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Spatial audio feels like the buzzword of the moment.

Its in your soundbar, its in thebest headphones, and its coming to thebest music streaming services.

Dolby Atmos immersive diagram

So why cant I get behind the format?

But even then theres been a grand total of two times that Ive been wowed by spatial audio.

Yet still; I just dontgetit.

iPhone 12 on keyboard showing control screen for spatial audio

The problem

I am something of a purist.

But thats not what I want.

My aim is to get as close to the artist’s intent as possible.

Tidal streaming on smartphone with B&W Px7 S2e headphones

Generally, in an environment like that, the music wont be coming from all around you.

Spatial audio tries to place these artists around the room, in various different spots.

And that just feels weird.

Apple Music spatial audio

But then things get weird.

It wasfun,and it allowed me to be free of my purism and enjoy the artistry at hand.

As yet, spatial audio is yet to do the same.

Samsung�s new 3D audio format IAMF in action in a room

To understand spatial audio for music, I need artists to have fun with the format.

Dont just make the band surround me, make things zoom around.

Distort the drums, shift my expectations.

Sony Theater Quad System with Samsung TV

Bring me out of the studio seat, and take me on a journey.

What can be done?

Theres an extra issue in my eyes, and thats the state of spatial audio formats in general.

Roon

Getting into spatial audio is harder than it should be.

I sure dont, and I live and breathe audio and HiFi.

Iwantto love spatial audio.

Roku OS 10 update — Virtual Surround

Have fun with spatial mixes, artists.

Give me experiences I can only have with spatial audio that are engaging.

And manufacturers, make it all easier to understand.

Deezer review header

Bose and Sony headphones deal

Marshall Monitor III over-ear headphones

Beats Cables

AirPods Max USB-C

Sennheiser Accentum Open

Rega Planar 1 Plus

Using an under-desk elliptical while working seated at a desk

iPhone 16 colors hands-on.

Michael B. Jordan as Smoke in "Sinners" movie

Recipes in the food section of Apple News Plus on an iPhone

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti

iOS 16 Fitness app on an iPhone 12

NYT Strands on a cellphone