Originally posted by Chameleon
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mlknez , Although the advertising has defiantly stated that the software supports Atmos, someone in another thread said that Atmos from the Apple site may still not be supported. I HAVE downloaded files in FLAC and gotten wonderful Dolby 5.1 (six speaker) channel surround from the decoder in my receiver. Although my receiver supports up to eight channels, I only have six speakers hooked up, so I can't comment on the sound quality past 5.1. I know it's not Atmos, but the coding for 5.1 is still imbedded in the file. If you have a good Atmos decoder. your speakers are set up correctly and you are still not getting the immersive separation or channel breakout you believe you should have, I guess that's as good as it gets for now. I do know that Atmos is an immersive object oriented surround, and not 5.1, 6.1 or even 7.1. That said, I believe that if the streaming site is touting Atmos, the M4a, FLAC, MKV or MKA files that you download from their site (that are stated Atmos tracks), should have the coding for Atmos already imbedded in the file. Your Atmos Decoder should be able to decode them. You will still need to break out the "height channels" to hear the difference. Since I have only done minimal reading concerning Atmos, I have to admit that I'm still clueless on how to do this. As mentioned by Chameleon once I found out about the cost to set up an Atmos system, my exuberance to try and set it up in my Livingroom was severely curtailed.
Embedded Atmos coding in the downloaded files (although it seems reasonable) is just another one of my theory's. If you find out for sure, please let me know. I'm interested in what you find out.
Special Note: Apple has been also touting "Spatial Audio". If you look closely, it's "Powered by Atmos", and requires HomePod or Dolby Atmos supported speakers. I'm not sure if it has to be played through an Apple device to decode it. Spatial Audio also works with Beats Headphones or AirPods. Sonos has confirmed that it will work with some of their sound bars, and the ERA300 speaker, but at $400.00+ U.S. per speaker, I think I'll pass for now. Apple has also been building in special speakers into their more recent products to play spatial audio (including phones and iPads). If the Spatial Audio is really what you're after, you are asking the wrong question. Spatial Audio is a different animal. For now it remains a predominantly Apple feature and may not be supported in MusicFab. In the future, devices featuring Spatial Audio prices may come down, and the number of compatible devices may climb. Who knows? It may take off and become ubiquitous (Like the MP4 format). Until then, (even though it does sound good) I guess I'm going to have to wait. The only thing I can think of for you to try until then, (if that's what you're after), is to download a (designated) spatial audio track (M4a (Apple Standard), FLAC, MP3, MKV or MKA) and play it through your Apple device with compatible speaker(s), pods or headphones, and see if it sounds right. "Good luck Mr. Phelps".
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