If you have been in the market for the search of a new home audio device, then you may have come across several different terms that you might not have heard before.
Dolby Atmos and 5.1 channel are just two of the most confusing things in the audiophile world, and people are confused about these terms, as what they mean, and which soundbar is better, a Dolby Atmos one, or a 5.1 channel soundbar.
If you are in the same shoes, then don’t get worried, as we have compiled this step-by-step post for you, in which we have explained all the differences in detail.
That being said, let’s jump right into the matter.
Dolby Atmos VS 5.1 Soundbar – Comparison
Before starting our comparison guide its necessary to discuss both the terms in indusial.
What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos is a complete surround sound technology, which provides you with real-life experience. This technology is very different as compared to the rest of the technologies, as it works with object-orienting, and the sound is also produced accordingly.
What is 5.1 Channel?
A 5.1 channel is a 6-channel surround system, in which there are two right channel speakers (one for the right channel, and one for the surround sound), and two left channel speakers (one for the right channel, and the other one for the surround effect), and then there is one center channel speaker for the dialogue clarity, and one subwoofer for lower frequency response.
Difference Between Dolby Atmos & Regular 5.1 Channel Soundbars
Now, you are familiar with the Dolby Atmos, and the regular 5.1 channel soundbars, it’s time to get deeper into the matter and check out the differences between the Dolby Atmos, and the regular 5.1 channel soundbars.
There are a lot of differences between the Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the 5.1 channel soundbars, which we have discussed in detail below.
Sound
Dolby Atmos is a major upgrade from the standard 5.1 channel surround system, and the Dolby Atmos works much better in this regard. The Dolby Atmos provides you complete surround sound experience, which is very different from the standard sound experience that you may have with the 5.1 channel sound, as this technology is object-oriented.
Another major difference between the Dolby Atmos, and the regular 5.1 channel surround sound is in the number of speakers. The number of speakers on the 5.1 channel surround system is 6, while there is no limit on the number of speakers that you can add with the Dolby Atmos.
Moreover, the Dolby Atmos technology allows you to separately treat the speakers according to the surround effect to offer you the best possible sound experience, which is another key factor.
Practicality
Dolby Atmos is a relatively newer technology, and people are kind of confused about it, whether they should get Dolby Atmos over the prior technologies, and should they pay the extra price for it.
The short, and sweet answer to this question are a “Yes”, the Dolby Atmos is more practical as compared to the 5.1 channel, as it offers to surround sound experience, and a majority of the newer movies support it, which is absolutely amazing.
Pricing
Last not least, it’s the pricing, which can make or break your purchase decision. Dolby Atmos is a relatively new technology as compared to the 5.1 channel, thus, it is pricier than the Dolby Atmos.
It will cost you about 300USD more, as compared to a standard 5.1 channel soundbar, which isn’t bad considering the surround effect which it offers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Dolby Atmos Sound Better?
Yes, the Dolby Atmos sounds better than the 5.1 channel soundbar, as, in Dolby Atmos, the surround quality of the soundbar is much better, which makes you feel that you are in the actual scene.
Does Netflix Support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, Netflix supports Dolby Atmos, and you can watch, and feel all of your favorite content in the Dolby Atmos audio through the soundbars.
How Do I Know that the Movie Supports Dolby Atmos?
Well, it is very clear and straightforward that if a movie supports Dolby Atmos, then it would show the Dolby Atmos logo, and name just under the movie title. In this way, you can know that the movie supports Dolby Atmos.
You can also visits our guides on our 5.1 sound bars:
- Best Settings for VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar
- JBL 9.1 VS 5.1 Soundbar
- 2.1 VS 5.1 Soundbar
- 3.1 VS 5.1 Soundbar
- 5.1 vs 7.1 Soundbar
Conclusion
Often people get confused about the Dolby Atmos, and the regular 5.1 channel soundbars, as to which one they should choose.
If you are one of those people who are confused about the 5.1 channel soundbars, and Dolby Atmos, we have made this guide specifically for you, in which we have put together all the differences that you should have in your mind before making your purchase decision.
If you are still doubtful about these two technologies, leave us a message below, and we would love to help you out.
Mia Evelyn is a soundbar specialist and she love to test and review different soundbar brands. She shares her neutral and in-depth reviews through the Soundbar Mag.