Audio output - Xperia Z3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Got my Z3 Saturday and love it so far, though I did have to exchange it within a few hours as the camera wouldn't focus at all.
Anyway coming from the HTC One m8 the output volume is quite low, I used to have the m8 at about 75% because anything louder would be deafening! This seems the same output volume of the Z1, on my commute to work in have to have this at 90/100% to drain out the sound of the train, I'm somewhat a bit disappointed.
I use Spotify and download my playlists at extreme (320kbps) and I've been tempted to try Sony Music Unlimited as it supports the High Res audio which the Z3 supports, however cannot find anything online about this high res audio support.
Does anyone know of any links?
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Keep in mind it's waterproof and dustproof. They need to seal it far more then Htc on M8.
Some sacrifice must be made, that ls why it's "low" for you
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electrash said:
Keep in mind it's waterproof and dustproof. They need to seal it far more then Htc on M8.
Some sacrifice must be made, that ls why it's "low" for you
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Click to collapse
You make a fair point.
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maverick1103 said:
I use Spotify and download my playlists at extreme (320kbps) and I've been tempted to try Sony Music Unlimited as it supports the High Res audio which the Z3 supports, however cannot find anything online about this high res audio support.
Does anyone know of any links?
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The high res audio support is USB audio out. This means that the output signal is digital and in order to make use of it you would need an external USB DAC/amp in conjunction with a USB OTG cable. I've been using such a combination on my Galaxy S3 for years now (I use the HRT Microstreamer). Of course, you'd also need a high end set of headphones that are capable of resolving the higher quality signal.
Various high res music file formats are also supported, including DSD, FLAC, WAV, ALAC.
Clarification: high res audio is the ability to read the high res audio file format as well as the ability to output a 24bit/96kHz (or higher) signal. For the former, the Z3 should be able to output via the headphone socket. For the latter you'll need the USB DAC.

The dsee near high res upscale is found in headphone options, high res over usb is a different menu altogether. It takes mp3's etc, upscales them and outputs over headphone.
Dsee is only an option when using Walkman.
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dl12345 said:
The high res audio support is USB audio out. This means that the output signal is digital and in order to make use of it you would need an external USB DAC/amp in conjunction with a USB OTG cable. I've been using such a combination on my Galaxy S3 for years now (I use the HRT Microstreamer). Of course, you'd also need a high end set of headphones that are capable of resolving the higher quality signal.
Various high res music file formats are also supported, including DSD, FLAC, WAV, ALAC.
Clarification: high res audio is the ability to read the high res audio file format as well as the ability to output a 24bit/96kHz (or higher) signal. For the former, the Z3 should be able to output via the headphone socket. For the latter you'll need the USB DAC.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for that explanation.
corallus said:
The dsee near high res upscale is found in headphone options, high res over usb is a different menu altogether. It takes mp3's etc, upscales them and outputs over headphone.
Dsee is only an option when using Walkman.
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Click to collapse
I cannot see the option you speak of, I have looked in the Headphones option but no option for HSEE. I have been told by a Sony rep that the HSEE also works with the Sony Unlimited Music app.
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I cannot see the option you speak of, I have looked in the Headphones option but no option for HSEE. I have been told by a Sony rep that the HSEE also works with the Sony Unlimited Music app.
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]
Maverick,
I think you're referring to DSEE HX. It's upscales mp3s (lossy music files) using a special algorithm in the same basic way a blu-ray player upscales old DVDs from standard definition (480p) to high definition (1080p). Per Sony's official video mentioning it and corallus' post, you have to go through the WALKMAN app's settings, not the phone's sound settings, in order to reach the DSEE HX option. I think it's really stupid of Sony to put it there instead of in the phone's sound settings because then you're limited to using only the Walkman app if you want to have upscaling (which might've been intentional actually).
Here's the video to access it in the Walkman app on the Xperia Z3 phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjRAQ6AlmII
RockStar2005
---------- Post added at 05:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:30 PM ----------
So here's my dilemma......... I am a big fan of PowerAmp. But the one thing PowerAmp doesn't do is upscale mp3s the way the Harman/Kardon mod for the HTC One M8 or DSEE HX on the Z3 does. But now it's known that on the Z3, if you want to upscale mp3s, you apparently have to use the Walkman app b/c THAT is where the DSEE HX upscaling option is (stupidly) located. I dunno why Sony didn't just put it in the phone's sound settings itself.
So how do I get around this? Are there other music playing apps that also upscale as well as the H/K and the Walkman apps do? Are there any good apps I can download that upscale mp3s? How good is the Walkman app compared to PowerAmp? I checked and the Walkman app apparently only has a 4-band EQ vs PowerAmp's 10-band EQ, which worries me. lol
Any suggestions or solutions to this dilemma are extremely welcome!
RockStar2005

Iam coming from a htc one and this undoubtedly louder although when the volume is up full the sound is horrible, phone vibrates and the sound is very thin! Turn it down a bit and the sound quality is alot better and possibly still a little louder then the htc one! although i personally never found the htc one to be loud by any means,it just sounded nicer then most mobile phone audio

I felt this too, gonna try one of these, don't want to spend that much on a amp. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005HJWWW8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

RockStar2005 said:
I cannot see the option you speak of, I have looked in the Headphones option but no option for HSEE. I have been told by a Sony rep that the HSEE also works with the Sony Unlimited Music app.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RockStar2005 said:
Maverick,
I think you're referring to DSEE HX. It's upscales mp3s (lossy music files) using a special algorithm in the same basic way a blu-ray player upscales old DVDs from standard definition (480p) to high definition (1080p). Per Sony's official video mentioning it and corallus' post, you have to go through the WALKMAN app's settings, not the phone's sound settings, in order to reach the DSEE HX option. I think it's really stupid of Sony to put it there instead of in the phone's sound settings because then you're limited to using only the Walkman app if you want to have upscaling (which might've been intentional actually).
Here's the video to access it in the Walkman app on the Xperia Z3 phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjRAQ6AlmII
RockStar2005
---------- Post added at 05:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:30 PM ----------
So here's my dilemma......... I am a big fan of PowerAmp. But the one thing PowerAmp doesn't do is upscale mp3s the way the Harman/Kardon mod for the HTC One M8 or DSEE HX on the Z3 does. But now it's known that on the Z3, if you want to upscale mp3s, you apparently have to use the Walkman app b/c THAT is where the DSEE HX upscaling option is (stupidly) located. I dunno why Sony didn't just put it in the phone's sound settings itself.
So how do I get around this? Are there other music playing apps that also upscale as well as the H/K and the Walkman apps do? Are there any good apps I can download that upscale mp3s? How good is the Walkman app compared to PowerAmp? I checked and the Walkman app apparently only has a 4-band EQ vs PowerAmp's 10-band EQ, which worries me. lol
Any suggestions or solutions to this dilemma are extremely welcome!
RockStar2005
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've found the setting now and thanks for the explanation too!
I believe this HSEE and High Res is not quite what I thought, but the Sony Rep explained to me that the HSEE also works with Music unlimited app, however I don't see an option like I do in the walkman app... If it does support it I'll switch from Spotify in a flash!
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maverick1103 said:
I've found the setting now and thanks for the explanation too!
I believe this HSEE and High Res is not quite what I thought, but the Sony Rep explained to me that the HSEE also works with Music unlimited app, however I don't see an option like I do in the walkman app... If it does support it I'll switch from Spotify in a flash!
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YW Maverick!
Again, it's DSEE HX not HSEE.
RockStar2005

RockStar2005 said:
YW Maverick!
Again, it's DSEE HX not HSEE.
RockStar2005
Click to expand...
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Oh my! That'll be not having enough coffee today!
I've just found out how to get the music unlimited working with DSEE HX, you use it in the walkman app, can't believe I didn't think of that first. I'm going to try it tomorrow on my commute and see if it is worth it.
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I think Z3's headphone output is quiet worse than M8,and hi-res only works when your phone plug into a external dac such as pha-3
So I suggest you use M8 with headphone jack

Devries said:
I think Z3's headphone output is quiet worse than M8,and hi-res only works when your phone plug into a external dac such as pha-3
So I suggest you use M8 with headphone jack
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard various things, and one of the videos I saw showed that the Z3's headphone output was sometimes greater than the M8's too. You can always increase the pre-amp volume in like PowerAmp to raise the volume more if you need to.
That's only true on the pre-Z3 phones. They (from what I just read last night) were Hi-Res compatible, but unable to convert tracks to Hi-Res on their own. The Z3 however has a BUILT-IN Hi-Res converter, so there's no need for special Hi-Res headphones or hardware. The sound the earphones or headphones get from the Z3 will automatically be Hi-Res if the tracks themselves are of that quality.
RockStar2005

Use music unlimited via Walkman app to get the higher res audio stream
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---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:59 AM ----------
You will still need high res headphones, most headphones output at a peak of 25-40k high res need 80k
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---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:59 AM ----------
[/COLOR]You will still need high res headphones, most headphones output at a peak of 25-40k high res need 80k
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]
Hey corallus,
Oh really? Ok. So do the headphones have to actually SAY "Hi-Res" on them? Do you know of any good earphones/earbuds that can play Hi-Res content?
Thanks,
RockStar2005

[/COLOR]You will still need high res headphones, most headphones output at a peak of 25-40k high res need 80k
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]
Hey corralus,
I was looking at some Hi-Res headphones/earphones, and I came across this one by Sony:
http://store.sony.com/hi-res-stereo-headphones-zid27-MDR10R//cat-27-catid-All-Headphones-Earbuds
It says under Specs that the max output for this pair is 40k Hz, but it also says that this pair is Hi-Res. I was just curious to see where you saw that said that you need 80k Hz to be considered Hi-Res? I have seen ones labeled Hi-Res that are 80k HZ too (http://store.sony.com/premium-hi-re...d27-MDR1R/cat-27-catid-All-Headphones-Earbuds), but Sony apparently considers 40k to be Hi-Res too.
Thank You,
RockStar2005

It's like hd tvs, hi res @ 40k is like 720i and at a push 720p, so not full HD
80k are closer to what most "true" hi res audio is sampled at, which is 96k up to 192k so 80k headphones are like 1080p, full HD
full acoustic headphones capable of close to 192k being like 4k tvs
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---------- Post added at 12:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:35 AM ----------
Devries said:
I think Z3's headphone output is quiet worse than M8,and hi-res only works when your phone plug into a external dac such as pha-3
So I suggest you use M8 with headphone jack
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, the hi res audio amp is now built into the unit.
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corallus said:
It's like hd tvs, hi res @ 40k is like 720i and at a push 720p, so not full HD
80k are closer to what most "true" hi res audio is sampled at, which is 96k up to 192k so 80k headphones are like 1080p, full HD
full acoustic headphones capable of close to 192k being like 4k tvs
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---------- Post added at 12:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:35 AM ----------
Not true, the hi res audio amp is now built into the unit.
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Click to collapse
corallus,
Ok thanks. But I'm wondering, will I be able to tell the difference b/t 40k & 80k? I listened to a couple videos on youtube that played those frequencies and once it went past 20k I couldn't hear anything. I think from what I've read that it's more about the bit rate (16 vs 24) and sampling rate (44.1 vs 96 or 192). Even when I see sites that sell Hi-Res FLAC files they don't even mention the frequency rate, but the last 2 are always mentioned. So are you basically saying they come as a "packaged deal" essentially?
Any suggestions on a good pair for around $200? I've been looking at Sonys, Sennheisers, and Bowers & Wilkins. The Sony ones actually do hit 80k (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009A6CZ30...olid=1A8RN6F641F1I&coliid=I8GCDERDPVO8F&psc=1) and are well-rated. The Sennheiser one is too (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042A8CW2...TF8&colid=1A8RN6F641F1I&coliid=I35QT7Z8LDB7EC), as is the Bowers & Wilkins one (http://www.amazon.com/Bowers-Wilkin...412735787&sr=1-1&keywords=bowers+&+wilkins+p3).
Thanks,
RockStar2005
________________________________________________________________________________
I agree. It's built-in so you just need a good pair of headphones to hear it. Good doesn't necessarily mean expensive either.
RockStar2005

corallus said:
It's like hd tvs, hi res @ 40k is like 720i and at a push 720p, so not full HD
80k are closer to what most "true" hi res audio is sampled at, which is 96k up to 192k so 80k headphones are like 1080p, full HD
full acoustic headphones capable of close to 192k being like 4k tvs
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Corallus,
So I downloaded some Hi-Res FLAC tracks from this site over the last couple days (www.hdtracks.com). So far I've listened to like the 1st Zeppelin (remastered) album on there which is a cool 24/96. I compared to my 320 kbps mp3 version of the same album. Even on my $30 V-Moda in-ear headphones, I could still hear a difference! So imagine what I'd hear on a $200 pair of headphones! lol Since my M8 has the Harman/Kardon mod on it, it was able to process the songs in Hi-Res just like the Z3 can. Songs were louder & less muddied up on the Hi-Res ones..... the vocals and instruments didn't sound like they were stepping over each other like on the mp3 versions of the same songs, but were more separate, distinct, & clear. I could hear lil things like guitar fills more clearly too, etc. The Hi-Res tracks aren't cheap, so I'm only buying albums of which I truly love. So thanks again for your input which helped me understand the Hi-Res option a lot better!
I recommend anyone who has or is planning on buying the Z3 to check out the site I just posted above in order to take advantage of the Hi-Res feature. (Make sure if you get anything that you set your format to "FLAC". Even though it's supposed to, PA can't play ALAC, that's only for iTunes. The other two are also lossless too but take up way more space, and these files are HUGE to begin with lol). Click on "Genres" to find what you like. They also have a free sampler too that you can download, but you may or may not really hear a difference until you download FLAC versions of songs you already have & then compare them like I did.
And yes, Walkman can play FLAC too.
RockStar2005

Related

"Best" format for audio files

What is the general consensus on what is the best format for playing audio files on Android phones? File size, battery-life and audio quality are all factors where a compromise that has to be made somewhere I imagine, so which format gives the best balance between those three?
I'd say go for 320kbps mp3s. Everything more than that is probably just a waste on phone hardware anyway, even tho there are some (rare) exceptions.
Sent from my Lumia 800 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Just looked this up a bit more and found out this about my phone (Samsung Galaxy S3)
"100dB SNR Class W Headphone amp output" If that's a proper 100dB then I think I might have to look at dropping FLAC files on to this mother-trucker.
that's just marketing speak when used on such devices, something you need to be careful about is the cleaver use of cut offs, you can make it 100db SNR on a blank file (often how its measured) by having it cut off all audio
If you have zero noise music file at standard volume id be Impressed, if you have a music that's so clean that you can crank it up to 100dB before noise and distortion is introduced id be speechless. So if noise is in the original input it will be output as well
Fact is, unless you crank up music to room size functions you wouldn't notice the difference between a 320bps mp3 and lossless wav
Ahhh there we go. No FLAC on my mobile for me in that case. Thanks for the help.
320kbps mp3 is best for me
FriedPie said:
Ahhh there we go. No FLAC on my mobile for me in that case. Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No prob mate
Audio files of 320 kbps preferably mp3 would be real good.
192k is already a good quality but the best is 320k
fakaly said:
192k is already​ a good quality but the best is 320k
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.... the best is 320 KBps

[Q] z3 Audio Quality

I have a galaxy s4 rooted with a sound modification called viper4android and i am wondering if the z3 (z3 unrooted) audio quality is better than my s4.
Go to GSMArena they have audio tests in their review for each phone measuring crosstalk, dynamic range etc.
Z3 is better than the S4 when it comes to the internal speakers.
The S4 with headphones/earphones is probably better according to their stats. But I doubt you'd notice the difference, unless you are an extreme audiophile.
Go to the bottom of page on each link, you will see the audio values for the given phones and their competition.
Results for Amp and Headphones below:
Xperia Z3
http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z3-review-1140p7.php
Galaxy S4
http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g2_vs_samsung_galaxy_s4-review-984p6.php
patrickbartalesi22 said:
I have a galaxy s4 rooted with a sound modification called viper4android and i am wondering if the z3 (z3 unrooted) audio quality is better than my s4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Z3 sound quality is beyond incredible when using Walkman under Hi Res Audio conditions.
Hi Res Audio on the Z3 line has been mostly ignored by the press, NO idea why.
With Sony's better headphones, and WAVE music files, be prepared to never ever accept awful MP3 again.
So good, nothing else out there with Android touches this line... unless you grab the Walkman Xz1 that is.
( which I highly recommend )
DZH1 said:
The Z3 sound quality is beyond incredible when using Walkman under Hi Res Audio conditions.
Hi Res Audio on the Z3 line has been mostly ignored by the press, NO idea why.
With Sony's better headphones, and WAVE music files, be prepared to never ever accept awful MP3 again.
So good, nothing else out there with Android touches this line... unless you grab the Walkman Xz1 that is.
( which I highly recommend )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stats from GSMArena don't lie and using same headphones the GS4 is better, you are being subjective not objective. The Z3 is good but many phones are slightly better including the M8, GS4, GS5, LG G2/3.
The LG G2 also supported HD Audio since release in 2013.
Also there are many companies that make equal/better headphones.
I know you love the Z3 like all of us here but I'm trying to be objective for the OP.
abhinav.tella said:
The stats from GSMArena don't lie and using same headphones the GS4 is better, you are being subjective not objective. The Z3 is good but many phones are slightly better including the M8, GS4, GS5, LG G2/3.
The LG G2 also supported HD Audio since release in 2013.
Also there are many companies that make equal/better headphones.
I know you love the Z3 like all of us here but I'm trying to be objective for the OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have that phone, can't STAND the sound through same headphones.. .. not even close.
At least IMO, as everyone has different hearing.
...But not even close.
You are not being objective (statistics) you are being subjective.
To each his own, but the rest of the bunch have a cleaner output I have yet to read a review where the Z3 is superior heaphone audio wise over the mentioned phones anywhere. If you find me an article please link it. It however is good but not M8/G3 level.
I suggest you read the testing methods in the links, either you are using bad headphones or a defective LG G2 if you find that much difference against the G2. The other phones I mentioned have cleaner output, according to audiophiles that I know.
I my own opinion however honestly can't tell the difference between any of them.
abhinav.tella said:
You are not being objective (statistics) you are being subjective.
To each his own, but the rest of the bunch have a cleaner output I have yet to read a review where the Z3 is superior heaphone audio wise over the mentioned phones anywhere. If you find me an article please link it. It however is good but not M8/G3 level.
I suggest you read the testing methods in the links, either you are using bad headphones or a defective LG G2 if you find that much difference against the G2. The other phones I mentioned have cleaner output, according to audiophiles that I know.
I my own opinion however honestly can't tell the difference between any of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best test is to test them yourself. I have used almost all of the current flagships, hell i've owned most of them, and the Z3 is first of all better sound quality than the S4 with or without viper4android, but not as loud.
As for the rest, i'd argue the Z3 sounds better, to my ears as well.
This is of course with the headphones that come with it. I'm sure there's better headphones.
Review websites are never, ever objective or honest, ever.
Im just saying GSMArena uses equipment to measure/audio quality so I doubt their equipment lies, just look at the stats in the links.
Signal
Unlike you two, we TMO guys get no headphones with our phones.
I'm using a $60 MEElectronics M-Duo which is very good for its price range, and as good as some $100 headphones.
Audio Stats for GS4/Z3 Amp and headphones in images below:
Statistics aside - S4 doesn't come even close to Z3 with Noise Cancelling and DSEE HX turned on - which sounds amazing, especially when you listen to Hi Res tracks.
Akiainavas said:
Statistics aside - S4 doesn't come even close to Z3 with Noise Cancelling and DSEE HX turned on - which sounds amazing, especially when you listen to Hi Res tracks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, HD Audio is nice but problem is large retailers like GooglePlayMusic, iTunes, etc do not even offer them yet, The only HD tracks I have heard are the Vienna Boy's Choir tracks which came with my LG G2, one of which is "Pick up your phone" :laugh:.
Unfortunately, until Apple's iPhone supports it I doubt many online stores will push HD out quickly. At least the major stores that is.
Thanks for your input and I have decided I will buy the z3 soon.
patrickbartalesi22 said:
Thanks for your input and I have decided I will buy the z3 soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Enjoy! Its a great device, the statistical differences I mentioned are very minute in real world perception so you won't be dissapointed, not to mention the stereo speakers which is a nice upgrade from the GS4 (My sister has one).
Akiainavas said:
Statistics aside - S4 doesn't come even close to Z3 with Noise Cancelling and DSEE HX turned on - which sounds amazing, especially when you listen to Hi Res tracks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DSEE is meant to "upscale" or attempt to rebuild compression losses, not to be used on losless formats.
DSEE Research Article: basically from testing it says DSEE just adds some made up highs, though if you like it or not depends person to person.
http://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=2240
Excellent article on HD Audio, by the creator of the Ogg Vorbis format.
http://people.xiph.org/~xiphmont/demo/neil-young.html
abhinav.tella said:
DSEE is meant to "upscale" or attempt to rebuild compression losses, not to be used on losless formats.
DSEE Research Article: basically from testing it says DSEE just adds some made up highs, though if you like it or not depends person to person.
http://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=2240
Excellent article on HD Audio, by the creator of the Ogg Vorbis format.
http://people.xiph.org/~xiphmont/demo/neil-young.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that. Maybe I should have added "where applicable" Doesn't change the fact - hi-res audio + noise cancelling or low-res audio+noise cancelling+dsee - both give amazing results.
As you said before - it's a shame that so little hi-res music is available. I recommend trying David Helpling's "Found" album in Studio Master option ( flac, 24bit, 96khz ) - results are amazing.
It's actually shocking that iPhone 6 doesn't support hi-res audio, especially looking at Apple's years of commitment to music.
Akiainavas said:
I know that. Maybe I should have added "where applicable" Doesn't change the fact - hi-res audio + noise cancelling or low-res audio+noise cancelling+dsee - both give amazing results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, good discussion though.
abhinav.tella said:
True, good discussion though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of couse
Anyway, @op - hope you will be happy with your Xperia Z3. I have been using it for two weeks now and so far it keeps impressing me on audio and battery life sides.
Akiainavas said:
Of couse
Anyway, @op - hope you will be happy with your Xperia Z3. I have been using it for two weeks now and so far it keeps impressing me on audio and battery life sides.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love it here as well, I'm sure OP will like it. I had the LG G2, the Xperia Z3 feels like a true worthy succesor to it, the LG G3 felt like a downgrade lower battery and lower contrast screen just so they could stuff a power hungry QHD, which is more a gimmick than useful.
abhinav.tella said:
a power hungry QHD, which is more a gimmick than useful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tell me about it... I might be blind but I can't distinguish between pixels on my 1080p screen even if I keep it 1cm from my face... why the hell would I want to sacrifice so much gpu power and battery to display so many more pixels that won't really affect what I see... silly, isn't it ? But I'm quite sure we will see 4K displays soon enough, but wait another 10 years for a battery that lasts 3 days.
Akiainavas said:
Tell me about it... I might be blind but I can't distinguish between pixels on my 1080p screen even if I keep it 1cm from my face... why the hell would I want to sacrifice so much gpu power and battery to display so many more pixels that won't really affect what I see... silly, isn't it ? But I'm quite sure we will see 4K displays soon enough, but wait another 10 years for a battery that lasts 3 days.
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Click to collapse
Well some teenage researcher in California created a battery tech that allows full charge in minutes, so at least on the charging front things are improving.
What? The S4 has good audio quality? I thought it was absolutely garbage compared to the S3 when the same headphones are plugged in. Are you talking about the i9505 or i9500 because I am pretty sure the i9505 DAC in the Snapdragon is trash, whilst I can't comment on the Wolfson on the i9500 it was amazing on the i9300. I highly doubt Sony can come up with something worse than the i9505.

Best sound quality music app?

What's your opinions and why?
And any particular settings for the app of your choice tp get the best sound?
Discuss.....
Sent from my Xperia z5 using Tapatalk
Lots of views but no responses. I'll bite. I'm interested in this topic as well. I use the stock player. I just started looking into audiophile equipment and it is all over the place financially. I'll stick with Z5 and headphones for now. I like the sound reproduction of this phone but would like it a little louder. I leave the DSEE HX ticked and go with that. It upscales the mp3 slightly but at a cost of volume.
Meridian player (free and simple), Jet audio. Good, as for me. There is not application that make sound better than hardware can give.
salex111 said:
Meridian player (free and simple), Jet audio. Good, as for me. There is not application that make sound better than hardware can give.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to like the walkman app shipped with previous Z series, I find it plays all my audio files very well, clear, crisp as it can be. If you read around on Audio threads they all use the walkman app, there is on here as well (catch must be rooted to flash the zip)
---------- Post added at 07:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:52 AM ----------
augie7107 said:
Lots of views but no responses. I'll bite. I'm interested in this topic as well. I use the stock player. I just started looking into audiophile equipment and it is all over the place financially. I'll stick with Z5 and headphones for now. I like the sound reproduction of this phone but would like it a little louder. I leave the DSEE HX ticked and go with that. It upscales the mp3 slightly but at a cost of volume.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed the volume output is rubbish, you need very low impedance headphones to get volume because of the low headphone voltage output. I read somewhere on one of the audiophile threads that the Sony is half the voltage output of the iphone, and significantly lower that quite a few others, I am guessing this is a trade off Sony is doing to cause less drain on our batteries.
I listen to most my audio as flac or high quality encoded mp3, so don't need DSEE. I also use Pandora and have enabled the higher quality audio playback.
N7 Player, Neutron, Rocket, Stock Sony or Apollo.
Prefer Apps by XDA
Sent from my E6653 @ XDA Portal
I use Poweramp. But It's more down to quality of the song rather than quality of the player. For example if you have 64kbps music file, it'll sound crap on everything that plays audio.
PlayerPro
Poweramp can't be beaten on Stock. Unfortunately Z5 is very quiet through headphones so only so much you can do.
Sony Music with Viper4Android.
I recommend trying PowerAMP 3.0 alpha
Headphone voltage is low but the Z5 can drive most IEMs well enough at max volume. I haven't noticed as much hissing as HTC Butterfly s where hissing was pretty bad.
MSR7 is quite loud at max volume but can sound a tad harsh [some reviewers suggest an amp is needed to tone down sibilance]; ATH-M50 is fairly loud at max volume.
FYLin21 said:
I recommend trying PowerAMP 3.0 alpha
Headphone voltage is low but the Z5 can drive most IEMs well enough at max volume. I haven't noticed as much hissing as HTC Butterfly s where hissing was pretty bad.
MSR7 is quite loud at max volume but can sound a tad harsh [some reviewers suggest an amp is needed to tone down sibilance]; ATH-M50 is fairly loud at max volume.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got a link for alpha?
Sent from my Xperia z5 using Tapatalk
I would suggest trying out a USB to audio converter and downloading audio files in Flac. It's said you get better quality out of the USB then the Jack
Ben36 said:
Got a link for alpha?
Sent from my Xperia z5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.powerampapp.com/index.php?/topic/8494-poweramp-alpha-build-700/
It has a new audio engine and visualizations
Sony Music (Walkman), you can find it on apkmirror.com. Installation for non-Sony devices - copy apk to system/priv-app.
Recomend to use with Viper4android.
salex111 said:
Sony Music (Walkman), you can find it on apkmirror.com. Installation for non-Sony devices - copy apk to system/priv-app.
Recomend to use with Viper4android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't that the stock music player?
Sent from my Xperia z5 using Tapatalk
Ben36 said:
Isn't that the stock music player?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's stock. My device is not Sony.
Lenovo A916, works good.
All versions:
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/sony-mobile-communications/walkman-music/
Viper4Android FX (system audio processor-equalizer):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2191223
FYLin21 said:
I recommend trying PowerAMP 3.0 alpha
Headphone voltage is low but the Z5 can drive most IEMs well enough at max volume. I haven't noticed as much hissing as HTC Butterfly s where hissing was pretty bad.
MSR7 is quite loud at max volume but can sound a tad harsh [some reviewers suggest an amp is needed to tone down sibilance]; ATH-M50 is fairly loud at max volume.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the stock player against the new poweramp side by side. Playing the same songs and jumping between the two etc.. I don't think there was much difference, if anything to my ears the stock app was still slightly better sounding
Sent from my Xperia z5 using Tapatalk
TheJah said:
I would suggest trying out a USB to audio converter and downloading audio files in Flac. It's said you get better quality out of the USB then the Jack
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't even know where to start with that suggestion. Lol
Sent from my Xperia z5 using Tapatalk
Ben36 said:
I wouldn't even know where to start with that suggestion. Lol
Sent from my Xperia z5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha yeah it's barely getting in to the scene but it makes sense because audio only broadcasts in 3 channels where as micro USB can digitally broadcast with much more. Check it
zorloo.com
TheJah said:
Haha yeah it's barely getting in to the scene but it makes sense because audio only broadcasts in 3 channels where as micro USB can digitally broadcast with much more. Check it
zorloo.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But now..
Are those earphones in the link actually good quality? And will you notice any difference on normal mp3 files?
Sent from my Xperia z5 using Tapatalk

Vivo Nex audio DAC performance?

Well it says that it supports Hi-Fi audio. But how Hi-Fi is it? What DAC is inside? In particular, I would like to know how the sound quality is from the 3.5mm audio jack compared to Hi-Fi mode of LG v30, my current phone. I simply cannot get a phone that downgrades my audio experience, you know?
Andrew Lin said:
Well it says that it supports Hi-Fi audio. But how Hi-Fi is it? What DAC is inside? In particular, I would like to know how the sound quality is from the 3.5mm audio jack compared to Hi-Fi mode of LG v30, my current phone. I simply cannot get a phone that downgrades my audio experience, you know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for htc u12 plus
It jas the same impressive sound like v30
rowihel2012 said:
Go for htc u12 plus
It jas the same impressive sound like v30
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't even have 3.5 jack. HTC makes my heart hurt...
Anyone else?
You find your answer here :
http://eng.soomal.com/edoc/10100000237.htm
Cirrus Logic CS43199
Andrew Lin said:
It doesn't even have 3.5 jack. HTC makes my heart hurt...
Anyone else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its mind blowing through wired headset. I have used Lg G4 and V20 (both had dac) , Nex's sound output is at par with them or maybe even more.
Noticed that Nex plays the hifi and dsd mode only if played in imusic app and with DSD format file....tried all other formats including FLAC but the DSD nor HIFI modes get enabled...
The V30 gets way louder, I have headphones that trigger the Quad DAC on the V30 and I used volume at 70%, on the nex I use it at 100% and still wish that it would go a bit louder, sound quality is about the same, but V30 is superior no doubt, I compare the DAC on the Nex with the Note 8 or S8.
Vivo has always excelled in the audio side. They implement it very well
Louder is not better always . Please understand. Unless your earphones don't need that much output then activating quad dac is no use. A quote from respectable audiophile member from head-fi who used to test a lots of phone
"Listening to nex s is sweeter mid than lg v30. NexS provides better Imaging and fuller soundstage. Nex S is warmer than lg v30 thus making music more natural. Nex S provides more bass detail while lg v30 focus on treble and character brighter."
If you have heavy or high impedance headphones only then quad dac makes a sense. Low impedance heavy headphones don't drive enough well on LG cos of not activating quad dac
ben cherian said:
Louder is not better always . Please understand. Unless your earphones don't need that much output then activating quad dac is no use. A quote from respectable audiophile member from head-fi who used to test a lots of phone
"Listening to nex s is sweeter mid than lg v30. NexS provides better Imaging and fuller soundstage. Nex S is warmer than lg v30 thus making music more natural. Nex S provides more bass detail while lg v30 focus on treble and character brighter."
If you have heavy or high impedance headphones only then quad dac makes a sense. Low impedance heavy headphones don't drive enough well on LG cos of not activating quad dac
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you tell me some high impedance headphones will work great with my vivo nex ?
rowihel2012 said:
Could you tell me some high impedance headphones will work great with my vivo nex ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beyerdynamics DT 880 250ohms version, Sennheiser HD 600series(600,650) . It doesn't need to be always high impedance headphones. You should choose headphones according to your music taste. Even the most rated headphones doesn't always have high impedance but generally around 32-80ohms. So don't make impedance as a deciding factor for buying headphones. I know it because i was thinking same as you did now.
using vivo next s with Beyerdynamics DT 990 pro 250ohms . sound great but use it with app named poweramp. it takes volume and quality to the next level( you can control gain in it and allmost everything)
lortwarCECH said:
using vivo next s with Beyerdynamics DT 990 pro 250ohms . sound great but use it with app named poweramp. it takes volume and quality to the next level( you can control gain in it and allmost everything)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it support hi fif dac?
rowihel2012 said:
Does it support hi fif dac?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes it does
I have not compared with V30, but I am an audiophile and my AKG 240STUDIO sounds amazing with these headphones I agree what someone else said its a balanced sound with focus on midrange, high end is just enough detailed, I really love this sound, it sound even better then My Mi MIX that sounded wonderful in headphones too. The reason why phones dont include headphone jack is just lazyness they dont want to put effort into the art of creating a good sound. **** wireless audio! and long live the headphone jack with its superior sound quality.
---------- Post added at 08:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:47 PM ----------
lortwarCECH said:
using vivo next s with Beyerdynamics DT 990 pro 250ohms . sound great but use it with app named poweramp. it takes volume and quality to the next level( you can control gain in it and allmost everything)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly... to just a high ohm headphones with a smartphone is just stupid to me.... Beyerdynamics are known to be some of the most hard to drive headphones, they really need a good headphone amp to sound good, and that is little but too much to ask for a smartphone. I own the Beyerdynamics DT1350 they are more suitable for smasrtphone since its low ohm and more easy to drive, with higher ohm headphones you will hear more sound artifacts because they are hard to drive for a smartphone amp.
By the way, have you tried the app AIMP ? From what I knew this is the best sounding media player on android. And its free, feel free to compare them if you want in terms of sound quality.
and to use any kind of volume boost is a no no, then you just need a stronger amp.. for podcast etc you can use volume boost but not for music then you will just destroy the sound.
blackinfinity said:
I have not compared with V30, but I am an audiophile and my AKG 240STUDIO sounds amazing with these headphones I agree what someone else said its a balanced sound with focus on midrange, high end is just enough detailed, I really love this sound, it sound even better then My Mi MIX that sounded wonderful in headphones too. The reason why phones dont include headphone jack is just lazyness they dont want to put effort into the art of creating a good sound. **** wireless audio! and long live the headphone jack with its superior sound quality.
---------- Post added at 08:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:47 PM ----------
Honestly... to just a high ohm headphones with a smartphone is just stupid to me.... Beyerdynamics are known to be some of the most hard to drive headphones, they really need a good headphone amp to sound good, and that is little but too much to ask for a smartphone. I own the Beyerdynamics DT1350 they are more suitable for smasrtphone since its low ohm and more easy to drive, with higher ohm headphones you will hear more sound artifacts because they are hard to drive for a smartphone amp.
By the way, have you tried the app AIMP ? From what I knew this is the best sounding media player on android. And its free, feel free to compare them if you want in terms of sound quality.
and to use any kind of volume boost is a no no, then you just need a stronger amp.. for podcast etc you can use volume boost but not for music then you will just destroy the sound.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i know its better to have powerfull amp for them , I think I'll get some portable amp if i find some good one and no so expensive. i bought 250 ohm version beucase i use it with pc too, not only with phone. ok i try that app.
Does Nex's Amp need to be triggered like V30's?
Just a fast and easy question: does Nex's Amp need to be triggered in High Gain mode like the one on LG V30? Maybe using an adapter first and then plugging your headphones and playing music to enjoy it at the best it can gives. This is a well-know trick to trigger Hi Gain on LG and Meizu phones with dedicated DAC.
Please let me know
Which phone has a better LG v30 audio codec from Saber or VIVO Nex S Cirrus Logic?
a qualcuno può interessare https://www.evosmart.it/recensioni/...ex-s-potenza-sopita-scottante-sorpresa/18116/
I think the weakness of the amplifier is it output kind of low volume however, its still very clean even at 100% so other manufactures my get higher volume but probably not as clean..
Anyway it defintely would need more power, considering I use kind of easy to drive headphones AKG 240Studio the volume should be able to boost louder.
I would say it is not a problem with my headphones but if you get any more higher ohm headphones it wil not be enough jucie.

Audio Playback

Sorry added here as not possible on the Real Life Review thread.
I'm using Hi Res audio files from Qobuz and Amazon HD and using Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones. My bebchmark is my HI FI system which is streamer, amplification and speakers over £5k in value and I am blown away by the V60 Quad DAC.
Great bass control smooth sound and reasonable sound stage depth. Can follow each instrument.
Tracks tested with Van Morrison Moon Dance 24 bit / 96 kHz. And Emmylou Harris Wayfaring Stanger CD quality.
Agreed. This phone hits all the important notes for audiophiles.
jah said:
Sorry added here as not possible on the Real Life Review thread.
I'm using Hi Res audio files from Qobuz and Amazon HD and using Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones. My bebchmark is my HI FI system which is streamer, amplification and speakers over £5k in value and I am blown away by the V60 Quad DAC.
Great bass control smooth sound and reasonable sound stage depth. Can follow each instrument.
Tracks tested with Van Morrison Moon Dance 24 bit / 96 kHz. And Emmylou Harris Wayfaring Stanger CD quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm disappointed. Stupid Amazon app doesn't support or recognize Android DACs USB or internal. So all Hi Rez is resampled to 48khz.
mc_365 said:
I'm disappointed. Stupid Amazon app doesn't support or recognize Android DACs USB or internal. So all Hi Rez is resampled to 48khz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, that is disappointing. But works fine with Qobuz. I assume Tidal would also be okay.
jah said:
Agreed, that is disappointing. But works fine with Qobuz. I assume Tidal would also be okay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well of course it works with Tidal. LG has a strategic partnership with Tidal and the creators / founders of MQA (Tidals preferred HiRez format) which currently can only be streamed on Tidal.
mc_365 said:
Well of course it works with Tidal. LG has a strategic partnership with Tidal and the creators / founders of MQA (Tidals preferred HiRez format) which currently can only be streamed on Tidal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue was that Amazon HD does not recognise the DAC and I can't test Tidal therefore I made the point that Tidal will likely detect the Quad DAC.

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