How to optimize Apple TV 4K audio settings across all formats with my Sony Bravia 9 TV?

Question

How to optimize Apple TV 4K audio settings across all formats with my Sony Bravia 9 TV?

Hi…

Request advice on optimizing Apple TV 4K audio settings with my Sony Bravia 9 TV

(K-85XR90). Initially, I followed recommendations:

Audio Format: Auto, Atmos Available

Change Format: OFF

Immersive Audio

Dolby Atmos: ON

But, this resulted in muffled audio with unclear dialogue when playing 5.1/Dolby

Digital/Dolby Digital Plus content.

However, switching to the settings below improved audio quality, with clear dialogue/vocals.

Change Format: ON

New Format: Dolby Digital 5.1

My Apple TV 4K is connected to a Sony Bravia 9 TV via HDMI 4.

I'd appreciate guidance on optimal settings for the best audio experience across all formats.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 18

Posted on Jul 27, 2025 7:07 PM

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Answer 1

Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,118 points

Jul 28, 2025 9:19 PM in response to Harish_Hyderabad_India

The would be one setting good for all content, but dependent on the audio system, and its number of speakers.

You shouldn’t get muffled sound. That may point to a separate misconfiguration, possibly in the audio system, possibly in the TV. We need more information on the exact setup.

If the Audio Format settings on Apple TV, set for Dolby Digital 5.1, gives you good sound, then that is the setting for you. That is why it is there; in case the Auto setting doesn’t give satisfactory results.

You didn’t specify the audio system in use in this setup. Do you use the TV’s built-in speakers, or something else?

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Answer 2

Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,118 points

Jul 27, 2025 7:36 PM in response to Harish_Hyderabad_India

The settings should match your audio system setup.

If you use the TV’s built-in speakers, then you might as well set Apple TV to stereo.

- For surround sound audio systems capable of LPCM Multichannel, the Auto setting should provide the best audio.

- For fallback in case of incompatibility (older systems or optical connections), use Dolby Digital 5.1 for surround sound setups.

- For two speaker output, use Stereo.

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Answer 3

Jul 28, 2025 7:46 PM in response to Urquhart1244

Hi...You mean to say, I need to change Apple TV 4K device audio settings every time based on the content I stream...? It's a routine exercise I've been doing, but any universal setting that'll allow me to go ahead across all formats...?

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