@Chip71 wrote:
Hello
i have just purchased a Sonos beam gen 2 and all leads are connected to have sound. I have an 55" lg uhd 4K tv but on the audio from sky what's the best sound to have, I've got it set to Dolby Digital plus but obviously don't have a 5.1 system, just one sound bar.
Am
i being silly or what's the best set up ?
normal
dolby
dolby digital plus
please
Hi @Chip71
It all depends on your Sound bar I believe the Sonos Beam 2 to be one of the more capable Sound bars (although IIRC it may need a reasonable volume to be so - but I could be wrong)
Although Sound bars are one unit they usually contain many speakers that are set at various angles to give a surround sound experience.
The number of speakers contained and their positions within the Sound bar will affect the sound you experience.
Many Sound bars can give an effective Surround Sound experience
Although some people do report that 5.1 sound can cause the central Dialogue channel to loose definition (especially with some mixes -IIRC some episodes of Dr Who is one that people had concerns over) but I think many Sound bars these days do a good job at maintaining the separation
If your Sound bar can handle Dolby Digital Plus (which I think the Beam 2 can) then I would suggest you set it to this unless you find the sound too unnatural
You need to set Dolby Digital Plus to process Dolby Atmos
BTW the effectiveness of the Surround modes such as 5.1 & Atmos can depend very much on placement of the Sound bar - specifically in relation to any reflective surfaces- for example if they are too far away the sounds may be difficult perceive as Surround
(Too close to sound absorbing surfaces such as curtains can also effect the sound heard)
I can thus suggest that if you are not getting the Surround effects you feel you might then placing some strategically placed items may improve the sound at your listening position
The height effects from Atmos can be particularly subject to the height of ceilings
(P.S. I will just say I have never had a Sound Bar myself, gradually upgrading my Separate AV Amps & separate speakers which will always give a better sound than a Sound bar but I feel my answer to be generally correct)
Edit : P.P.S setting the sound ouput to Normal would probably be a total waste of your pennies spent on your Sonos beam
