Auro 3D vs. Atmos:  Exploring Immersive Sound Technologies

FACTS CHECKED BY  Jose George​

Immersive sound technology has emerged, providing movie watchers with an enjoyable listening experience. Varying options exist, and each one provides capabilities and features designed for a sense of realism. So, we will look at the Auro 3D vs. Atmos comparison.

Table of Contents

What Is Auro 3D?

An Auro 3D system refers to multi-dimensional sound technology achieved with a three-layered format (overhead, surround, and height). This seems like stacking sound systems atop each other. 

Auro 3D features a 9.2 receiver and nine channels. It also requires several speakers installed in the front, ceiling, sides, and back of a room for surround sound production. The technology essentially utilizes the 5.1 and 7.1 sound formats.

What Is Dolby Atmos?

Example of a speaker system. 

Example of a speaker system. 

Dolby Atmos is another surround sound system that works as if the viewer hears the audio above and in front of their seating. Generally, this involves installing two overhead speakers in the middle of the ceiling or each corner (four). You can also install reflecting speakers rather than the in-ceiling types.

Interestingly, such Atmos-compatible speakers work by emitting sound waves until they reach the wall, ceiling, and floor. From there, the sound waves deflect, traveling around the room rather than channels. This effect makes it seem like the viewer listens to the scene unfolding around them, providing a more realistic experience. Also, Atmos relies on audio objects instead of a single channel. 

Many devices utilize Dolby Atmos, including TVs, laptops, consoles, soundbars, headphones, and cell phones.

Auro 3D vs. Atmos: Key differences

A home entertainment system with speakers. 

A home entertainment system with speakers. 

Each technology has distinct differences offering various capabilities and features.

  • Space: Dolby Atmos doesn’t take up much space compared to Auro 3D.
  • Sound technology:  The sound technology in Dolby Atmos utilizes vertical sound that ultimately generates immersive audio. Meanwhile, Auro 3D features layered sound technology to produce that same effect. These can also adjust background noise and create additional sounds. 
  • Coverage: Generally, the sound coming from Dolby Atmos systems can’t cover a large area. Auro 3D counters that by providing a larger coverage area, creating pleasant listening experiences.  Either way, each technology outputs decent audio quality.
  • Decoding methods: Dolby Atmos decode sounds through objects, while Aora 3D achieves that through the channels.

Which 360-degree Sound Technology Performs Best?

Overall, Auro technologies serve as the better surround sound option. Not only can it output outstanding audio quality, but the system works in all rooms with a high ceiling. You will also discover the sound consistently distributes throughout the room. Plus, it provides better height channels compared to Atmos.

However, it will need additional space for speaker placement, which offers unpleasant aesthetics. Plus, Auro 3D and the relevant equipment have a high cost.

Advantages/Disadvantages

Close-up image of speaker arrays. 

Close-up image of speaker arrays. 

Consider crucial advantages/disadvantages when shopping for sound speakers that suit your needs.

Advantages

Auro 3DDolby Atmos
Auro technologies output stunning acoustics, making the sound experience more realistic. This provides a surreal movie-viewing experience because it feels like each scene plays in your surroundings. You can purchase 7.2 Atmos speaker systems. This will just require you to apply a firmware update if you have in-ceiling speakers installed. 
You can install Auro 3D in varying room settings. It involves mounting the speakers and channels on a wall. However, you will need to ensure the room has sufficient ceiling height. You can improve the audio depth while creating 3D sound sources with two or four speakers. Ultimately, this speaker configuration puts sounds in precise areas, producing excellent spatial resolution.
Auro technologies also cover a larger area with great audio. You will then enjoy the immersive experience with added depth. Atmos offers excellent space efficiency for its speakers, which remain hidden. Therefore, you can mount as many as you desire, and they won’t cause issues. 

Disadvantages

Auro 3DDolby Atmos
Only a few movies have Auro 3D technology. On the plus side, you can expect future releases to feature Auro. A few films feature Atmos sound technology. That number can increase in the upcoming years, but a new technology could emerge.
 Auro requires nine channels for the best sound quality. A 9.2” dimension receiver or a 7.2” Auro-compatible receiver helps achieve optimal performance. However, those additions will significantly increase overall costs. The room must have a flat ceiling (under ten-foot elevation) for the best results. Vaulted ceilings won’t work for speaker placement, so you’ll need to choose a different solution.
Installing these large speakers seems tiring, which may bother those living in the house. Even then, the audio quality and effect are worthwhile. Auro 3D also requires sufficient ceiling height.Reflecting speakers prove inconsistent and less effective compared to in-ceiling speakers. They also provide narrow sweet spots due to poor dispersion qualities. This means decent sound quality won’t reach others outside the optimal listening range. 

Summary

Each surround sound system performs exceptionally well, providing excellent audio quality. They also make the listener feel like the scene unfolds around them, thanks to the overall setup and configuration. So you can’t go wrong with either choice, even if the price seems a bit high!

Do you have any inquiries regarding the Auro 3D vs. Atmos? Feel free to contact us!