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[Q] Loudspeaker hardware mod?

No matter how much we try to deny it, or try not to talk about it- we must all admit that the speaker output of the Sensation isn't amongst the best we've come across. I've missed calls numerous times (especially in a crowded street or so) just because I couldn't hear the ringer.
Yes, we do have apps such as Volume+ and PowerAmp which does seem to do an alright job- but still doesn't satisfy our need.
Here's my Q- Would installing a speaker from a different model/ phone have a better output? I understand that it might need additional software tweaks as well ( not to mention finding a suitable speaker which fits )- but is it possible?
PS. I'm not a sound crazy noob who just wants to impress people with a loud phone, I honestly can't hear it half the time.
Regards,
Tony

Would be interesting! This is my chief complaint with my phone.

I dont understand why this has not been touched yet. Its been the number one issue since day one, volume+ only helps with media.

Dacoit said:
I dont understand why this has not been touched yet. Its been the number one issue since day one, volume+ only helps with media.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure has been. Any input from someone who has a better understanding of the internals of a Sensation would definitely be helpful. And I for one definitely wouldn't mind risking the warranty if it actually seems possible.
Which one of the HTC line would have the most powerful loudspeaker? I suppose those within the HTC family maybe an easier fit.

I think HTC Sensation has the same speaker as the HTC Droid Incredible 2, HTC Evo 3d(expected),HTC Freestyle & HTC Incredible S based to how they used the same picture for these phones speakers on www.repairsuniverse.com. Anybody know about the sound quality from these phones?

I've heard that the Evo 3D stores a pretty powerful sound output. Judging by the link, I'd say it might be a good fit on the sensation as well.
But I sure hope it isn't exactly the same speaker. That'd be like installing a Sensation XE speaker on the Sensation- Foolish.

The only thing i fear is that our phones have a weak speaker because of the design of the case. The hole for the speaker on the sensation is small and off center of the actual speaker. The Evo3d has a seemingly larger slits for the speaker and it seems to be on center so that might be the difference. Has anybody opened the phone and used the speaker without the plastic body and the battery cover in the way?

kevinliu2336 said:
The only thing i fear is that our phones have a weak speaker because of the design of the case. The hole for the speaker on the sensation is small and off center of the actual speaker. The Evo3d has a seemingly larger slits for the speaker and it seems to be on center so that might be the difference. Has anybody opened the phone and used the speaker without the plastic body and the battery cover in the way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had that suspicion earlier today as well. And I did try it out with the rear housing off. There really wasn't much of a difference- it might seem a bit louder with the back off, but at the same time it seems to pump more bass with it on.
I wouldn't mind trying out an EVO 3D speaker on mine to figure if it does make a difference, but I'd need someone to confirm that they aren't the same speakers as the sensation. Any additional info/ tips would be appreciated- Let me get this done and make myself a bit useful to the forum

If you are using an mp3 as a ringtone, that can be re-recorded at a higher output level. Not sure if there is an Android audio app that would let you do that directly on the phone, but certainly there are lots of audio apps for Mac and PC that will do the job.

stroobach said:
If you are using an mp3 as a ringtone, that can be re-recorded at a higher output level. Not sure if there is an Android audio app that would let you do that directly on the phone, but certainly there are lots of audio apps for Mac and PC that will do the job.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure there are apps which would help increase output to a certain level, but still does't reach expected levels. For all having issues with the loudspeaker output- I'd recommend this thread for now: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1389756
All credits go to the OP of that thread- that sure was an amazing find! Worked well for me, and editing that particular file whilst installing a different speaker might help even better. Will get back on that as soon as I'm done with a project deadline.

I guess we all agree that the loudspeaker on the Sensation is woeful. I own a Touch Pro 2 and the dual speakers are LOUD. They are probably the loudest speaker phone that you can ever find from the entire HTC product line. Interestingly, the dual speakers are also designed such that the left speaker is behaving like the tweeter (higher pitch sounds) while the right speaker is the woofer (lower pitch sounds). It is very apparent when you cover up one and then the other while some music is playing.
I have ordered a spare speaker (meant for repairs) for the Touch Pro 2 and will be playing around with it to see if some hardware mods are possible to improve the Sensation's speakers. The delivery is expected to take 3 weeks to arrive.

I don't wish to dig up zombies, but I thought it better to continue an old thread than start a new one due to others insights.
Has anyone tried other speakers to see if they fit in the Sensation? I too have come from the Touch Pro2, and there was a tweak on it which made the speaker even louder (it was already quite loud!). I could hold a conversation, hands-free, in my car with the window down on the motorway no problem. And now, coming to the Senny, I'm almost embarrased to play music to anyone (unless using the headphones). I realise we can't get the TP2 speakers on the Senny (as there is more involved than just swapping a speaker - even if there was room for 2 larger speakers in the Senny).
Anyway. @darkytoothpaste, or anyone else, has there been any progress with the speaker hardware?

[Q] Volume Balance

Hi all,
Sorry to start a thread for this, but I couldn't find a single thread anywhere on the net covering this issue for this phone.
When using headphones, my One X is slightly louder in the left ear than the right. I have fairly sensitive hearing, so perhaps not everyone would notice/care, but it's really bugging me.
I've tried turning the headphones around, and sure enough the problem reverses, so I know it's not my ears. I've also tried 2 different pairs of headphones, and they both did the same thing. And I've tried the same headphones on a different device, and they're fine. So it has to be the phone.
I tested using music on the stock player, and podcasts on BeyondPod Pro.
Has anybody had this problem or heard of it?
Thanks!
Simon

SimonM123 said:
Hi all,
Sorry to start a thread for this, but I couldn't find a single thread anywhere on the net covering this issue for this phone.
When using headphones, my One X is slightly louder in the left ear than the right. I have fairly sensitive hearing, so perhaps not everyone would notice/care, but it's really bugging me.
I've tried turning the headphones around, and sure enough the problem reverses, so I know it's not my ears. I've also tried 2 different pairs of headphones, and they both did the same thing. And I've tried the same headphones on a different device, and they're fine. So it has to be the phone.
I tested using music on the stock player, and podcasts on BeyondPod Pro.
Has anybody had this problem or heard of it?
Thanks!
Simon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd have said it was the headphones had you not already tried that. Very strange. If it's still under the 30 day I'd return it.
Have you tried cleaning the headphone port? Sometimes lint can get in there. It's messed with my balance before.

Hi,
try with a BT headset.
regards

There is an app called "jetAudio" which is an awesome music player with tons of features, one of the things you can do is change the balance between the left and right headphones. It only works for music played through that app though.

Possible design fault
Well I got a replacement... actually, I'm now on my fifth One X, and once again, the volume is slightly higher on the left.
Once again, I've tested this in every way I can to rule out deficiencies in my ears and headphones. The phone itself sends higher volume to the left ear.
Surely 5 devices can't all have the same fault. The same file on the same headphones is perfectly balanced on PC, and left-biased on the One X. This is a design fault of some sort. If you can't hear the same problem, you're lucky to have insensitive ears, but compare in the same way I did and you'll notice. It's deeply frustrating.
I think I'm going to have to swap for a Galaxy S3 and plump for the extra line rental in order to get it. Sad to say it but, after so many faults in various ways, the One X definitely takes the crown for the worst smartphone I've ever had. Gutted as it has all the right ingredients, but they have seriously, SERIOUSLY skimped on production standards. The screen edge issue and rattling problem have also been present on all 5 One X's I've been sent, and most of them have the camera not properly centered within the back of the phone. Details, but on a £500 device, they ought to be sorted.

what if your right ear is slightly deaf?

But I've tried the same headphones and the same audio files on the phone and PC, and on the PC it's fine. And when I turn the headphones around, the problem reverses, right channel is louder. Tried multiple headphones and multiple audio files to verify, most noticable with audio files.
I went to Carphone Warehouse (didn't buy it there) to see if they had any phones I could compare it with, but they didn't have any live demo units. But they did suggest it could be the O2 custom firmware build causing it somehow - I don't see why O2 would mess with the audio processing though, seems suspicious.

SimonM123 said:
Well I got a replacement... actually, I'm now on my fifth One X, and once again, the volume is slightly higher on the left.
Once again, I've tested this in every way I can to rule out deficiencies in my ears and headphones. The phone itself sends higher volume to the left ear.
Surely 5 devices can't all have the same fault. The same file on the same headphones is perfectly balanced on PC, and left-biased on the One X. This is a design fault of some sort. If you can't hear the same problem, you're lucky to have insensitive ears, but compare in the same way I did and you'll notice. It's deeply frustrating.
I think I'm going to have to swap for a Galaxy S3 and plump for the extra line rental in order to get it. Sad to say it but, after so many faults in various ways, the One X definitely takes the crown for the worst smartphone I've ever had. Gutted as it has all the right ingredients, but they have seriously, SERIOUSLY skimped on production standards. The screen edge issue and rattling problem have also been present on all 5 One X's I've been sent, and most of them have the camera not properly centered within the back of the phone. Details, but on a £500 device, they ought to be sorted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have none of those issues, but mine also doesn't say att on the top. id guess the att branded device was a special batch.
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda premium

Well I sent the phone to HTC, they claimed to 'repair' it, but as far as I can tell all they did was a factory reset - it's still O2 branded and the volume is still biased.
Here's how I just tested it:
- Loaded up a podcast on the PC
- Loaded the same episode on the phone
- Used the same headphones and compared
And as ever, it's clearly left-biased. Not a strong bias, but enough that you're distinctly aware that the voice is on one side of your head.
Again, I have had 5 One X's with this problem. It is clearly a design fault, and it amazes me that no one else is picking up on this. Compare like I did.
To reiterate, using a balance knob on apps like PowerAmp does not answer this, as I'd need this on my podcasting, internet radio and video apps too.

Interesting... I tested this on an unbranded handset at Carphone Warehouse, and it was fine, perfectly balanced. So I thought it must be the O2 custom firmware causing the imbalance. But then I got a friend to test their unbranded One X, and he found very notable left-ear bias.
Additionally, I've had a few people around me test my phone to make sure I'm not imagining things. The bias is definitely there, on a large number of One X's. So at this point, I'm just trying to work out if it's harware or software related.
If any One X owners would be so kind, please try the following test. Load up an audio only file - this tends to exaggerate the effect as it's normally mono), and listen carefully to where the sound is centred in your head. My friend described it as 'sort of stuck above your left eye'. It's really irritating once you're aware of it and if we could work out whether this is hardware of software related, perhaps a fix can be thought about. If you swap the headphones around left to right and the bias follows, you can rule out deficiency in hearing.
I used an episode of the podcast Red Bar Radio, as I know the sound is dead-centre and it's quite bassy, compressed audio. Perfect on a PC - but it's almost unlistenably biased through a One X.
If anyone is willing to carefully test this for me, I'd really appreciate it. O2 are willing to swap for a refurbed SGS3 so the whole thing is up in the air, but I don't like an unsolved mystery, or this odd feeling of being one of a tiny number of people noticing this.

Aluminum foil.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

If you mean use aluminium foil to fix a potential wiring problem, then I understand - but that would require opening up the phone, which is not easy on this model, invalidating my warranty, and we don't even know for sure whether it's a hardware or software fault.
If it's an identifiable hardware fault, I can report it to HTC and possibly fixed. Honestly though, this just fits into the other myriad problems people have had with this phone that all stem from a lack of quality control at the factories. The design is superb, but the manufacturing process is evidently not so perfect, and it's possible that this is another example of it.
Or, it's a software bug, and I'm OK with flashing a generic ROM and losing warranty *if* I know for sure that'll fix it.

Or he's suggesting the material for a new head garment.
You should post up a reference audio file if you want to get more standardized results.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA Premium HD. In between FCs.

Vendetta-NY said:
You should post up a reference audio file if you want to get more standardized results.
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Click to collapse
Thanks, good idea! This is one file where it's very evident (don't mean to promote any particular podcast, this is just definitely a centred source):
REMOVED

SimonM123 said:
Thanks, good idea! This is one file where it's very evident (don't mean to promote any particular podcast, this is just definitely a centred source):
http://redbarradio.net/content/shows/RBR-06-22-12.mp3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm I just tested it out on my at&t one x with a pair of Kensington headphones and didn't notice a thing.... maybe my ears are bad
Then again I'm running aokp on my phone so if its OS specific then I wouldn't be able to reproduce ur results...
I say flash a rom and be done with it. If it doesn't work out just flash stock rom back on and return it I'm sure they won't notice in time to stop u from returning it
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app

Thanks for testing it, much appreciated. Hopefully a few more people will be as kind and then I'll make an informed decision. Just wish there was a way to know for sure if it was hardware of software, but I can't think of a test for that.

Will test in a bit, but I know the S4 variants of the HOX have WAY better audio quality than the Tegra 3 version. If you have audio problems on a Tegra 3 variant, dont be surprised.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

SimonM123 said:
Thanks, good idea! This is one file where it's very evident (don't mean to promote any particular podcast, this is just definitely a centred source):
http://redbarradio.net/content/shows/RBR-06-22-12.mp3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude. First off, put a parental advisory on that crap you're listening to before you post it up here. Way foul.
Second, go get your ears examined. That audio is dead centered. I listened through my reference Shure headphones. I'm a musician vocalist with pretty darned good hearing. But then just for haha's I patched the audio out to a mixing board and sampled for peaks at random places. Nothing out of sorts at all.
If you've swapped out FIVE UNITS for this perceived issue, I think it's time to look for causes other than the hardware. Just sayin.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA Premium HD. In between FCs. from my HTC One X using XDA Premium HD. In between FCs.

First off, sorry, you're right about the audio clip, should have added warning or picked another source.
Anyhow, as for my hearing, as I've said earlier in this thread, I've tried numerous tests to check this, including:
- Switching the headphones around left to right: the bias moves with it.
- Trying the same audio file with the same headphones on a PC and the phone in immediate succession: the file is centered on the PC, left-biased on the phone
- Having friends with the same phone try the file on my phone with mine and their headphones: left biased in all situations
- Wide variety of source files: all left biased
- Wide variety of applications for audio and video: all left biased
Additionally, you're clearly from the USA, and as somebody mentioned above the bug seems to be with the Tegra version, and I assume you're using the dual core 4G version.
Despite my faux-pas with that test file, I'm not actually an idiot, and I've used every method I can think of to screen out hearing deficiency as a cause.

Oh, here's a link to one of the sources that I got on that the Tegra 3 version isn't as good audiowise (and a few other ways IMO ) as the S4 variant.
As to vendetta-NY, don't gotta be so rude man.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/06/26/beats-me-why-htcs-amazing-sound-on-the-international-one-x-isnt-amazing-at-all-even-by-the-numbers/

Low Volume through Headphone jack - Solution through root?

I've been an iPhone user since the 3GS, and one of my main uses for it was for listening to music. The Nexus 5 being my first android device, I found that the sound quality out of the headphone jack is different but still very good (better stereo separation then what I was getting on my iPhone 4, but low frequencies seem cut off and treble seems a bit boosted.)
Unfortunately, the volume is way too low for anything outside of private listening (even then, it's barely sufficient.) It definitely will be annoying trying to listen outdoors or even in a noisy room.
I've been searching here and a few other places (mostly head-fi) and found that low volume has been a common complaint among most android devices. Here and on other android centric forums, people recommend getting the volume booster apps. I tried them and wasn't satisfied. For the most part they don't really work. It seems that all they do is boost the EQ, which is definitely not a solution.
Unfortunately, since most people on head fi are audio geeks, their solution is to grab a bulky external headphone amp, which I am not even considering.
What stood out to me was that some of the more knowledgeable people recommended swapping kernels, which, if its a solution to my problem, at this point is the only reason I see for rooting the device.
I see some threads about changing out the kernels on other phones, but will I need to wait until they are customized for the N5, or are they pretty universal? And is this usually the best solution for this problem?
Thanks a lot guys.

Strange as mine is perfectly loud enough. Are you a bit deaf perhaps? Or maybe you haven't turned the volume up to max (it has a limit to protect your hearing, which you must consent to go any louder by tapping the conformation).
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Yes, this is a common issue amongst Android phones, particularly for those who route the headphone jack to a car stereo or something similar.
The best way to handle is through a custom kernel. I've used Faux123's kernel and his companion "Faux Sound" app to do this, though other kernels also have sound features. It's global through the system, so no worrying about boosting EQs in individual apps, etc.
Kernel hacking for the N5 is well under way in the "Original Android Development" section. Good luck!
A
PS. Rooting has a lot of advantages. There's really few reasons NOT to root.

The solution to all this is quite simple: buy in ears. Even without sound those things give you private space in the crowd. Then volume on 60-70% is more then enough for me.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

supercakefish said:
Strange as mine is perfectly loud enough. Are you a bit deaf perhaps? Or maybe you haven't turned the volume up to max (it has a limit to protect your hearing, which you must consent to go any louder by tapping the conformation).
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol my hearing is actually fine. For in the house, I'm fine (I'm not even cranking it all the way up.) It's for outdoors and other high noise environments (the gym, planes, buses, trains, etc.) that I am concerned. Also, when I plug the auxiliary cable from the headphone jack to my cars line in, I will have to crank the volume up higher than I did with my iphone, putting unnecessary stress on my car stereo.
I went into settings ---> sound ---> Volumes and adjusted there. But it when I adjust the volume there, it is the same adjustment as the volume rocker. Is there another place where I can adjust that safety limit you mentioned? If you can point me toward that, I would greatly Appreciate it!
Thanks
Alpione said:
Yes, this is a common issue amongst Android phones, particularly for those who route the headphone jack to a car stereo or something similar.
The best way to handle is through a custom kernel. I've used Faux123's kernel and his companion "Faux Sound" app to do this, though other kernels also have sound features. It's global through the system, so no worrying about boosting EQs in individual apps, etc.
Kernel hacking for the N5 is well under way in the "Original Android Development" section. Good luck!
A
PS. Rooting has a lot of advantages. There's really few reasons NOT to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot! Let me rephrase, this is my priority! haha, I'm sure I'm going to have a lot of fun with android customization.
[
QUOTE=J_Dutch;47230653]The solution to all this is quite simple: buy in ears. Even without sound those things give you private space in the crowd. Then volume on 60-70% is more then enough for me.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app[/QUOTE]
I am using in ears- Klipsch S4. I've been thinking about ordering the double flange tips.
Thanks!

SithLord123 said:
I've been an iPhone user since the 3GS, and one of my main uses for it was for listening to music. The Nexus 5 being my first android device, I found that the sound quality out of the headphone jack is different but still very good (better stereo separation then what I was getting on my iPhone 4, but low frequencies seem cut off and treble seems a bit boosted.)
Unfortunately, the volume is way too low for anything outside of private listening (even then, it's barely sufficient.) It definitely will be annoying trying to listen outdoors or even in a noisy room.
I've been searching here and a few other places (mostly head-fi) and found that low volume has been a common complaint among most android devices. Here and on other android centric forums, people recommend getting the volume booster apps. I tried them and wasn't satisfied. For the most part they don't really work. It seems that all they do is boost the EQ, which is definitely not a solution.
Unfortunately, since most people on head fi are audio geeks, their solution is to grab a bulky external headphone amp, which I am not even considering.
What stood out to me was that some of the more knowledgeable people recommended swapping kernels, which, if its a solution to my problem, at this point is the only reason I see for rooting the device.
I see some threads about changing out the kernels on other phones, but will I need to wait until they are customized for the N5, or are they pretty universal? And is this usually the best solution for this problem?
Thanks a lot guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you find a solution to make the volume louder PLEASE LET ME KNOW... I AM A BIT DEAF, PROBABLY WHY IM YELLING... But seriously I need it way louder
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 05:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:31 PM ----------
MikeLibbey said:
If you find a solution to make the volume louder PLEASE LET ME KNOW... I AM A BIT DEAF, PROBABLY WHY IM YELLING... But seriously I need it way louder
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also why are ppl saying the easy solution is to buy headphones Wtf Lol a little more expensive...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[Q] Sound distortion at high volume?

I know there are quite a few complaints about the speaker/sound quality on the N5, but I'm wondering if I'm actually experiencing a situation different than the typical complaints. When I have my volume at max, the sound is distorted and "vibraty" (it gives off that vibrational distorted sound, if that makes any sense). Is that what most people are experiencing? I want to make sure that I don't have a defective device, and that this horrid sound quality is the phone "working as intended."
Thanks in advance.

Lyxdeslic said:
I know there are quite a few complaints about the speaker/sound quality on the N5, but I'm wondering if I'm actually experiencing a situation different than the typical complaints. When I have my volume at max, the sound is distorted and "vibraty" (it gives off that vibrational distorted sound, if that makes any sense). Is that what most people are experiencing? I want to make sure that I don't have a defective device, and that this horrid sound quality is the phone "working as intended."
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are allready custom kernels that improve sound and loudness in the original dev. thread, you might look there to improve sound if you`re not happy bro.

gee2012 said:
There are allready custom kernels that improve sound and loudness in the original dev. thread, you might look there to improve sound if you`re not happy bro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the response. I heard that Google is sending out an update for both the sound and camera issues. I'd like to see what they take care of before I flash anything. I'm enjoying stock.
But I was wondering if the sound I'm experience is also what everyone else is experiencing. It sounds good at middle volumes, but slightly distorted at max volume. Is that normal?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Lyxdeslic said:
,,, enjoying stock ... wondering if the sound I'm experience is also what everyone else is experiencing. It sounds good at middle volumes, but slightly distorted at max volume. Is that normal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it normal, I can't say - IMO, it's to be expected and that's me. Take a look at the size of that mono speaker and it is by Bose, right - ain't no way it's going to compete with my 8-speakers/subwoofer Bose system setup @ home that cost a bit, urrrhhh. And, it's not going to deliver stage live quality for listening in any challenging environment - but, tune your expectations & you will be happy. I put on a decent pair of noise-cancelling audio headset & tweaked the equalizer settings, wow - I'm satisfied.
This is XDA and as others noted, there are patches & workaround but there is only so much we can do to overcome hardware limitations with design specifications. Look at the true HD screen itself - actually, it sounded pretty good paired with a Big Blue bluetooth travel speaker.
Just sit back, I would be surprised if the speaker isn't stressed out at max output with boosting & continued to work - I can live with a bit of distortion if that's the tradeoff. You can always RMA and wait for a new one to see if it's better (newer production batch #) - can you send it back & willing to wait, I won't as I will not let this beauty out of sight - too busy exploring KitKat and it's functions.

Letitride said:
Is it normal, I can't say - IMO, it's to be expected and that's me. Take a look at the size of that mono speaker and it is by Bose, right - ain't no way it's going to compete with my 8-speakers/subwoofer Bose system setup @ home that cost a bit, urrrhhh. And, it's not going to deliver stage live quality for listening in any challenging environment - but, tune your expectations & you will be happy. I put on a decent pair of noise-cancelling audio headset & tweaked the equalizer settings, wow - I'm satisfied.
This is XDA and as others noted, there are patches & workaround but there is only so much we can do to overcome hardware limitations with design specifications. Look at the true HD screen itself - actually, it sounded pretty good paired with a Big Blue bluetooth travel speaker.
Just sit back, I would be surprised if the speaker isn't stressed out at max output with boosting & continued to work - I can live with a bit of distortion if that's the tradeoff. You can always RMA and wait for a new one to see if it's better (newer production batch #) - can you send it back & willing to wait, I won't as I will not let this beauty out of sight - too busy exploring KitKat and it's functions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great response. Thank you. I think I'll simply look past it. I always have headphones on anyway, and I'm pleased with the output in that department. Cheers.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Sound quality

Hello,
I did some reading on the Nexus 5 and most of its problems I can live with, but many people complained about bad sound quality via the headphone output.
Can you confirm or deny this? I use my phones mainly as mp3 players and therefore the sound quality is extremely important for me.

Honestly, I don't get what the fuss is all about. Perhaps I damaged my ears with loud music in my teenage years but think it sounds great (the headphone port, of course)

Plugging into the headphone jack on the Nexus 5, it actually sounds better than when plugged into my PC which has a Creative SoundBlaster Recon3D PCIe (~$150), if that says anything.

Coming from an S3 with Wolfson audio DAC (digital to analogue convertor) I think the Qualcomm DAC is substandard. I have a nice set of Audio Technica headphones, so the difference is noticeable. However, HOWEVER... I find with viper4android (which needs root) the audio quality on the n5 goes from "OK, nothing special" to "oh man, wha???" So I actually wouldn't swap it for anything right now. N5+Viper+good cans = fantastic experience

rootSU said:
Coming from an S3 with Wolfson audio DAC (digital to analogue convertor) I think the Qualcomm DAC is substandard. I have a nice set of Audio Technica headphones, so the difference is noticeable. However, HOWEVER... I find with viper4android (which needs root) the audio quality on the n5 goes from "OK, nothing special" to "oh man, wha???" So I actually wouldn't swap it for anything right now. N5+Viper+good cans = fantastic experience
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. Viper makes all the difference.

Lethargy said:
Yup. Viper makes all the difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rootSU said:
Coming from an S3 with Wolfson audio DAC (digital to analogue convertor) I think the Qualcomm DAC is substandard. I have a nice set of Audio Technica headphones, so the difference is noticeable. However, HOWEVER... I find with viper4android (which needs root) the audio quality on the n5 goes from "OK, nothing special" to "oh man, wha???" So I actually wouldn't swap it for anything right now. N5+Viper+good cans = fantastic experience
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a bit skeptical about this, can software tweak really fix hardware shortcoming of the sound module?
JayR_L said:
Honestly, I don't get what the fuss is all about. Perhaps I damaged my ears with loud music in my teenage years but think it sounds great (the headphone port, of course)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell me which headphones are you using? Some people are so used to crappy sound quality with $5 ear buds that they can't tell the difference (no offence meant )

RabbiShe said:
I am a bit skeptical about this, can software tweak really fix hardware shortcoming of the sound module?
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Yeah.

RabbiShe said:
I am a bit skeptical about this, can software tweak really fix hardware shortcoming of the sound module?
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Yes of course. All hardware is driven by software. The fault of the sound module could be hardware, in which case software can compensate for it by re-processing the audio.. Or even add CPU processing to give more powerful hardware processing to give better audio... OR the problem is software in the first place, in which case software can replace it.
For example, you can massively increase audio quality on a PC, for any app (including spotify and other streamin services) by cutting out unecessary processes and dedicating more resources to audio processing...
#
http://www.windowsxlive.net/fidelizer/

Well, i decided to order it. I hope to god i'm not making a mistake, since it has to last me for at least 5 years, before i can get a new phone. Since i'm a just a poor peasant boy, with not many ducats in his pouch.
By the way, will flashing cm12 void the phones warranty?

RabbiShe said:
Well, i decided to order it. I hope to god i'm not making a mistake, since it has to last me for at least 5 years, before i can get a new phone. Since i'm a just a poor peasant boy, with not many ducats in his pouch.
By the way, will flashing cm12 void the phones warranty?
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You wont be disappointed. Like I said, I have some reasonably expensive headphones and after Viper, its a really pleasant experience.
Depends where you bought the phone regarding warranty. If you got it directly from play store, you're fine. Buying it anywhere else, the warranty is with LG not Google. They're a bit more picky as if the tamper flag has been triggered, LG are likely to refuse warranty, whereas google themselves dont care.

Damn, i knew it.
I went to pick up my nexus 5 and then, filled with excitement and xmass cheer, unboxed it at home. The very second i placed my finger on the on/off button i knew something was horribly wrong. It rattled. Somehow, almost a year later, i still got the flawed version of the nexus 5 from the early batch, which had the rattling button, small speaker holes and all those other nasty early adopter problems. I immediately jumped into my car and returned it (managed to do it just before the store closed for holidays pheww) and now my Christmas is ruined. :crying:

RabbiShe said:
Damn, i knew it.
I went to pick up my nexus 5 and then, filled with excitement and xmass cheer, unboxed it at home. The very second i placed my finger on the on/off button i knew something was horribly wrong. It rattled. Somehow, almost a year later, i still got the flawed version of the nexus 5 from the early batch, which had the rattling button, small speaker holes and all those other nasty early adopter problems. I immediately jumped into my car and returned it (managed to do it just before the store closed for holidays pheww) and now my Christmas is ruined. :crying:
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http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=49111828

RabbiShe said:
Damn, i knew it.
I went to pick up my nexus 5 and then, filled with excitement and xmass cheer, unboxed it at home. The very second i placed my finger on the on/off button i knew something was horribly wrong. It rattled. Somehow, almost a year later, i still got the flawed version of the nexus 5 from the early batch, which had the rattling button, small speaker holes and all those other nasty early adopter problems. I immediately jumped into my car and returned it (managed to do it just before the store closed for holidays pheww) and now my Christmas is ruined. :crying:
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Lethargy said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=49111828
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This!
There is no "flawed" version. Its a cheap phone so quality control is not as strict as more premium phones. Some have big speaker holes some have little ones (and that makes no difference anyway) and some have loose buttons and some do not. Its just the way it is.
If you don't want a cheap phone, pay double and get something else
Also its worth noting that it depends how you press power buttons. If you tap it from 1 inch away, then all nexus 5 rattle. Actually in that case its the OIS in the camera rattling and not power button.

RabbiShe said:
Damn, i knew it.
I went to pick up my nexus 5 and then, filled with excitement and xmass cheer, unboxed it at home. The very second i placed my finger on the on/off button i knew something was horribly wrong. It rattled. Somehow, almost a year later, i still got the flawed version of the nexus 5 from the early batch, which had the rattling button, small speaker holes and all those other nasty early adopter problems. I immediately jumped into my car and returned it (managed to do it just before the store closed for holidays pheww) and now my Christmas is ruined. :crying:
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You've confirmed for yourself what we've been trying to tell people since December when the false rumor was started, there was no revision.
It's practically unheard of for any device to have a hardware revision only 1 month after launch, because that would mean they knew about the issue well before the launch but decided to release the defective devices anyways.
Funny enough the exact same fake rumor stuff is happening with the Nexus 9. One user compares 2 devices after an RMA and suddenly there is a "confirmed revision by HTC" rumors flying around everywhere. Hint: that didn't get a revision after only 1 month either.