Atmos only comes in one flavor. 7.1 24/48, other stuff on the disc may have higher bitrates, but it isn't Atmos encoded. With the system change we are talking about, it's pretty easy to allow the Oppo, with it's high quality decoder, to decode everything but the Atmos. Since the MC-1 is a native 48khz processor, it works great for Atmos.
The 7.1 part is not true. Streaming Atmos using Dolby Digital Plus is often 5.1.
No one is talking about streaming. But yes, streaming Atmos is based as 5.1 and breaks out the two extra channels as objects.
We're talking about Atmos. No-one specifically said "Atmos on BD" or similar.
But there is stuff that is streamed that isn't available any other way. Beatles Revolver, Tom Petty, Band on the Run,Streaming Atmos using Dolby Digital Plus is often 5.1.
As I just implied, I don't think true audiophiles count that as Atmos
Streaming ia also a way of trying out an Atmos mix before committing to a BD purchase. These discs aren't cheap nor are they stress free what with shipping costs and potential import duties and collection fees.
If you bought a processor to try decoding Atmos, it would also have several upmixing options. Dolby Surround (upmix) and Dolby Virtual for sure, DTS Neural:X and DTS Virtual:X (think I have those names right) probably, and maybe some Auro options. Maybe also proprietary upmixers eg. JBL have Logic 16 and others may exist.
Excellent point.
And how would he do that with an all analog front end....
Well no, we aren't going to see 12 channel mixes sold on 2" reel to reel tapes. It's digital, man! Just like many other sources of music. Gonna have to get a digital player like a computer. It's just another form of tape deck, honestly. Works well too! Better than mirroring waveforms in magnetic medium, IMHO. He's not getting analog copies of those 5.1 albums he plays either.
A computer and a 12 channel DAC maybe.
There is an upmixer in that SYN? I thought it was just a simple DAC-preampStreaming Atmos using Dolby Digital Plus is often 5.1.
As I just implied, I don't think true audiophiles count that as Atmos
What are you using to upmix now?
So as for my upmixer, the unfortunately answer now is nothing. If you recall I mentioned I went through a McCormack /Conrad Johnson preamp before I got the AR. Well the only advantage (and I mean only) is that those CJ-based units had a slick ARM circuit which expanded 2ch into very convincing multi-channel (including center). The AR does not offer that feature...so the only method to expand 2ch is using the Oppo's primitive Neo-6 "enhancement" (which is very basic and has no adjustments so I don't even really count that). Oppo's Neo 6 vs CJ's ARM is analogous to streaming Atmos vs real disc Atmos
However, about a month ago I picked up from someone selling this cheap...which some of you may recognize. This also analog piece should do wonders taking a superb 2ch recording like the aforementioned Supertramp or Stevie Wonder and enhancing it to multi-channel (offers both side to side & front to back adjustments). So that's another option I plan to experiment with... make my own multi-channel out of the great-sounding stereo versions which are always offered. Been on call several weeks in a row for work and just haven't had the time yet.
https://www.schiit.com/products/syn
As I understand it, that's its primary function.
I'm not suggesting that at all, I realise others are. I'm suggesting replacing the pre-amp with a similar quality Atmos capable processor.
And how is anyone supposed to do that when Dolby don't make the reference player available to the general public?
