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Monaco 5.1.2 - Get some ATMOS!

From TV Audio to 3d Sound

Finding Your Perfect Sound Companion Part 1: Do You Need a Surround Sound System?

Apr 23, 2024
5
Minutes

Launch to Immersive Sound: From Flat to 3D Audio

If you're a regular in front of the screen, diving into movies, binging on TV series, or gaming into the night, then a simple soundbar simply won't do justice to your experiences. The more you watch or play, the more you'll notice what you're missing: the layered audio that fills a room, the crisp dialogue that defines characters, and the booming effects that pulse with action. Every upgrade in your audio system is a step deeper into the worlds you're watching. It's about syncing what you hear with the sharpness of what you see, crafting an at-home experience that rivals any outing to the theater or arcade.

graphic of an outdoor deck chair with a speaker and a pair of wireless earbuds for relaxation

Bluetooth

Audio transmission

Uses Bluetooth technology

Audio quality

Up to two channels of compressed audio (stereo)

Applications

Ideal for headphones, earbuds, and portable speakers

graphic of a home office improved with a speaker system

Wi-Fi

Audio transmission

Uses a standard Wi-Fi network

Audio quality

Up to two channels of high-definition audio (stereo)

Applications

Ideal for smart speakers, multiroom speakers, and speakers that expand soundbar-based systems

graphic of a home theater

WiSA

Audio transmission

Creates a dedicated wireless network, specifically for the sound system

Audio quality

Up to eight channels of ultra high-definition uncompressed audio; supports Dolby Atmos®

Highest globally-recognized standard for wireless speaker systems

Applications

Ideal for true cinema surround-sound systems

1. Base Level: TV Sound

Just the Beginning: Thin sound with limited range, often resulting in dialogue that doesn't quite land and bass that doesn't hit the lows.

If you’re using your TV's built-in speakers, you're likely familiar with the ritual of reaching for the remote to adjust the volume or toggling on the subtitles to make sense of muddled dialogue. As the soundtrack swells, important lines get swallowed by the crescendo. The nuanced sound effects that provide texture to scenes are indistinct or altogether inaudible or very thin, blurring the edges of your experience. 

In dramatic moments, rather than feeling the tension, you’re left reading it. Action scenes become visually dynamic but sonically flat, as if the depth of the experience stops at the screen. You’re left with a two-dimensional experience in a 3D storytelling world. This isn’t just about missing a word here or there—it’s about the constant, underlying strain of never quite being immersed, of always being one step removed from the narrative the creators intended to tell. It’s an auditory gap that subtitles can’t bridge and one that a proper sound system is designed to fill.

2. Next Step: Standalone Soundbar

Ascend Higher: Clearer than standard TV audio with some depth, but still lacking the full spectrum of sound. Dialogue is improved, but the bass doesn't dive deep.

When you add a standalone soundbar, the change is noticeable, but not transformative. The clarity improves; the dialogue cuts through the mix with a bit more precision, but it's still not sharp. You may not need to lean on subtitles as heavily, but your finger still hovers over the volume button, ready to adjust for those moments when the soundtrack overpowers speech. The soundbar stretches to fill the room, but its reach falls short, leaving you yearning for the richness and dimension that remain just beyond its grasp. Bass notes might thump with a bit more presence, yet they lack the resonance and warmth that give audio its full-bodied character. It’s a halfway climb to audio excellence—elevated, yet still earthbound, unable to fully launch you into the narrative space where every whisper and explosion feels real. You've left the surface, but the stars of sonic brilliance still twinkle in the distance, out of reach.

3. Advanced: 5.0 Surround Sound

Expand Your Horizon: A soundstage that brings clearer and more distinct dialogue and effects. Ready for a subwoofer to fill out the lows for complete immersion.

As you add the new dimension of a wider soundstage, with a five-speaker surround sound system, you finally break free from the constraints of subpar audio. The room comes alive with a symphony of sounds, each speaker a star in the audio galaxy, creating a soundstage that’s rich and expansive. 

Dialogue snaps into focus, distinct and clear with a dedicated speaker, no longer competing with background noise. The once elusive layers of audio now weave around you, allowing you to pinpoint the location of every footstep, the rustle of leaves, the subtlety of a whispered secret. Yet, even as the narrative clarity takes a giant leap forward, there's an awareness of what's missing. The rumbles and roars lack a certain depth, the overhead sweeps of sound that should rain down from above are conspicuously absent. It's an encompassing experience but not all-encompassing—the promise of what's to come with deep bass and the vertical dimension of Dolby Atmos still floating just out of reach, inviting you to journey further into the sonic unknown.

4. Enhanced: 5.1 Sound. Add Depth with Subwoofer

Depth Discovered: Experience the bass that grounds and gives weight to every scene. It’s sound that moves and feels as if it's all around you.

Adding the depth dimension of a  subwoofer propels you into the deep space of sound, where the bass reverberates with the power and mystery of the cosmos. This is where your audio journey takes a seismic shift, adding a dimension of depth that ripples through the expanse of your living space. The thrum of a spaceship’s engines, the ominous drum of an approaching storm, the pulse of a symphonic bass line—all resonate with newfound gravity. 

With a 5.1 setup, the subwoofer lays the foundation of a soundscape that can be both subtly nuanced and thunderously impactful. It fills the room not just with sound, but with an energy you can feel—lending weight to moments of tension and celebration alike, and elevating the entire sensory experience. The addition of this single element transforms scenes from mere pictures on a screen to living, breathing worlds; it’s a visceral reminder that in the vast universe of auditory experience, the deep bass is as essential as the stars themselves.

5. Peak Experience: Upfiring Dolby Atmos Full 3D (5.1.2+)

New Dimensions of Sound: Discover audio that flows above, below, and around you. Immerse yourself in a dome of sound with height, breadth, and unmatched clarity.

Reaching new dimensions of height with the introduction of upfiring speakers and Dolby Atmos technology marks a significant evolution in home audio. Unlike systems that merely encode for Dolby Atmos, creating a simulated effect, 5.1.2+ systems feature true upfiring speakers (or have in-ceiling speakers). These speakers project sound upwards/downwards, allowing it to reflect off the ceiling and envelop you from all directions. 

This method achieves authentic 3D sound, transforming your room into a sphere of audio that fully immerses you in the action and nuances of any scene. From the subtle sound of raindrops to the intense roar of a helicopter overhead, this system places you at the epicenter of a 360° sound experience. It's not just about hearing the sound; it's about living within it, where every detail is crystal clear, and every moment feels closer to reality. Dolby Atmos sound breathes life into your favorite films, shows, and music, making it the pinnacle of audio excellence for those seeking the true depth and immersion of Dolby Atmos.

Conclusion

Embarking on this auditory voyage means stepping away from the all-too-common frustrations of standard TV audio—the constant battle with muddled dialogue, the reliance on subtitles to follow the plot, and the endless juggling of the volume control. From the muted echoes of basic speakers to the pinnacle of Dolby Atmos 3D, we've journeyed far, transforming our living spaces and how we experience entertainment. This evolution isn't just about sound; it's about reshaping our entire viewing experience.

Gone are the days of straining to hear or read dialogue off the screen. With the integration of advanced audio technologies, your room becomes a sanctuary of sound, where every word, note, and effect is crystal clear and rich with depth. Imagine watching a movie or your favorite series without having to rewind because you missed a line, or enjoying a game without subtitles cluttering the view. The roar of a crowd, the suspense in a whispered conversation, and the nuances of the natural world become more than just sounds—they're lifelike experiences that wrap around you, drawing you deeper into the heart of the story.

This is the reality of embracing true high-definition audio. It's a world where your living room rivals the best cinemas, and where audio perfection isn't just a dream—it's your everyday experience. This leap forward in technology doesn't just enhance how we listen; it revolutionizes how we connect with media, turning passive viewing into an active, immersive journey. It's a clear signal of how far we've come and a hint at the even more astonishing advancements awaiting us on the horizon.

Embark on the ultimate sound journey with the Platin Monaco 5.1.2 system. Elevate your home entertainment with the kind of audio perfection once reserved for movie theaters and concert halls. Experience the richness of deep bass, the clarity of detailed dialogues, and the immersive power of Dolby Atmos 3D sound that envelops you from every angle. Why settle for less when you can live the story as if you were part of it? Make every movie night a premiere, every game an epic showdown, and every song a live concert. Upgrade to Platin Monaco 5.1.2 today and turn your living room into the center stage of breathtaking audio experiences. The journey to sonic bliss starts here.

Meet Monaco 5.1.2 from Platin Audio

Featuring front speakers with upfiring drivers to play Dolby Atmos and Dolby Atmos Music height channels, Monaco 5.1.2 with WiSA SoundSend takes home entertainment to new heights.

Platin Monaco 5.1.2 on a white background; blue circle shows the upfiring speakers

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