[Xperia Arc Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] down4wotever:
Ok, I think we have to all agree that perhaps fine sound quality is subjective, but to support my earlier analysis that X10 mediascape with latest update has better sound quality that arc - looks like the guys at GSM arena share my sentiments.

X10 results:http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ericsson_xperia_x10-review-463p5.php#aq

Great audio quality

Update 08 Apr: After we updated our Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 to the latest version of its firmware its audio output improved greatly and the handset achieved excellent results in our test.

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 is still pretty quiet in terms of pure volume, but noise levels reading (indicating the signal-to-noise ratio) and the dynamic range are now excellent and comparable to the best in class.

The frequency response is still spot-on for the entire audible range.

The distortion levels are also top-notch and generally the XPERIA X10 has no weak points as far as its audio output is concerned.And here go the results so you can see for yourselves.

Test	Frequency response	Noise level	Dynamic range	THD	IMD + Noise	Stereo crosstalk

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10	+0.07 -0.37	-85.4	85.3	0.018	0.068	-83.6

Google Nexus One	+0.19, -0.55	-86.1	85.8	0.023	0.088	-85.2

HTC HD2	+0.39, -2.99	-89.0	89.1	0.057	0.960	-87.5

HTC Legend	+0.13 -0.56	-83.4	86.5	0.024	0.191	-83.5

Sony Ericsson XPERIA Pureness	+0.03, -0.09	-86.7	86.6	0.0058	0.017	-86.1

Samsung i8910 Omnia HD	+1.29 -2.74	-87.6	86.6	0.0023	0.255	-85.2

Apple iPhone 3GS	+0.01, -0.05	-92.1	92.1	0.0035	0.011	-95.0

Arc results: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ericsson_xperia_arc-review-584p6.php#aq

Pretty good audio quality

Update 04 April: It turns out that the default (normal) equalizer on the Arc actually boosts the bass and treble frequencies, instead of delivering a clean output. We retested the handset, using the flat equalizer and updated the text below to reflect our new findings.

We were pleased with the Sony Ericsson XPERIA Arc performance in our audio quality test. The frequency response of the smartphone is perfect with no headphones attached and still easily within the +-dB limit with headphones on.

The stereo crosstalk does get pretty mediocre when you plug in a pair of headphones, while the distortion levels increase too and we'd only describe them as average.

The rest of the readings are pretty great, though - the noise levels and dynamic range scores are among the best we have seen. With an active external amplifier you are also getting some pretty low distortions and stereo-crosstalk readings. Plus the XPERIA Arc is reasonably loud so it's all looking pretty good.

And here go the results so you can see for yourselves.

Test	Frequency response	Noise level	Dynamic range	THD	IMD + Noise	Stereo crosstalk

Sony Ericsson XPERIA Arc	+0.12, -0.09	-89.4	89.2	0.013	0.037	-91.5

Sony Ericsson XPERIA Arc (headphones attached)	+0.42, -0.12	-89.1	88.8	0.179	0.314	-46.6

HTC Incredible S	+0.03, -0.18	-82.4	82.2	0.018	0.058	-71.3

HTC Incredible S (headphones attached)	+0.61, -0.15	-71.7	71.2	0.126	0.540	-59.6

HTC Desire HD	+0.09, -0.44	-90.6	90.4	0.014	0.517	-92.6

HTC Desire HD (headphones attached)	+0.09, -0.44	-93.2	92.9	0.020	0.728	-17.9

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X8	+0.12, -0.55	-75.6	76.5	0.024	0.093	-70.7

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X8 (headphones attached)	+0.31, -0.20	-74.9	75.6	0.093	0.341	-60.4

Samsung I9000 Galaxy S	+0.03 -0.04	-90.7	90.6	0.014	0.019	-90.6

Samsung I9000 Galaxy S (headphones attached)	+0.40 -0.12	-90.7	90.6	0.018	0.329	-43.3

Apple iPhone 4	+0.01, -0.07	-90.1	90.0	0.0068	0.012	-89.6

Apple iPhone 4 (headphones attached)	+0.01, -0.07	-90.4	90.4	0.0036	0.092	-68.4

Sony Ericsson XPERIA Arc frequency response

Here's to hoping the SE scouts are watching and taking notes.