High-End Dolby Atmos Theater Experience Sparks Surround Sound Upgrade in Ohio
January 05, 2017Robin in Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Experiencing the immersion of Dolby Atmos in a pro cinema left Robin from Ohio wanting more than his home-theater-in-a-box was capable of delivering. Seeing how much technology had changed since his last upgrade, Robin started researching and after discovering bass bliss with an SVS PB13-Ultra subwoofer, he went deeper and upgraded to a 5.2.4 system with Ultra speakers and a second subwoofer to create the hardest hitting, most realistic audio experience he and his friends had ever heard.
The Setup:
- 2x SVS Ultra Tower Speakers
- 2 x Ultra Surround Speakers
- 1x SVS Ultra Center Speaker
- 1x SVS PB13-Ultra
- 1x SVS PC12-Plus Subwoofer
- 4 x Paradigm In-Ceiling Speakers
- Denon 6300 AV receiver
Questions And Answers:
Why did you first start getting into audio?
I’ve always been fascinated by audio and sound quality since the very first system I ever owned, a small home-theater-in-a-box that opened me up to surround sound and what was possible. I upgraded to what I thought was a high performance 7.1 Bose system in 2008, but it wasn’t enough, and recently, I really started wanting something more in line with modern technology that could provide a high fidelity experience and satisfy me more with movies and music.
What was the process like for upgrading your audio system?
When I was at a point where I could afford to have the system at home, the first thing I did was set a budget. I had heard Dolby Atmos in movie theaters and knew that’s what I ultimately wanted, but I actually started researching subwoofers first. I did a lot of research online and had several people recommend SVS, and I didn’t even know SVS made speakers until I has decided to purchase the PB13-Ultra. I kept doing more research and read very good things about all the products. Within the next 3 months, I upgraded my entire system with a second subwoofer, the PC12-Plus, and then the Ultra Towers and the Ultra surrounds.
Because I wanted in-ceiling speakers for the height effects, I chose a different brand and worked with the team at Sound & Vision in Cuyahoga Falls, OH to get them installed. Their team was amazing with set-up and also helped me pick out the best Atmos receiver for my system. Because they are an SVS dealer, I knew I could trust them and I would highly recommend Sound & Vision for anyone who wants a home theater in Ohio. Very knowledgeable and helpful.
What was the impact of replacing your previous speakers with SVS?
One of the first things I noticed was a major difference in the rear sound effects. The Ultra Surrounds were such a massive upgrade over the tiny speakers I had before that there was this new sense of tactile effects that was never present with my HTIB. I didn’t realize how much of the experience I was missing, but it totally delivered that “in-the-middle-of-the-action” type feeling, which was hugely important for me.
I was also noticing finer details in all the sound effects, music, dialogue, and basically everything. I was just amazed by the sound of the experience, and what I was missing before. Between the Dolby Atmos technology and quality of the speakers, it creates this awesome 3D audio experience that’s so much more realistic, especially with high resolution audio. I feel like I appreciate movies and music more now because I hear everything at its fullest.
What difference did the dual subwoofers make?
They’re incredible. Sound has so much more feeling now and my room, which is somewhat of an open concept, comes to life when certain movie scenes come on. There’s just no comparison because it’s not something I’d experienced before, even at the movie theaters. The opening chase scene in Deadpool had me on the edge of my seat and I could feel the impact of every crash and tiny detail. It just blows me away. Mad Max: Fury Road was also a crazy assault of bass that just hits you so hard. It’s hard to explain the total difference unless you’ve felt it for yourself.
Anything else you’d like to share with the SVS community?
When I saw the PB16-Ultra was released, I almost got tempted to upgrade but after the effort to get the PB13 in my house, and because I don’t run it near it’s potential, I fought the urge, but it still got me really excited. Also, I was surprised by how interested my friends were in the entire system. None of them have home theaters, so for them to see me go through the process was helpful, and now I’m like the expert and they have a better understanding of the value of sound quality.
Also, I want to mention the stellar customer support from both SVS and Sound and Vision in Ohio. It seems like a lot of companies have forgotten what great service is so it’s refreshing to have this kind of experience.