No, your receiver isn’t junk if it doesn’t have Dolby Atmos

The modern audio format that everybody, including myself, is raving about is Dolby Atmos. It’s directional-based audio, and if you have a proper system for it, then you should be able to hear things like overhead gunshots or planes in your movies, and it’s a truly immersive experience. I went out of my way to build an Atmos setup, and I don’t regret anything about it. I use it daily, and while I don’t use the Atmos part of it while watching regular TV, I watch enough movies to make it more than worth it.

I love Atmos more than many people, but I don’t think it’s something you absolutely have to upgrade your current equipment for. I noticed a far bigger difference going from stereo sound to surround sound, and that’s what I’d recommend you do first. If you already have surround sound, then Atmos is just a nice cherry on top of that. Yes, it’s noticeable in some movies and TV shows, but I’d argue many people would be just fine with regular 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound.

If you already have a receiver, and it doesn’t have Dolby Atmos, I don’t think that’s a terrible thing. Sure, I’d rather have Atmos, but it’s not like my currently working receiver is junk by any means.

Your receiver is still good without Atmos

Atmos is nice, but not a deal-breaker

Dolby Atmos has been making a lot of headway, and it’s very well known in the home audio space these days. Soundbars and even your phone are capable of Atmos, but none of that compares to a true setup that’s needed to fully experience the power of Atmos. A receiver is typically required for this, but only relatively new ones have Atmos support.

If you have a receiver that’s a decade or so old, or even older, there’s a chance you don’t have Atmos support. You can plug in all the necessary speakers, but you won’t be getting the true Atmos sound. I don’t think that’s a terrible thing, because your sound is still better than the majority of people if you have that type of system already. Atmos-ready receivers cost a couple of hundred bucks at the cheapest, so it’s not really worth it unless you have a bit of disposable income.

I picked up a used receiver from Goodwill that’s new enough to have HDMI ports but old enough to lack Atmos. It’s not garbage, and I use it in a spare bedroom in a stereo setup. If I ever wanted to, I could install a full 7.1 surround sound system with it, and it’d sound excellent. I think the fear of missing out leads people to think their setups aren’t complete with Atmos, and that’s just not the case. Surround sound is surround sound at the end of the day, and I don’t think you have run out and upgrade your current equipment just to mess around with the shiniest new toy. This applies to everything, not just receivers. You can save a lot of money by not falling victim to the latest and greatest thing. You know what they say — comparison is the greatest thief of joy. If you’re happy with your current surround sound system, there’s no reason to upgrade.

I wouldn’t buy a new receiver without Atmos

Don’t skip it if you don’t have to

Now, everything I just said applies, but if I were in the market for a brand-new receiver today, I would certainly have my eyes set on something that comes equipped with Dolby Atmos. Much like trying to buy a non-smart TV nowadays, there’s no reason not to get with the times and take advantage of some new formats. Fortunately, many of the budget options have Atmos support, so it feels like you have to go out of your way to get something without Atmos.

When you’re browsing the used market, I’d be more inclined to consider something without Atmos, especially if it’s not going to be your primary receiver. If you plan to only have a stereo setup, that’s another reason to skip Atmos. Receivers are a piece of technology that seems to stand the test of time, so the used market is flooded with them, even ones from decades ago.

My rule of thumb would be to get something with at least HDMI support so you can plug some devices in. I wouldn’t go older than that, but that’s just my personal preference. If I were starting from scratch, I’d just stick with a new receiver that has Atmos. Having a warranty or return policy to take advantage of is nice to have because there’s no telling if this hobby is for everybody. On the other hand, anybody I’ve shown Dolby Atmos to certainly understands the appeal. I haven’t convinced anybody to start building their own setup, but maybe that day is just down the road.