Not everything appears with such drama, and there were some traces where something was lost (or rather gained) in translation. Reverb was one element that mixtures sometimes seemed unsafe as to handle in some older traces. The trap in Elton John’s “gentle” Honky château It feels strange, with an extra verb that was clearly not intended to be isolated. As with any mix, everything comes to choices, and not everyone is equal. However, almost everything I listened to sounded so well or, more often, better when spreading through Optiq’s system.
Speaking of this system, you may be wondering if anybody A good stereo track would sound as well over a sound system as great as the Optiq. After bouncing back and forth, I can definitely say no. While stereo tracks can sound very well, no one had the same clarity, punch or immersion of their Dolby Atmos housemates. Not once did I make a random stereo track for Atmos. The closest was Phil Collins’ “In the air”, which impressed in space as the drums entered. By comparison, Peter Gabriel’s stereo “Sledgehammer” sounded quite flat. (Sorry, fans of OG Genesis, I was just as surprised.)
One cannot exaggerate how an important item is the empty sonic canvas provided by the whisper-quiet interior of Optiq EV. You need to recruit the volume to really feel the full atmos music effect, and a loud car with a bourgeois engine would simply not hit the same, especially considering how they tend to run out with the low end. Having Amazon music locked and loaded in the box put a lot of traces at our fingers, while the fabulous over Cruise hand system of Cadillac provided a rough way to fall into the music, making each drive a unique moment.
Challenges remain
Photo: Ryan Waniata
While the OptiQ is a wonder when it comes to amazing Atmos Music delivery, such as the speaking arrangement I have witnessed at the Wynn, it is also a barrier for entry. I talked about classic rock for a reason: not everyone can pay a new Cadillac (certainly not me). Taht said, Dolby says 25-plus drivers have announced plans or are already in the musical mix of Atmos, from Mercedes-Benz to Hyundai Genesis. Most are expensive at the moment, as with some new technology.
There are some more affordable ways to get a look from my OptiQ experience, including some tapes and self-taught speakers who let you flow atmos music directly, like the Sonos Arc Ultra (9/10, Wired recommends) And Sonos was 300.
But even when Atmos Music has expanded to more than 20-plus streaming services (Spotify is a noticeable support), reaching it to the crowd of Dolby Atmos Sound Can be harder than you could expect. AirPlay added an atmosphere to the Homepod Last year, but third supports flashed. Echo Studio Studio Atmos Speaker was stopped. Dolby says some devices added casting, but the company could not provide numbers or models.
It takes time for ecosystem like Atmos Music to collect Steam. There are always obstacles during new programs and hardware options to expand. What’s most striking about the Optiq is how easy it has accessed, helping me go from a random listener to a definitive Atmos Music Fiend. This is hoping that Atmos’ music is still difficult. The music is ready, the medium is processed, now let’s get it to the people.
