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As my Galaxy S got stolen a few days ago, I'm looking for a new phone and 2X seems like the best option right now. Only thing that concerns me is that some reviews mention not so good audio quality through headphones.
I tend to use my phone as an mp3 player quite a lot and I use good headphones with them, so here's a question for you, kind 2X owners - how does it cope as an mp3 player? I'm no audiophile but I aint deaf either, I was satisfied with Galaxy S' audio quality and would prefer not to go lower. Thanks in advance for any info.
I am not sure about sgs, but it definitely lose comparing my old sony erisson w810
when the wires bumping to your chest, you will listen the noise in ur earphone too. I would give my old w810 9/10, and this phone 4/10.
I would say it definitely depends on the earplugs..
Have to say that with my Sennheiser in-ears i cannot complain.. Haven't done a side by side comparison with a different phone yet.. so If i will, I'll let you know!
Sorry for your loss of sgs. You will not regret the O2X i would say!
Mine is spot on as a music player. The 2x and the Desire I had are more or less the same in the headphones I have. I am not sure how they compare when you enter in the supplied headphones into the test.
Tested with high-end earphones (Westone UM2). It sounds ok but I wouldn't use my 2x as my main music player.
Sound level is a little on the weak side and slightly tame bass levels on my Sennheiser HD 565 headphones. On the plus side, very clean sounding audio. I think a set of headphones/earphones with high sensitivity rating should produce decent audio, or something with high bass reproduction for bassheads.
Might be worth looking at PowerAMP too. It improved audio quality on my Hero no end.
Sound quality is very good except for crosstalk which is awful. That makes the sound quality very average:
http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_optimus_2x-review-564p8.php
It's like 10 times better than my old Windows Mobile HTC Touch HD
submarine said:
I'm no audiophile but I aint deaf either, I was satisfied with Galaxy S' audio quality and would prefer not to go lower.
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Just read from LG Optimus 2x service manual that it uses the same Wolfson audio chipset (wm8994) as Samsung Galaxy S. So, in theory, both phones should be similar sounding when using the same earphones. Or, at least, LG 2x audio should not be much degraded from your old Galaxy S - if at all.
Rooted galaxy s has the vodoo sound option which really enhances audio quality
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Hi,
I as well use the phone as my main mp3 player. Before I had a iPod Touch, a HTC Desire and now the LGOS. And what shall I say: The LGOS is the best beneath them.
Maybe it's also important to say that I never even unpack those earphones coming with the devices. I never had a decent earphone coming with these devices.
I used Sure earphones (the middleclass ones - which are quite expensive already, I bought them for about 150€) but now switched to Phonak by Audeo (a Swiss company) which really deliver amazing sound.
Thanks for the input guys, I just placed an order : ) Voodoo sound on Galaxy S was great indeed, hope someone creates an equivalent for 2X in the future.
The provided headphones are really, really bad. No high definition in the sound at all.
I tried swapping them with the ones HTC supplied with my old Hero and the difference was huge (and even these ones aren't all that good either)!
Shame LG's media player doesn't listen for next/prev button presses (if the headset has that), coz I actually don't mind LG's player software.
withoutwings said:
The provided headphones are really, really bad. No high definition in the sound at all.
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I was actually surprised how good they are!
(For supplied earbuds)
withoutwings said:
The provided headphones are really, really bad. No high definition in the sound at all.
I tried swapping them with the ones HTC supplied with my old Hero and the difference was huge (and even these ones aren't all that good either)!
Shame LG's media player doesn't listen for next/prev button presses (if the headset has that), coz I actually don't mind LG's player software.
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Click to collapse
God, I hate those that were supplied by HTC. They were bloody horrible. Much prefer the LG ones (I left my half decent ones at my sisters house...).
Just as a side note: PowerAMP runs beatifully on this phone.
withoutwings said:
The provided headphones are really, really bad. No high definition in the sound at all.
I tried swapping them with the ones HTC supplied with my old Hero and the difference was huge (and even these ones aren't all that good either)!
Shame LG's media player doesn't listen for next/prev button presses (if the headset has that), coz I actually don't mind LG's player software.
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Click to collapse
I have use both the one that came with the device and one which came with my htc wildfire and on both i can press the button 2x to go to the next song, so it should work. Or does your headset have 2 separate buttons?
2x uses the same headphone socket layout as iphone which differs from the galaxy S
I personnaly found that audio isn't a great part on Optimus 2x. I tried the earbuds, they are not bad but not really great ... And they doesn't fit my ear, I mean they doesn't isolate sound correctly or usually I never change the size of the foams ;-)
Meanwhile, I noticed that level sound isn't very high. Same for you ? (Maybe that was my divx file, need to verify that)
why can't i hear anything out of my headphones... ahhhh
Is anyone experiencing tinny speaker audio on the Vivid/Raider? It's tough to listen to music because its so full if treble and increasing the bass makes it sound too blown out...
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk
Yeah, it's embarrassing trying to laugh at YouTube videos with other people because it's so hard to hear.. I've invested in a pair of Skull Candy ear buds with the mic built in. Worth the money
PostaL cm said:
Yeah, it's embarrassing trying to laugh at YouTube videos with other people because it's so hard to hear.. I've invested in a pair of Skull Candy ear buds with the mic built in. Worth the money
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Click to collapse
Haha, good plan. I've got so many headphones I can't even keep track of them...lol. I love the Vivid so the speaker really doesn't bother me.
No Phone Speaker Is Great
I don't think any phone speaker is going to match a good set of earphones or even middling desktop stereo speakers. Some phones may be better than others, but is that the main way we are going to listen to audio - music, movies, phone calls? Yes, I know that if you want to show a video to someone else, you need the speaker.
Several other threads have already noted that the Vivid speaker, like other HTC phone speakers, may not be very good. I've listened to music over my Vivid's speaker. It's okay but not great. It's about as good as the speaker sound on my daughter's iPhone. But you just aren't going to get good sound from a tiny speaker.
Does the volume seem low to you guys?
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk
mike123475 said:
Does the volume seem low to you guys?
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk
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It does, but its not a deal to me to be honest. Anyone ever try those Monster Bluetooth speakers? I wonder how those sound...
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk
Compare to my old Captivate, the volume of the Vivid is much lower.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using XDA App
is there an app that can boost the audio output?
kiddchris said:
is there an app that can boost the audio output?
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Also interested in this. I've seen one that increases the 3.5mm output, but not the speaker. I have my HP Touchpad patched to be louder and it works great. With all the dev support behind the Android platform I'd be surprised if there isn't a simple option to accomplish this.
I've noticed this with all of the recent HTC phones I've used. After having an Evo 3d, Inspire and the Vivid I've come to realize that HTC just doesn't care about speaker output. If I put my Vivid next to my 4s and play the same song the difference in volume and sound quality is crazy.
I downloaded equalizer app and it helped a lot
waltah! said:
I've noticed this with all of the recent HTC phones I've used. After having an Evo 3d, Inspire and the Vivid I've come to realize that HTC just doesn't care about speaker output. If I put my Vivid next to my 4s and play the same song the difference in volume and sound quality is crazy.
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Played with the Rezound again today. First time I really tested built-in speaker. MUCH better than I've come to expect from HTC. Plenty of volume.
Most of these issues, low volume, too much treble, no bass... I was able too fix too some degree with the Volume+ app. It's in the Android market.
It's not perfect, but much better now.
Sent from my HTC Vivid using Tapatalk
Yeah, I noticed that the first time I watched a YouTube video on mine. Even with it turned all the way up it still doesnt have much volume. So, like others have said, Time to invest in a good set of headphones.
Devin.Morris.007 said:
Yeah, I noticed that the first time I watched a YouTube video on mine. Even with it turned all the way up it still doesnt have much volume. So, like others have said, Time to invest in a good set of headphones.
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I'll second the "invest in a good set of headphones" recommendation, but that's probably because I'm an audiophile. (Ultrasone Edition 8 owner checking in)
Still, I use the speaker on my phones... a lot. It needs to be capable of reaching comfortable levels. At the AT&T store, I did my usual factory reset to the Vivid and then tried both Volume+ (have used before on a different handset with mixed results) and an EQ program. They both seemed to work for system sounds but conflicted with streaming programs like Spotify and Pandora. One made things even quieter. The other locked the phone and required that I pull the battery.
I'm surprised to find that apps that increase volume seem to be niche. There seemingly isn't something out there that's stable enough to be relied upon as an all-purpose solution. Of course, this wouldn't be an issue if the manufacturer invested in a quality component in the first place, but I digress.
As previously stated, I'm quite impressed by the speaker in the Rezound, so it looks like there actually IS something good coming from the Beats partnership. (because their headphones are garbage across the board... as is pretty much everything else associated with Jimmy Iovine) By my ears' account, it held up to the speakers found in the average Samsung handset. (i.e. quite loud) And that screen... best I've seen bar none. The screen on the Vivid is my favorite feature of the handset and, in my opinion, the best by far on AT&T, but the extra resolution on the Rezound takes overall fidelity up a notch. With the recent announcement that HTC is planning another high end phone for AT&T perhaps it will be in the same vein and, if it is, that's the handset I'm opting for. As it stands, I may end up going the bang for the buck route to tide me over and then sell it toward an outright purchase if/when it releases. Of course, should the phone not materialize as expected I wouldn't want to be stuck with something that came as a disappointment and I have to say... the Atrix 2 seems to be the most solid across the board handset currently on the carrier. (and one of the best in this regard on any for that matter)
There is a way to make the phone go to speaker, by turning the phone face down. My Vivid came with that box checked. It seems to affect the sound quality of the whole phone. If you uncheck that box, it makes a world of difference, and the phone sounds better, including any music played through the speaker. Just my opinion, but it worked for me.
Settings>Sound>Flip for speaker(uncheck this box).
grunt0300 said:
There is a way to make the phone go to speaker, by turning the phone face down. My Vivid came with that box checked. It seems to affect the sound quality of the whole phone. If you uncheck that box, it makes a world of difference, and the phone sounds better, including any music played through the speaker. Just my opinion, but it worked for me.
Settings>Sound>Flip for speaker(uncheck this box).
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Click to collapse
I tested with a song using the HTC music player. With the flip box unchecked, I could hear a little difference in the sound from the external speaker. The song sounded a little "deeper" and less tinny as others have described it. Since I've never used the speaker phone feature, I left the box unchecked.
After upgrading to ICS and getting Beats Audio, I can say that the sound quality is noticeably better when patched into my car's system via headphone jack. Beats Audio doesn't do squat unless you're using the headphone jack though.
I got my Moto X recently and I hear a step down in audio quality from the original Droid Razr or any of my other devices. Music sounds heavily smeared and bass and treble sound quite off. Am I the only one to notice this? I'm not really sure what dac chip it uses, but its certainly not the same wolfson (or ericsson?) in the Razr and not even up to par with Realtek on my desktop. It even has a lot of hiss! :crying: This concerns me a lot because I use my phone to listen to music away from home.
I keep the audio effects off and own a fairly high-end pair of headphones. I've compared audio across 3 headphones and the result is the same.
You should get it replaced. My sound is clear and I get great performance out of the speaker. Almost all comments I've seen are extremely positive regarding the speaker performance. Sounds like you have a defective speaker.
Sent from my XT1055 using xda app-developers app
According to the iFixit page: it's using the Qualcomm WCD9310 codec and passes through the TI TMS320C55. I don't know what that fully means, but if my Gnex is anything to go by: TI isn't bad at their DSP work. What sucks right now is that Faux123's app FauxSound doesn't support the WCD9310 officially so it'll be up to kernel devs to facilitate that.
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Motorola+Moto+X+Teardown/16867
Honestly it doesn't sound defective but it sounds cheap. I don't expect most people to hear it, but I am a bit of an audiophile. I was also wondering if anyone has used portable dacs with their phones or which dacs are confirmed to work with android. This sounds like a good solution to me and an opportunity to get better audio on my computer as well.
marioman94 said:
Honestly it doesn't sound defective but it sounds cheap. I don't expect most people to hear it, but I am a bit of an audiophile. I was also wondering if anyone has used portable dacs with their phones or which dacs are confirmed to work with android. This sounds like a good solution to me and an opportunity to get better audio on my computer as well.
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I listened to my friends moto x hip hop music with Sennheiser ie8 and it sounded OK. At least the bass was deep enough. Not much help here but just wanna tell you that I feel your pain. I had the Nexus 5 and the bass was terrible imo and not low enough. Immediately sold it for a htc one instead.
My Moto X sound looks incredible, at least for me coming from an S3. A tip is to use the built-in audio config that is seen on Settings > Sound > Sound effects, check if it helps
I have had no audio issues with my Moto X at all. No audio "hiss" at all like what OP is experiencing.
I haven't taken the time to try my Moto X with any of my DACs.
marioman94 said:
I got my Moto X recently and I hear a step down in audio quality from the original Droid Razr or any of my other devices. Music sounds heavily smeared and bass and treble sound quite off. Am I the only one to notice this? I'm not really sure what dac chip it uses, but its certainly not the same wolfson (or ericsson?) in the Razr and not even up to par with Realtek on my desktop. It even has a lot of hiss! :crying: This concerns me a lot because I use my phone to listen to music away from home.
I keep the audio effects off and own a fairly high-end pair of headphones. I've compared audio across 3 headphones and the result is the same.
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Click to collapse
I think it might be somehow defective. I get zero hiss.
Let's get back to the topic here guys and cease with the bickering
ApriliaM3 said:
Let's get back to the topic here guys and cease with the bickering
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I thought you were talking about the speaker aswell. Tried with the headphone today and I wasn't very impressed either. Although I'm out of headphones and I had to try with the one that came with it, which seems very poor.
All I can say is the audio quality through the headphone jack, and speaker on the Note 4 is garbage! That does not make it a bad phone, because with all its other features, the Note 4 is awesome but for an avid audiophile like me, my phone needs a great DAC/ headphone jack. The iphone 6+ Does have fantastic audio quality, but I use android phones as my workhorse, and Ipad as my consumption device, so iPhone is out for me. I am REALLY hoping that since the Nexus 6 has the 2 front facing stereo speakers, that it is being pushed by a strong high quality DAC. I currently have the M8 , and the audio is quite nice, but I have always wanted a nexus device after owning the HTC Nexus 1 , and the Nexus 6 checks all the boxes for me personally. It just has to have great audio and battery life and I'm sold! Hopefully we can get some reviews of the big sexy nexus before pre ordering starts?
I will admit, I am no audiophile. Can you go into detail on what exactly you notice in a bad audio output?
What headphones are you using?
Sent from my iPhone 6 using Tapatalk
_MetalHead_ said:
What headphones are you using?
Sent from my iPhone 6 using Tapatalk
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V-Modda M100's, B&W P7"s
Schoat333 said:
I will admit, I am no audiophile. Can you go into detail on what exactly you notice in a bad audio output?
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Click to collapse
Hiss at higher volumes. Crosstalk/ Interference. Lack of soundstage or depth in the audio. Or lack of volume and "punch" in bass. I'm no "hardcore audiophile" that will ONLY listen to FLAC/ High Res music, as I listen quite often to Play Music on the go and at work @ 320kbps track that are streamed to me. But when reviewing new music or at the house wanting to check out new tracks and just want to be taken in by the music, then I load up some 24-bit/192kHz files, Ah the beauty of Android!
I know I can get a dedicated music player that serves this need, and I have one (Still have my old Zune 120 but with the way digital music distribution being so awesomely convenient through Gplay Store/ Itunes, I just like having a device that can "do it all" if I can find one. The Nexus being pure Android, "supposedly" all day battery life" Amazing screen, with hopefully excellent audio performance and supports High res audio files, sounds like that perfect device for me... Crossing fingers.
awareunlikeu said:
V-Modda M100's, B&W P7"s
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Click to collapse
I'm not sure if root is available for the note4 yet, but if it is, install V4A. It helps to a degree. The nexus 5 is not a great when it comes to audio, however, with V4A installed, it is bearable. I use UE900 CIEM.
Edit: I am also hoping the N6 will have a powerful audio chip.
awareunlikeu said:
V-Modda M100's, B&W P7"s
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Click to collapse
How do you like the P7's? I bought the P5's years ago but admittedly they don't get much use. I have tried the P7's and while I'm not sure if their sound sig is for me, they were insanely comfortable.
Sent from my iPhone 6 using Tapatalk
awareunlikeu said:
Hiss at higher volumes. Crosstalk/ Interference. Lack of soundstage or depth in the audio. Or lack of volume and "punch" in bass. I'm no "hardcore audiophile" that will ONLY listen to FLAC/ High Res music, as I listen quite often to Play Music on the go and at work @ 320kbps track that are streamed to me. But when reviewing new music or at the house wanting to check out new tracks and just want to be taken in by the music, then I load up some 24-bit/192kHz files, Ah the beauty of Android!
I know I can get a dedicated music player that serves this need, and I have one (Still have my old Zune 120 but with the way digital music distribution being so awesomely convenient through Gplay Store/ Itunes, I just like having a device that can "do it all" if I can find one. The Nexus being pure Android, "supposedly" all day battery life" Amazing screen, with hopefully excellent audio performance and supports High res audio files, sounds like that perfect device for me... Crossing fingers.
Click to expand...
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If it helps, the new Moto G, a £150/$180 phone, comes with an excellent DAC. Its even more impressive given the price of the device.
I can only assume they'll implement the same solution as in the Moto X. Unfortunately I can't comment on that, but I'd assume it's at least equal or better than the Moto X.
Obviously it can't compare to any dedicated player though. I still regularly notice the huge difference between my Note 2/3 Z3 experience and my old ipod touch 3rd gen. iPod destroys everything still.
feedtheducks said:
I'm not sure if root is available for the note4 yet, but if it is, install V4A. It helps to a degree. The nexus 5 is not a great when it comes to audio, however, with V4A installed, it is bearable. I use UE900 CIEM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah those UE900's are some mighty fine phones my friend! But yeah I just want superb audio out of the box without tweaking. I know I can get it if I go back to apple for a phone, but I use iPad, so to me having an iPhone with its boring software when I already have an iPad that I use for consumption/work just seems like unnecessary overkill. As I use Android as my workhorse/EDC device. I have the HTC One M8 right now, and its close to what I want, but I don't particularly care for the software, except Blinkfeed, and I loath the camera. Headphone audio is damn good only because it is the loudest phone on the market right now due to the DAC having to push the BoomSound speakers and also pushing that same power to the headphone jack. But louder is not always better. The iphone 6 Plus's audio quality is quite a bit better, but not as loud, or "punchy". I hope its not too much to expect excellent audio quality with the way Googs is going away from the decently priced cutting corners Nexus devices to the absolute best Android has to offer Android device, which is what the N6 is sounding like they are marketing it has.
istrikerx said:
If it helps, the new Moto G, a £150/$180 phone, comes with an excellent DAC. Its even more impressive given the price of the device.
I can only assume they'll implement the same solution as in the Moto X. Unfortunately I can't comment on that, but I'd assume it's at least equal or better than the Moto X.
Obviously it can't compare to any dedicated player though. I still regularly notice the huge difference between my Note 2/3 Z3 experience and my old ipod touch 3rd gen. iPod destroys everything still.
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I know right.. I think Apple's audio superiority comes from the fact that they use a totally separate processing unit, independent of the processor for Audio processing. Where as Android phones generally use qualcomm's SOC and they dont have there own dedicated DAC. I may be mistaken on some of that lingo, but I think its close enough.
"The Nexus 6 comes with a pair of stereo speakers on the front, just like HTC’s phones. And just like the phones from Taiwan, Google’s phablet gives brilliant sound quality. Movies really draw you in with the combination of that huge screen and those crisp speakers And we could fill the whole house with music just with the Nexus 6
Source
awareunlikeu said:
V-Modda M100's, B&W P7"s
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Click to collapse
I am a M-100 user as well, hell year brother!
As for audio quality, personally I never use something as spread out as a Cellphone/Smartphone for quality music listening. Most of the time they are not equipped with the proper magic for good audio compared to PMP's and other quality audio sources. That is why I still carry around a PMP for most of my music listening (Better HW for sound, Storage all for Music, Separate battery for Music).
I know it's almost archaic to still have a PMP and a SmartPhone since the latter can technically do both, but if you want the best audio quality it's best to get a PMP for your audiophile needs. I suggest taking a look for this if you are curious for a PMP recommendation: http://www.fiio.com.cn/products/index.aspx?ID=100000060437344&MenuID=105026016
As for the N6, its up in the air. But I usually would not bet my wallet that it would make a quality music player. It might be good for some music here and there but as a whole with pro cans it just might not be enough to get the most out of them.
To me the original Moto X audio quality through headphones was great. I ordered a Nexus 5 trying to decide which one to keep and ended up sending the Nexus back. One of the reasons was the audio wasn't as good as the X. I HOPE the N6 will be just as good. Motorola hasn't let me down yet.
I wonder if the N6 will be able to play FLAC lossless files. I really would like to hear my music in it's purist form. I have tried looking on Moto's and Google's spec websites and there is nothing about the audio part of the device....
racerxe24 said:
I wonder if the N6 will be able to play FLAC lossless files. I really would like to hear my music in it's purist form. I have tried looking on Moto's and Google's spec websites and there is nothing about the audio part of the device....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am fairly sure FLAC files are supported by the current version of android. I just flashed a completely stock rom, no root on my N5 and I am able to play FLAC on it using Shuttle+.
Power amp pro is worth the purchase. It made my N3 sound soooo much better. Out of the speaker, headphones, and aux out for playing music. Also ViperFX and Volume+ were good at tweaking your sound.
amebiasis said:
Power amp pro is worth the purchase. It made my N3 sound soooo much better. Out of the speaker, headphones, and aux out for playing music. Also ViperFX and Volume+ were good at tweaking your sound.
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+1 for Poweramp
I'm curious how the front speqkers compare to my m8. I love the audio on this phone.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
There are 2 main improvement in android L for sound: low latency and usb-enabled headphones. I'm not an audiophile myself but I guess for startes those two should make a difference.
That being said, unfortunatly, headphones quality output is something hard to tell without specific reviews.
awareunlikeu said:
I know right.. I think Apple's audio superiority comes from the fact that they use a totally separate processing unit, independent of the processor for Audio processing. Where as Android phones generally use qualcomm's SOC and they dont have there own dedicated DAC. I may be mistaken on some of that lingo, but I think its close enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny you talk about Apple's "audio superiority" when their headphone jacks across iPad, PowerBook/MacBook, iPhone, and iPod lines have been poorly grounded for years.
Curious what users are doing for audio. Wired eaphone options are pretty thin if you're connecting via USB but they provide the range that Bluetooth can't match. I've had mixed results, what's your take?
varcor said:
Curious what users are doing for audio. Wired eaphone options are pretty thin if you're connecting via USB but they provide the range that Bluetooth can't match. I've had mixed results, what's your take?
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Click to collapse
I am only using Buds series for a while as they came free with the S-series in Australia when pre-ordered. Very convenient.
Buds+ you need a set if for nothing other than phone calls. That's all I use on my 10+
Using the c port for audio output all the time is going to screw up cables and maybe the port it's self. Tell Samsung to not jack off
varcor said:
Curious what users are doing for audio. Wired eaphone options are pretty thin if you're connecting via USB but they provide the range that Bluetooth can't match. I've had mixed results, what's your take?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I use a USB C to 3.5mm convertor and good wired haedphones (with a wider soundstage and instrument separation) for immersive listening at home (usually in the eveing after dinner, before I go to bed). I use the dongle mainly becasue I already have wired headphones that I don't want collecting dust - and I don't want to spend a lot on larger wireless headphones when a relatively cheap adapter can do the same thing for me.
2. Galaxy Buds live for use during the workday for calls and casual music streaming while going running in the morning, or other outdoor activity. Very comfortable for long use, strong reliable connection and good mic quality for phone calls. Easy to carry around without a tangle of wires.
If I did not have a pre-existing collection of earphones, and was given a gun-to-the-head choice of just one device, I'd choose the wireless earbuds over the wired ones, simply because it fits my needs the best. YMMV.
The big Buds+ thread:
Galaxy Buds, Buds+ Set up
Install the Galaxy Wearable and Galaxy Buds software. Update software and Buds firmware, this is important because the old versions sound sucks. Turn on/go to Developer Options in Settings and on the Bluetooth Codec setting toggle on Samsung's...
forum.xda-developers.com
I haven't used to Buds Pro so I can't comment on them but their body is a different design from the Buds and Buds+. The Pros may not stay in as well though.
The Buds/Buds+ are identical dimension wise.
The wings and ear pieces are interchangeable between these two models.
They don't fall out, ever. For calls you can put them in loosely and they still stay put. The Buds+ bring longer battery life (very long) and better sound Q than the Buds, I have both.
With respect to audio listening devices I'm compelled more towards sound quality than convenience. Buds are developing as the market grows with improved acoustic profiles and software integration for codecs. They also provide a higher flexibility for physical variations like exercise and two way communications.
The biggest drawbacks are the diminished range of audio signals, reliance on the Bluetooth subsystems and charging metrics. In my youth and midlife I spent years in a variety of bands. Rock, alternative, blues, techno and even country. Lots of nights preforming live gigs and even more time in studio sessions. As a result my listening skills are pretty well developed.
Not a big believer in high priced units knowing a $50 set can put a pair of $300 sennheisers to shame. When I surrendered my S10 Plus to my wife I started researching wired units with USB Type C Connectors. Dongles while useful for retaining a good 3.5 jack unit are just another link in the chain so I've dismissed them.
What I've found is there isn't much to chose from, just a handful. Much to my dismay 1MORE Quad Driver, which offers pristine audio quality have yet to expand beyond it's 3.5 jack. So I settled on the next best option which had to deliver a solid bottom and midranges, which most units lack, they're too tinny and treble focused.
In the interim I found a decent set of Samsung/AKG Type C noise cancelling earphones. They no longer manufacture them but a few sellers in South Korea still stock the item. Not expensive at $70 USD and the sound quality is a solid 8 on a scale to 10. Strong response in all ranges and very comfortable in my ears, YMMV. Another plus is the noise cancelling doesn't sap a lot of power which can lead to reduced volume. In conjunction with Poweramp and some solid tunes, life is good!
varcor said:
With respect to audio listening devices I'm compelled more towards sound quality than convince. Buds are improving as the market grows with improved acoustic profiles and software integration for codecs. They also provide a higher flexibility for physical variations like exercise and two way communications.
The biggest drawbacks are the diminished range of audio signals, reliance on the Bluetooth subsystems and charging metrics. In my youth and midlife I spent years in a variety of bands. Rock, alternative, blues, techno and even country. Lots of nights preforming live gigs and even more time in studio sessions. As a result my listening skills are pretty well developed.
Not a big believer in high priced units knowing a $50 set can put a pair of $300 sennheisers to shame. When I surrendered my S10 Plus to my wife I started researching wired units with USB Type C Connectors. Dongles while useful for retaining a good 3.5 jack unit are just another link in the chain so I've dismissed them.
What I've found is there isn't much to chose from, just a handful. Much to my dismay 1MORE Quad Driver, which offers pristine audio quality have yet to expand beyond it's 3.5 jack. So I settled on the next best option which had to deliver a solid bottom and midranges, which most units lack, they're too tinny and treble focused.
In the interim I found a decent set of Samsung/AKG Type C noise cancelling earphones. They no longer manufacture them but a few sellers in South Korea still stock the item. Not expensive at $70 USD and the sound quality is a solid 8 on a scale to 10. Strong response in all ranges and very comfortable in my ears, YMMV. Used in conjunction with Poweramp and some solid tunes, life is good!
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Poweramp... whatever earphones or buds you use, use Poweramp to dial them in. I would hate my Buds without it for listening to music.
It's graphic equalizer is second to none.
Poweramp has a steep learning curve but is extremely configurable. Applicable only if you have a music database.
blackhawk said:
Poweramp... whatever earphones or buds you use, use Poweramp to dial them in. I would hate my Buds without it for listening to music.
It's graphic equalizer is second to none.
Poweramp has a steep learning curve but is extremely configurable. Applicable only if you have a music database.
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One badass feature Poweramp has which other platforms lack is the preamp slider which actuates as a great gain function, it's versatility second to none.
Guys aren't you a little concerned about the safety of the TrueWireless (TW) buds? I mean, the fact that they have a direct wireless connection passing directly trough your brain, doesn't feels a bit weird.. Something about it seems fishy to me when I think of limiting radiation exposure.
I use Bluetooth headphones where the BT receiver is under my neck. The cable is separately connected to the KZ ZS6 which have 4 speakers in each headphone. The sound is out of this world.
Most buds employ direct wireless connectivity. Does the BT signal cause damage to the brain? Ask an ENT Specialist but the buds don't transmit BT, they recieve it. Excess volume is the number one harmful side effect in near tympanic audio signals. My question is if you're going to use a wired connection in your BT configuration, why not use wired earphones? The audio quality is superior and you won't need to worry about BT scrambling your brain.
varcor said:
Most buds employ direct wireless connectivity. Does the BT signal cause damage to the brain? Ask an ENT Specialist but the buds don't transmit BT, they recieve it. Excess volume is the number one harmful side effect in near tympanic audio signals. My question is if you're going to use a wired connection in your BT configuration, why not use wired earphones? The audio quality is superior and you won't need to worry about BT scrambling your brain.
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Well actually the wired vs wireless quality is not something to even discuss. The above headphones I mentioned, eat any other headphones I have ever tried for breakfast when it comes to quality.
The buds do receive and emit BT and it is happening right next your ears. The bigger issue I mean is that the 2 TW headphones are directly communicating with each other trough some sort of electromagnetic connection that I had never heard of until I googled "how do True Wireless headphones work." That direct connection is not BT and it is emitting and receiving at the same time, directly trough your brain... You feel me?
No one is talking about that and no one is assuring us it is safe. It is almost as if it is magic and no one should be even thinking of it.
The BT headphones with a cable that I showed above, have their BT antenna in the little black thingy you see on the pic, it is usually hanging under my neck, which is at least 20+cm from my brain.
I am aware we cannot fully escape radiation but we could at least try to limit the artificial type a little bit when we can. Just my 2 cents.
Yeah the massive amounts EM radiation that Nicola Tesla subjected himself to killed him at the early age of 86
If a little low energy EM is all it takes to TKO today's whatevers... good luck with the hard stuff.
babyboy3265 said:
Well actually the wired vs wireless quality is not something to even discuss. The above headphones I mentioned, eat any other headphones I have ever tried for breakfast when it comes to quality.
The buds do receive and emit BT and it is happening right next your ears. The bigger issue I mean is that the 2 TW headphones are directly communicating with each other trough some sort of electromagnetic connection that I had never heard of until I googled "how do True Wireless headphones work." That direct connection is not BT and it is emitting and receiving at the same time, directly trough your brain... You feel me?
No one is talking about that and no one is assuring us it is safe. It is almost as if it is magic and no one should be even thinking of it.
The BT headphones with a cable that I showed above, have their BT antenna in the little black thingy you see on the pic, it is usually hanging under my neck, which is at least 20+cm from my brain.
I am aware we cannot fully escape radiation but we could at least try to limit the artificial type a little bit when we can. Just my 2 cents.
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Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) is the wave you're concerned with, not the BT wave. It's been around a lot longer than BT, first used in hearing aids decades ago. Can't say if it's harmful but I'm sure studies have been done. You really like your setup, whatever works for you but I won't agree sound quality is capable of matching a good wired set. BT doesn't have the range wired sets offer, regardless of how you tweak the codecs, the conductivity is inherently deficient.
I have a pair of Shure se846 earbuds that I connect via the Shure USB/DAC cable and it sounds absolutely fabulous when listening to anything CD quality and above. For convenience sake however, I use the Sony WF 1000XM4s and they sound really just as good. Especially with the LDAC codec.
chetly968 said:
I have a pair of Shure se846 earbuds that I connect via the Shure USB/DAC cable and it sounds absolutely fabulous when listening to anything CD quality and above. For convenience sake however, I use the Sony WF 1000XM4s and they sound really just as good. Especially with the LDAC codec.
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The biggest problem with S21 Ultra Codecs is they squashed aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency and aptX HD even though the Snap 888 SoC supports it. The reason, they're pushing their own Scalable Codec, Galaxy Buds and they don't want to pay Qualcomm's licensing fees. The aptX Codec available on the device is an older, vanilla version, not much different than SBC. Cheap bastards!
varcor said:
The biggest problem with S21 Ultra Codecs is they squashed aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency and aptX HD even though the Snap 888 SoC supports it. The reason, they're pushing their own Scalable Codec, Galaxy Buds and they don't want to pay Qualcomm's licensing fees. The aptX Codec available on the device is an older, vanilla version, not much different than SBC. Cheap bastards!
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You got LDAC and SSC. Get the Buds+ and be happy. I'm using them right now, been using them for the last couple hours... their battery life is really long and they sound good. They link up seamlessly with a Samsung phone. Samsung actually got it near perfect... finally
Or jump ship to the newest Sony with the codecs you want plus a 3.5 mm jack.
Given a choice I'll take a vinyl over a cd or anything digital every day of the week. Why, because it's direct sound, BT just gets in the way. The Samsung/AKG ANC's are dirt cheap with great response throughout the entire range.
Was listening to some old tunes, The Best of Simple Minds. What separates them from others is their dynamic composition and arrangement. As a musician when I listen to a song, I feel the song as a whole, but I'm paying much closer attention to each of the individual instruments. When you can hear the sound of the guitar pick hitting strings, not the reverberation of strings, the click of the pick, your know your audio signal is tight.
When I upgrade it's going to be wired with 4 drivers, likely the 1More Quad Driver, may have to deal with a dongle. There's virtually zero overlap of frequencies. Put that set in your ears and you'll throw rocks at any BT device on the planet.
varcor said:
The biggest problem with S21 Ultra Codecs is they squashed aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency and aptX HD even though the Snap 888 SoC supports it. The reason, they're pushing their own Scalable Codec, Galaxy Buds and they don't want to pay Qualcomm's licensing fees. The aptX Codec available on the device is an older, vanilla version, not much different than SBC. Cheap bastards!
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Yeah, I totally agree there. Don't know why they did this but at least I can use LDAC and it sounds even better than aptX
Buds+ is mandatory for a Samsung phone if for nothing other than calls. Music sounds pretty good using SSC.
Now the real bad news...
No sealed system can faithfully reproduce the sound stage. You must have a minimum of 2 stereo open air speakers*. The stereo (or more) acoustic waves need open air to interact with one another to reproduce the sound stage. This is what creates the electronically coupled sound stage ie where it was recorded to your listening area.
Headsets and earbuds destroy the sound stage.
Even DTS and Dolby headphone solutions don't come close to the complex sound stage an open air system reproduces.
Read it and weep ( you will when you hear the difference).
*minimum 12 - 50,000+ hz frequency response for optimum sound stage