Not all the things pops with such dramatics, and there have been some tracks the place one thing was misplaced (or quite gained) in translation. Reverb was one aspect that mixers often appeared not sure how one can 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 every combine, all of it comes right down to decisions, and never all are equal. Nonetheless, just about all the things I listened to sounded nearly as good or, extra usually, higher when unfold throughout the Optiq’s system.
Talking of stated system, you might be questioning whether or not any good stereo observe would sound this good over a sound system as glorious because the Optiq’s. After bouncing backwards and forwards, 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 observe for Atmos. The closest was Phil Collins’ “Within the Air Tonight,” which impressively expanded in house because the drums entered. By comparability, Peter Gabriel’s stereo “Sledgehammer” sounded quite flat. (Sorry, O.G. Genesis followers, I used to be simply as stunned.)
It could’t be overstated how essential a part the clean sonic canvas offered by the Optiq EV’s whisper-quiet inside is. You’ve acquired to goose the amount to actually really feel the total Atmos Music impact, and a loud automobile with a burbling engine simply wouldn’t hit the identical, particularly given how they have an inclination 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 strategy to fall into the music, making each drive a singular second.
Challenges Stay
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
Whereas the Optiq is a marvel in relation to 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 purpose: Not everybody can afford a brand new Cadillac (actually 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 expertise.
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 straight, just like the Sonos Arc Extremely (9/10, WIRED recommends) and Sonos Period 300.
However at the same time as Atmos Music has expanded to over 20-plus streaming providers (Spotify is a notable holdout), getting it to the throng of Dolby Atmos soundbars will be more durable than you may anticipate. AirPlay added Atmos streaming to the HomePod final 12 months, 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 collect steam. There are at all times hurdles as new software program and {hardware} choices increase. What was most putting concerning the Optiq is how simple 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.
