Each speaker serves as an audio channel, and audio engineers create a surround sound effect via mapping sounds to channels. Traditional surround sound systems use a channel-based audio delivery approach. However, for most home theaters, a nine-speaker 7.1.2 setup provides an excellent Atmos experience. Speakersĭolby Atmos surround sound is compatible with up to 34 speakers. 7.1 Surround: What’s the Difference?ĭolby Atmos adds overhead sound and improved calibration software, which makes the sound deeper and more precise than traditional Surround 7.1 systems. Compared to a two-channel stereo system, a Surround 7.1 system is a vast improvement. Audio is tuned to output sound across the seven-speaker channels to create a surround sound effect for listeners. Seven speakers are placed around a viewing/listening area and coupled with a subwoofer. What is Surround 7.1?ħ.1 Surround is a common high-end home theater set-up. Instead of 7.1, Dolby Atmos is 7.1.X, where the X should be understood as the number of overhead speakers incorporated into a Dolby Atmos surround system.Ī core virtue of Dolby Atmos is that it can incorporate a large number of traditional and overhead speakers to create an incredibly deep and precise audio experience. The simplest way to conceptualize Dolby Atmos is to think of it as 7.1 Surround plus. Overhead sound, a layer of sound absent from traditional surround systems, is essential for Dolby Atmos. Each surround sound system has its own advantages and disadvantages you can review to decide which is better for your home.ĭolby Atmos is audio technology that adds layers of sound beyond what traditional Surround 7.1 systems can provide. Deciding between a Dolby Atmos system and a Surround 7.1 system appears to be such a dilemma, but it is not. Every audio decision seems to require intense scrutiny of incompatible and highly technical options. Perfecting home theater audio is challenging.

Dolby surround 7.1