Database Users

Head Unit with best audio quality

Hello, Im new here. Have always used an iphone. Only ever had a smasung s3 for a few months and was presently surprised by how solid android has become.
Anyways, I am looking to put a double din HU that runs android in my car.
I have ordered and used the Joying headunit 4.4.4 and it was great except for a few points:
1. Doesnt read address book from phone via bluetooth, needs to be imported.
2. SOUND QUALITY.... is not great. Not unbearable but barely passable in my opinion. And that is with the bc06 bluetooth. Running mp3s from the HU directly was slightly better/clearer. But I mostly stream audio from my phone, so I was not happy with the audio quality. I played around with the EQ and got it as good as I could and was slightly dissatisfied. Very boarderline.
3, UI is difficult to use in clutch situations. Would be nice if there was an app\overlay that would give me just a couple of high priority apps on screen within reach. Im sure this is easily done, didnt spend much time trying to get it to work.
I see that PUMPKIN is coming out with a unit that uses the parrot Bluetooth card that should bring the bluetooth audio quality up to max. Leaving the preamp to be the weakest link.
How are you guys dealing with this? And do you think I should spring for the pumpkin that will give me good BT quality? Also, are there any good EQ apps I could use to fine tune the audio to get maximize audio quality?
I really like the headunits that run android and cant live without all those other features but the audio quality really needs to be addressed.
Here is what Ive used:
(cant post links yet)
JY-UQ130 Joying
Here is what I want to buy now:
11-RQ0259E-US-A Pumpkin - only available on their site for now, will be on amazon soon.
Let me know what you think and if rooting it would help me get the most out out of the pre amp module.
I also have an external 2200 watt amp that I have in my car, so maybe I could tune that? IDK...
Thanks

glad i read this before buying the joying unit for my VW. looking for something with decent audio quality as well.

none exist at the moment, sadly. the only way to deal with the poor sound quality of these HUs is to buy an external DSP & use that to process your sound instead. minidsp 2x4 is the cheapest option to accomplish this ($100).

Hi,
I've just found MXTRON HU with dual ST sound processors.
Here is the website : www mxtron com

thekoter said:
Hi,
I've just found MXTRON HU with dual ST sound processors.
Here is the website : www mxtron com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still only dual core 8GB and only 4.2.2. The question is what do they mean with dual sound processors? Because the standard KLD has
dual sound processors too, sometimes with the brand ST.
---------- Post added at 11:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:15 AM ----------
[/COLOR]
sithcommander66 said:
I see that PUMPKIN is coming out with a unit that uses the parrot Bluetooth card that should bring the bluetooth audio quality up to max. Leaving the preamp to be the weakest link.
How are you guys dealing with this? And do you think I should spring for the pumpkin that will give me good BT quality? Also, are there any good EQ apps I could use to fine tune the audio to get maximize audio quality?
I really like the headunits that run android and cant live without all those other features but the audio quality really needs to be addressed.
Here is what Ive used:
(cant post links yet)
JY-UQ130 Joying
Here is what I want to buy now:
11-RQ0259E-US-A Pumpkin - only available on their site for now, will be on amazon soon.
Let me know what you think and if rooting it would help me get the most out out of the pre amp module.
I also have an external 2200 watt amp that I have in my car, so maybe I could tune that? IDK...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've bought that unit and the sound quality is not okay even if they are using parrot. The two microphones
are still in parallel with lower sound quality. It's equal to my modified KLD. I.e. no improvement.

Hisma said:
none exist at the moment, sadly. the only way to deal with the poor sound quality of these HUs is to buy an external DSP & use that to process your sound instead. minidsp 2x4 is the cheapest option to accomplish this ($100).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the sound quality like if you use an external DSP? Is it as good as a good car audio system, or is it just smoothing over the cracks?

Yes the sound quality is not great, the rca pre outs are super weak, i tested mine the pumpkin from amazon and the voltage is on like .8 VAC rca i bought a line driver and that got my voltage up to 4.2 VAC rca which now my bass hits like before.

tangoman99 said:
What's the sound quality like if you use an external DSP? Is it as good as a good car audio system, or is it just smoothing over the cracks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I still feel like something is missing. It is absolutely better, but a DSP can't generate frequencies the sources doesn't produce. So I still would prefer a HU from someone known to produce high quality audio. But the android units have all the features I want so I just go with it.

Hisma said:
Personally I still feel like something is missing. It is absolutely better, but a DSP can't generate frequencies the sources doesn't produce. So I still would prefer a HU from someone known to produce high quality audio. But the android units have all the features I want so I just go with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darn it - I wish I'd seen the stuff on here before buying it.
I really notice the frequency cut off - it's like listening to a really badly chopped low bitrate mp3.

tangoman99 said:
Darn it - I wish I'd seen the stuff on here before buying it.
I really notice the frequency cut off - it's like listening to a really badly chopped low bitrate mp3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, huge disappointment to say the least. with the amount of time and energy I've put into my system, I'm still not completely happy w/ the results. I'm still learning how to tweak it, so I am certain I can get it to sound better, but I guarantee a high quality audio HU would not need near this much TLC.
Most probably don't notice missing frequencies, but a critical listener would. I own some high quality headphones, so I know what my music is supposed to sound like, and its just not there.
Think I'm going to add a line driver to my signal chain next, as the pre-outs are a measly 1V (and the DSP chops that signal up even more). Hope that does the trick.

Any point in doing 7floor's mod and using an external dsp or are they achieving the same end?

theoretically flattening the EQ should remove all custom audio processing, making 7floor's audio mod useless if you use an external DSP. However, b/c of how suspect these units handle audio, I wouldn't even be surprised if a supposedly flat EQ on a non-modded unit isn't really flat.
But yes, they are achieving the same end. Of course the internal DSP, even w/ the audio mod, would not be near as effective or give you as much control as an external DSP.

most of the time I read about sound problems, it is due to using Bluetooth. Is the sound still bad if you use Google Play on the actual head unit?

CadillacMike said:
most of the time I read about sound problems, it is due to using Bluetooth. Is the sound still bad if you use Google Play on the actual head unit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's my question as well.
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

It has taken me soundproofing, 3 sets of frontstage speakers (currently on my third set), an amplifier and a good subwoofer to improve sound quality in my car and a 7floor mod with these units. There is always something to improve in the sound in a car and I am leaning towards a decent headunit now. The radio tuner and sound quality on these units are its' weaknesses it is such shame as the OS is great.

I just read that with Android Lollipop it is possible to connect an external DAC via USB:
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Android-5.0-Lollipop-supports-USB-DAC-audio-devices-we-go-ears-on_id66399
Would that be an option to have better audio quality? Is there a USB-DAC which would be suitable for a car?

Pumpking as a new one coming out next month, apparently with a new DSP with better audio quality:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poAkdg6Y3Wc

nice find checksum. if the price is right I may pick one of those up to replace my current unit. I wonder what the pre-out voltage will be.

Do these devices have the same sound card? I need some of the apk of one to control sub vol on the Joying

I think that sound quality playing mp3's on these units is excellent.
On my Joying unit, while the bluetooth is not the best in the world, if you are playing mp3's off an SD with MediaMonkey, or PowerAmp it is VERY good.

No Bluetooth Apt-X HD support for GS7E

Just found out no Apt-X HD for S7E.
http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/what-is-aptx-hd
I was thinking of getting the LG tone platinum and Apt-x HD is one of its selling points. Apparently the new LG phones will have it.
You would think since Qualcomm owns the technology we would have it in our phones or at least the Qualcomm versions.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

TBH, I would not worry or make it a buying point of a phone. The codec sounds good (although unnecessary for wireless listening and most probably inflated) but with the compression required over BT there is always going to be a trade off.
If you want good fidelity listening then a phone and Bluetooth cans is not the way to go anyway.
Oh and on top of that, after a quick search I could only find a single pair of headphones that allegedly support it which were on Amazon and no reviews about them etc...

chippyuk said:
TBH, I would not worry or make it a buying point of a phone. The codec sounds good (although unnecessary for wireless listening and most probably inflated) but with the compression required over BT there is always going to be a trade off.
If you want good fidelity listening then a phone and Bluetooth cans is not the way to go anyway.
Oh and on top of that, after a quick search I could only find a single pair of headphones that allegedly support it which were on Amazon and no reviews about them etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an audio engineer, and music composer who works with various forms of audio codecs, the difference between 16 and 24 bit in .wav files is almost unnoticeable, and that's with proper studio equipment. That's not to undermine that with apt x the extra headroom might provide a higher quality stream, but for streaming to your colored car audio system, regular old aptX is 100% fine.

I was hoping for more headroom in the dynamic range with Apt-x HD and now with the lackluster wired headphone performance on the SGE7. It's just a bit of a letdown
I ordered the SanDisk 200 gig. The goal was to finally replace my Ipod Classic 160.
Thanks for your input.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

I have Bluetooth UHQ on the S7 activated and paired with Samsung Level One Pro that support the Bluetooth UHQ. It does sound better but needs more resources.

Shame, no 2016's technologies, no Quick Charge 3.0, no Apt-X HD, no USB Type-C... and you know what ? S8 will have all of this but the S8 will not have the 2017's technologies so , no very mega Quick Charge 4.0, no Apt-X Ultra HD, no USB Type-D . Ok I trolled the last phrase, but maybe my troll will be realistic.

minoch said:
Just found out no Apt-X HD for S7E.
http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/what-is-aptx-hd
I was thinking of getting the LG tone platinum and Apt-x HD is one of its selling points. Apparently the new LG phones will have it.
You would think since Qualcomm owns the technology we would have it in our phones or at least the Qualcomm versions.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the LG Tone which are identical minus the "HD". Nothing special TBH. I hope the new version is better!

Does the Exynos supports apt-x?
Update : yes, it does But does it support aptx HD?

It doesn't support Aptx-HD, then again, I don't think there is any current headset that do.

calm your tits
For get apt-x HD, the only important part is APT-X itself.
This is already CD quality with no lags (almost), HD is 8 bit more yes, but you most likly not even notice the difference between 16 and 24 bit.
well if youre an audio professional you might be able to tell the difference, true but this is a science on its own.
but for this you need capable equipment and the audiosource too.
both you probably aint gonna have mobile neither do you really need it.
the HD addition is in first line a marketing thing, and given that there only a handful , and i mean literally a handful, useable mobile apt-x headphones and headsets out there it wont matter at all. hell the best around ear set unter 500$ is sennheiser which means it looks very grim for high soundquality mobile devices anyway.
important is only that apt-x finally get distributed and lets hope headset and phone manufacturer finally put it in by default. then again most wont profit much due to their poor builds anyway - looking at bose here
btw those heaedset that already support HD - forget it. they may technically able to transfer the data but their audio hardware including drivers wont cut it to really use it

minoch said:
Just found out no Apt-X HD for S7E.
I was thinking of getting the LG tone platinum and Apt-x HD is one of its selling points. Apparently the new LG phones will have it.
You would think since Qualcomm owns the technology we would have it in our phones or at least the Qualcomm versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly mate, APTX HD is a complete waste of time on a phone, and probably on anything. The ONLY thing 24 bits are going to do is give you a lower noise floor. Let me say that again, so that it sinks in. The ONLY thing 24 bits is going to give you is a lower noise floor. That's it, period.
But since 16 bits already gives you a 96dB s/n ratio, that means that at any sensible listening levels, the noise is *way* below ambient background noise (unless you are listening at high volume in a perfectly silent room).
Then there's the small matter of the phone's electronics which perhaps produce more than -96dB of noise anyway, not that you can hear -96dB noise in any real world listening environment.
24 bit is a waste of time for consumer audio. For studio work and multiple overdubs, then yes perhaps. Other than that, it's all snake oil.

Im going from an s5, that has the aptx codec (not aptx hd from what i read), to a exynos s7, that doesn't have aptx. My question is, will the difference in sound quality be noticeable? My bt headphones aren't nothing special and are cheap (mpow swift) but they do support aptx and i have been happy with the sound quality using my s5, so i was wondering if i will notice any difference.

griffin_1 said:
Im going from an s5, that has the aptx codec (not aptx hd from what i read), to a exynos s7, that doesn't have aptx. My question is, will the difference in sound quality be noticeable? My bt headphones aren't nothing special and are cheap (mpow swift) but they do support aptx and i have been happy with the sound quality using my s5, so i was wondering if i will notice any difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's plenty of reasonably high-end and well regarded headphones that don't support aptx, and yet some cheapies that do. Conclusion: if it's not a critical for the high-end headphones, then you shouldn't miss it with your "nothing special" headphones.

S7 Edge (US version, Snapdragon) on Android 7 (Nougat) had always aptX support, besides the native Samsung UHQ HD audio. Actually every phone with Snapdragon that I have tested (Motorola) had aptX since Qualcomm bought off CSR plc in 2015. Tested personally with Developer Mode, Bluetooth HCI Snoop log and decoded with Wireshark on PC.
And now, with Android 8 (Oreo) gained LDAC support too (Sony), thanks to Google. See the attached pic.
PS: The difference between codecs can be appreciated only when playing FLAC files.

Audio Quality Thoughts

So I just got my HTC U11 today and spent a few hours setting it up. I finally got around to trying out the phone's audio capabilities.
USonic - they sound good for out of the box earphones, but they're definitely not as good as my V-Moda Forza's. I could tell immediately. I doubt I'll use this.
DAC adapter - I'm conflicted. I'm still trying to decide whether or not the adapter sounds as good as my HTC 10. My initial impression is that it's not as good. The 10 has a cleaner, fuller soundstage. I'm really bummed about the BoomSound Dolby and tuning mode not being present on the U11. I've never really listened to the 10 without that mode on, so maybe that's the reason. The U11 doesn't sound bad though.
What do you guys think?

Good enough for 90%
Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk

richteralan said:
Good enough for 90%
Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much this, most people will love it but I think anyone who had a HTC 10, an Axon 7, S7 Edge (Exynos, volume modded) will notice a bit of a step down. More so the AMP is weak rather than the DAC being bad (although Juan at PocketNow numbers show the DAC to be worse than the HTC 10, Axon 7, S7 Edge, iPhone 7).
I'm contemplating getting a Fiio K1

I just compared the sound quality between my 10 (without BoomSound on) and the U11, and they do sound quite similar.
This leads me to my disappointment -- why did they remove the BoomSound frequency tuning from the U11? It's nice that they have it for the USonic earphones, but why would you need to create multiple audio profiles for those earphones, if there's literally only one pair of earphones that can take advantage of that feature.

I'll have my thoughts later today using a dt770 as my comparison between the 10 and 11. They normally require more power than my HD600. I don't use high impedance/low sensitivity HPs with phones anyway but I figured I'd test.

djbutter said:
I just compared the sound quality between my 10 (without BoomSound on) and the U11, and they do sound quite similar.
This leads me to my disappointment -- why did they remove the BoomSound frequency tuning from the U11? It's nice that they have it for the USonic earphones, but why would you need to create multiple audio profiles for those earphones, if there's literally only one pair of earphones that can take advantage of that feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wondering this as well, you can't edit the audio profiles anyway so what is the point in having more than one profile

I've been happy about the audio quality so far. The problem I have is that we only get 1 of the DAC to 3.5mm adapter cables included. Now in order to use my music at home, in car, and at work I now have to carry the cable around with me. It is not ideal to have to carry around an adapter. Getting the included earphones is cool (sound okay) but would rather received a total of 4 adapter cables.
I went to order 4 more and found out that they are in pre-order status. I'll just have to wait until they come in. Once I have an adapter everywhere then I won't be so pissy about it. Really wish they would have kept the 3.5mm, then phone would be considered my best phone ever.

psawjack said:
I've been happy about the audio quality so far. The problem I have is that we only get 1 of the DAC to 3.5mm adapter cables included. Now in order to use my music at home, in car, and at work I now have to carry the cable around with me. It is not ideal to have to carry around an adapter. Getting the included earphones is cool (sound okay) but would rather received a total of 4 adapter cables.
I went to order 4 more and found out that they are in pre-order status. I'll just have to wait until they come in. Once I have an adapter everywhere then I won't be so pissy about it. Really wish they would have kept the 3.5mm, then phone would be considered my best phone ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There really was no need to remove it, only to use a worse DAC/AMP in the adaptor.

GSM spoke highly of the headphone output. (http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_u_11-review-1620p6.php)
Great audio output
The HTC U11 did splendidly in the first part of our audio test. When hooked to an active external amplifier it delivered very loud and perfectly accurate output.
When headphones come into play the volume remains nicely high and the only reading to take a hit is stereo crosstalk. It's a moderate amount of damage there and will all the other aspects of the performance remaining excellent, it's a great showing overall.
HTC U11 (headphones attached)
Frequency response: +0.05, -0.11 (+0.05, -0.02)
Noise Level: -94.1 (-93.7)
Dynamic Range: -94.1 (93.8)
THD: 0.0017 (0.0018)
IMD + Noise: 0.0067 (0.105)
Stereo crosstalk: -94.5 (-53.7)
HTC 10 (headphones attached)
Frequency response: +0.01, -0.03 (+0.06, -0.09)
Noise Level: -93.2 (-92.8)
Dynamic Range: -93.2 (93.0)
THD: 0.0022 (0.014)
IMD + Noise: 0.071 (0.141)
Stereo crosstalk: -92.8 (-77.9)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My own personal experience, I found my DT770 to sound great but was 2 notches of volume below the 10. The 10 at volume 13/15 was the U11 at 15/15. I definitely can hear the crosstalk difference GSM has measured. Heard that before I saw the measurements. Overall, I can definitely live with this. Just hope I don't put myself in situations where I need to charge and listen.

My first impressions are that I'm not particularly impressed by the Usonic earphones - but then I don't usually use the earbuds that come with a phone.
Given the reviews here, I was a bit surprised to find the sound from the U11 adapter sounds better on first hearing than I was getting from the HTC 10, but then I haven't yet done a proper A-B comparison - it could be I was playing it a bit louder, or 'new device' enthusiasm...

As I said it already the 3.5mm adapter lacks Boomsound and this make a big difference with HTC 10, HTC can implement it in the FW of the adapter but we need to let them know we want it.

mosincredible said:
GSM spoke highly of the headphone output. (http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_u_11-review-1620p6.php)
My own personal experience, I found my DT770 to sound great but was 2 notches of volume below the 10. The 10 at volume 13/15 was the U11 at 15/15. I definitely can hear the crosstalk difference GSM has measured. Heard that before I saw the measurements. Overall, I can definitely live with this. Just hope I don't put myself in situations where I need to charge and listen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I can see the logic behind HTC's decision, and I actually don't disagree with it. They dropped the headphone jack but added noise cancellation and a decent pair of earphones. This targets that iPhone userbase that only uses the awful in-box white ear buds. It's definitely better value for the money for the average user.
Perhaps they needed to compromise on sound quality, but it still sounds pretty fantastic with the adapter. It may not sound as good as the 10 (honestly though it's pretty close), but I'm not mad about it.

Which Boomsound speaker mode do you guys prefer? Music it theater mode? I feel like music more is crisper while tester is a bit longer but muddier.

MinimalistChris said:
Which Boomsound speaker mode do you guys prefer? Music it theater mode? I feel like music more is crisper while tester is a bit longer but muddier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use theatre mode all the time but yes it is muddier than music mode which sacrifices volume for better audio quality

About stereo crosstalk can you ''fix'' it with V4A?
Or there are no way to enhance stereo?

MinimalistChris said:
Which Boomsound speaker mode do you guys prefer? Music it theater mode? I feel like music more is crisper while tester is a bit longer but muddier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I usually use theatre mode. If I'm playing through the speakers, volume is more important to me.

On another note, I'm having this horrible issue with BT audio. When playing music in google play music through BT earphones (jaybird x2) or my home speaker (LG soundbar), occasionally there's a really loud, awful screeching noise!
Anyone else have this issue?
Otherwise, BT audio is noticeably improved over the 10!

djbutter said:
On another note, I'm having this horrible issue with BT audio. When playing music in google play music through BT earphones (jaybird x2) or my home speaker (LG soundbar), occasionally there's a really loud, awful screeching noise!
Anyone else have this issue?
Otherwise, BT audio is noticeably improved over the 10!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was listening with aptX in my car for a while today and I had no issues along with noticing no difference. Same volume level when connected to an Audioengine B1 that has a 2 volt output to my Audison bit-Ten. Wish I could do a quicker back and forth test with my 10 but I'd have to sync the Bluetooth over and over.

I have to admit that I'm a little bit worried about the sound quality on the u11. One of the things that I really enjoyed on the m8 m9 and the 10 was the Dolby audio enhancement. I have been using that in combination with power amp music player for years and you'd be surprised what kind of sound quality I get out of my Sennheiser HD 558's. I can hear the bass in music the way it is meant to be heard, almost felt, I don't hear that distorted bass sound that you tend to hear on lower end devices.
This may sound stupid to some people but if the sound quality is not at least the same as what I get on my 10 then I'm going to send the phone back. I just got done trying out a $300 pair of Bluetooth headphones with my 10 and I was not impressed, they were close in some areas but for $300 I want more than close. There is a cheaper pair that I have been thinking about trying with the 11 but I'm not sure that I'm going to want to invest all of this money just to be able to say I own the new flagship, and get half decent sound out of it with headphones, especially when for all intents and purposes I'm perfectly happy with my 10.
Right before the phone ended up shipping out to me I was debating on canceling my order because once the feeling of new shiny device wore off I started the question what about the new phone actually got me excited and to be perfectly honest the answer for me is really nothing. I think edge sense could be cool but the apparent lack of support from case manufacturers has me a bit scared as well. I have never owned an all glass phone before and I don't think you could pay me enough to use this phone without any full-body protection I understand that the camera is much better but honestly I don't see a problem with the one that I have. So this could be the first year that I actually hang on to my phone.

I just paired this phone with the Fiio K1 DAC. Much better audio experience. The HTC 10 apparently was better than the K1 by about 10% so the fact that the K1 sounds so good compared to the adapter is quite telling

[Q] Root/other headphones and audio quality improvement methods/audio mods

Hello,
I find headphones dongle with my earphones quite lacking quality/soundstage, but searching through forums I stumbled upon this: Viper detects our essential dongle as a speaker. Was it fixed, or do you have any suggestions how to improve sound quality?
I'm using AuriSonics ASG 1Plus, which are an excellent IEM's, with low Impedence:
(11 ohm +/ 10% @ 1kHz16 ; Sensitivity: [email protected]).
So there should be no problem powering 'em and dishing as good sound performance as possible.
I know essential uses Cirrus DAC (which is average, but I'm not really buying any high-quality USB-c DAC or portable AMP).
I come from Pixel XL, which had dedicated 3.5mm jack and SD DAC, it sounded okay and WAY better than essential.
Some EQ tweaks can elevate a bit of problems, but I'm looking for a more all-around solution (whether it's fixed viper(drivers/libraries/etc.)(( or something else)).
Thanks!

Bump.

Tautvydas said:
Hello,
I find headphones dongle with my earphones quite lacking quality/soundstage, but searching through forums I stumbled upon this: Viper detects our essential dongle as a speaker. Was it fixed, or do you have any suggestions how to improve sound quality?
I'm using AuriSonics ASG 1Plus, which are an excellent IEM's, with low Impedence:
(11 ohm +/ 10% @ 1kHz16 ; Sensitivity: [email protected]).
So there should be no problem powering 'em and dishing as good sound performance as possible.
I know essential uses Cirrus DAC (which is average, but I'm not really buying any high-quality USB-c DAC or portable AMP).
I come from Pixel XL, which had dedicated 3.5mm jack and SD DAC, it sounded okay and WAY better than essential.
Some EQ tweaks can elevate a bit of problems, but I'm looking for a more all-around solution (whether it's fixed viper(drivers/libraries/etc.)(( or something else)).
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about this DAC?
https://www.zorloo.com/zuperdac-s
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/zuperdac-s-zuper-charge-your-music#/
I bought it when it was pre-release for quite a bit less.
Much better than the included dongle that comes with the phone.

tech_head said:
How about this DAC?
https://www.zorloo.com/zuperdac-s
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/zuperdac-s-zuper-charge-your-music#/
I bought it when it was pre-release for quite a bit less.
Much better than the included dongle that comes with the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, I'm not up for buying any DAC's, but this one got me quite interested since it's for pc as well.
How is it?
Thanks!

Tautvydas said:
To be honest, I'm not up for buying any DAC's, but this one got me quite interested since it's for pc as well.
How is it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interested in knowing as well. After my experience with the Aero Indiegogo, I have a pretty bad taste for Zorloo.

stompysan said:
Interested in knowing as well. After my experience with the Aero Indiegogo, I have a pretty bad taste for Zorloo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the first headphone Z:ero and got them on time.
They worked great.
I bought the DAC while still on pre-order and received it a while ago.
For a small DAC the quality is really good.
The volume buttons make it very usable since you can set the input to the DAC from the phone at an optimal level then use the volume buttons on the DAC for the input of the car stereo, headphones, etc.
I'm quite happy and it's much better than the little dongle that comes with the phone.
Is it Focusrite or Apogee? No, but it's not $2K either.

I found the same issue. I don't think it is the DAC, but instead the native Android USB/DAC driver.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/essential-phone/themes/finding-music-player-essential-phones-t3710793
The problem is that this won't work for streaming applications. But I listen to FLAC / hi-bit MP3 so it solved the issue for me.

TimboC2000 said:
I found the same issue. I don't think it is the DAC, but instead the native Android USB/DAC driver.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/essential-phone/themes/finding-music-player-essential-phones-t3710793
The problem is that this won't work for streaming applications. But I listen to FLAC / hi-bit MP3 so it solved the issue for me.
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Thanks! Great thread you've created, really explains it.
Which app would you prefer, Neutron or Onkyo? You explained about Onkyo, but it's almost 10 euros for me, Neutron is a bit cheaper and I was thinking for quite some time to buy it. Had it on my old Blackberry Z10, it was native to BB OS.
Right now I'm using foobar, since I'm using it on pc, where I think it's the best music player, but when it comes to Android, you live you learn hehe.

Tautvydas said:
Thanks! Great thread you've created, really explains it.
Which app would you prefer, Neutron or Onkyo? You explained about Onkyo, but it's almost 10 euros for me, Neutron is a bit cheaper and I was thinking for quite some time to buy it. Had it on my old Blackberry Z10, it was native to BB OS.
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Unfortunately, I only have experience with Onkyo and Hiby. The Onkyo is pretty well developed and something I use fairly regularly so it was worth the money to me.
Hopefully somebody else can provide comments on Neutron for you.

Anyone tried the Viper audio add-on in Magisk? I purchased Bluetooth Skull Candy Ink'd for $20 and love the sound quality. Actually have the volume at 80% most of the time
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

I just purchased a pixel audio adapter, as it measures well for its price ($9).
The market for high-end usbc adapters isn't quite there yet it seems, a traditional dac+amp setup is probably still better if you need more power.
If you're using IEMs though, powerful amps tend to have a higher noise floor.

Just tested Neutron player, it's excellent.
Huge increase in soundstage, overall processing quality, sounds great.
Magic is done under Audio Hardware options, selecting 'Direct USB Driver' to allow direct access to the USB device.

Duo8 said:
I just purchased a pixel audio adapter, as it measures well for its price ($9).
The market for high-end usbc adapters isn't quite there yet it seems, a traditional dac+amp setup is probably still better if you need more power.
If you're using IEMs though, powerful amps tend to have a higher noise floor.
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I have that adapter and the Essential adapter. Using Onkyo HF application it was able to use multiple bit rates with the Essential adapter, but the Google adapter only works at 48kHz.
I have the Sabaj Da3 as well. It works great with the Onkyo HF app, it supports multiple sample rates and upconverts to DSD512 as well. Issues are: 1. It's huge. 2: It burns significant battery, especially if upconverting. 3. When I bought it was $90, right now it is $119 on Amazon - so it's expensive!
Honestly, for non-critical on the go listening the Essential adapter works really well once you bypass the Android USB driver.
---------- Post added at 06:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:46 PM ----------
Tautvydas said:
Just tested Neutron player, it's excellent.
Huge increase in soundstage, overall processing quality, sounds great.
Magic is done under Audio Hardware options, selecting 'Direct USB Driver' to allow direct access to the USB device.
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Glad it fixed your issues!

TimboC2000 said:
Unfortunately, I only have experience with Onkyo and Hiby. The Onkyo is pretty well developed and something I use fairly regularly so it was worth the money to me.
Hopefully somebody else can provide comments on Neutron for you.
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Thank you for your original thread which pointed me to these apps..
1. I tried Hiby, and did like its music quality, but its very rough for me.. I could not make/receive voice calls when it locks my headphones.. Also it does not show any info on the actual bitrates its using..
2. I am trying out Neutron trial version, which is a 5 day limited use full feature version. It too seems to be limiting the output to 48kHz. Yet to try Onkyo.

mvadu said:
Thank you for your original thread which pointed me to these apps..
1. I tried Hiby, and did like its music quality, but its very rough for me.. I could not make/receive voice calls when it locks my headphones.. Also it does not show any info on the actual bitrates its using..
2. I am trying out Neutron trial version, which is a 5 day limited use full feature version. It too seems to be limiting the output to 48kHz. Yet to try Onkyo.
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USB Audio Player Pro also seems well regarded and developed. I believe Hiby is a single developer and is much more of a work in progress.

Just found the perfect setup for my IEM's.
Ainur Sauron Magisk module and Neutron player's "direct USB support" option. Sounds amazing now!
Had quite similar experience in the ol' days with Colorfly C3 and Klipsch iem's (can't remember the model).
Or just that I'm easily impressed
Tried viper, just really dislike its signature sound. Clarity, bass, convolver turned on and tuned a bit, still, not to my ears.

Crap Sound over BT

I'm kinda stumped. I know most phones have tinny, crappy sound out of the box no matter how good the headphones are. The 9T is not different in that regard. Since I won't live with that, I still root just to install V4A (it's a scandal this tech hasn't been bought up and is being put into phones by default).
Now, with V4A installed and working the 9T gives off fuller sound but it sounds terribly processed on the verge to distorted. As if the CPU struggled somehow to keep it up. Which is, of course, not possible because V4A has worked flawlessly since the times of yore and Kitkat.
I know for a fact my Jabra 65T can do better, very much better. The buds shouldn't be the problem. I have yet to try with wired ones but I'll need to find my good pair.
Additionally, the BT connection doesn't have a problem with a wall at my home but becomes unstable when I carry it on the left side of my body (the BT receiver being in the right bud). I'm not a fat cyborg full of metal parts.
What gives? Any ideas?

Not just Bluetooth, even pistons through the jack are very poor. For comparison, I played the same track on BT and Pistons on my 9T and on my wife's OPO6 and hers is significantly better.

dancress said:
I'm kinda stumped. I know most phones have tinny, crappy sound out of the box no matter how good the headphones are. The 9T is not different in that regard. Since I won't live with that, I still root just to install V4A (it's a scandal this tech hasn't been bought up and is being put into phones by default).
Now, with V4A installed and working the 9T gives off fuller sound but it sounds terribly processed on the verge to distorted. As if the CPU struggled somehow to keep it up. Which is, of course, not possible because V4A has worked flawlessly since the times of yore and Kitkat.
I know for a fact my Jabra 65T can do better, very much better. The buds shouldn't be the problem. I have yet to try with wired ones but I'll need to find my good pair.
Additionally, the BT connection doesn't have a problem with a wall at my home but becomes unstable when I carry it on the left side of my body (the BT receiver being in the right bud). I'm not a fat cyborg full of metal parts.
What gives? Any ideas?
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That's long talk. I'll try to explain it in short. Honestly Xiaomi MI9t performs great sound through earbuds, I just googled your earbuds you are misleaded in information with earbuds and phone relations, your Dynamic drivers are 6mm for Jabra 65T that's poor actually, it depends on kind of music though if you'd listen to Heavy Metal that won't work much because they are too weak. Secondly, electrical resistance for your earbuds is 16 Ohm, what that means? That means higher sound but with more distortion possible depending on dynamic drivers of your headphones which are too small and they cannot handle such a big electricity stream perfectly, also less Ohm reflects on your phone battery devastation. For example my Bluetooth earbuds Huawei AM61 Sports are 32 Ohm in electrical resistance that is optimal it is not recommended more than 32 Ohm for basic use and they include 11mm Dynamic drivers, in conclusion they are x2 cheaper than your earbuds but x2 more powerful, I listen to Heavy Metal with no distortion at all. For the future I'll give you a hint, look for headphones specifications inside but not the price.

hwandroid said:
That's long talk. I'll try to explain it in short. Honestly Xiaomi MI9t performs great sound through earbuds, I just googled your earbuds you are misleaded in information with earbuds and phone relations, your Dynamic drivers are 6mm for Jabra 65T that's poor actually, it depends on kind of music though if you'd listen to Heavy Metal that won't work much because they are too weak. Secondly, electrical resistance for your earbuds is 16 Ohm, what that means? That means higher sound but with more distortion possible depending on dynamic drivers of your headphones which are too small and they cannot handle such a big electricity stream perfectly, also less Ohm reflects on your phone battery devastation. For example my Bluetooth earbuds Huawei AM61 Sports are 32 Ohm in electrical resistance that is optimal it is not recommended more than 32 Ohm for basic use and they include 11mm Dynamic drivers, in conclusion they are x2 cheaper than your earbuds but x2 more powerful, I listen to Heavy Metal with no distortion at all. For the future I'll give you a hint, look for headphones specifications inside but not the price.
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You might be onto something. I do listen to Metal mostly, but I have tried Minimal Techno etc for reference. It sounds much better. Clearer. More defined bass instead of the muddle actual music sounds like (sorry Techno fans )
Anyway, I come from the very midrange Samsung A50. The only completely positive thing I can say about that one is that it sounded quite OK even without V4A. Not sensational but very much into the 'acceptable' field.
Guess it's time for the big can sound-off. I also have very good RHAs with cables (stupid at the gym) and cheap-ish Sony BT ones.

Price is not what defines quality of headphones - for example Dr. Dre - specification and physics are what you should look after.

Well did some further testing with my other headphones and another phone.
Cheap Sony BT cans? Cool, very bassy which I like.
Wired RHA super cans? Very cool, audio bliss.
Jabra Elite 65T? Crap no matter what I do
Different phone, older Samsung whatthehellever:
RHA cool, Jabra cool, Sony cool -> all as far as their individual quality goes of course, so the RHAs win easily here too. BUT the Jabras produce good sound, something I know they can do because it worked with every other phone I ever connected them to.
It's obviously a problem between the Xiaomi and the Jabras. And here I thought BT is a mature standard

In case anyone is interested: the solution is to activate the AAC codec in BT/Jabra 65T. How the hell is this not active by default?! Why would you, as a phone maker, default to the worst possible way to send music to headphones?

dancress said:
In case anyone is interested: the solution is to activate the AAC codec in BT/Jabra 65T. How the hell is this not active by default?! Why would you, as a phone maker, default to the worst possible way to send music to headphones?
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That is because not all headphones support AAC for more details you may check this article https://www.soundguys.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-bluetooth-headphones-aac-20296/

By the way you can check compatibility for your device headphones and codecs here https://bluetoothcheck.com/compatibility/xiaomi-mi-9t