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G2 compatible headphones

I'm looking for a good quality pair of ear buds for the G2 that has ff and rew buttons, plus a button to take/ end a call. Budget is around $50. Anyone have any recommendations?

After a few weeks of searching I gave up and got the Sony Ericsson MW600 Bluetooth handsfree. I exchanged the standard bullets (simply a matter of taste) for my trusty old Pionneers. Build and sound quality are great, battery life also, plus you can pair it with 3 devices and select to which you want to connect or simply use it as a standalone FM radio receiver

These are what I use... excellent set of head phones
http://au.skullcandy.com/shop/50-50-black-chrome-1.html

shiznt said:
These are what I use... excellent set of head phones
http://au.skullcandy.com/shop/50-50-black-chrome-1.html
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Click to collapse
Yo does your volume / mic work on that? I have the Aviator headphones from Skullcandy, and it doesn't control Volume / Mic on my phone. Works on an iPod, but not this phone. I'm on the latest build of CM7 (and have tried all of them, same thing). I haven't tried the stock ROM though.

Problems have been reported from multiple G2's about the ear buds mic/volume up down not working...me included - design flaw in the 3.5 jack on our phones...bluetooth is the way to go
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

My Bose ones work with my G2 =)

Y49Si said:
Problems have been reported from multiple G2's about the ear buds mic/volume up down not working...me included - design flaw in the 3.5 jack on our phones...bluetooth is the way to go
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
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Grrr.... I like my Aviators. I had some Samsung BT headphones before, but the newer model sucked / got stolen. So I rocked with these sexy headphones. Well, that sucks... oh well. I thought it was some crazy setting or something I had to go find.
Bleh.

Skullcandy... Bose? Are you guys serious? Come on now, don't fall for that crap.

pmatang said:
My Bose ones work with my G2 =)
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slapshot30 said:
Skullcandy... Bose? Are you guys serious? Come on now, don't fall for that crap.
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Dear pmatang and slapshot30,
Would you mind writing the exact model of Bose, respectively Skullcandy hadphones with volume and media control (ff, play/pause, rew) that you own and know to work with the G2/Desire Z?
If you didn't even bother to read the first post, do the world a favour and don't reply at all. Silence is often better than a crappy answer.
Sincerely,
KE

keinengel said:
Dear pmatang and slapshot30,
Would you mind writing the exact model of Bose, respectively Skullcandy hadphones with volume and media control (ff, play/pause, rew) that you own and know to work with the G2/Desire Z?
Click to expand...
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I have the Bose MIE2i model.
http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/headphones/mobile_solutions/index.jsp
The i model comes with added iPod controls over the normal MIE2. As it is made specifically for the iPod the controls don't work fully.
The middle button works for play/pause/skip track. The skip track is a double press of the middle button. The actual buttons for skip and rewind don't work.
These also double as a handsfree kit for taking calls which works fine with DZ.
It may be possible to have the skip and rewind buttons fully working depending on the ROMs you run or if there is an app for it. Honestly I don't know. I am currently writing my experience of using these earphones on the Virtuous sense ROM and the CM6 ROM.
Hope that helps.
EDIT - Take your phone into a Bose store and ask for a demo. They'll happily let you test them out first. Also, some stores do a promotion where you can trade any set of earphones for a discount off your purchase. Even a $1 headphone.

Now that's a great response
I actually skipped over that model (and all other "made for iPhone" headphones, for that matter) because I read that the skip buttons don't work.

keinengel said:
Dear pmatang and slapshot30,
Would you mind writing the exact model of Bose, respectively Skullcandy hadphones with volume and media control (ff, play/pause, rew) that you own and know to work with the G2/Desire Z?
If you didn't even bother to read the first post, do the world a favour and don't reply at all. Silence is often better than a crappy answer.
Sincerely,
KE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read the first post. It clearly states the OP wants GOOD, QUALITY earphones. Bose and Skullcandy (Monster too, for the record) are NOT quality. They live off of marketing and all of you are falling victim to it. All of their items are overpriced.
Here, I'll give some QUALITY recommendations...
Sennheiser, Klipsch, Denon, Audio Technica, and many more. These brands actually give you what you pay for. If you want, I can find some with the controls you need to work with the phone, or you could just become a member at this site and ask around, they know what they're talking about. This is probably the most popular headphone/earphone forum. (Oh, and don't talk about Bose/Monster/Skullcandy, you will get flamed beyond belief)
(link to earphone section)
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/list/103/portable-headphones-earphones-and-in-ear-monitors

slapshot30 said:
I read the first post. It clearly states the OP wants GOOD, QUALITY earphones. Bose and Skullcandy (Monster too, for the record) are NOT quality. They live off of marketing and all of you are falling victim to it. All of their items are overpriced.
Here, I'll give some QUALITY recommendations...
Sennheiser, Klipsch, Denon, Audio Technica, and many more. These brands actually give you what you pay for. If you want, I can find some with the controls you need to work with the phone, or you could just become a member at this site and ask around, they know what they're talking about. This is probably the most popular headphone/earphone forum. (Oh, and don't talk about Bose/Monster/Skullcandy, you will get flamed beyond belief)
(link to earphone section)
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/list/103/portable-headphones-earphones-and-in-ear-monitors
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You stated some nice brand names, that said, Bose headphones aren't half bad and the sound quality in their earphones aren't amazing but they beat out any other brand in terms of comfort; especially if you don't enjoy having the earbuds shoved into your ear canal.
Now, anyone can spout out brand names, but did you really respond to the OP's question? Of the brand names you named, which models are compatible with the DZ?
Lots of people just seem to jump onto the Bose and Beats hater bandwagon without any reason to back it up; you sir, seem like one of them.
Don't get so defensive when someone responded to your post with a different opinion to yours. Your first post WAS pointless.
On another note, I use the Bose MIE2 (not the iPod version) and I can say that the sound quality isn't anywhere near what the price tag suggests. However, they're unbelievably comfortable and if you're a runner, they do not budge or fall out when you're running.
I originally had the iPod version but the buttons are unresponsive so I exchanged them for the non-iPod version where it gives you only 1 button but you can pause, play, skip and take/end calls. Again, rewinding doesn't work.
One thing to know about the Bose earphones is that you can hear EVERYTHING around you (this is because they do not have active noise cancellation and they are not "in-ear"). While I find that a perk because I'd rather not get hit by a car, I can see why some people may not like this.
And if you want noise cancellation, then there's a whole other set of earphones to look into.

Nighte said:
You stated some nice brand names, that said, Bose headphones aren't half bad and the sound quality in their earphones aren't amazing but they beat out any other brand in terms of comfort; especially if you don't enjoy having the earbuds shoved into your ear canal.
Now, anyone can spout out brand names, but did you really respond to the OP's question? Of the brand names you named, which models are compatible with the DZ?
Lots of people just seem to jump onto the Bose and Beats hater bandwagon without any reason to back it up; you sir, seem like one of them.
Don't get so defensive when someone responded to your post with a different opinion to yours. Your first post WAS pointless.
On another note, I use the Bose MIE2 (not the iPod version) and I can say that the sound quality isn't anywhere near what the price tag suggests. However, they're unbelievably comfortable and if you're a runner, they do not budge or fall out when you're running.
I originally had the iPod version but the buttons are unresponsive so I exchanged them for the non-iPod version where it gives you only 1 button but you can pause, play, skip and take/end calls. Again, rewinding doesn't work.
One thing to know about the Bose earphones is that you can hear EVERYTHING around you (this is because they do not have active noise cancellation and they are not "in-ear"). While I find that a perk because I'd rather not get hit by a car, I can see why some people may not like this.
And if you want noise cancellation, then there's a whole other set of earphones to look into.
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I will agree with you, my first post didn't have much point, just trying to be humorous. Bose do have okay SQ (better than Monster and Skullcandy), but that's about it, still overpriced. I didn't just "jump" on the bandwagon, I know more about audio products than the average person. I've got some pretty darn expensive headphones and IEM's that beat the heck out of those three overpriced brands. You say lots of people jump on that band wagon?? Yea right, I see Beats everywhere I go, there are only a select few who know they're overpriced.
I don't daddle much into earphones with controls, but like I stated, I will find some if you'd really like me to. Or you could just join head-fi and ask yourself, there are TONS of members there willing to help noobs. I know for a fact Sennheiser has a great low-end selection (sub $50).
You are asking a bit too much with telling me to spit out some products that will for sure work with the DZ. It's not like other electronics where you can just go and test them out at some store. Audio products involve a lot of buying and returning to test things out. There is no way to know for sure unless someone else with the same exact phone has tried it, which isn't that easy at all.
Maybe we could look into finding a control that plugs into the phone, and you plug the earphones into that control (2 parts). They had something like that for the PSP. If we could find one that could work for the DZ, then it would be possible to use much better earphones with it.
EDIT: Found some nice ones IF you can extend your price point a tiny bit. These are the Klipsch Image S4i. I have the regular ones without the controls. These can be found as low as $60. Maybe they will work... Here is a diagram of the functioning.
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according to this link all i suffixed klipsch headphones I phone specific:
http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/p/138541/1406312.aspx
They may only be saying this due to it being difficult to check compatability.

wingnutLP said:
according to this link all i suffixed klipsch headphones I phone specific:
http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/p/138541/1406312.aspx
They may only be saying this due to it being difficult to check compatability.
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Ah, very nice link. They are saying to go with the Klipsch S2M for Android. They have controls, but I am unclear as to how many and which ones. This is an excellent choice for anyone wanting good earphones. Klipsch is a fantastic brand, I own the S4 and they are highly regarded among audio enthusiasts at that price point.
EDIT: Answer/End/Mute are the only controls with those :\

slapshot30 said:
I will agree with you, my first post didn't have much point, just trying to be humorous. Bose do have okay SQ (better than Monster and Skullcandy), but that's about it, still overpriced. I didn't just "jump" on the bandwagon, I know more about audio products than the average person. I've got some pretty darn expensive headphones and IEM's that beat the heck out of those three overpriced brands. You say lots of people jump on that band wagon?? Yea right, I see Beats everywhere I go, there are only a select few who know they're overpriced.
I don't daddle much into earphones with controls, but like I stated, I will find some if you'd really like me to. Or you could just join head-fi and ask yourself, there are TONS of members there willing to help noobs. I know for a fact Sennheiser has a great low-end selection (sub $50).
You are asking a bit too much with telling me to spit out some products that will for sure work with the DZ. It's not like other electronics where you can just go and test them out at some store. Audio products involve a lot of buying and returning to test things out. There is no way to know for sure unless someone else with the same exact phone has tried it, which isn't that easy at all.
Maybe we could look into finding a control that plugs into the phone, and you plug the earphones into that control (2 parts). They had something like that for the PSP. If we could find one that could work for the DZ, then it would be possible to use much better earphones with it.
EDIT: Found some nice ones IF you can extend your price point a tiny bit. These are the Klipsch Image S4i. I have the regular ones without the controls. These can be found as low as $60. Maybe they will work... Here is a diagram of the functioning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, so you weren't just trolling (I thought you were). Should've posted something like this before!
Glad we kept it name-calling free.
Agreed on the Bose note and definitely agree on SkullCandy and DreBeats.
On a side note, what sounds good to one person may not sound good to another. Ie. The bose MIE's alot of people say they sound great, but IMO theyre mediocre at best, the only reason I kept them was because theyre comfortable and do not budge even when running or something.
Best piece of advice anyone can give you is a general direction to go in and you have to buy them (or demo if you can) and see if you like them.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

maybe these are the answer http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/99-etymotic-mc2-earbuds-claim-market-beating-noise-isolation-f/

wingnutLP said:
maybe these are the answer http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/99-etymotic-mc2-earbuds-claim-market-beating-noise-isolation-f/
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Yes, I've seen those ety's before but didn't recommend them because of the high price compared to your budget. Great brand to go with though, if you can stretch your budget I'd go for it. Just make sure where ever you buy them from has a good return policy, you just never know with audio products.

If u dont wanna spend too much, I bought these two each under $25 and havent been dissapointed yet
thecellguru.com/Products/28106
newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875979005

SQ iPhone 5 vs S4

I got my S4 yesterday, and I’ve been playing with it musically for a little bit, so I thought I’d post my results.
References:
•iPhone 5 Hip Hop EQ Preset
•S4 PowerAmp with posted EQ settings
•Monster Turbine earphones
•Obsidian Audio 15’ car subwoofer
•Mix of bassy Hip Hop/ R&B/Screamo Metal, vocals, its a good mix I think
I played Ellie Gouldings “Explosions” and “My Blood” on both my iPhone 5 and S4 with my monster turbines, constantly going back and forth to get the S4 sounding as similar as I could get it to the iPhone 5. This is what I came up with. I wouldn’t say I FINETUNED it, but it was pretty close IMO to the iPhone 5.
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With these settings, here we go...
Right off the bat, the iPhone 5 sounds better. The trebles sounds better, more pitched, voices sound clearer and more “forward” than the rest of the sound stage. And generally the music sounded like it “surrounded” you more. The music was way more 3 dimensional. Bass response seemed to have more impact, more punch, slightly SLIGHTLY more depth, and during some songs was CLEARLY “fatter” and more rounded off than the S4. There was definitely more quality bass from the iPhone than the S4.
Honestly, I can’t say that the S4 with Poweramp shined in any particular catagory better than the iPhone 5.
I am very particular when it comes to music, and I have 2 different enviroments. I’ve got some $150 Monster Turbines, that crank out good SQ (for what its worth), and I also have a huge 15’ subwoofer in my car that can fart out the lows like no other. Listening to my system in my car with the S4 actually really gave me a negative feeling about the phone. The bass didn’t sound as clean, as deep, or as fat. And in general, I noticed a pretty big difference in the loudness of my system. Its not as loud as I know it can get. I drove to and from the mall feeling like I was missing a big portion of my bass.....So much infact that if I can’t find a decent sound mod like ACID Audio or Viper Mod to suit my needs, than I will be buying an iPod SPECIFICALLY for my music...and this pains me because I’m used to having 1 device for everything.
I guess it just comes down to my tastes. I’ve grown very particular with my musical SQ from both my headphones and my car system with my iPhone 5. I can say that with headphones I am very content with the quality that I am getting relative to the iPhone 5, but when it comes down to my car system, I feel sick, I feel like I don’t even want to listen to my system, or even DRIVE for that matter. I bought an amazing sub (I’m not contesting the name Obsidian Audio. You can research for yourself) and now that I know what I can get out of that sub, I am extremely disappointed...
Overall, if you have headphones, tweaking will get you pretty close. If you have a system in your car and your particular to how loud and good that system sounds, then you might be disappointed.
This is relative to my own opinion. Enjoy

I would stick with the iPhone 5 it kills sgs4 in this department or get HTC one which kills them both.

I wish I had a 15' sub in my car. My budget only allowed a 15". Lol
TaskaToon'd Gs4

I wonder how the international model with the Wolfson chip would compare.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I'm not really an audiophile but I thought the sgs4 had decent audio drivers? Hmm

Interesting feedback... But remember, this is purely subjective. Not that feedback isn't good, but it's just one person.
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The audio is good in the s4 ,...with a decent pair of headphones( Klipsch S4A is what I use, owned tons of earbuds and other headphones and have spent a ridiculous amount of money until I found what I wanted these things r awesome) the s4 does sound the best out of all the galaxy series phones ,in my opinion of course..by way of car audio, I can't make an opinion as I've never hooked the s4 into my vehicle, that and I'm really not into car audio, def use to be though lol , I'm too much into home audio to start pouring money into audio for my car,. S4 by way of home audio is awesome, playing videos from the phone to the tv, listening to music, controlling my receiver with my phone, the sound quality is really good, the whole audio and video experience is better on my s4 than the s3 imo. ...Good comparison test btw
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

I'm an iPhone hater but those phones always have very good internal DAC's. You can use an external DAC with the S4 or use the APT-X Bluetooth.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda premium

I myself am in audiophile, with studio monitor headphones and studio monitor speakers...spent close to a 1k on the three of those (now I'm poor )
With that said, the s4 was extremely disappointing in sound quality to me, its alright and will get by for day to day use...but I can't see me using it as my portable multi media player
My Samsung infuse with Wolfson dac is much much better...so looks like ill be keeping that around for music...I'm really curious how the international s4 with a Wolfson dac compares...I wonder if Wolfson still stands up to its reputation
Someone mentioned using an external dac...and I think ill defiantly have to look into that with the s4, the thought of even possibly being able to do that never crossed my mind, although it will be a pain to have to carry it around...
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2

I have to say I agree with you op. I originally went from the S3 to the HTC One and was blown away by the audio quality out of that phone. I have all Polk speakers in my car and mostly use either Klipsh S4s or Koss PortaPros. I had no idea what I was missing using the S2 then the S3 to power these things. All along I haven't been to impressed with the audio quality out of my Polks, but the problems was I don't have them amplified. I found that out with the One, which has a built in headphone amp putting out 2.55v which made a noticeable improvement in audio quality. Very noticeable. Even the headphones that the One came with were great. Unfortunately HTC has the worst quality control I've ever seen and I tried exchanging the device many times only to see that every other one had the same issues. Stuck pixels, gaps in the "gapless" design, way too warm to the point of being yellow displays. So I took that back for the S4 and have been sorely let down in the audio quality department. It just doesn't sound anywhere near as alive as the One did. Bass is muddy on the S4 where the one it was extremely crisp and punchy. Random Access Memories sounded incredible when hooked up in my car. Even with no sub it was pushing my speakers to have a nice thump, but not that muddy rattling bass. So now I'm debating on if I should try for the One again, or just get a portable amp/DAC and take the audio quality out of the equation altogether.

I just came from an iPhone 5 and am also an audio head. For one using any eq to 'boost' any levels is going to yield **** fart can sound. I have a full nuts system in my TDI and the s4 v iPhone showed no difference in output.
I keep my eq's flat and let the audio mix drive the levels. Allll my audio is v0 or flac or alac.
~bass boost is bad

mg2195 said:
I myself am in audiophile, with studio monitor headphones and studio monitor speakers...spent close to a 1k on the three of those (now I'm poor )
With that said, the s4 was extremely disappointing in sound quality to me, its alright and will get by for day to day use...but I can't see me using it as my portable multi media player
My Samsung infuse with Wolfson dac is much much better...so looks like ill be keeping that around for music...I'm really curious how the international s4 with a Wolfson dac compares...I wonder if Wolfson still stands up to its reputation
Someone mentioned using an external dac...and I think ill defiantly have to look into that with the s4, the thought of even possibly being able to do that never crossed my mind, although it will be a pain to have to carry it around...
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2
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Phew, thankfully I'm not going crazy. I read people's opinions here that the S4 sounds just as good if not better then an iPhone. I
too thought the S4 sounded very bad compared to the iPhone right out of the box. Mine was the iPhone 4s. S4 is very empty and flat. Bass response isn't as good and the highs get a little shrill on some cymbals. Very very dissapointed in the S4 sound quality but I have no choice now, I've made the switch and that's that.

Try winamp?
Bojamijams said:
Phew, thankfully I'm not going crazy. I read people's opinions here that the S4 sounds just as good if not better then an iPhone. I
too thought the S4 sounded very bad compared to the iPhone right out of the box. Mine was the iPhone 4s. S4 is very empty and flat. Bass response isn't as good and the highs get a little shrill on some cymbals. Very very dissapointed in the S4 sound quality but I have no choice now, I've made the switch and that's that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been lurking around here a long time, but this might be my first post. So... I might be a noob.
However, I did have an iphone 5, which I lost recently... i picked up the s4 two weeks ago. Before the iphone 5, I had the s3 and the note1. Anyway, I thought audio sounded pretty good from the s4, until I started playing out of a bluetooth speaker and my bluetooth headphones. I tried poweramp, the build in music player, and was very disappointed. Volume was too low, SQ was horrible. I downloaded Winamp and used the equalizer for $5, and the s4 sounded much better. Now, when I use regular plug-in headphones (klipsch s4a) i use poweramp, because the headset controls work so well. But when I'm playing through bluetooth, including the motorola sd10, I'm using winamp.
I think the s4's audio issues are most likely software related. I've read tons about android not having great support for bluetooth... I'm not sure what that means, but I suspect it might be playing a role here.
So, TLDR, try out winamp

mg2195 said:
Someone mentioned using an external dac...and I think ill defiantly have to look into that with the s4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be me, in the post directly above yours.
Here is the Android & DAC mega-thread. In it you'll find a list of DAC's that work with various Android phones.
Also note that some "medium-fi" DAC's are now the size of a quarter and fit inline with your headset cord.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs
Last I checked, the DAC's were not working with S3 phones and AOSP ROM's. But worked fine with TouchWiz.
I have not checked the status on S4's yet because I moved on to APT-X "high def" bluetooth. Which sounds fine for me. And the convenience of it far outweighs any negatives in audio impact.

I have found that out of the box Neutron Player sounds better than PowerAmp. I'm guessing you can tweak PowerAmp to sound just as good, but I like Neutron Player because it doesn't require as much tweaking. Prefer PowerAmps interface though, but oh well.
Sadly my Fiio E07K does not work with usb audio on my i337 S4.

I've been really pleased with Spotify (extreme quality) quality on S4. I play music over blue tooth in my car all the time and my s2 was a nightmare, but I haven't noticed a difference in my recent phones (HTC One X, S3, S4). All have sounded great.
The Galaxy phones are quieter than my HTC. That's only a problem on airplanes but a volume booster or even Samsungs built in Adapt Sound solves that.
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Did not read
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Has anyone noticed the gs4 skipping the first beat of a song when you're using Bluetooth audio?
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(MEDS) said:
Has anyone noticed the gs4 skipping the first beat of a song when you're using Bluetooth audio?
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Click to collapse
Some scenarios there is significant lag. My civic si has Bluetooth built in for calls and audio and there is about 2 second delay when skipping songs or albums. Miss the first two seconds or so songs also.
Sent from my GT-N7100

@rbiter said:
Some scenarios there is significant lag. My civic si has Bluetooth built in for calls and audio and there is about 2 second delay when skipping songs or albums. Miss the first two seconds or so songs also.
Sent from my GT-N7100
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It might just be with car Bluetooth audio systems, because I was also referring to the Bluetooth audio in my car.
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Budget earbuds for DAC

Anyone have recommendations for a budget earbud/IEM to take advantage of the DAC?
My old Skullkandy Ink'd 2 earbuds sounded good on my old phone but did not sound as good on the V30 regardless of enabling the Hi-Fi Quad DAC.
I'm mostly using this throughout my work day so can't be overhead/over-ear and budget under $50 so it wouldn't hurt as much if damaged or loss.
I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile but I like the immersive soundscape with clear separation in all frequencies.
I guess also really interested to see what others are using that takes advantage of the Quad DAC.
Sent from my LG-H932 using Tapatalk

sprytedesign said:
Anyone have recommendations for a budget earbud/IEM to take advantage of the DAC?
My old Skullkandy Ink'd 2 earbuds sounded good on my old phone but did not sound as good on the V30 regardless of enabling the Hi-Fi Quad DAC.
I'm mostly using this throughout my work day so can't be overhead/over-ear and budget under $50 so it wouldn't hurt as much if damaged or loss.
I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile but I like the immersive soundscape with clear separation in all frequencies.
I guess also really interested to see what others are using that takes advantage of the Quad DAC.
Sent from my LG-H932 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your problem is those earbuds only have "Impedance: 16 Ohms", according to all the specs websites I see.
According to the audiophiles who have experimented, there's three ways to improve the DAC response on the LG V30:
1) external adapter/connector -- which fakes it into boosting audio somewhat ($1 - $10).
This adapter would have no extra impedance, but just by being "external" it makes the DAC boost the audio, sound better. This will NOT trigger the super-duper High Impedance Mode (50+ ohms for admission), but still will improve your current earbuds.
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However, you have to attach it to the phone and earbuds in a 2-step process for the trick to work. See post link below.
2) high-impedance earbuds (50 ohms or more) which unleash the beast.
But those are usually expensive.
3) You CAN buy a high-impedance connector (75 ohms - $10) to attach to your earbuds -- to convert them in 50+ ohms impedance earbuds.
These 75 ohm connectors do not need the "2-step" trick. The impedance rating alone should trigger the High Impedance Mode of the quad DAC, not by being an "external" connector. However, but MAKE SURE your earbuds can handle that kind of power. Otherwise, just buy non-impedance connector to boost audio level via the 2-step trick.
I have a pair of "premium" 32ohm earbuds, which with one of these impedance connectors will trigger the 50+ ohms High Impedance Mode of the LG V30 quad DAC. Or should. I've ordered one from Canada, but hasn't arrived yet.
See more here. It's sort of a wrap-up of the discussion up to that point:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=74700412&postcount=150
However, the whole thread is interesting and full of useful information.

ChazzMatt said:
Your problem those earbuds only have "Impedance: 16 Ohms", according to all the specs websites I see.
According to the audiophiles who have experimented, there's three ways to improve the DAC response on the LG V30:
1) external adapter/connector -- which fakes it into boosting audio somewhat ($1 - $10).
This adapter would have no extra impedance, but just by being "external" it makes the DAC boost the audio, sound better. This will NOT trigger the super-duper High Impedance Mode (50+ ohms for admission), but still will improve your current earbuds.
However, you have to attach it to the phone and earbuds in a 2-step process for the trick to work. See post link below.
2) high-impedance earbuds (50 ohms or more) which unleash the beast.
But those are usually expensive.
3) You CAN buy a high-impedance connector (75 ohms - $10) to attach to your earbuds -- to convert them in 50+ ohms impedance earbuds.
These 75 ohm connectors do not need the "2-step" trick. The impedance rating alone should trigger the High Impedance Mode of the quad DAC, not by being an "external" connector. However, but MAKE SURE your earbuds can handle that kind of power. Otherwise, just buy non-impedance connector to boost audio level via the 2-step trick.
I have a pair of "premium" 32ohm earbuds, which with one of these impedance connectors will trigger the 50+ ohms High Impedance Mode of the LG V30 quad DAC. Or should. I've ordered one from Canada, but hasn't arrived yet.
See more here. It's sort of a wrap-up of the discussion up to that point:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=74700412&postcount=150
However, the whole thread is interesting and full of useful information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! This is very helpful!
Sent from my LG-H932 using Tapatalk

Soundmagic make reasonably priced high impedance units. I have this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0134EH592/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I am no audiophile but they sound very good on the V30 to me.

sprytedesign said:
Anyone have recommendations for a budget earbud/IEM to take advantage of the DAC?
My old Skullkandy Ink'd 2 earbuds sounded good on my old phone but did not sound as good on the V30 regardless of enabling the Hi-Fi Quad DAC.
I'm mostly using this throughout my work day so can't be overhead/over-ear and budget under $50 so it wouldn't hurt as much if damaged or loss.
I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile but I like the immersive soundscape with clear separation in all frequencies.
I guess also really interested to see what others are using that takes advantage of the Quad DAC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.amazon.com/Final-Audio-Design-Resolution-Headphone/dp/B072MK1WDF
I have a pair and feel they are very good.

Final E2000 is a 16 Ohm headphone only.

So I went ahead and ordered two pairs of IEM, which might have brought me over the budget a bit.
1. KEF M100 Hi-Fi $31+ from Newegg. It felt like a great deal since it was listed for $149 on Amazon and other retailers. However, when researching, it sounded like they changed specs a bit after 2015. There were reviews in 2015 with specs about them with 50+-ohms impedance but KEF website has them listed at 16+- ohms currently. Much lower impedance.
2. HiFiMan RE400a $49 from Amazon. I guess this is there new price point but still listed for $79 on manufacturers site. This one has an impedance spec of 32+- ohms.
I feel both are trusted brands in the industry so will give it a shot. Still may try those adapters to see if it helps. I may return one, or both, and just opt for something in the sub $100 since I'm already at that price point. Will give it a couple of weeks of testing to see what will work around the office with ease of use, comfort, portability, etc...
In the end, I might just go back to square one, with the Skullkandy, just to get by the work day...
Sent from my LG-H932 using Tapatalk

I bought some Sony XBA-N3AP and I must say that they sound better than the Shure SE535 I've tested previously. Pretty "budget" for really premium sound.
Sent from my LGM-V300S using Tapatalk

+1 for the HifiMan re400. Not hi res buds, but if you're using Spotify or lower res than FLAC then these are brilliant. Very balanced with wide soundstage.

I recently got these for Christmas and they sound really good, and are cheap.
Actionpie In-ear Headphones Earbuds High Resolution Heavy Bass with Mic for Smart Android Cell Phones Samsung HTC Lg G4 G3 Mp3 Mp4 Earphones https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071CV9HGL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_P-zqAbJK7XYQT

Sound magic e50c or e80c will sound awesome

buxz777 said:
Sound magic e50c or e80c will sound awesome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree. I just got the e80s model and they sound amazing with this phone driving them.

dgmorland said:
I have to agree. I just got the e80s model and they sound amazing with this phone driving them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am so happy I am not the only one enjoying this awesome set up , I am hunting out new music , finding my old favourites in high quality files , I’ve literally fallen in love with music again ?

I have 1more triple driver that is amazing compared to the delivered B&O. You can enjoy the HiRes for less than 100$
I don't recommend the RHA T10 that have very bad sound.

High Impedance mode
@ChazzMatt . I have experienced the High impedance mode on the LG V30 using the Bose QC25(without the impedance adapter). One word "Mind Blown". I have ordered SoundMagic E80c without a second thought(positive about triggering the HIM). Will receive them tomorrow.

ed_bracam said:
I have 1more triple driver that is amazing compared to the delivered B&O. You can enjoy the HiRes for less than 100$
I don't recommend the RHA T10 that have very bad sound.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completely agree. I have the 1more triples with Bose Stayhear+ tips AND the 1 more quads with Bose Stayhear+ tips. Love them both, but I would give the nod to the triples. For the $90 I paid, they are outstanding. Got the quads for $150 and they're great, but for me the triples are plenty. I carry the trips, use the quads with my laptop.

slainte_0317 said:
Completely agree. I have the 1more triples with Bose Stayhear+ tips AND the 1 more quads with Bose Stayhear+ tips. Love them both, but I would give the nod to the triples. For the $90 I paid, they are outstanding. Got the quads for $150 and they're great, but for me the triples are plenty. I carry the trips, use the quads with my laptop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have links to get the Bose Stayhear+ tips?

ed_bracam said:
Do you have links to get the Bose Stayhear+ tips?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are pretty much identical knock-offs https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071JK2ND6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They can be used to determine the size (it's a set of three, S/M/L). If you want the genuine tips you can get the white\clear on Amazon also, but I ordered from Bose because you get 2 pair (need to know your size) for $10 shipped and I wanted smoke (black-ish):
https://www.bose.com/en_us/products...sport_tipkit.html#v=stayhear_sport_tipkit_sml
Pics of mine from amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-...=cm_cr_getr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B01KB9K9Z0
Not sure if you have these buds, but they come with a ton of tips, different sizes, silicone and comfort foam. I just could not get a good fit for me, the tips made all the difference in the world. I must have weird ears.

slainte_0317 said:
These are pretty much identical knock-offs https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071JK2ND6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They can be used to determine the size (it's a set of three, S/M/L). If you want the genuine tips you can get the white\clear on Amazon also, but I ordered from Bose because you get 2 pair (need to know your size) for $10 shipped and I wanted smoke (black-ish):
https://www.bose.com/en_us/products...sport_tipkit.html#v=stayhear_sport_tipkit_sml
Pics of mine from amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-...=cm_cr_getr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B01KB9K9Z0
Not sure if you have these buds, but they come with a ton of tips, different sizes, silicone and comfort foam. I just could not get a good fit for me, the tips made all the difference in the world. I must have weird ears.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! It is ordered and if it fits also my bluetooth Divacore headphones, why not a second set...

Another + for the 1More Triple Drivers. Also using Grado SR80 with the V30, but being open back design, they can be heard in the next county.

Lg V20 B&O headphones, why so bad?

Hey guys
Just upgraded from s7 edge to this phone. I've buy lg v20 Verizon version, so after purchase I start to search b&o earphones which comes with box, so yesterday I get that one, so after 1 day using, I can say for sure this is not top level headphones. It sounds like 10€ headphones. Its not loud but have some good quality. So if someone know how to improve and upgrade sound please send some instructions

I agree with you to the fullest they were absolute terrible sounding to my ears too. Might sound cliche but my gf's apple earpods from same pricerange are much better
You could install a app with a equalizer like poweramp to color and adjust the sound you want. But soundquality wise they are not decent imo

I think V20's QDAC is better suited with high-impedance headphones and good quality audio files. at least, it needs 50 ohms and 300kbps mp3 files. FLAC format is the best. I bought a Marshall Major II (non-bluetooth) headphone and buy few FLAC files. The quality is superb.

spiderx_mm said:
I think V20's QDAC is better suited with high-impedance headphones and good quality audio files. at least, it needs 50 ohms and 300kbps mp3 files. FLAC format is the best. I bought a Marshall Major II (non-bluetooth) headphone and buy few FLAC files. The quality is superb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know about this, but i was thinking that native eaphones will sounds good. Niw I'm thinking to buy some audio technical headphones

spiderx_mm said:
I think V20's QDAC is better suited with high-impedance headphones and good quality audio files. at least, it needs 50 ohms and 300kbps mp3 files. FLAC format is the best. I bought a Marshall Major II (non-bluetooth) headphone and buy few FLAC files. The quality is superb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
High impedance has no effect on audio quality. 3k earphones that are 16ohms are the best out there.
I swear some people just don't understand what ohms law is.....
Sent from my LG V20 using XDA Labs

Well the "impedance" is a choice of the company when they designed the headset. in the past most classic high fedility headphones were high impedance (300 - 600 ohm) because they were driven by dedicated big amps.
"Impedance" itself whether it's high or not should not be a parameter it would sound good or bad.
The best modern headphones have lower impedance now and this is also choice of market because most need to be driven by a small dac or smartphone
Low impedance doesn't mean easy to drive either, some headphones really need a proper dac as fuel

BROKEN1981 said:
High impedance has no effect on audio quality. 3k earphones that are 16ohms are the best out there.
I swear some people just don't understand what ohms law is.....
Sent from my LG V20 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yes. High impedance has no effect on MP3 audio quality. I fully agreed. Just buy (or download) an FLAC audio and compare listening to it. You'll know the truth. Otherwise, those people who bought high impedance HPs for very expensive price are just fools.

spiderx_mm said:
I think V20's QDAC is better suited with high-impedance headphones and good quality audio files. at least, it needs 50 ohms and 300kbps mp3 files. FLAC format is the best. I bought a Marshall Major II (non-bluetooth) headphone and buy few FLAC files. The quality is superb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DSD format is the best, not FLAC

Yes they are not normal B&O quality.
blackzero97 said:
Hey guys
Just upgraded from s7 edge to this phone. I've buy lg v20 Verizon version, so after purchase I start to search b&o earphones which comes with box, so yesterday I get that one, so after 1 day using, I can say for sure this is not top level headphones. It sounds like 10€ headphones. Its not loud but have some good quality. So if someone know how to improve and upgrade sound please send some instructions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems that LG have just used the B&O brand on some of their own rubbish earphones. You can buy them in HK for less than $10. When I turn on the Hifi DAC sound quality in these barely changes but when I use my standard earphones (LH Labs) the sound comes alive with the HiFi DAC - with loads more detail. Fantastic experience but bin the so-called pretend B&O earphones.

blackzero97 said:
I know about this, but i was thinking that native eaphones will sounds good. Niw I'm thinking to buy some audio technical headphones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went through the same thing when I bought my V20 last year. The B&O earbuds totally suck.
You might want to buy a pair of the Marshalls as well as the Audio Technicas. The Marshall Major Bluetooth II are a couple of generations old now and quite cheap on Amazon. They're small and flexible. You can stretch them to fit your head perfectly. I can wear mine for hours without pain. The Audio Technicas are huge and better for listening at home.
Also, the Marshalls are more than 50 ohms. I agree with the other posters - high impedance has nothing to do with sound quality. However, with the V20 you need more than 50 ohms to kick in the quad dac. I believe that I took a pass on the Audio Technicas because they aren't 50 ohms. The Marshalls will probably survive out in the world a lot better too. I just toss mine in a bag without a case a lot of the time and they're fine.
I really didn't think that I would like those headphones as much as I do. I don't use the bluetooth connection very often but it's nice to have it anyways.
Hope you enjoy your V20. This phone is going to be my daily driver until it won't turn on anymore. I just love it.

I got the H3's for free and used them as a spare pair. Never abused them but they just fell apart. Quality on them is atrocious for a supposedly $150 retail pair of headphones. I checked out their rating with "fakespot" on amazon which analyzes for likely fake reviews and they got a rating of an F with only 23.7% reliable reviews. ha.
Fakespot

Two righties???
I got mine with my lg v20 and they were defective. Literally 2 right earbuds. Both printed "R".... Is it possible that the real B&O could make such a crazy mistake??

be glad you even got headphones. Some of us didn't get them.

Question What is the DAC present in the phone for the 3.5mm jack?

I'm currently looking to buy a decent pair of headphones that I want to mostly use with my phone. I've looked around online and couldn't find much about which DAC is being used and what is the ideal output power/impedance of the headphones that I should use with these.
I am thinking of getting the Audio Technica M20x but they have an impedance of 47 ohms, and I'm not sure if the device is ideal or capable enough to power it properly. I've read on another thread that a guy used a pair of headphones with 62 ohms impedance with this phone and he had to crank it up to almost 100% volume to hear music. So I'm not sure if the 47 ohms is too high for the phone. But the old wired apple earphones were 40 ohms and they probably worked fine so maybe the M20x would work somewhat nicely too I guess?
If anyone has used a good quality pair of headphones with this device here, help would be really appreciated.
Thanks

Anyone?

shivansh68 said:
I'm currently looking to buy a decent pair of headphones that I want to mostly use with my phone. I've looked around online and couldn't find much about which DAC is being used and what is the ideal output power/impedance of the headphones that I should use with these.
I am thinking of getting the Audio Technica M20x but they have an impedance of 47 ohms, and I'm not sure if the device is ideal or capable enough to power it properly. I've read on another thread that a guy used a pair of headphones with 62 ohms impedance with this phone and he had to crank it up to almost 100% volume to hear music. So I'm not sure if the 47 ohms is too high for the phone. But the old wired apple earphones were 40 ohms and they probably worked fine so maybe the M20x would work somewhat nicely too I guess?
If anyone has used a good quality pair of headphones with this device here, help would be really appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has 24bit/192Khz Hi-Res as every other phone nowadays have. It doesn't have a separate DAC like an LG, is the one integrated on Snapdragon.
The best you can do to enjoy that headphones is to get a Tempotec Sonata HD2 dongle and never get over 95% volume to avoid distortion. There are dozens of good dongles but that one is cheap and you can use it for years.

ValgarBaldr said:
It has 24bit/192Khz Hi-Res as every other phone nowadays have. It doesn't have a separate DAC like an LG, is the one integrated on Snapdragon.
The best you can do to enjoy that headphones is to get a Tempotec Sonata HD2 dongle and never get over 95% volume to avoid distortion. There are dozens of good dongles but that one is cheap and you can use it for years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion! I do plan on getting a seperate DAC in the future but currently I'm on a tight budget so I wanted to know how it will sound straight from the phone and what impedance headphones the phone's internal DAC can handle.

shivansh68 said:
Thanks for the suggestion! I do plan on getting a seperate DAC in the future but currently I'm on a tight budget so I wanted to know how it will sound straight from the phone and what impedance headphones the phone's internal DAC can handle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can handle the Audio Technica pretty well. That headphones are pretty sensitive and the impedance is not high also. You will need to volume up a bit but the AT will muzzle exterior sound too, so it's a win-win

shivansh68 said:
Thanks for the suggestion! I do plan on getting a seperate DAC in the future but currently I'm on a tight budget so I wanted to know how it will sound straight from the phone and what impedance headphones the phone's internal DAC can handle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just connected a AKG K240 to my device and sounds excepcional at middle volume. They are 55 ohms.

Thanks a ton for your help!! I've been looking around for weeks and haven't gotten any decent answers but you just helped me make my decision.
ValgarBaldr said:
You will need to volume up a bit but the AT will muzzle exterior sound too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry but could you explain what you meant by this?
Also if you don't mind what audiophile headphones would you suggest under the $100 range? I'm thinking about getting the M20x or M30X or would it be better to get maybe the Sennheiser HD 200 Pro for normal listening and not for studio mixing?
Thanks

i do find the sound to be a bit under volume as compared with a separate DAC... the sound produced out of the jack feels sub-parred compared to my realme 5i

shivansh68 said:
Thanks a ton for your help!! I've been looking around for weeks and haven't gotten any decent answers but you just helped me make my decision.
I'm sorry but could you explain what you meant by this?
Also if you don't mind what audiophile headphones would you suggest under the $100 range? I'm thinking about getting the M20x or M30X or would it be better to get maybe the Sennheiser HD 200 Pro for normal listening and not for studio mixing?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean you may find the volume a bit low compared to a standard earphones, but the binaural pads silence a lot of outer noise si it's ok.
M20x all the way, best quality for the price.

ValgarBaldr said:
I mean you may find the volume a bit low compared to a standard earphones, but the binaural pads silence a lot of outer noise si it's ok.
M20x all the way, best quality for the price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help!

im using blon bl 03. they are sounding awesome without DAC. 50% volume is enough.

Nice to have stumbled across this thread.
I haven't received my x3 pro yet. But will in one or two days. I had been looking around for a decent phone with a headphone jack and there were not a lot of options at all.
The reason being, I had an Earmen Eagle dac amp which is considered 'high end' in the world of dongle dacs. I A-B tested them vs the output from my current phone (realme 7) and to me, there really wasn't much of a difference in terms of quality. The output power is higher on the eagle ofcourse but nothing that notable in terms of quality difference, certainly not enough to make me want to deal with the inconvenience of a dongle.
I had done some prior digging and I believe the dac is the same as that on the ROG 2, which is understandable as the sd 860 is basically the same as 855+. I know this might not be useful info but I just wanted to share my findings anyway.

Jack is so trash, really it's 1/10. My Max 3 sounds 100x better. Without audio mods don't even come.