How many Atmos?

[Conor Knoxx]

As I read, research and plan, I've come to this question? 7.1.4 or 7.1.2 ?
To which, I almost always find the answer "if you have the budget, get .4" sounds simple enough... but like most people, every setup is unique. In my case, its a smaller than "typical" room ( 12 x 14 x 8 ft) - I've decided to put my seating about 5 to 6 ft from the back wall (8ft from screen).
Looking at the Dolby spec sheets, I've just barely got room to justify the 7 speaker setup, rather than 5 - which makes me wonder if I'm going to gain much from using 4 Atmos speakers, instead of 2. Based on Denon AVR and Paradigm Premier speakers - the Atmos ones will be built into the ceiling.
And I only get " one shot" at this... because a) I'm not tearing my ceiling apart again and b) I'll get a Denon X4700 (9.2 channel) instead of the X6700 (11.2 channel)
Between speakers and receiver costs, I'd save almost $2000 CAD
So advice is important, because I'm sure if I setup with .2 Atmos, I'll "never know what I'm missing" - but might always wonder...
Whereas once the money's spent, its forgotten, and me and my sound system live happily ever after (maybe I'm answering my own question here, lol ! )

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

12x14x8 is pretty small. I would do 5.1.2.

 

[keepr88]

Just my opinion but since your not sitting at the back wall 5.1.4.

 

[Kleinst]

Agree with 5.1.4, but just my opinion

 

[Conor Knoxx]

well, those replies are all a little surprising! I had the impression the "7" was a big deal... and would be a very noticeable improvement over a 5 channel setup.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

5-6’ off the back wall would satisfy 7ch bed and .4 tops. Buy once cry once!

If budget or space was a concern I would easily say to forget 7ch. Rear surrounds do add to the experience, but it’s definitely subtle. When I added rear surrounds, it took a while to really appreciate them, as I was expecting...idk, more. My 5ch setup imaged behind the LP already so... Still, I’d never not use them in this room.

Since it seems you have the means, and are willing. Definitely go 7.1.4

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

well, those replies are all a little surprising! I had the impression the "7" was a big deal... and would be a very noticeable improvement over a 5 channel setup.

It CAN be but it depends on how the 5ch setup it replaced or was added to, was set up. As I mentioned above, when I moved to 7ch after 5 it was subtle on most soundtracks, and really depends on how it was mixed. Again, I would never give them up now. But it depends on the room. Seems like you have the room, and are willing so I see no reason not too. The thing that I don’t like is how narrow it is. Going against my own typical advice, I’d say you might want bipole surrounds. Being distracted by a speaker that’s too close will be obnoxious, not immersive. Lol

 

[Kleinst]

5-6’ off the back wall would satisfy 7ch bed and .4 tops. Buy once cry once!

If budget or space was a concern I would easily say to forget 7ch. Rear surrounds do add to the experience, but it’s definitely subtle. When I added rear surrounds, it took a while to really appreciate them, as I was expecting...idk, more. My 5ch setup imaged behind the LP already so... Still, I’d never not use them in this room.

Since it seems you have the means, and are willing. Definitely go 7.1.4

I agree, you seldom regret adding more channels, worst case you take them down... won’t happen

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I agree, you seldom regret adding more channels, worst case you take them down... won’t happen

Lol. Right?!?! Or bring the tv back for the smaller one...
I NEVER recommend adding rear surrounds with the LP against the back wall. They just don’t work. And there’s no point since they all end up on the same plane basically.
But I think he’s got plenty of room so yeah, no reason not to. I’m lucky to have 7.3.4 and I do love it.