Database Users

[Q] NC creaking and slight hiss when headphones plugged - exchange or no?

Just want to get some opinions on this.
I used my Nook for extensive reading for the first time today (~2-3 hrs) + listening to music w/ headphones and the creaky noises I noticed all along the right side and top were driving me crazy. Pretty loud creaks and occasionally a soft pop. I don't notice it when I use it with CM7 SD because I'm usually holding it landscape. The hissing noise that some people have reported with plugged in headphones, I didn't notice until today because I hadn't used headphones till now. I tried both my bose in-ear plugs and sony over-ear 'phones, and it was pretty apparent even at lower volumes.
Should I try my luck and exchange it for a new one? Or are they all pretty much like this? I would probably not consider it except for the fact that aside from the creaking the right side feels rather springy when you touch it (the left is solid, no noise) (I'm not squeezing, just pressing down slightly on top). Also, if I look in the seam edge I can see a spot where the white light is coming through.
Am I being overly picky? The creaking is really driving me nuts when I'm reading for a while.. Read for 30 sec, turn page, *creak creakity creak*, repeat.
(If I decide to exchange, should I de-register the device before going to Best Buy, or can I do it there?) I never rooted the EMMC so that's not a concern.
*** EDIT: So I bit the bullet and exchanged it at my local Best Buy. The new one has absolutely no creaking at all, and all four sides of the bevel feel solid (no springy feeling). The rep who helped me opened the new one for me so we could see if it had the same issue, and he immediately noticed the difference. I normally don't return things unless something is broken, but I was concerned that the bevel would eventually become unhinged because the creaking and springiness (press down on top, it would flex and give a mini BOING! feeling into your finger when you let up the pressure) were getting stronger. Screen looks just as stellar as the first, so I'm glad I exchanged it

What I don't like about Galaxy Note

To be fair to all those considering Note, after all praising (I still do think it's best phone in the world right now), there are definitely drawbacks.
Here is one for example:
The regular phone speaker above the screen (not the loud one on the back) is not pointing sound into one direction. You can even speak on the phone with back side of Galaxy Note put to you ear, you will still be able to hear everything clearly, even on low volume.
On top volume, it is comparable to speaker phone on some other phones, so if you pick up a phone while surrounded by other people (unless you are in very loud place) they will hear the other person.
While in the office, I noticed myself turning volume down a lot when I pick up the phone.

I dont have this kind of problem , my old Nokia phone does.
Sure someone can hear some of the content near the phone you are talking in a dead silent arwa, it's inevitable.
I feel Gnote already perform quite well compare to the other phones, like HTCs in this area
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App

to be honest id rather it was loud and have the ability to turn the volume down than it be too quiet and unable to turn the volume up
as my mum used to say,if its cold its better to have a coat and be able to take it off if you get hot than be cold and need a coat and not have one

Richy99 said:
to be honest id rather it was loud and have the ability to turn the volume down than it be too quiet and unable to turn the volume up
as my mum used to say,if its cold its better to have a coat and be able to take it off if you get hot than be cold and need a coat and not have one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a question of whether badly working phone is better than no phone. It's a question of best phone being of high quality. In this case its potential privacy concern.
I switched from iPhones, where it was not an issue. If you put it tight to your ear in silent room, none else hears the person on the other end. Even on loud.
Like I've said above, on Note in silent room regular speaker (not the loud speaker) is comparable to loud speaker on some other phones. You can hear through the phone! Test yourself, make a call with screen side out, battery cover side to your ear, you might be surprised, that it's practically no difference what side you hold it to the ear, even on lowest in-call volume you can still comfortably speak with wrong side of the phone touching your ear.
I have not tried other Notes than mine, but I seriously doubt that it is one time occurrence, seems to me like an engineering issue, not enough sound insulation behind the speaker, just few thin layers of plastic.

If it is such a privacy concern, why not use a bluetooth headset or earbuds? Why not leave the room instead of taking the call in the room?
I mean there are more options that just sitting there letting everyone else hear your conversation if you feel that you have something to hide. But then again, your talking so they naturally are going to hear at least 1 part of the conversation no matter what. So I fail to see how you can really be concerned with privacy when they hear everything you say anyways, right?
If you were that worried about privacy you would send texts, emails or use an IM program to send messages so that no one knew what was being said or talked about. But since you are willing to sit in the room and let them listen to what at least you are saying, then you are not overly concerned with them at least hearing part of the conversation.
When I get a call that I dont want anyone else to hear I either leave the room, put on my earbuds or tell the person I will call them back when I can talk. So really it isnt about privacy concerns at all, it is just an inconvience for you to know that the speaker is loud. Louder than you are used to at least.

Fuuny that you mention this because i never thought i'll use those bt headsets until i own the Note. Each time i put it in my ear, my worry is not the volume but the number of heads turning towards me and the the sheepish grin that follows.
--- --- --- ---
A damn proud Galaxy Note owner.

Maybe try turn down the volume and using a case.
I wonder how those HTC phones perform because they all have ear speakers that are wide across the width of the phone itself.

eksasol said:
Maybe try turn down the volume and using a case.
I wonder how those HTC phones perform because they all have ear speakers that are wide across the width of the phone itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol..the speaker grill on HTC phone what we call it, is just a gimmick. If we see inside, the speaker none the less is only small portion on the middle side
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App

Astrum said:
While in the office, I noticed myself turning volume down a lot when I pick up the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a really good point. Something else to improve in the Note2 along with moving power button!
Sent from my Amiga GT-N7000 using XDA Premium.

Sound distortion?

Alright Guys,
Had this issue with my tablet for a while now, regardless of ROM.
When I'm playing music or video, if the notes or sounds are too high pitch (I think). I get horrible distortion from the speakers! I have to have the volume 50% or below to rectify this. It's typically the sound you can get with speakers when they're vibrating too hard on something. Could it be down to the casing, perhaps something is loose? Anyone else have this issue?
Cheers

kashinoda said:
Alright Guys,
Had this issue with my tablet for a while now, regardless of ROM.
When I'm playing music or video, if the notes or sounds are too high pitch (I think). I get horrible distortion from the speakers! I have to have the volume 50% or below to rectify this. It's typically the sound you can get with speakers when they're vibrating too hard on something. Could it be down to the casing, perhaps something is loose? Anyone else have this issue?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't really know what you are expecting from the speakers, but seems you should be able to run 75% with no distortion. If I want it loud, it ear buds for me.

shaun298 said:
Don't really know what you are expecting from the speakers, but seems you should be able to run 75% with no distortion. If I want it loud, it ear buds for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah not expecting great results of course, but shouldn't be distorting above 50%. Usually take the tablet out to the park for music when we're relaxing so need the volume up.
Just took the casing off, tightened all the screws and put some tissue paper in the gaps to stop any vibrations, seems to have done the trick :good: Probably had few too many drops.

Rattling Speakers!

Been using my phone for a bit over a day now and I noticed that the bottom speaker has a slight rattling noise to it, especially at full blast. It's almost as if the speaker is too loud for its own good. It is really noticeable with higher-pitched tunes, such as the one from the following link:
https://youtu.be/GYtck_85rJQ
Can anyone test this out and confirm?
Volume-wise, they seem to be pretty even. However, as someone who listens to music a lot, I know this is going to drive me crazy.
By the way, this issue is obviously not present when connected to a headphone or via Bluetooth. So its definitely the speaker itself.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

akarol said:
Been using my phone for a bit over a day now and I noticed that the bottom speaker has a slight rattling noise to it, especially at full blast. It's almost as if the speaker is too loud for its own good. It is really noticeable with higher-pitched tunes, such as the one from the following link:
https://youtu.be/GYtck_85rJQ
Can anyone test this out and confirm?
Volume-wise, they seem to be pretty even. However, as someone who listens to music a lot, I know this is going to drive me crazy.
By the way, this issue is obviously not present when connected to a headphone or via Bluetooth. So its definitely the speaker itself.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone has a rattle on the top speaker. I received a new device from Google which had a jaundice yellow screen but no rattle. I sent back the device with the bad screen and will request another RMA for the original device.

I read this & gave mine a good shake. I'm good but I'm glad you posted to look out for it.

Just tested on 2 phones, both seem fine.

madmuthertrucker said:
I read this & gave mine a good shake. I'm good but I'm glad you posted to look out for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure he means the noise the speaker makes while playing music, not a physical rattle from shaking the device.

Yes. It's more like a buzzing sound when something high pitched is playing. As if the speaker can't handle the loud volume.

Oh I see. Ok I tested the video and mine is fine. The speakers don't sound over driven.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

akarol said:
Been using my phone for a bit over a day now and I noticed that the bottom speaker has a slight rattling noise to it, especially at full blast. It's almost as if the speaker is too loud for its own good. It is really noticeable with higher-pitched tunes, such as the one from the following link:
https://youtu.be/GYtck_85rJQ
Can anyone test this out and confirm?
Volume-wise, they seem to be pretty even. However, as someone who listens to music a lot, I know this is going to drive me crazy.
By the way, this issue is obviously not present when connected to a headphone or via Bluetooth. So its definitely the speaker itself.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@akarol, what's the manufacturing date of your 6P? To see your manufacturing date, boot into the bootloader and select "Barcode". One of the barcodes should have a date, mine was October 31st. I'm curious to see if the speaker rattle issue is particular to some 6Ps manufactured on certain dates. I'm pretty sure I experienced some slight rattling on my bottom speaker while playing the music rhythm game Deemo. It doesn't really bother me that much though, and it would be too much of a hassle for my parents if I were to RMA the device, especially so soon after I just got it.

Got mine 2 weeks ago from Best Buy Canada, but didn't notice that issue at first. I suspect that this may be amplified by time, or maybe I just didn't pay attention at firt. I did what you said to see the manufacturing date and mine is October 24th. Maybe this is specific to early production devices. I am gonna exchange it in store today and see if the new one is fine.
Can anyone with this issue confirm if the new one is fine or the same?
Thanks.

I think it's present on all devices and those who say aren't there just don't have the ears for it. I'm on my 3rd RMA and it's still there. All 3! I'll probably just keep the original device.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

akarol said:
I think it's present on all devices and those who say aren't there just don't have the ears for it. I'm on my 3rd RMA and it's still there. All 3! I'll probably just keep the original device.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The video you posted doesn't cause it for me. However, the launch screen of clash of clans does. Ah well.

About 3 days ago I started noticing this issue on mine. Mainly, when I was receiving a text, the tone sounded really over-driven for the speaker.
Then I was watching a YouTube video today, and I noticed it a lot. I honestly think it's the speaker itself slightly rattling with high pitched noises.
Kind of disappointed in this. I don't feel like sending it back, but it's sad. Maybe a kernel with a good amount of audio control can solve this. Maybe if I could tune down the highs a bit.
I don't have Nexus Protect or anything, but I know the device is still covered under warranty. Is this something that could easily be claimed under warranty, or probably not?

I honestly think it's a design that flaw. I have it in all 3 of my speakers. All 3 of them it's with the bottom speaker. I don't think RMAing or sending it in would solve anything. Maybe some time after when it's been addressed. I'll learn to live with this knowing that I don't usually keep these things past a year anyways.
Sent from my OnePlus One using Tapatalk

My current issue is with the top speaker, instead of the bottom. And my top speaker is getting progressively worse. It's a very annoying buzzing/high pitched static noise that comes with almost any sound. Notifications, alarms, phone ringer, YouTube videos, etc. Its getting worse, and so I submitted an RMA and have a replacement coming out.
Since you say yours is with the bottom, and mine is strictly with the top, it sounds interesting.
Mine is almost bad enough though that you wouldn't want to live with it. I'll try and get a recording of it.

anyone have any updates on this? I just got mine nexus 6p about 2 weeks ago and it's been driving me nuts. The top speaker has a buzzing sound when playing certain videos, songs or notification tones. One specifically is the "Tethys" notification tone that causes the buzzing pretty badly. I have tried viper4android and tried every configuration possible and it still has the buzzing. Has anyone managed to get a device that does not have this issue?

I've got this similar problem too, with my top speaker. Testing my speakers with this video: https://youtu.be/qNf9nzvnd1k?t=54s top one starts buzzing at approximately 250 Hz, even on half of the volume. Bottom speaker is crystal clear (maybe with exception of 100% volume, but I'm ok with this). After reading this thread's posts I'm not sure if I should send it back on warranty, especially that my N6P is free of any other flaws.
Interesting: bootloader barcode screen shows 12-10-2015 - that's quite old unit, considering the fact that I bought it in the middle of January...

Honestly, I went through 3 and they all had some rattling. Over the months, I haven't noticed it anymore. Either I forgot about it, or it actually improved. As long as the volume is even on both, I wouldn't risk getting a worse device.
Sent from my OnePlus One using Tapatalk

I have the exact same problem with top speaker buzz, really noticeable with the tethys notification sound and in youtube videos with deeper sounds. I have tried RMA'ing twice, the first one the speakers were perfect but had a screen problem so I sent it back and kept my original, and the second had the exact same speaker problem so I kept the original again. I am very frustrated with this. A question I have though is when I just leave my finger on the left corner of the speaker that buzzes, it stops buzzing. Has anyone tried any home repairs? What if we were to put a drop of super glue in the left corner of the speaker? is that likely to fix the problem? I appreciate the help guys.

nicemsp said:
I have the exact same problem with top speaker buzz, really noticeable with the tethys notification sound and in youtube videos with deeper sounds. I have tried RMA'ing twice, the first one the speakers were perfect but had a screen problem so I sent it back and kept my original, and the second had the exact same speaker problem so I kept the original again. I am very frustrated with this. A question I have though is when I just leave my finger on the left corner of the speaker that buzzes, it stops buzzing. Has anyone tried any home repairs? What if we were to put a drop of super glue in the left corner of the speaker? is that likely to fix the problem? I appreciate the help guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by screen problem?

Rasool-Hamilton said:
What do you mean by screen problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you serious?

Anyone else think earpiece is too quiet?

Maybe my nexus 6 was just that good but it feels like the v20's earpiece speaker isnt very clear or loud....I can live with lower quality but the sound level is kind of low (hard to hear people in noisy places)

bob2300nx said:
Maybe my nexus 6 was just that good but it feels like the v20's earpiece speaker isnt very clear or loud....I can live with lower quality but the sound level is kind of low (hard to hear people in noisy places)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah its low (with my over the ear cans), went all in on a descent amp that can usb of my pc and/or directly off my phone. Like my cans to rattle sometimes. With my IEMs though it gets loud after 50-60. Id make sure you have enabled Hi-Fi sound on the phone first and found this app to be very useful in adding some punch and volume to my tracks. ----> Equalizer (by Smart Android Apps)
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

JkdJedi said:
Yeah its low (with my over the ear cans), went all in on a descent amp that can usb of my pc and/or directly off my phone. Like my cans to rattle sometimes. With my IEMs though it gets loud after 50-60. Id make sure you have enabled Hi-Fi sound on the phone first and found this app to be very useful in adding some punch and volume to my tracks. ----> Equalizer (by Smart Android Apps)
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im talking about in call volume through the speaker that you hold up to your ear.

bob2300nx said:
Im talking about in call volume through the speaker that you hold up to your ear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol!! Oh. No not at all, that's way better than the last phone I had the lgg3.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

Check your phone call settings. There may be an option in there that was enabled by accident.
And/or tell your correspondence to speak up. Lol.

yeah idk, my s7 sounded like crap for phone calls. could never understand the person on the other line. but my V20 sounds amazing. clear, loud etc. kills the s7
Sent from my LG-US996 using Tapatalk

I'm experiencing the same. Extremely clear, no issues whatsoever.

Speaking of the Nexus 6. That phone was hands down the best Android phone ever made. If they re-released it with a fingerprint sensor, I would buy it again. Best speakers and sound of any phone. It could have used a better camera, but other than that, 9 out of 10.
As for the speaker sound in the V20. I think it could be a a bit louder. Clarity isn't an issue for me. But it's def not very loud.

On the T-Mobile variant this thing is loud and clear. If I turn it all the way up I can hold it away from my ear in front of me and still hear the other person clear enough to understand them. definitely no issues so far involving that

Lgv20user said:
Check your phone call settings. There may be an option in there that was enabled by accident.
And/or tell your correspondence to speak up. Lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What settings are you talking about?
And people calling me didnt magically decide to speak quietly just because I bought a new phone.
Mikekelso421 said:
Speaking of the Nexus 6. That phone was hands down the best Android phone ever made. If they re-released it with a fingerprint sensor, I would buy it again. Best speakers and sound of any phone. It could have used a better camera, but other than that, 9 out of 10.
As for the speaker sound in the V20. I think it could be a a bit louder. Clarity isn't an issue for me. But it's def not very loud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes loudness is the issue. Its too quiet if you are anywhere with noise like the grocery store.
Nexus 6 was a good phone but had issues (guess all phones do). The camera was pretty bad and buggy at times. Speakers were great but if you had lower battery they would automatically decrease the volume like 50% (even at max volume) that was insanely annoying. And lastly it throttled speed pretty badly when battery got low. Oh and it was pretty big, alittle smaller screen with the v20 but much smaller in the hand.

bob2300nx said:
What settings are you talking about?
And people calling me didnt magically decide to speak quietly just because I bought a new phone.
Yes loudness is the issue. Its too quiet if you are anywhere with noise like the grocery store.
Nexus 6 was a good phone but had issues (guess all phones do). The camera was pretty bad and buggy at times. Speakers were great but if you had lower battery they would automatically decrease the volume like 50% (even at max volume) that was insanely annoying. And lastly it throttled speed pretty badly when battery got low. Oh and it was pretty big, alittle smaller screen with the v20 but much smaller in the hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pull up your phone app. Make sure it's on the dial menu and hit the 3 vertical dots in the upper right hand corner. Go to call settings. The last option should be one that reads "more" . Peruse that and see what may help. Good luck.

bob2300nx said:
What settings are you talking about?
And people calling me didnt magically decide to speak quietly just because I bought a new phone.
Yes loudness is the issue. Its too quiet if you are anywhere with noise like the grocery store.
Nexus 6 was a good phone but had issues (guess all phones do). The camera was pretty bad and buggy at times. Speakers were great but if you had lower battery they would automatically decrease the volume like 50% (even at max volume) that was insanely annoying. And lastly it throttled speed pretty badly when battery got low. Oh and it was pretty big, alittle smaller screen with the v20 but much smaller in the hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only thing I can think of would be to try turning on hearing aid compatibility or maybe messing with the call clarity and noise suppression options and see if that affects anything for ya.
I have both voice clarity and noise suppression turned on and have no problems with low volume at all. I remember reading somewhere on a different phone e that the hearing aid option made it noticeably louder on that specific phone so you could try that and see if it works for this phone.

bob2300nx said:
Maybe my nexus 6 was just that good but it feels like the v20's earpiece speaker isnt very clear or loud....I can live with lower quality but the sound level is kind of low (hard to hear people in noisy places)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am finding the same too, this time i have the voice clarity option enabled, lets see if it makes a difference. I find it soft in a quiet room, no idea how this will work out on the street. Might be forced to get a headset in that case.
Which would be a pity becaue this phone is all about audio. My speakers are perfectly fine. Why does the earpiece have to be so quiet