Posted Mon Jul 20, 2015 at 07:45 AM PDT by Steven Cohen
With the recent release of 'Ex Machina' on Blu-ray, the home theater industry now has its very first DTS:X enabled disc on the market, helping to usher in the era of next-gen audio. Together with Dolby Atmos, the format promises to bring a new level of immersion and scalability to home theaters through object-based mixing and the addition of overhead speakers.
We've already covered the ins and outs of both technologies in detail in our complete Dolby Atmos Home Theater Guide and DTS:X Home Theater Guide, so please refer to those previous articles for more information about what makes these formats so special and exciting.
But now that the basics have been addressed and content for each tech is officially on sale, we thought it would be a good idea to give you guys a full rundown on all of the currently available immersive audio products. From A/V receivers to specially designed speakers and home theater systems, these are all of the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X gear items that have been announced so far. Note: All prices reflect current Amazon discounts.
In order to process these new object-based audio formats, customers are going to need an A/V receiver that can decode each technology. Several models are now available that feature integrated Dolby Atmos support. Likewise, though there are no units that currently offer DTS:X support right out-of-the-box, many recently released and upcoming receivers are also DTS:X ready. This means that the devices can be upgraded to support DTS:X through a firmware update scheduled for later this year.
Below are all of the A/V models currently announced that are set to offer dual support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. In addition, we've also detailed how many speaker channels each model supports and we've pointed out which models have confirmed HDCP compliancy for 4K Ultra HD copyrighted playback.
7.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 5.1.2 immersive audio setups.
9.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 5.1.4 and 7.1.2 immersive audio setups.
11.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 7.1.4 immersive audio setups.
AVR-S710W - ($479) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
AVR-S910W - ($579) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
AVR-X1200W - ($599) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
AVR-X2200W - ($799) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
AVR-X3200W - ($999) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
AVR-X4200W - ($1,499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 9.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
AVR-X7200WA - ($2,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
DTR-30.7 - ($1,100) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
DTR-40.7 - ($1,400) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
NR1606 - ($699) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
SR5010 - ($899) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
AV8802 - ($3,999) 11.2 Channel A/V Pre-Amp/Processor, 4K HDCP 2.2 via future upgrade (requires hardware modification)
TX-NR646 - ($599) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
TX-NR747 - ($899) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
TX-RZ800 - ($1,199) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
TX-RZ900 ($1,499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
P200 - Up to 16 Channel Surround Sound Processor, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
Casablanca IVa - ($17,995) 12 Channel A/V Pre-Amp
Altitude32 - Up to 32 Channel Pre-Amp
RX-A1050 - ($1,200) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
RX-A2050 - ($1,600) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
RX-A3050 - ($2,200) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
Since Atmos has about a ten month head start on DTS:X in the home theater, several receiver models have been released that only offer support for Dolby's format. Though there's a very slim chance that some of these models might end up being upgradeable to include DTS:X, below is the current crop of A/V receivers that have been announced to only support Dolby Atmos. In addition, we've also detailed how many speaker channels each model supports and we've pointed out which models have confirmed HDCP compliancy for 4K Ultra HD copyrighted playback.
7.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 5.1.2 immersive audio setups.
9.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 5.1.4 and 7.1.2 immersive audio setups.
11.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 7.1.4 immersive audio setups.
X4100W - ($1,499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additonal Amp for 9.2 Channels
X5200W - ($1,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels
DTR-20.7 - ($800) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
DTR-30.6 - ($1,000) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
DTR-40.6 - ($1,300) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
DTR-50.6 -( $1,700) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
DTR-60.6 - ($2,300) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
DTR-70.6 - ($2,800) 11.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
DHC-80.6 - ($3,200) 11.2 Channel Pre-Amp/Processor, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
SR7009 - ($1,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels
AV7702 - ($1,999) 11.2 Channel Preamp/Processor
TX-SR444 - ($399) 7.1 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
TX-NR545 - ($499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
TX-NR636 - ($499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
TX-NR737 - ($499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
TX-NR838 - ($699) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
TX-NR1030 - ($1,699) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
TX-NR3030 ($2,299) 11.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
PR-SC5530 - ($2,499) 11.2 Channel A/V Controller, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
VSX-1130 - ($600) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
Elite VSX-90 - ($700) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
Elite SC-91 - ($997) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
Elite SC-85 - ($1,599) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver
Elite SC-87 - ($1,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver
Elite SC-89 - ($2,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver
RX-A850 - ($900) 7.2 Channel A/VReceiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant
RX-A2040BL - ( $1,600) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver
RX-A3040BL - ($2,000) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Addiotnal Amp for 11.2 Channels
In order to add overhead sound for DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, users can mount traditional speakers on their ceiling. While this is the most effective method, it won't be suitable for everyone's home and setup. To combat this issue, Dolby has worked with manufacturers to release special Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers and module that feature up-firing drivers mounted on top in order to reflect sound off of the ceiling. This simulates the effect of audio coming from above.
For their part, DTS has no plans to develop specific DTS:X upward firing speakers at this time, but the company has said that Atmos speakers should be compatible with DTS:X as well. With that in mind, here's a rundown of all of the currently announced Atmos-enabled speakers, modules, and complete home-theater-in-a-box systems.
44-DA Atmos Module - ($499 for a pair) Can be used both as a stand-alone elevation speaker or as an expansion to existing speakers, adding overhead sound to a user's home theater.
A60 Atmos Module - ($499) Sits atop the Definitive Technology BP-8060ST, adding overhead sound to a user's home theater.
A4 Dolby Atmos Add-On Speaker - ($230 per pair) Sits on top of your bookshelf or floorstanding speakers to add overhead sound.
R50 Atmos Module - ($1,200) Can be placed on top of the company's existing freestanding or wall-mounted satellite speakers, adding overhead sound to a user's home theater. Full Review Here.
RP-280F Floorstanding Speakers - ($2,400 per pair) Feature an additional 1-inch tweeter and 6.5-inch woofer mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects.
RP-140SA Elevation Channel Toppers - ($499 per pair) Sits on top of your bookshelf or floorstanding speakers to add overhead sound.
RP-450CA center channel - ($850) Designed to complement Klipsch Dolby Atmos RP-280F Floorstanding Speakers.
SKH-410 Atmos Module - ($149 for a pair) Sits on top of your floorstanding front speakers or on an entertainment unit, adding overhead sound to a user's home theater.
HT-S9700THX - ($1,199) 5.1.2-Channel Dolby Atmos Ready Network A/V Receiver/Speaker Package with included front height speakers.
HT-S5800 - ($699) 5.1.2-Channel Dolby Atmos Ready Network A/V Receiver/Speaker Package with Atmos-enabled speakers.
SKS-HT594 - ($599) 5.1.2 Atmos-enabled speakers without an A/V receiver.
Elite SP-EBS73-LR Bookshelf Speakers - ($747 for a pair) Features an additional 4-inch driver mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects.
Elite SP-EFS73 Floorstanding Speakers - ($697 each) Features an additional 4-inch driver mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects.
InRoom Bronze LR-H - ($1,000 per pair) Features four additional 2-inch drivers mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects.
InRoom Silver LR-H - ($1,500 per pair) Features four additional 3-inch drivers mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects.
So, there you have it. Those are all of the DTS:X and Dolby Atmos gear products detailed so far. In addition to the models above, companies like Pioneer and Outlaw Audio have also announced support for DTS:X but have not revealed specific components yet. Likewise, an exact release date for the DTS:X firmware update has not been revealed, but the upgrade is expected to arrive before the end of the year.
For now, what do you think about the current crop of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X gear? Are you preparing for a 5.1.4, 7.1.2, or 7.1.4 speaker upgrade? Will you be investing in any of these products? Let us know your thoughts in the forum!
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