Are Dolby Atmos Upward Firing Speakers Snake Oil

In this video, I conduct a real world experiment to see if Dolby Atmos upward firing speakers really work or if they are simply snake oil.
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[@Audioholics]

Youthman, I appreciate the shoutout but let me clarify some things: I don't think Atmos bouncy house speakers are snake oil but they are a significant compromise to discrete mounted ceiling speakers. Dolby originally marketed these speakers as a "better" option to discrete speakers and carried this propaganda on other AV websites like AVSForum. Most of the press was lazy and just repeated their marketing nonsense so we called them out on it. The Klipsch and Def Tech A90 represent the very best of this speaker tech due to the way they are controlling dispersion and also using drivers of similar dynamic capability as the host speakers. First Gen Atmos speakers used the paper 4" Dolby whizzer cone woofer and useless 9-element crossover. It was a mess! Atmos speakers should be used as a last resort when discrete in-ceiling or height channels can't be used. They can of course produce the bounce effect at higher frequencies, but the effectiveness is dependent on the ceiling height/shape and also a very narrow listening window. Much of the sound still emanates from the host speaker which can be audible depending on how close the listener is. I find Atmos speakers very distracting when they are engaged with the Atmos Upmixer for music sources. This is NOT the case however with discrete speakers. Atmos bouncy house was a licensing ploy by Dolby and a failed attempt for them to become a speaker licensing company IMO. These designs have limitations and Dolby should have recognized that rather than spreading propaganda and patenting a useless analog crossover to try to simulate the HRTF that our ear/brain mechanism already does just fine. See: www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/hrtf-and-elevated-sound-dolby-atmos Hope this rant wasn't too long but I don't want to appear to be anti-Atmos as some people mistakenly think I am. I love Atmos for music and movies but feel it should be properly setup using discrete speakers to achieve the real benefits of the tech. Peace.

[@Youthman]

No worries on the rant. I appreciate your insight and sharing your experience with everyone. As I mentioned in the video, upward firing Atmos speakers can work in specific applications but the best option is In-Ceiling and then height speakers. I didn't realize the propaganda that was initially being spread by Dolby as being superior to in-ceiling or height speakers. That's certainly not true. Upward firing modules are very convenient, but as with most things in life, with convenience comes compromises. Keep up the great work my friend.

[@Audioholics]

@@Youthman yea,they ran a pretty shameless campaign when the modules first came out and most of the press lazily reported it as fact. As you know the abuse of truth is a pet peeve of mine. Likewise my friend. I enjoy your channel. You've got a great presense and you kinda remind me of Chef Irvine from the Food Network ;)

[@Youthman]

@@Audioholics I just looked up Chef Irvine. Man if that's what I will look like in 10 years, I'm completely down with that! I only wish I was ripped like he is LOL. He does have a high energy personality though. I can see that in me. :)

[@Audioholics]

@@Youthman LOL he's on Growth. You can see it in his belly. Cool guy though ;)

[@Youthman]

Hehe

[@wells2671]

I have a 7.4.4 atmos enabled set up and absolutely love the experience. Speakers are the Andrew Jones Pioneer Elites towers, center and Bookshelf. The subs are SVS SB12-NSD. For my room (18×13x 7.5) with angled ceilings it works very well.

[@justsayin4632]

The, erm, “enthusiasm” of your test subjects reminds me of my wife and kids when I’ve calibrated something for the umpteenth time😂 It’s the audiophiles curse lol

[@Youthman]

Haha true

[@LFC-Star]

@@Youthman many people think home cimema is too loud lol.. Having watched episodes of something on Amazon prime through just the TV speakers I miss much of the nuances and subtle sounds . Then watching the same episode with ATMOS I hear sounds that just weren't present with TV speakers lol..

[@LFC-Star]

@@Youthman another query.. could you do a test with height speakers at the front. Then the same scene with height speakers on the sides.. Then height speakers on just the back heights.. Cos I've seen some videos on YT that advocate putting the front height speakers on opposite sides of the listening position midway between the front speakers and surround speakers..

[@Youthman]

Unfortunately I do not have a way of testing front Heights

[@proz71ful19]

😂 my cats feel the need to hunt birds when I calibrate. ‘They must be trapped in the tweeters’ they think

[@IcedOmega13]

This is about the most dad review I've ever watched lol

[@Youthman]

Thanks. I’ve been a dad for 21 years. 🤣

[@Youthman]

Thank you kindly.

[@Jramirezi97]

I imagine I’ll be the same way when I have kids. My gf is the home theater blind tester when ever I upgrade

[@BornIn82]

Now grand daddy mack daddy

[@scottivlow9962]

Hey I thought about this video again today. Would you consider an updated snake oil video on the Sound Left and Sound Right channels only? I there really different noticable sound that I can't hear on a 5.1 system? I plan to go down the soundbar rabbit hole with upgrading to a Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1.4 This is my issue watching a UHD 4K BluRay disc will I really hear a difference from a 5.2.2? Streaming will suck because most streaming will take audio to 5.1. I only plan on upgrading after I buy an LG Oled. The extra speakers are plced oncthe sides of the soundbar so I don't how effective this will be either. I has to be better than my current set up.

[@jokka9110]

You look like me trying to show my wife how my home theater works too klipsch in movies ....., only my wife pretends to understand, after 30 minutes of movies she's sleeping hahah

[@Youthman]

My wife does not “get it” but she happily supports my hobby 😀

[@LFC-Star]

@@Youthman it could be considered a "man thing".. lol..

[@HB_Services_Tips]

Wow.. my wife as well :D

[@UB6IB91314]

I agro my wife when i present the Atmos implementation in my house idea to her.

[@becca7596]

@@LFC-Star I definitely wouldn’t agree. I’m constantly improving my system and my girlfriend loves it too. She said she hates watching movies and tv at anyone else’s house now because she’s spoiled by it.

[@lesterd6480]

Thanks for your last two Dolby Atmos videos. Awesome experiment! I’m sooooo looking forward to you reviewing that Monoprice amp because I’m considering it and can’t wait for the comparison between it & the Emotiva. Thanks for your Videos & keep up the great work. 👌🏽

[@jeffschwab1820]

Great test and great video with explanation. Really appreciate the distinction between the separate Dolby Atmos speakers on top of the cabinet versus the built-in Dolby Atmos speakers

[@number1pappy]

Interesting!....I however have cathedral ceiling's so I had to go with ceiling mounted speakers. I only have two so far and cant wait till I mount the other two as with only two it sounds amazing and has made the immersive sound more complete.there is an article from Andrew Jones were he argues that "up fireing" atmos speakers actually sound more accurate depending that you of course have a flat ceiling. It's an interesting read. I will try and send you the link.

[@johnpunnen]

I love the way u did the experiment & the way u proved how efficient those speakers are. Thx

[@Youthman]

Thanks. I thought it was fun

[@waymonfrench2077]

@@Youthman do they have to be klipsch atmos upfiring speakers and what level are yours sat to how high is your ceiling is it auddesey cal.

[@Youthman]

Various companies make upward firing Atmos. I have only heard Klipsch. My ceiling is 10’

[@LFC-Star]

@@waymonfrench2077 depends on your budget..

[@KinemaDave1922]

Really enjoyed watching your video 😎 Excellent idea to do a test like that. I’m a big fan of the upfiring Dolby speaker setup 😎 The effect certainly boils down to room setup and how well the film\music has been mixed. I’m pretty sure the original home setup was designed for only ceiling or upfiring speakers.. Dolby hacked on a setup for the (Height) speakers later on because people were unimpressed with early releases/mixes of certain films. Keep up the great videos ❤️

[@ourlittlecakery9177]

Super Awesome video Youthman. Very convincing and an awesome test. You all did a great job

[@Youthman]

Thank you

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Another great video Youthman! Another cool concept for this video. This video provides some pertinent information for another option on how to have a great home theater experience. Great work man!

[@Youthman]

Thanks

[@MrJossher700]

Thanks for this. I'm thinking of getting dolby atmos for my existing 7.2 HT set up and making holes on my ceiling is NOT an option. This test shows it works.

[@tubespring]

Excellent video showing that the klipsch towers with upward firing speakers can produce convincing sound coming from above!

[@David25522]

Great video Youth Man!!! I know I’m a little late to the party on this video. Lol I have a Dolby Atmos 7.6.4 setup. My height channels are ceiling mounted. I do like that those speakers give people an option to not have to put holes in your ceiling. I’m glad they work the way they’re supposed to at least in your theater room. About how far back are you sitting in your front row from the screen?

[@jesseallen4184]

Very interesting video. I’ve got a nice 5.1 set up that I really enjoy but my AVR isn’t 4K. I was considering upgrading to a Dolby Amos AVR and adding a pair of upfiring Atmos speakers.

[@CriPPleR_HD]

I am fortunate enough to have 4 ceiling speakers in my main home theater set up. Recently I put together a Atmos system in a different room that is dedicated to gaming. This room uses the “Bouncy House” speakers and I must say... they sound FANTASTIC. The reason I originally went with ceiling speakers was because of Gene’s video. But I will tell you first hand, if you can’t get speakers in your ceiling, the Dolby Atmos speakers work great for rooms with flat ceilings.

[@Youthman]

Yeah Gene bashed them pretty hard. They aren’t perfect and they are not ideal but they can work very effectively in the right setup.

[@mattsynth]

How high is your ceiling in the Bouncy House? I am currently looking at getting up firing speakers but only have an 88" high ceiling.

[@Youthman]

My ceiling is 10’

[@justincarter2767]

Thank you for sharing - amazing setup and beautiful theater. Congratulations to the home owner!

[@garyfletcher3272]

Thank you Youthman when i started watching your video my home cinema has improve 100% better the sound i never herd before but i do not have Klipsch speaker and keep up the good work on home cinemas Cheers

[@magicker8052]

I rejigged my 7.1 system into a 5.4 setup (with the addition of a pair of up firing Dali Altecos placed on top of a book shelf) and am very happy. In the Atmos rain demos it really does sound like the rain is hammering on the ceiling. Now I am sure some of this is psychological as that is what you expect to hear but together it works a treat.

[@drummerkev1627]

I'm happy you followed up with this video. Thank you YM!

[@Youthman]

Thanks Mike

[@SlyGoesMeow]

hey can you help me I am from Dubai? I have two option I am on the verge of buying of BP9080x only l/r because its super sale in our country at 700usd per piece than in amazon 1700usd and I have already center focal choruss 700cc and svs sub PB 1000. Now The other option is I want to buy q acoutic 3050i and my elevation is svs prime elevation. with this setup I can save 500usd than BP9080x at two pair. What are your input man? Thanks I did not know the audiophile thing is so expensive. Edit: By the way I visit to dubaiaudio and listen to this RP-600m and the floorstanding i just found out they are too bright or the tweeter is too high frequency? donot know how you call that thing. then the q acoustic seems bit fine. but the BP9080x is online so i cannot experience demo

[@chrisk9613]

I just got a new Atmos capable receiver and already had a 5.1 setup. Was looking to add "height" speakers, did a ton of research, but honestly ... after using "5.1 Atmos" mode for a few weeks I was satisfied. It was an improvement over standard 5.1 in terms of creating a more immersive sound field. Adding 2 more speakers would be nice, but it's more money and a bit difficult given the home theater room dimensions and layout.

[@colinmcauliffe-pp4si]

hi Chris I use outdoor patio speakers inside my home.there easy to mount and if you take them down your left with only 2 screw holes.

[@thomaswu3378]

Love it, great work. I have a 5.2 setup with full Klipsch speakers plus two up pointing Atmos speakers on top of the front speakers. I wanted to add two more Atmos speakers (either up pointing or wall/ceiling mount) , but my problem is adding the two speaker cables running them from front of room to the back ceiling. Anyway to solve this problem without destroying and ripping up the ceiling? Plz advise!,

[@ralphm923]

Awesome blind test. Really enjoyed it. Thx you

[@Weecka2007]

I use Dali upfiring speakers and they sound good (they have the same foam around to focus the sound in a beam). But you need to calibrate and set the distances correctly for it to work. I will be putting in-ceiling speakers along the line once i get to refurb my media room. But for now i do know it is not a gimmick. It works, just not to the same extent as in-ceiling. Good video Youthman!

[@davidgerald285]

I also use four Dali alteco c-1 atmos speakers, they sound good.

[@bedroomcinemaguy5568]

I’ve been using 2 pairs KEF R50’s now for about 10 months and I’m very happy with them it definitely works having upward firing speakers I would recommend them I guess not everyone wants to be cutting holes in the ceiling. Youthman can I ask what speaker cable are you using I’m upgrading my cable and can’t decide between some QED Genesis silver spiral cable or a mix of AUDIOQUEST Rocket 33 and Rocket 44 witch would you choose

[@Chris-hr2uj]

Thanks for this demonstration. I also did this experiement after seeing this. I agree upward firing speakers can work with a flat cieling. I havent heard in-cielings yet, but upward firing definately had the correct effect for me. For those who wont/cant do in-ceilings, dont be afraid to try upward firing. My atmos speakers are about 9 feet apart with center channel in between. The atmos are pointed toward seating, 7.5 feet away.

[@MattZiggy]

You've never been to a movie theater within the past 5 years?

[@Chris-hr2uj]

@@MattZiggy hey, not sure what i said that prompted your question. Bu ive been to the movies in the past 5 years. Why whats up

[@rajeevgidwaney8948]

Great test. I recently moved my 4k projector to my unfinished basement. I haved hooked up energy connoisseur s front tower for mains, energy connoisseur bookshelf for surrounds, yamaha bookshelf speakers for dolby atmos/ Sp1. And for back surrounds Omni Mirage speakers that imitate a 360 sound field. For subs using a polk audio 250 watt front firing and onkyo 100 watt downward firing.- these are all hooked up to my Denon 4300H 9.2 receiver. In my family room i have hooked up a JBL nightlife kit 2 that have dolby atmos enabled upward firing speakers built in the tower speakers and the rear speakers also. For subs i am using a 100 watt jbl nightlife 2 and energy 100 watt. I did a similar test in my family room and the basement. Off course the basement atmos surround sounded much better due to real speakers positioned. But the family room did not sound bad either. There was a eneveloping effect when i tested movies like san andreas, mad max fury road and Aquaman. Most Purists always disagree the notion of upward firing speakers and refuse to accept that it is effective. It is true to an extent as it totally depends on the ceiling of the room. The ceiling has to be even and not uneven as if it was an attic. Plus the sound adjustments have to be accurate . i use the yamaha YPAO sound correction for the room and then play with values to the desired effect. Normally the test results lower the volume of the speakers and the bass is lacking as the results are more focussed on clarity i feel. I always increase the bass by 2 notches to get the desired effect. So basically people who do not have the option to cut a hole in the ceiling should be content with the up firing speakers as thet to an extent do the job bit the placement has to be accurate. But there is absolutely no denying the fact that speakers mounted from ceilings do a better job as it was meant to.

[@Gizfreek]

Thanks for your video, I have a concrete ceiling so it would be hard or expensive to lay some speaker cables in there and upfiring speakers would be the only reasonable choice here. Got the RP-8000Fs at the front and would go for the 500SAs on top.

[@Dconectadostvfilms]

wow !! what a good video , i really appreciate you took the time to make this video happen. I live in a apartment and i wish i could have in ceiling but i cant so this towers would be amazing for me, thanks !

[@Youthman]

Glad the video was helpful

[@HB_Services_Tips]

Great video Youth! I would like feedback from you. I have 2 bookshelves KEF Q150 and I'm using them as front Dolby Atmos up-firing speakers. I put them above the towers and angled to the ceiling. The effects are very good but do you have any other suggestion to use them as atmos speakers?

[@rickyshoard]

Awesome vid as usual. Have a question tho. If you had a room about 4mx5m and you wanted a klipsch atmos speaker setup using those type of floorstanders with the atmos built in, and looking towards the cheaper side, what combination of klipsch speakers would you buy? Would a pair of front floorstanders with atmos, a pair of rear surrounds and a sub be ok?

[@Mr-Midnight-1-1-88]

I used to run 4 Onkyo SKH-410 up-firing Atmos speakers and thought they were decent enough but when I switched to using 4 Klipsch R-41m (wall mounted), the difference was night & day :)

[@heyitsme6651]

Hi I just need some recommendations on what's your crossover? I need a few ideas to try out.

[@adrianbaldwin8832]

i have 2001 kef egg speaker and 2 cheap onkyo atmos speakers that i turned up few db more and they work real well, it depends on what atmos film i watch but they do sound like the sound is coming from the ceiling, the film a quite place is great for atmos., great demo.

[@brianroberts8938]

Great demonstration 👍

[@charlesriver6628]

Watching this thru my smartphone! Your sound system kicks ass

[@jojobananadragon]

I use the onkyo upfiring speakers for centre Atmos sound. Only thing I installed them very near to the ceiling so as the sound bounces instantly to the ceiling and is more dispersed to the listiner.I tried closing my eyes while listening to an Atmos demo and the effect is unbelievable.

[@Youthman]

I’m not sure that is ideal but if it works in your application that’s awesome!

[@KyleKick909]

I have those Klipsch Dolby Atmos upward firing speakers and they aren't as great as I was hoping, but I still really like them. I don't distinctively hear sound coming from the ceiling when I have all 5.2.2 speakers on, but I do notice the sound in the room is more full. I purchased the speakers at a ridiculous price cut so I can't complain. I'm also in a room with 9 foot ceiling and I sit in the very back so the angles are not on my side for these speakers.

[@CEOLISSS]

Hey thanks for making this. Can you make another but with the svs elevation speakers? Would like to see or hear from you on the differences.

[@Youthman]

Thanks for the suggestion but I don’t have the Prime Elevations. Lots of great reviews on them though

[@mattr97]

Have you ever tried running those front upfiring Atmos enabled speakers with a set of rear in ceiling Atmos? I have the RP-280FA and also two in-ceiling Atmos speakers and was wondering if they would work together. Any thoughts?

[@gralen]

Thanks for the test. I brought a yamaha 3070 and just hooked it up after almost 18 months. I was going to forgo the atmos since I live in a apartment but now you have me on line trying to get atmos speakers. Thanks for the test. I was going to say no more movie theaters but my girlfriend is a movie buff and believes only in sound bars. LOL

[@JavonDGreen]

Youthman. Best channel by far. I started out with 2 pair of these speakers. In my room I was very underwhelmed like everybody else. However these speakers can not be run through an auto calibration from a receiver. They won’t work very well. However manually adjusting and tweaking the gain in my yamaha receiver eq settings complete changed the game. I later switched to in ceiling speakers based on the hype and the reviews of atmos modules. I thought I was missing out on something. I can say that I wasn’t missing out on much at all. I’ve done height, ceiling, and up firing and I can make them all sound the same in my listening environment. Let me say this.... You can’t mimic the bass out of the box with in ceiling speakers. It’s physically impossible. However If you actually ignore auto calibration, play with the crossovers, and physical location of the speakers you can make them sound just like in ceiling speakers. In my personal experience, you can’t take all of the years of science and testing discrete speaker systems and apply them to ceiling bounce. You have to work at it and tweak with your ears and not with what works in a traditional setup. If you do that and are willing to do that, there is no need to cut holes in your ceiling.

[@larrywong7834]

Yes. I do a lot of Atmos upFiring tweak tweak tweak. Amazing Atmos results.

[@Youthman]

Thanks Javon

[@Microwave414]

It's not snake oil but with its dependencies and how it really only works as intended for one seating place, maybe 2 or 3 depending on where your speakers are placed and if your room is normal I think placing speakers in where you intend sound to happen is still the best option, especially when your doing a larger room. Though you do loose that dispersed all over your ceiling sound. I kind of think someone needs to get on the ball and work on in-ceiling speakers or on-ceiling speakers that fire sound at you and across your ceiling for that larger and more confused sound signature than just placing normal in-ceiling speakers and pointing them at your listening position.

[@GucciGamerTV]

Hey Youthman! I’d love to see a video from you comparing a set of 4 SVS Prime Elevation Speakers vs 4 of your in ceiling speakers. I’m curious how close they are in comparison.

[@Youthman]

That would be cool but I do not have a place to mount front elevation speakers

[@nikytjiang]

hey Youthman, our sofa is way back in the living room about 4,5 to 5 meeters away from the screen and front speakers, would upfiring speakers do well from my fronts? or would they be too far away?

[@AC_Milan1899]

Great film and scene choice!!

[@zharris6758]

Hi Youthman, i am curiouse do you play auro 3d on sr8012? I make my set up to play atmos and auro, but as you know the sr8012 speaker configoration allow you to play all 3 formats (atmos, auro and dtx:x) in specific configuration. If you set speakers as a incealing you lose auro. So i am curiouse what configoration do you set yours?

[@walidhannaoui1802]

First time seeing your video but this is a great one and great way to show/test the capabilities of these type of speakers. Can’t tell you how many videos I’ve watched where it’s just 10 minutes of some audiophile KZbinr crapping on atmos and upward firing technology. Clearly in ceiling is better but like you said not everyone is capable of configuring their house that way. Awesome presentation

[@sleazypig]

I just tried sticking up some old sattelite speakers to near top of the ceiling and so they where to the side of the wall at the boarder of the ceiling itself and honestly the dolby enabled speakers worked better as they filled the upper listening zone better. My system is limited to 5.1.2 but for that enabled is better. I am guessing height speakers work better if you can fill the ceiling with them.

[@alexandsimba]

As someone who has done all three Atmos speaker configurations I agree. The most convincing for me is the In-ceiling speakers. If you don't want to put a holes in your ceiling with cables, then do downward firing speakers like the Klipsch RP-500 SA or SVS Prime Elevation. If you don't own your own home and are not allowed to put nails in the wall (to get your deposit back), then do up-firing Atmos module speakers. Be warned, once you do an in-ceiling speaker Atmos demo you will need a very strong will or Waifu to keep you from upgrading to it. 😁

[@Youthman]

100%

[@LFC-Star]

a query I'm looking to revamp my home cinema setup .. Question is bipole or monopole for Dolby ATMOS surround sound speakers.

[@bigk7788]

I have angled in-ceiling speakers as my side surrounds, i know its not ideal but its kinda my only option. I was curious if i should aim those angled speakers towards the wall so i could get the sound reflection off the wall like atmos speakers?

[@sethpettman5491]

Great content man! Appreciate it!

[@Youthman]

Thanks Seth

[@georgexydous2891]

Youthman i have Polk Signature s60,s15, s30. Do you think Elac 2.0 Dolby enabled speakers are a good choice?

[@AP-qu8sl]

Will these up firing speakers work if u have high ceilings (cathedral)

[@hugochampagne9733]

Would you recommend installing 4 svs prime elevation speakers on the ceiling towards the listening position or the wall?

[@coleschubert9868]

Both work fine it's personal preference.

[@louismandanici2933]

I love your videos and have learned so much from you. I've been a secret lurker for several months. This is about the only video I disagree with. Recently I bought some upfiring Dolby Atmos from Klipsch and get nothing out of it. I know you mention there is a lot of fine tuning, and I admit I didn't mess around that much with it. I've decided to return the upfiring speakers. With the extra money, which isn't chump change, I can get better front speakers in general. I love your support of Klipsch, there are many haters for some reason.

[@Youthman]

As I shared in the video, up firing speakers are very room dependent. If you do not have the correct set up for them, they are not going to sound well. Even in my room, if I were to have moved to the second row, I likely would not have experience the same

[@Bob-hb5xc]

Had to stop the video mid-part because my envy of the setup got the better of me. :) Stumbled in here by accident, but I did subscribe once I got a grip on myself. Will even rewatch the whole video.

[@Youthman]

Haha No envy necessary my friend.

[@Bob-hb5xc]

@@Youthman Haha... I'm over it now, but thanks for the reply. Just added more to my bucket-list of things I want, but probably won't get. Anyway: Nice setup and video content! Keep up the good work. I'll be tuning in regularly.

[@Youthman]

Thanks Jon. Don’t say you won’t ever have a set up like that. I certainly used to believe that. I began building my home theater about 15 years ago. Most of it was furnished with quality used gear bought at ridiculous prices so as of right now, I have zero out of pocket in the entire room. I also bartered my website design services for gear and bought/sold a LOT of home audio gear for profit to fund the room. I believe anyone can have a nice home theater, you just have to get creative on how you fund it

[@NicolasAndradeH]

Hi! I have a question that might be dumb but what would hapen if I hook up some of those speakers as front height on my regular 7.2 reciever that does not suport atmos?

[@jimidrammer4187]

I'm currently trying a setup with a second set of front towers sitting on top of my other towers which puts the sound up at near ceiling level and calibrate them to play the Atmos channel. They fill the room better but I don't have any rear ones yet to feel flyover effect.

[@Youthman]

Wow that’s interesting

[@benjiebarker]

They were like “hey, we want to watch some more…don’t kick us out yet”

[@ambientcafe]

Gr8 video, and those are my personal favorite demo sequences as well ! ... btw, what is the seating distance to the front row? -- appears to be a very immersive A/V experience ...

[@Youthman]

Thanks. Front row is 9’ from screen

[@Youthman]

150” diagonal 2.35:1 screen

[@waymonfrench2077]

@@Youthman and your ceiling is how high and what level is your upfiring speakers

[@guanyu210379]

Any upfiring loudspeakers and any other speakers system, which works based on reflection, are quite situational. They depend on your room size and the relection material (ceilling or walls)

[@garyfelder5057]

I recently got a pair of Klipsch R-41SA to go with a Marantz SR5015 (5.2.2 setup). I have pitched vaulted ceilings (18 feet at its max) so I've placed the atmos speaker on top of my entertainment unit (about 11 feet high). I do hear some sound with the speakers set as Front Height using Amp Assign/Speaker Setup in Audyssey. Thinking of experimenting and adding a second pair using the pre-outs and a wireless adapter/amplifier and placing them on top of my rear surrounds (both positioned on stands on the side of the main seating area). I may also play with changing the set up from "Front Height" to "Top Middle" with all of the speakers aimed towards the middle of the room. Do you think this will work?

[@celioguim]

Great video sir! Question, I just purchase 2 sets of Klipsch's 500sa and nothing, I can't hear and of those effects coming from the ceiling. Everything is set correctly, or so I think so but, does the ceiling need to be painted with a special paint in order for the sound to bounce down? My theater room in 14X12, painted with regular paint, nothing special. I can hear sounds coming from them. Well, thanks for the video :-)

[@azureoval]

Obviously overhead speakers are going to be preferred. But for those who don't have that option upfiring speakers work quite well in Some situations , ie suitable rooms. I have played demos discs for people who no nothing about home audio and they always look up and around when rain or something goes overhead. They work well in my room.

[@waymonfrench2077]

What up firing speakers you use,just curious and at what leve,l I have deftech atmos speakers and a 9ft ceiling

[@azureoval]

Klipsch RP-280FA's up front and Sony SSCSE's in the rear. The Sonys sit on top of my Klipsch RP-160m's, which are on 30" stands. Flat 9ft ceiling.

[@waymonfrench2077]

@@azureoval introsting ok sounds like you have a nice setup sir congratulations

[@babu7329]

So for double height ceilings up firing speakers are of no use? Is it reflected sound or virtual feeling of sound from top perceived by listener?

[@hotguy1269]

I have a porous ceiling, would it be a waste to add Atmos up firing speakers?

[@dewdorama]

Hi YM, I have a popcorn ceiling. Do you think that would effect the sound of the atmos speakers?

[@Youthman]

Upfiring Atmos speakers work best with a flat ceiling

[@GucciGamerTV]

Also, is there a specific frequency you’re setting the upfiring speakers to get them to work properly? Or are they just set normally at 80hz?

[@Youthman]

No for up firing you want to set them much higher.. I believe Dolby recommends between 120 and 150 Hz

[@GucciGamerTV]

Just curious what is the distance from the speakers to your seating position in the video?

[@Youthman]

Maybe 8’

[@fabio6935]

Thanks. Excellent video. 👍🏻

[@kohnfutner9637]

I haven't tried Atmos. I'm not a big fan of surround sound without surround vision tv. I would like a center channel though. I got Klipsch rp600m: they are some good theater speakers are decent music speakers.

[@buddrezyn1]

Aloha Youthman. I haven't seen anything on defenitive technologies from your channel. Do you have any plans on reviewing any of their products in the future. I've heard nothing but good things about them. Thanks.

[@Youthman]

I have been asked by Sound United if I want to. I might do it at some point. I know they are a completely different sound than I’m used to though

[@ahmadnabil5473]

Hi Youthman.. can i use 'regular' surround or bookshelf or dipole speaker for heigh channel? (Ceiling/ upper front or back wall mounted)..effect is still the same? Or i need dedicated atmos speaker?. Thank you.

[@jimmytsongaandtheshimmycon9421]

You can use any speaker you want for it. I myself mounted a pair if these in my 7.2.2 setup: www.amazon.co.uk/Canton-416-2-60-Loudspeaker-LOUDSPEAKERS-40000-Hz/dp/B0764M78J7/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=Canton+GLE+416.2+Pro&qid=1556608158&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0

[@darrelldarrell1447]

My angled vaulted ceiling does not allow me ceiling speakers. I have a set of polk sda srs on my front channel and they are 6 feet tall and I have a set of polk atmos speakers setting on top of them. I run a marantz 8015 receiver I got based on your review and so glad I did because audessy room calibration made them really sound better then my old receiver. I've tried a demo with them hooked up and not hooked up and you can definitely hear sounds coming from above you when they are hooked up.

[@madfinntech]

This is the only Atmos sound option for someone like me who just don't want to start installing speakers on my sealing.

[@LFC-Star]

there's Height (elevation) speakers which hang on the wall.. If you're not allowed to drill holes? Then the upfiring type is the next best thing.. Or the setup I use is equally effective.. I've shelves eiher side of the chimney brest and on the top shelves I've placed a pair of old broken bookshelf speakers either side of the chimney brest, and on top of those I've placed on each speaker JBL Control 1 Pro speakers.. It's very good..

[@hometheaterman1424]

Wow Youthman that sounded awesome. What kinda model Klipsch speakers are they with the upward Firing you have are they the ones with that are 900 watt Peak Power Handling ?

[@Youthman]

Thanks. They are the Klipsch RP-8060FA - kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4W2lJ-gfsqLbZY

[@johngamber4821]

Great experiment. I have an issue trying to get atmos in my room as i rent and my ceiling is only 6' 9" high. Would the upfiring even work with a ceiling that low ?

[@m.r.8247]

The ideal ceiling height is between 7.5 and 12 feet (2.3 to 3.66 meters). Dolby Atmos® Home Theater Installation Guidelines

[@dan_hitchman007]

The easiest thing would be to get something like SVS Prime Elevations and put them up on the side walls at the wall/ceiling juncture. Kind of like hanging pictures. Just get some white calk or filler compound and paint over the holes when you move out.

[@Youthman]

Thanks. Not sure you will get a wide dispersion with 6’9”

[@johngamber4821]

@@Youthman . yeah i have been experimenting with my rs-35's and rs-25's as atmos up high against the ceiling in the front and the back with some results but feel it's not what it could be. I'm thinking there's just not enough distance between them and my other speakers due to ceiling height. Thinking of trying top middles to get some sort of separation from the rest of my speakers as i have my surrounds in the back as my elite receiver allows for that configuration.

[@doeman7414]

Hey Youthman, You have a really cool setup! How would the sound differ with the Definitive Technology vs the Klipsch?

[@Youthman]

It has been many years since I have heard Def Tech speakers. They use a lot more of reflected sound so it will definitely sound quite a bit different than Klipsch. Klipsch are known for clarity, detail, and a very lovely sound.

[@LFC-Star]

@@Youthman ever used KEF speakers ? Or other brands from the UK?

[@Titan7170]

The bounce works you just have to up the volume on the up firing speakers so lets say all your speakers are set to 0......i would set the up firing speakers to 7 or 8...you have to compensate for volume loss from the bounce! You have to test to aee what volume is going to give you the beat results especially with all the other speakers playing

[@Youthman]

A lot of guys recommend turning them up around 6dB

[@Titan7170]

@@Youthman yea i would say it depends on your room....how your ceiling is....do you have recessed lights? A ceiling fan? Is it smooth or textured? All i know is from my tests i actually liked it!

[@Youthman]

You are correct lot of factors. It worked surprisingly well in my room

[@Titan7170]

@@Youthman it works....you just have to experiment.....but with higher volume settings you get a lot of sound....

[@larrywong7834]

@@Titan7170 I have a second room for my 2016 G6 OLED TV ShootOut winner. More kinda like an Office TV Room. There I want no speaker wires. Because my G6 Sony HT-ST5000 Atmos Sound bar with 2 upFiring drivers is only 3 inches thus not as powerful as my Z9D Klipsch RP-500sa's up Firing... for my soundbar the upFirings are at +6 DB and the other speakers are at negative 1.5 DB. Playing Ready Player One Atmos reference disc at scene where Rocket Transport ship flys to Dance Globe or Planet... I hear the Rocket fly from behind me slightly to the right at my ceiling top traversing down to the lower left of my OLED screen. Thats upFiring speakers from a soundbar on 8 feet ceiling. No Snake Oil here. Proper SetUp is key. For this soundbar the Atmos Bubble is appx 6 feet diameter

[@amalur321]

Sir, very good video, i would like to know whether this atmos feeling, that sound comes from ceiling works good with atmos soundbars,.. Having upfiring inbuilt speakers??.. I have another doubt also i have read somewhere that reflected sound creates echo or reverberation, according to the distance from the source and reflecting surface.. And human ears cannot sense the reflected sound within a small room.. Then how this is possible, i would like to know about this sir.

[@filthyneutral5801]

I have a Sony htst5000 that has 2 upward firing speakers. I can confirm to you that it works in my that is 10 feet by 12 feet. I am about 8 feet away from the soundbar and I can hear upwards sounds in movies that have a good mix (ready player one, mission impossible 6, blade runner)

[@LFC-Star]

ok so are ATMOS speakers are suited to those who live in rented accomodation and are restricted in drilling holes in walls? I rent and live in the UK. I'm currently using JBL Control 1 speakers placed on top of a broken pair of KEF Cresta 2 speakers. as ATMOS front heights in a 5.1.2 setup. (although I intend on replacing those with Klipsch R-41SA ATMOS speakers).. . placed either side and above my TV. Which are on shelves. I've acoustic foam placed behind the JBL's.. I've also got a Klipsch R-100SW subwoofer.. and JBL Control 1's as my surround speakers on speaker stands either side of my sofa.. My centre and front speakers are JBL Studio 130's (stereo speakers) Studio 120C (centre speaker)..

[@bazookatier]

Youthman, I have a lot of confusion on where the "sweet spot" is for upward-firing speakers. I imagine it varies with the ceiling height. I have a flat 8-foot ceiling and my seating is arranged 10 feet away from my screen. I'm not sure if upward firing speakers would be good for this layout or not. Does sitting further away diminish the upward-firing effect, or is the sound more omni-directional? Are there any resources to find out where the sound is focused?

[@Youthman]

My guess is the sound is reflecting in front of you due to the distance from your screen and low ceiling height

[@larrywong7834]

I have Flat 8 feet ceilings. I have two Klipsch RP500sa on speaker stands BEHIND my Z9D TV. We are Unable to see the those Atmos upFiring speakers from MLP. I have 2 Focal Sib Evo Atmos upFring speakers behind me($600 a pair). From Front RP500sa's to MLP is 13.5 feet. The mid face plate of the 500sa is 37 inches from ceiling top. Crazy huh. Thats like 3 feet. I tried 4 feet or greater. Speaker stands is height adjustable. That 3 feet 1 inch gave awesome results. I don't know why. I used Laser beam from the 500sa to ceiling. But reflection bounce don't seem like that. It seems by sound the ceiling bounce point is 7 feet from me. With an Atmos Bubble maybe 6 to 7 feet in any direction from that reflection point. My Z9D in front of the RP500sa's blocks any Horizontal sounds. Im hearing essentially only ceiling bounces and lots of it( My cutoff frequency is 100 hz). I know because I tried putting my ears by the 500sa's and at the mlp. Not losing much sounds. Its vital to up DB for them over AVR auto calibration. Playing Goosebumps 1 I even heard strong FRONTs Atmos up Firing hits that appears to come from the ceiling just 4.5 feet from my mlp. I have two Klipsch RP140sa but not using them for the 500sa's are so awesome in my TV room. Watching Goosebumps 2 I hear Atmos panning sounds going literally in any directions or angles. Mid vertical levels, Ceiling Tops or anything in between. With horizontal extensions. Goosebumps 1 and Goosebumps 2 are awesome Atmos reference discs.

[@YahirGarciaChannel]

Did you ever listen to these from the back row of your seats? Were you able to hear the Atmos speakers from back there? When you say these won’t replace in-ceiling speakers, can you hear the front in-ceiling speakers from the back row normally?

[@grandmaximus2005]

Hihi, thanks for this blind test. It's so good

[@Youthman]

Thanks

[@Noxie_]

Youthman, I liked the experiment. Nicely done. Which speakers do you prefer? Svs prime pinnacle or Klipsch rp-8000F?

[@Youthman]

I have not heard the prime pinnacle but my ears would likely choose the RP-8000F.

[@Noxie_]

@@Youthman oh my bad, I thought you already heard the Prime pinnacle. I'm still searching for a store where I can hear both models side by side. But if i will have to choose without listening I also likely choose the RP-8000F.

[@antonioantequeracid6005]

Buenas youtman impresionante como suena este vídeo y que bien se focaliza el sonido atmós.. As probado la misma peli en auro3d? Haber si algún día pruebas algún anthem mrx720 que hablan maravillas de ellos.. Saludos desde españa

[@waymonfrench2077]

English please

[@mjl6425]

That room is awesome! I now know what to do with the guestroom ha ha.

[@paul87buick]

How tall are you're ceilings , good video

[@TyTimp]

Can you do a comparison between the upward firing Atmos speakers and the in ceiling speakers?

[@Youthman]

You are always better going with in-ceiling, then height speakers and if not, then use up firing.

[@mnts73]

Hey Youthman you should do a demo using regular bookshelf speakers just to see if we really need real Atmos speakers. Nice video by the way.

[@number1pappy]

Aside from the angle of "atmos speakers" is there really a difference in atmos compared to "regular" speakers? And what is the difference?

[@morbus74]

I'm using as my "top middle" heights just regular bookshelf speakers(mounted to right angle)..and i don't see why should i use any kind of special Atmos speakers instead of those..they work just fine. I just happend to have one pair of small bookshelfs, and this way those just got a good purpose :D

[@Youthman]

Nothing special about Atmos speakers. Dolby just recommends that you do not use Wide dispersion speakers for Atmos speakers. Bookshelf will work fine if you can install them to where they are aimed towards your listening position or if you are bouncing them off the ceiling

[@VeriSkye]

@@Youthman I'd really be curious to see how the up firing speakers pair with say RP-600's. While the larger floor standers hold up against them I'd be curious how the book shelves mix or if it just throws off the sound stage.

[@Youthman]

@Marc, certain speakers do have a Dolby Atmos switch (ie. Klipsch RP-500SA) but as stated, it just changes the crossover. Nothing special about it.

[@entrepreneur724]

I would like a compromise by installing some low profile speakers directly on the ceiling (NOT in-ceiling) and running cable channels to hide the wires. I can't find anything like this. Does anyone know of a speaker I could hang that is fairly slim but high quality?

[@Youthman]

SVS makes a ceiling bracket for their Prime Elevations

[@bradknight2618]

And a full set of Pioneer 22A’s front rear, center and an Onkyo 100 watt sub and man I got to tell ya, it’s not about being loud.! This little 1400.00 system in this small room will take you from the bedroom and immerse you into the movie. I did like a years worth of trying to get the best bang for the buck by reading and watching and listening and simply could not fit or afford the “ how many speakers do you have in your surround.” Thanks to some reviews by some u-tube guys like Steve G . Shawn at Zero fidelity and Andrew Jones my son has a really cool little system with sound that believe me is pretty tuff to beat for watching movies at this price point. So to sum up, Atmos is a very real thing, not meat for every situation, but it is a real . Thanks for taking the time to ask. You help a lot of people learn not to be disappointed in a world that’s not cheap but can disappoint you after you spend your hard earned money.

[@retroforce6919]

I think that kind of application would work in my room as I have a 9ft flat ceiling. Thanks for this video man 👍

[@moveezy5591]

I had atmos modules in my room with 10 ft ceilings they do work ok but when I changed to svs prime elevation speakers wow what a difference

[@dan_hitchman007]

@@moveezy5591 I use Prime Elevations too, but any quality speaker will do as long as you can either install them in or on the ceiling or second best, on the side walls and can angle the drivers a bit toward the listening position.

[@Youthman]

Yes height elevation speakers or in-ceiling will typically sound better then upfiring

[@retroforce6919]

@@Youthman Maybe one of these days you can do a follow up video comparing the elevation speakers vs up firing speakers. 👍

[@waymonfrench2077]

@@moveezy5591 what speakers did you have before the svs

[@disneyjoe7]

Question to Youthman your home theater room what kind of ceiling do you have flat or vaulted?

[@Youthman]

Flat. My ceiling is 10’. Vaulted will not work for upfiring Atmos speakers

[@disneyjoe7]

Youthman great what I was thinking also.

[@nikad19]

I wonder how differently the frequency response measures

[@dan_hitchman007]

Upfiring enabled speakers have a very high cross-over. It's best to do overheads with decently capable speakers. Atmos effects can still be recorded full range.

[@ManchesterUtdFan]

Do you have a video or sound file to test these out? I got the R-625FA. I watched a few movies and I’m convinced these work. Ceiling is a little over 8’ and when watching movies it sounds like these work but want to know if there is a dedicated sound file or video to confirm.

[@Youthman]

No, I just unhooked the other channels from my amp when I did the video