I had the S7E and frankly the headphone audio was terrible. I've since moved to the HTC 10 and the audio is excellent.
Now I'm not expecting HTC level audio, but something better then the s7e would be nice. Even just better software processing.
Has anybody compared any of these devices from an audio standpoint?
Since it's the same hardware as the S7 I'd expect the same sub-par sound quality unfortunately. The US version keeps getting the shaft in this regard.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
I'm curious to find this out as well...
I had the S7 Edge and it wasn't bad just not as good as the HTC 10 - audio on the HTC was a standout feature.
I wish Samsung would put more effort in this area - in their defense though, they have been known to include some nice Wolfson DAC's in past Galaxy phones like the Note 5. I think it varies depending on which model you purchase (Exynos/Qualcomm).
Apple is rumored to improve audio on the iPhone 7 since they remove the headphone jack, so let's see if Samsung responds and gives more attention to it on the S8 and beyond.
HNIC215 said:
I'm curious to find this out as well...
I had the S7 Edge and it wasn't bad just not as good as the HTC 10 - audio on the HTC was a standout feature.
I wish Samsung would put more effort in this area - in their defense though, they have been known to include some nice Wolfson DAC's in past Galaxy phones like the Note 5. I think it varies depending on which model you purchase (Exynos/Qualcomm).
Apple is rumored to improve audio on the iPhone 7 since they remove the headphone jack, so let's see if Samsung responds and gives more attention to it on the S8 and beyond.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess even being able to use a USB DAC would be nice too.
busab said:
Since it's the same hardware as the S7 I'd expect the same sub-par sound quality unfortunately. The US version keeps getting the shaft in this regard.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the Exynos S7E & that was pants in the audio dpt both headphone & speaker. It's not a good start for the N7 - $h it audio,,,,
@home said:
I had the Exynos S7E & that was pants in the audio dpt both headphone & speaker. It's not a good start for the N7 - $h it audio,,,,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep waiting on Samsung to up their audio game but every year I'm disappointed. Audio doesn't even seem like an afterthought.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Plus now since there is no Root most likely we can't even use viper4android
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
This is why I'm thinking of getting a Note 4 C to go with my Note 5, cause that was brilliant with audio having a wolfson dac.
How does the S7 compare to the Note 4, S4 or S5 in audio quality? You guys have me nervous about my pre-order since I use headphones so much. I don't have anything super fancy, just some Shure SE215's
I use a Cyrus/Usher home audio system plus Grado and Sennheiser cans for headphone listening.
It depends if you call booming bass and searing highs 'good quality' audio?
If you care about music reproduction the Exynos version is actually very good. - Wolfson co-developed Lucky DAC.
I also have a Audio quest Dragonfly Black external DAC and although I use it if I listen critically the difference is not night and day.
If you're unlucky enough to have the Snapdragon version (for several reasons) you won't enjoy your audio as much. It uses the integrated chip.
Headphone amplifier power is limited in both versions. It goes plenty loud (for many unfortunately the decisive factor as to 'good sound') but it won't please head bangers.
If you value your hearing you probably won't want to go there.
The included head buds are useless by the way. I'd bin them asap.
(S7E Exynos user)
drummerman said:
I use a Cyrus/Usher home audio system plus Grado and Sennheiser cans for headphone listening.
It depends if you call booming bass and searing highs 'good quality' audio?
If you care about music reproduction the Exynos version is actually very good. - Wolfson co-developed Lucky DAC.
I also have a Audio quest Dragonfly Black external DAC and although I use it if I listen critically the difference is not night and day.
If you're unlucky enough to have the Snapdragon version (for several reasons) you won't enjoy your audio as much. It uses the integrated chip.
Headphone amplifier power is limited in both versions. It goes plenty loud (for many unfortunately the decisive factor as to 'good sound') but it won't please head bangers.
If you value your hearing you probably won't want to go there.
The included head buds are useless by the way. I'd bin them asap.
(S7E Exynos user)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the thing is the S7E Exynos isn't very good with headphone audio, that's the whole problem.
naruto.ninjakid said:
Plus now since there is no Root most likely we can't even use viper4android
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note 4 N910C was totally fine [at least for my non-professional view] w/o Viper. I didn't want to root for 6 months or so in order not to null my warranty. Right now it's even better w Viper. I wish someone can review and make side-by-side comparison for Note 7 (I guess Exynos version) and Exynos Note 4 in terms of SQ!
@home said:
But the thing is the S7E Exynos isn't very good with headphone audio, that's the whole problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Note 7 has Qualcomm's new Aqstic codec, and the S7E does not. This is the same one used in the HTC M10. That should help some, although the amp may be the weak link in the chain at this point.
https://www.qualcomm.com/news/relea...m-powers-next-generation-samsung-galaxy-note7
(in first paragraph)
Sent from my SM-N920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
PsiPhiDan said:
The Note 7 has Qualcomm's new Aqstic codec, and the S7E does not. This is the same one used in the HTC M10. That should help some, although the amp may be the weak link in the chain at this point.
Sent from my SM-N920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that for EU version or the US?
@home said:
Is that for EU version or the US?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Qualcomm is the company that makes the Snapdragon chip, so it's got to be the US version.
Sent from my SM-N920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
PsiPhiDan said:
Qualcomm is the company that makes the Snapdragon chip, so it's got to be the US version.
Sent from my SM-N920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought.
I'm talking about the Exynos version. Same as the S7E.
@home said:
That's what I thought.
I'm talking about the Exynos version. Same as the S7E.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... which uses a Wolfson derived DAC. Likely better than Qualcomms solution, code notwithstanding.
Ultimate limitation is the DAC/amplifier chip ... ie. hardware.
Either way, you would be better off using an outboard DAC as mentioned previously or something like a high resolution player from Fiio if you want the last ounce of performance.
No phone will come close to a well implemented and dedicated player.
Forget about Viper and other similar players. Pretty lights that's it. It will do absolutely nothing for your audio other than adding some fancy looking equalizers. Use either Samsungs own player or the one from Google. Black player is another good one and simple.
drummerman said:
... which uses a Wolfson derived DAC. Likely better than Qualcomms solution, code notwithstanding.
Ultimate limitation is the DAC/amplifier chip ... ie. hardware.
Either way, you would be better off using an outboard DAC as mentioned previously or something like a high resolution player from Fiio if you want the last ounce of performance.
No phone will come close to a well implemented and dedicated player.
Forget about Viper and other similar players. Pretty lights that's it. It will do absolutely nothing for your audio other than adding some fancy looking equalizers. Use either Samsungs own player or the one from Google. Black player is another good one and simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well maybe they have improved the DAC/amplifier chip for the Note 7.
It's annoying that a definite answer cannot be found on the net somewhere.
@home said:
Well maybe they have improved the DAC/amplifier chip for the Note 7.
It's annoying that a definite answer cannot be found on the net somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm monitoring http://www.head-fi.org/ time to time. I guess sooner or later some reviews of Note 7's SQ will appear!
Related
I have a Galaxy Nexus and I love the thing but holy hell the audio on this thing is pathetic. I had a Droid Charge prior to this which was a total piece of **** but the Camera and especially the audio were amazing! It got even better after loading a Voodoo Kernel and I was able to use my phone as a replacement for my iPod.
Now I'm on the Galaxy Nexus and I love the phone, everything about it is amazing, except the sound is pathetic. Even with the Xperia and Bravia engines and all that it's just terrible. In-call audio is even worse, I'm asking people to repeat themselves almost constantly. What happened with the Droid Charge that they couldn't add in to the Nexus? Does the Nexus 4 have a better audio driver? You would think this would be one of the most important features to such a beautiful phone!
Any thoughts on this?
ZeppelinJ0 said:
I have a Galaxy Nexus and I love the thing but holy hell the audio on this thing is pathetic. I had a Droid Charge prior to this which was a total piece of **** but the Camera and especially the audio were amazing! It got even better after loading a Voodoo Kernel and I was able to use my phone as a replacement for my iPod.
Now I'm on the Galaxy Nexus and I love the phone, everything about it is amazing, except the sound is pathetic. Even with the Xperia and Bravia engines and all that it's just terrible. In-call audio is even worse, I'm asking people to repeat themselves almost constantly. What happened with the Droid Charge that they couldn't add in to the Nexus? Does the Nexus 4 have a better audio driver? You would think this would be one of the most important features to such a beautiful phone!
Any thoughts on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This did wonders for mine.
gregc2009 said:
This did wonders for mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I actually just installed this. It's not bad! What settings are you using and what player? Sadly I use Spotify mostly so most the effects don't carry over properly.
gregc2009 said:
This did wonders for mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that definitely made an improvement but its a shame that our speaker is such crap and we don't have the more advanced audio internals that other phones have.
SGS 1 probably had the best audio hardware of all Galaxy phones... Everything after was worse... Not sure about the latest.
Sdobron said:
SGS 1 probably had the best audio hardware of all Galaxy phones... Everything after was worse... Not sure about the latest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a shame that Samsung had to cheap out on the internals once the screen started getting bigger.
Its really comes down to hardware. In our case, very cheap hardware. There is only so much it can be improved by some software.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Sdobron said:
SGS 1 probably had the best audio hardware of all Galaxy phones... Everything after was worse... Not sure about the latest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, Galaxy S with Wolfson DAC + voodoo sound by Supercurio was legendary. Yamaha DAC on its successor was a piece of junk.
Do any of you guys know of a non-bulky DAC setup that would work with the Nexus?
m.kochan10 said:
Indeed, Galaxy S with Wolfson DAC + voodoo sound by Supercurio was legendary. Yamaha DAC on its successor was a piece of junk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kinda odd that Nexus S had Wolfson too, but got a crappier chip in GN.
madd0g said:
Kinda odd that Nexus S had Wolfson too, but got a crappier chip in GN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same components except for camera. Economies of scale make that cheaper than cheaping out.
I use bluetooth stereo headphones specifically to get around the GNex's poor audio output.
Sv: Is there, or will there ever be, a Galaxy phone with a 'audio driver' that's not
Sometimes i find manufacturers' decisions really hard to understand.
Edit. economies of scale is a good point.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
The audio chip in the galaxy nexus is not poor like you guys say. It may not be a Wolfson but it is one of the better chips out there. If you want bad listen to the Yamaha chip in the galaxy s2.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
blackhand1001 said:
The audio chip in the galaxy nexus is not poor like you guys say. It may not be a Wolfson but it is one of the better chips out there. If you want bad listen to the Yamaha chip in the galaxy s2.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps. More worse is the loudspeaker, my mates Galaxy Ace plays louder then GNs "PC speaker" quality one.
Sv: Is there, or will there ever be, a Galaxy phone with a 'audio driver' that's not
blackhand1001 said:
The audio chip in the galaxy nexus is not poor like you guys say. It may not be a Wolfson but it is one of the better chips out there. If you want bad listen to the Yamaha chip in the galaxy s2.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry but being better than Yamaha is really nothing to brag Of course I agree with you that Yahaha DAC is a real crap. Audio chip on GN is not bad, but it's worse than its predecessor which is still kind of step backward.
Anyway my best audio experience so far was with galaxy r (tegra2) that was equipped with wolfson DAC.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Its a developer's phone.
Plus the Gnex had a 350 price tag at the time. They have to sacrifice some features to keep it affordable.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
madd0g said:
Perhaps. More worse is the loudspeaker, my mates Galaxy Ace plays louder then GNs "PC speaker" quality one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know its off topic but man I wish the GN had a bigger speaker. The audio output is indeed good despite not being Wolfson, as a couple people said but that speaker makes this phone less of a phone than anything.
I'm guessing a lot of you have damaged hearing from over-exposure to loud sounds as I've not once had to ask someone to repeat themselves whilst on a call. Now, it could be down to the network I'm on but the Nexus is 100% fine to me. The only issue I have is the speaker isn't exactly loud but then again neither was my old One X so I'm not too fussed about that - it is a phone after all!
EddyOS said:
The only issue I have is the speaker isn't exactly loud but then again neither was my old One X so I'm not too fussed about that - it is a phone after all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This doesn't make sense. A phone should have a loud speaker so you can definitely hear it ring and notify you.
CADude said:
This doesn't make sense. A phone should have a loud speaker so you can definitely hear it ring and notify you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can hear it, I'd just like it a bit louder for the odd times my phone isn't in my pocket
I'm pretty sure the international variant will but what about the AT&T Qualcomm variant? I hear many great things about Wolfson and it would be icing on the cake if the AT&T version finally had it. Did a lot of google searching with no results, or I just suck at researching...
I believe the Snapdragon versions utilize the DAC on the qualcomm SOC. GSMArena did a review though, claims very good audio. A little trouble with crosstalk, but here's to hoping an app or a tweak will resolve that issue.
silentecho13 said:
I believe the Snapdragon versions utilize the DAC on the qualcomm SOC. GSMArena did a review though, claims very good audio. A little trouble with crosstalk, but here's to hoping an app or a tweak will resolve that issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What a shame :/ I mean music still sounds great on my S4 thanks to Poweramp but it would've been nice for that little extra boost. Oh well, I usually listen to music when I run and I am really not gonna be running with a phone this big in my hand. Can't say how many times my otterbox saved my S4. I'll just stick my S4 for workout music and leave the Note in the car for peace of mind.
This is why I can never use an Android phone for my music. No matter how good the tests fair, they never measure up when it comes to the only test that matters to me. My ears. That's why I purchased a refurbished iPod 5.5 gen a couple of months ago. Qualcomm's dacs aren't terrible, but they're not great either.
Also, Cirrus Logic bought out Wolfson in August, so the Wolfson of old may no longer exist.
I picked up an external usb dac(Dragonfly 1.2) a few months ago, awesome purchase and works with my current phone over OTG. Hopefully it works with my incoming Note 4.
I'm a bit disappointed with the lack of a Wolfson DAC as well, which means a lack of tuning the DAC itself.
I may go with the external DAC option provided it works on the Note 4.
After playing with the EQ and Adapt sound, the quality is noticeably better then my S4, I'm quite satisfied this time, but still want Wolfson.
Did you get your phone and did the dac work?
---------- Post added at 03:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:01 PM ----------
Nizda1 said:
I picked up an external usb dac(Dragonfly 1.2) a few months ago, awesome purchase and works with my current phone over OTG. Hopefully it works with my incoming Note 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get to test this out yet! ....??????
I'm a happy owner of Note 4 N910C for about a year now, bought it for 350$ brand new in sealed box on swappa to replace S5 G910A w broken screen. First thing I noticed is incredible SQ of N910C especially in comparison to G910A. Basically, N910C was on par with my all-time fave iPod Classic 4th gen (probably because both devices have similar Wolfson DACs). I have a couple of in-ear headsets (Sures and Phonaks) and FLAC on N910C vs ALAC on iPod showed very close and similarly rich sound. Snapdragon G910A sounded like garbage i.e. very shallow with no highs, low volume and so on. Sometimes I use Level On Wireless headphones and I like the sound of those with Note 4 as well eventho it's a little warmer and bassier than with wired Sures or Phonaks I have but it's comparing apples and oranges in-ear vs on-ear with ACN models. I'm excited about Note 7 and 256 microSD card as a gift (for my massive music collection in FLAC, APE and WAVs), I can live w/o user accessible battery since I ran out of juice on my Note 4 before 9pm very seldom! Seen info that it's only 50$ to replace the battery once it starts to deteriorate. I tend to buy TMobile's version of Note 7 BTW!
So the question is what's Note 7's SQ like? Is it garbage like iCrapple and G910A or is it as nice as N910C w standalone Wolfson chip? I hope someone can comment on this. It's a sell or no sell thing for me with Note 7.
If you're looking at a S-820 version its got the same Qualcomm audio codec as the S7-series so it should perform the same. XDA'rs don't seem pleased.
It's being discussed here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-7/help/qualcomm-note-7-aqstic-expect-audio-vs-t3435587
BarryH_GEG said:
If you're looking at a S-820 version its got the same Qualcomm audio codec as the S7-series so it should perform the same. XDA'rs don't seem pleased.
It's being discussed here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-7/help/qualcomm-note-7-aqstic-expect-audio-vs-t3435587
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about international Exynos versions of Note 7?
BarryH_GEG said:
If you're looking at a S-820 version its got the same Qualcomm audio codec as the S7-series so it should perform the same. XDA'rs don't seem pleased.
It's being discussed here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-7/help/qualcomm-note-7-aqstic-expect-audio-vs-t3435587
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused then because I'm seeing the Note 7 having the Qualcomm Aqstic codec and the S7 NOT having that. I don't think they'll be the same.
Sent from my SM-N920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
I doubt the Note 7 Exynos will have anything the great audio the Note 4 C or the Note 5 C has.
PsiPhiDan said:
I'm confused then because I'm seeing the Note 7 having the Qualcomm Aqstic codec and the S7 NOT having that. I don't think they'll be the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The other thread goes in to more detail but the same Qualcomm audio codec part number used in the HTC 10 is used in the S7-series. So if the HTC 10 has Aqstic so does the S7-series and any other phone using S-820. The audio codec is integrated with the SoC.
BarryH_GEG said:
The other thread goes in to more detail but the same Qualcomm audio codec part number used in the HTC 10 is used in the S7-series. So if the HTC 10 has Aqstic so does the S7-series and any other phone using S-820. The audio codec is integrated with the SoC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fwiw, if we are to believe the hype... https://www.qualcomm.com/news/snapdragon/2016/06/02/qualcomm-aqstic-sets-new-standard-audiophiles
MJB_One said:
fwiw, if we are to believe the hype... https://www.qualcomm.com/news/snapdragon/2016/06/02/qualcomm-aqstic-sets-new-standard-audiophiles
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the thread linked above.
BarryH_GEG said:
Read the thread linked above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says the link is invalid for me.
Sent from my SM-N920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
Samsung Galaxy Smartphones
Very Nice Post regarding Samsung galaxy note 7 . It has nice features like Camera Quality,Corning Gorilla Glass 5 back panel,Android OS, v6.0.1 (Marshmallow), planned upgrade to v7.0 (Nougat). It has also internally Storage is 64 GB, 4 GB RAM better than others. But ,i have used Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo. It has so many quality features like Android v4.3 Jelly Bean OS and is upgradeable to future releases. It is powered with 1.7GHz dual + 1.3GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo is backed up with an enormous 3,100mAh battery. The handset is fully loaded with connectivity features like aGPS, Glonass, 3G, EDGE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/ac/b/g/n along with mobile hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, microUSB 3.0, and TV-out. If you want to compare prices of Samsung Galaxy Note7 and Exynos note 4 please visit Yuppleprice.
I'm sticking to my Note 4 N910C for a while I guess... I bet the price of 256 Gb microSD by Samsung will go down from 200$ quite soon! There's 200 Gb by SanDisk for 75$ or so afterall, w the same 90 Mb writing /reading speeds BTW. I feel like there's too much to give up in this potentially sweetened Note 4 to Note 7 + free 256 Gb microSD update: SQ first of all, replaceable battery as second, IR blaster as third, HDMI output, possibility to change plastic back cover (right now I have awesome Head Case custom one) not to say that glass is slippery and fingerprinty and I was able to find 2 types of temp glass which are basically haloless - good luck finding those for curvy Note 7! I'm not seduced by superfast update to Android N (someone will port it to my rooted Note 4 rather sooner anyways), 4 mm slimmer body, kinda better stylus and slightly better battery life! Sorry Sammy, I'm not sold, not this time!!!
I'm on the verge of picking up a new phone. I originally wanted the Note 7, but waited and then heard about the LG V20 with its Quad Dac. I'm still holding out hope that the Pixel XL has some really nice audio out capabilities (at least better than my Xperia Z3v or Galaxy Note 3). I prefer the quicker updates the Pixel will get, but still. My main use right now would be the 128gb model as I use my phone everyday for listening to music (as well as typical phone stuff). I refuse to carry a DAP and a phone. So basically, what do you guys think? I haven't seen anything discussing the audio capabilities.
waytoocrazy said:
I'm on the verge of picking up a new phone. I originally wanted the Note 7, but waited and then heard about the LG V20 with its Quad Dac. I'm still holding out hope that the Pixel XL has some really nice audio out capabilities (at least better than my Xperia Z3v or Galaxy Note 3). I prefer the quicker updates the Pixel will get, but still. My main use right now would be the 128gb model as I use my phone everyday for listening to music (as well as typical phone stuff). I refuse to carry a DAP and a phone. So basically, what do you guys think? I haven't seen anything discussing the audio capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have heard anything in particular with respect to audio quality either.....but if your looking for headphone quality I doubt it will get better than lg v20....if you looking for speakerphone quality then you may as well save some money and get the 6p with the dual front facing speakers and still get pure Google experience and updates.
Either wait for the V20 ( slow updates, hard to root, no development...I have a v10)
Or get the Pixel and a outboard DAC/like a Opportunity HA2.
The 6P with the dual front speakers is obviously the better option for video without headphones.
The best all around solution is 6p and use viper4android to get the quality audio experience you seek plus ffs plus current Android updates
Well, I was looking for a device that had a decent DAC built in. I'm not sure what the Snapdragon 821 brings to the table. I do not subscribe to using software/DSP/EQ to make the audio sound good. I use nice headphones to listen to my music so I don't want to muck it up with software that "fakes" the sound. I don't want to add external devices (such as my Cambridge DacMagic XS or Oppo HA-2) as I'm trying to trim down to a single device.
The best sound by far will be the Htc with viper4android as it rocks I doubt you will find any smartphone that has as good of audio as the Htc 10 with viper4android.
M9guy said:
The best sound by far will be the Htc with viper4android as it rocks I doubt you will find any smartphone that has as good of audio as the Htc 10 with viper4android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking about the HTC 10, but Viper4Android is something I wouldn't use. It seems to just be an EQ. I don't use EQ nor do I have any interest whatsoever in doing so. It doesn't increase the quality of the audio coming out of the device.
waytoocrazy said:
Well, I was looking for a device that had a decent DAC built in. I'm not sure what the Snapdragon 821 brings to the table. I do not subscribe to using software/DSP/EQ to make the audio sound good. I use nice headphones to listen to my music so I don't want to muck it up with software that "fakes" the sound. I don't want to add external devices (such as my Cambridge DacMagic XS or Oppo HA-2) as I'm trying to trim down to a single device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you. I used a HTC m8 and purchased a Nexus 6p for pure android. The Nexus DAC was terrible so I traveled with both phones. Last month i sold my 6p in anticipation of the event because of HTCs history with audio. I'm regretting that now: I'm sure if the Pixel had a dedicated DAC Google would have played it up during the event.
I'm currently researching a phone to replace my m8: It seems like best are the LG G5, v10 upcoming v20, Axon 7, and of course HTC10. The HTC10 will probably be my next phone: it sucks because it seems like you always have to compromise something.
djstone86 said:
I'm in the same boat as you. I used a HTC m8 and purchased a Nexus 6p for pure android. The Nexus DAC was terrible so I traveled with both phones. Last month i sold my 6p in anticipation of the event because of HTCs history with audio. I'm regretting that now: I'm sure if the Pixel had a dedicated DAC Google would have played it up during the event.
I'm currently researching a phone to replace my m8: It seems like best are the LG G5, v10 upcoming v20, Axon 7, and of course HTC10. The HTC10 will probably be my next phone: it sucks because it seems like you always have to compromise something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed! To be honest, I find the Xperia Z3v merely acceptable. It is a little better sounding than my Galaxy Note 3 was. I'm not even looking for something "powerful" as I have 25-32ohm headphones. Though they are quite resolving and I enjoy using them around the house and when I go out in general. If in the end, the Pixel doesn't have good sound (ie... needs to be at least 24/192), and the V20 isn't going to work for me. I'll just keep using my external DACs.
Nexus6p or V20 would work for now...
waytoocrazy said:
Well, I was looking for a device that had a decent DAC built in. I'm not sure what the Snapdragon 821 brings to the table. I do not subscribe to using software/DSP/EQ to make the audio sound good. I use nice headphones to listen to my music so I don't want to muck it up with software that "fakes" the sound. I don't want to add external devices (such as my Cambridge DacMagic XS or Oppo HA-2) as I'm trying to trim down to a single device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the same reason I am still using Nexus 6 as my daily driver, i tried many phones (Note 4, N6P, Note 5, S7 Edge, Note 7 SD820 version etc..) in the last 2 years and no phone has better audio quality thru audio jack than N6. HTC 10 has some what better audio quality but I don't want to downgrade screen size below 5.5".
It infuriates me whenever people suggest Viper/Arise etc.. to make up for the poor DAC in the phone.
Hoping pixel phone has decent DAC.
I'm going to get the V20 due to the audio quality of the Note 7 (and I'm guessing it's not great on the Pixel either). Quad DAC is going to be amazing.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA-Developers mobile app
waytoocrazy said:
I was thinking about the HTC 10, but Viper4Android is something I wouldn't use. It seems to just be an EQ. I don't use EQ nor do I have any interest whatsoever in doing so. It doesn't increase the quality of the audio coming out of the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If people stopped having such solid opinions on things, they'd be pleasantly surprised by what they find. At least, try using viper4android. You have no idea the difference it can make.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA-Developers mobile app
PsiPhiDan said:
I'm going to get the V20 due to the audio quality of the Note 7 (and I'm guessing it's not great on the Pixel either). Quad DAC is going to be amazing.
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InsertDumbNick said:
If people stopped having such solid opinions on things, they'd be pleasantly surprised by what they find. At least, try using viper4android. You have no idea the difference it can make.
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What he said..... you should try V4A....you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Funny how people criticize a phone for not having front facing speakers, but the HTC 10 doesn't have them and it is one of the best sounding phones out there right now... and yes, I have a 6P as well. I encourage everyone to save their judgement for when we actually get to hear it or someone gives a review on it.
droidguy22 said:
It infuriates me whenever people suggest Viper/Arise etc.. to make up for the poor DAC in the phone.
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So True!
PsiPhiDan said:
I'm going to get the V20 due to the audio quality of the Note 7 (and I'm guessing it's not great on the Pixel either). Quad DAC is going to be amazing.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm very much leaning that way myself.
InsertDumbNick said:
If people stopped having such solid opinions on things, they'd be pleasantly surprised by what they find. At least, try using viper4android. You have no idea the difference it can make.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bsg411 said:
What he said..... you should try V4A....you'll be pleasantly surprised.
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As for the others who continue to suggest V4A or other software EQ/DSP... enlighten me on how painting a smiley face on a turd of a DAC makes it sound better? It doesn't... it simply alters the sound. I have multiple headphones that I use for different genres of music. THAT is what I use to alter the sound that I'm looking for. EQ and DSP are only meant to cover up the shortcomings of the headphones native sound signature. How would I know if I'm making things worse by polishing a Turd of a DAC by warping the sound signature? If I wanted to make things more "bassy" or "echoey" or whatever you want. I'd just pick up a pair of Beats headphones and call it a day. I'm sure it is a fantastic piece of software, again... it is completely opposite of what I'm looking for. Though, thank you for letting me know that it is out there. The 5 YouTube videos I watched let me know that it wasn't something I'd be interested in beyond a novelty.
bsg411 said:
What he said..... you should try V4A....you'll be pleasantly surprised.
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I've used it. It helps, but it's still lipstick on a pig. The amp and DAC make a much larger difference. I liked Viper4Android on other devices but there will be no comparison to a phone with a vastly superior DAC. The HTC One M8 was by far the best audio quality I'd ever heard before because of its DAC and amp combo. Did much better than my other phones paired with V4A.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA-Developers mobile app
It's already known the pixel phones won't have a DAC and your interest level in pure sound quality is high and clearly outweighs the custom Roms or pure Android experience or early updates you get with Google phones...so I'm not sure what the hesitation is.... Get the phone with the DAC. Honestly the pixel phones are over priced and hardware specs are not comparable to the price.... I'll be keeping my 6p
bsg411 said:
It's already known the pixel phones won't have a DAC and your interest level in pure sound quality is high and clearly outweighs the custom Roms or pure Android experience or early updates you get with Google phones...so I'm not sure what the hesitation is.... Get the phone with the DAC. Honestly the pixel phones are over priced and hardware specs are not comparable to the price.... I'll be keeping my 6p
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You're right. I'll keep an eye on them, but the more I find out about it, I don't think it is the right device for me.
Thanks again!
There is some potentially good news here, Guys. I just read the hands-on with Anandtech and while they didn't mention much about the audio quality, they did say that it has the Qualcomm Aqstic audio codec. So, yes, it's Qualcomm, but it's of much higher quality than the "normal" Qualcomm. The Aqstic is the same DAC/codec used in the HTC 10 which I find little fault with. I think the V10 is still a tad cleaner with a better noise floors, but these are extremely minor differences. For pure Google, fast updates and a nice design, I can easily settle for a Qualcomm Aqstic audio solution rather than an exotic "quad DAC" which still hasn't been released or heard by any audiophile reviewers I don't think. I'm all in for this phone.
-Collin-
Should I?
I miss my HTC 10.....have a pixel, enjoying the pixel updates but I somehow missed the HTC 10. I'm sad the pixel is not certified for at least volte
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
This is tempting, will send you PM.
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
cnu4u said:
This is tempting, will send you PM.
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
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?
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
He might think ur asking to trade. Like looking for someone to trade with.
PunishedSnake said:
?
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
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kushman said:
He might think ur asking to trade. Like looking for someone to trade with.
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That is correct.
I misunderstood what was asked.
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 12:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:31 PM ----------
PunishedSnake said:
Should I?
I miss my HTC 10.....have a pixel, enjoying the pixel updates but I somehow missed the HTC 10. I'm sad the pixel is not certified for at least volte
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pixel Vs HTC10, my answer Pixel unless you are not liking something about it.
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
lolz why HTC 10. I have both. Don't get me wrong but Pixel has everything over HTC 10
Lighter
Faster
Better Camera
Battery is a bit better
Better handle in one hand
UFS 2.0
keaheng said:
lolz why HTC 10. I have both. Don't get me wrong but Pixel has everything over HTC 10
Lighter
Faster
Better Camera
Battery is a bit better
Better handle in one hand
UFS 2.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sound
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
SD card support (if that matters to you).
I, too, own both the 10 and the Pixel. Overall I like the Pixel better because of how well the software works. I use PureNexus ROM on the Pixel even though completely stock is the best stock Android experience I've ever experienced on any device.
Recently PureNexus was ported to the 10, and now I'm only disliking one thing about the 10, as opposed to a handful. There are still a couple of quirks in PureNexus for the 10, but they are being worked on and they've made progress.
Anyway, though....if I had only the Pixel I would NOT trade for a 10.
I have both the HTC 10 and Google Pixel, and I find myself missing the HTC 10 a lot. There's a few trade offs. HTC has those sense panels when you scroll to the left, and the Pixel has those info card things that give you headlines to news articles and what not. I prefer the Pixel's implementation.The camera on the Pixel also out performs any camera I've yet to play with on a smartphone, and while the screen isn't the best in the industry, I do find the Pixel's screen much brighter than the HTC 10.
What the HTC 10 does offer me is this: exceptional audio quality from the 3.5mm headphone jack. I've had to buy a mini portable dac/amp that I carry with me to even get to the level of audio performance the HTC 10 has, and since I'm not much of a photographer, the difference in camera quality doesn't seem as significant as the difference in audio quality. I also miss the HTC's all metal industrial design. It has absolutely no scratches or dings on it. I have a few dings on my Pixel because the aluminum is fairly thin.
The audio on the HTC 10 makes it more of all-in-one device for me since it cancels out my need to carry a portable dac/amp, and while it doesn't hit every notch on "excellent," it does manage to be great at most everything that's important.
At this point though, I'm looking at the new Essential phone. Something about the quirky appearance really appeals to me.
mnguyen127 said:
What the HTC 10 does offer me is this: exceptional audio quality from the 3.5mm headphone jack.
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Is the audio out from the headphone jack that much better than the Pixel?
The main reason I don't have a Pixel is because my SD card holds 5 years worth of pictures and video from past smartphones all the way back to a Samsung GS3.
Superguy said:
SD card support (if that matters to you).
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that too, have a 256gb card from a samsung promo
I notice the verizon one lacks band 17, would converting to us unlocked enable that band?
revoltech said:
Is the audio out from the headphone jack that much better than the Pixel?
The main reason I don't have a Pixel is because my SD card holds 5 years worth of pictures and video from past smartphones all the way back to a Samsung GS3.
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Strongly suggest you back up the photo to somewhere else if you had not do it.
DummyPLUG said:
Strongly suggest you back up the photo to somewhere else if you had not do it.
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Click to collapse
I haven't done it in awhile because I am so lazy about removing the SDcard but I am doing it at this moment since the phone could use a cleaning outside its case.
revoltech said:
Is the audio out from the headphone jack that much better than the Pixel?
The main reason I don't have a Pixel is because my SD card holds 5 years worth of pictures and video from past smartphones all the way back to a Samsung GS3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The audio is definitely that much better. It's probably my most missed feature using my Pixel. For me to get similar audio quality on my Pixel, I have to use a portable DAC/AMP, which is super finicky using a USB Type-C connection. I actually have to download a separate audio player on my Pixel in addition to using my portable DAC/AMP in order to get a similar experience that I would get from my HTC 10. The HTC 10 is highly praised on the head-fi forums for its audio prowess. It essentially serves as its own digital audio player (DAP) in addition to being an awesome phone. The combination of the two is rare for audiophiles. The only phones that I can think of that do something similar are the LG V10, LG V20, ZTE Axon 7, and possibly some Sony phones.
The audio quality is night and day when I switch my headphones using the HTC 10 and Pixel.
revoltech said:
I haven't done it in awhile because I am so lazy about removing the SDcard but I am doing it at this moment since the phone could use a cleaning outside its case.
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Click to collapse
If you already know about this ignore me but I use a free 50 GB Mega app to automatically backup my photos when I'm on WiFi. You can also specify even charging only if you like. You can also specify your own custom secondary location on your device to back up from.
Or you can use Google Photos. On non-pixel device you have to let it downgrade your photos and videos slightly to get unlimited storage or don't and get whatever amount of Drive space you have available but then you can tell Photos to free up space and it'll only delete what has already been backed up.
mnguyen127 said:
The HTC 10 is highly praised on the head-fi forums for its audio prowess. It essentially serves as its own digital audio player (DAP) in addition to being an awesome phone.
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I know of that forum, used to frequently visit there in the past and I never seen any smartphone being praise for its audio reproduction abilities. Although, I do agree the HTC 10 is just as good as the M8 when it comes to audio quality. I used to carry a portable amp to drive a pair of DT-770s. Nowadays I am way too lazy and just use a forum recommendation, Edifier p-180 earbuds.
revoltech said:
I know of that forum, used to frequently visit there in the past and I never seen any smartphone being praise for its audio reproduction abilities. Although, I do agree the HTC 10 is just as good as the M8 when it comes to audio quality. I used to carry a portable amp to drive a pair of DT-770s. Nowadays I am way too lazy and just use a forum recommendation, Edifier p-180 earbuds.
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Click to collapse
Head-fi threads have examined most modern phones to compare the quality of internal dac/amps inside smartphones. There's a thread on the s8 ongoing about the quality of the dac it's using (likely a wolfson/cirrus logic dac), but the reviews have been a mixed bag compared to the likes of the htc 10 or lg v20. there's quite a few threads on head-fi regarding audio quality since a lot of people would like to replace their DAPs with their smartphones.