DOLBY ATMOS Speaker Showdown: In Ceiling vs On Wall

I recently switched my front in ceiling Atmos speakers to On Wall Mounted Atmos speakers and the difference has been staggering. Find out which one wins in this Dolby Atmos Head to Head showdown of In Ceiling vs On Wall Mounted speakers!
#dolbyatmos #hometheater #speaker
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[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

I think in ceiling Atmos speakers honestly are not angled properly even when the tweeter is aimed at the listening position. I switched from in ceiling to on wall first. Definitely better going to on wall and aiming the speakers at MLP. My best configuration was moving my Atmos speakers from the wall to on the ceiling but not in the ceiling. Everything you described in those scenes was my experience. The Hulk roar went from the front soundstage through listening position and out the back. Truly terrifying. One of my favorite demo scenes and it isn't even Atmos it is a DTS:X track. Quiet Place scene for me is when the children are in the grain silo and the monster attacks. The grain door hanging and then falling. Amzzing. Thanks for this video.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

@ Keeping Up With The Jones’ Thanks for watching! Yea I def can’t go back now. I’ll eventually swap out the rear in ceiling but got other things I want to do in my set up first. I wanted to do on ceiling mounted but all the mounts I found did not support enough weight so I had to mount on wall as high up as I could go. That’s also a good scene in A Quiet Place I need to check that one out too thanks for the suggestion. 😁 I’m watching Jurassic World: Dominion and OMG this DTS:X track is 👏🏻👌🏻 I think it’s my new fav test demo and might even surpass Godzilla vs Kong as my #1 fav object based audio track!

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

@@hatoraidcowboy Pyle makes some pretty heavy duty ceiling/wall mounts . Found mine on Amazon. Speaker Wall Ceiling Mount Stand - Black Speaker Mounting Bracket w/ Adjustable Swivel Tilt, Retractable Telescopic Arm. Rated for up to 75 pounds. My ceiling speakers are only about 15 pounds but they work great. Great mounting pattern and very flexible for angling speaker to listening position. If you need a specific mounting pattern and it doesn't fit initially you can always drill your own holes into the mounting plate to match your speaker mounting pattern.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

@@keepingupwiththejones2933 Thank you I will check them out! I eventually want to replace my rear surrounds as well and will keep your suggestion in mind when I get around to replacing them.

[@HydraSpectre1138]

If I want my on-wall speakers (height speakers that can be mounted) mounted on a flat wall directly above the speakers, how can I aim them directly on the MLP. I don’t want my speakers sounding less Main Listening Position, and more My Little Phoney.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Are they bookshelf speakers or angled height modules?

[@imnoone492]

Since getting my 10 channel system set up, I started with upfiring Speakers, we all know that ended, sold them, bought 4 SVS hight Speakers, mounted them on the walls in different configurations ended up, mounting them on the ceiling in the Atmos position, but after listening to it that way, I’m going back to the Auro3D, I ordered some speaker mounts that attach to the ceiling and I’m putting it back in the configuration. I think I’ll be happy with that. It’s kind of like what you did placing the speakers above the bed layers. Thanks for the videos I enjoy them and learn from them.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Thank you for the support! I have yet to experience Auro 3D. I’ve heard people really love the upmixer.

[@TheReverendSlim]

I've done both in-ceiling and on-ceiling. My issue with in-ceilings (also with the Polk RC80i) was that there was variance in the bass based on the space above the speaker. That room had the angle of the roof lower on one side and you could hear a difference in the low end on that side. With backer boxes installed, it probably wouldn't have been an issue. Also, I found that with those particular Polks, you didn't want to aim the tweeter directly at the MLP, but instead for best seat-to-seat coverage so that people closer to it are getting less of the direct energy. So rather than aim right at MLP, I would aim the left ones to the right seats and the right ones to the left. That type of energy trading works really well for maximizing in-ceiling heights for multi-row situations too. In my current room, I have 4 SVS Prime Elevations on the ceiling at a bone stock Atmos mix-room placement of 45 degrees for the top front and 125ish for the top rears (to account for the elevation of my rear surrounds for clearance), with them at roughly 1/4 and 3/4 of the layout width on the ceiling (since heights don't inherently go in line with the mains for Atmos). They work pretty well, but if I could do it over, I'd do something a little more aimable since the Elevations' 20 degree baffle angle and dispersion isn't quite optimal.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

I’ve always wanted to hear the SVS prime elevation speakers. I hear they are amazing for height channels

[@xanderx9988]

Good video, I was fixing on buying those polks and aim them at the mlp. Apparently that’s still not optimal. I have 4 SpeakerCraft Profile A6 Speakers in my ceiling that aren’t doing it for me. So I found myself turning up the db’s on them. I can hear them better, but think I might be compromising the balance, idk. Someone told me to check out Kef in ceiling speakers because they don’t need to angle their drivers because they have a 160° off axis dispersion. So I’ll give those a try.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Yea sometimes you just gotta trial and error with your system until you find what you like best. I hear the KEF’s are supposed to be pretty good as well. For me personally, after experiencing on wall, I just cant go back to in ceiling speakers.

[@emiliofederici9459]

I have four Klipsch R-14m for heights in my 7.2.4 system. I can't compare to in-ceilings that I've never had because I don't have a false ceiling to install them; but I can say they've been a huge improvement over my first attempt on Atmos, that was the so-called "elevation speakers" (those that are supposed to bounce the sound on the ceiling) that have never seemed to work for me, maybe because my ceiling is more than 3m (10ft) tall, and I've always heard the sound coming from the elevation speakers themselves (on top of the mains) and not from the ceiling above. All that said, the main problem with Home-Theater-Atmos (that is not the same as Movie-Theater-Atmos) is that most mixes have very little height activity: I once tried to disconnect all speakers but height ones and watch an entire Atmos movie (can't remember which one, sorry): in two hours of movies the speakers have come alive just a few times, really disappointing. :(

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Yea majority of Atmos movies are lacking with overhead activity, they are getting better though. The type of processor can come into play as well too. No knock on anyone that has upfiring speakers, but to me those are a gimmick and not how Atmos should be utilized. But when there is properly mixed content….omg its AWESOME. Glad you’re enjoying your in ceilings!

[@fezzle81]

This is an awesome assessment! Just curious though if your recommendation is only for someone with a 5.1.2 setup? I only have 2 in ceiling with adjustable woofer and tweeters. You mentioned you had 6 speakers in ceiling so is that only for the front two that that go on wall at ceiling height and the rest is still in ceiling? Or all should go on wall? Keep up the awesome content!

[@hatoraidcowboy]

@ Fred Lee Thank you!!! I appreciate your kind words and support! So I have 6 atmos speakers installed. I’m using 4 in ceiling and 2 on wall for Atmos…But I only have 11 channels of amplification so currently my configuration is 7.2.4 with 2 in ceiling and 2 on wall. I wanted to test the differences between the two as I wait for testing gear that will allow me to run the full 9.2.6 off of a 15 channel processor. Having experienced both I would do on wall or mount on the ceiling aiming down if you can, depending on where your main listening position is. Preferably on wall so that you can aim the speaker from in front and cover all your seats equally

[@fezzle81]

@@hatoraidcowboy makes sense! Well I did pre wire the room for in ceiling so if I wanted to do on wall at the ceiling I would have to run a whole new set cable runs....which at this point would be too much work lol having never heard Atmos before, the in ceiling work for me but now I know what I'm missing :)

[@blanka4545]

in ceiling speakers better depends which model and brand you get. I would say or have both

[@Dahly3889]

When switching from in-ceiling to front heights do you leave them as Front In-Ceiling or change them to Front On-Wall/In-Wall? I have front heights but find that I still have to set them to front in-ceiling to get any meaningful sounds out of them.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

In my Anthem receiver I set them to on-wall.

[@JavonDGreen]

On my last setup 5.1.4 i ran both heights and ceiling I noticed the same thing you did. The only thing that wasn’t better I think was the movement. I feel that my in ceiling had better movement as the distance was smaller between speakers. However your assessment is exactly what I found myself.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Yea I dont think I can go back. Definitely if I ever build another theater I’m doing all on wall for Atmos.

[@seldom_seen8713]

​@@hatoraidcowboy Nice video, I was wondering if I did in ceiling klipsch pro 8 inch in the rear and klipsch 8 inch atmos on wall in the front? What are your feeling on this? My main listening position is up against the rear wall, that's why I wanted to do in ceilings for the rear....what are your thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Sometimes you have to work with what you have….I still have in ceiling for my rear heights. As long as the in ceiling klipsch have tweeters that can be aimed, you should be fine. Just aim them at your listening position.

[@seldom_seen8713]

@@hatoraidcowboy ok, Thanks again.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

No problem bro

[@dirtyminerapparel]

Could this have been resolved by pushing the front in ceiling speakers more forward and apart? I have the Andrew Jones Pioneer Elite speakers with the top Atmos. I’ve been thinking about moving to the same units only bookshelf or timber matched on wall to replace my .4 Atmos speakers. I am running a 5.2.4 with SVS PB1000 subs and the Pioneer LX503.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

You’ll always be limited with in ceiling speakers. Mounting bookshelves on wall will always be the most versatile.

[@welderfixer]

Sir, what channel do you have your "on wall" front speakers set to in your AVR? Also, I see you are using a Bosch laser measuring device. How well is the laser aligned to be parallel to the sides of the device and what model is it? I hope it is well aligned because I would like to buy one for both measuring the distance of speaker placement and accurately aligning the speakers. I have often thought about mounting speakers on the front wall just like you have. Dolby had a format called Pro Logic II-Z that used this speaker mounting position, but it is no longer used. I guess it never caught on in the AV world. But, I always thought it would provide a "wall" of sound. Once I build/buy a pair of mounting brackets I may mount my Emotiva B1+ speakers above the L-R speakers as you have and give it try. Currently, I have a pair of 90's vintage Realistic Minimus 8 small bookshelf speakers hanging from the ceiling in the "Top Front" Atmos positions. I would like to replace them with my Emotiva B1+, but now the Emotiva A2+ Atmos speakers are available (they seem over priced) they may be purchased and mounted there instead. If, of course, I can save up the $$. Oh! Wouldn't it be great to have a couple of close friends in the "hobby" to set-up and test out all of these HT lab experiments? I'd like to find a few others to "work with" around here, but no one seems interested like we are. Thank you for your efforts in your videos and please have a great and safe day.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Thank you @Kevin Gardner My on walls are set as Front In-Ceiling Left & Front In-Ceiling Right. I LOVE my Bosch Laser Distance measurer. It’s spot on for taking distance as well as toe-in for speaker placement. You can also use it for determining reflection points for acoustic placement if you arent able to do the mirror thing. The laser is dead on accurate. I remember Pro Logic ll Z! That was when I was barely starting my home theater journey I think I had an Onkyo TX SR-608 at the time. The A2+ would probably be better from a purely mounting option standpoint and design but you gotta go with what fits your budget. And yes! Home Theater enthusiast friends are great! I’m actually meeting up with another KZbinr tomorrow to discuss some collaborations that I think you guys are really gonna like! Cant wait to share the news with you guys soon!!

[@welderfixer]

@@hatoraidcowboy Thank you! I may pick up a Bosch tool today and check it for alignment of the laser. I was going to order a laser fitted "torpedo" level, but if the Bosch tool is aligned well it will suit my needs. The A2 sure would look better on the ceiling than a box speaker like the B1+. If a pair of A2s are ever in my possession I am sure I would have to make adjustable ceiling brackets so aiming them at the MLP would be easy. I am looking forward to your KZbinr collab! All the best - Kevin

[@kman9387]

I had to give you an update on my new Sonance Mag6r in ceiling speakers. Watching the movie Thirteen lives although not Atmos my Onkyo Rz820 sends out 5.1.2 out. Over half of the movie didn't seem to use the hight channels and the other half was in the cave and was dynamic! It was extremely similar to that wall of sound you mentioned 🤘 It made everything seem very large! The Sonance replaced my contractor series cheap in ceiling speakers that only had a tweeter that can aim to the listening position. The Sonance is one of the only in ceiling speakers that allow you to customize the angle and tilt of both woofer and tweeter 🤘 These have an amazing effect on my system 👍

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Congrats on the upgrade! 👊 It’s amazing what a good quality speaker can do for dynamic range and revealing audio nuances that the director intended. I’m not too familiar with Sonance but I’ve heard very good things about them and seem to be loved by anyone who owns their products.

[@kman9387]

@@hatoraidcowboy 👏🤜🤛😊

[@blanka4545]

I got sonance they are the best I say. I have Height level dolby atmos speakers by klipsch latest dolby atmos height Level speakers. I am confused what to do. Keep height and put in ceiling?

[@kman9387]

@@blanka4545 if you have the ability to aim the speaker woofer and tweeter I would totally go in ceiling. It looks cleaner and it will preform the same as elevation hight channels.

[@JohnGarcia-xp1kf]

​@@kman9387 where did you place your speakers ? In ceiling over the front speakers?

[@UnitedRedDevil13]

This is good info. Right now I’m using in ceiling because my wife ain’t down for actual visible speakers hanging. Not YET anyway. Lol. I’m curious to know where you set your crossover for the atmos/height speakers? Thanks!

[@hatoraidcowboy]

LOLLL Love the “yet” statement. I have them crossed over at 90hz

[@esjovold6572]

I’m using small bookshelf speakers mounted on my ceiling aimed at my main listening position. I think they sound good, but I have limited experience with atmos systems.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

You did it right from the get go! 👌

[@stevetupling2673]

I have a 5.2.2 should I put my Dolby atmos speakers high on the wall near the ceiling Or should I just put them on top of my main speakers

[@hatoraidcowboy]

You want to mount Atmos speakers as high as possible. You won’t get any separation if they are on top of your speakers…but if you only have 2 atmos then you really need to put them in/on the ceiling in the middle of the room. Also only put your atmos speakers on top of you front speakers if they are up-firing speakers.

[@The-ub6go]

Can you have in-wall heights speaker instead of mounting a bookshelf speaker?

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Sure. They just wont be able to be mounted as high and may lessen the Atmos overhead affect. You also wouldnt be able to angle them as much as you would a mounted speaker.

[@christopherwilson6825]

I have the Polk audio T15 . Mounted on my ceiling about 55° aimed at my listening position . They sound awesome!!! That's from listening to a studio mixing technician explaining that's the way it's mixed. Plus that's the way the professional cinemas have there Atmos placed. Now I understand that a lot of home theater enthusiast might not can have things placed in a certain. Being as though I have 8 foot ceilings, my angle have to be 55°. They sit in front of my LCR about 3 inches on both sides of my center Channel. So when it comes to my height channels I have them in between my center Channel and my left and right channel. On the ceiling.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

How big is your room?

[@Urzathegreat1234]

What bracket you using?

[@hatoraidcowboy]

@Urzathegreat1234 Suptek Dual Side Clamping... www.amazon.com/dp/B07SN84GSK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Not sure if you were asking me or not lol

[@Lowkey_nxthxn]

It makes sense about the front height channels because up front there's a lot of sound information most of the time then the surround speakers but the in celling speakers are good for like rain and lightning falling down on you or object base sound but everything that's up front is always active for the most part

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Yea there’s definitely advantages for both, but I found the on wall mounted up just sounded so much better with more separation when angled towards the listener. But in ceiling works too if you can’t mount

[@Lowkey_nxthxn]

@@hatoraidcowboy and what you said about the front soundstage sounding way taller is a true statement because it definitely sounds exactly like what you explained

[@hatoraidcowboy]

@@Lowkey_nxthxn Thanks. Yea it makes sense when you think about having your heights directly above your L&R.

[@Lowkey_nxthxn]

@@hatoraidcowboy give the DTSX upmix a try your going to be blown away

[@hatoraidcowboy]

@@Lowkey_nxthxn Oh I use DTS:X Neural X all the time. I actually think it’s better than Dolby Surround.

[@zelko0768]

Very informative. I'm wondering what your recommendation would be for rear channels. My seating is about 3 feet from the rear wall, would rear height channels be effective with this seating setup? At moment I run two SVS prime elevations at the front and was looking at doing the same in the rear.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Thank you! Are you just doing rear channels or rear height?

[@zelko0768]

@@hatoraidcowboy rear height to match front height

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Rear heights mounted on wall would still be effective even though you’re so close to the wall. You can aim them down to your listening positing. As long as you mount them as high as possible to get maximum seperation

[@zelko0768]

@@hatoraidcowboy appreciate the advice

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Of course bro no problem

[@DerekBove]

What mount are you using for those height bookshelves?

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Hello! Suptek Dual Side Clamping... www.amazon.com/dp/B07SN84GSK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@FrankieKennethL]

I one thousand percent agree w your summary. I don’t think it has anything to do whether it’s on-wall or in-ceiling. I can’t help but think that many of the in-ceiling speakers people are using are simply NOT great. Not for the application and it’s what’s causing all the feedback about poorer performance. I have tried four different speaker options using both on-ceiling and in-ceiling. My first was focal 300 in-ceiling rounds w straight baffle that only had a twitter aiming option but limited to shallow angle. I was underwhelmed and while I heard height effects, I didn’t feel it had the resolution i wanted. I then switched to their angled bafles and immediately had a discerning improvement. It was the same speaker drivers except these were better at being able to angle towards the MLP better. Much better speaker for the application. I then Tried some On- ceiling prime elevations. Aimed at MLP. I didn’t think it was an improvement over the angled baffle and I felt the loss of height and decreased aesthetics wasn’t cutting it for me. I now have Triad Silver Sats 9s which allow full independent aiming of both the woofer and tweeter w a 45 degree baffle. It’s the absolute BEST atmos I’ve heard in my theater and it’s not close. Proper positioning and speaker optimized for the task is the best way to go. That can be achieved at both on ceiling or on wall options

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Yea I think angled baffles and tweeters are most important for in ceilings. For me the most versatility that I’ve gotten is mounting bookshelves on wall with swiveling and aim-able wall mounts. Sometimes you just have to try out different options to find what works best, like you did.

[@roshannajkani2033]

I have a 7.2.4 ch should i put my dolby atmos speakers can you help me what i do front on wall and in ceiling or i should do 4 speaker in ceiling? Help me !

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Can you explain that again? Its not coherent

[@oubobcats27]

Thanks for the video... What song is in your intro??

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Some random song I found on Canva lol

[@GAVhometheatreguide8226]

Hai i am using on wall speakers Polk OWM 3 mounted on the wall firing below , works perfectly

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Noice! I used those on my very first Dolby Atmos setup

[@GAVhometheatreguide8226]

@@hatoraidcowboy i personally prefer the Auro3D speaker layout with front heights and rear heights that seems to bring out the best bubble effect , i have only a 7.2 receiver but i have listened to auro 3D and Atmos in auro 3D speaker placement, the out put is kick ass

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Hopefully one day I can try a legit Auro 3D setup

[@kman9387]

I see in the video you mentioned that your ceiling Atmos speakers are not aimed at your listing position 🤷 Have you considered speakers the have the mid driver at an angle with a pivoting tweeter? My Sonance Mag6 gives me the flexibility to move the woofer up to 30% and my tweeter and additional 15%. That allows for maximum flexibility in regards to in ceiling speakers. But in actuality in a dedicated room bookshelf on ceiling speakers are the way to go 👍💯 In my living room it would look funky 👍😁

[@hatoraidcowboy]

My in ceilings are aimed at main listening position, but if you sit on the front row the tweeter is aimed behind you. I have seen in ceilings with aim-able woofers. But I think I am done with in ceilings in the future 😁

[@codychavarria6088]

So how would you do a 7.2.4 setup, Would it be better just to use bookshelf speakers then. Such as front high and back height

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Yea if you’re just starting out, or even if you can redo your current speaker setup, I’d use bookshelf speakers instead of in walls. And angle them towards the listening position

[@codychavarria6088]

@@hatoraidcowboy Right now I have a older 7.2 set up But 2 subs and I have rear speakers set up

[@hatoraidcowboy]

@@codychavarria6088 What speaker brand you running?

[@codychavarria6088]

@@hatoraidcowboy klipsch

[@dixter1652]

I setup a 24 channel system using the Dutch & Dutch speakers... it sounds fantastic in all Atmos configs... for the DSP unit I'm using the Smyth Realiser A16 .... for the bass I'm using concert level Pevi speakers... I don't think it could sound any better than this...

[@trevalin456]

I’m in the same boat. I have 4 in ceiling atmos speakers but really wanna switch them out for book shelf speakers. Question though, where you have your front at most speakers, wouldn’t they just count as front height spears due to their placement vs atmos

[@hatoraidcowboy]

That depends on your receiver and how the speaker layout is formatted. Some let you choose in ceiling, on wall or up firing for top/front Atmos.

[@Coffeedad]

Does it sound better if your on wall speakers have the setting set to on wall or in ceiling? Funny i did notice with a Dolby demo disc playing the 7.1.4 section and having selected front height and side wall mount it was much quieter than having it set to front and rear height. I need to check the sound with all 4 set to in ceiling i guess

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Yea I would do some a/b testing. I don’t have experience with the type of speakers you are describing

[@tausha46]

HI GREAT REVIEW, WHAT IS THE SIZE OF YOR ROOM THANKS JOHN

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Thank you! My room size is 10 ft wide, about 26 ft deep and 8 ft ceilings

[@abdulmoosani3276]

Since there are 6 atmos I would honestly do front and rear atmos on wall and a pair of in ceiling over the seating

[@hatoraidcowboy]

That’s exactly what I’m gonna do when I eventually upgrade to a receiver/processor with more channels

[@vanderhoff66fu]

I have two front height speakers on top of my entertainment center only 2 ft from the ceiling aimed at me they are bookshelf speakers I don't think I really hear them much when I'm watching Dolby Atmos even when I have their Volume +10 DB my bookshelf speakers have 5 1/4 inch woofer and 1 in Tweeter I'm wondering if I get SVS elevated Prime speakers would do a better job

[@hatoraidcowboy]

SVS Prime elevation speakers are pretty popular. Everyone loves them. What brand are your current height speakers? And are they aimed properly?

[@vanderhoff66fu]

@@hatoraidcowboy right now I'm using NHT bookshelf 5 1/4 inch woofer 1 inch Tweeter and their angled down toward me in the middle of the room on about 12 ft away from the height speakers

[@itzjustkris7964]

By front Atmos do you mean Height ? I can’t imagine the regular speakers up there

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Yes front height atmos speakers

[@colinmcauliffe-pp4si]

great video thank you.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

You’re welcome and thank you!

[@colinmcauliffe-pp4si]

​@@hatoraidcowboy it really helped me out with your info thanks.i'm going to run on ceiling Atmos speakers.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

That’s awesome. 😊 Glad I could help man. I appreciate you letting me know the video helped. What speakers are you going with?

[@colinmcauliffe-pp4si]

@@hatoraidcowboy klipsch r 41m

[@colinmcauliffe-pp4si]

as my bed layer is all klipsch I just brought the anthem avm 70 and amp here in Australia and know I have the option for Atmos.

[@jlwagner79]

The disparity in measurements likely has little to do with the drivers and more to do with the fact that the in-ceiling speakers aren't encountering SBIR, whereas the bookshelves are. If you look at where the dips/peaks are, they are indicative of nulls and peaks caused by constructive/destructive interference from wall/ceiling reflections. If you were able to flush-mount (i.e. in-wall) the speakers at the height location, you would likely see a much better frequency response. I would also say that slightly smaller drivers (4 - 6") are going to give you much better dispersion than the 8"+ speakers, so long as you are using a subwoofer. It seems to me that manufacturers who build 2-way home theater speakers with giant midrange drivers are simply trying to capitalize on lower bass response that consumers perceive as better. Meanwhile, an 8" driver will start to beam at about 1kHz, so your off-axis response between 1kHz and wherever the tweeter is crossed over (probably 3kHz) will be crap. A 5" driver, on the other hand, won't start beaming until 1.7kHz, giving much better off-axis response. It's all about tradeoffs, but I would personally take a 5 - 6" driver over 8" drivers for my surround/height speakers any day of the week and ask my subwoofers to handle the bass.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Great information thank you for sharing!

[@TheJustin420024]

So why not just make boxes for the in ceilings and put them where the books shelfs were ?

[@hatoraidcowboy]

You still wouldnt be able to angle them properly. You would also be changing the design which could change the way the speaker performs.

[@rick-val22]

I think the in-ceiling speakers are placed in a bad spot, they should be in front and angled towards the MLP. Second the in-ceiling speakers you have only allows you to angle the tweeter and not the woofer. So yes, this test is more about speaker placement rather than which type of speaker is better. I think if you place your on-wall speaker on the ceiling midway between your LCR and front row angled towards the MLP it might sound better than the two positions you tested.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

The in ceiling speakers (tweeters) are all aimed toward the MLP. Very few in ceilings allow you to aim the woofers. The on walls now sound better and have a much broader listening area and can be aimed pretty much anywhere I want. Every room and budget will have its constraints.

@@hatoraidcowboy I using height auro setup for 5 years, its great, has depht, i love btw. But the height field is too much dispersed, and the directivity is lacks a little bit. Thats always bothered me, so i will try the in ceiling setup with correct speaker angles. I curious. :)

[@wendellwendellb339]

I use on wall Polk TL1, front-middle-rear

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Oh nice setup. So you running 9.2.6?

[@wendellwendellb339]

@@hatoraidcowboy No, 5.2.6! I did have 1 back surround channel, but, never heard anything from it, so I disconnected it. I have 4 subs (technically 2) I had looked at all 3 processors (Emotiva MC1 - ToneWinner AT300 - IOTA AVX17) the Denon 6700h gave me what I wanted with one compromise.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

@@wendellwendellb339 What was the compromise?

[@wendellwendellb339]

@@hatoraidcowboy All 3 processors had 3 or 4 sub outputs, n the mid height or wide surrounds, but, no IMAX Enhanced or Auro 3D, or 2.1 HDMI, but the Denon gave me everything except the extra sub outputs.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

@@wendellwendellb339 Fair enough.

[@Kev-O33]

I have a 5.1.4 using ny atmos speakers on the wall like a 7.1 would be setup. Never heard any "overhead" sounds it seems like a gimmick to me

[@hatoraidcowboy]

It depends on many factors…..director’s intent, how the movie engineer mixed the track, and how good the Atmos receiver/processor is. That being said, I do agree with you a lot of Atmos content is lacking and/or can be lackluster. But there are sone REALLY good mixes out there.

[@midbass.maestro]

On wall with compression driver and 12 diy

[@Darkside_C7]

I went with bookshelf speakers on the ceiling!

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Nice!

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Which speaker brand did you choose?

[@Darkside_C7]

@@hatoraidcowboy my ceiling speakers are Klipsch RP160M. The rest of my speakers are from the same RP line as well.

[@FURognar]

Thats what I'm doing. Infinity Primus 140 speakers ceiling mounted and precisely aimed at the listening position.

[@Reggaebeatman]

Upmix poor Atmos mixes to AURO 3D. Dont destroy your ceiling with pot holes, instead simply use 2 Front Height and 2 Rear Height speaker high up on wall angled down at 30 degrees from MLP.....also optional is adding VOG.

[@o.c.g.m9426]

I have a 9.2.6 in my 261 sq ft livingroom. Trust me on wall is so nice. I cant dig in a building that has 98 yr old dry wall 😂. Drill a bearclaw nail in wall & hang it up. Wow sound great

[@hatoraidcowboy]

That’s awesome. Sounds like an incredible system!

[@p8triot01]

So I definitely see the logic in your placement of the FL atmos speakers. I'm in the process of building a house. The listening room is 20 x 20 with 13' 6" ceilings. I'm facing quite a few challenges with this setup, I know! I'm going with a 5.1.4 setup powered by an Integra DRX 3.4. I'm not trying to blow the sheetrock off the walls, but I want good sound. Your video along with Techno Dad's have both figured out the weakness in Atmos's speaker placement. That major hole in the front upper left and right-hand corners. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eojNi42tfspqZ9k I'd like to get your thoughts on placing, let's say an RC80i, in the same general location you placed your bookshelf speaker, but using as an in-wall as a height speaker facing the MLP. Do you think I would get the same performance from the RC80i speakers facing outward towards the MLP than ceiling mounting it above the front tower speakers facing downwards? I feel like the challenge on a downward firing position would be getting the tweeter aimed at the MLP? If you've already seen Techno Dad's video on this topic what are your thoughts about installing in-wall speakers aimed at the MLP? I really feel like you are on to something.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Hello and thank you for watching! Glad I could help 😁 If it were me, I’d try and go with on wall mounted….Here’s why. With mounted speakers, they’ll be on speaker mounts to which you can pretty much aim the entire speaker wherever you want. With in walls, you’re extremely limited to only aiming the tweeter a few degrees. And with a bookshelf or monitor speaker, you get the added benefit if much better sound because if the box design as opposed to an in ceiling design. That being said, if you only option is to do in wall, that’s better than in ceiling, however I would go with an actual in wall speaker and just mount it as high as you can rather than using an in ceiling speaker.

[@thelastcomment8121]

Mine are just normal surrounds mounted on the ceiling

[@hatoraidcowboy]

How do you like that configuration? Have ever tried in ceilings or upfront speakers?

[@kixxoff928]

What you did by changing the layout - you put the speakers in Auro 3D recommended configuration. Dolby cannot recommend this layout because Auro has patented it. On wall layout is based on scientific research which says that the best hight speaker placement is 30 degrees higher than bed layer (from the listening position). My speakers are QAqoustics 3000 series, 5.1.4 with 3010 for the hights. I play everything in Auro 3D and it sounds amazing!

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Yup Dolby didnt want to get sued so they made their own guide. I have an Auro 3D demo disc, but no Auro capable receiver and the disc still sounds incredible.

[@GB-je5tc]

H-C, Funny you should have done video about speaker layout too, because Channa D. (TECHNODAD) just did a video on this exact thing... ATMOS speakers layouts. You both agree on the same thing regarding height NOT ceiling (a la Dolby specs). I would recommend you converse/ collab with Channa as he creates actual ATMOS renderings from software. You two would both love sharing thoughts and ideas for sure. Cheers GB1963

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Thanks for watching and for the idea! Yea Channa has some great Dolby Atmos content…IN Dolby Atmos LOL Maybe we can collab on something

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

in small rooms virtualised is best and in akward rooms because conditions do not haev to be perfect i went back t virtualsed and its amazing and also sounds natural NOT DETACHED from the sound stage it also places highs were they should be high in the sound stage not in the flat upstairs. cealing speakers sound exactly that LIKE THERE IN THE CEALING ruining the the effect

[@hatoraidcowboy]

By virtualized do you mean upmixing?

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

@@hatoraidcowboy no virtuized hights and width via dolby and sonos psychoacoustic HRTF its hight channels without speakers physicaly sonos beam gen 2 with rears and sub is 5.1 real sound its 5.1.2 plus enhanced sound stage via 3d sound tricks that give you the 2 Hight channels by tricking your ears to thinking it above the tv it works better than upfiring as it doesnt need a perfect rebound. sonos beam gen 2 and other sound bars do it well and a.v s the beam gen 2 is renown for how amazing it does it. the atmos sound stage is faked entirly in beam bar only mode each speaker set and or sub you add the process slits betwen the physical speaker and the effect by scaling the processing to witch build you have.wen i ordered a week before beam gen 2s release date i had towait a exta week for the 2x sonos ones as rears so i ran it beam bar and sub its atmos ability even in that config was mind blowing and destroyed my previous yamaha virtual rears suround bar at doing the trick. real 3d sound when i added real rears it was again a huge improvement sonos proceses sound and stage according to the spec buid you own and spreads the processing around each speakers in built soc cpu. the beam gen 2 bar its self is real left right centre and wide firing but does .2 hights and extra wide sound stage via psychoacoustic HRTF..somos does not support upmix atmos only real atmos i do my upmixed atmos via the pc app instead from pc to sonos as atmos after pc app has upscaled it sonos bars and speakers do not support anthing outside of native suround formats from pro logic 2 to atmos DTS X isnot supprted at all

[@wendellwendellb339]

How did the Man of Steel sound?

[@hatoraidcowboy]

I need to go back and watch the full movie. Man of Steel always sounds great though.

[@FURognar]

Man of Steel sounds outstanding in Atmos. Especially when your ceiling speakers are properly positioned. The Krypton sequence in the beginning is fantastic. It actually sounds like those spaceships are directly above your head.

[@watching..........6494]

are you sitting like two feet from the screen .

[@hatoraidcowboy]

No my MLP is about 12 ft from screen

[@totalplonker824]

Ever since I reconstructed the arm-mounts for my height speakers. Basically giving them an extra 6-in distance from rear wall to the back of the reflex ports,, I swear the bass I'm now experiencing has improved quite noticeably... kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqfHonxrpr-UbMk

[@hatoraidcowboy]

That makes sense…..If your atmos speakers are rear ported they need a certain amount of clearance to push air out.

[@jackdale9249]

easy make a simple box and put the better ceiling speaker on the wall ! why didn't you think of this ? LOL

[@hatoraidcowboy]

LOL

[@JonnyFlash80]

LOL

[@mattsynth]

What I have found is that Atmos is not a big bang for the buck, it is hard to install and there is not much good content out there.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

I’ll agree with you that we need better Atmos mixes, but that is on the audio engineer and the studios. It also depends on your equipment and room correction but more of the former. However there are some REALLY good Atmos tracks out there.

[@mattsynth]

@@hatoraidcowboy Can you please suggest some good Atmos movies, and can they be streamed, or will I need an Atmos Bluray player?

[@hatoraidcowboy]

@@mattsynth you’ll never get a dynamic atmos track with streaming due to it being compressed. Godzilla vs Kong is really really good. Jurassic World Dominion. Edge of Tomorrow on 4K is also good. Top Gun: Maverick. Just to name a few. All on 4K Blu Ray.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Also both Quiet Place movies are great

[@FURognar]

Its not hard to install.

[@rsauder]

FAIL. Those aren't Atmos speakers, they are Front Height speakers. Don't conform to Dolby's specs for room placement.

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Bad wording on my part. You’re right they are Height Speakers. Dont shoot me lol