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[Q] Improving Speaker Quality?

This is my first tablet so I have no idea how the TF speakers compare but I would consider them as adequate no more. The sound is great using headphones etc but I was wondering if there might be an app to boost the sound quality in general use without using phones/buds? Thanks for any help

You can fiddle around with this app to change a few settings and maybe make it sound better suited for your ears: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.smartandroidapps.equalizer

shotto said:
This is my first tablet so I have no idea how the TF speakers compare but I would consider them as adequate no more. The sound is great using headphones etc but I was wondering if there might be an app to boost the sound quality in general use without using phones/buds? Thanks for any help
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I am in the same boat except I listen through a bluetooth speaker. I would love to just be able to take the tablet on the porch with me and not have to grab another speaker. Unfortunately I can't hear the built in speaker that well over my kids screaming outside.
To further the question is there anyone out there that maybe has really good and loud speakers. Just want to make sure we did not get faulty units. I have not experienced any of the other issues with "bleeding, creaking, etc.." but I guess I could have faulty speakers. Thanks for your help...

cardman827 said:
I am in the same boat except I listen through a bluetooth speaker. I would love to just be able to take the tablet on the porch with me and not have to grab another speaker. Unfortunately I can't hear the built in speaker that well over my kids screaming outside.
To further the question is there anyone out there that maybe has really good and loud speakers. Just want to make sure we did not get faulty units. I have not experienced any of the other issues with "bleeding, creaking, etc.." but I guess I could have faulty speakers. Thanks for your help...
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my TF isnt as loud as I would have thought too....acceptable but could be better.
i think there are some apps can help boost the volume.

stuntdouble said:
You can fiddle around with this app to change a few settings and maybe make it sound better suited for your ears: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.smartandroidapps.equalizer
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Excellent, many thanks! Using that app seems to have boosted things by a decent amount

cardman827 said:
I am in the same boat except I listen through a bluetooth speaker. I would love to just be able to take the tablet on the porch with me and not have to grab another speaker. Unfortunately I can't hear the built in speaker that well over my kids screaming outside.
To further the question is there anyone out there that maybe has really good and loud speakers. Just want to make sure we did not get faulty units. I have not experienced any of the other issues with "bleeding, creaking, etc.." but I guess I could have faulty speakers. Thanks for your help...
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This is what I use with my Nook Color (which also does not boast the best internal speaker): Altec Lansing iM-237 Orbit Ultraportable Speaker for MP3 Players. It is loud enough for large patio and pool area and lasts seemingly forever on 3 AA batteries.

I ordered mine from Best Buy and it arrived yesterday. What I seem to have is a speaker imbalance...my right speaker sounds louder than the left.
Also, I have a very minor light bleed at the bottom of the display and if I hold it too tight or press down on it I hear minor creaks as well. Should I return it??

My right speaker seems to be louder as well, its listed in the "things that need to be fixed" thread. I also had the full memory problem and had to reset it back to factory. Today when i woke it up to play music I had no sound whatsoever!!! I powered it down then back up and it seemed to fix it.
I was also wondering if I should just return it and wait a month for new stock or hold on to it and hope they fix it in firmware upgrades. I really like the tablet but now am having second thoughts. I have 7 more days to decide...

[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.
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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?
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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.
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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?

Z3 speakers?

Hello!
As some of you knows it already the Z2 speakers are low out of the box and even only one speaker works when the phone ring.
Do you think the Z3 will be louder with tweaks as Phonearena review is saying it's not loud enough?
Btw does the new UI has a car app?

Please post questions in the Q&A section
Thread moved

vegetaleb said:
Hello!
As some of you knows it already the Z2 speakers are low out of the box and even only one speaker works when the phone ring.
Do you think the Z3 will be louder with tweaks as Phonearena review is saying it's not loud enough?
Btw does the new UI has a car app?
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Hiya
Just got mine last night. The bottom speaker is the only speaker that plays when the phone rings, although it is quite loud. Texts seem quiet though. This would be better through both speakers though for sure.
Can't see a Car app on UK unlocked model.

Different with my Z3 (bought via Vodafone Germany): BOTH speakers are used for incoming call sounds; pretty decent volume.
Didn't notice a "car app"; there's Garmin navigation preinstalled - but the usual "try and NOT buy" kind. So just regard it as nonexistent, simply stick with Google Maps. And yes, Sony generously allows deinstalling Garmin navigation.
Speakers in general: Nice and clear sound, quite deep stereo effect, but a bit thin, could be louder, about the same volume as Samsung's S4.
Playing around with preamp settings does NOT help, just leads to distortions.
HORRIBLE volume via 3,5 mm connector - AS USAL, volume is FAR TOO LOW for powering anything else than that infamous earwax pullers (in-ear headphones).
For something positive: The sound via headphones connector is real fine, you won't be disappointed if it comes to audio fidelity.

this is probably done on purpose by design. sony probably figures if they enabled both speakers or made them louder it would be pretty rude when in public places.. something would agree with.. nothing more annoying than to be at a public place and hearing phones ringing at full volume . IMO these devices are already ring loud enough.. i keep mine at middle volume and is plenty loud. i think people that require louder should invest in hearing aids or perhaps clean their ears :laugh:

tft said:
this is probably done on purpose by design. sony probably figures if they enabled both speakers or made them louder it would be pretty rude when in public places.. something would agree with.. nothing more annoying than to be at a public place and hearing phones ringing at full volume . IMO these devices are already ring loud enough.. i keep mine at middle volume and is plenty loud. i think people that require louder should invest in hearing aids or perhaps clean their ears :laugh:
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Can't say limiting the ability of the phone to ring through both speakers is a design feature.
I'm going to keep looking to see if anyone sorts the sound coming out of one speaker as this is the culprit I think.
Edit: I actually think having both speakers playing would allow them to reduce the volume in both, allowing for less distortion and a nice sounding ringtone.

Im currently test driving the IPhone 6...yes don't bash me this is my first iPhone...I'll like to know if the speaker output on the Z3 is as loud as the iPhone 6?

I just own z3 I can tell speaker very low.I owned z1 z2 before. same kind **** Sony don't improve anything

shook187 said:
Im currently test driving the IPhone 6...yes don't bash me this is my first iPhone...I'll like to know if the speaker output on the Z3 is as loud as the iPhone 6?
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The iPhone 6 speaker is louder, but since it's always facing the wrong direction, the louder speaker doesn't always translate to more sound reaching your ears. Your hand often covers the speaker as you hold it as well.

It's plenty loud, maybe not as good as HTC M8 levels in terms of clarity at full volume but pretty close.
Speaker tests from GSMArena. Look for stats in a table in the middle of the page in each link.
http://m.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_6-review-1141p7.php
http://m.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z3-review-1140p6.php

Do Z3's tend to have this... "Defective Speaker Crackle" issue a lot?

Alright so I've got a Z3 ordered. I figured I'd give Sony a shot again as my time with the z2 was pretty bad. So, I've been reading and learning information about the Z3 in the threads here I found a TON of scary sounding stories about Quality Control with the speakers.
I think I've read about 5 threads (2 were on Android Authority) where people have said the Top speaker is almost always blown, and crackles and even replacements have the same issue... Now... I don't plan on rocking maximum volume nonstop (I always like to avoid being close to max as I feel it is safer for it) but... Is this some kind of huge issue? I'm just really not going to be fond having a high quality phone who's speaker sounds like a $50 walmart phone when I get a text/call.
I'd just like some reassurance I guess, is this a hardware issue or software? Or perhaps are the people in these 5 threads daft and this isn't a wide spread issue? If it is hardware, is this some kind of unfix-able issue that Sony just had bad QC on?

It crackles slightly on some sounds, but isn't much of an issue. The speakers are quite loud!
Some phones, due to water exposure, get blown speaker symptoms due to dirt clogging the speakers up...clean that up and it sounds good.
I myself had the blown speaker issue...the top speaker would crackle and not much sound was coming out of it - had it repaired under warranty (note: i bought the phone used).

Sony MDR-NC750 High Resolution Audio Headset

Just received these yesterday and they are excellent. Crystal clear sound and noise cancellation works well with Z5. Like most Sony earbuds, slightly lacking in bass response but I can get past that considering the music I listen to. Purchased from Clove UK.
http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/products/accessories/high-resolution-audio-headset-mdr-nc750/
https://www.clove.co.uk/sony-mdr-nc750-high-resolution-audio-headset

Do they have any in-line controls?

simbloke said:
Do they have any in-line controls?
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No, they don't.

Can the headset be used for hands-free phone calls, or are the built-in microphones solely for noise cancelling purposes?

dd23 said:
Can the headset be used for hands-free phone calls, or are the built-in microphones solely for noise cancelling purposes?
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No call functionality at all. They sound fantastic listening to FLAC recordings. I have parked my JBL's and using these exclusively for music. I would think they would improve with break in as well.

You can talk in to the back of the headphones, the mic is dual purpose so works with calls as well as noise cancelling.
Another cool feature is if you have this headset plugged in when recording video the phone records in stereo. Keep them in your ears though to get better stereoscopic sound whilst recording.)
It's odd how Sony don't market these features.

vermania said:
You can talk in to the back of the headphones, the mic is dual purpose so works with calls as well as noise cancelling.
Another cool feature is if you have this headset plugged in when recording video the phone records in stereo. Keep them in your ears though to get better stereoscopic sound whilst recording.)
It's odd how Sony don't market these features.
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Sony did market the feature for the older NC31EM. However, this comment is missing form the MC750 product page.
I wonder what the differences between the two really are, except price and design, obviously.

Upon further investigation, it looks like they can be used for calls:
http://www.sonymobile.co.jp/product/accessories/mdr-nc750/

Whats the difference between Sony MDR-NC750(70GBP) and Sony MDR-EX750(130GBP) ??

MDR-EX750 are rechargeable with in-line controls. MDR-NC750 have neither of these features.

Sh4rkill3r said:
Whats the difference between Sony MDR-NC750(70GBP) and Sony MDR-EX750(130GBP) ??
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Sony MDR-EX750 has Active Noise cancellation (doesn't require Z5), the Sony MDR-NC750 is basically a headphone with a microphone to take in background noise, but relies on the Z5 (or Z-series) phone to provide the noise cancellation -- meaning NC750's noise cancellation doesn't work on anything else but Sony products.

Just got a pair in today (via ebay seller - he never used them. The box was still sealed!) I already had the NC31EM's which I also enjoy and kinda bid on these assuming I wouldn't win them. Oops They are a little more comfortable and the cable is Y-split vs the right side requiring wrapping around the back of the head. I'll be breaking them in over the weekend and seeing how they sound and do with noise cancelation. I already found the NC31's did a fair job.

So, can anyone can confirm calls can be made though this ? That was the main problem for me in the NC31EM, I know that workes (But not always, don't ask me why) but the correspond wasn't prone to understand me correctly :/
Thanks !

Hey,
Just came here to say that the mic is functionnal for the NC750 and worked well during some calls. No control on the remote but I don't mind

Hi i can confirm that it works well and main button on remote works as to answer or finnish the call

doclloyd said:
Just got a pair in today (via ebay seller - he never used them. The box was still sealed!) I already had the NC31EM's which I also enjoy and kinda bid on these assuming I wouldn't win them. Oops They are a little more comfortable and the cable is Y-split vs the right side requiring wrapping around the back of the head. I'll be breaking them in over the weekend and seeing how they sound and do with noise cancelation. I already found the NC31's did a fair job.
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Hi, i know this is a very old post, however I'm curious if f what's the difference from NC31 and 750 in terms of audio quality, any significant difference? thanks

The difference is that NC750 are high resolution and the 31 are not (aside of some more audio improvements). And while it doesnt seem like much, i have both of them and the difference in audio quality is so high it cannot be described in words.
However, in order to fully utilize their potential i would recommend downloading a different music app other than the built in walkman because honestly the walkman is kind of crappy.

TheBanana said:
The difference is that NC750 are high resolution and the 31 are not (aside of some more audio improvements). And while it doesnt seem like much, i have both of them and the difference in audio quality is so high it cannot be described in words.
However, in order to fully utilize their potential i would recommend downloading a different music app other than the built in walkman because honestly the walkman is kind of crappy.
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thanks for the feedback and advise, I'm using spotify premium at extreme quality, guess NC750 does make a good upgrade

TheBanana said:
The difference is that NC750 are high resolution and the 31 are not (aside of some more audio improvements). And while it doesnt seem like much, i have both of them and the difference in audio quality is so high it cannot be described in words.
However, in order to fully utilize their potential i would recommend downloading a different music app other than the built in walkman because honestly the walkman is kind of crappy.
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Hi, what about the sound quality of ex750 and nc750?