Best option for streaming Atmos content?

TLS Guy

TLS Guy

Seriously, I have no life.
Hey guys, I'm just finishing building a new 5.2.4 setup and am looking for some info on the best option device wise for steaming Atmos content.

I am currently running a Denon AVR-X4500H with an Amazon Firestick 4K plugged into HDMI 1(CBL/SAT). I currently(5.2 as I haven't got the Atmos speakers yet) stream movies and MQA music via Netflix, Prime, Crave, & Tidal App. It works great for the most part.

Anyway, I want to have full support for lossless music(I have MQA via the Tidal app on FS4K now), Tidal Atmos music, as well as full Atmos support for at least Netflix and Prime. As I understand it(correct me if I'm wrong) my current setup will stream MQA and Atmos content on Prime and Tidal but, not on Netflix due to Netflix's annoyingly not allowing pass through of Atmos.

So, what do you guys suggest? From what I understand(again correct me if needed) I can get full Atmos support on Netflix if I upgrade my Firestick 4K to the Firecube Gen 2 or the Nvidia Shield/Shield Pro 2019. Is this the case? What are my other options? What about getting a Ultra HD Blu-ray player that has a Netflix app built in? What about a PlayStation 4 or 5? Would either of those options allow Atmos playback? Any other options?

Thanks guys, this is a pretty complicated subject(which is pretty ridiculous) and I would really appreciate some help to finish my Atmos setup in the best way possible. Thanks in advance.
Netflix is the problem. I can stream it 2 ways. I have a 4K TV with eARC and I can use the audio return for Atmos. That does support it. The other way, is this. For some reason Chromecast Ultra supports Netflix Atmos streaming and you can stream it from your iPhone. I agree this is all nonsense, as my preferred streaming device is my 4K HTPC. I just hate having to find programs and work the rig from miserable press button remotes. You just can beat a full sized remote key board from your chair. That is easily the best way to navigate the streaming jungle.
 
S

snakeeyes

Audioholic Ninja
Anything with a helicopter would be good on Atmos Music. :)
 
T

Tachead7075

Audioholic
So are they matrixing it from 2ch sources? Or is it limited to new recordings?
I think they are both remastering old albums in Atmos and also recording certain special things(concerts) natively in Atmos but, I am new to this(as I said I don't even have heights yet) so you had better do some research.

They are definitely using DD+ like Netflix though and not Dolby True HD like proper Atmos physical media. Still a nice option to have though and it sounds pretty good even on my current 5.2 system.
 
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Tachead7075

Audioholic
If they have actual multich mixes I'd have to consider them despite my dislike of Tidal.....but I have enough trouble sourcing multich in bluray/dvd/sacd formats.....
Here is what they look like on the Tidal app...

They must be actual mixes as otherwise I would think they would just stream regular DD+ in 5.1 and allow AVR's to handle the up mixing. Remember that Tidal is owned by Jay Z who owns a recording empire.
 
Trell

Trell

Audioholic Spartan
Here is what they look like on the Tidal app...
Looking at the screenshot from my 27" 1440p monitor I have to concede that your mobile phone is HUGE if you see this :eek:


Yeah, yeah, just making a little fun :D
 
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Tachead7075

Audioholic
Netflix is the problem. I can stream it 2 ways. I have a 4K TV with eARC and I can use the audio return for Atmos. That does support it. The other way, is this. For some reason Chromecast Ultra supports Netflix Atmos streaming and you can stream it from your iPhone. I agree this is all nonsense, as my preferred streaming device is my 4K HTPC. I just hate having to find programs and work the rig from miserable press button remotes. You just can beat a full sized remote key board from your chair. That is easily the best way to navigate the streaming jungle.
Thanks for the help. Good info to know.
 
T

Tachead7075

Audioholic
Looking at the screenshot from my 27" 1440p monitor I have to concede that your mobile phone is HUGE if you see this :eek:


Yeah, yeah, just making a little fun :D
Samsung Note 10 plus.

It's funny, I used to hate large phones and make fun of phablets. Now, other then REW, I haven't touched a PC or Tablet in 2-3+ years. I will never go back and would likely go bigger as this is now my main way to view media and control most of my audio products.
 
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Tachead7075

Audioholic
We’ll see where it goes. Still waiting for SDDS for home audio.:p
I would bet money that new AVR's will say 360 Reality Audio on them in the future if the headphone release does well. They are going after the 3D audio market imo(Atmos/DTS X/Pro/Auro 3D) and will likely try and take away Dolby's dominance going forward. It's sad really as there is already enough 3D audio formats and they are just further dividing the industry and increasing already high royalties on hardware in the name of profits.
 
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Tachead7075

Audioholic
I do expect Doors “Riders on the Storm” to rain down well in an Atmos format. :)
I hope so, as it's a great song and might sound cool in this new format. I'd test it out and do a review for you guys but, as said, no heights yet. I was going to order 4 x SVS Prime Elevation in piano black on Black Friday but, now I am considering putting it off for a bit in favor of finishing my rooms acoustic treatments first(about half done). I just received 150' of Belden 5000UE for my heights yesterday so, I can add them whenever now.
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
I think they are both remastering old albums in Atmos and also recording certain special things(concerts) natively in Atmos but, I am new to this(as I said I don't even have heights yet) so you had better do some research.

They are definitely using DD+ like Netflix though and not Dolby True HD like proper Atmos physical media. Still a nice option to have though and it sounds pretty good even on my current 5.2 system.
DD+ could be two channel with metadata for Atmos effects. I doubt they're spending the time it would take to actually remaster things into multich audio, tho....unless they're applying a simple matrix (like your avr can do with dolby or dts sound mode/upmixers). Dolby TrueHD, a lossless multich codec, would indicate actual multi-ch content I'd think plus that takes more bandwidth than the lossy DD+ (which is why movie streaming services use DD+ rather than Dolby TrueHD).
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
Here is what they look like on the Tidal app...

They must be actual mixes as otherwise I would think they would just stream regular DD+ in 5.1 and allow AVR's to handle the up mixing. Remember that Tidal is owned by Jay Z who owns a recording empire.
I think its more along the lines of my phone's audio alternative of 2ch with some enhancement for "Dolby Atmos". Does JayZ even own all the labels for these recordings?
 
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Tachead7075

Audioholic
DD+ could be two channel with metadata for Atmos effects. I doubt they're spending the time it would take to actually remaster things into multich audio, tho....unless they're applying a simple matrix (like your avr can do with dolby or dts sound mode/upmixers). Dolby TrueHD, a lossless multich codec, would indicate actual multi-ch content I'd think plus that takes more bandwidth than the lossy DD+ (which is why movie streaming services use DD+ rather than Dolby TrueHD).
Like I said, I don't know much but, it does sound good even without heights. Here is some more info. You could also email Tidal if you want to know more. Again, Tidal is owned by Jay Z who owns a giant recording empire so, I am guessing they know what they ard doing.
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
Like I said, I don't know much but, it does sound good even without heights. Here is some more info. You could also email Tidal if you want to know more. Again, Tidal is owned by Jay Z who owns a giant recording empire so, I am guessing they know what they ard doing.
I left the Tidal trial early because of all the adverts JayZ's own music had before I got to the stuff I wanted.....but as to knowing what they're doing....meh.
 
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Tachead7075

Audioholic
I left the Tidal trial early because of all the adverts JayZ's own music had before I got to the stuff I wanted.....but as to knowing what they're doing....meh.
Yes, advertising is annoying but, hard to get away from really. Tidal is likely the best option for lossless streaming(haven't tried Deezer or Qobuz yet) and they are also releasing tracks in 360 Reality Audio now as well as Atmos. I would give them another try if I were you. That way you can see what you think of the Atmos content(also whether it displays Atmos on AVR when streaming) and let us know.
 
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Trebdp83

Audioholic Spartan
Meh? Oh, go polish the funnel on your gramophone!:p
 
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