Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Atmos speaker setup

Hi all,

I'm considering installing a pair of M3 ceiling speakers in a 5.1.2 configuration to enable basic Atmos sound in my home theatre setup. My processor has the needed outputs for Atmos but I only have 5 channels on my ADA-1500 amp.

I am reasonably sure the answer to my question is "Yes" but do I need to upgrade to a 7-channel ADA-1500 to drive my intended setup? I don't have room for 2 amps so adding a second ADA-1500 to drive the 2 Atmos channels is not an option. I could always replace the processor/power amp with an 8 or 11 channel integrated amp but I do want to stay with a Marantz prepro/Axiom power amp solution.

Adding two channels is probably the best solution if you want to keep the 7705 and not add another amp. I should point out that the QS8s are not recommended for ATMOS but I’d try it before changing them … most movies out there are not placing pin point sounds as much as placing more diffuse effects so the QS8s might be better most of the time especially in a low surround count system

I don’t know your room but two thoughts: 1) you might consider 7.1 before going ATMOS (more content will use it). 2) find room for a 2nd Anp as you may find that you will want to go to 7,1,2 in short order. Just my thoughts … neither is necessarily better then what your planning

I would say 5.1.2 is the better strategy than 7.1 in my experience. Much bigger payoff for same components if ceiling speakers are an option.

Second rrlev in adding two channels amplification.

Hmmmm, Perhaps I just was not running enough 3d material. Last time I was running ATMOS was in the old house (that’s like 3+ years ago). Only had a couple of ATMOS disks and it was before I was stream stuff. Another reason to hurry up and get that HT running!

Boy, HT requires a lot of amplification.

In my den HT, I have 2 ADA1500s, that's 10 channels for front L/R speakers. I use an Integra Research 7 channel for a VP160 center and 6 M2OW speakers for 4 surrounds and 2 ATMOS side high channels. I use a Marantz 7025 2 channel amp for the front 2 ATMOS M2OWs. That's 19 channels of amplification!

Bass is assisted by a pair of EP600s.

I'm using a Marantz 8805 processor. Sounds pretty good.

My bedroom HT uses a Marantz 7703, a 7 channel Cary amp and a 2 channel Marantz 7025 driving a pair of Thiel CS3.6s, a VP180 center and 6 Michaura M55s for 2 ATMOS front highs and 4 surrounds. A pair of EP500s an SVS 20-39 and a Velodyne 12" for bass. Only 9 channels of amplification here.

Also sounds pretty good.

2x,
Scare people out you are

Counting the 10 channels on the actives is cheating ...
Most people with your setup have only need 11 channels of amplification

Yup, most normal people.