Do Wall-Mounted Speakers Work in an Atmos Setup?

Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q I’m upgrading my home theater for Dolby Atmos and have noted that various speakers are now being specifically marketed for this purpose. For example, I’ve seen compact speakers with sloped, downward-pointing baffles that are designed to be wall-mounted near the ceiling. Are these as effective in delivering overhead effects as an in-ceiling or Atmos Enabled speaker? Also, could an Atmos Enabled speaker be mounted in the same manner near the ceiling? —R. Hatton, via email

A The compact speaker that you’re referring to sounds like the Prime Elevation from SVS. As you say, such speakers offer an alternative to in-ceiling speakers and Atmos Enabled modules by providing a wall-mounted option that angles down toward the listener from a position near the ceiling. According to SVS, the Prime Elevation provides a superior option to Atmos Enabled modules since it delivers full-range output directed at the listening position. The output of Atmos Enabled speakers, in contrast, has a “shaped” frequency response that’s meant to enhance the reflection of sound off the ceiling. Furthermore, Atmos Enabled speakers rely on optimal room conditions — specifically, a room with a high, flat ceiling — for best results. While Sound & Vision hasn’t yet reviewed a system with SVS Prime Elevation speakers, the company’s 45-day in-home trial makes it a compelling option.

As for mounting an Atmos Enabled speaker in the same manner near the ceiling, that option is a no-go. Atmos Enabled speakers are specifically engineered to bounce sound off of the ceiling. (Some companies — Klipsch, for example — say their Atmos Enabled modules can also be used as surrounds.) If your ceiling’s shape — a cathedral-type, for instance — poses a problem for installing in-ceiling or Atmos Enabled speakers, I’d check out the Prime Elevation.

Related Ask S&V Posts:

Are New Speakers Needed for Dolby Atmos?

Can I Use Ceiling Speakers as Surrounds in an Atmos Setup?

Can I Use Wireless Ceiling Speakers for Dolby Atmos?

Which In-Ceiling Speaker Should I Use for Dolby Atmos?

Can I Use Dipole Speakers as Atmos Height Speakers?

Can I Use Dipole Speakers in a 7.1.4 Atmos Setup?

Which Dolby Atmos Speaker System Should I Buy?

Should I Use Ceiling Speakers in a 5.1.2 Atmos Setup?

Is a 5.1.2 Setup Sufficient for Atmos Surround?

How Can I Upgrade to Atmos Without Running Wires for Additional Speakers?

What Receiver Should I Use for an Atmos 7.1.4 System?

How Do Older Receivers Handle Atmos Soundtracks?

How Do Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos Differ?

Other Related Posts:

Eye on Atmos: 15 Minutes with Dolby’s Brett Crockett

First Listen: Dolby Atmos Is "Right" At Home

Dolby Atmos Explained Plus More First Impressions

The Ultimate Test: Dolby Atmos vs. Dolby Atmos

X