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Dolby Atmos: does it do anything for two-channel reproduction?

I noticed that more and more of my downloads from Apple Music show the Dolby Atmos logo next to "lossless". But I cannot really hear any obvious difference on my two-channel system. Would I need a special decoder? I don't know if there are any besides the one reviewed in the current Stereophile issue (which costs a bundle). And if I had such a decoder, would it add anything to two-channel reproduction (such as adding spatial information), or is it designed strictly for multi-channel reproduction such as home-theater?

Thanks!

 
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Showing 2 responses by kota1

kota1
2,706 posts
 

Atmos is compatible with two speakers or headphones if you have a decoder. Object based audio is different than channels based, it is backward compatible with whatever setup you are using. My system can playback atmos up to 9.2.8 channels and yes, I have played it back in two speakers. I like it and yes, I recommend getting a receiver or processor with an atmos deoder. If you are using headphones get the ones from apple made for atmos.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

You would use your current DAC for content that isn't atmos. For atmos content you would need a source (like apple tv, amazon fire tv/stick, x-box for streaming or a BRD player for discs). Then you would need either a HT processor or receiver.
I would only go through the above if you want an atmos immersive audio setup with at least a 5.1.2 speaker layout.

If you only want to listen to atmos in two channel use a headphone setup that is enabled with dolby atmos, much easier and also very nice:

https://www.dolby.com/experience/headphones/

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