Volume level with headphones too low? - Xperia Z5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have had the z5 for about a month and i am happy with it. However I have found the volume with headphones too low. Most to the time, i have to double check to see if it can go louder.
To ensure it wasn't my headphones, I went to to an electronic store and tried all the top end headphones but just found it not loud enough.
Maybe i am going deaf but has anyone experienced similar results?

With high impedance headphones, it could be a problem... I'm using a pair of 32ohm earbuds and the volume level is pretty good (¾ is loud enough for me)
Indeed, the volume is very low with my 600ohm Beyerdynamic DT-880, but that's normal: These headphones are not meant to be used with a phone, they need proper amplification to sound their best.

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[Q] Increasing Bluetooth Volume on Nexus 5

Hi,
I have a rooted Nexus 5 that I use for music with bluetooth headphones. I've applied the headphone volume boost from XDA which has worked a treat for wired headphones, but I'm wondering whether it is possible to do a similar volume boost of the bluetooth audio output. Any ideas?
Thanks!
bug1baby said:
Hi,
I have a rooted Nexus 5 that I use for music with bluetooth headphones. I've applied the headphone volume boost from XDA which has worked a treat for wired headphones, but I'm wondering whether it is possible to do a similar volume boost of the bluetooth audio output. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
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+1 I'm looking for the same thing. The max volume on Bluetooth speaker is always 10% softer than if you plug a wire into the aux input without Bluetooth. I wonder if there is a way to boost the volume so that it matches the volume attained from a direct aux wire.
montrealguy said:
+1 I'm looking for the same thing. The max volume on Bluetooth speaker is always 10% softer than if you plug a wire into the aux input without Bluetooth. I wonder if there is a way to boost the volume so that it matches the volume attained from a direct aux wire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would try to see if there may be a Xposed module that may help or if you can use a compatible kernel with volume boost. Viper Audio may also help since raising the settings within equalizer to boost vocals/bass/etc if you'd like to try as well.
Are you going for hearing loss?
Did you ever find a solution to this?
mistahseller said:
Are you going for hearing loss?
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I suffer from hearing loss (too many Metallica and Korn concerts back in the day) - because of this so-called handicap, I'm interested if there are any solutions or even alternative, suggested wireless earbuds that would accommodate my needs.
The earbuds I currently have are Plantronics Backbeat Go 2 - excessively low volume.
Timotheos said:
I suffer from hearing loss (too many Metallica and Korn concerts back in the day) - because of this so-called handicap, I'm interested if there are any solutions or even alternative, suggested wireless earbuds that would accommodate my needs.
The earbuds I currently have are Plantronics Backbeat Go 2 - excessively low volume.
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Click to collapse
There is nothing that can be done. The volume for Bluetooth is not controlled via kernel as other sounds are. The limitation is hardware unfortunately.
I too have plantronics back beat go and they are very low. Other BT buds may be a little louder but don't expect miracles.
The only thing you can do is go wired. Sorry to break this to you.

Best Smartphone headphone output volume and clarity

I listen to a lot of music and have been disappointed with some of my Samsung phones headphone output volume, clarity seems ok.
What would you say the headphone output volume was like and quality was with your devices?
not interested in phone speaker volumes, just from headphone socket, I know it depends on headphones or speakers you have plugged into, but some phones have a very low output and some have pretty bad background hiss.

Boost Headphone Volume?

I got some new over the ear headphones and I have to turn up the media volume up all the way but it isn't loud enough. I don't really want to carry around an external amp at the gym.
I'm not sure of the impedance of the headphones. I've seen that there's a mod on here to increase the volume but does it decrease the audio quality? What options do I have?
I'm on XPower 3.0.

Having issues with audio levels with headphones.

I just recently ordered the 1more triple driver earbuds. They sound great. But I have to have the volume maxed out to get a decent level. I'm mostly using Google Music to listen to music. I was having similar issues even using a pair of cheap JVC earbuds. But with the 1more it's even worse. I'm wondering if it's the amp limitations or a faulty device. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
I have a pair of AKG Y20Us and sometimes I have to max them out to get a comfortable level, and sometimes max volume is way too loud for me, I'm not sure what the deal is.

Hi-Fi in audio settings works but...

There is a check on the impedance! i tested it
The Hi-Fi Quad DAC option in sound effect make a huge difference only if connected with high impedance headphones
(i tried this with a headset with a volume roller, connecting when it is over 50 omh makes a huge difference)
i read something similar for high impedance mode of the lg v20
darix96 said:
There is a check on the impedance! i tested it
The Hi-Fi Quad DAC option in sound effect make a huge difference only if connected with high impedance headphones
(i tried this with a headset with a volume roller, connecting when it is over 50 omh makes a huge difference)
i read something similar for high impedance mode of the lg v20
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Yes this is identical to how the G6 functioned.
Basically there are two tricks you can use to get the high impedance mode to work.
1) connect your headphones with an "iphone" Y-adapter, e.g. that thing that has the female headphone and microphone ports that connect to a single RCA plug that plugs into the phone. (this is the opposite of those adapters that have a one pole (for headsets that have mic and phones on the same cable) to two pole split where you split the headphone and mic plugs into two RCA plugs, which are usually for computers, which require separate inputs). Plug in the iphone Y adapter by itself and the G6 will say "external device connected" and will activate high impedance mode. Then plug in your headphones after. The G7 won't say that popup but will activate the same high impedance mode.
I'm guessing a direct female to male RCA connector would also work but I never tried that. If this worked, this would probably be what you would want for yourself. I could never find a connector like that as that's more of an 'extension' cable than anything useful, but I'm sure there must be one somewhere?
2) Use headphones with a built in volume adjustment and set the volume slider to minimum before plugging in the headphones . This sets the resistance to infinite, which activates high impedance mode when plugged in. You already know about this though as you mentioned.
I still don't get the purpose of using a high impedance mode on low impedance headphones.
That should distort how frequencies are reproduced basically nullifying the HiFi purpose of the high quality dac in the phone.
If a headphone has a lower impedance it means that it needs less voltage to function but a lot more current. Higher impedance headphones are the opposite and triggering an high impedance mode on low impedance headphone can also cause damage for both the amplifier and the headphones.
Usually an amplifier needs to have around 1/8 or 1/10 of the impedance of the headphones at its output to have perfect sound and to avoid any damage.
LookedPath said:
I still don't get the purpose of using a high impedance mode on low impedance headphones.
That should distort how frequencies are reproduced basically nullifying the HiFi purpose of the high quality dac in the phone.
If a headphone has a lower impedance it means that it needs less voltage to function but a lot more current. Higher impedance headphones are the opposite and triggering an high impedance mode on low impedance headphone can also cause damage for both the amplifier and the headphones.
Usually an amplifier needs to have around 1/8 or 1/10 of the impedance of the headphones at its output to have perfect sound and to avoid any damage.
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The sound quality of the G7/G6/V35, etc are GREATLY improved by using high impedance mode. There is no distortion. When using "low" impedance mode (which is basically like having the hifi dac off), you literally have to crank up the volume to MAXIMUM to get sound at a decent volume, and that's not good.
BTW if you have a detachable headphone RCA cable, detach it and put it into the phone first. That will trigger high impedance mode.
LookedPath said:
I still don't get the purpose of using a high impedance mode on low impedance headphones.
That should distort how frequencies are reproduced basically nullifying the HiFi purpose of the high quality dac in the phone.
If a headphone has a lower impedance it means that it needs less voltage to function but a lot more current. Higher impedance headphones are the opposite and triggering an high impedance mode on low impedance headphone can also cause damage for both the amplifier and the headphones.
Usually an amplifier needs to have around 1/8 or 1/10 of the impedance of the headphones at its output to have perfect sound and to avoid any damage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my opinion what LG did here by using two kind of DACs and different amplification for each is pure stupidity.
I can get you countless high quality headphones (mine are AudioTechnica M50x which has the impedance of 38ohm) that have lower than 50ohm impedance and therefore cannot use the "high quality DAC" and amplification. Even by moving the volume slider to the max, the M50x are on the quiet side. Surprisingly, the same can be said about the headset received in the box that for sure has <50ohm impedance is on the quiet side in my opinion. Their logic in doing this is beyond me.
So all the mambo jambo advertising with superior audio quality on the LG phones applies only if you have headphones with higher impedance. Otherwise, you receive the basic Qualcomm DAC and amplification that can barely drive 40ohm headphones.
albireox said:
In my opinion what LG did here by using two kind of DACs and different amplification for each is pure stupidity.
I can get you countless high quality headphones (mine are AudioTechnica M50x which has the impedance of 38ohm) that have lower than 50ohm impedance and therefore cannot use the "high quality DAC" and amplification. Even by moving the volume slider to the max, the M50x are on the quiet side. Surprisingly, the same can be said about the headset received in the box that for sure has <50ohm impedance is on the quiet side in my opinion. Their logic in doing this is beyond me.
So all the mambo jambo advertising with superior audio quality on the LG phones applies only if you have headphones with higher impedance. Otherwise, you receive the basic Qualcomm DAC and amplification that can barely drive 40ohm headphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have the Audio Technica M50X and I'm not able to listen them at the max volume because they get really loud.
If you use the other amplifier deisgned to drive higher impedance headphones you don't get better audio quality because it wasn't designed to drive low impedance headphones like ours.
LookedPath said:
I also have the Audio Technica M50X and I'm not able to listen them at the max volume because they get really loud.
If you use the other amplifier deisgned to drive higher impedance headphones you don't get better audio quality because it wasn't designed to drive low impedance headphones like ours.
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I don't seek for better audio quality, but higher volume. In my opinion the "standard" amplifier on the G7 doesn't deliver.
albireox said:
I don't seek for better audio quality, but higher volume. In my opinion the "standard" amplifier on the G7 doesn't deliver.
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What's the point of having a DAC that can provide a better audio experience than the one with standard headphones if you don't seek audio quality but just volume?
Compared to other devices that I've tried the G7 is the one that can handle my ATH-M50X better with fewer distortions and a lovely balance in the frequencies.
To each one his own but don't say that you need to use high impedance headphones to get the quad dac advantages because that's not true.
LookedPath said:
What's the point of having a DAC that can provide a better audio experience than the one with standard headphones if you don't seek audio quality but just volume?
Compared to other devices that I've tried the G7 is the one that can handle my ATH-M50X better with fewer distortions and a lovely balance in the frequencies.
To each one his own but don't say that you need to use high impedance headphones to get the quad dac advantages because that's not true.
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I said I need the amplification part of the equation. G7 is the only one that offers that for >50ohm headphones. I don't see what's not clear here. What you use with your M50x is the standard DAC that you can find on ANY S845 device that offers analog output (audio jack). It's no better on the LG than on a Oneplus6 for example (which I also tested). Just look on the frequency response measurements. There are basically the same.
albireox said:
I said I need the amplification part of the equation. G7 is the only one that offers that for >50ohm headphones. I don't see what's not clear here. What you use with your M50x is the standard DAC that you can find on ANY S845 device that offers analog output (audio jack). It's no better on the LG than on a Oneplus6 for example (which I also tested). Just look on the frequency response measurements. There are basically the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The frequency response between the OnePlus 6 and the G7 is actually pretty different and this definitely proves that they don't have the same electrical components inside.
You can look at the OP6 analysis here and at the G7 analysis here.
You can notice the difference in frequency response, the lower crosstalk, the lower noise, the lower THD of the G7 compared to the standard amplifier of the OnePlus.
LookedPath said:
The frequency response between the OnePlus 6 and the G7 is actually pretty different and this definitely proves that they don't have the same electrical components inside.
You can look at the OP6 analysis here and at the G7 analysis here.
You can notice the difference in frequency response, the lower crosstalk, the lower noise, the lower THD of the G7 compared to the standard amplifier of the OnePlus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The differences are so small that I doubt anyone but the finest listeners would observe them (although I have my doubts here too). But, if the G7 sounds better for you, well, that's great. I was only trying to underline that the 50ohm threshold for switching DACs and amplification is not chosen properly and leaves many people who own high end headphones (with lower impedance) disappointed.
i think that with root and modification to mixer_paths.xml or others files we can have this always activated
i tried on my old z1 compact to set HPHL and HPHR volume to 20 without change anything else and it's almost the same output power of the g7 with Hi_Fi dac activated (a little less on volume but without any distorsion)
now the problem is: how to root this phone without unlock bootloader?
People confuse sound quality with volume for some weird reason. I see it everywhere. Fooling my headphones into high impedence mode doesn't give the sound better quality, just higher volume. Stop saying the sound quality gets better. It doesn't. The DAC is still active even on headphones below 50 ohm. You can hear the sound quality take a dip if you disable the DAC from the quick settings. My Sennheiser Momentum 2 sounds great and they don't sound better if I fool the DAC into high impedence but the volume gets a little bit louder. But they are loud enough without the trick for me.
dannejanne said:
People confuse sound quality with volume for some weird reason. I see it everywhere. Fooling my headphones into high impedence mode doesn't give the sound better quality, just higher volume. Stop saying the sound quality gets better. It doesn't. The DAC is still active even on headphones below 50 ohm. You can hear the sound quality take a dip if you disable the DAC from the quick settings. My Sennheiser Momentum 2 sounds great and they don't sound better if I fool the DAC into high impedence but the volume gets a little bit louder. But they are loud enough without the trick for me.
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This is exactly what I was trying to say but they are convinced otherwise
dannejanne said:
People confuse sound quality with volume for some weird reason. I see it everywhere. Fooling my headphones into high impedence mode doesn't give the sound better quality, just higher volume. Stop saying the sound quality gets better. It doesn't. The DAC is still active even on headphones below 50 ohm. You can hear the sound quality take a dip if you disable the DAC from the quick settings. My Sennheiser Momentum 2 sounds great and they don't sound better if I fool the DAC into high impedence but the volume gets a little bit louder. But they are loud enough without the trick for me.
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I would say that people are even more confused that having a separate DAC chip is better, let's say over the soc's codec. It's not. Nobody cares that mobile devices hardware stud sucks no matter which amp, or dac you put into the combo. Not to mention software problems.
dannejanne said:
People confuse sound quality with volume for some weird reason. I see it everywhere. Fooling my headphones into high impedence mode doesn't give the sound better quality, just higher volume. Stop saying the sound quality gets better. It doesn't. The DAC is still active even on headphones below 50 ohm. You can hear the sound quality take a dip if you disable the DAC from the quick settings. My Sennheiser Momentum 2 sounds great and they don't sound better if I fool the DAC into high impedence but the volume gets a little bit louder. But they are loud enough without the trick for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think anybody on this thread said something about higher volume means better sound quality. If the G7 uses the same "quad DAC" as the V30 (which personally I don't know if it's true or not) , then if it detects any headphones with impedance < 50ohm it routes the audio through the "standard" Qualcomm DAC. If the input is > 50ohm then it routes audio through the high quality DAC which seems to be the ESS ES9218P and also amplifies it. So in this case having <50ohm headphones really means you receive lower quality sound since the Qcomm DAC has clearly lower specifications than the ESS one. Again, I might be wrong with this assumption but this is how things work on the V30.
Second, there are a lot of people with high quality headphones that have lower than (but close to) 50ohm impedance that can't be driven by the Qcomm DAC and amplification. I gave the example of AudioTechnica M50x (38ohm) that, for me at least, don't sound loud enough and that's why I mostly use Dragonfly Black DAC with this phone (and will probably use with any other future phone).
If you use Momentum 2, that has 18ohm AFAIK, it's clear that they'll sound quite loud on this setup.
If anybody has better insight about how things work on the audio side of the G7, please enlight us.
albireox said:
I don't think anybody on this thread said something about higher volume means better sound quality. If the G7 uses the same "quad DAC" as the V30 (which personally I don't know if it's true or not) , then if it detects any headphones with impedance < 50ohm it routes the audio through the "standard" Qualcomm DAC. If the input is > 50ohm then it routes audio through the high quality DAC which seems to be the ESS ES9218P and also amplifies it. So in this case having <50ohm headphones really means you receive lower quality sound since the Qcomm DAC has clearly lower specifications than the ESS one. Again, I might be wrong with this assumption but this is how things work on the V30.
Second, there are a lot of people with high quality headphones that have lower than (but close to) 50ohm impedance that can't be driven by the Qcomm DAC and amplification. I gave the example of AudioTechnica M50x (38ohm) that, for me at least, don't sound loud enough and that's why I mostly use Dragonfly Black DAC with this phone (and will probably use with any other future phone).
If you use Momentum 2, that has 18ohm AFAIK, it's clear that they'll sound quite loud on this setup.
If anybody has better insight about how things work on the audio side of the G7, please enlight us.
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Thank you for this useful post. You can indeed tell better sound quality by having the hifi dac activated even at the same volume Things like treble response in the mids can show it.
albireox said:
I don't think anybody on this thread said something about higher volume means better sound quality. If the G7 uses the same "quad DAC" as the V30 (which personally I don't know if it's true or not) , then if it detects any headphones with impedance < 50ohm it routes the audio through the "standard" Qualcomm DAC. If the input is > 50ohm then it routes audio through the high quality DAC which seems to be the ESS ES9218P and also amplifies it. So in this case having <50ohm headphones really means you receive lower quality sound since the Qcomm DAC has clearly lower specifications than the ESS one. Again, I might be wrong with this assumption but this is how things work on the V30.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That can't be the case as the sound quality gets worse if I disable the quad-DAC from quick settings while listening to music with my Momentum 2 that are only 18ohm. The quad-DAC clearly is used all the time unless I disable it myself. This is why tricking the phone makes no difference to sound quality only volume. So the Qualcomm DAC is only used if the user intentionally disable the quad-DAC. This is true even on lower ohm headphones. This is the thing people don't seem to get.
It works exactly the same on V30. I had one prior the G7. V10 as well that I had a while ago.
dannejanne said:
That can't be the case as the sound quality gets worse if I disable the quad-DAC from quick settings while listening to music with my Momentum 2 that are only 18ohm. The quad-DAC clearly is used all the time unless I disable it myself. This is why tricking the phone makes no difference to sound quality only volume. So the Qualcomm DAC is only used if the user intentionally disable the quad-DAC. This is true even on lower ohm headphones. This is the thing people don't seem to get.
It works exactly the same on V30. I had one prior the G7. V10 as well that I had a while ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure on the V30 the quad DAC was available for low impedance headphones? I remember it wasn't, but I might be wrong of course, I sold the phone months ago. If you're right about the G7 using the ESS DAC all the time then great, but still there is a pretty big chunk of headphones <50 ohm that can't be properly driven by the LG's solution.
Yes, this construction gives some weird results, like my Senheiser HD600S at 600 Ohms are playing much louder than any of my cans
Those cans around 32 Ohms needs to be maxed out on volume, the HD600s sounds real loud below half volume ...
A simple impedance toggle in the Quad Dac settings would solve the issue and make everyone happy!
edit. Yes, it is indeed ES9218P like in V30:
http://www.esstech.com/index.php/en/news/newsroom/lg-g7-thinq/

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