Not every little thing pops with such dramatics, and there have been some tracks the place one thing was misplaced (or relatively gained) in translation. Reverb was one component that mixers often appeared uncertain methods to deal with in some older tracks. The snare in Elton John’s “Mellow” from Honky Château feels oddly misplaced, with additional verb that clearly wasn’t meant to be remoted. As with all combine, all of it comes all the way down to decisions, and never all are equal. Nonetheless, just about every little thing I listened to sounded nearly as good or, extra usually, higher when unfold throughout the Optiq’s system.
Talking of stated system, it’s possible you’ll be questioning whether or not any good stereo monitor would sound this good over a sound system as glorious because the Optiq’s. After bouncing forwards and backwards, I can unequivocally say no. Whereas stereo tracks can sound superb, none had the identical readability, punch, or immersion of their Dolby Atmos counterparts. Not as soon as did I mistake a random stereo monitor for Atmos. The closest was Phil Collins’ “Within the Air Tonight,” which impressively expanded in area because the drums entered. By comparability, Peter Gabriel’s stereo “Sledgehammer” sounded relatively flat. (Sorry, O.G. Genesis followers, I used to be simply as shocked.)
It might’t be overstated how essential a element the clean sonic canvas offered by the Optiq EV’s whisper-quiet inside is. You’ve received to goose the quantity to actually really feel the total Atmos Music impact, and a loud automotive with a burbling engine simply wouldn’t hit the identical, particularly given how they have a tendency to mess with the low finish. Having Amazon Music locked and loaded within the sprint put a great deal of tracks at our fingertips, whereas Cadillac’s fabulous Tremendous Cruise hands-off driving system offered a breezy option to fall into the music, making each drive a singular second.
Challenges Stay
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
Whereas the Optiq is a marvel on the subject of beautiful Atmos Music supply, just like the speaker setup I witnessed on the Wynn, it’s additionally a barrier to entry. I talked about basic rock for a motive: Not everybody can afford a brand new Cadillac (definitely not me). Taht stated, Dolby says 25-plus carmakers have introduced plans or are already within the Atmos Music combine, from Mercedes-Benz to Hyundai Genesis. Most are pricey at current, as with every new know-how.
There are some extra reasonably priced methods to get a semblance of my Optiq expertise, together with a couple of soundbars and stand-alone audio system that allow you to stream Atmos Music immediately, just like the Sonos Arc Extremely (9/10, WIRED recommends) and Sonos Period 300.
However whilst Atmos Music has expanded to over 20-plus streaming providers (Spotify is a notable holdout), getting it to the throng of Dolby Atmos soundbars could be tougher than you may count on. AirPlay added Atmos streaming to the HomePod final yr, however third-party help has fizzled. Amazon’s Echo Studio Atmos speaker was discontinued. Dolby says some units have added casting, however the firm wasn’t in a position to present numbers or fashions.
It takes time for an ecosystem like Atmos Music to assemble steam. There are at all times hurdles as new software program and {hardware} choices increase. What was most hanging concerning the Optiq is how straightforward it made it to entry, serving to me go from informal listener to particular Atmos Music fiend. Right here’s hoping Atmos Music continues to trickle down. The music is prepared, the medium is primed, now let’s get it to the folks.
