Can Sony 360 Reality Audio Survive Against Dolby Atmos?

[@EbonySeraphim]

It's a year later and the Sony STR-AZ*000ES series of recievers are all highly reviewed for their 360 Spatial Mapping feature, with just about everyone saying you WANT to be using that mode for sound over native/direct output formats like DTS:X and Dolby Atmos mixes. I think Sony hit a home run that I hope mid-core home theater enthusiasts pick up on. Essentially I don't need a "perfect room" set up in order to hear amazing Atmos/DTS:X effects because those recievers know how to convert/remix into Sony's mix. And Sony's mix is allowed to be flexible in terms of what it is outputting into each speaker based on the room calibration. Reworded: unless you have perfectly placed speakers for something like 5.1.4, virtually everyone is going get better results letting a calibrated Sony reciever(2023+) figure out what to actually do with each actual speaker channel in 360 SSM mode rather than letting the actual mix (Atmos, DTS:X, iMax Enhanced) dictate what is being output. And Sony is heavily a designer of the recording devices of those formats to begin with, so I'm sure 360 SSM is designed to be an actual full superior format meant for flexibility across everything today, and even a few steps into the future.

[@michaelbeckerman7532]

I recently had a chance to test out the Sony A3000 sound bar in my home with 360 Reality Audio and content from Tidal. Much to my surprise, it was absolutely amazing! Sitting directly in front of the soundbar made you feel like you were listening to music with a perfect pair of headphones on. I wasn't expecting much before I heard it, but it absolutely blew me away. It's one of those things where once you hear it, you won't ever want to go back to living without it. It's THAT good!

[@ecoustics]

That's great feedback. How many speakers are part of your setup?

[@michaelbeckerman7532]

@@ecoustics I didn't have Sony's optional wireless rears or sub set up with the A3000 bar at the time so I was just going off of what the bar produced by itself. And, that's just Sony's entry-level 360 Reality Audio enabled bar. I can only imagine that the experience would have been much better had I been able to do the same Sony's option rears or with the far more capable 5.1.2 A5000 bar or the 7.1.2 A7000 bar. Everyone that I have talked to that has owned those higher-end bars though has said that they have been very impressed with them in their homes, especially when listening to 360 Reality Audio enabled content.

[@avarmauk]

Would be good if video streaming services had this

[@scottwrezenski2356]

Looking forward to getting that Sony AVR I believe it's the 7000 that I'm going for. The 3D mapping is going to be sick. Sony really did a great job on this.

[@claudiutoader5938]

does it work in 3.1 channels set up? sistem: marantz cinema 50 + 2x kef r3 meta + kef r2 meta?

[@iamitkumars]

Any plans to explaining the "Find Your Equalizer" in Sony Connect app and WF-1000XM4? How to adjust the fine tuning? they all sound the same after level 1.

[@DuberlyMazuelosBZero]

the few examples I have tried, I’ve enjoyed more the “roundness “ music on 360 is better than atmos

[@ecoustics]

Which examples?

[@robertjira7365]

..better then Atmos, ok but isnt auro 3d with upmixer beter than 360 audio or 360 Spatial sound mapping?! even if Auro 3d content Is not to often, it should upmixed content with atmos to Close to Auro 3d (Marantz) just to make sure what Is better way for home Cinema. Thx for advice

[@bryankerr69]

It works great for gaming with the PS5 and a set of INZONE headphones.

[@aaronrobbins1458]

I got a sony reciever a couple months ago, and it had a link and code for sony 360, but the link was dead and I haven't been able to find an app or anything. Does this even still exist?

[@ecoustics]

Still exists. Sony 360 music is on Tidal.

[@SMAr2wo]

They do it like 3D for TVs...dedicate technology and incompatibility between them till they kill them all. But i have a question: Do headphones with 360 (Sony Linkbuds S) works with Dolby Headphones technology too? I know that for Atmos Headphones decoder any headphone will be ok, and dedicate Atmos Headphones have some improvements, like head position , or drivers optimized for Atmos effects, but does Sony offer the same optimization in Atmos? Do i have to buy Atmos headphones and separately 360 Sony headphones to enjoy both?

[@htenthusiast2897]

Just watched this video…very interesting, seems like Sony ventured into new territory and out of the box, the 360 mapping sounds very interesting to me. I’ve been a little on the fence about the current Denon/Marantz offerings. Many features available in the 3k series are now 4k and am not convinced about the DACs. Sony on the other hand is offering a feature rich receiver with innovative spacial sound and high quality components, reasonably priced. They only missed adding pre outs to the AZ3000. Looking forward for your review. Cheers…is this a new Channel?

[@ecoustics]

Thanks for watching. Our KZbin channel is relatively new, but our website has been around since 1999. Our best receiver picks were just updated: www.ecoustics.com/articles/best-av-receivers/

[@Kevdog1920]

Is this good for streaming tv

[@ecoustics]

Not sure of your question?

[@Kevdog1920]

@@ecoustics can you connect these to a blutooth tv

[@suspensefulness]

im confused my sony A7000 says 360 spatial audio or sony vertical surround engine or dolby something🤦🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️

[@ecoustics]

The A7000 decodes Dolby Atmos and/or upconverts stereo audio to spatial audio. Each technology mentioned is essentially applying sound field optimization (psychoacoustics tricks) to make movies and music sound more immersive.

[@suspensefulness]

@@ecousticsthank u ..which one would u choose or should i go with

[@ecoustics]

@@suspensefulness there should be a default setting to handle Spatial Audio automatically.

[@suspensefulness]

@@ecoustics thank u...yes 360 spatial is the default but it u can turn it off then choose sony vertical sureound or dolby...just learning all this ,appreciate your help

[@id104335409]

So is Sony the only one who offers object 370 spatial sound? Or are there others who just came up with a different name?

[@ecoustics]

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are other Spatial Audio formats.

[@rollindeep786]

The weirdest results I found was the ps4 titles I played on ps5 with enhanced versions but no change to sound format kept the sound localisation and actually sounded pretty impressive.. However any material that mentions tempest 3d audio sounded terrible, could not differentiate objects behind or in front, just left and right that's it.. Granted I don't have an atmos setup however, I would have at the minimum expected the standard 5.1 to work as with previous consoles.. I was blown away while testing a couple of ps4 titles, however, gta online expanded and enhanced which is the one I really probably play most, was attrotious irrespective of putting into dolby or changing to 3d audio, yet the ps4 version of the game I owned on disc was perfectly fine.. So on the fence at the moment until I see some actual real life demos

[@donaldbrannen2199]

I'm in the market to upgrade my home theatre system. I'm considering the new Integra 8.4 which has Dirac. This is my first choice because of the Sabre DAC feature. I also looked at the new Sony a2 7000es. I'm currently working a 7.1 4 but I'm hoping to add another pair of height speakers, 4 in ceiling and 2 reflection speakers. I have Def Tech tower speakers with powered amps 7600 front right and center. I value your opinion. What AVR would you recommend? I'm probably going to have to purchase a power amp as well. I'd like your suggestion for that as well. I should add I just purchased the Samsung 8 K 900B TV. I do like the information about the 360 Reality Audio thank you.

[@ecoustics]

Your system already sounds pretty impressive. We haven’t tested Integra, but will have a Sony receiver review up on the website fairly soon. We also just got the Denon AVR-X3800H in for review, so that article is another month out. Because Denon, Marantz, Definitive Technology are all part of the same parent company now, those products are tested together - if that provides any assurance.

[@trauma50disaster1]

@@ecoustics "we" haven't tested...so you have a team? cmon

[@ecoustics]

@@trauma50disaster1 yes, team. Sony AVR review now posted. www.ecoustics.com/reviews/sony-str-az1000es/

[@donaldbrannen2199]

@@ecoustics Thank you for your help. After hearing your review along with Shane Lees and Andrew Robinsons. I have decided to purchase the Sony 7000 es. It has 13 channels of processing where the Denon you mention only has 11 and their 13 channel AVR is two years older and 1300.00 more expensive. Now I'm hoping the tech I'm hiring will do the setup correctly. I will be having this work done on the 17th and 18th of April. I should mention I purchased an Amp from Parasound the Halo 52 + to drive my towers, center and rear surrounds. I will keep you posted on the results of the setup .

[@baracudasmile]

Coming soon to theaters near you can Sony STRAZ3000ES receiver decode HT-G700 3.1 sound bar, SA-RS5 x2 rear surround speaker, SS-CSE x2 for 4 speaker heights, SA-SW5 second subwoofer, Wonderboom3 x2 sides, and Sonos ERA 300 x 2 fronts to form a 3D map inexpensively? I have the parts ordered and in the mail. The goal is to have a 9.2.4 Dolby Atmos system in a 9x9x8.5 rental apartment, that can also be set up on the beach for a family of four to enjoy. The unsupported Sony idea is to let the receiver do all the heavy lifting, rather than buy HT-A3000, HT-A5000, HT-A 7000, or HT-A9. While in the apartment the SS-CSE will provide the height channels. Yet at the beach with no ceiling, Dolby Atmos maybe not be possible. The HT-G700, Sonos ERA 300's x 2, and the SA-RS5 all have up-firing speakers to create phantom speakers. Yet the conclusion of experts it is better to have real speakers instead of phantom speakers. I know it is a gamble.

[@carlosfuentes7945]

I also am an "audio nerd" & proud of it.

[@ecoustics]

Welcome 🙂

[@johnmc3862]

Did you get tested?

[@av4921]

Hi from India.. actually i want your views regarding tv buying decision. Does Sony's QD-OLED TV's spatial audio tech is worth waiting to upgrade buy my first ever OLED tv.. Or should I go ahead and buy well established tv lg C2 55 inch? I am a kind of audiophile and mostly will be using this tv for ps5 and pc monitor for work.. And yes which tv would you suggest if i want to enjoy super sound through Bluetooth earbuds for the late night gaming? Can you suggest me any combination.. I hope you will reply to my questions.. thanks a lot.. your video was a immense help already

[@ecoustics]

If you’re upgrading to a soundbar or AVR/speaker system it shouldn’t matter which TV you buy.

[@ChrisBoylan]

Hi, Sony TVs' only real advantage on the audio side is that you can use the TV itself as a center channel speaker if you pair it with a Sony soundbar or a Sony receiver. And the whole TV screen can be used as a speaker as it has actuators on the panel. That said, Sony's 2023 QD-OLED TV lineup looks really impressive from a picture quality standpoint. As does LG's upcoming C3 and G3 series TVs. It is actually a *great* time to buy last year's LG or Sony OLED TV models as they're being sold now at big discounts to make room for the new models coming in.

[@av4921]

@@ChrisBoylan thanks for the reply.. i rocked a LG G2 55 inch .. heatsink was dealmaker for me 🤝... I spend 1650USD + 250$ for extended warranty. TV's are not that cheap here in India as compared to the USA... I hope i have made a right decision... Am a daytrader and big screen charts + fancy zones are super nice combination.. any tips on best picture settings? Which YT to follow?

[@ChrisBoylan]

@@av4921 - congrats! I've had some experience with the C2 but never had it in the labs for testing. Check the reviews on RTings and CNET. Those guys do very thorough calibrations and measurements and sometimes share their picture settings. Be aware that there can be sample to sample variations though, so one set of picture settings does not necessarily fit all samples of the TV.

[@dperr338]

Didn’t realize you had another KZbin channel.

[@ecoustics]

From time to time I do some content for eCoustics. 😁🙌

[@robertjira7365]

..better then Atmos, ok but isnt auro 3d with upmixer beter than 360 audio or 360 Spatial sound mapping?! even if Auro 3d content Is not to often, it should upmixed content with atmos to Close to Auro 3d (Marantz) just to make sure what Is better way for home Cinema. Thx for advice

[@ecoustics]

Any of the formats can sound great. It's difficult to say any of them are the "best". It ultimately depends on how the music was mixed and mastered in the first place, and how optimal the room, speaker type/positions are in relation to listener.

[@stefanhansen5882]

I wish this had attempted an answer to the question in the title.

[@ecoustics]

The answer continues to evolve, but we’ve seen no momentum or demand for Sony 360RA as of late.

[@7071t6]

so funny when it comes with dolby atmos as part of the decoding system the 360 sound is there to calibrate your speakers and then using the right decoding in the movie your watching ,so you can click between say dolby atmos or other format's based on the movie decoding ,so if the movie is in thx, then it will not play the thx but if it has dolby atmos then it will play the sounds only based on the movie and its sound recorded. Its like yamahas different sound stages as a pre programmed either in 5.1 or 7.1 and its a audio file or a pre made movie file, as per the programmed decoder system. etc etc. People that buy a 9.2 or 11.5 etc, are wasting there money IMO, after all the system will only play what the movie's sound is going to produce ,no movie is in 11.5 or 9.2, its just extra speakers which will put out sound only what the movie is recorded in, its that simple people and most movies nowadays 4 k hdr blu rays are 5.1.2 or 7.1.2 so there you have it, its the effect speakers which atmos requires and the 360 spatial sound is just to calibrate your speakers and where they are based on where your sitting the distances in how far are you from the tv and the height off the floor and which speakers are they front left floor or front left height etc etc Also if you have a Sony Bravia TV which has acoustic sync, then the tv will basically become a centre channel ,but only if the tv is linked with a 3.5 mini jack cable, so check that your sony tv will be able to do that ,there's a list of which sony bravia tv's will do that, otherwise your better off not worrying about it, its sony way of saying if you want the latest sound you have to buy this and that, where as every other AV manufacture is sticking to the best way of home theater,which is to say 5.1 5.1.2 7.1 7.1.2 etc etc, and they have the atmos decoding system dolby DTX etc etc. Also you will find because of gaming these days, unless you want to have the best sound and picture experience you have to get a AV with VRR, ALL and 4/120 hertz & a good 4K tv( do not buy a 8K) forget the 8K /60 there's nothing in Australia and other countries which have any movies in 8K( 35 in total) , they are still in 4k uhd players, so how on earth is your 8k tv going to play a movie which is still in 8k but no 8 k blu ray players to buy? Also tell one company who has made a 8K AV receiver or blu ray player, none, so why bother and especially when in some countries they do not even stream in 4K normal free to air tv, let alone 8K and the same with AV receivers etc? cheers 👌👌✌✌🦘🦘👍👍

[@rollindeep786]

My experience, 3d audio on a surround sound system is not a good experience! I absolutely detest it, no sound localisation, it's ruined gaming for me.. I can't sit or stand playing a game with headphones.. And the games I experienced, 5.1 setups are not suited with this device

[@trauma50disaster1]

So you did an infofercial, sucked it up boi. All of what you covered is off the sony promo marketing sheet. DId you test these "phantom" sounds with "doubling" your speakers with phantom speakers? Did you put it through its paces? Did you isolate and turn off each speaker to test what speaker is actually doing? Did you A/B it with 360 off? Did you blind a/b test it with friends? or did you just watch a yt 360 review from others? Did you sample 10 videos you have memorized and know what sounds are coming so you could notice the difference?

[@ChrisBoylan]

The video (which is based on an article that I wrote) is primarily about Sony 360 Reality Audio which is a new (ish) object-based immersive sound format, that competes with Dolby Atmos, but is currently available with music tracks only (not on video content). 360 Reality Audio is available on Amazon Music, Tidal and a couple of other streaming services. 360 Reality Audio doesn't create phantom speakers. It's an object-based surround sound format similar to Dolby Atmos. It uses a surround bed, enhanced with objects that are mapped in three dimensional space, then rendered at playback for your specific speaker configuration. 360 Spatial Sound Mapping is different. That creates phantom speakers to make the transitions among speakers in your room more seamless. Because Sony offers both of these similarly named technologies, we covered both formats in the article and in the video. And yes, I did listen pretty extensively to both 360 Reality Audio content and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and included my thoughts on both in the receiver review that Brian posted in an earlier comment.

[@claudioe1]

DEEZNUGS!

[@ramprasath1552]

Hey Chris. I want to watch movies on these sony 360 reality audio. Currently i have a 20 dollar neckband that support 360 spatial audio(i know its unbelievable but true) This neckband of mine let me watch Movies in VLC media player in Spatial audio something like DD5.2 atmos. Can i do the same with sony xm5 headphones with reality audio? in my neckband , all the songs somewhat converts into 360 spatial audio. I don't think it's the case with sony xm4 and xm5s. I guess in these sony headphones, you can only listen to 360 reality audio from certified streaming services like amazon music unlimited and stuff. Please help me out @@ChrisBoylan

[@gabs180-w3j]

this diddnt age well with tidal dropping support lmfao XD

[@ecoustics]

@@gabs180-w3j you are correct. We covered the news of TIDAL dropping Sony 360RA here: www.ecoustics.com/news/tidal-drops-mqa-360ra-podcasts/

[@gabs180-w3j]

aswell thare is a mpegh player for windows so u no longer need support for the codec itself me with a simple atmos and dtsx soundbar with ture rear speakers can play any sony 360 audio track thanks to it

[@BeastmodeBeats]

neither will survive

[@andynonimuss6298]

And for Dolby Atmos developers... there's a new audio interface called Audient ORIA that simplifies the process for surround development.

[@ecoustics]

That’s good to know. Thanks.