Atmos is the kind of term you’d expect to have a pretty price tag attached to it, afteral Atmos is the full potential of Dolby: three dimensional sound that moves around you. Exactly what all modern cinemas are equipped with to fully immerse the listener in the most realistic way. If you want the truest experience of cinema at home, Dolby Atmos enabled speakers are a wise choice, so naturally it’s going to cost… right?
Well, not quite it would seem.
Those are the Onkyo SKH410 Atmos Speakers, designed to be effective bolt-ons for improved home cinema. They are incredible value at just £129 a pair, and work to save you a huge amount on a system upgrade should you want to get the fullest possible cinema experience in the comfort of your own home.
They don’t do much by themselves, but by adding them to any 5.1 speaker system they will change the dynamic completely. In a nuthsell, you add a pair of these on top of the front speakers and a pair on top of the back speakers (or on the wall using the included wall mount) and you have an instant Atmos 7.2 sound, directing sound above you. This creates a “height” of sound. Couple this with the existing 5.1 channel which creates horizontal surround and effects and the sub, and you are surrounded by sound in a whole new way.
If you’re having trouble picturing this, it’s more easily explained with a diagram:
This effect is achieved like so:
“Incorporating a special Dolby Atmos-certified network, the sleek black cabinets allow the angled full-range driver to bounce object-oriented sounds like birdcalls off the ceiling for precise bounded effects that immerse you in the film and give a much more realistic feel.” ~ Onkyo
They are very compact and weigh just 3kg each, yet they’re incredibly sturdy, and surprisingly sleek for a value option. And yes, they still only cost £129. Even if you purchase the recommended two pairs for the full 7.2 effect, that is still a very good value upgrade that has so far proven extremely popular amongst AV enthusiasts and audiophiles alike.
Three dimensional sound sounds… rounded. Deep. Intense. Real. When you hear it, you wouldn’t be surprised about the lengths and expenses many go to to get it. Well, with speakers like the Onkyo SKH 410 emerging as add-ons here and there, that is slowly becoming a thing of the past.
If you like the sound of these but would prefer something a little more high end, it’s worth considering the KEF R50. They have the same function, instantly transforming a 5.1 system into a 7.2, and serve as the high-end alternative. If your 5.1. is of a higher spec, it’s worth looking to KEF.
Like what you see? Take a look at the full listing – including the tech specs – by clicking here.