Best Dolby Atmos Speakers for Home Theater

Tips for Choosing the Best Dolby Atmos Speaker

Dolby Atmos, or object based surround sound, is revolutionizing the way people listen to music and movies. The technology is a step-up from traditional 5- and 7-channel surround sound systems because it delivers a more immersive listening experience by creating a dome of sound emanating from all around you, including overhead. This Dolby Atmos three-dimensional sound field further suspends your sense of disbelief with head-spinning, duck-for-cover effects that put you right in the middle of the action.

There are a few different options when choosing the best speakers for Dolby Atmos so we’ve broken down a few quick configurations to help guide you to the best decision possible. Want personalized advice from an expert? Give us a call at 866-961-7781 or, if you'd rather talk to us online: Live Chat or email us. We've been doing this since 1979 and have two epic showrooms in the Philly area where you can experience this stuff first-hand.

1. Best Sounding and Most Versatile Dolby Atmos Speakers:

SVS Prime Elevation Speakers

SVS Prime Elevation’s angled front baffle make it a direct-radiating height effects speaker, giving it an advantage in sound quality vs the others. Unlike toppers which bounce sound off the ceiling in irregular ways or in-ceiling speakers which cover less frequencies, Prime Elevation is essentially a full range speaker. This means it can generate more dynamic output with better frequency response than any other option. Another benefit is that it can be used for other channels such as side/rear surrounds and even LCR and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling.

2. Most Convenient Dolby Atmos Configuration:

A Soundbar with Virtual Dolby Atmos

While not as effective as a direct radiating height effects speaker, soundbars use virtualization technology to simulate the effect of sound coming from overhead. Soundbars also improve your TVs overall audio by making dialogue clearer and broadening the soundstage.

3. Most Discrete Dolby Atmos Speakers:

In-Ceiling Speakers

If low profile is what you want, architectural speakers are the way to go. They won’t produce the same dynamic impact and full range performance as cabinet speakers but you also won’t have anything mounted to the ceiling or walls. In-ceiling speakers do require cutting holes and would generally be the most expensive option when installation is figured in.

4. Easiest to Install:

Dolby Atmos Speaker Modules or "Toppers"

Many tower speakers feature modules that sit on top of or are built into the cabinet. The “toppers” have drivers that beam sound up, which then bounces off the ceiling and back down to the listening position, giving the effect of sound coming from above. While effective in some rooms, performance can vary greatly so adjust your expectations accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Dolby Atmos content is exploding across all forms of entertainment including movies, TV, music, and gaming, so it’s easier than ever to enjoy the benefits. Once you’ve experienced the thrill and excitement, it's hard to go back to regular surround sound. No matter what option you choose, there has never been a better time to upgrade your home theater with immersive Dolby Atmos speakers.

Related Posts: