Database Users

Audio Quality of the Note 3- SD800 vs EXY5420

We know that Samsung has signed a multi-year contract with Wolfson, and that past phones, such as the Note 2, have used Wolfson DAC's. Now, all we know about the audio on the Note 3 is that it will be "hi-def" being 24bit and 192khz. From what I've read, this spec is for both versions of the Note 3. Now, do you all think that both the Snapdragon 800 version and the Exynos 5420 version will have a Wolfson DAC? Or will the 800 have crappy integrated qualcomm audio as the S3 did?
I've tried contacting both Samsung and Wolfson, but to no avail. As soon as any information is available on the subject, I'll update this post.

wiimonkey9 said:
We know that Samsung has signed a multi-year contract with Wolfson, and that past phones, such as the Note 2, have used Wolfson DAC's. Now, all we know about the audio on the Note 3 is that it will be "hi-def" being 24bit and 192khz. From what I've read, this spec is for both versions of the Note 3. Now, do you all think that both the Snapdragon 800 version and the Exynos 5420 version will have a Wolfson DAC? Or will the 800 have crappy integrated qualcomm audio as the S3 did?
I've tried contacting both Samsung and Wolfson, but to no avail. As soon as any information is available on the subject, I'll update this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S800 has a the Qualcomm DAC at least from my experience with the xperia z ultra, but I might be wrong .
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

hiya,
from what iv heard so far the s800 version will have the qualcom chip. I tried getting in contact with the editors from engadget who were at IFA 2013 to ask this very question &got zilch. iv tried tweeting Samsung & Sony about the audio DACs in the zperia z1 &the galaxy note 3 &u guessed it..... nothing. the person I have spoken to is a recognised Dev here at xda &he says that the sound for the note 3 will be as good as u can get, but probably for the exynos version.
I hope this helps

Guys, I have a question developed since the release of S800 devices i.e., Ultra, S4 LTE-A (and coming I9506), G2 etc which will have the audio solution that Qualcomm provides. GSMArena already praised S600 (S4 I9505) audio quality. And since the S800 is a faster and improved version of slapdragon devices I think slapdragon does not seat idle. I mean they also continue to improve their audio part. That said, should not be the difference between exynos 5 octa and a slapdragon s4/note 3 minimal?
I dont get any much response from LTE-A owners.
It is not like crappy yamaha DAC against Exynos powered Wolfson chips.

thekoRngear said:
Guys, I have a question developed since the release of S800 devices i.e., Ultra, S4 LTE-A (and coming I9506), G2 etc which will have the audio solution that Qualcomm provides. GSMArena already praised S600 (S4 I9505) audio quality. And since the S800 is a faster and improved version of slapdragon devices I think slapdragon does not seat idle. I mean they also continue to improve their audio part. That said, should not be the difference between exynos 5 octa and a slapdragon s4/note 3 minimal?
I dont get any much response from LTE-A owners.
It is not like crappy yamaha DAC against Exynos powered Wolfson chips.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it should still support that "hifi" audio, so it can't be that bad. Plus, at E3 Qualcomm was showing off the audio of the SD800 which sounded pretty damn impressive to me at the time. I don't doubt that the audio quality will be good, but I'm worried that I won't be able to use audio mods like voodoo or viper4android.

wiimonkey9 said:
We know that Samsung has signed a multi-year contract with Wolfson, and that past phones, such as the Note 2, have used Wolfson DAC's. Now, all we know about the audio on the Note 3 is that it will be "hi-def" being 24bit and 192khz. From what I've read, this spec is for both versions of the Note 3. Now, do you all think that both the Snapdragon 800 version and the Exynos 5420 version will have a Wolfson DAC? Or will the 800 have crappy integrated qualcomm audio as the S3 did?
I've tried contacting both Samsung and Wolfson, but to no avail. As soon as any information is available on the subject, I'll update this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whatever... all that awesome audio quality will go to waste if the phone has a crappy speaker on the back, like old Note 2.
I'm so spoiled by my Nexus 10 front facing stereo speakers.

rodrigorajao said:
Whatever... all that awesome audio quality will go to waste if the phone has a crappy speaker on the back, like old Note 2.
I'm so spoiled by my Nexus 10 front facing stereo speakers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The speaker is on the bottom for the Note 3. But, ummm.... When people talk about audio quality, they are talking about it with headphones. Nobody expects speakers to sound like a 7.1 surround sound system on a phone.

rodrigorajao said:
Whatever... all that awesome audio quality will go to waste if the phone has a crappy speaker on the back, like old Note 2.
I'm so spoiled by my Nexus 10 front facing stereo speakers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL! Audio quality and phone/ tablet/laptop speakers! Ever heard quality stereo set up?

you know what guys.... I'm tired of all this audio chip crap, at IFA 2013 it was all about oooh display this &wow camera that, yet the bigwigs just don't bother with discussing audio. I don't know why they don't get that the reason why apple make millions on the iphone every year is because they do their audio quite well across the whole range. hell, I'd get an iPhone if it wasn't for wretched iTunes. its purely logical to assume that people will use the one item they have pretty much ALL the time as a music player rather than a video player (software permitting) isn't it? I mean who cares if you've got a 5 inch screen that can display 1080p? really? you'd have to have 21/20 vision to pick up all the tiny details anyway. but sound, that's different, different phones, even by the same company or even in the same product line seem to be miles apart in terms of audio quality. its ridiculous. &I, like a lame ass, have spent the last week trying to figure out what audio capabilities the note 3 has. more fool me. I might as well buy a decent USB DAC, connect it to my phone &let that handle all the audio. these companies are taking the mick.....

I have not listen to music on my phone since I've upgraded to the GN1.
I'm always paranoid that the power will run out on me before I get home since I listen to quite a lot of music when I'm out.
So I'm using a sansa + portable amp atm, and it's great!
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

seraphism said:
you know what guys.... I'm tired of all this audio chip crap, at IFA 2013 it was all about oooh display this &wow camera that, yet the bigwigs just don't bother with discussing audio. I don't know why they don't get that the reason why apple make millions on the iphone every year is because they do their audio quite well across the whole range. hell, I'd get an iPhone if it wasn't for wretched iTunes. its purely logical to assume that people will use the one item they have pretty much ALL the time as a music player rather than a video player (software permitting) isn't it? I mean who cares if you've got a 5 inch screen that can display 1080p? really? you'd have to have 21/20 vision to pick up all the tiny details anyway. but sound, that's different, different phones, even by the same company or even in the same product line seem to be miles apart in terms of audio quality. its ridiculous. &I, like a lame ass, have spent the last week trying to figure out what audio capabilities the note 3 has. more fool me. I might as well buy a decent USB DAC, connect it to my phone &let that handle all the audio. these companies are taking the mick.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If a phone is equipped with the Wolfson DAC and powered by voodoo sound and /or other tweaks, you will get one of the best sound quality, a PORTABLE device can have, including standalone portable music players .
That's what I got from my Galaxy S1 and Note 2 devices..
That could be a reason for a user to go for the exynos version of the Note3 instead of Snapdragon's...that's all
When I decide to finally purchase the Note 3, I will first take my headsets to a showroom and compare the Note 3's sound against my GNote2 among other things
Not being in a hurry to purchase yet another very expensive gadget, is a good thing ...
.

betoNL said:
If a phone is equipped with the Wolfson DAC and powered by voodoo sound and /or other tweaks, you will get one of the best sound quality, a PORTABLE device can have, including standalone portable music players .
That's what I got from my Galaxy S1 and Note 2 devices..
That could be a reason for a user to go for the exynos version of the Note3 instead of Snapdragon's...that's all
When I decide to finally purchase the Note 3, I will first take my headsets to a showroom and compare the Note 3's sound against my GNote2 among other things
Not being in a hurry to purchase yet another very expensive gadget, is a good thing ...
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agreed Mr beto. I was on a serious rant that day lol. iv decided to bide my time. any phone company would be all too happy to sign me to yet another contract for another 2 years. I think I might just wait until my good old nexus one completely gives up before I use another phone. the isn't actually too bad with viper4audio lol. I don't actually think the exynos one will be available on any carrier on my country, as its only 3g enabled as far as I'm aware? the snapdragon one is lte enabled which is what the great communication gods of the united kingdom are deciding to push as hard as they can. I don't think I could afford to buy it outright. ~£700 is alot of money.... thank you for your advise anyway.

No bad choice.
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s4_i9500_vs_i9505-review-930p5.php

This what what GSMArena said in their latest preview of the Note 2, with their audio testing as well:
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_3_preview-review-986p5.php
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 showed exceptionally clean audio output in our audio quality test. The phablet posted some of the best scores we have seen in both parts of the test and garnished them with decent volume levels. It's not the loudest we have seen, but it's loud enough for 99% of the occasions.
Impressively, there's virtually no distortion when you plug in a pair of headphones. Except for the minor bump in stereo crosstalk the output is barely affected.
And here go the results so you can see for yourselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Hard to believe the DAC of the Snapdragon model can match the Wolfson one
I prefer to wait and see what Supercurio will say about it and then I will be doing my own comparisons at the showrooms.
I hope it will get close...
Here is Holland it will be much easier to get the S800.
If I decide to go for the Exynos, I will probably need to make a short trip to Germany...
,

wow, if what gsmarena say is correct then Mr Barry is indeed correct..... well that means audio in all upcoming Snapdragon phones should be about on par with wolfson audio chips?..... I.e the audio in snapdragon socs should in theory get.even better? jeez, snapdragon is really pulling out all the stops..... huzzah! its about f****** time!

However.....
There is a chance the S800 will carry the Wolfson
Just found this info:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/678952/samsung-galaxy-note-3-24-bit-192khz/30#post_9816900

it looks like there may be hope yet. I'm sorry for asking but who is supercurio? I tried looking for info but I'm finding only voodoo stuff. is he like doomlord of the xperias? anyhoo, if anyone is interested I went to my local three store today to ask about the note 3. the advisor there said it should be available on three in the uk from 25th September. on a 2 year "the one plan" contract it would be £37 per month with £100 up front, I'm guessing that's for the 32gb note 3. time to raid the ol' piggy bank guys!

I hate to break it to you guys, but just having a Wolfson does nothing whatsoever to ensure high quality sound. Stated differently: having a Wolfson DAC rather than the Qualcomm DAC does not in and of itself mean one variant of the Note 3 will sound better than the other.
Because of the original Galaxy S and Voodoo Sound, Wolfson have a totally irrational following amongst Android users. Don't get me wrong, Wolfson make great DACs, but the DAC in a device is only part of the equation - how it is implemented is also really important. Case in point is the LG 2x Vs the Galaxy S. Both have the same DAC, only even with Voodoo Sound the Galaxy S has incomparably better sound quality (as measured and heard by Supercurio). Why? Implementation. There are lots of elements that go into implementing a DAC well - RF shielding from other components (the 2x has horrible CPU noise that intrudes all over the sound), how the power supply to the DAC is governed, the output impedance of the device (which is determined by more than the DAC alone, output impedance was the main problem with the Yamaha DAC'd S2 - it was 10ohm which meant unless your headphones/earphones had an input impedance of at least 80ohms the mismatch caused wonky frequency responses, big problem given virtually all IEMs have an input impedance in the 16-50 range), and what the software layer does with sound (the Wolfson-packing S4 Octa upsamples everything to 48KHz, which negatively impacts fidelity). There are probably lots of other things I'm not aware of that have a bearing that are external to a devices DAC.

That's another reason I would never pre-order an expensive device, besides trying avoiding those abusive pre-order prices :
I like to take my time and do my own comparison tests before buying anything, disregard all that technical mambo-jambo and expert reviews.
All those sellers of the showrooms I visit, are already used with me, bringing my headsets and playing hours with different devices and comparing them.
It's fun anyway, and in the meantime, the amazing sound of my Wolfson/Voodoo/MegaBass Beats powered GNote2 will do just fine....
.

Quality of the speakers

How do the speakers compare to those of the Note 2? I'm discussing in terms of both loudness and audio quality. Are there distortions at maximum volume? Is the quality comparable to the top HTC phones?
The Note 3 had some pretty lackluster speakers, and they were a downgrade compared to those of the Note 2.
On that note, will the DAC for the Qualcomm version be their integrated sound solution and the Wolfson DAC again for the Exynos versions?

Of course you know not a single one of these has been sold yet, so how can you ask a question like this?

If it's like S5 it will be louder than my z2. Let's wait and see.

I hope it's at least as good as the Note 2. I felt like the Note 3 speaker was a downgrade in the loudness department.

In that Russian review they stated the Note 4 speaker was louder then the Note 3 one.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

mardukeme said:
In that Russian review they stated the Note 4 speaker was louder then the Note 3 one.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats a huge achievement LOL

sauron0101 said:
How do the speakers compare to those of the Note 2? I'm discussing in terms of both loudness and audio quality. Are there distortions at maximum volume? Is the quality comparable to the top HTC phones?
The Note 3 had some pretty lackluster speakers, and they were a downgrade compared to those of the Note 2.
On that note, will the DAC for the Qualcomm version be their integrated sound solution and the Wolfson DAC again for the Exynos versions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just checked out the Note 4 at a local Best Buy and I'm happy with everything, but the speaker.
It is indeed louder than the Note 3's, but not by much. It has great highs, but the midrange is tinny sounding and nowhere as full or as loud as my LG G3's speaker. I rely heavily on the speakerphone so this was a disappointment, but I'll buy the phone anyways.

G

F

It's been a while since I had the 10 but for me .... Hands down the S7 Edge is a better phone.
And although the camera is better on the 10 than my Nexus 6 I can promise you the S7 camera is far better than the 10

The DAC only really sucks on the SD version of the s7 edge, audio is not bad with exynos. Development on the exynos s7 edge is very good, some of the best on xda. The display is noticeably better in outdoors than the HTC, but the edge can be a bit annoying at times with unwanted touches. The camera is much better in the s7.

Definitely the S7 edge. I changed to the HTC 10 from the S7 cause it looked good. After one week, bought back a S7 edge. :laugh:
Audio on the Exynos S7 edge is on par.
The camera on the S7 edge is better than the 10.
Yes, the touchscreen latency is lower on the 10, so it may feel a lil snappier.
The screen on the S7 edge is much more vibrant and livelier than the 10.
Custom ROMs? I think the S7 will have a longer support from the community, cause more people are using it than the 10.
Overall, TouchWiz is more feature-packed than Sense, and feels smoother too.
And the IP68 on the S7 edge, you might find it useful someday.

chankalson said:
Audio on the Exynos S7 edge is on par.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. The 10 has a better DAC and a better AMP.
I enjoy my S7 Edge but audio wise, no. The S7 can't touch the 10, period.

Galactus said:
Nope. The 10 has a better DAC and a better AMP.
I enjoy my S7 Edge but audio wise, no. The S7 can't touch the 10, period.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, perhaps you haven't tried the S7 Edge with Viper+Atmos with Beats and B&O Libs. You'll be surprised.

chankalson said:
Well, perhaps you haven't tried the S7 Edge with Viper+Atmos with Beats and B&O Libs. You'll be surprised.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Omgosh, you're aware about this too? ?

Galactus said:
Nope. The 10 has a better DAC and a better AMP.
I enjoy my S7 Edge but audio wise, no. The S7 can't touch the 10, period.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. And we can install all the libs and stuff we want but the HTC will still crush it. There's no contest really.
But there's ways to help the S7 sound better, with both better bass and control over the whole specter. A Fiio amp certainly helps, especially if you got power issues. =)
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Sckank said:
I agree. And we can install all the libs and stuff we want but the HTC will still crush it. There's no contest really.
But there's ways to help the S7 sound better, with both better bass and control over the whole specter. A Fiio amp certainly helps, especially if you got power issues. =)
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use an dragonfly usb DAC,small and provides better sound and more power. The fiio are bigger. But a bit cheaper
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers Legacy app

chankalson said:
Well, perhaps you haven't tried the S7 Edge with Viper+Atmos with Beats and B&O Libs. You'll be surprised.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the power to you if you enjoy the extra processing. I don't need it and can easily hear the increased noise floor from Viper and Atmos.
My RHA MA 750i and M50X sound great out of the box. The 10 is simpler cleaner, provides a wider soundstage and has a headphone amp that is 30% more powerful than the S7 Edge Exynos
---------- Post added at 08:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:52 AM ----------
Sckank said:
I agree. And we can install all the libs and stuff we want but the HTC will still crush it. There's no contest really.
But there's ways to help the S7 sound better, with both better bass and control over the whole specter. A Fiio amp certainly helps, especially if you got power issues. =)
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm happy with the sound and it being worse than the 10 isn't enough for me to want to slap an portable amp to the S7

Well finally bit the bullet and got an S7 Edge. Thanks for the input. Wish I could have had both, but the s7 tipped the scales slightly based on the feedback above.

Personally, after having the HTC 10 and deciding on the S7 Edge, the S7 Edge is superior in all aspects apart from audio, even then only by a little bit because I use a Fiio Q1 with my headphones.
Anyway, this is what I've found:
The screen (especially with it being SAMOLED) is far superior on the S7E.
The build quality is superb on BOTH, however (for me) the HTC 10 isn't as slippery and feels better in the hand.
I've found that the auto-camera is similar on both, but (FOR ME), the images LOOK better ON THE DEVICE on the S7 Edge.
Both are lightning fast, both have the latest version of Android.
The HTC also has USB C, and has a smaller footprint.
Anyway, I stuck with the S7Edge because of the screen, resulting battery life and the camera (which I preferred); also TouchWiz isn't as bad as it used to be, especially is you use a custom launcher like I am with Nova.
Anwyay, I hope this somehow helps.

Thinking about buying

My v10 is almost dead and thinking about buying this on the cheap. Couple of questions for current owners:
1. Is the camera really that terrible?
2. How is the dev support for this phone? Dev section looks 100x better than V10's lol
3. Another choice is Axon 7. Anyone that had that phone before and how it compares?
Any other comments.feedback? Thanks, everyone.

Camera is on par with the likes of Nexus 5X, S6 or iPhone 7 if you use Google Camera App.
Dev support is excellent and progressing.
If you care about built-in audio, 3.5mm port and screen resolution, Axon 7 is better otherwise Le Pro 3 is better in any department.
I think I saw somewhere Le Pro 3 goes down to $250 again so grab it while you can!

Joms_US said:
Camera is on par with the likes of Nexus 5X, S6 or iPhone 7 if you use Google Camera App.
Dev support is excellent and progressing.
If you care about built-in audio, 3.5mm port and screen resolution, Axon 7 is better otherwise Le Pro 3 is better in any department.
I think I saw somewhere Le Pro 3 goes down to $250 again so grab it while you can!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which version of google camera is working for you?
nvm found it thanks

Joms_US said:
Camera is on par with the likes of Nexus 5X, S6 or iPhone 7 if you use Google Camera App.
Dev support is excellent and progressing.
If you care about built-in audio, 3.5mm port and screen resolution, Axon 7 is better otherwise Le Pro 3 is better in any department.
I think I saw somewhere Le Pro 3 goes down to $250 again so grab it while you can!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I really don't care for the headphone jack. Never listen to music on my phone. Not sure how I feel about the resolution, since V10 has the same res as A7. Haven't had a HD screen phone in a minute.
How are the speakers on this phone, btw?

RussianBear said:
Thanks! I really don't care for the headphone jack. Never listen to music on my phone. Not sure how I feel about the resolution, since V10 has the same res as A7. Haven't had a HD screen phone in a minute.
How are the speakers on this phone, btw?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CDLA earphone of Le Pro 3 is excellent, sound is as good as expensive audio system. =D
As for the built-in speakers, check this out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4iqigI3Tko

If you can get it for under 300 dlls go for it. Stock rom has amazing battery life, but there are also good stock based roms and nougat with great support and development

It's on sale now for$250. I saw on eBay
Sent from my YT-X703F using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Picked one up off swappa for 180. We'll see how it is Thanks, everyone.

I believe you'll be satisfied. Speakers are great, dev support even better, its easily unlockable, easy to avoid bricking if youre just a lil careful. I've been using mine since december, bought it from aliex right when it came out (6/64gb version), and couldnt be more happy with my choice, I came from a nexus 5, am addicted to tinkering and modding the sw, and its great!

Improving sound on the G6. Can Hardware be swapped/upgraded ?

It is very upsetting that the sound quality on this phone is not even close to the rich sound found on the Samsung S4 made 3 years before.
Is there anyway I can upgrade the sound chip on this phone? I mostly listen to Music on Youtube, Soundcloud and other streams.

for having the s4 also, I find the g6 much better, either via headphones or via the speaker (which is really good for a mono positioned on one side)
I selected the equalizer "QuadBeat", the sound is rich and detailed, yet my model is the h870, it does not have the quad DAC but the quality is superb
Sent from my LG G6 using XDA Labs

What? You are comparing Galaxy S4 and G6? ? H870 (without quad DAC) have pretty solid DAC and AMP, and detailed test showed that even the Galaxy S8 Exynos haven't better audio chip than G6 H870 with standard DAC. Bottom firing speaker is also crispy and very detailed. Galaxy S4, oh man please don't...