How powerful is it, really? I have a pair of Sennheiser HD598s, which up to now I've always connected to a Fiio amplifier for best results. Is the HTC 10's DAC good enough to power my headphones without the amp?
I hope there is a comparison between the HTC 10, LG v10, and LG g5 with the dac module for audio.
How powerful is it, really? I have a pair of Sennheiser HD598s, which up to now I've always connected to a Fiio amplifier for best results. Is the HTC 10's DAC good enough to power my headphones without the amp?
It may even be better than the Fiio.
Review on HtC 10 and Sound quality - Page 6
I compared these two devices before I bought and I can tell you, if you care about audio, this isn't a hard decision. I have been blown away by how great my HD-650's sound out of this phone. And it cost me hardly anything since I was going to buy a new phone anyway. The other assets of the S7 pale in comparison. Samsung Pay? Why wouldn't I just use the credit card I'm carrying anyway? Why would I fuss with an expensive electronic device in a checkout line? Water resistance? I've been using cell phones for well over a decade and I never damaged one due to water exposure. Better camera? The camera is plenty good and I can take more important photos in Pro Mode, save in RAW, and process them to my satisfaction. Better screen? Again, this screen is good enough, and I won't risk the burn-in issues of an AMOLED. To me the G5 has features that caused me hesitation – the wide angle camera looks like a lot of fun and the replaceable battery means the phone might last more than two years – but those happen to be lesser priorities for my use case.That's... interesting. I'm migrating from WP and deciding between the HTC 10 and the S7... I was already inclined towards the HTC, but this is an unexpected bonus - this could replace my even-older iPod classic if needed.
I compared these two devices before I bought and I can tell you, if you care about audio, this isn't a hard decision. I have been blown away by how great my HD-650's sound out of this phone. And it cost me hardly anything since I was going to buy a new phone anyway. The other assets of the S7 pale in comparison. Samsung Pay? Why wouldn't I just use the credit card I'm carrying anyway? Why would I fuss with an expensive electronic device in a checkout line? Water resistance? I've been using cell phones for well over a decade and I never damaged one due to water exposure. Better camera? The camera is plenty good and I can take more important photos in Pro Mode, save in RAW, and process them to my satisfaction. Better screen? Again, this screen is good enough, and I won't risk the burn-in issues of an AMOLED. To me the G5 has features that caused me hesitation – the wide angle camera looks like a lot of fun and the replaceable battery means the phone might last more than two years – but those happen to be lesser priorities for my use case.
I can't think of another thing a phone can do that would give me more pleasure than spectacular audio. I think once you try it, it would be hard to disagree.
Edit: Just to make it clear, the audio on the S7 isn't very good. The G5 is much better. And the 10 is far better than the G5.
This is really only true of the Snapdragon S7 not the Exynos S7 which has a better DAC.
But is it better than the beloved 10 DAC?
From me to you by the Power Cosmic
Not sure, will know soon when I get an International S7.
This is really only true of the Snapdragon S7 not the Exynos S7 which has a better DAC.
If Samsung would let me use an Exynos version I would give it a look. The Snapdragon version isn't worth it, nor is me going to Canada or spending $800 to import an Exynos one. Any test can't be fair when your own money is involved.