigm speakers, why would you feel the need to add $500 speakers into the mix? Your Paradigms cost 20 times that amount and no doubt sound that much better as well.

What are you using as an AVR ( or pre/pro ) for your setup?
talk to ya soon,
B

[AudioWarrior]

Originally Posted by Krelldog1977

Hi,

Nice speakers!,..I'm a longtime Paradigm fan... If you have the Signature S8's(?) and other high end Paradigm speakers, why would you feel the need to add $500 speakers into the mix? Your Paradigms cost 20 times that amount and no doubt sound that much better as well.

What are you using as an AVR ( or pre/pro ) for your setup?
talk to ya soon,
B

Well I have me a pair of S2's up front, S4 for the center and relocated my Studio 100'sv4 to surround duty "no need for a surround subwoofer" and my Monitor 7'sv6 to the rears. Current setup - will change soon!

I said, why the hell should I get the S8's if all I get are a bunch of extra woofers, when I have a kick ass $1000 sub to take care of that! I still dig the S8's, I'm still thinking about getting them, because they look nice and imposing, but it's not as flexible with my setup as the S2's! I can set the S2's anywhere and have them a few inches below my screen, with a pair of S8 I won't have the luxury! Their very tall speakers! Maybe I will change my mind when they show their new speakers next month?

I'm only going to change the three front speakers after all, and keep my current speakers for surround duty "they sound too fantastic to let go" I'll use them for surround music.