Poor sound quality - Nexus 6P General

Using N6P for the last few days, N6P sound output from the headphone jack is poor, it gets loud but quality is lacking, N6P doesn’t even have the power to drive high efficiency headphones (high sensitivity (dbl/mW or dbl/W) and low impedance (ohms)), I listen on my Triple Fi 10 headphones (Input Sensitivity - 117dB/mW; Impedance - 32 ohms) and the sound quality is disappointing.
I am coming from N6, N6 has very good sound quality from the headphone jack, N6 has the power to drive my Triple Fi 10 and doesn’t need an Amp.
PhoneArena measured the N6 at .98 volts and the 6P is .34 volts, for comparison IP6+ is 1.014 volts
See below comments from Head-fi forum about the poor sound quality:
“The 6P's sound is extremely forward and punchy, but has a real digital grittiness to it. Almost like running through a preamp with the gain wound up too far, with a weird high mid resonance that eventually becomes fatiguing. The weird grit sort of reminds me of my motherboard's onboard Realtek sound, from circa mid-2000s. It feels like the frequency response is not flat at all, I'm expecting tests to show a big peak around high mids to low treble. It's kind of like listening on cheap earbuds.”
http://www.head-fi.org/t/785067/nexus-5x-and-6p-sound-quality/30
I hate to return N6P as I love the phone otherwise, but sound quality is very important to me as I listen to music a lot.

The 6p has so many strong points, wouldn't it be worth using a headphone amp instead of returning the entire thing? Obviously that won't solve audio quality, but investing in an iPod or a walkman isn't too bad when your then able to use IMO the best android phone of 2015...

Get high quality Bluetooth headset. I have jaybird x2 and sounds beautiful connected.

Jamie bell said:
The 6p has so many strong points, wouldn't it be worth using a headphone amp instead of returning the entire thing? Obviously that won't solve audio quality, but investing in an iPod or a walkman isn't too bad when your then able to use IMO the best android phone of 2015...
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Must listen to this guy.
Sent from my Nexus 6P

I couldn't tell you the last time I plugged in headphones... No to wires!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Only use them on airplanes!

im very happy with my Nexus 6P and headphone jack sound quality with my vmoda headphones. I use poweramp to listen to music and used one of the apps preset equalizers, sound quality is great to me, I've also used it during phones calls and it sounds just fine.

ga9213 said:
Get high quality Bluetooth headset. I have jaybird x2 and sounds beautiful connected.
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Smallsmx3 said:
I couldn't tell you the last time I plugged in headphones... No to wires!
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Bluetooth is not there yet in terms of music quality, I have tried and returned 10 -12 bluetooth headphones in the last year including Jay bird x, they are no match to the good quality wired headsets like my Triple Fi 10, you won’t get any sound stage on Bluetooth headphones.
Sony’s new high resolution Bluetooth headphones are promising but it needs LDAC codec support on the phone, also these headphones are expensive at $399.

I wonder if someday we will see a pair of cans sporting USB-C with an inline Digital to Analog converter. There would be many benefits to this really. I could see a trackpad that supports gestures or scrobbling, etc.

I understand that as for high end audiophile one can spend thousands in the pursuit of audio bliss. But as for my common daily use my 6P with Viper and my JayBird X and Bose sounds is just fine:good::good::good:

Get poweramp and apply these settings.

People still use those headphone jacks? Hmmm... Interesting

anglerstock said:
Get poweramp and apply these settings.
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Thanks for the suggestion, but software enhancements mostly ruins music experience, I prefer to listen the music the way musician intended to..
I used poweramp but prefer Neutron - the best music player on Android..

perXway1 said:
People still use those headphone jacks? Hmmm... Interesting
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yes...only if you listen to real music..and have a discerning ears..

droidguy22 said:
yes...only if you listen to real music..and have a discerning ears..
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Real music you say? Lol so those with discerning ears don't use Bluetooth? #snobbery

If you wish to listen to music "as musicians intended" then you can only get inside their collective heads to hear it. Everything else is influenced and changed by acoustics, recording, engineering and production.

Jamie bell said:
The 6p has so many strong points, wouldn't it be worth using a headphone amp instead of returning the entire thing? Obviously that won't solve audio quality, but investing in an iPod or a walkman isn't too bad when your then able to use IMO the best android phone of 2015...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agree that 6p has many strong points, but amp defeats the portability, a premium phone ($700 - 128gb with tax) in 2015 should give a decent sound quality, what's the point of 128gb storage if it can't output decent sound.

kboya said:
If you wish to listen to music "as musicians intended" then you can only get inside their collective heads to hear it. Everything else is influenced and changed by acoustics, recording, engineering and production.
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the way you described is not possible, that's why you want to buy a device with better DAC and use good quality headphones and you can be as close as possible to the musicians intent..

perXway1 said:
Real music you say? Lol so those with discerning ears don't use Bluetooth? #snobbery
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you are not so bright, are you?
Why Bluetooth Audio Used To (and Still Largely) Sucks:
The problem with Bluetooth audio has always been digital compression: in order to send your audio to your headphones, you were forced to sacrifice quality. Traditionally, especially on older devices and with older Bluetooth versions, this meant the sound was so badly compressed that the result sounded robotic, buzzy, noisy, and all around awful. Listening to podcasts and spoken word through them wasn't a big deal, but when it came to music, they were just the worst. You got none of the richness or warmth of sound that a pair of wired headphones offers.
if you're the type who really enjoys listening—and I mean actively listening—to music on high-quality headphones, and you use terms like "soundstage" and "frequency response" to judge one pair of headphones over another, you may be disappointed, especially when you compare your wireless listening experience to a wired one.
http://lifehacker.com/does-bluetooth-audio-still-suck-1505063323

droidguy22 said:
the way you described is not possible, that's why you want to buy a device with better DAC and use good quality headphones and you can be as close as possible to the musicians intent..
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My comment was not a flame. The difference is that I see all this as impossible for the very reasons I gave. Perhaps Steve Albini can make this clearer: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep05/articles/albini.htm

Related

Beats DNA Pill

The new Beats Pill for HTC DROID DNA. Not sure what the cost is, but I'll ask.
The pill costs $200, but I'm sure you could get a lot better portable speaker for a lot less. Beats are known for bad audio quality, ask any expert in audio.
ilive12 said:
The pill costs $200, but I'm sure you could get a lot better portable speaker for a lot less. Beats are known for bad audio quality, ask any expert in audio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since they have the name 'Dre' on them, people assume they must be amazing. I've tried my friend's Beats with my own music (The Strokes actually) and it sounded bad. It sounded like the music was being played from a distance. The headphones Samsung included with the GN sound 10 times better imho
Honestly....Beats is the most over rated Audio Brand in the Industry....I am pretty sure the pill will also be one such
Ultra Hyped product which eventually will yield very poor sound quality...
Beats aren't that bad they are just overpriced. Real audiophiles know better
strange thing.. i think its bad sound
I 've been using it for about 2 weeks. It's fine. Just don't expect a $500-800 sound from this or any other no matter how awesome speaker for $200. The Pill is decent IMO. I have Beats Studio too. Maybe you wanna call me Beats fan, IDK... I like the headphones a lot. I know everybody says Beats are overpriced. Maybe, IDK, but they are not bad.
How good does this phone sound with beats audio? Also does the 2.55v driver kick it without the phone being plugged up?
I picked this Logitech bluetooth speaker from Amazon. At the time it was $115 with a $50 giftcard to the Amazon MP3 store. Sound is great.
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-984-000181-Bluetooth-Wireless-Speaker/dp/B005KQ2O26/
amaroth said:
Beats aren't that bad they are just overpriced. Real audiophiles know better
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Real audiophiles don't listen to MP3 audio through a phone.
LordJim said:
Real audiophiles don't listen to MP3 audio through a phone.
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Actually, the DNA (with the beats turned off) plus Neutron music player doesnt sound half bad on my Shure SE215's. Waiting for my Westone 4's to get here to give it a real test though. I think the amp they put in the phone plus some decent software might do OK, and keep me from carrying a seperate player. Still, not going to be as good as running a headphone amp or a hifiman mp3 player....
LordJim said:
Real audiophiles don't listen to MP3 audio through a phone.
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Would it be safer to say "Real audiophiles don't listen to MP3 audio period"? I don't make the claim to be one but the HD Tracks I get in flac format top any MP3s I have. The problem gets back to one of storage size.

Decent ear/headphones?

Having decided to keep my N3 even tho I'm not bowled over by the audio, I'd like to reach out and ask which earphones you guys use, and rate highly? I'm in the UK
Thanks.
What's your budget and what do you look for in a pair of them? Quality over sound or vice versa. What type of music genres? Etc... do you want more bass or more average or more vocals to pop out?
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
try something from Denon or Audio Technica!
I use the stock buds at work as they allow me to listen in on conversations of colleagues (meaning I can hear them when they try talking to me). If I want good sound away from home, I use a shure 215 se. There are pricier options, but for 100€ it's really great sound. At home I use a sennheiser MD 598 if I really want to have it like the musicians inteted their songs. But the sennheisers are open back and so sound gets out and my family is annoyed by that if they wantto watch TV. So I bought the Yamaha Pr 500. they are closed backs and almost don't leak sound, even if I use my Fiio alpen to crank it up. The Yamaha is a little tinted to the lower frequency side, but it sounds awesome to hear all the bass lines. And with EQ you van tweak the sound to your liking. But what I found is, that any over the ear headphones with big drivers really gives a much better sound stage. When using my big cans I almost always get back to live tracks over studio recordings, because it sounds as if you were standing in front of the stage. I recently had to thin out my music collection on SD card to make space for higher quality recordings. Now the minimum I use is 160 kbps and I have tracks up to 320. and the difference is amazing.
Sorry for this rather long post, but I hope you can get something out of it.
Check out Headfi
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Agree. Headfi.org is great if you research audio stuff.
Another vote for head fi. Watch your wallet though. The headphone out on the Note 3 is very good. A high quality headphone is worth it. Personally I use a Vmoda m100 most of the time. It's a fantastic headphone if you like your bass. I also have a pair of Audiotechnica A900s which still sound amazing after 5 years since I purchased it. For ultimate portability I use Sennheiser IE8s which still blow me away with their bass and soundstage.
Good luck with your search. There are lots of good choices.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk 2
I'm using the Sennheiser Adidas MX 685 as my put-in-pocket pair of earphones. They sound great, are water-proof, and don't fall out of your ears! You can get them in multiple form factors.
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Adidas-Sports-Headphones-Packaging/dp/B00E367V4A/
http://www.amazon.com/Sennhesier-Adidas-Sports-In-Ear-Headphones/dp/B0094R4PBU/
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Adidas-Sports-In-Ear-Headphones/dp/B0094R2HZQ/
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Adidas-Sports-Neckband-Headphones/dp/B0094R4Q6Y/
Discovered JVC HA-S500 through HeadFi. I loved them so much I now own three pair so the wife and kids can use. They are import only from Japan.
http://www.amazon.com/JVC-Head-band-Portable-Headphones-HA-S500-B/dp/B008FWB9TQ
JCM800 said:
Having decided to keep my N3 even tho I'm not bowled over by the audio, I'd like to reach out and ask which earphones you guys use, and rate highly? I'm in the UK
Thanks.
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www.Rockitsounds.com
=)
Bose earbuds. Designed so they cannot fall out of your ears, tons of BASS, amazing. Cost around $150
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note III.
Prevous Owner/Hacker of... numerous other devices!
JCM800 said:
Having decided to keep my N3 even tho I'm not bowled over by the audio, I'd like to reach out and ask which earphones you guys use, and rate highly? I'm in the UK
Thanks.
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Monster inspiration noise canceling headphone they work pretty good.
Sent Via Tmobile note 3
Try a pair of these.
http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SE535LT...F8&qid=1382456681&sr=8-2&keywords=shure+se846
The output from the N3 is extremely good. If you're not feeling that then either you're using dodgy earphones or poor quality source material. Well recorded 24/96 audio through my Shure E3C earphones sounds pretty amazing.
Really can believe no one has recommended Etymotic. I picked up a set of these
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000XP8DJC
And I am as happy as I can be with them. You can't beat it for under $100 IMO. I plan on investing in their ER-4s based on my experience with how impressed I am with the hf4. I never thought I would be paying as much for a set of headphones as I would a phone....
JCM800 said:
Having decided to keep my N3 even tho I'm not bowled over by the audio, I'd like to reach out and ask which earphones you guys use, and rate highly? I'm in the UK
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
One of my friend in Hampshire ordered headsets for his N3 from fommy....and he was quite happy to receive them so you can check out their may be you find some better ones....
XxLostSoulxX said:
What's your budget and what do you look for in a pair of them? Quality over sound or vice versa. What type of music genres? Etc... do you want more bass or more average or more vocals to pop out?
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
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Firstly thanks for the replies everyone. I wasn't receiving post updates.
I listen to Led Zeppelin a lot. Rock music. Like to hear the bass too and mid range .
I think I'm more inclined to use in ear buds, so shall look through the thread and check recommended types.
Thanks all
I picked up a pair of Bose IE2 a few days ago and blown away with audio quality and comfort. Kinda pricey but well worth it.
http://www.amazon.com/Bose-327279-0...=UTF8&qid=1382528712&sr=8-1&keywords=Bose+IE2
dsmero said:
I picked up a pair of Bose IE2 a few days ago and blown away with audio quality and comfort. Kinda pricey but well worth it.
http://www.amazon.com/Bose-327279-0...=UTF8&qid=1382528712&sr=8-1&keywords=Bose+IE2
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Thanks ill have a look. I'm just used to those silly shaped in ears that came with my old iPhone 5 - I imagine Bose would be better than those!?
JCM800 said:
Thanks ill have a look. I'm just used to those silly shaped in ears that came with my old iPhone 5 - I imagine Bose would be better than those!?
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Yes, definitely. These come with different size buds and stabilizers depending on your ear size. I don't even know I'm wearing these when working out for long periods of time. They have another version with volume controls and mic for $30 more.
Returned for a refund the Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 bluetooth headset because the buds were uncomfortable and popped out during movement.
JCM800 said:
I think I'm more inclined to use in ear buds, so shall look through the thread and check recommended types.
Thanks all
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You can use over the ear headphones with the N3 but I wouldn't recommend it. I tried my Sennheiser HD650s plugged into the N3 and they sounded okay but not great, problem is the N3 doesn't really have enough power to drive them. Through a headphone amp or external DAC they should be fine, I tried the N3->HLLY SMK-III DAC->Sennheiser HD650 and that sounded awesome.

Noise canceling headphones

Can anyone recommend a good set of noise canceling headphones? I use some regular Bose freestyle ESR buds currently. I want something to cancel out the obnoxious people I'm around at school all day. I go for engineering and I hate it when you have find a quiet place to work during the day. I was thinking shut getting the Bose QC 25 over ESR headphones because I've read good things about them, but I wanted to see what other people would recommend. I'm not a big audiophile as long as it sounds as good as my Chevy l current headphones I'll be happy. I was thinking about something like on ear headphones because they would probably work better?
Thanks in advance.
I have the Bose QC15 (over the ear) noise cancelling headphones and they ARE amazing (The QC25's have replaced them). They are a little bigger, but they do a great job of noise cancelling.
Now, if you want an IN EAR version .. don't rule out the Bose QC20i's. I have those as well and they are equally amazing but because they are "in ear" they are smaller and a little more discreet.
I personally love the Bose hardware, so it just comes down to size and what you are looking for. I use the QC20i more, but that is because they are more portable. YMMV
I just bought these: http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-NC-Cancelling-Headphones/dp/B00A4A3SNW
I don't have them yet, so I can't comment on how good they are, but I have always liked Harman sound.
wattsja said:
I have the Bose QC15 (over the ear) noise cancelling headphones and they ARE amazing (The QC25's have replaced them). They are a little bigger, but they do a great job of noise cancelling.
Now, if you want an IN EAR version .. don't rule out the Bose QC20i's. I have those as well and they are equally amazing but because they are "in ear" they are smaller and a little more discreet.
I personally love the Bose hardware, so it just comes down to size and what you are looking for. I use the QC20i more, but that is because they are more portable. YMMV
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If they had an in ear version with android controls I would probably get that over the regular headphones. I might wait and see if they update it by next year (15 days or so).... The QC25's are big but I feel like they might sound better because of the bigger driver. Then again I am used to my smaller Bose freestyle in ear ones so I may not notice.
Pilz said:
If they had an in ear version with android controls I would probably get that over the regular headphones. I might wait and see if they update it by next year (15 days or so).... The QC25's are big but I feel like they might sound better because of the bigger driver. Then again I am used to my smaller Bose freestyle in ear ones so I may not notice.
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I've had mine since just after they were released (10/13) and I opted for the iPhone version. Since the ONLY difference is that the Android/Windows versions are missing the control buttons, my though was this:
they are the same price and having the buttons will make no difference to Android; However, If I do connect them to my iPod, then I can use the control buttons.
My logic has served me as I use them on my nano at work quite a bit .. and I am able to use the control buttons and pressing the buttons when connected to Android .. does nothing.
wattsja said:
I've had mine since just after they were released (10/13) and I opted for the iPhone version. Since the ONLY difference is that the Android/Windows versions are missing the control buttons, my though was this:
they are the same price and having the buttons will make no difference to Android; However, If I do connect them to my iPod, then I can use the control buttons.
My logic has served me as I use them on my nano at work quite a bit .. and I am able to use the control buttons and pressing the buttons when connected to Android .. does nothing.
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Yeah only the middle button works on mine. I know it has to do with how they set up the resistors inside of the headphones. I'm still debating on which ones I want.
Do both the in ear and over ear cancel noise just as well for those who have both?
Pilz said:
Yeah only the middle button works on mine. I know it has to do with how they set up the resistors inside of the headphones. I'm still debating on which ones I want.
Do both the in ear and over ear cancel noise just as well for those who have both?
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The active noise cancelling seems to be equally as good in-ear or over-ear. You will get a better passive noise reduction with the over-ear ones due to the fact that it covers the whole ear.
wattsja said:
The active noise cancelling seems to be equally as good in-ear or over-ear. You will get a better passive noise reduction with the over-ear ones due to the fact that it covers the whole ear.
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I need to test those out at a boss store. I really like my ear buds, and I used to have seen OE2's before I broke them so a change is nice.
http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/headphones/M4U-2-Headphones
We sell these at my work and they are very good sounding and great at noise cancelling.
bose QC 25
i have the QC25 and i love them. so comfortable! and the active noise canceling is amazing. I am also an engineering student and i can have it on even at the loudest part of the library and not bothered by the people around me. I wear them hours at a time and my ears doesn't get fatique like i would with the in ear headphones. definitely worth the investment over the Beats.
hoaindao said:
i have the QC25 and i love them. so comfortable! and the active noise canceling is amazing. I am also an engineering student and i can have it on even at the loudest part of the library and not bothered by the people around me. I wear them hours at a time and my ears doesn't get fatique like i would with the in ear headphones. definitely worth the investment over the Beats.
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That's good news, I've always liked Bose headphones and their QC line is perfect fit what I need. In going to test then out before I buy them to see if I want the QC 25. Or QC 20's.
Try westones. The triple drivers.
Shamu
I use my bose qc15 when im at home and i use monster inspiration when on train and busses. They are good if you like bass heavy music.
I just bought the QC 25's and they live up to the great reviews. I can't hear my TV when its extremely loud if Im playing music. This is the perfect way to say dont bother me
Pilz said:
I just bought the QC 25's and they live up to the great reviews. I can't hear my TV when its extremely loud if Im playing music. This is the perfect way to say dont bother me
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Good. I am using my hearing aids bluetooth paired to my phone. Excellent noise cancellation on those Phonaks. For 7K they darn well better be.
I wonder, though, if the wired sound from the Bose is better than the bluetooth. I would need a good equalizer as I have severe hearing loss on mid & higher frequencies.
Your thoughts?
wtherrell said:
Good. I am using my hearing aids bluetooth paired to my phone. Excellent noise cancellation on those Phonaks. For 7K they darn well better be.
I wonder, though, if the wired sound from the Bose is better than the bluetooth. I would need a good equalizer as I have severe hearing loss on mid & higher frequencies.
Your thoughts?
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What do you mean for 7k? The Bose QC 25's are 299$
Also I have mild hearing loss from being in the military. (I was am engineer so demolition was my thing) I think these sound great, and I have 2 other pairs of Bose headphones. I'm not partial to their brand, but after trying others I always come back to Bose. They are wired and I don't mind that at all. The cord is completely detachable and they have a great carrying case. I'm not by any means an audiophile so I can't tell you how the highs and lows sound comparatively speaking. The sound is very even and clean and much better than the POS beats that I have tried. I can post some pictures if you want.
Pilz said:
What do you mean for 7k? The Bose QC 25's are 299$
Also I have mild hearing loss from being in the military. (I was am engineer so demolition was my thing) I think these sound great, and I have 2 other pairs of Bose headphones. I'm not partial to their brand, but after trying others I always come back to Bose. They are wired and I don't mind that at all. The cord is completely detachable and they have a great carrying case. I'm not by any means an audiophile so I can't tell you how the highs and lows sound comparatively speaking. The sound is very even and clean and much better than the POS beats that I have tried. I can post some pictures if you want.
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The Phonak HA's were 7K. Just need to decide if the QC 25 wired sound would be that $300 better /more convenient than the bluetooth link to my hearing aids.
wtherrell said:
The Phonak HA's were 7K. Just need to decide if the QC 25 wired sound would be that $300 better /more convenient than the bluetooth link to my hearing aids.
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I would say give it a try the worst that could happen is that they don't work for you. BB has them locally soi would give or a try
If you're really interested in the QC-25's, remember that you can customize the colors of them too (for a price of course). Get them painted to match your style. I've seen the paint jobs in person, and it's top notch. Not to mention it's done by a Bose partner, so they have Bose's warranty as well.
Colorware QC-25
Pilz said:
I would say give it a try the worst that could happen is that they don't work for you. BB has them locally soi would give or a try
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OK, guess it's worth a try.
Thanks, guys.
tatonka_hero said:
If you're really interested in the QC-25's, remember that you can customize the colors of them too (for a price of course). Get them painted to match your style. I've seen the paint jobs in person, and it's top notch. Not to mention it's done by a Bose partner, so they have Bose's warranty as well.
Colorware QC-25
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Audio Quality - 32 BIT DAC : Best in Class?

Usually I carry a FiiO amp (I have three different models). I use them with my Note 3 and have various headphones ( Audio Technica ATH M50, V-Moda M100 and V-Moda XS, Beats Solo 2). On full amplification via the FiiO and depending on genre, I like the V-Moda XS and FiiO E18 the best. I would rate it a 9 for clarity and depth on portable device (I'm not huge into Ibiza levels of bass). So i walk into the T-Mobile store and hook up the V-Moda XS right to the phone and set the amplification to the highest setting. I would rate it a solid 8.5 (again for portable application). Although to a newbie not typically used to listening on good headphones they would probably rate it a 20.
Basically as is, the V10 makes carrying a headphone AMP a bit unnecessary now. By the way, I paid $160 for that FiiO E18 headphone amp a year ago but the going rate was over $200. The big selling point was that it was made for Android and you could switch to different tracks using the side mounted buttons on the FiiO instead of having to take the phone out, unlock the screen and move to a different track. For whatever reasons, all headphone cords don't work with all music apps on Android.
All that being said, is the V10 the best in class phone for not just camera functionality but audio playback?
I know the new HTC and Samsung Note 5 have a few advantages of their own. I'm curious to see if anyone thinks these are better on audio than the V10 based on experience.
I gave the Note 5 a quick listen, and V10 beats it IMHO. Had a fiio e18 too, good little amp.
Sent from my LG-H901 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
The V10 will hands-down have the best audio performance of any phone to date. However, the question has been raised as to whether or not the ESS DAC/amp are active 24/7. It seems some apps use the standard Snapdragon DAC instead (typically streaming apps). Local content works fine as far as I can tell, and I may have found a workaround to force the ESS DAC on a session-by-session basis, but it might be something that can also be forced via software modifications produced by developers later on.
Well that's good to hear since I won't be going back to Samsung since they ditched SD card and removable battery.
One thing I thought of, the V-Moda XS is known for having a compact folding design that has "military" grade impact resistance and all around durable build quality. Which are similar selling points for the V10. Right out of the box, this is a great sound pairing. Some say the Beats Solo2 is on par with V-Moda XS on sound, but given the plastic build quality it's not really the same value for the money.
Yes, some apps aren't working. Tidal is gtg fortunately. Sounds pretty damn good too.
Sent from my LG-H901 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
Nitemare3219 said:
The V10 will hands-down have the best audio performance of any phone to date. However, the question has been raised as to whether or not the ESS DAC/amp are active 24/7. It seems some apps use the standard Snapdragon DAC instead (typically streaming apps). Local content works fine as far as I can tell, and I may have found a workaround to force the ESS DAC on a session-by-session basis, but it might be something that can also be forced via software modifications produced by developers later on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was wondering about that too. Let me touch on my experience a bit.
A couple of things for reference: I briefly tested the DAC with my Sennheiser Momentum, and then with my HD 650 without any intermediary signal processing. Also, I believe that the 32 bit is an overkill, so signal-wise I don't consider this better than a 16-bit DAC for practical purposes. Still, I like having it just because it's there. My comparison is between the V10 and a Nexus 4, as well as a FiiO E07K + Little Dot Mark III at times.
So, the Momentum: of course the Momentum run well and loud, since they are easily run. DAC-wise, I do notice some added clarity and soundstage with Hi Fi on using FLACS and 320 kbps files (nothing major, but it's there, as expected). All good.
Now, for the HD 650: the V10 with Hi Fi on will do an automatic impedance/power match, which is really nice for volume control normalization. In the end, the V10 makes the FiiO e07k useless, because the HD 650 sound fine, loud, and equally clear on the phone. Now here is the thing: we know that Spotify is not affected by the Hi Fi toggle, yet the sound is equally loud and clear on the HD 650 than with Hi Fi on using local files. When I turn Hi Fi off, the amp can't power the headphones nearly as well (or at all), impedance match ends, and the volume and clarity go down.
In short, Spotify with Hi Fi off = Local files with Hi Fi on, even though it's supposedly not affected by it.
What that means to me is that they could be doing a Beats maneuver, and lowering audio quality on Hi Fi off on local files to really give people the feel that turning it on affects music. On the other hand, it could mean that Spotify (or other 3rd party, streaming apps) simply bypass the toggle and just run on the amp/dac's full power regardless. Proof of the latter would be that my Nexus 4 (and some other phones I've tested) simply cannot drive the HD 650 at the level that the V10 does on Spotify. I mean, I can barely reach a mediocre volume on the Nexus 4 maxed out.
Keep in mind that this is my initial impression, and I haven't done an in-depth sound test yet. That said, I'm very happy with the V10 regardless, since it can effortlessly power my HD 650 without having to carry an external amp/dac combo.
Kakuz said:
I
What that means to me is that they could be doing a Beats maneuver, and lowering audio quality on Hi Fi off on local files to really give people the feel that turning it on affects music. On the other hand, it could mean that Spotify (or other 3rd party, streaming apps) simply bypass the toggle and just run on the amp/dac's full power regardless. Proof of the latter would be that my Nexus 4 (and some other phones I've tested) simply cannot drive the HD 650 at the level that the V10 does on Spotify. I mean, I can barely reach a mediocre volume on the Nexus 4 maxed out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think they lower quality for hi-fi off. It simply uses a completely different DAC. It defaults to the Qualcomm Snapdragon DAC... which is low quality.
jamor414 said:
I don't think they lower quality for hi-fi off. It simply uses a completely different DAC. It defaults to the Qualcomm Snapdragon DAC... which is low quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what it's supposed to be like, so I'm inclined to believe it. My question is whether Spotify is really using the ESS, even if it was not supposed to. More of a curiosity than anything.
Kakuz said:
That's what it's supposed to be like, so I'm inclined to believe it. My question is whether Spotify is really using the ESS, even if it was not supposed to. More of a curiosity than anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Inclined to believe what?
Someone reported getting 3rd party apps like spotify to use the ESS dac with toggling tricks so it's definitely possible that it was using the ESS dac.
jamor414 said:
Inclined to believe what?
Someone reported getting 3rd party apps like spotify to use the ESS dac with toggling tricks so it's definitely possible that it was using the ESS dac.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course it's possible, but I have yet to find a 100% sure response. Not that it's a big deal anyways, since the audio is fine regardless.
By the way, can you send a link to the report? I want to test it.
Kakuz said:
Of course it's possible, but I have yet to find a 100% sure response. Not that it's a big deal anyways, since the audio is fine regardless.
By the way, can you send a link to the report? I want to test it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.head-fi.org/t/782706/lg-...gship-android-phone-from-lg/465#post_12047691
post 470
jamor414 said:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/782706/lg-...gship-android-phone-from-lg/465#post_12047691
post 470
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. That guy is saying something similar to what I said. Difference is, I didn't even have to overlap local file playing to trigger the amp/dac with Spotify. It just goes and it can't be turned off in any way, which is fine with me. But without any more information of course I was going to have initial doubts about it.
Can the v10 replace a standalone music player?
Kakuz said:
I was wondering about that too. Let me touch on my experience a bit.
A couple of things for reference: I briefly tested the DAC with my Sennheiser Momentum, and then with my HD 650 without any intermediary signal processing. Also, I believe that the 32 bit is an overkill, so signal-wise I don't consider this better than a 16-bit DAC for practical purposes. Still, I like having it just because it's there. My comparison is between the V10 and a Nexus 4, as well as a FiiO E07K + Little Dot Mark III at times.
So, the Momentum: of course the Momentum run well and loud, since they are easily run. DAC-wise, I do notice some added clarity and soundstage with Hi Fi on using FLACS and 320 kbps files (nothing major, but it's there, as expected). All good.
Now, for the HD 650: the V10 with Hi Fi on will do an automatic impedance/power match, which is really nice for volume control normalization. In the end, the V10 makes the FiiO e07k useless, because the HD 650 sound fine, loud, and equally clear on the phone. Now here is the thing: we know that Spotify is not affected by the Hi Fi toggle, yet the sound is equally loud and clear on the HD 650 than with Hi Fi on using local files. When I turn Hi Fi off, the amp can't power the headphones nearly as well (or at all), impedance match ends, and the volume and clarity go down.
In short, Spotify with Hi Fi off = Local files with Hi Fi on, even though it's supposedly not affected by it.
What that means to me is that they could be doing a Beats maneuver, and lowering audio quality on Hi Fi off on local files to really give people the feel that turning it on affects music. On the other hand, it could mean that Spotify (or other 3rd party, streaming apps) simply bypass the toggle and just run on the amp/dac's full power regardless. Proof of the latter would be that my Nexus 4 (and some other phones I've tested) simply cannot drive the HD 650 at the level that the V10 does on Spotify. I mean, I can barely reach a mediocre volume on the Nexus 4 maxed out.
Keep in mind that this is my initial impression, and I haven't done an in-depth sound test yet. That said, I'm very happy with the V10 regardless, since it can effortlessly power my HD 650 without having to carry an external amp/dac combo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think the v10 can match something like a Fiio X3? I normally have to carry my phone and the Fiio X3. It'd be great to be able to carry just one device and not have to sacrifice decent sound quality.
3165dwayne said:
Do you think the v10 can match something like a Fiio X3? I normally have to carry my phone and the Fiio X3. It'd be great to be able to carry just one device and not have to sacrifice decent sound quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found this in another forum:
"I have had about 2 days to seriously listen to the V10 with a variety of different headphones and I've continued to be blown away. It puts the iPhone 6/6s to shame and even embarrasses (what I thought to be excellent) Samsung GS6E+/Note 5. I'm typing this in my bed listening to London Grammar's "Flickers" with my LCD-3 and V10. I'm amazed that a) a phone could power these cans as well as the V10 does and b) that there is such excellent instrument separation, transparency, soundstage, and quickness from a smartphone DAC/amp combo. I'd choose this over a FiiO X1/X3/(even) an X5. Until you get into the Questyle/AK territory, this thing is just as competent as any DAP. With TIDAL!"
And with that, I'm in
jamor414 said:
I found this in another forum:
"I have had about 2 days to seriously listen to the V10 with a variety of different headphones and I've continued to be blown away. It puts the iPhone 6/6s to shame and even embarrasses (what I thought to be excellent) Samsung GS6E+/Note 5. I'm typing this in my bed listening to London Grammar's "Flickers" with my LCD-3 and V10. I'm amazed that a) a phone could power these cans as well as the V10 does and b) that there is such excellent instrument separation, transparency, soundstage, and quickness from a smartphone DAC/amp combo. I'd choose this over a FiiO X1/X3/(even) an X5. Until you get into the Questyle/AK territory, this thing is just as competent as any DAP. With TIDAL!"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll see if I can get one tomorrow and test for myself.
3165dwayne said:
Do you think the v10 can match something like a Fiio X3? I normally have to carry my phone and the Fiio X3. It'd be great to be able to carry just one device and not have to sacrifice decent sound quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Fiio e07K that I used to use on the go. The V10 does just as well, or maybe even better, than the Fiio. Assuming the X3 is comparable to the e07k (haven't tested it), I would just stick to the V10 and reduce bulk.
I think I'll sell the e07K now.
Kakuz said:
I have a Fiio e07K that I used to use on the go. The V10 do just as well, or maybe even better, than the Fiio. Assuming the X3 is comparable to the e07k (haven't tested it), I would just stick to the V10 and reduce bulk.
I think I'll sell the e07K now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I'll sell my x3 as well.
Maybe it's possible that the V10 uses the ESS amplifier not matter what DAC is used. I've never noticed a difference between DACs for the most part... my PC sound card (Xonar Essence STX), Schiit Uber stack, and V10 all sound the same. Note5 honestly sounded about the same too. Maybe I just have insensitive ears or can't pick out the differences yet, but my AKG K812's are clearly the best sounding audio equipment I've ever heard, and I try to be critical in details of just about anything I hear sound through (apart from the source components). 320kbps .mp3's suit me just fine too.
Nitemare3219 said:
Maybe it's possible that the V10 uses the ESS amplifier not matter what DAC is used. I've never noticed a difference between DACs for the most part... my PC sound card (Xonar Essence STX), Schiit Uber stack, and V10 all sound the same. Note5 honestly sounded about the same too. Maybe I just have insensitive ears or can't pick out the differences yet, but my AKG K812's are clearly the best sounding audio equipment I've ever heard, and I try to be critical in details of just about anything I hear sound through (apart from the source components). 320kbps .mp3's suit me just fine too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mp3 normally sounds a bit more noisy and a lot of the details i look for are normally not present. then again, my hearing is pretty good. so I do notice the diffrence between mp3 at 320kbps and flac. At most times I don't listen to my music at high volumes either and then the missing stuff becomes more apparent.
I can tell the difference using Koss Portapro with 192kbps ogg.
The sound is more transparent than G4.

S20 included akg earphones vs buds+

Hi - So my S20+ had an included the buds+ as freebie, before this I've never owned any of these "truly wireless" buds. My last bluetooth earphones was a Samsung level U (free from S7 edge). So my question, are these "truly wireless" type earphones really horrendous in terms of sound quality? Would the airpods pro/non-pro or other higher end buds come close to the free akg ones? Or all of these buds are really on a separate low class of there own?
If I have to arrange my earphones in order of sound quality and put spaces/underscores to emphasize the difference
free akg (from S20) ______ Level U __ some old $20 sennheiser earphones i have ___________________________________________________________ buds+
** To audiophiles and other sound enthusiasts, I know all of these are garbage tier in the earphone/headset universe. **
khein said:
Hi - So my S20+ had an included the buds+ as freebie, before this I've never owned any of these "truly wireless" buds. My last bluetooth earphones was a Samsung level U (free from S7 edge). So my question, are these "truly wireless" type earphones really horrendous in terms of sound quality? Would the airpods pro/non-pro or other higher end buds come close to the free akg ones? Or all of these buds are really on a separate low class of there own?
If I have to arrange my earphones in order of sound quality and put spaces/underscores to emphasize the difference
free akg (from S20) ______ Level U __ some old $20 sennheiser earphones i have ___________________________________________________________ buds+
** To audiophiles and other sound enthusiasts, I know all of these are garbage tier in the earphone/headset universe. **
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both is good. Not the best out there but it's not bad.
S20 comes with adapt sound.. Personalize it and create profile for buds+ and akg Wired earphone. If tweaked properly both sounds great.
Sent from my SM-G985F using Tapatalk
Love the earbuds +, lovely quality sound on them and you can tweak certain things using the Samsung Wearables app.
I can also adjust things via the Poweramp app which is my default music player.
I got the Buds+ as part of my pre-order, so in anticipation of these arriving i sold the Huawei Freebuds 2 Pro that i had (and loved). Regretted it the moment the Buds+ landed and tested them. No-where near as good as advertised.
Bass quality was poor, wouldn't stay in my ears, and found them uncomfortable. I have since sold the Buds, and bought a set of Huawei Freebuds 3 to replace them. Much happier
jonboi said:
I got the Buds+ as part of my pre-order, so in anticipation of these arriving i sold the Huawei Freebuds 2 Pro that i had (and loved). Regretted it the moment the Buds+ landed and tested them. No-where near as good as advertised.
Bass quality was poor, wouldn't stay in my ears, and found them uncomfortable. I have since sold the Buds, and bought a set of Huawei Freebuds 3 to replace them. Much happier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I agree bass is bad. But i do love the feature to allow outside noise to enter the earbud. Makes it very useful in airports so u can hear announcements.
Before that I was on wired nakamichi NEP-MV18, it's a dual driver earphone with very very very good sound quality. Now seeing s20 don't have headphone jack in using that only on my pc.
Sent from my SM-G985F using Tapatalk
Buds+ are, in fact, one of the best wireless headphones you can buy.
See some measurements: https://www.rtings.com/headphones/t...-wf-1000xm3/1791/917?usage=9287&threshold=0.1
Radek Hulán said:
Buds+ are, in fact, one of the best wireless headphones you can buy.
See some measurements: https://www.rtings.com/headphones/t...-wf-1000xm3/1791/917?usage=9287&threshold=0.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Measurements mean nothing when it comes to the true user experience. I found them to lack audio quality where it matters. The Freebuds3 i'm now using are far better.
Of course measurements are important ****ty headphones never measure well... I'm using myself €1,100 headphones, custom made Harmony 8.2 in-ears from Custom Art, with 8 drivers in each enclosure, but Buds+ are very decent as well, using them for sport, and measurements prove it.
Radek Hulán said:
Of course measurements are important ****ty headphones never measure well... I'm using myself €1,100 headphones, custom made Harmony 8.2 in-ears from Custom Art, with 8 drivers in each enclosure, but Buds+ are very decent as well, using them for sport, and measurements prove it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't need measurements to hear what is good or not. To me, the Buds+ were crap, not as advertised, so i got rid of them.
Depends what you prefer...
Measurements will show you headphones are or aren't able to play whole spectrum, from 50Hz to 20kHz, with no dips and spikes.
But you might prefer emphasized mids or bass, not precise sound (e.g.)
Radek Hulán said:
Depends what you prefer...
Measurements will show you headphones are or aren't able to play whole spectrum, from 50Hz to 20kHz, with no dips and spikes.
But you might prefer emphasized mids or bass, not precise sound (e.g.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different ppl have different needs.
When I was younger, my car ice was tuned to emphasize on bass.. And those gigantic passive subwoofers and amplifiers..
My amps only power the subwoofers and not the speakers.
Now, I have a active subwoofer, a way better set of speakers and tweeters.. And amps connected to speakers and tuned differently.
Buds+ might be good for some, not so good for others.
Sent from my SM-G985F using Tapatalk
IMHO, I find the Buds+ very good, AFTER setting up a good equalizer, not the wear app one.
My music player (Stellio) has a great one, so I can enjoy a really good sound.
But I think they can't be sound lovers usable when out-of-the-box...
dd66 said:
IMHO, I find the Buds+ very good, AFTER setting up a good equalizer, not the wear app one.
My music player (Stellio) has a great one, so I can enjoy a really good sound.
But I think they can't be sound lovers usable when out-of-the-box...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend you give this a try. Adapt sound from the phones sound settings.
Just by this itself the sound quality improved a lot. Then adjust the equalizer of your music player to make it even better.
vash_h said:
I would recommend you give this a try. Adapt sound from the phones sound settings.
Just by this itself the sound quality improved a lot. Then adjust the equalizer of your music player to make it even better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you take a screen shot of your custom settings?
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
josh030181 said:
Can you take a screen shot of your custom settings?
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not settings at all, just run the Adapt sound process in a quiet environnement with your buds on and it will define it all by itself.
josh030181 said:
Can you take a screen shot of your custom settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go. But yes you'll need to set it up. Go to a quiet place, it will play several tones at different frequency and adjust it accordingly.
I've set up a profile for buds+ and a different profile for my in car entertaiment unit.
And yes dolby is switched on for both.
The Samsung equalizers don't come close to the Poweramp equalizer.
If you're using the Buds you'll want to use Poweramp to dail them in.
I didn't like the wired AKG's that came with my 10+ at all.
can you post your settings for poweramp equalizer, also used buds + sounds great but i just increase everything in adapt sound profile.
chwads2k8 said:
can you post your settings for poweramp equalizer, also used buds + sounds great but i just increase everything in adapt sound profile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to avoid using 2 equalizers as it can add a lot of distortion. Poweramp has an excellent equalizer.
I sometimes "boost" my Poweramp EQ with the Wearables one, setting it to dynamic depending on the song. The Wearables EQ by itself though doesn't cut it.
The Buds and Buds+ have different EQ controls and aren't interchangeable. Both lack low end bass.
EQ settings are very individual and based on your unique hearing perception and preferences.
Generally though for the Buds, jack up the lower bass range especially the last sliders.
Try to make a linear transition across the sliders to form a smooth curve; abrupt heavy one band settings can lead to poorer quality sound. Center the curve starting from 0 db ie don't jack all bands beyond O db.
Turn on the limiter function to avoid clipping especially with the low bass.
This is one of my profiles for the Buds+
My thoughts. The galaxy buds+ are one of the best wireless buds available at its price point, comparable to the airpods pro. Each has there positives and negatives, if you run android tho, its an easy choice. I've tried both on both hardware (S20, i11 pro) and I personally prefer the buds+, but to each there own.
That being said.. the included AKG headphones are AMAZING, and for being included in the box, in my books beat out both... well because they're free. In my usage they also offer deeper lows and more tru mids. No matter which type of wireless ear buds I try, those are 2 things always missing.
Audio though is extremely subjective, so what I think is great, you and others may think is trash. Just dont go with airpods, you WILL be disappointed.

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