I built an INSANE speaker system CHEAP

This video does not contain ANY paid promotion of affiliate links. I purchased every piece of hardware and software. Everything comes out of my pocket so if you REALLY liked this video and want to help support the channel, please consider joining my patreon. The HiFi Club tier gives you access to a group chat with myself and the other members where we frequently talk about audio and tech. / dms3tv
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Ive never put this much time into shooting a KZbin video. I feel like 7.1.4 (12 channel) atmos is one of the coolest audio experiences I've had and really strongly felt like I needed to find a way to make atmos cheaper and affordable. Im sure you guys can find ways to do this even more efficiently as time goes on. I just hope people can discover this and use it to enjoy music.

[@DMS3TV]

If you haven’t seen it already, here’s Jonathan’s Atmos setup that inspired this whole project: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enTZZIugnLCkmbs

[@ritwik0]

I wonder why didn't you just ask him how he make it?

[@DMS3TV]

@@ritwik0 I did but his cost over $30k. The atmos controller alone was 3x the cost of my whole system.

[@ramprasadkulkarni9736]

I am planning to do something similar with windows can you please help me to find a similar setup for windows

[@thups4636]

"I was so down about it, then I downloaded a software and it worked". As an IT guy, I know that feeling very well.

[@o4saken1]

I felt that too! lol

[@OpLapDancePikachu69]

when automagic works as intended

[@raphaelvilleneuve9162]

This is next level... I want more. We need such imaginative projects in the audiophile space.

[@MachielGroeneveld]

Absolutely. DMS took a huge risk with this one.

[@o4saken1]

You took a dream audio environment and made it real then spread the knowledge so others can have the same experience. I know it took a long time but on behalf of everyone here, we just want to say thank you.

[@DMS3TV]

Thanks! It was a mountain of work but I feel like it was worth it 😄

[@eveakerlund7878]

💯💯💯

[@o4saken1]

@@DMS3TV After the initial set up, is the laptop still needed if I want to connect my TV to the receiver and still experience the full 12 speaker dolby atmos effect?

[@DMS3TV]

@@o4saken1 the mac is the processor, everything has to play off the mac, but you could always just hook the mac up to a TV and use it for home theater.

[@o4saken1]

@@DMS3TV This sounds best for a living room PC using the TV as a monitor. Too bad most TVs don't support DisplayPort, but the latest HDMI standard so that may help. I'm thinking 4k HDR streaming with Dolby Atmos.

[@badseedtech]

Dude - this was TOTALLY worth the wait. This came out amazing, GREAT job man.

[@ThevenimX]

I like the mad scientist direction DMS is taking, not you but the channel. Headphones show is like the real reviews but DMS channel is taking an idea and taking off with the edge of whats possible

[@Armbrust210]

The Thumbnail is a work of art. Even though i very much dislike the Star Wars sequels, it reminds me of that admittedly beautiful scene where Rey and Kylo fight Snoke and his Guards

[@iknowyounot88]

That production quality man, nothing comes close to this on KZbin.

[@DMS3TV]

Thanks! I spent WAY too long on it haha, but I’m really glad people are seeing it.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

You might want to check out a few more channels then. Lmao

[@_mayuu2335]

@En Joshi-Godrez lol that's what I'm saying, while this video is incredibly good, there's no shortage of videos with just as much or more effort put into them. Clearly haven't seen many KZbin channels.

[@Anteksanteri]

GxAce is pretty similar. It's basically this channel but for cameras and lenses and more cinematic. I'm not even interested in cameras and that channel amazes me in a similar way.

[@DMS3TV]

@@Anteksanteri I love GXAce. Incredible channel.

[@shennkotoba]

I friggin LOVE this project. Legit looking around my room trying to figure out how to place my speakers. Love the concept, love the execution and above all, love that you're essentially trailblazing here. More of this!

[@sullivansouza2709]

Agreed!

[@nurmbms90]

You have that “never say give up” mindset . To be honest , you’re the one that got me into this hobby. From someone who doesn’t know anything to someone who has a decent system through research , reviews and trying out . Thank you man. Hope to see you sometime in canjam.

[@k_new2866]

Man rickroll have really messed with my brain

[@devraint]

@@k_new2866 LOL

[@katteisace4563]

didn’t he say he was basically about to give up though

[@All_Together_Now]

you just blew my mind, as a budding music producer that wants to transform the concert experience i’m about to do exactly this in my home studio soon, thank you so much for all your work and effort!!!

[@Newrecordday]

This is an example of what a masterpiece video looks/sounds/feels like on KZbin. Hats off, salute and full respect.

[@betahost8817]

Thank you and Bravo my friend!!! As a fellow trooper to days and hours with REW for that perfect balance, and always looking for a way to get top tier mixing levels (well beyond the budget) - you popped up while just beginning to start dreaming about ATMOS mixing. You have sincerely payed it forward with your full spectrum of trial and error.....and most importantly, a confidence that DIY'ers can enter this domain without selling a limb. Huge Gratitude 😀

[@ELJefeReviews]

I was lucky enough to hear Jon's system back un June. There is nothing like it! I got the full-body goosebumps. It gave me a goal to achieve someday.😆 Awesome work on the setup bro! Hope I get a chance to check it out in person.

[@Yoshendi]

This system looks like something you’d see in an exhibition, so it’s nice to hear that it sounds like it too!

[@apapods]

How is this just 9+ mins? You’re a godsend DMS. A true gift to the audiophile community. No way I’m gonna build this but seeing the frustration and payoff from you was so satisfying. Excited for more contents

[@ShouterOfSanity]

I'm curious to know more about how it's wired, I think I got it figured out now based on some freeze-frames and the post but I'm interested in any feedback if this is actually right. My understanding is 1. for 7.1.4 you need 12 output channels --> you used 2x 7.1 DACs for 14.2 outputs, and use Loopback to treat them as one logical DAC 2. for room EQ with REW you need digital signal processing on all 12 channels --> you used 6x miniDSP 2x4, each has 2 inputs 3. each miniDSP 2x4 is configured with 1:1 routing: input 1 --> output 1 and input 2 --> output 2; outputs 3 and 4 unused 4. the miniDSP output is line level, needs to be amplified for you passive speakers so we need an amplifier 5. the 11 speaker miniDSP outputs are line level --> connect them to 11 inputs on your amplifier, then wire the 11 speakers 6. your subwoofer I assume is powered so the 12th miniDSP output goes directly to your sub 7. to do room REQ you use do some recordings with the mic, get a magic file, then load that magic file onto the miniDSPs 8. (optional) once it's set up don't let anybody touch any buttons! As for why someone would buy a 7.1.4 receiver for $3k I guess it's convenience and flexibility? A $3k receiver can decode and play the 7.1.4 from multiple sources, has built-in and automated room EQ, and I assume more powerful amplifiers than the Dayton M1240a. For all that they charge an extra $1500-2000. My guess is most people would just buy the receiver at this point but doing it yourself is a much better learning experience!

[@ZeroDayAnubis]

This is my absolute favorite kind of thing to see. Reminds me of the time I heard the best thing in audio ever: having my first 5.1 setup and hearing Linkin Park's Reanimation in DVD-Audio and also BT's This Binary Universe in DVD-Audio (DTS mix). Still so mindblowing to me back in like 2006. I can't wait to have my mind blown like that again in the future :)

[@Foobymaster1]

The amount of work you put into this is insane. From the editing to the actual work spent getting an ambitious diy to work, this was incredible.

[@H0kieJoe]

Congrats DMS on being one of the few people online who understand the importance of identical speakers for the main and surround channels. Sean Olive of JBL has some great info on how to arrange your subwoofers in room to minimize room modes.

[@dougleydorite]

Good to see you outside of the headphone world. I’m into recording - HiFi a little and… people like you is what the industry needs people like you to bypass insane and unnecessary cost.. Now you just need Trinnov for your atmos system 💰

[@alex_ayers]

I come across your video through Rogue Amoeba, and firstly through the "Why Logic Pro Rules" channel. I was concerned for how my interface would work with MacOS and understanding that my interface has 16 channels and I want to run 12 with Apple Music. This might have saved me some hassle into figuring out why it doesn't work in the future. The interface is on it's way, and if I have any issues, I am hoping that software will be my solution!! Big thanks man, definitely earned a subscriber here.

[@starnutron6147]

can you tell me how to setup this (software) in windows

[@alex_ayers]

@@starnutron6147 Windows get's a little more complicated. I would recommend using a MacBook, since Window's doesn't have easy loopback audio features like Mac does

[@starnutron6147]

@@alex_ayers I dont have budget for mac but i can aggregate the devices using ASIO4ALL but after that I need guidance like how will i get channel router and mainly Dolby decoder. Any help will be appreciated thank you

[@CCFIFresno]

I feel you, when I first started doing Serious Car Audio the right way. I spent so much time reading, researching and ultimately practicing. I say that because I'd have to redo some part of the portion I had just completed. When I say Car Audio System I mean the complete system from the power to wiring, components, speaker's, sound stage, sound deadening materials, boxes, baffles, amp racks. Then tuning it all with the reconstructed bass and full range of sound from 20 to 20K hertz. Congratulations and thank you for your dedication and effort. 💯

[@juliangst]

Really nice setup. For someone starting from scratch I would highly recommend skipping all those MiniDSPs and just getting a Multichannel DAC and doing correction in software

[@EctalZero]

I think it was a bit complicated finding a multichannel day for 12 channels and for this price. But yeah it would make it a lot simpler

[@juliangst]

@@EctalZero Motu Ultralite MK5 (~700€) is really popular for surround setups and has 10 analog and 2 digital channels

[@justinchey2281]

I bet this guy can do a 𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 Kermit the Frog voice.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

It’s finally here!! 🎉🎉

[@DMS3TV]

Feels like a mountain lifted off my shoulders

[@ryankramer]

We NEED this kind of thinking and exposure for the audio hobby. This crucially breaks down the barrier of entry to get more people into it, and is a great gateway drug to the Home Theater hobby where it just gets worse/better!

[@TheAnimatorGames]

DMS, top quality audio man on KZbin. I loved this! It was so we'll put together and introduced me to something new I didn't know I wanted

[@karchacoustics]

as someone who has the same love for sound, i appreciate seeing this become a reality. awesome!!!

[@chrisnyc3641]

Have you ever heard BT's "This Binary Universe"? He produced it natively in 5.1 surround and released it on DVD audio. It was 2 decades ahead of its time. I think it would blow your mind.

[@mikatsuno]

This video is the most deservant of the name "You"Tube I have ever seen. Incredible work and project. The part where you said "if all else fails, no one will ever see this video!", and the overall cinematography of your shots felt so authentic. From the despair of failure and the joy of sharing your success to only a small amount of people that could understand what you are doing, is what reminded me that we all have a child in our hearts. Thank you for making this video and I can't wait to see your future accomplishments!

[@y55en45]

this is exactly what i wanted to create myself. I’m so glad there’s others who think alike and i thank you for bringing this idea to life as i don’t have anywhere near the funds or idea of how to do it 😂

[@aratafreecs3445]

This was so cool! Everything fit so well together, the audio, video, color grading, editing, etc. If I ever feel the need to spend a lot of money on an audio project again, I know what I will do! Thanks so much for this really interesting and frankly inspiring video!

[@aaronrobbins1458]

I am a huge movie nerd, so I've been wanting ATMOS since it came out, but, at least for me, cost has been out of my reach. Seeing a DIY option is incredible. Thank you so much for doing this and sharing. I'm afraid this is still outside of my budget, because I've had to leave the work force to save my sanity, but it is so very, very great to see this. I hope I get to try it out some day.

[@SamuraiGuy]

It's not a full Atmos setup, but I got a receiver and 5.1.2 speaker setup for about $600 including a 12" subwoofer and cables. The trick is looking at used gear. My setup would probably be $1200 new.

[@starnutron6147]

​@@SamuraiGuy how is this not a true or full atmos setup can you explain please be because i need this and i m curious

[@SamuraiGuy]

@@starnutron6147 I think I called it that because it's the bare minimum for all three dimensions from something like Atmos, but also because some people won't consider it a full Atmos setup unless it's at least 7.2.4. some people go way into it, but I think it's largely unnecessary. I don't know if that's the actual reason, but I think that's what I was thinking at the time.

[@starnutron6147]

@@SamuraiGuy btw after aggregating and routing all the channels then how to play dolby atmos content can you guide me please

[@SamuraiGuy]

@@starnutron6147 I'm sorry, but I don't think I know enough to help you. I just use a receiver that natively supports Dolby Atmos, with content encoded in Atmos or with the Dolby Access app on my PC.

[@ThatNerdChris]

Fire thumbnail dude

[@DMS3TV]

Thanks, been messing around with blender

[@AliWithTheMW]

The video/edit quality is insane. Props dude!

[@LordLiquidBaconII]

That was really cool. It's great that you shared how the process was so others can recreate it. Also I'm hyped for the future of more big project videos from you DMS!

[@nicksanchez9200]

Well done!.....no.... that doesn't give you enough credit.... what you've done here is exceptional! The out of the box thinking with the follow-through. You've accomplished not only a first class system but budget friendly too!!! This is the first video I've seen from you, liked, and subscribed immediately. ....However... I'm literally in the beginning stages of my dedicated theater room... aaaaand now thinking of copying your build. I want to experience that system. Goosebumps just watching this video. Great job!

[@dadjake]

I love the video editing and the style/asthetic in the videos. It's so good, and you're very underrated with way too few subscribers.

[@amdenis]

GREAT video. So glad you didn’t go with Genelec’s. There are so many issues with most of there speakers that I’m not surprised that China’s their number one market.

[@Database_Productions]

Saw your post on Reddit showing the room off, couldn't wait for the video and now, here it is!

[@RadoDani]

There’s a huge value in DIY hi-fi projects. From speaker, amp and DAC kits to Raspberry Pi streamers etc.

[@fueradelmeta]

This vid should be above 1M, the production is astonishing.

[@pttbn]

This is awesome. Thanks for sharing the knowledge. Next time you're in LA see if you can get a demo at the L'Acoustic creations hub out there. They have an insane 23.1.18 immersive listening room.

[@JCJW101]

Even just selecting 5 Channel stereo on my Yamaha AMP and having the music come from all directions absolutely rocks. I get so frustrated with the lack of rear speaker usage in movies because having even the main sounds come from behind just feels SO much more immersive and awesome.

[@TheDiabolus]

100% earned like, comment, and subscribe. This is some of the best content I’ve seen in a while.

[@LonelyRavenProductio]

I would love to see QRD diffusers designed, built, and a room tuned with them. That would make a great video to teach people about how much the room acoustics affects your sound!

[@Memento_Mori]

Audiophilia in my opinion is chasing whatever you can listen to that gives you the chills, the kind of chills you only get from the love of audio. The experience is way more important than the price tag as far as I'm concerned and I can't wait to try this.

[@robob3ar]

just got new monitors focal alpha 80 evo, and yeah your comment just struck me, audiophile - it’s audio addiction :), chasing that audio high - I was so ecstatic by listening to best speakers I’ve gotten in my life so far.. It’s a nice addiction - if you can afford it, and have a place you won’t bother anyone - I just realized this channel is info I want

[@r0mpastompa]

Absolute great and informative Video in less then 10 minutes and that in 2022! Your sir, are a legend already! Thank you and keep up the impressive work!

[@freezyc]

The shots during the "Interview" part at the end look absolutly beautiful

[@nl_2652]

Stunning work. Thank you for putting in the time - what a pleasure to watch this video! Wish I could hear your setup right now!

[@keithposehn]

I’ve been a stereo diy die-hard for years, but the way you built this it looks like fun. I may have to try it.

[@kieranchurch9923]

Well done for persevering. Interest project and would love to experience the sound! Bravo.

[@gely_]

finally, been waiting on this video to come out. Thank you DMS! :)

[@Veritablehatter]

This was awesome, thank you! I'd love to see more projects like this, and maybe more experiments with the exciter speaker wall you've got behind you.

[@rngmstrs]

wow you've changed your video style so much! I love it. Subbed!

[@alevalleys]

I literally love your style, I already saw your video about the 40$ headphones, and I literally loved it too!!! Keep it doing it like this. Love it.

[@Polygon_Live]

Awesome to see you've built yourself a 3 dimensional sound system. If you're interested to explore further, we build immersive 3D live sound stages surrounding the audience and over 85% of the audience says it's the best sound system they've ever experienced. We're confident that immersive 3D sound experiences will continue to grow, and become a new standard (like IMAX) in the future.

[@J.Carstens]

Next time you need to mount anything to the ceiling, look into drop ceiling brackets for speakers or whatever else it is! Put those tiles and rails to use

[@FairchlldMusic1]

Well done dude! Dedication man…Thanks for the awesome vid

[@laLakshya]

Simply excellent, this is the best produced video i have seen after a long time.

[@ryanreviews8566]

man, I hope in the near future, setting something this awesome up is easier and more accessible. this is amazing truly.

[@idemoniakoart]

I've listened to bands like Queen, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple or even Opeth that have albums officially released in 5.1 surround sound and it blows your mind. It is something well thought that plays with every channel, so to think that musicians are creating mixes for Dolby Atmos systems makes it even more exciting. I do have a DIY surround setup with my pc and been able to create this for cheap as well, oh man!

[@djninety-five3916]

Yesss! Much gratitude for the dedication you put into this project. Here's to a more immersive sound experience 🥂

[@MrMurl]

This video should have been about 25 minutes long. Take us through the process, and keep us there, let us know your problems and view your problem solving. The journey needs just as much, if not far more focus then the destination in any good story. Great work, keep it up!

[@YashStan]

This was really cool. Really thinking about getting this done for my space as I’m just building a home studio and this really excites me!

[@wesleystephens401]

Instant sub after 30 seconds in. This is right up my ally.

[@tr1k716]

Well done my man, love the VOD's respect....

[@StevieGttv]

i do enjoy your jerney in to the deep dive of sound. this could be a whole trilogy. lol

[@sai4michael]

Damn! that's cool and I'm so happy that it worked in the end!

[@AnotherAnonymousMan]

Bravo for even attempting to do this and congratulations on nailing it!

[@alangfp]

Oh man, yeah!! Loopback is an amazing piece of software!! I'm a teacher and I teach online! It used to be a pain in the ass to piece together audio + video + record my microphone + play audio from youtube etc. so my students would hear it seamlessly and I wouldn't look like those old teachers that have a master's degree, but don't know how to work with powerpoint, you know? hahahhaha this software saved me!! Now I can do all that without thinking, and it all works so easily. It's magic!!! I highly recommend it to anyone trying to work with audio on a mac.

[@MrJoegotbored]

Not a comment on your speaker system, but on your microphone. HOW DID YOU GET IN MY PHONE???!!! You sound crystal clear!!

[@ilkosmolyanets]

Shout out from Ukraine/ Dude, u did an awesome kit and I wish one day i can create something like this in my room for working with my video or audio projects. Your video suprised me, cause I hadn't even thought that that system is possible to create by yourselves. Respect to u. That's the first video that I have watched from your channel - liked and subscribed). Have a good days, man.

[@chewydewy8411]

I mean, I discovered your channel only a while ago, and as an audio lover, really love your opinions and views so far! So idk, it would be lovely if you can maybe have a video recommending more budget-friendly dac amps, like under 200usd/euros?

[@OTNaugrim]

Topping DX3 Pro +, Fiio K5 Pro, Ifi Zen Dac v2 (least power out of those mentioned here)

[@chewydewy8411]

@@OTNaugrim oh nice! Thanks for the 3 recommendations thus far, I'll have a closer look!

[@OTNaugrim]

@@chewydewy8411 np, if you have any further questions feel free to ask.

[@alxmarch]

Love the editing/music/photography

[@brimstonesdadwide]

I NEED to build this myself. Thank you so much for putting in the hours (and days and weeks)! I'm inspired! ❤️🤤

[@noahokeyo]

The audio mixing on this video is a treat.

[@artceramdental4313]

It’s such a Good info that I ended up subscribing to your channel.😉… keep up the good work. Thanks for your time in research.

[@mikenjenn]

Kudos to you brother. This is thinking outside the box and it shows how imagination plays into invention. Well done!

[@Globalsouthie]

I've been scouring KZbin and the web for this content! And there we go !

[@johnlocke_1]

Liked and subscribed. I can appreciate the man-hours put into the project. Also, you sound identical to Ray Romano.

[@Rubmaster]

This video is so well put together and super enjoyable to watch! Grate work man!

[@bulbophyllumechinolabium4315]

I'm using a Denon X3700h and a Dayton APA150 to run a 7.2.4 setup. Collected old Denon speakers and subwoofers from an old system and eBay. Movies sound fantastic but music is not good. A video or help would be amazing. Fantastic content as usual.

[@mrdylansays]

There are drop-ceiling T-bar clips that exist that might make it easier to mount the ceiling speakers. They might hold a bit better (at least have less threat of dropping and can be safety-tied) than the magnets and duct tape mount.

[@kyleolsen3305]

Surround sound is next level. Full range audio, more so leaning to the low end side of things is also next level. The amount of people that haven’t experience infrasonic audio is astounding.

[@smalle]

I’d love to see it taken further to see if you can create your own pre-processor for a home theater with a similar setup, not just music!

[@austinouellette]

Same! I’m wondering how to convert this to work for both

[@akos87]

hell yeah! this is by far the best video you did to date. carry on!

[@hadkmusic]

appreciate it mann fantastic you did something which we are waiting for. A budget atmos system.

[@Rolandschrikker]

I just got recommended this video and I love it. Thanks for putting in the time and money to figure this out! You deserve more keep up the good work! Ps really digging the production quality!!! 🔥

[@curtiskloberdanz2512]

Atmos is a game changer. I own the denon 8500 receiver. 13 channels. 9.3.4 set up. In this set up I run 6 towers. I couldn’t get the bass needed so I bought a svs pb16 ultra sub woofer. The only thing that can beat this set up is an actual atmos theater. He is correct, it depends on how it is mixed.

[@DanTheBrit]

Your next tackle? Would love to see you try adding another 4, but on the floor to get even more immersion. Feel how sounds are above you or under you. Try it with music, sounds, and movies. If that actually blows your mind or it's much better than your current setup, that you can feel things above and under, then i might possibly make one myself :D

[@madDdog67]

Awesome vid...I recognized those Daytons as soon as I saw them. Got a pair in my bedroom :)

[@ttiization]

I made a sound system with 6 diferent speakers. All of then have different attributes, mechanically speaking. And that makes a difference. When you play a different sound with each speaker it sounds way more clear than using only 2 speakers for a whole band. This may have helped here, not only the special thing. My setup is amazing even in front of me. If the direction where the only factor, big headphones would aound the same, as they cover all directions from the ears perspective

[@Irfan_S.E]

high respect for you sir.

[@vajdanamal]

Nice video! insane production and something eye-opening for the audiophile in me

[@AaronHuffmanPerson]

Big congrats on getting it done! The ability for anyone to do this is amazing.

[@thestevewarfield]

Liked and subbed. The first of your videos I've seen, but I'm all in. Good Stuff!

[@ightimmaheadout290]

Everyone here admiring the speaker system he built while im here admiring the clean editing and presentation of the video since i know nothing about speakers

[@thehumanchris]

Just discovered this video on my explore page. Brilliant! So glad you were able to overcome the challenge and create something so sick! I'm kinda wondering though, why you didnt ask Jonathan earlier for the software, as you were trying to replicate his setup 😅 Would have saved you tons of time. Nontheless, great project and also i think this video deserves a lot more love 💛