Ok, i have now had a month to listen to a large amount of Dolby Atmos-enabled audio thru Tidal by using my Sony Bravia tv and the Tidal app available there. My impressions run the gamut, from “Wow” to " What is the big deal?" The source material has a huge impact on the results IMO. Rhiannon Giddens has two Atmos discs, and neither one has much impact in the Atmos format to my ears. However, the entire catalog ofTalking Heads is available in Atmos, and Holy Smoke what an impact. Remain In Light is a revelation, containing so much multi-channel information anyway in the stereo configuration. With Atmos you have background vocals coming from everywhere, instruments showing up from the sides, front and surrounds, creating an amazing immersive effect.
I will not argue over if Atmos is a gimmick or a trend, just that it CAN be an effective way to enjoy music. I am not concerned about Roon adopting Atmos since i have another method of getting it. I am not even sure it would increase Roon’s user base by much. It is just fun, which i think music should be. Accurate? Well, if the recording artist is involved in the mastering process I would assume they approve of the final result. What are your thoughts?
I’ve worked hard to build and spent a lot of money on my 2 channel system. I like having my music rig and home theater separate, and I wouldn’t want to put a new amp with more speakers in my listening room, nor use some fake DSP to simulate multi-channel.
So for me, Atmos is a curiosity at best, and I am happy to let the FOMO pass and stick to stereo, using Roon.
Thanks for your response Doug. I would like to say that I too have worked hard to establish (for me) a nice home theater/audio system. I combine mine because i have to. I also like to employ DTS: Neural X to experience a more immersive music experience. By the way this is not a youth thing. I will turn 68 in March. Different strokes, the same enjoyment!
I get it! When my kids moved out I got a room dedicated to my stereo, so I’m fortunate. I’m more of a music guy than a movie guy. I watch those downstairs
I am 64 
I like both but I also like quality source and generally Atmos files have the best dynamic range. I would like the option to listen to Atmos tracks in Stereo, via Roon, but with great dynamic range