[anon(9072051)]

I'm posting this thread because I was surprised that y'all weren't already discussing the hell out of this DAC in this forum.

The LG V20 will be the first phone with a 32 bit Quad DAC | Android Central

[RaRa85]

The V20's audio is gonna step all over the competition especially for audiophiles and people who appreciate great wired sound via a 3.5mm jack and not that Moto Z nonsense. They are headed in the right direction.

[kramer5150]

Good news indeed... If the V20 improves audio from the V10... Hot Dog!!!

[SupraLB]

Great news. I went from the V10 to the G5, and the first thing I noticed was how poor the audio quality dropped in the G5. It truly was noticeable. It was like going from FM to AM radio! Can't wait for the V20 so I can get the quality back.

[icu]

At one point I had considered getting a G5 and getting the DAC "friend". The fact that it was so expensive and then unavailable changed those plans.
This could be a great motivation to get the V20. It's going to be between this and the new Nexus for me I think. I really hope LG knocks this out of the park.

[kissdafloor]

First things first what is a DAC?

[Soreloser]

First things first what is a DAC?

Digital to analog converter.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digita...alog_converter

[Guyinbox]

First things first what is a DAC?

A digital to analog converter.

[cactuspete23]

Can anyone explain why a QUAD DAC is needed for Stereo Earphones? I understand how 4 channel stereo, with 4 speakers might benefit, but that also requires 4 channel Source material ? Almost all my music, expect for some Blu-ray and DVD is ordinary 2 channel stereo.

[kramer5150]

Can anyone explain why a QUAD DAC is needed for Stereo Earphones? I understand how 4 channel stereo, with 4 speakers might benefit, but that also requires 4 channel Source material ? Almost all my music, expect for some Blu-ray and DVD is ordinary 2 channel stereo.

Hard to say at this point exactly what "quad" means. It could be some type of oversampling or up-sampline used in the process... but historically I don't think ESS - saber is very forthcoming about that. Until someone can take it apart and see exactly what DAC chip and supporting chip-set, and ESS discloses how it samples the data in there its anyones guess.

[anon(9072051)]

I wouldn't take the word "quad" literally. It more likely refers to the controls or processing the DAC will offer for two regular stereo channels. See if enoch861's comments to this Android Police article seem reasonable:

LG V20 to feature 32-bit Quad DAC by ESS

From what I've read, a few too many people who write for techgeek sites like AC or AP are being a might too kneejerk dismissive of the idea of a "Quad DAC" before the fact when their alleged journalist instincts should be telling them to wait and watch and report later.

[Mdbills484]

I thought it was literal:

1. Audio DAC
2. Headphone jack DAC
3. Video Mic DAC
4. Call Mic DAC

[thisisjason]

Here's more info on what I would assume is the DAC they're using:

ESS Technology :: ESS Technology Brings Advanced Audiophile Features to Mobile Devices for the First Time

[cactuspete23]

Interesting. I'm sure we'll hear more once the phone is released.

[RaRa85]

The hifi DAC on the V10 is already great so if its better it should be mind blowing with a nice set of wired headphones.

[daryllh]

The '32 bit' thing is such a selling gimmick.

[RaRa85]

The '32 bit' thing is such a selling gimmick.

I'm not so sure about it being a gimmick. Audio from headphones on the V10 are the best I've ever heard on a smartphone. It may end up being a gimmick though but what phone doesn't come with a few gimmicks or claims about a certain feature?

[daryllh]

I'm not so sure about it being a gimmick. Audio from headphones on the V10 are the best I've ever heard on a smartphone. It may end up being a gimmick though but what phone doesn't come with a few gimmicks or claims about a certain feature?

What I meant was the ability to distinguish 32 bit audio versus 24 or even 16 bit. There may be a mechanical reason for it that I'm not aware of but advertising 32 bit audio is similar to phone manufacturers boasting pixel density. So, in regards to the last sentence in your comment, you are correct.

[RaRa85]

True. I don't think the average person will notice or care but I guess it's just one thing to say that separates it from other phones.

[mwake4goten]

What I meant was the ability to distinguish 32 bit audio versus 24 or even 16 bit. There may be a mechanical reason for it that I'm not aware of but advertising 32 bit audio is similar to phone manufacturers boasting pixel density. So, in regards to the last sentence in your comment, you are correct.

Add long as it sounds better then they can call it what they want...124bit audio lol

[cactuspete23]

Agree about 32Bit...

[kramer5150]

IMHO its the high impedance amp circuit and AUX line out setting that really makes the V10 a winner. Not so much the 32bit DAC processing, although technically the two go hand in hand and there's really no way to separate them. Paired with the right headphones it is noticeable.

[Chris Preasha]

Totally agree

[Guyinbox]

LG and B&O Play Collaborate to Bring Premium Audio Experience to V20 | Korea IT Times

Looks like LG has partnered with b&o again like they did for the g5 DAC module. To me, it sounds like this will just be the sound profile for the phone when using wired headsets like HTC did with their partnership with Beats.

The big question though, will US carriers include the b&o headphones with their version of the v20? My guess is no.

[RaRa85]

No DAC module needed for great audio on the V20 thankfully. I doubt they come bundled with headsets just like the ones for the V10 were a country exclusive I believe. I think South Korea or Taiwan got them.