Related
I just saw this on Sony's site:
In terms of audio, both models (Sony Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact) deliver High-Resolution audio output directly via the headphone jack, and also feature Sony's ground-breaking DSEE HX technology which upscales the fidelity of low-res music files (MP3, AAC) to near High-Resolution quality*4, ensuring that extremely high audio quality can be enjoyed anytime. Furthermore, they both feature digital noise cancelling capability built-in, reducing ambient noise by up to approximately 98%.*5
Can anyone here tell me, how does this compare to what the Harman/Kardon mod (or edition) of the M8 does? Sounds like it does the same thing as what H/K does, but which one does it better? Does DSEE HX also come with ADSP files the way the H/K mod does?? Just wondering.
P.S. I'm not comparing phones here, just options on these phones.
Thanks,
RockStar2005
Excellent question. I have no input but would be very intersted in the responses.
augie7107 said:
Excellent question. I have no input but would be very intersted in the responses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey augie,
Hopefully we'll find out more soon. Though it sounds like the Z3 and the H/K version of the M8 will be neck and neck. I found out this about the hi-res Sony option:
http://www.totonstv.com/blog/sony-high-resolution-audio/ (at least see last paragraph)
To me it's gonna be really close. I'll prob just stick with my M8, but can't say for sure. The M8 has a slightly sharper screen and better selfie-camera (and is slightly smaller with the curved back & edges, so fits in hand like a glove), but Z3 (flat back with curved edges) has it beat everywhere else. Tough call!! lol
Also interesting: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/130642-sony-xperia-z3-vs-htc-one-m8-what-s-the-difference
If I didn't have the H/K version of the M8 (regular version + H/K mod lol), it would be Z3 without flinching. But that mod alone took the phone from a B+/A- to an A+. H/K + PowerAmp = Amazing! Then again, Sony is the "bomb.com" when it comes to sound engineering! But you also have to consider that H/K technology is used in Mercedes-Benz and BMW cars. Now you see my dilemma. lol
RockStar2005
I can see the dilemma. I wanted to pick up an M8 H/K but they were only available locked to sprint. Could have went your route and bought an unlocked and modded but had a Z2 and still with it. Thanks for posting the links good info. The improvements in audio reproduction are the main reason I'm upgrading to Z3 when available.
augie7107 said:
I can see the dilemma. I wanted to pick up an M8 H/K but they were only available locked to sprint. Could have went your route and bought an unlocked and modded but had a Z2 and still with it. Thanks for posting the links good info. The improvements in audio reproduction are the main reason I'm upgrading to Z3 when available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Augie,
I see. How have you liked the Z2? I was DYIN' to get it but T-Mobile never released it and I wasn't really down with buying it unlocked, esp before it was released here in the U.S. officially, which didn't happen until 3-4 months after I'd bought it (couldn't wait forever). The M8 was the next logical choice. In some ways it's better (sound?, screen?), and in some ways it's not (battery, RAM, camera obviously lol, although M8 apparently has the better "selfie camera"). If you use "HDR" mode for the camera on the M8, it actually improves the quality. I've had some compliments on pics taken by it actually.
Yeah...... it was a challenge to get it rooted and S-OFF'd, lemme tell ya! lol I learned a few things. But now I'm pretty much an expert. lol It was worth it though. BoomSound was very good, but H/K is incredible. Yeah, I wasn't about to go get a Sprint phone either. Been there, done that. lol
No problem. Glad you found them to be interesting.
Yeah, I think if I was you I'd prob upgrade too. Plus the Z3 is smaller all around too, which I actually like. It's slightly shorter and thinner (by 2mm), although slightly wider. Also the camera is the same but field of scope has been widened. You can find more here:
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=6144&idPhone2=6539
Battery on Z3 is slightly smaller, yes, but the Z3 is said to be more efficient than the Z2 b/c of the newer processor. FYI.
RockStar2005
The problem I had with sony phones is the low headphone volume compared to even samsung. hope this has changed on the z3 as I was disappointed with the z2.
If i has ill defo be picking up a Z3 in black.
RCJ,
Interesting. Well the Z3 is supposed to have hi-res and DSEE HX (to improve lower-quality mp3s), so I'm gonna assume it will be noticeably better. Did you have/use the special noise-cancelling Sony earphones (http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en.../digital-noise-cancelling-headset-mdr-nc31em/) with the Z2? Since they cancel out most of the outside noise, I'm thinking that would help make the music more louder and clear.
Yeah I'm with you there. Def black for me too (if I actually get it). I have the M8 which is louder according to various reviews, so no issues there.
RockStar2005
RockStar2005 said:
RCJ,
Interesting. Well the Z3 is supposed to have hi-res and DSEE HX (to improve lower-quality mp3s), so I'm gonna assume it will be noticeably better. Did you have/use the special noise-cancelling Sony earphones (http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en.../digital-noise-cancelling-headset-mdr-nc31em/) with the Z2? Since they cancel out most of the outside noise, I'm thinking that would help make the music more louder and clear.
Yeah I'm with you there. Def black for me too (if I actually get it). I have the M8 which is louder according to various reviews, so no issues there.
RockStar2005
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one thing i love about HTCs, in headphones they are loud as ****. Sony hasn't been the same since in terms of loudness since the xperia ARC.
Samsung used to be bad with loudness aswell until the s4, the note 3 and s5 they picked it up even more but according to phone arenas amp output measurement the s5 active is the loudest samsung yet with a headphone amp measurement of 0.67 compared to 0.43 for the s5/note 3. Aparently the galaxy alpha is pretty loud too louder than s5/note 3 but PA hasn't done the amp measurement yet.
The s4 was 0.3* can't remember right now and the z1/2 are 0.29. The HTC M8 is 1.2* iirc so you know that thing is loud!!
I wasn't able to use the N/C headphones with the z2 as I tested a shop model in carphone warehouse using my beats mixr headphones (some may say beats are rubbish but I find these headphones to be good for me).
RCJ,
Wow 1.2?! Crazy. Well you make a great case for the M8, that's for sure! Any idea what the same sound rating is for the Z3 though? I'd be really interested to know that if you could somehow find out.
I see, ok. If I actually bought the Z3 I'd be pretty open to getting those N/C earphones as well. Other countries get them included for free, but ughh the U.S. doesn't....... have to buy them separately. Like $40-$50 on Amazon. I have a pretty good pair of V-Moda earphones..... bought them for about $20 (now worth around $30 cuz harder to find). But I'm guess the Sony N/C ones are better. They're made SPECIFICALLY for the Xperia phones and tablets (basically starting with the Z2 I believe).
Lemme know if you find out that Z3 rating though.
Thanks,
RockStar2005
RCJ89 said:
The one thing i love about HTCs, in headphones they are loud as ****. Sony hasn't been the same since in terms of loudness since the xperia ARC.
Samsung used to be bad with loudness aswell until the s4, the note 3 and s5 they picked it up even more but according to phone arenas amp output measurement the s5 active is the loudest samsung yet with a headphone amp measurement of 0.67 compared to 0.43 for the s5/note 3. Aparently the galaxy alpha is pretty loud too louder than s5/note 3 but PA hasn't done the amp measurement yet.
The s4 was 0.3* can't remember right now and the z1/2 are 0.29. The HTC M8 is 1.2* iirc so you know that thing is loud!!
I wasn't able to use the N/C headphones with the z2 as I tested a shop model in carphone warehouse using my beats mixr headphones (some may say beats are rubbish but I find these headphones to be good for me).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HTC One was probably the best quality sound I've experienced on a phone, both through speakers and headphones, although it was modded full of Sony libs and the Walkman app lol. My iPhone 5s sucks in both areas, IMO, for the headphone part it has more to do with the lack of tweaking available to the sound though, only presets, which are all garbage.
I hope the Z3 sounds good though headphones because I plan on using it for pretty much everything.
AllAboutTheCore said:
The HTC One was probably the best quality sound I've experienced on a phone, both through speakers and headphones, although it was modded full of Sony libs and the Walkman app lol. My iPhone 5s sucks in both areas, IMO, for the headphone part it has more to do with the lack of tweaking available to the sound though, only presets, which are all garbage.
I hope the Z3 sounds good though headphones because I plan on using it for pretty much everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i do get the Z3 it will be my main phone and Note 4 will be my PDA/Tablet/Gaming device.
For me, RCJ's report :good::victory: (lol) that we all hope he will post here on the sound quality rating of the Z3 vs the M8 will make a big difference, although I still can't say for sure that I will switch. Need to know all my pros and cons first. The M8 required rooting and S-OFF to unlock its full potential, and the Z3 prob won't need all of that, but still, it's close. I kinda like having the ViperOne M8 rom from Team Venom. Makes the phone even cooler in some certain ways. I will have to actually HOLD the Z3 in my hand when it's released next month to even have a clue of whether I will get it or not. I have mad love for both phones regardless! lol
RockStar2005
if i do get the Z3 it will be my main phone and Note 4 will be my PDA/Tablet/Gaming device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, I'm seriously considering investing in a Z3 Compact Tablet aswell, the specs are sweet for the price IMO.
The M8 required rooting and S-OFF to unlock its full potential
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think? I can't say it affected me not being S-Off, but then my use and needs may be different to yours ... The only thing I found I needed S-Off for was removing the Tampered flag.
AllAboutTheCore said:
Do you think? I can't say it affected me not being S-Off, but then my use and needs may be different to yours ... The only thing I found I needed S-Off for was removing the Tampered flag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Core,
Yeah for me it did. Like being able to get not only HK, but also Sense 6 Toolbox and also the ViperOne M8 rom as well. I don't know that I needed S-OFF too for those, but certain aspects like being able to flash firmware manually was nice and not possible without S-OFF. It just seems like you can do pretty much anything if you also have S-OFF too.
If anything, I needed S-OFF for HK, and that was my main goal to get that on my phone. Right now I'm looking into Viper4Android, which some have said is even better than HK. I had trouble installing it though earlier today, so we'll see if I can get someone to help with that.
Thank You,
RockStar2005
RockStar2005 said:
Hey Core,
Yeah for me it did. Like being able to get not only HK, but also Sense 6 Toolbox and also the ViperOne M8 rom as well. I don't know that I needed S-OFF too for those, but certain aspects like being able to flash firmware manually was nice and not possible without S-OFF. It just seems like you can do pretty much anything if you also have S-OFF too.
If anything, I needed S-OFF for HK, and that was my main goal to get that on my phone. Right now I'm looking into Viper4Android, which some have said is even better than HK. I had trouble installing it though earlier today, so we'll see if I can get someone to help with that.
Thank You,
RockStar2005
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I'm not even sure which version of the One the M8 is lol, I had the first HTC One if that makes any sense, I didn't need to be S-Off though to flash firmware, only custom firmware and basically stuff not intended for my variant but maybe that's what you are referring to lol ... The whole process for the One seemed overly complex, especially returning to stock, certainly that's my experience compared to other phones. In the end I decided not to bother going S-Off and risking a hard brick as the Tampered flag was the only thing that I'd have needed to change, and seeing that you had to request a boot loader unlocking token in the first place just made it pointless for me lol (being that HTC knew you'd unlocked the boot loader and when by the fact they issued an unlock token, making removing the flag pointless, for warranty purposes at least)
Restoring is thankfully a little easier on Sony phones, not that it was particularly hard on the One, just more complex and more understanding of adb etc needed, at least if you wanted to mod things like I did. My dilemma now is which phone to get, the Z3 or the Z3 Compact ... I really need to feel them both in the hand to decide which is right I think.
Hey Core,
The HTC One was the M7, which came out last year. The current one which was released back in April I believe is the M8.
Yeah I've seen posts on here where ppl say don't flash firmware or stuff like H/K unless you're S-OFF. In order to get the ADSP files (which further enhance the sound) that come with the full version of the H/K mod, S-OFF was necessary. It took some effort on my part to get that, but eventually I did using Firewater. Just have to remember NOT to use the USB 3.0 port on your pc (that is what I initially did, which was unintended), and of course to not install an OTA while on a custom recovery and not yet rooted. The USB 3.0 rule applies more to the S-OFF, but more the rooting too. The minute I figured that out I tried it (S-OFF) again and it actually worked.
I see. What's the process for restoring on the Sony phones? I mean, does it still involve TWRP? Unlocking bootloader? Just a quick summary would be nice as now you've caught my interest. lol
Yeah I really love BOTH the M8 (at least the unlocked/rooted/S-OFF version lol) and the Xperia Z2 and Z3 phones. For me it would def be the Z3 not Z3 Compact, but that's me. When the Z3 comes out next month, I will be stopping over at T-Mobile to check it out. Right now I'm prob not gonna switch, but like you, once I feel it in my hand, I may change my mind. Initially, I wanted the Z2 very much so. It was the first smartphone I ever actually went "nuts" for. lol But that whole Z2 release was a big screw-up on Sony's part. It came out to the states like 5 months after it was supposed to, and ONLY available carrier-unlocked?? I wasn't interested in paying full price for a phone I may not even keep for 2 years. With the sound improvements that Z3 has been confirmed to have (hi-res and DSEE HX, which makes low-res mp3s sound better, and the brighter screen), I'm glad I didn't get the Z2, now. lol
RockStar2005
So let me just start this off by saying that I'm not a firm believer in one side or another. I've used a Galaxy S3 and E5 extensively (over a year each) and I've had my s7 for 6 months or so. I also used a IPhone 5 and iPad air for over a year each. I currently use a 2012 MacBook for school work and use my self built pc for everything else.
IMHO, my best experience with a phone is probably a tie between a jailbroken iPhone 5 and an Galaxy E5 running CM13. On one hand, the jailbroken iphone offered all the customizability that stock android offers and more, and was a joy to use. The E5 running Cyanogenmod was incredibly snappy and was just an amazingly customizable experience.
Now that that's out of the way, I want to know, what are your thoughts on the Galaxy S8 not having a headphone jack? I honestly might revert to IPhone use from my S7 when I upgrade unless it has an unlocked bootloader. I don't link the standard that Apple set and I have headphones which I paid good money for, which will become basically obsolete. I know that people over here at XDA will find a way to root it even if it's unrootable out of the box, but I also know that the Pangu team will probably find a way to jailbreak iOS 10-11, and if they do I'm probably switching back to iPhone. I stayed with my S7 over waiting for the iPhone 7 mainly for the headphone jack, root, and wireless charging.
So what will you guys do, stick with Samsung or switch to an apple product. I'm really curious to see how the community will react to this.
My next phone will not be a Samsung especially if they dont have headphone jacks. If the s7 gets the bootloader unlocked i will stick with it for awhile tho. If not i will probably go towards google for my next phone. I will never own an iPhone again i hated everything about my 5S lol
I started a new job back in August and i was told that we are able to listen to music, but the headphones must be wireless because of safety around equipment. i bought a pair of Aukey headphones that were $10 on Amazon. Ever since then, i have not wanted to go back to wired headphones. This is one of those things that i feel is easy to go against, but once you try it, you'll love it. Now of course i can understand why audiophiles are not pleased in addition to the average consumer. I think the S8 will be fine without a headphone jack. Bluetooth is just so convenient. As more companies ditch the headphone jack, the technology behind it will get better faster. Although, for now the S7 is my last samsung device because of how locked down it is to rooting. I will go to a pixel in a year or 2.
I haven't used wired headphones in years except to try out the free headphones I got with my v20. I work in a shop so wired headphones would be a safety Hazzard, plus Bluetooth is just so much more convenient. I do however not like the idea of taking something like a headphone jack out of a phone. You may not always use it, but there are times when you'll wish you had one. With that said I do plan on getting the s8+ because I really miss Samsung even after the note 7 fiasco, but I'm too impatient to wait for the note 8.
Sent from my LG-LS997 using Tapatalk
I could care less.
In all the phones Ive had over many years I have never even opened the headphones let alone plugged a set in to one of my devices.
So yeah, not something I will even notice if its gone LOL
Sent from my Note 7, S7 Edge or S6
Galaxy S phones were never good audio player anyway, for that you must get an HTC, this is crazy when you know samsung were the mp3 player kings with the P2 and P3 couple years ago
durandetto said:
I haven't used wired headphones in years [...] I do however not like the idea of taking something like a headphone jack out of a phone. You may not always use it, but there are times when you'll wish you had one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that a dedicated headphone jack occupies space. To include it in a phone of a given size, you have to skimp on something else that is more useful. So I'm in favor of removing the jack.
i don't care
bluetooth tech is become better and better so i don't need to think about high quality sound through wires or bluetooth.
i think it didn't use headphone jack for 2 yrs! it s just become dusty hole for my phones! anyway I don't like iPhone
It'll be a deal breaker for me. I don't have to have the thinnest lightest phone possible, but I do have to have a headphone jack. I loved my Note 7 and my Note 7 version 2, but now I'm rocking a V20 which admittedly has way better audio quality than Samsung's ever had. I'd still go back to Samsung for the screen though as long as it has a headphone jack.
Lack of headphone jacks don't bother me since I use BT headphones but I can understand why you would want one of you're an audio enthusiasts.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
It has one according to the leaked images and videos.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Turns out getting rid of the headphone jack is not such a great idea when it leaves you with no plan B
http://bgr.com/2016/11/07/iphone-7-plus-review-addendum-bluetooth-problems
First Samsung got rid of removable battery and they have a total Fukushima meltdown
Then Apple gets rid of headphone jack and their latest and greatest phone has unfixable Bluetooth connection issues...
Thank you LG V20
lets let those two companies play with each other in the corner while the rest of us laugh with popcorn.
Plus a lot of us enthusiasts have too many great and expensive headphones that we wont be parting ways with anytime soon.
Sent from my LG-H990 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Apple is not the first company or first phone to remove the headphone jack. Let's not forget about the slim and sexy Oppo R5. Oppo has removed the 3.5mm jack because their whole phone is thinner than 3.5mm. People don't like the idea much and R5 didn't get much of the limelight.
(Premise: I'm an audiophile and a sound engineer in the free time) Well, the only reason i could judge acceptable for mobile phone companies to get rid of the headphone Jack is to change the way sound flow is managed nowadays, to be clear;
DAC in our smartphones is the "weakest link" in the audio path, you can have a pair of 1000$ cans but you wont be able to get the right sound quality from a phone without using an extra Amp, especially for high impedance cans such as Hd500, DT880, DT990, and so on. The only reason Apple, HTC and others like LeEco, Lenovo have dropped the use of the Jack is; they don't care about sound and they don't want to include DAC in their devices anymore, anyhow most of phones use the integrated sound processing of the SoC, only a few such as HTC 10, LG v20 and other niche market phones have dedicated quality DACs. Manufacturers that get rid of the Jack think this way: "why should i provide a quality converter? Why quality headphones manufacturers can't get the responsability of digital/analog conversion?" By only providing USB-C or Lightning ports on devices, the can manufacturer will have to embed a DAC inside the headphone, so it will be his work to convert the digital signal into music, which is much more logical... Downside is, this new devices without Jack have only one plug you can use at once and yes, you have no plan B, either using BT headsets or use USB-C/Lightning headphones (but can't recharge while headpones are plugged in, bummer). Philips has already released lighting headphones that sound pretty good. It's another way to conceive audio path. It might be the future i don't know. What i DO know, is that I appreciate corded Headphones with the V20 DAC and i've been waiting for a device with this sound quality for years!
spiderx_mm said:
Apple is not the first company or first phone to remove the headphone jack. Let's not forget about the slim and sexy Oppo R5. Oppo has removed the 3.5mm jack because their whole phone is thinner than 3.5mm. People don't like the idea much and R5 didn't get much of the limelight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slim and sexy doesn't even need to be a requirement for ditching the jack. The T-Mobile G1, the very first Android phone but not even the first to go without a jack, was neither sexy nor slim and it didn't have a headphone jack. I hated that dongle and preferred to just carry a dedicated mp3 player instead.
I happen to just like having something to plug a Square (or other credit card reader) into.
axaman943 said:
The only reason Apple, HTC and others like LeEco, Lenovo have dropped the use of the Jack is; they don't care about sound and they don't want to include DAC in their devices anymore, anyhow most of phones use the integrated sound processing of the SoC, only a few such as HTC 10, LG v20 and other niche market phones have dedicated quality DACs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apple dropping the jack really wasn't a decision based on sound equipment issues at all. It was a move to force all new iphone users onto Apple pay. Small businesses that use the credit card swipers need the headphone jack. Those systems compete with Apple pay that uses NFC to bypass the need for the credit card swipe device. With one move to eliminate the jack Apple just disrupted a huge part the mobile payments business to their benefit.
Didn't know about this thing, pretty sharp...
Hi.
I'm holding off on pre-ordering until I see some real world reviews.
A must have for me is very good headphone audio quality. I did have high hopes since the phone is made by HTC who have have a good reputation using dedicated quality DACs in their phones previously.
I can't find any information on the internet describing what to expect form an audio perspective apart from the dual speakers which don't really interest me.
Since the phone delivers audio over the USB-C port via a digital signal, am I correct in saying there will be no on-board DAC and sound quality will be solely driven by the headphones or/and the 3.5mm converter which contains something to decode the digital signal?
In-short, is the Pixel 2 Headphone audio likely to be inferior to something like the HTC 10 for example?
owens2000 said:
Hi.
I'm holding off on pre-ordering until I see some real world reviews.
A must have for me is very good headphone audio quality. I did have high hopes since the phone is made by HTC who have have a good reputation using dedicated quality DACs in their phones previously.
I can't find any information on the internet describing what to expect form an audio perspective apart from the dual speakers which don't really interest me.
Since the phone delivers audio over the USB-C port via a digital signal, am I correct in saying there will be no on-board DAC and sound quality will be solely driven by the headphones or/and the 3.5mm converter which contains something to decode the digital signal?
In-short, is the Pixel 2 Headphone audio likely to be inferior to something like the HTC 10 for example?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is all device currently out that uses USB C still sends an analog signal because it is still handled by an internal DAC. The Pixel 2 doesn't use an Internal DAC to push the signal and the adapter has a DAC inside of it to convert the signal. You can't by a pass through or it won't work. Apple current devices you can use any as long as it is supported, and some of them don't have DAC's inside. I actually think internal DAC's so be on the way out and it should drop the costs of devices. There's a lot better DACs out there, and are universal you can get the sound you want when you find the one for you. I prefer to not have a huge list of things just to buy a phone. I'd rather have like 5 things I am looking for and the rest I already have in my pocket if you know what I mean?
Someone told me that the iPhone adapter has a DAC in it but after seeing it I am a bit skeptical. I think it's their anti-cheap cable chip thing which is supposed to go into all cables to be certified by Apple.
Actually HTC devices without a jack only output digital audio, and I'm 99.9% certain the Essential is the same. Both of their adapters contain DACs and amps (I read an explicit statement from Essential that this was the case), and we know the HTC adapter works with the Essential phone. I don't know about Motorola; I've read there are compatibility problems between their adapters and some other manufacturers, but that may be because not everyone is applying the digital audio standard correctly rather than one being analogue.
Unlike USB-C Apple's Lightning port has no analogue outputs, so their adapter must have a DAC in it. Since they are using custom chips they may have integrated it with some of the other functions (same as the Qualcomm SoCs contain a DAC as well).
As for the original question, is the Pixel 2 wired headphone output likely to be inferior to a phone with a headphone jack: it will depend on the quality of the DAC and amp in the adapter you use (and we'll include "external USB DAC" as an "adapter" for this discussion). If the Google adapter is inferior it should be possible to find a better one (with more options as phones using this standard become more common). At this point I don't think anyone has any idea what the quality from the bundled adapter will be, though using the HTC 10 as your reference you set the standard higher than most phones with a jack (and certainly higher than the first generation Pixel). I've bought a HTC adapter to test with the Pixel 2, and assuming it is compatible I'll do some comparisons between that and the Google one when I have time (I won't be completely surprised if they turn out to be the same thing in different packages though, given HTC's involvement in the Pixels).
Large Hadron said:
Actually HTC devices without a jack only output digital audio, and I'm 99.9% certain the Essential is the same. Both of their adapters contain DACs and amps (I read an explicit statement from Essential that this was the case), and we know the HTC adapter works with the Essential phone. I don't know about Motorola; I've read there are compatibility problems between their adapters and some other manufacturers, but that may be because not everyone is applying the digital audio standard correctly rather than one being analogue.
Unlike USB-C Apple's Lightning port has no analogue outputs, so their adapter must have a DAC in it. Since they are using custom chips they may have integrated it with some of the other functions (same as the Qualcomm SoCs contain a DAC as well).
As for the original question, is the Pixel 2 wired headphone output likely to be inferior to a phone with a headphone jack: it will depend on the quality of the DAC and amp in the adapter you use (and we'll include "external USB DAC" as an "adapter" for this discussion). If the Google adapter is inferior it should be possible to find a better one (with more options as phones using this standard become more common). At this point I don't think anyone has any idea what the quality from the bundled adapter will be, though using the HTC 10 as your reference you set the standard higher than most phones with a jack (and certainly higher than the first generation Pixel). I've bought a HTC adapter to test with the Pixel 2, and assuming it is compatible I'll do some comparisons between that and the Google one when I have time (I won't be completely surprised if they turn out to be the same thing in different packages though, given HTC's involvement in the Pixels).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply and I look forward to reading your findings.
I must say, I find this whole trend towards usb-c driven headphones not exactly consumer friendly. I've not seen a strong enough argument by any of the manufacturers to justify the change, rather than reclaiming space to cram in other tech. Having to carry around an adapter as well as my existing headphones is just plain inconvenient.
Had Google included a pair of quality usb-c buds in the package with the Pixel 2 (and an adapter) while promoting a better than average audio experience (as per the HTC 10) that would have been enough for me to commit and pre-order without hesitation. Perhaps I'm not the typical mobile user these days whose priority, after the basic capability of making a phone call is to listen to quality audio.
You will probably can get a better DAC than the one generally included in the phones SoC.
Any small DAC should have a similar quality to phones DAC.
Now the Type C is strong. I can even power a Fulla 2 DAC/AMP with my 6P.
Sent from my Nexus 6P
One of the reviews I've read today (can't remember which) stated that the HTC adapter does work with the Pixel 2. That's a positive sign with regards to standards, which is what's needed if we're to have more options.
So, any news about this topic?
I've been using the Pixel 2 since Thursday and the audio with the dongle is fine. If audio quality is really important, then get an external DAC. I have a Fiio E18 and the quality is exceptional.
Without decent headphones the audio output method is almost meaningless, especially if you use earbuds.
I recently got a pair of Audeze EL-8 Over Ear, Closed Back headphones and the audio from the Pixel 2 with or without the DAC is excellent (better with, of course).
The audio with the dongle is absolutely terrible. I spent some time listening to it this morning and was appalled at the quality. So much so that I came here specifically looking for a solution.
Blown 89 said:
The audio with the dongle is absolutely terrible. I spent some time listening to it this morning and was appalled at the quality. So much so that I came here specifically looking for a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The solution is an external DAC: Audioquest DragonFly Black or Red are absolute hit.
https://www.phonearena.com/phones/Google-Pixel-2-XL_id10568/benchmarks
They said in the presentation that the dongle includes a DAC (I remember hearing it, please correct me if I'm wrong) Apparently the Pixel 2 sounds louder than most phones, close to iPhones. Don't know about the quality though...
omarfarrah said:
https://www.phonearena.com/phones/Google-Pixel-2-XL_id10568/benchmarks
They said in the presentation that the dongle includes a DAC (I remember hearing it, please tell me if I'm wrong) Apparently the Pixel 2 sounds louder than most phones, close to iPhones. Don't know about the quality though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it will contain a DAC. It uses USB-C digital audio, so with the output being digital there must be a DAC in order to produce the analogue waveform needed by your headphones. The same is true for most if not all phones using USB-C audio (certainly the HTC U11 and Essential PH-1, and I've read others confirm that the HTC adapter works with both the Essential and the Pixel 2).
I've had the pixel 2 xl for a few days now. I've used my regular headphones through the usbc dongle. It worked ok the first time I tried it. But last night I couldn't get any sound through it. So I unplugged and replugged it back it. The dongle was really warm. I rebooted and tried it again. The audio did finally come through but there was a lot of static and again the dongle was uncomfortably warm.
Fidgiting with it seemed to change the audio but it was very finicky. Hoping it was just the dongle.
Blown 89 said:
The audio with the dongle is absolutely terrible. I spent some time listening to it this morning and was appalled at the quality. So much so that I came here specifically looking for a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is so disappointing. Do you think it might be dodgy dongle and have you asked Google for a replacement?
Can others confirm if the above is also your experience?
owens2000 said:
That is so disappointing. Do you think it might be dodgy dongle and have you asked Google for a replacement?
Can others confirm if the above is also your experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was listening to some music I loaded at the Verizon store. Comparing it to the V30 made it sound even worse. I have a friend that's an audio engineer that tested his. His comments were "finicky trying to get it to work, once it does....sounds like garbage. would be fine for a podcast or probably mostly youtube content, but music blows."
FWIW I was listening with Futuresonic G10's
I have no idea what people here are tripping on when they say audio quality from the dongle sucks?? Maybe they have a defective piece. Just compared sound from my s7 with viper vs pixel, and obviously the s7 sounded better cuz, it has viper on it but honestly couldnt complain about the sound of the pixel. No way it was close to being terrible, no WAY. It was almost the same,once viper comes and a few tweaks are made, it will be just as good or very close to it. I tested with samsung headphones and even sennheiser over the ear headphones fwiw
BTW. They RMA'd the phone, when I told them about the dongle heating up.
Hopefully the next one will be better.
owens2000 said:
That is so disappointing. Do you think it might be dodgy dongle and have you asked Google for a replacement?
Can others confirm if the above is also your experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not my experience. Audio seems fine.
94wolfpack said:
BTW. They RMA'd the phone, when I told them about the dongle heating up.
Hopefully the next one will be better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. I'd have thought it would have been cheaper to send you a replacement dongle and see whether that fixed it, and replace the phone if not.
Blown 89 said:
The audio with the dongle is absolutely terrible. I spent some time listening to it this morning and was appalled at the quality. So much so that I came here specifically looking for a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the opposite experience. I download my Spotify library using the "extreme quality" setting enabled. Not sure what technical quality "extreme" is, but listening to The Beatles white album was amazing and sounded great. Could hear all the nuances, highs and lows.
My Nexus 6P has started dying at 40% battery and I'm looking for a new phone. I use my phone to listen to music a lot, and so the 'quad dac' of the LG v30 appeals to me, especially as the audio output of the 6P seemed kind of weak but I'm concerned by LG's track record.
The other contender being the HTC u11 as its slightly cheaper, and has the Usonic headphones (though I've heard mixed things), only negative is I'm still not entirely sold on USB C audio and having to carry dongles around with me. The HTC U11+ looks interesting, but is hard to get here so would probably be getting the smaller version.
Short Version: LG v30 or HTC u11?
SpitefulHammer said:
My Nexus 6P has started dying at 40% battery and I'm looking for a new phone. I use my phone to listen to music a lot, and so the 'quad dac' of the LG v30 appeals to me, especially as the audio output of the 6P seemed kind of weak but I'm concerned by LG's track record.
The other contender being the HTC u11 as its slightly cheaper, and has the Usonic headphones (though I've heard mixed things), only negative is I'm still not entirely sold on USB C audio and having to carry dongles around with me. The HTC U11+ looks interesting, but is hard to get here so would probably be getting the smaller version.
Short Version: LG v30 or HTC u11?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm an audiophile, and I simply install Viper4Android and it makes 90% of my phones sound even better and my headphones...and I use Bluetooth headphones haven't touched he type c ones that the phone came with...
For listening to music with earphones you can't beat the LG v30.
HTC U11 with the 6 gb RAM/128 gb storage version is better than the LG V30.