Does the Note 7 have APTX and what sound chip, DAC does it use?

[rushmore]

I believe the N7 supports Aptx for wireless but perhaps not the new Aptx HD spec. I am a little bit concerned about the poor audio in this device. For $900 it seems unacceptable. I am using an HTC 10 right now. Can anyone comment on whether the International Version would be markedly better? Problem is those phones run 900 without any deals. I could pick up an amp for under $100.

How can the audio be presumed poor on the 820 Note 7? Most of the codecs and hardware are using the same tech premise and design, but their own marketing spin on what to call it and how to define it. Besides the DAC, the key is the output and gain balance of the device. A very good DAC can be thwarted by a weak output/gain balance.

A lot of folks do not appreciate that part of the problem is the dB output standards from Europe. This caused a lot of the issues since those standards are used (to a fault) in a lot of portable audio devices globally. Archos is an example of a previously fine audio company that killed their rep following the European standards for audio, but failed to balance the gain with the output. Net result is the past ten years of Archos devices still have crummy audio quality.

 

[Kevin OQuinn]

A point though unless lossless, there is no real sonic advantage. Doubtful even 320K MP3 gets any bennie. Even then you need real good on ear or buds to notice. Placebos are powerful stuff otherwise

This is not entirely accurate. I have $100 headphones and can easily hear the difference between devices when listening to standard 320Kbps streaming audio.

 

[cactuspete23]

So is Asqtic different from the normal/integrated DAC that is included with Snapdragon 820 chips ? Or have the integrated chips now risen to Audiophile quality? I was under the impression that Separate DAC/Amp combinations were needed to get real HIFI sound from smartphones?

 

[torbach1]

So is Asqtic different from the normal/integrated DAC that is included with Snapdragon 820 chips ? Or have the integrated chips now risen to Audiophile quality? I was under the impression that Separate DAC/Amp combinations were needed to get real HIFI sound from smartphones?

It is different to the normal integrated DAC that has been part of the SD820 earlier. I'm not certain if it's integrated or separate, but based on the press releases, it's definitely an upgrade over other SD820 phones. Seems that Qualcomm is offering it as an optional upgrade to OEMs like Samsung. Time and reviews will tell if the real world difference is significant or not.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[Roman Akert]

It is in your mind.

Unless you have the SD version the exynos model uses a DAC made by Lucky, co- developed with Wolfson.

 

[torbach1]

It is in your mind.

Unless you have the SD version the exynos model uses a DAC made by Lucky, co- developed with Wolfson.

Read the comment I posted showing the proof that there is a new (according to Qualcomm, so take with a grain of salt), DAC and based on the specs it should be an improvement over what's in most other SD820 phone outside of the HTC 10 and ZTE Axon 7.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[Kevin OQuinn]

I can say with certainty that the Note 7 sounds better than the S7e. I spent a good amount of time today at Best Buy comparing them side-by-side with VERY familiar songs.

It doesn't really get louder that I can tell, so it's still not going to drive high impedance headphones.

 

[torbach1]

I can say with certainty that the Note 7 sounds better than the S7e. I spent a good amount of time today at Best Buy comparing them side-by-side with VERY familiar songs.

It doesn't really get louder that I can tell, so it's still not going to drive high impedance headphones.

Thanks Kevin. I'm very glad to hear that. This was the only real complaint I had about the S7 Edge. So if they've addressed it, even if it's not as good as the LG V10 or the HTC 10, I'll be happy.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[billykac]

I can say with certainty that the Note 7 sounds better than the S7e. I spent a good amount of time today at Best Buy comparing them side-by-side with VERY familiar songs.

It doesn't really get louder that I can tell, so it's still not going to drive high impedance headphones.

Great to hear.
Looking forward to it!

 

[GBP87]

I can say with certainty that the Note 7 sounds better than the S7e. I spent a good amount of time today at Best Buy comparing them side-by-side with VERY familiar songs.

It doesn't really get louder that I can tell, so it's still not going to drive high impedance headphones.

All the Best Buy Note7's are Exynos versions, as indicated by the -X model number.

Edit: unless they had an American carrier branded version unpacked and on demo?

 

[cactuspete23]

Great to hear that good quality DAC's are now being integrated into the Phone Chip Packages, rather than needing to add a separate one for Music !

 

[rushmore]

I can say with certainty that the Note 7 sounds better than the S7e. I spent a good amount of time today at Best Buy comparing them side-by-side with VERY familiar songs.

It doesn't really get louder that I can tell, so it's still not going to drive high impedance headphones.

Samsung strictly follows the Euro standard for dB limits of portable devices. Poweramp has gain increase options to get around this.

The US versions have the same lowish output as the European devices. Don't know if other regions are same.

 

[CehowardNote7]

One thing for sure, I am glad I started this thread. It has pulled in some good audio experts, which is good for all. I am a novice at this music listening stuff. But, I quickly learned a little. I like for it be where I can ditch my DAP (Filo X5ii, and use my N7 for all my audio stuff. I carry 95% FLAC, Sony MK2 BT phones, Senn V2 BT phones and Harmon Kardon BT phones.. All have BT aptx. Going to higher phones shortly, and will be carrying big micro sd card on my Note 7(256gb), which is going to be filled to the brim with flac music, videos,and pics..

Again, I really enjoy the conversations between the knowledgeable audio heads here.. Great Stuff!

 

[billykac]

Coming from the Note 5, I am looking forward to a Note7 thread like this:

Note 5 - headphone jack audio performance me… | Samsung Galaxy Note5

What a great thread for those of us who wanted an under-the-hood look at N5 audio - which is awesome BTW.

-bk

 

[Kevin OQuinn]

One thing for sure, I am glad I started this thread. It has pulled in some good audio experts, which is good for all. I am a novice at this music listening stuff. But, I quickly learned a little. I like for it be where I can ditch my DAP (Filo X5ii, and use my N7 for all my audio stuff. I carry 95% FLAC, Sony MK2 BT phones, Senn V2 BT phones and Harmon Kardon BT phones.. All have BT aptx. Going to higher phones shortly, and will be carrying big micro sd card on my Note 7(256gb), which is going to be filled to the brim with flac music, videos,and pics..

Again, I really enjoy the conversations between the knowledgeable audio heads here.. Great Stuff!

Man, sounds like you're missing out on the real capabilities of that Fiio by only using BT headphones though.

No matter how good the Note 7 audio is it's not going to match your Fiio. It might be good enough for you to be ok with it, but it won't even be close.

 

[GBP87]

Before we go any further with initial conclusions regarding the Note7's SQ, I think Kevin OQuinn needs to clarify which model he listened to. Again, to my knowledge, the units in the Samsung Experience Stores within Best Buy are model "X" units and contain the Exynos chipset. Therefore, if Kevin OQuinn stated that it sounded better than his S820 S7E, we shouldn't extrapolate the results to the new Aqstic codec in the Note7 S820.

Like everyone here, I want this Aqstic codec to pan out, but we need to clarify which unit was tested.

 

[RideZeLitenin]

I was under the impression that all of the U.S. carriers versions of the Note 7 were SD 820-equipped, so that would be what Kevin OQuinn listened to. I was actually at both a Verizon store and a Best Buy yesterday and had a chance to compare it to my Note 3 and some other phones at the store (including an LG V10).

I was using the headphones I had on me:
https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-RP...ag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUacUvbUpU5329255

In terms of max output / loudness
Note 3 > Note 7 > LG V10 (at store, dunno if there are V10 hacks to up the output of the ESS dac)
My Note 3 was just a tiny smidgen louder than the Note 7 at max volume. I would probably say that the Note 7 had more detailed sound and a slightly warmer signature.

On a side Note (pun), for my first time listening to the V10 I wasn't as blown away with the sound as I expected to be... at least in terms of max volume output. I suppose I was expecting sound along the lines of a Dragonfly (which get pretty damn loud, let me tell you), since they both share the ESS Sabre DAC. That being said, it did boast a very refined, detailed sound. The Note 7 had much louder highs and just seemed "punchier" overall, for better or worse. I can't say one was objectively better than the other (I'm hardly an audiophile by any means, but I do like good sounding music).

I will probably be returning to Best Buy today to preorder Note 7 today and will have a chance to take another listen with better cans.

 

[Kevin OQuinn]

Before we go any further with initial conclusions regarding the Note7's SQ, I think Kevin OQuinn needs to clarify which model he listened to. Again, to my knowledge, the units in the Samsung Experience Stores within Best Buy are model "X" units and contain the Exynos chipset. Therefore, if Kevin OQuinn stated that it sounded better than his S820 S7E, we shouldn't extrapolate the results to the new Aqstic codec in the Note7 S820.

Like everyone here, I want this Aqstic codec to pan out, but we need to clarify which unit was tested.

Interesting. I was not aware of that. If I make it over to Best Buy again I'll try and run Aida64.

 

[CehowardNote7]

Man, sounds like you're missing out on the real capabilities of that Fiio by only using BT headphones though.

No matter how good the Note 7 audio is it's not going to match your Fiio. It might be good enough for you to be ok with it, but it won't even be close.

You are correct, as I stated, I am a learning novice at this point. My Senn BT V2 sound the best and the best of have in the trio and mostly I used the Senn wired... Looking for a good close back headphone at mid high end.. That should do the trick...Any suggestions?

Thanks for the tips..

 

[Kevin OQuinn]

You are correct, as I stated, I am a learning novice at this point. My Senn BT V2 sound the best and the best of have in the trio and mostly I used the Senn wired... Looking for a good close back headphone at mid high end.. That should do the trick...Any suggestions?

Thanks for the tips..

If you're a fan of the "Senn sound" then the Momentum 2 would be a good choice (though they are a bit bassier than open Senns). If you're open to other brands Audio-Technica has the M series which are very well regarded. I have the M40x. They are "flat" sounding which is what I prefer, but the M50x have more of a "fun" sound so they are slightly v-shaped, with more bass and a bit more treble.

Going a bit higher-end, there are the NAD Viso HP50's, and the Oppo PM3's.

All of the above are over-ear so they're going to be a bit less portable than on-ear designs. If you're looking for something that is super portable I'd recommend the V-Moda XS. I have them and they are great.

Honestly, there are a LOT of great headphones out there. It can be hard, but try to listen to a few to get an idea of what you like. You can read all day long about them, but that won't do much if you haven't heard them to be able to apply those reviews and opinions to your own experience.