Very confused – need some guidance D80 (2025 Upgrade)

[BillTwin]

Sorry if these are basic questions and this is long winded but I have tried searching but haven’t found clear answers..

This week, I purchased the Poseidon D80 (2025 Upgrade) non-Boom edition. Here’s my setup:

TV: Samsung with eARC input
Cable box: Xfinity X1
Streaming device: Onn 4K Plus (supports Dolby Atmos)

Question 1:
I have two dogs that are afraid of thunder, so I avoided the “Boom” edition because of its more powerful subwoofer. Did I make the right choice? Or does the Boom version have other features beyond just… more bass?

Question 2:
I’ve read several times that it’s worth upgrading the eARC HDMI cable to a higher-quality one. Can anyone confirm if that’s true, and if so, what difference it makes?

Question 3 (the most confusing one):
Most setup diagrams show this layout:

Front left & front right speakers in the front corners, angled toward the center
Soundbar in the middle front
Rear left & rear right speakers in the back corners, angled toward the center

When I test using YouTube speaker tests (on either my Xfinity box or Onn device), the channels seem wrong:
“Front Left” plays from the left side of the soundbar, not the actual front-left speaker in the corner.
“Rear Left” plays from the front-left speaker instead of the rear one.
I realize this could be a YouTube limitation—most tests show 5.1 only, and I don’t think the Atmos tests are working since they give the same results.

So… what am I missing? Is there a reliable way to test the actual Atmos speaker layout and how can I tell if I have a Atmos signal? There is nothing on the soundbar that shows Atmos ever.

BTW I love the sound and I'm extremely happy with my purchase but I'm just trying to get the optimal Dolby Atmos playback using me setup.

Thank you for reading in advance.

 

[Leongino]

Hi,
the same thing was happening to me with my D80, but after searching, I realized it's not a bar issue. I'll answer your questions and hope it helps.

Question 1:
I did the right thing by avoiding the Boom edition, since my dogs are afraid of thunder, right? Or does the Boom version offer other features beyond just… stronger bass?

Answer:
Yes, you made the right choice if your concern was your dogs .

• Poseidon D80 (non-Boom) → has a more moderate subwoofer, bass is present but not overwhelming. Perfect for regular living rooms and for those who don’t want “rumbling” sound.
• Poseidon D80 Boom → mainly adds a larger, more powerful subwoofer (deeper bass, higher sound pressure). The rest of the specs (channels, Atmos decoding) are essentially the same.
  So, you didn’t lose Atmos features; the only difference is the subwoofer. Good decision in your case.

Question 2:
Is it worth upgrading the HDMI eARC cable to a higher-quality one?

Answer:
There’s a lot of confusion about this.

• HDMI eARC is digital → the signal either goes through or it doesn’t (no gradual loss like analog).
• The only real differences:
  • Needs to be HDMI 2.1 (Ultra High Speed Certified) for eARC, 4K@60/120Hz, Dolby TrueHD/Atmos.
  • Better shielding helps if the cable is very long (+3 m).

Conclusion:

• If your cable is already High Speed with Ethernet (2.0b or 2.1 certified) and under 3 m → no need to change it.
• If it’s old or generic (no certification) → upgrade to an Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable (with official QR label).
  It won’t “improve sound quality,” but it ensures Atmos/eARC works reliably.

Question 3:
When testing channels with YouTube speaker tests, the mapping seems wrong. Why?

Answer:

• YouTube doesn’t stream real Atmos → at most stereo or sometimes 5.1.
• Videos labeled “Dolby Atmos test” are actually stereo PCM wrapped to simulate multichannel.
• Result: channels don’t match (Front Left comes from the soundbar instead of the corner speaker, etc.).

In short: YouTube cannot be used to test Atmos properly.

How to test real Atmos on your setup:

• Use your Onn 4K Plus with apps that support Atmos:
  • Netflix Premium, Disney+, Prime Video.
• On your Samsung TV:
  • Enable HDMI eARC
  • Set Audio output = Passthrough / Bitstream
  • Audio format = Auto (Dolby Atmos)

How to confirm Atmos is active:

• The D80 never shows “Dolby Atmos” on the display, even when it’s active. It always says Dolby Surround (firmware limitation).
• To verify:
  1. On your Onn 4K → Settings > Display & Sound > Audio format → force Dolby Atmos.
  2. Play Atmos content (e.g., Netflix/Disney+/Prime).
  3. Although the display shows Dolby Surround, the rear satellites will clearly activate in Atmos scenes.
  4. Optionally, install Kodi → playback info will show Dolby Digital Plus JOC (Atmos).

Summary:

1. You chose well avoiding the Boom (same features, just stronger subwoofer).
2. HDMI cables: upgrade only if yours isn’t certified; otherwise, no difference.
3. YouTube tests are misleading; use real Atmos apps. The D80 will always show “Dolby Surround,” but it does play Atmos (DD+).

These are the responses of a fan who likes to investigate, welcome to the ULTIMEA world
I hope I can help you, enjoy your D80

 

[BillTwin]

Hi Leongino,

First off, thank you for such a detailed response. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what kind of reply to expect, but yours went way beyond what I imagined. Really appreciate it!

While I was waiting for my post to be approved, I actually picked up a new cable and went with this one:

HDMI Cable

Glad to hear I made the right choice with the D80. I’m happy, and my dogs are happy too. To be honest, the system already has plenty of bass—I can’t imagine needing more.

Funny you mentioned Kodi—that’s actually the main reason I decided to get this system in the first place. I’ve set up my TV exactly as you described, and I have the Onn configured for Atmos. In Kodi, my audio is currently set to 7.1 with passthrough enabled. What I’m unsure about is which formats I should select. I know DTS isn’t an option, but I’m not sure about the rest.

Do you happen to use Kodi yourself? If so, could you share what settings you’re using? I’ve been trying movies labeled as Atmos and I do not believe I've ever seen the display read Dolby Digital Plus JOC (Atmos), I have been playing recommended Atmos movies and haven't heard much surround. If it helps, I can take a picture of my audio settings and post them here.

Bill

 

[Leongino]

Please share your setup. I'll also share some tips.

1. Open Kodi Settings
2. Go to System -Audio.
   At the bottom left, change the settings level to Expert so you can see all options.
3. Configure:
   • Audio output device: select the HDMI/eARC
   • Number of channels: 2.0 (important → Atmos and other multichannel formats are sent as bitstream, not PCM).
   • Allow passthrough: Enabled.
   • Passthrough output device: select your HDMI/eARC as well.
   • Enable the codec
     • Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC3) (Atmos often comes via this for streaming).

Test different movies compatible with Dolby Atmos

 

[BillTwin]

Leongino,

Thank you once again for all your help. With your guidance, I was able to get everything working properly, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I did have to make a couple of adjustments along the way, but your advice was spot on.


After making the changes, my D80 now correctly displays Dolby Atmos when playing Atmos content. For reference, I connected my Onn streaming device directly into the HDMI IN on the D80. I didn’t have HDMI/eARC passthrough available in Kodi, and when I first tried your recommended settings, I ran into a video sync issue. Switching the Passthrough output device to AudioTrack (RAW), Android IEC packer solved the problem—everything is now perfectly in sync, sounds fantastic, and shows Atmos as expected.


I’m sharing my full setup below in case it helps anyone else with a similar configuration. I’ll also be writing a review soon and will be sure to credit you for your assistance.

Quick Reference – Working Settings for Ultimea Poseidon D80 (2025 Upgrade) + Onn 4K Plus + Kodi​

TV (Samsung CU7000)

• HDMI-eARC Mode: Auto
• Digital Output Audio Format: Pass-through
• Digital Output Audio Delay: 0

Onn 4K Plus

• Audio: Manual
• Enabled: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos (with Dolby Digital Plus)
• Disabled: DTS (not supported by D80)

Kodi

• Audio Output Device: AudioTrack (IEC), Kodi IEC Packer
• Number of Channels: 2.0
• Output Configuration: Best Match
• Maintain Original Volume on Downmix: On
• Stereo Upmix: Off
• Resample Quality: Medium
• Keep Audio Device Alive: 1 Minute
• Send Low Volume Noise: On

Passthrough

• Allow Passthrough: On
• Passthrough Output Device: AudioTrack (RAW), Android IEC Packer
• Dolby Digital (AC3): On
• Dolby Digital Transcoding: Off
• Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC3): On
• DTS / TrueHD / DTS-HD: Off
• Use DTS Core: Off

With these settings, the D80 properly displays Dolby Atmos when Atmos content is played.

 

[Leongino]

Great job, !


I’m really glad to hear you got everything working and are now enjoying Dolby Atmos as it should be. Thank you for sharing your full setup — this will definitely help others with a similar configuration. I’ll be looking forward to your upcoming review, it will be a great contribution to the community.

 

[kito]

Great job, !


I’m really glad to hear you got everything working and are now enjoying Dolby Atmos as it should be. Thank you for sharing your full setup — this will definitely help others with a similar configuration. I’ll be looking forward to your upcoming review, it will be a great contribution to the community.

Bravo surtout à toi, tu as tellement bien expliqué la méthode. C'est super sympa de ta part. Et ça va servir à beaucoup de gens, c'est certain.
Good job

 

[Leongino]

Bravo surtout à toi, tu as tellement bien expliqué el método. C'est super sympa de ta part. Et ça va servir à beaucoup de gens, c'est sure.
Buen trabajo

gracias amigo mío

 

[QDNguyen]

Hi guys,
I want to share also some of my experience with the D80. There is something i have found out, why you can't get Dolby Atmos output and what you can try do to get Dolby Atmos output. (Pls note: Youtube don't support Dolby Atmos output, it has only Stereo-emulation output to send the signal to the speaker and tunning the sound from each the speakers of the hardware. Similar like S-force surround sound technic of Sony. )

1. The TV must supporting Dolby Atmos. Otherwise, there won't be able to get Dolby Atmos. Or at least you have another Device (ex: Fire TV Cube gen3/ TV Box/ Apple TV...), # which has supported Dolby Atmos output (the Device need 1 HDMI with eARC + another HDMI) #.
For that, you can connect the eARC port from another device to the eARC of the soundbar. Then another HDMI port of the TV-Box to TV-HDMI. (Of course by output need to setup "passthrough" from the TV-Box devices)

2. Like Leongino said, the HDMI cable should have "Ultra High Speed" on the side of the cables. Because "High Speed" cable has supported the speed upto 18Gbps, but the "Ultra High Speed" has supported speed upto 48Gbps. (If i remember right, to get Dolby Atmos sound, it needs the speed around 30Gbps or more)
Otherwise, it won't able to get Dolby Atmos.

3. By Streaming Apps (ex: Netflix, Amazon Video Prime, Disney+), it supported Dolby Atmos (in DD+, not true HD), BUT (big but, why?) it also work on the highest/ most expensive Package with UHD/4K. Another or cheaper Package support only FHD (this is a reason, it showed on the soundbar only "Dolby Surround", not "Dolby Atmos".

There is something i have found out and the solutions to try to fix the output sound.
Thanks for reading.
Hope my experience could help.

 

[Leongino]

Hi guys,
I want to share also some of my experience with the D80. There is something i have found out, why you can't get Dolby Atmos output and what you can try do to get Dolby Atmos output. (Pls note: Youtube don't support Dolby Atmos output, it has only Stereo-emulation output to send the signal to the speaker and tunning the sound from each the speakers of the hardware. Similar like S-force surround sound technic of Sony. )

1. The TV must supporting Dolby Atmos. Otherwise, there won't be able to get Dolby Atmos. Or at least you have another Device (ex: Fire TV Cube gen3/ TV Box/ Apple TV...), # which has supported Dolby Atmos output (the Device need 1 HDMI with eARC + another HDMI) #.
For that, you can connect the eARC port from another device to the eARC of the soundbar. Then another HDMI port of the TV-Box to TV-HDMI. (Of course by output need to setup "passthrough" from the TV-Box devices)

2. Like Leongino said, the HDMI cable should have "Ultra High Speed" on the side of the cables. Because "High Speed" cable has supported the speed upto 18Gbps, but the "Ultra High Speed" has supported speed upto 48Gbps. (If i remember right, to get Dolby Atmos sound, it needs the speed around 30Gbps or more)
Otherwise, it won't able to get Dolby Atmos.

3. By Streaming Apps (ex: Netflix, Amazon Video Prime, Disney+), it supported Dolby Atmos (in DD+, not true HD), BUT (big but, why?) it also work on the highest/ most expensive Package with UHD/4K. Another or cheaper Package support only FHD (this is a reason, it showed on the soundbar only "Dolby Surround", not "Dolby Atmos".

There is something i have found out and the solutions to try to fix the output sound.
Thanks for reading.
Hope my experience could help.

Great contribution, this will surely help more than one person who needs it.

Thanks, friend. @QDNguyen

By the way, this is my signature

 

[BillTwin]

Hi guys,
I want to share also some of my experience with the D80. There is something i have found out, why you can't get Dolby Atmos output and what you can try do to get Dolby Atmos output. (Pls note: Youtube don't support Dolby Atmos output, it has only Stereo-emulation output to send the signal to the speaker and tunning the sound from each the speakers of the hardware. Similar like S-force surround sound technic of Sony. )

1. The TV must supporting Dolby Atmos. Otherwise, there won't be able to get Dolby Atmos. Or at least you have another Device (ex: Fire TV Cube gen3/ TV Box/ Apple TV...), # which has supported Dolby Atmos output (the Device need 1 HDMI with eARC + another HDMI) #.
For that, you can connect the eARC port from another device to the eARC of the soundbar. Then another HDMI port of the TV-Box to TV-HDMI. (Of course by output need to setup "passthrough" from the TV-Box devices)

2. Like Leongino said, the HDMI cable should have "Ultra High Speed" on the side of the cables. Because "High Speed" cable has supported the speed upto 18Gbps, but the "Ultra High Speed" has supported speed upto 48Gbps. (If i remember right, to get Dolby Atmos sound, it needs the speed around 30Gbps or more)
Otherwise, it won't able to get Dolby Atmos.

3. By Streaming Apps (ex: Netflix, Amazon Video Prime, Disney+), it supported Dolby Atmos (in DD+, not true HD), BUT (big but, why?) it also work on the highest/ most expensive Package with UHD/4K. Another or cheaper Package support only FHD (this is a reason, it showed on the soundbar only "Dolby Surround", not "Dolby Atmos".

There is something i have found out and the solutions to try to fix the output sound.
Thanks for reading.
Hope my experience could help.

Thank you so much, QDNguyen!

Your insight was incredibly helpful, and the level of knowledge shared on this forum never ceases to amaze me. I truly appreciate the time and expertise you and everyone else puts into helping others here.

 

[Ultimea Team]

Hi guys,
I want to share also some of my experience with the D80. There is something i have found out, why you can't get Dolby Atmos output and what you can try do to get Dolby Atmos output. (Pls note: Youtube don't support Dolby Atmos output, it has only Stereo-emulation output to send the signal to the speaker and tunning the sound from each the speakers of the hardware. Similar like S-force surround sound technic of Sony. )

1. The TV must supporting Dolby Atmos. Otherwise, there won't be able to get Dolby Atmos. Or at least you have another Device (ex: Fire TV Cube gen3/ TV Box/ Apple TV...), # which has supported Dolby Atmos output (the Device need 1 HDMI with eARC + another HDMI) #.
For that, you can connect the eARC port from another device to the eARC of the soundbar. Then another HDMI port of the TV-Box to TV-HDMI. (Of course by output need to setup "passthrough" from the TV-Box devices)

2. Like Leongino said, the HDMI cable should have "Ultra High Speed" on the side of the cables. Because "High Speed" cable has supported the speed upto 18Gbps, but the "Ultra High Speed" has supported speed upto 48Gbps. (If i remember right, to get Dolby Atmos sound, it needs the speed around 30Gbps or more)
Otherwise, it won't able to get Dolby Atmos.

3. By Streaming Apps (ex: Netflix, Amazon Video Prime, Disney+), it supported Dolby Atmos (in DD+, not true HD), BUT (big but, why?) it also work on the highest/ most expensive Package with UHD/4K. Another or cheaper Package support only FHD (this is a reason, it showed on the soundbar only "Dolby Surround", not "Dolby Atmos".

There is something i have found out and the solutions to try to fix the output sound.
Thanks for reading.
Hope my experience could help.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thorough and helpful guide!
You've nailed some key points for unlocking Dolby Atmos—your advice is invaluable to the entire community!

Yes! Not all TVs or source devices support Atmos—this requires careful consideration.
You're absolutely right about the HDMI cable—"Ultra High Speed" (48Gbps) is a must for full-bandwidth Atmos.
I highly agree about the streaming service tiers—many people don't realize that Atmos typically requires a 4K/UHD subscription plan.

Your explanations are incredibly clear and precise—especially the instructions on YouTube (which do use stereo-based spatial simulation, not true Atmos). Even experienced users sometimes overlook these details!

We'll make sure others who may be facing similar issues see your insights. It's this kind of real-world experience that makes our community stronger. You're awesome!