[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] jrgilbert79:
Disclaimer: I am not a developer and have no rights or claim to any of the files listed below. I only use them to "Rock Out"

Like many of you I have struggled with the lack luster audio output of the Galaxy Nexus. Nearly a year later and much has been done to correct this. I was using Volume + for a while before upgrading to 4.2.1 which broke its functionality and limited the effect it had on my audio output. There are two formidable modifications out right now that will take your GNex to the next level but because they are similar in functionality I will discuss the one that provides the most merged features.

Before you get started please ensure that you have rooted your phone, have an updated custom recovery such as TWRP or CWM. I will not tell you which Kernel to use, however I will tell you that I have this 100% working on my Verizon Galaxy Nexus using AOKP 4.2.1 or AOKP MR1 BuildX. The MOD developers also state that it is confirmed working for the Galaxy Nexus 4.2.1 (AOKP) I do not know if any other ROM will work with this phone.

The MOD is called Ac!d Audio Engine which combines Beats Drivers found in some HTC phones with other sound engines such as Sony's Xlouder, Dolby, etc... There is another thread for the mod that I will link below. You can go there and read/download the MOD and I will give you a brief description below on initial setup.

Before installing this please make a full backup of you Galaxy Nexus. Even though this works for most phones it is also ROM dependent. With that in mind make a backup please. Coming from any other ROM or Version of AOKP you must do a FULL WIPE!!!! I would also download each component and upload to your phones internal SD before you run through the steps. This way you can install them all one after another and not have to wait for your phone to optimize applications multiple times.

Step 1 - Please visit http://aokp.co/release-jb-mr1-build-2/

Download the version or this for your phone. Like many developers they list the phones as the code name for instance VZN is Toro.

Install this using the latest version of CWM or TWRP. I realize most people get really attached to ROM developers and stick with them. I will promise you that this is totally worth trying for the sound improvement not only in quality but shear DB gain.

Wipe Dalvik

Step 2 - Install the version of GAPPS listed on the AOKP website. Remember that as this thread ages the ROM could change as well as GAPPS.

Wipe Dalvik

Step 3 (Optional) - Install your favorite Kernel. As long as it is verified for JB 4.2.1 it should work. I use LeanKernel (not tested on GSM) you can get that form here: http://rootzwiki.com/topic/13092-kernel-leankernel-minimalistic-kernel-48-58-12313/

Wipe Dalvik

Step 4: Install the Ac!d Audio Engine found here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1923630

Wipe Dalvik

Also Important download the Ac!d Noozoxide or Ac!d Awesome Beats appllication and flash as well. It is possible against the Dev's advice to install both of them. As long as you remember not to configure them both you should not get any audio issues. I tend to uninstall them via the standard app drawer if I want to switch and reinstall them later should I want to switch back.

Once installed bootup, go to settings, sound, music effects and choose the DSP you want to use either Awesome Beats or Noozoxide. Next open up a music player such as Google Music and start your favorite tune. Next open the application drawer and choose the DSP you installed to open. Tweak headphones first. Inside the application you will notice immediate change by enabling the equalizer and editing the sliders. Please note that depending on the quality of your headphones these values may need to be lower than expected to get rid of rattling or audio anomalies. The other two tweakable settings are for build in speaker and bluetooth audio output.

From my experience Awesome Beats is configurable louder however that introduces artifacts into your music if it crosses the thresh hold that your headphones can handle. Noozoxide has a few different filters and is easier to tweak. The reason I say to use either one of these is because sounds across you the entire phone are improved and louder; Calls, notifications, other player apps like Pandora etc.

I hope anyone who views this gives it a try. I wanted to wait until AOKP 4.2.1 had matured past build one to give everyone a smoother experience. Also this will push your phones DAC much harder. Certain kinds of headphones such as over ear (50mm +) couldn't really be driven hard prior to this MOD but now they can so you may experience additional battery drain if not using smaller ear buds. If you love music like I do most people will make this sacrifice.

Here is a video of an installation and tweaking of a Galaxy S3. The Galaxy Nexus will be similar once the files have been flashed and you can tweak your audio settings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pkmnKN-r9Y

Please let me know if you find this useful and hopefully you fall back in love with your phone all over again. :highfive::victory:

P.S. I really love wiping my Dalvik

Thanks, Joe.