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Audio chip for this phone is quite good!

Honestly, it blew me away, that this phone can rival my portable audio player in the sound quality.
I put in .WAVs (converting from .FLAC -> .WAV, since .FLAC isn't supported with Inspire) and was blown away at the sound quality that this little thing can push out.
I downloaded the equalizer app, and was quite pleased with the way it sounded.
My portable system:
I consider myself an audiophile, with a Hifiman and Sony NWZ-X series portable audio player, connected to a iBasso portable AMP, connected to a Shure SE530, with custom earmold.

If you want flac support try poweramp music player.

I take back what I said.
After a full two days worth of playing around with the PowerAmp app (setting the EQ like I want it to), it's average at best.
The sound breaks at high trebles, and the sound, in general, sound very "cold".
I would not replace my everyday DAP with this.

Printerscape said:
I take back what I said.
After a full two days worth of playing around with the PowerAmp app (setting the EQ like I want it to), it's average at best.
The sound breaks at high trebles, and the sound, in general, sound very "cold".
I would not replace my everyday DAP with this.
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I was wondering why you thought the Inspire's SQ was so great, but didn't want to rain on your parade with my opinion. It is quite mediocre, isn't it? Even my previous iPhones were noticeably better and louder. FWIW the earbuds I used to compare them are the UltimateEar TripleFi 10 Pro's.

The audio is not the best on this phone but I personally noticed a difference with the ota update.
Sent from my phone using XDA Premium App

henrybravo said:
I was wondering why you thought the Inspire's SQ was so great, but didn't want to rain on your parade with my opinion. It is quite mediocre, isn't it? Even my previous iPhones were noticeably better and louder. FWIW the earbuds I used to compare them are the UltimateEar TripleFi 10 Pro's.
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Yea, that post was back when I listened to it for < 5 minutes =P.
niezek said:
The audio is not the best on this phone but I personally noticed a difference with the ota update.
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Using a custom rom, so can't really use the OTA update.

I, unfortunately, concur here. Highs sound slightly robotic and the low notes are muddy (on stock EQ and ICS). The Galaxy S2 I've been using for a while is much more accurate. (Using Klipsch s3)
UPDATE: Big mistake. It was the ROM, not the hardware. Sounds equally as great as my S2 with a stock ROM.

The sound on this phone is actually very good. (even with a stock rom)
I use the SONY MDR-XB500 extra bass head phones. (don't waste your time with ear buds)
Using Melchizedek_1.5.1_Alpha with DSP manager has tremendous bass.
Clean crisp sound with thundering bass....

[Q] Sound output quality on Infuse

Gray is rambling, so if you know about lossless (I hope you do) then just skip down to black.
Now any good person knows lossless audio formats such as FLAC and WAV are the only way to go for studio quality music. However, most of them also know that you need some audio processor(I call it that at least, computer it's called sound card, but in general it's something that processes audio>audio processor) that can output high quality audio. I know on some phones it's complete, utter, **** that you couldn't notice the difference between a 92Kbps MP3 and a lossless format. So, on the Infuse is there any reason to buy Monster Turbines or some other extremely high quality earbuds?
I would test myself if I felt like wasting $200 on some new headphones that might not be any better, however I do not.
So yeah, simple question, is the audio processor/sound card/whatever you'd like it to be called on the Samsung Infuse capable of playing anything that would be better on a $200 earbud than a mid-range $50-60 one??

I picked up some Etymotic Research ER6i Isolator In-Ear Earphones a little over a year ago and they've been awesome. They were about $75 from Amazon, but I think they've since then come out with newer models.
They're great headphones though and provide more than ample sound quality. Plus, they fit inside a motorcycle helmet well.
Personally, I would tend to think a decent headset would put you in a good place rather than dropping $200.

EH.. uhm... did you... did you read my post?
I was asking how capable the Infuse is of putting out high quality audio, not what headphones are good... read my post ._.

yes good earbuds make a difference. but there are good earbuds in the $50-80 range, and some mediocre ones in the $200 range, its important to read reviews.
the Samsung ones that come with the phone aren't terrible, I think they don't sound as offensive as skull candies which can be a little harsh. but you would notice an upgrade if you got some decent aftermarket earbuds.
etymotics doesn't make a bad earbud in any price range. they tend to be good for jazz or classical or anything in a noisy environment (they have the best isolation other than custom pieces)
read reviews, because there are some expensive products with mediocre reviews and cheap ($35 for some denon pieces) products with rave reviews even from people that have owned some $300-$800 earbuds. know what you listen to and what you want it to sound like. any earbud will give the music different characteristics, some are true to the recording, some color the music, but that's not always bad, especially on modern music like rock, hip-hop, or electronic stuff.
edit: oh and yes, the Samsung sgs phones and the charge and infuse have a hifi quality amp and hardware codec, read up on voodoo sound!

So you're guaranteeing that WITH THE SAMSUNG INFUSE, playing lossless files, that there will be a significant difference between mid-range and high-end earbuds? This isn't a question about earbuds, it's about the Infuse's audio quality..

TheNetwork said:
So you're guaranteeing that WITH THE SAMSUNG INFUSE, playing lossless files, that there will be a significant difference between mid-range and high-end earbuds? This isn't a question about earbuds, it's about the Infuse's audio quality..
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yeah, the hardware is capable of it. but it is also a matter of drivers. voodoo sound, if properly implimented will have great sound. I'm not sure voodoo sound has been properly implimented. I felt it made a bigger difference on the captivate as far as audio characteristics, yet I also feel the infuse has a lower noise level even stock than my captivate did.
I'm not promising anything right now, Samsungs drivers aren't known to be the best and if voodoo sound isn't 100% then you get what you get.

I can't speak too much as I'm 100% happy with a set of Skullcandy Titans with Comply foam eartips.
Stock, you will likely be disappointed. I've seen a lot of reports of the stock Samsung kernels performing poorly. Jitter, crackling, all sorts of crap.
Samsung screws it up every time.
This is why, just like Samsung screwing it up every time with RFS (causing Voodoo Lagfix to be created and become the standard), we have Voodoo Sound. It's a completely rearchitectured driver for the WM8997.
I suggest you research:
Sound quality of the Captivate and other GalaxyS phones when running Voodoo Sound
Sound quality of other devices with the WM8997
If you see good reports, then likely, the Infuse with Voodoo Sound will meet your needs.
NOTE: There's a slight chance our current Voodoo Sound port may be deficient. There's some stuff in the current code that bothers LinuxBozo and I. It may not actually matter, we might have full-up VS now.

Best headphones under $200?

As the subject says, I'm looking for a new pair of headphones that are less than $200, comfortable enough for extended wear, and good sound quality. Any suggestions?
Sent from my Sensation 4G using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

I love mine: http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Ears...BJOE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335484030&sr=8-1
If you can get a good fit, sound quality is one of the best.

what kind do u want? in ear? big cans?.... just dont get beats whatever u do

waltthizzney said:
what kind do u want? in ear? big cans?.... just dont get beats whatever u do
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on ear or bigger, kinda leery of in-ear givewn i dont wanna go deaf before i get married (or maybe I do... hmm, hats an idea... lol). Sorry, shouldve specified that

I have v-moda crossfade lp best headphones I've ever owned XD
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium

xXmystuffXx said:
I have v-moda crossfade lp best headphones I've ever owned XD
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium
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+2 I have owned the crossfades LPs for years and still one of my favorite. They come with two cords, one with a phone/mic and one without. The phone cord is made for apple devices, but if you use an app like jays headset control, you can control your phone with the center answer/end button to control stuff like volume and next and prev track, and of course pause and resume.
They have since released the Crossfades LP2, which are a bit better, but I cannot tell much of a difference. Also they have the Crossfades M80s, which look exactly like the crossfades but are on-ear other than over the ear like the LPs are.
Ok, more importantly HOW DO THEY SOUND?!? lol...well they are freakin awesome. Why? Because when listening to music and even watching movies with these guys, you get stereo surround sound that rivals Bose systems. The bass is there, but not over bearing. But if clarity is what you want with a side of bass when it's there and need it, these are it.
How much? Well you can find the LPs under $200 easy, because of the M80 and LP2's being the newer releases. I got mine for $85 bux because no one knew much of v-moda at the time of initial release of the crossfades. The HUGE selling point for me is the cool a$$ exo-skeleton case that it comes with it. I used it on my trip to Hawaii and other plane trips clipped to my carry on without an issue. The case is quarter of the price in my book.
A bit cheaper than that, my second fav at this point are the SOL Republic HD lines. I have both the AMPS HD (earbuds) and Tracks HD (on the ear) headsets.
Both are great. I use the earbuds for portability. These are on the bassy side but still clear. Not as clear as the crossfades IMO, but still a great earbud system. Again these are made for apple products but using the app mentioned before, I can use the center button to operate the phone to my specs. Retail is $100, but I got them for $85 as well.
The Tracks HD...not as portable but I try to lug it with me on car trips whenever I can. These are AWESOME. The clear and hard hitting bass (a bit on the bassy side, but that's my pref) are on par with the $300 plus headphones out there. Just use the equalizer to match your preference and you are golden. The headband is virtually indestructible, the drivers are detachable and the cords are detachable as well. This is made to mix and match different color headbands, drivers, cords, etc...(see fashion) Again has the same issue of being for apple products. Retail on these are $130 but I got them for $87 bux.

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technic...AP4U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335541106&sr=8-1
These are amazing headphones. The people over at head-fi.org would also agree. http://www.head-fi.org/products/category/over-ear

I should say, if you want it wireless, you should try the sony ericsson MW600 (bluetooth stereo headset), really good quality, both for sound as the product itself.

kpjimmy said:
+2 I have owned the crossfades LPs for years and still one of my favorite. They come with two cords, one with a phone/mic and one without. The phone cord is made for apple devices, but if you use an app like jays headset control, you can control your phone with the center answer/end button to control stuff like volume and next and prev track, and of course pause and resume.
They have since released the Crossfades LP2, which are a bit better, but I cannot tell much of a difference. Also they have the Crossfades M80s, which look exactly like the crossfades but are on-ear other than over the ear like the LPs are.
Ok, more importantly HOW DO THEY SOUND?!? lol...well they are freakin awesome. Why? Because when listening to music and even watching movies with these guys, you get stereo surround sound that rivals Bose systems. The bass is there, but not over bearing. But if clarity is what you want with a side of bass when it's there and need it, these are it.
How much? Well you can find the LPs under $200 easy, because of the M80 and LP2's being the newer releases. I got mine for $85 bux because no one knew much of v-moda at the time of initial release of the crossfades. The HUGE selling point for me is the cool a$$ exo-skeleton case that it comes with it. I used it on my trip to Hawaii and other plane trips clipped to my carry on without an issue. The case is quarter of the price in my book.
A bit cheaper than that, my second fav at this point are the SOL Republic HD lines. I have both the AMPS HD (earbuds) and Tracks HD (on the ear) headsets.
Both are great. I use the earbuds for portability. These are on the bassy side but still clear. Not as clear as the crossfades IMO, but still a great earbud system. Again these are made for apple products but using the app mentioned before, I can use the center button to operate the phone to my specs. Retail is $100, but I got them for $85 as well.
The Tracks HD...not as portable but I try to lug it with me on car trips whenever I can. These are AWESOME. The clear and hard hitting bass (a bit on the bassy side, but that's my pref) are on par with the $300 plus headphones out there. Just use the equalizer to match your preference and you are golden. The headband is virtually indestructible, the drivers are detachable and the cords are detachable as well. This is made to mix and match different color headbands, drivers, cords, etc...(see fashion) Again has the same issue of being for apple products. Retail on these are $130 but I got them for $87 bux.
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i disagree… they are not that great, poor isolation and treble
Sennhesier HD 280 pros are great and cheap

waltthizzney said:
i disagree… they are not that great, poor isolation and treble
Sennhesier HD 280 pros are great and cheap
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We are all entitled to our own opinions . But poor isolation? Well, of course, because they are not over the ear, but they do do well for on-ear. Poor tremble? I can say they are not the greatest, for retail of 130, I never expected to be. Because of my low expectations on these headsets, the surprise was with the equalizer's ability to correct the problem. But again, it's on man's opinion.
I admit I haven't even tried seinnheiser brand yet, because the styles never appealed to me. I have a somewhat small head and with these headphones, it looks like I'm calling the space shuttle. LOL And the wires are like 10ft long! I can't see how one can use these type of headphone other than sitting on an airplane or train for more than 3 hours. Because I know I will tangle up those suckers lol.
As for the OP, you gotta go and test them out yourself. There are a few great recommendations here for you to start off on. GL

Aiaiai tma-1
Beyerdynamic DT 770-PRO
sennheiser hd25

kpjimmy said:
We are all entitled to our own opinions . But poor isolation? Well, of course, because they are not over the ear, but they do do well for on-ear. Poor tremble? I can say they are not the greatest, for retail of 130, I never expected to be. Because of my low expectations on these headsets, the surprise was with the equalizer's ability to correct the problem. But again, it's on man's opinion.
I admit I haven't even tried seinnheiser brand yet, because the styles never appealed to me. I have a somewhat small head and with these headphones, it looks like I'm calling the space shuttle. LOL And the wires are like 10ft long! I can't see how one can use these type of headphone other than sitting on an airplane or train for more than 3 hours. Because I know I will tangle up those suckers lol.
As for the OP, you gotta go and test them out yourself. There are a few great recommendations here for you to start off on. GL
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I got mine at Costco for $80 buck's
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium

Grado
Does the sensation have enough juice to drive these over-ear big boys?
I'm more interested in the entry level Grados. Can the sensation do justice to them?
OT but does the sensation even play FLAC or other lossless?
(noob. pl bear with me)

psychoshrink said:
Does the sensation have enough juice to drive these over-ear big boys?
I'm more interested in the entry level Grados. Can the sensation do justice to them?
OT but does the sensation even play FLAC or other lossless?
(noob. pl bear with me)
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Not sure, but the ones I use are intended for iphones for the most part.
Players that play FLAC files are poweramp, winamp and playerpro.

V Moda M-80. One of the best portables around.
In fact I suggest them over the Crossfade LPs/LP2s. I'm on the Head-Fi forums and the Crossfades are considered to be moderately Beats-like in the way that they are overly bassy and the mids/highs suffer. The M-80s are considered more to be audiophile headphones in that they have great bass but also good mids and highs.
V-Moda is also coming out with M-100s around July, which will be circumaural (around ear, unlike how the M-80s are on ear) headphones that will be their new top of the line. They're supposed to have a similar sound signature to the M-80s (so great balance) but with even better bass without ruining mids/highs. Then again, those are going to be $300, so I suggest getting the M-80s. V-Moda just started selling gorgeous white M-80s, you might want to jump on that if they still have some left.
Edit: if the M-80s are too much, you should check out the V-80s. Identical to the M-80s but with HBO True Blood branding and more red on the design. The V-80s are usually cheaper even though they are identical, just because of the branding.

I'm currently using Etymotic HF2. Got them for I believe $110. Here is a link to their site:
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/hf2.html
They work really well and deliver a great neutral sound, so if you are into adding EQ , it won't be offset by EQ already present in some headphones. Superb isolation. Almost too good. The button works well with players like Player Pro. You can also program the headset button with an app from the play store.
I highly recommend.
Edit - Just saw this post is more for headphones than earphones. In that case I recommend AKG K271s for a closed phones or AKG K702 for an open phone. The K702s need a better amp though to power them.

There are some good suggestions here - Ultimate Ears, Etymonics etc - Very good cans. I personally run a pair of Grado Alessandro MS-1's (they're a Grado set of cans that were altered by Alessandro and came out super good for a better price than the equivalent Grado line) - They are an incredible pair of cans for the price. Not flat, but some of the most fun headphones i've listened to. even better with a bit of quality ripper FLAC and a nice Amp - but they run a charm on the Google music app on my sensation for travel!

Definitely can suggest the Audio Technica M50s

senheiser 205, here it costs 33.00 euro
otherwise idk

psychoshrink said:
Does the sensation have enough juice to drive these over-ear big boys?
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Of course not.
This is why if you respect your ears and decide to use your phone as music playback device, you need to get an amp like a CMoy or Fiio E11.

Audio out quality

Hi all
Ordered my 32gb, white N5, which should be delivered early next week.
But while anxiously waiting and reading first feedbacks, I had a question that seemed to have not been answered yet.
What about audio jack quality? I don't expect a smartphone to drive a high spec earbud like a professional DAC, but the N4 was a bit disappointing. Muddy bass, irritating highs, it was definitely not enough for my Fidelio S2.
So what to expect from the N5? Does it come with a Wolfson DAC (I don't think so) or with the same DAC the G2 is equipped with? How does it sound?

i would imagine it uses a Qualcomm dac like the N4 before it only perhaps an updated one. i found the N4 to sound alright on my Sure SE535's but bass not as clear / punchy as any wolfson ive had previously.
if you goto the snapdragon S800 page if i recall it does talk about the DAC
Also the S800 now has a Dedicated DSP processor and 4.4 uses direct audio tunneling to the DSP so it will be interesting to see how this will effect the audio quality to.
EDIT: from what i understand tho the Qualcomm DAC's are more analytical in sound they tend to give detail and lack warmth in the sound.

How is the volume? I'm hearing impaired and I was always listening my music on full volume.
I read somewhere that the N5 would be louder. Can someone confirm this for me?

audio is a big one for me as well.
if it isnt a big improvement over the n4 it will be getting sold. Ive been spoiled with my htc one after having the n4.

aimetti said:
audio is a big one for me as well.
if it isnt a big improvement over the n4 it will be getting sold. Ive been spoiled with my htc one after having the n4.
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yeah, I used to listen my music on my ipod touch 64GB but it broke down. Just recently I started using my N4 as my daily music-"machine" D) and google music all access is great. However, the N4 was just not loud enough for some albums (usually older and quieter stuff) and 16GB weren't much enough.
I hope my new N5 white 32GB will be better as music player... I will find out at the latest on monday..

Just pasting my comment from a discussion on G+, some may find it useful:
From a quick test I believe it sounds better than my good ol' Nexus 4. The sound is a bit more bass-y, though I'm not sure if it's just "coloured", or the fact that Nexus 4's sound is a bit on the "tinny" side (note: I'm not using audiophile-grade gear, just slightly(?)-above-the-average Klipsch S4 in-ears). I'd say the sound is more balanced now. Also, output appears to be higher than on the Nexus 4.
Take the above with a grain of salt, this is a matter of personal preference after all. For proper analysis you should wait for Supercurio or someone with the proper tools + time to do it.
Edit: Before anyone asks about external DACs, just tried to connect my ODAC hoping for some sound to play from my speakers. No luck. Not even with a Y-Cable so I guess we're going to have to rely on custom kernels again.

phunkycow said:
Just pasting my comment from a discussion on G+, some may find it useful:
From a quick test I believe it sounds better than my good ol' Nexus 4. The sound is a bit more bass-y, though I'm not sure if it's just "coloured", or the fact that Nexus 4's sound is a bit on the "tinny" side (note: I'm not using audiophile-grade gear, just slightly(?)-above-the-average Klipsch S4 in-ears). I'd say the sound is more balanced now. Also, output appears to be higher than on the Nexus 4.
Take the above with a grain of salt, this is a matter of personal preference after all. For proper analysis you should wait for Supercurio or someone with the proper tools + time to do it.
Edit: Before anyone asks about external DACs, just tried to connect my ODAC hoping for some sound to play from my speakers. No luck. Not even with a Y-Cable so I guess we're going to have to rely on custom kernels again.
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Thanks!
With higher output, do you mean more volume, louder?
I also have Klipsch S4 (II) and I found it already quite (too?) bassy on my N4

Blocoholi said:
Thanks!
With higher output, do you mean more volume, louder?
I also have Klipsch S4 (II) and I found it already quite (too?) bassy on my N4
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Got the S4 (I), not sure if there's a difference!
Yep, that's what I meant about the output, sorry for the confusion.

Indeed. I hope the audio is better than the n4. Heck, my i9100 has better audio quality than the n4.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 4

I'm coming from a GNexus and when I plug my phone into the aux jack in my car it sounds absolutely terrible. It's just horribly muffled and muddy compared to virtually anything else I've plugged in.
Anyone know what kind of improvements I can expect? Was the N4 any better than the GNexus? It's pretty embarrassing to want to share a song with friends and after someone unplugs their iphone my phone sounds like garbage.

feedtheducks said:
Indeed. I hope the audio is better than the n4. Heck, my i9100 has better audio quality than the n4.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 4
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Nope nooope no no no no no nopity nope no no no. I'm sorry but having owned both Galaxy S2 and Nexus 4, the Nexus 4 definitely has better music-playing quality through headphones. 100%.
Will receive my Nexus 5 hopefully Monday!

Hopefully the audio quality can compete with a Samsung Galaxy S3 + Boeffla Sound Engine. I´ll really miss this one

S8+ Sound!

Bought s8+ on the 6th, no problems till I played music while playing a game. No game in particular, they all do it. I'm a spotify user, enter an app and my volume decreases not by volume by button but physically, I have to maximize my volume to get back the sound I had before entering the application. Otherwise it's far too quiet. Not sure if a bug but there's no option to turn this off. Irritating. Anyone else know how to turn off?

I use spotify and other music apps but my sound it low with any headphones have volume full to max aswell
Sent from my SM-G955F using XDA-Developers Legacy app

rowbaggie22 said:
I use spotify and other music apps but my sound it low with any headphones have volume full to max aswell
Sent from my SM-G955F using XDA-Developers Legacy app
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I have the same problem. Don't think there's anything to be done about it, the DAC inside the phone is just not that good. Pretty disappointing to be honest.

ynrozturk said:
I have the same problem. Don't think there's anything to be done about it, the DAC inside the phone is just not that good. Pretty disappointing to be honest.
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Sound stage is highly subjective. No two individuals will enjoy the same music genre nor the way its reproduced. Some listeners prefer heavy 'boom boom' base while others enjoy a 'bright higher pitched' overall tone, then there's the billions in between those extremes.
One has to be realistic with a mobile phone that performs so many tasks. We read an awful lot about the camera, got to the point where many look at the camera before they even consider signal strength etc? No mobile can, nor should, match a DSLR. Same with the sound reproduction. One cannot compare the quality of sound against a dedicated high res player like the Astel&Kern costing 3k or similar stand alone mobile players. It has to be a question of compromise.
I never use the camera. I do listen to music an awful lot that is why I have spent many thousands of € buying various dedicated high res players. Problem is obvious. Summer day in shorts who wants to carry an DSLR, Dedicated Digital audio player and a mobile phone?
The S8+ sounds fine when paired with decent head phones either on ear or over ear plus ear buds. Many are enjoying the AKG developed ear buds that came with the mobile. I DON'T like the AKG ear buds, that is personal taste though.
Non the less considering the S8+ does so many things so well I cannot fault its sound reproduction considering its a mobile phone
If you desire a true hifidelity portable sound then you are going to have to dig very deep into your pockets. Putting that proposition to one side the S8+ can produce a very acceptable sound for the masses including myself who is a hifi junkie.
Suggestion. Try a number of different head gear ranging from ear buds to on ear head phones. OBVIOUSLY when using the on ear or around ear head phones volume will be affected as the S8+ is not designed to power such head sets even though it does a bloomin good job! When using ear buds you can achieve a high volume. Bluetooth are another option though sound quality does degrade accordingly.
So, all in all its compromise but Samsung has balanced the equation rather well. Again personal taste will always be a major factor eg, I don't enjoy the sound stage LG mobiles produce even though many people do. If you are looking for an exceptional sound stage from a mobile phone try out the Sony range, they should be good being the masters of portable hifi from the off. I enjoy both the Sony and Samsung sound reproduction but give the edge to Sony on most occasions.
Ryland:good:

ynrozturk said:
I have the same problem. Don't think there's anything to be done about it, the DAC inside the phone is just not that good. Pretty disappointing to be honest.
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Are you on the Exynos version as well? Maybe it's an Exynos problem, my Snapdragon S8+ has no problem running my Sennheiser HD700's, plenty loud at half volume. (Sounds pretty good too I might add)

Cautions said:
Bought s8+ on the 6th, no problems till I played music while playing a game. No game in particular, they all do it. I'm a spotify user, enter an app and my volume decreases not by volume by button but physically, I have to maximize my volume to get back the sound I had before entering the application. Otherwise it's far too quiet. Not sure if a bug but there's no option to turn this off. Irritating. Anyone else know how to turn off?
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I had the same problem on my Oneplus 3T so I do not think it is hardware related. (I was playing pokemon GO while listening to music)

PoLoMoTo said:
Are you on the Exynos version as well? Maybe it's an Exynos problem, my Snapdragon S8+ has no problem running my Sennheiser HD700's, plenty loud at half volume. (Sounds pretty good too I might add)
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Yep, Exynos version.
---------- Post added at 09:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:26 AM ----------
Ryland Johnson said:
Sound stage is highly subjective. No two individuals will enjoy the same music genre nor the way its reproduced. Some listeners prefer heavy 'boom boom' base while others enjoy a 'bright higher pitched' overall tone, then there's the billions in between those extremes.
One has to be realistic with a mobile phone that performs so many tasks. We read an awful lot about the camera, got to the point where many look at the camera before they even consider signal strength etc? No mobile can, nor should, match a DSLR. Same with the sound reproduction. One cannot compare the quality of sound against a dedicated high res player like the Astel&Kern costing 3k or similar stand alone mobile players. It has to be a question of compromise.
I never use the camera. I do listen to music an awful lot that is why I have spent many thousands of € buying various dedicated high res players. Problem is obvious. Summer day in shorts who wants to carry an DSLR, Dedicated Digital audio player and a mobile phone?
The S8+ sounds fine when paired with decent head phones either on ear or over ear plus ear buds. Many are enjoying the AKG developed ear buds that came with the mobile. I DON'T like the AKG ear buds, that is personal taste though.
Non the less considering the S8+ does so many things so well I cannot fault its sound reproduction considering its a mobile phone
If you desire a true hifidelity portable sound then you are going to have to dig very deep into your pockets. Putting that proposition to one side the S8+ can produce a very acceptable sound for the masses including myself who is a hifi junkie.
Suggestion. Try a number of different head gear ranging from ear buds to on ear head phones. OBVIOUSLY when using the on ear or around ear head phones volume will be affected as the S8+ is not designed to power such head sets even though it does a bloomin good job! When using ear buds you can achieve a high volume. Bluetooth are another option though sound quality does degrade accordingly.
So, all in all its compromise but Samsung has balanced the equation rather well. Again personal taste will always be a major factor eg, I don't enjoy the sound stage LG mobiles produce even though many people do. If you are looking for an exceptional sound stage from a mobile phone try out the Sony range, they should be good being the masters of portable hifi from the off. I enjoy both the Sony and Samsung sound reproduction but give the edge to Sony on most occasions.
Ryland:good:
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Thanks for your input. I know where you're coming from because I think the same. I'm a musician so audio is kind of a big part of my life. I don't buy a phone expecting it to have the power of my DAC's or amps at home - but I want it to be decent at least. The S8's isn't decent - far from it. I've thrown a number of headphones and IEM's at it and it still performs poorly - because the DAC inside is poor. It really is that quite simple. I don't expect it to run my Beyerdynamic T1's or anything, lol. But I do expect it to run my IEM Shure or Sennheisers at least decently, which it doesn't.
I also agree about the camera part. While I do appreciate a good camera in my phone, when I go out to take pictures I would much rather have my Sony A7RII with me, along with some Zeiss glass.

Ironic that once it was the Exynos versions (Note 3) that had premium audio (Wolfson DAC) while the Snapdragon phones languished. Now it seems it's the exact opposite, lots of complaints from the Exynos crowd and nothing but praise from the Snapdragon set. I personally have the US ATT version (SD835 + Aqstic DAC) and the sound quality is superb, both with full custom Shure SE-535Vs and Sennheiser HD-700s (directly driven from the phone). Definitely a step up from my S7E.
For reference I'm also a musician with a pretty good idea of what real instruments sound like (9ft Concert Grand in my living room).