HTC audiophile lovers are you excited?

[allnighter246]

Is there any noticeable difference in sound from songs straight off Google Music or Apple Music? Or would you only hear a difference if you had higher quality encoded music files? Mainly referring to quality improvement through headphones and not external speaker.

Thanks

 

[B0WIE]

Is there any noticeable difference in sound from songs straight off Google Music or Apple Music? Or would you only hear a difference if you had higher quality encoded music files? Mainly referring to quality improvement through headphones and not external speaker.

Thanks

How are they handling the compression/data reduction? For instance, Amazon says;
"Where possible, we encode our MP3 files using variable bit rates for optimal audio quality and file sizes, aiming at an average of 256 kilobits per second (kbps). Using a variable bit rate allows us to allocate a higher bit rate to the more complex sections of music files while using a smaller bit rate for the less complex sections."

Sounds like it would be great but I recently did some direct comparisons with CDs I bought from Amazon that I converter to FLAC, and the free streaming of those same tracks through the Amazon Player on wifi, w/ quality set to "high". I could clearly hear a difference in perceived depth (from detail), transient response, and low frequency extension.

Now, if you have MP3 files already and you are asking what player to listen to them through, it will hardly make a difference. If you are dealing with lossless files, I'd consider a specialty player like Neutron.

 

[gallopiton]

thanks for the reply... sadly the coupon expired, but i am very close to order one of these devices...

The 10's headphone audio is pretty neutral. You don't need to pick a specific headphone to compensate, just go with one you like the sonic signature of. So far, all my headphones and earphones have sounded great on the 10.

 

[stkorn97]

I'm using PowerAmp with Boomsound off and my personal audio profile on and it sounds amazing. And PA plays all of my lossless Apple files so I didn't have to convert any to flac.

I also run Poweramp, and when enabling 24bit audio, it sounds amazing. Im only using some in ear headphones, but what a difference from my M8 to this.

 

[allnighter246]

Thanks Bowie for the detailed reply. I was referring to MP3, I currently listen to music while at the gym and I was hoping that the audio would be improved a little over my old phone. I just picked up my phone today so will get to try it out a bit soon.

BTW, noticed my phone didn't come with any headphones.. is it suppose to come without any?

 

[B0WIE]

Thanks Bowie for the detailed reply. I was referring to MP3, I currently listen to music while at the gym and I was hoping that the audio would be improved a little over my old phone. I just picked up my phone today so will get to try it out a bit soon.

BTW, noticed my phone didn't come with any headphones.. is it suppose to come without any?

Let us know how you like it. No, it doesn't come with earbuds. If anyone is looking for some good-value, high-quality earbuds in the $50 range, check out the Beyerdynamic DTX-101. They play-well with the 10 and have good balance with a little extra bass and a smooth top end (which helps with MP3s and mid-quality files so they sound warmer and smoother).

 

[NEXUS_HTC_PS]

I also run Poweramp, and when enabling 24bit audio, it sounds amazing. Im only using some in ear headphones, but what a difference from my M8 to this.

How do you " enable 24- bit audio"? I thought it was auto enabled

From me to you by the Power Cosmic

 

[B0WIE]

How do you " enable 24- bit audio"? I thought it was auto enabled

From me to you by the Power Cosmic

I think he's talking about the feature in Poweramp. I haven't used it in a while but if enabling 24bit doesn't enhance the sound though unless it's a 24bit file. If the engine is running at 24bit, that's something else. Neutron has up to 64 bit processing but it's not making your files behave as 64 bit.

As far as things that will actually improve the sound of standard MP3 or CD music, you're correct, the 10 has a dithering or some form of processing with is supposed to add bit depth (which, is no substitute for the real thing but can help a little).

 

[NEXUS_HTC_PS]

I think he's talking about the feature in Poweramp. I haven't used it in a while but if enabling 24bit doesn't enhance the sound though unless it's a 24bit file. If the engine is running at 24bit, that's something else. Neutron has up to 64 bit processing but it's not making your files behave as 64 bit.

As far as things that will actually improve the sound of standard MP3 or CD music, you're correct, the 10 has a dithering or some form of processing with is supposed to add bit depth (which, is no substitute for the real thing but can help a little).

I have been using PowerAmp for years. I looked through the settings and didn't find anything...

From me to you by the Power Cosmic

 

[stkorn97]

It depends which version you are running, if you arent in the alpha/beta tester group then you are running old version which hasnt been updated in a long time really. Alpha has a whole new audio engine. Sounds a ton better than old version in general.

Version Im running currently. Its an alpha so its not perfect and it has a few quirks when scrolling through a track in 24 bit mode. Also has a delay when changing volume or songs. But its all known issues at this point. Beta is coming at some point soon last I read.

http://forum.powerampapp.com/index.php?/topic/8810-poweramp-alpha-build-703/

 

[B0WIE]

Sharing a couple screenshots from Neutron Player to show the GUI tweaks. It's the most powerful "audiophile" player in the market. I don't personally think it's going to be a big improvement over Poweramp for MP3s and such (might make a small difference on higher quality files) but I LOVE how you can customize nearly every single GUI color (for instance; the button shadow color, button background, button foreground, button label, etc) and end up with some really wonderful color schemes. I'm digging this turquoise and radioactive yellow one right now, but you could go with literally any color scheme you want and spend hours tweaking it. It's a whole other level than using skins. I am not associated with them or anything, it's just the first player I've found that I've been genuinely excited about and thought they deserved some more attention.

 

[stkorn97]

Nice, had never heard of it, will look into though.

 

[gallopiton]

question for audiophiles... if you want to download music for your cellphone, what's the best audio format? i would say flac, but prefer to ask your opinion/experience... thanks!

 

[B0WIE]

question for audiophiles... if you want to download music for your cellphone, what's the best audio format? i would say flac, but prefer to ask your opinion/experience... thanks!

As long as it's a "lossless" format and you're using a quality player, you should be good to go. I prefer to go with FLAC for CDs because it's essentially an uncompromised CD copy, is well established, and plays on everything I own. It takes up a lot of space. I have 680 CDs/8K songs converted to FLAC and they take up over 200 gigs. My entire 200gig SD is filled with music. You might want to consider lossless compression that will work the CPU a little harder to save drive space, if that's an issue.
If you're downloading, make sure you're clear about what quality the songs are stored at. "High quality" can mean a lot of things...

 

[gallopiton]

thanks for the insight/advice... i spend a good amount of time traveling and having quality music to enjoy is always important to me... to accomplish that you need: the songs you like, a good player, a good headphone, a good file format... i am considering the htc 10 among other reasons for the dedicated DAC for headphone... i was wondering if i was missing something with the file format... i know the flac will make your files take a lot of space but that's the "price" to pay...

As long as it's a "lossless" format and you're using a quality player, you should be good to go. I prefer to go with FLAC for CDs because it's essentially an uncompromised CD copy, is well established, and plays on everything I own. It takes up a lot of space. I have 680 CDs/8K songs converted to FLAC and they take up over 200 gigs. My entire 200gig SD is filled with music. You might want to consider lossless compression that will work the CPU a little harder to save drive space, if that's an issue.
If you're downloading, make sure you're clear about what quality the songs are stored at. "High quality" can mean a lot of things...

 

[anon(604250)]

As long as it's a "lossless" format and you're using a quality player, you should be good to go. I prefer to go with FLAC for CDs because it's essentially an uncompromised CD copy, is well established, and plays on everything I own. It takes up a lot of space. I have 680 CDs/8K songs converted to FLAC and they take up over 200 gigs. My entire 200gig SD is filled with music. You might want to consider lossless compression that will work the CPU a little harder to save drive space, if that's an issue.
If you're downloading, make sure you're clear about what quality the songs are stored at. "High quality" can mean a lot of things...

Great info. I haven't tested out music playback yet. I'll have a go with "Dark Side of the Moon". You can even hear the faint tape hiss on this recording, just like the good old Mobile Fidelity vinyl days..

 

[zolom]

Take a look here: Review on HtC 10 and Sound quality

 

[gallopiton]

great read, thanks for sharing...

Take a look here: Review on HtC 10 and Sound quality

 

[CHILLYWILL_95831]

I am more interested in how loud and clear it is. I couldn't believe how much louder the 6P is vs the M9. It is quiet in comparison. The IP68 on the M10 makes me think the overall volume will be dull. The M9 was already not as loud as the M8. Let's see if the 10 is at least as loud as the 6P.

Posted via the Android Central App

I have both and the 10 is not even close; however, the sound through Bluetooth and the headphone jack are stellar. The bass is full and rich while the midrange and upper end are detailed and warm, and that's through Bluetooth. The headphone jack is all of that times 5. It's really that good!
If you're looking for the phone speaker to be loud, I think you'll be disappointed when compared to the 6P. But, if you turn the 6p volume up to the point right before distortion starts, then they are comparable in volume and the HTC 10 blows it away with sound fidelity. For me, I'm most impressed with audio through Bluetooth as that's how I connect when I'm in the gym. You don't do all of the sound profile stuff when you're connected with Bluetooth but it absolutely blows the 6p away. When you're connected with wired headphones, that's where the 6p becomes a real laugher. It's almost impossible to listen to any kind of music on my 6p now.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[gallopiton]

thanks for these comments... typically, i listen to music using wires using a bose qc25 or from tomorrow on, also using bluetooth after a pair of v-moda crossfade wireless arrives, and it's great to know that in those areas the 10 shines...

I have both and the 10 is not even close; however, the sound through Bluetooth and the headphone jack are stellar. The bass is full and rich while the midrange and upper end are detailed and warm, and that's through Bluetooth. The headphone jack is all of that times 5. It's really that good!
If you're looking for the phone speaker to be loud, I think you'll be disappointed when compared to the 6P. But, if you turn the 6p volume up to the point right before distortion starts, then they are comparable in volume and the HTC 10 blows it away with sound fidelity. For me, I'm most impressed with audio through Bluetooth as that's how I connect when I'm in the gym. You don't do all of the sound profile stuff when you're connected with Bluetooth but it absolutely blows the 6p away. When you're connected with wired headphones, that's where the 6p becomes a real laugher. It's almost impossible to listen to any kind of music on my 6p now.

Posted via the Android Central App