Podcast #1112: Listener Speaker Configurations
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This week Braden tells his Soundbar saga and Ara bought an Airpod Max. We also have early results of our Listener Speaker Configuration Survey. Plus we read your emails and the week’s news.

News:

• Free ad-supported TV streaming services are booming, 1 in 3 U.S. viewers tune in)
• Netflix, Amazon and Hulu Hegemony Is Waning, Survey Says)
• SHARP Aquos XLED TVs: A Game Changer For Independent Retailers)
• Cable, Broadcast TV Viewing Falls Below 50% For First Time As Streaming Gains Steam)

Listener Speaker Configurations On the last show we asked you to tell us what type of speaker configurations you are listening to. This week we will give you the results and provide you some resources for getting the most out of your setup.

Atmos 32%

7 Channel 32%

5 Channel 32%

Soundbar 2 channel 26.5%

6 Channel 6%

9 Channel 3%

Dolby Speaker Setup Guides) 

Small Den/Bedroom ~250 Square feet  Soundbar or 2.1

Family/Bonus Room up to  300  square feet 5.1

Greater than 300 square feet 7.1 - Consider seating as well. 7.1 systems need space behind the seating positions to be properly configured.

Atmos

There is an option in all of the above scenarios for Atmos. The question is whether it's worth it or not. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you more concerned about sound effects vs sound quality. If the answer is yes, put more of your budget towards Atmos capability.
• Is your room big enough to fully utilize Atmos speakers? While you can put Atmos anywhere, do you need it? A 5.1 system in a small room will provide you with a dynamic experience that can overwhelm the senses. Is there someplace else you can put resources to improve the experience like room treatments or better front speakers?
• How much content do you watch that has Atmos? Of course this can change as more movies and TVs are mixed for Atmos.
• Do I have a good subwoofer? You will get more bang for your buck improvement in your theater with a properly sized and configured subwoofer than by adding Atmos.