Which speakers do you need in a Dolby Atmos system – and what can be added later?

Dolby Atmos has transformed the way we experience music and film. Listening to music in Atmos creates a three-dimensional sound space, where the listener is placed inside the music (and movie) instead of in front of it. Technology allows artists to position sounds in a 3D space, so the music surrounds you with detail, depth, and space that traditional stereo cannot deliver.

With streaming services like Apple Music, Atmos has become a common part of modern music production, and the flow of releases grows year by year. That’s why more people are building their own Dolby Atmos music systems – often step by step. Here is a guide to which speakers you need, and how you can most effectively expand your system at your own pace.

What is Dolby Atmos – and which speakers does it require?

Atmos is based on so-called object-based sound, where sounds are not tied to fixed channels (left/right), but move freely in a three-dimensional space. This means:

• Sounds can come from the front, back, sides, and above
• Music gains space, air, and more layers
• Film sound becomes much more lifelike and detailed

To take advantage of the technology, the speakers must be placed to cover the entire sound dome around the listener. Therefore, you typically use:

• Front speakers
• Rear speakers
• Optionally, height channels
• Center speaker (for film and TV)
• Subwoofer(s)

One of the most flexible systems for this is the System Audio Silverback series, which provides wireless High-Resolution sound and the possibility for both stereo, multichannel, and Atmos via Surround Hub or Surround Hub X.

Which speakers do you need for a Dolby Atmos system?

These are the most important speaker roles in an Atmos setup – and what you can wait to add until later.’

1. Front speakers (the starting point)

This is the foundation of any system.

Options:

• Floorstanding speakers
  Legend 40.2 silverback DS or Legend 60.2 silverback models (powerful and full-bodied sound)
• Bookshelf speakers
  Legend 5.2 silverback DS, suitable for shelves, stands
• Wall-mounted speakers
  Silverback 1 or Legend 7.2 silverback – discreet, elegant, and designed for on-wall placement

Front speakers are the obvious place to start, especially if you build the system step by step, as described in ‘How to get your own Dolby Atmos music system’.

2. Rear speakers (provide immersive sound – the first natural upgrade)

Rear speakers are placed behind the listening position and create spaciousness and depth in both music and film. Atmos mixes become much livelier when rear speakers are in place.

Recommended models:

• Silverback 1 (wall-mounted or on a shelf – perfect as rear channels)
  Rear speakers are typically the first upgrade users choose when starting with a 2.0 system and want to
  upgrade to 4.0 or 4.1.

3. Center speaker (especially important for TV and film material)

The center channel handles:

• Dialogue
• Voices
• Centrally placed sounds
• Stable soundstage across the sofa

For listening to stereo music, the center channel is not necessary, but for TV and film it is highly recommended. In the System Audio universe, Legend 10.2 silverback is made for this.

4. Subwoofer(s) (provide depth, energy, and foundation)

Dolby Atmos music often has low-frequency details that become clearer with a subwoofer. Films become significantly livelier.

Options:

• Silverback Sub Solo – can stand or hang on the wall, ideal for both music and film
• Silverback Sub Duo – upgrade speaker for deeper and faster bass (works as a pair)

Subwoofers are automatically managed by the Hub via room correction and work as one system.

5. Height channels (optional but provide true Atmos effect)

Height channels give the sound its 3D dimension.

In System Audio setups, you can use:

• Silverback 1 placed high on the wall
• Ceiling-near installations or angled wall placements

If you build the system gradually, height channels are among the last things you need.

How do you expand a Dolby Atmos system – step by step?

In ‘How to get your own Dolby Atmos music system’, we describe the most flexible approach: building your system at your own pace and expanding as needed.

Here is the typical development path:

Step 1: Start with a strong 2.0 music system

• 2 Silverback front speakers
• 1 Surround Hub or Surround Hub X

This is given to you from the start:

• High-Resolution streaming
• Amazing stereo system
• TV sound via HDMI
• Room correction
• Easy operation from SA Cockpit

Step 2: Expand to a 4.0 system Add:

A pair of Silverback 1 as rear speakers. This provides the greatest audible improvement in Atmos music – and dramatically enhances the film experience.

Step 3: Add a subwoofer (4.1 or 4.2)

Silverback Sub Solo (+ optionally Sub Duo)

Provides more foundation, depth, and life at low volume – and a significant boost in films.

Step 4: Add a center speaker

• For clearer dialogue and greater precision in TV and film
• Makes the system a fully focused home theater

Step 5: Add height channels for full Atmos

• 2 Silverback 1 placed high
• Provides the complete Atmos experience

Atmos systems can be built at the pace that suits you.

With Silverback speakers and Surround Hub X, it’s possible to start small and grow into a full Atmos system – without cables, without technical complexity, and without having to replace equipment along the way.

Dolby Atmos opens a new universe of sound, where music comes alive around you, and your home’s sound becomes a source of experiences and pure quality of life. System Audio makes the technology accessible to everyone with flexible, elegant, and wireless solutions.