yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Xperia Z3 General] maverick1103:
Ah yes Spigen I have heard that before about them.

Well bad news, I've just tested all 3 apps and here are my results:

Speaker Boost - Did not make any difference at all, the app gives you a slider bar called boost and moving it does nothing at all, I even checked the settings but nothing made a difference.

Sound Boost - This gives you an option to turn it on and off, turning it on crackled the audio for a second then just seemed to add an effect to the audio; the best way I can describe it is it added a poor equaliser to the audio.

Vol Boost apk - This was very similar result to Sound Boost app, in fact probably worse.

So there you go, 2 made a difference but unfortunately didn't boost the volume just had a negative impact on the audio.

I think I'm going to buy a pair of the Sony MDR-NC31EM earphones anyway, they only cost £25 from Amazon and I can use them whilst walking to station to block noise of traffic, then when I'm on the train I'll switch to my Bose headphones. From the reviews I've read they are great quality for the cost and the built in NC works great. Thing is now I've started using the walkman app and DSEE HX the music quality seems incomparable, and I'm no audiophile!

Mav
[Xperia Z3 General] RockStar2005:
Mav,

Yeah Spigen needs to get their act together.

Ughh ok. lol Now I guess I'll just have to hope for the best when I get my Z3 and new headphones. lol I GUESS I can look into getting an amplifier or DAC device too. So f'in' stupid that I have to even consider that with all the apps out there. Thanks for checking them out though.

Yeah I've heard good things about the Sony ones. I actually bought a pair but am returning them only b/c I want to upgrade (didn't even open them) to headphones. They are good, but yeah, they won't compare to any good pairs of headphones like Bose, etc. I've heard some ppl say the Z3's volume is TOO loud, but most like you say it's not loud enough. Not sure what to expect. lol

Yeah that's the thing I'm excited about.............. using Walkman and DSEE HX. Just the volume thing....... gotta keep my fingers (and eyes? lol) crossed.

RockStar2005
[Xperia Z3 General] RCJ89:
Yes I am in london, uk.

It is not exactly a extra as such.

I was in westfield stratford, london only on tuesday and they were not doing this promotion, I was there for around 30mins.

I always intended to buy the Z3 as I love it, now today was the launch for the galaxy note 4 from 6pm uk time. I arrived at the samsung store at 4.15pm and there was only 3 people in the que I just thought I cannot be asked to wait there til 6 so I went off to play with the z3 at the event. As I was playing with the z3 a staff member came upto me and said we are doing a promotion where if you buy the z3 from any shop in westfield vodafone, carphone, O2, EE, Three, Virgin you get the noise cancelling headphones for free. The promotion I assume started yesterday or today and it lasts until october 31st. They then go to westfield in white city, london.

I have not yet tried the headsets as I have been setting up both my note 4 and z3.
[Xperia Z3 General] maverick1103:
No worries glad to help, I was disappointed none of them did what they stated but as I said that volume boost app I used before worked until 4.1 came out, maybe with new updates it breaks the app.

Well they won't be replacing my Bose headphones just going to be for the journey as I previously said, however I said beforw I feel the output isn't as loud as M8 was, unless I'm just adjusting but after testing those apps out tonight I couldn't have it on 100% volume as it was too loud lol! Maybe it was because there was hardly and background noise, just my TV was on low, compared to when I'm commuting but I definitely seemed louder.

The DSEE HX does appear to be making a difference, the more I compare songs with it on and off and then same song in Spotify I instantly go back to it on.

Anyway I'm sure you'll get your Z3 and you'll be like what the hell are all these people whinging at lmao! ?
[Xperia Z3 General] RCJ89:
Noise cancelling headphones + DSEE = Awesome!
[Xperia Z3 General] corallus:
Couldn't agree more.
[Xperia Z3 General] maverick1103:
Yes I've just purchased them, should come the weekend cant wait to test them out!
[Xperia Z3 General] raviboy100:
I find the lack of bass very very disturbing, does anyone have a solution. I used to use viper4android and no app i tried comes near the quality. Of that root app. Even DSEE is like a downgrade compared with viper
[Xperia Z3 General] RCJ89:
I was going to buy them but got them for free via a promotion sony were doing.
[Xperia Z3 General] RockStar2005:
Sweet!! lol

RockStar2005

---------- Post added at 01:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:15 AM ----------

Ahh ok. Cool!

Well at least you still get a chance at them. I doubt any carrier will do that here. lol Don't get why not.

Yeah lucky you! lol

RockStar2005
[Xperia Z3 General] RockStar2005:
Can anyone on here who has the Z3 (Mav, RCJ, etc) tell me if doing the following gives you other options besides Sony headphones being list? Is it just like "Sony or misc" (or JUST Sony?) or do they actually list other headphone brands? If so, please name them here.

Optimise Sony Headphones with the Xperia Z3

If you happen to own a set of Sony headphones, the new Xperia Z3 devices will allow you to optimize the sound especially for your headphones. To do this go to Settings > Sound > Audio Settings > Headphones and select the Sony headphones you’re using.

Also, have you guys tried this? Does it make any significant difference??

Thanks,

RockStar2005

---------- Post added at 03:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:51 AM ----------

Wow............ I guess I prob WILL need an amp after all? lol The loud speakers are great on the Z3, but apparently the headphone output is anything but stellar lol:

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Best-smartphones-for-music_id56292 (scroll down to FIRST chart; add phones if you wish)

The Z3 isn't listed, but Z3 Compact is......... 0.30. Ouch. lol I dunno. I'm guessing the Z3's is like .32 or .35 at best?? If anyone knows, please post it here.

My cousin has the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 which is rated at .43 for headphone output and he said it's pretty loud and he's partially deaf too I think from years of metal concerts. lol I dunno. Maybe there's hope? lol He said he has to put it a couple notches BELOW max volume when listening on his Beats headphones. Hmmm........................

RockStar2005
[Xperia Z3 General] Jiyeon90:
Here's the list of headphones, I was curious too so I took a pic of my cousin's phone lol

Someone with the sth 30 which are in the list said the sound actually improved after choosing his headphones in the list.
[Xperia Z3 General] RockStar2005:
Oh that's cool! Thanks for posting that pic!

I was expecting there to be some headphone options too, not just in-ear headphones. But ok. I wonder how the NC ones would sound with the NC option chosen? RCJ, you're on! lol Let's hear it.

Sure, I believe it! Well at least the Z3 has some really good options for Sony in-ear headphones. Just don't forget to turn on that DSEE HX people! lol

RockStar2005
[Xperia Z3 General] RCJ89:
Indeed cannot complain as it saved me £30-50. I highly recommend the MDR-NC31EM

---------- Post added at 08:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:29 AM ----------

1st up all other heaphones go under general, my beats MIXRs come up in general, same as GFs beats solos and the samsung headsets that come with the note 3/note 4.

2. The Z3 is actually fairly loud, its around the same loudness as my GFs Note 3 but not as loud as my note 4. I have tried same song on all three phones with Beats MIXRs, SOLOs, Samsung headsets and the SONY MDR-NC31EMs (with noise cancelling off - for obvious reason that the NC only works on the Z3) Its is more than loud enough though, especially with the NC headphones.

Far better than the Xperia S, T, Z, Z1 that I have had before and louder than Z2 which I don't have but my cousin has.

---------- Post added at 08:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:37 AM ----------

I don't have any over head sony headphones but the next time I go to a PC world store I will try them out and see if the options come up for them as far as I have seen so far its just in ear headphones.

The noise cancelling MDR-NC31EM sound awesome with or without NC on but especially with it on and DSEE HX on aswell - absolutely fantastic to the point I am not even using my beats MIXRs which are louder and have more bass (just the way I like my music) but they do leak sound when outdoors which the NC headsets dont!

I have had the NC on + DSEE + Studio = :good::good::good::p:p:p thats all I can say

I have played around with other settings too but Ive now stuck with clear bass all the way up + DSEE HX + NC on for me just awesome.

Fantastic Job sony :good::good:
[Xperia Z3 General] maverick1103:
Lucky you!!

Well I did have a look at the different earphones before with my bose headphones connected, I'll say that 1 or 2 of them seem to provide a bit more bass, can't remember which ones, but I still preferred the Generic one.
[Xperia Z3 General] RockStar2005:
RCJ,

That's cool! Glad you're enjoying them so much! I'm sure the DSEE HX def helps.

Wait, are you saying your Note 4's headphone output is louder than the Note 3's? I checked last night and some site had info on several phones, including those 2, and the Note 4's is actually 0.41 volts while the Note 3's is 0.43, so it can't be louder on the Note 4. They are so close though that it may be hard to tell them apart? (http://www.phonearena.com/news/Best-smartphones-for-music_id56292 add Note 3 & Note 4 to first chart using pull-down menu)

Well it's encouraging to hear that the Z3 is "fairly loud", esp when compared to not only the previous Xperia phones, but the Note phones as well. My cousin has the Note 3 (actually, he JUST got the Note 4 an hour ago), and on the Note 3 he says that when he plays songs on his Beats headphones, it can get pretty loud. He said he can handle max volume, but typically goes down 1-2 notches. So I guess that makes me think since u think the Note 3 and Z3 volumes are about equal that the Z3 will NOT disappoint me.

Thanks,

RockStar2005

---------- Post added at 04:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:28 PM ----------

Well I did have a look at the different earphones before with my bose headphones connected, I'll say that 1 or 2 of them seem to provide a bit more bass, can't remember which ones, but I still preferred the Generic one.[/QUOTE]

Mav,

Wait, so you're saying there are other brand's earphones that come up on that list too, or is Generic/General the only one avail for non-Sony earphones? Any headphone options on there?

Thanks,

RockStar2005
[Xperia Z3 General] maverick1103:
Mav,

Wait, so you're saying there are other brand's earphones that come up on that list too, or is Generic/General the only one avail for non-Sony earphones? Any headphone options on there?

Thanks,

RockStar2005[/QUOTE]

Only Generic for Non Sony, others are Sony's earphones. No headphone option all are earphones except Generic option.
[Xperia Z3 General] RockStar2005:
Mav,

Hmm ok. That's what I thought.

Thanks,

RockStar2005
[Xperia Z3 General] PePPiZCH:
I like my music really loud and for me, the Z3 wasn't enough - at least with Spotify which is the only music source I use. I had a Galaxy S3 before, which was a little bit louder but with lesser quality. I use the Z3 with the Sony MDR-10RC as well as a pair of Beyerdynamic MMX102 iE. With a good pair of headphones/earbuds, I think the sound quality will be impressive for most people (compared to other phones).

Volume is a personal preference. I felt I had spent too much money on pretty good accessories for the sound to not be completely satisfied. Since the sound quality was really good already, I went and bought a Fiio E6 portable amp for 20 dollars just to try it out. It's not the most convenient thing to have in your pocket with your phone, but god DAMN. The sound coming out from this Z3 coupled with a good pair of cans and the Fiio E6 is actually insane. It sounds better, and with more bass, than my desktop computer with a rather expensive Xonar soundcard and Sennheiser HD558.

I think it's the first time in my life I'm actually super satisfied with the audio experience of my mobile device. I'm guessing my iPhone 4 had pretty good audio performance, but I had a bit cheaper Sennheiser earbuds back then so it can't be compared anyway.

Btw I read in this thread that the Music Unlimited service was gonna work with DSEE HX. I can't say I noticed any difference between the quality of Music Unlimited streamed music, compared to Spotify set to "extreme quality", so I'm sticking with Spotify.
[Xperia Z3 General] RockStar2005:
Pepp,

Very interesting. I'm hearing diff takes on the Z3's headset volume (speaker volume though seems to be very good across the board). Take a look at the link I posted with the volumes just before yours. Might be of interest.

I was looking at the Sony headphones, including that one. At this point I'm set on the Sennheiser HD 598s, or else the AKG K545 or K550 if the 598 doesn't fully impress me (including comfort level). I don't know if I will need that amplifier, but I do already have it on my Amazon wish list (both the E6 and the E11) in case I feel I need it like you apparently did. I know that as you get better-quality headphones (or more expensive ones, though sometimes more $$ doesn't equate to better quality, but in general I guess it does)........... they will become less and less sensitive to incoming sound than the lesser quality ones are, and therefore will require more ampage/power. An audio expert told me that, so I know it's correct lol (he said: "generally, the highest-performance headphones have a lower sensitivity and require powerful amplification, while lesser expensive headphones tend to be much more sensitive and therefore easier to drive."). So that explains why some may feel the need for amp where others don't. It's a matter of personal preference. I'll know more for myself when I get my Z3 on the 29th.

So let me get this straight lol........ you're saying that when you play your Z3 through the E6 amp on your Sony MDR-10RCs headphones that it sounds BETTER than the Xonar pc soundcard does on a pair of Sennheiser HD 558s??!! Please confirm that 100% of the exact wording of my question here is correct. lol

For anyone interested in an amp like Pepp, the links to buy the E6 and also the E11 (but it sounds like the E6 does MORE than plenty itself lol) are here (both seem very well-reviewed):

Fiio E6: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HJWWW8...TF8&colid=1A8RN6F641F1I&coliid=I35GVXCEN58IW9

Fiio E11: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053KWDES...UTF8&colid=1A8RN6F641F1I&coliid=I6JC8PIEPE4G2

It mentions that the E6 only has 3 EQ presets...... but can't you just turn off the E6's EQ so that it just bypasses the Z3's EQ settings to your headphones?? (very important to know!) I just want to make sure that it's not taking anything away from what the Z3 is doing to the music. Like, does DSEE HX still work when you play mp3s? It would be appreciated by all here if you could check, believe me. I listen to some Pandora/Spotify too, but 99% of the time I'm listening to my own collection of locally stored mp3s/FLACs.

I think the DSEE HX works with Spotify too? But not sure. Try turning it on and off with Spotify streaming you music, and you can tell for sure. But def for SMU and playing locally stored music, it will work.

Thank You,

RockStar2005
[Xperia Z3 General] PePPiZCH:
The bass is definitely stronger with the Z3/E6/MDR10RC combo than the Xonar+HD558, that's for sure. Sound quality is rather equal, I would say.

The sound from the Z3 is actually perceived to be better with the E6 than without btw, since you can keep the Z3-volume at 70-80% and max the volume on the E6 instead. Also, the E6 tends to clean up some noise and other stuff, as mentioned in several reviews.

You can indeed keep the E6 on without using it's EQ - it has 3 EQ presets and the EQ off setting. As for the DSEE HX setting, I'm pretty sure it isn't affected by the E6, but you should double check that. I was a bit sceptical to this 20 dollar device, thinking it was not gonna change much. But I thought **** it, I'll give it a try for such a low cost. It really is a magical device for the small size and low price.

Btw comfort should not be a problem with the HD598s. I've tried them out, but settled on the 558s (which are very similar). After a couple of years of use, I'm super happy with them. You can easily have them on for 12h straight without getting fatigued. They are so lightweight, and the open design prevents problems with it become too warm to wear them. For me, they sound great as well, but that's something you have to try out yourself of course :)
[Xperia Z3 General] RockStar2005:
Pepp,

Thanks for all that info! Very good to know that I can keep the E6's EQ off and that the 598s are so comfortable!

You're saying that the sound quality is about equal (I'm not AS worried about the bass level), but then you said the E6 makes the Z3 sound better? So which is it? lol I think you really just mean it does have a pretty noticeable (if not significant) impact on the Z3's sound quality and volume. Yeah the E6 is very well-reviewed on Amazon from what I saw. Gotta love that price too. $28 for me.

Yeah if I get the E6 I will def be testing that, trust me. lol I will post here too so ppl know. But if you have time and want to check the DSEE HX on your own music, please feel free to do so and post here. Several ppl on here really love it, so it would be vital to know before buying the E6. I don't see why it wouldn't work with the E6, but ya never know. lol

Yeah I've heard very good things about the 558s as well. Sounds like you have some good headphones there! Yeah they (music experts) say the open-backed headphones, although they do leak sound a lil more, sound better than the closed-backed headphones do. But that's good to know that a benefit of opened-back is that it doesn't get too warm. Thanks for sharing..... I didn't know that!

RockStar2005
[Xperia Z3 General] PePPiZCH:
Yeah sorry for being a bit vague.

As I said, I think the Z3+E6+MDR10RC combo is pretty equal to the Xonar+HD558, sound quality wise.

What I then meant by the second paragraph is that the E6 did not only boost the volume on my Z3, it actually made it sound better than the Z3 without the E6, due to cleaning up some noise and giving more power :)
[Xperia Z3 General] RockStar2005:
Pepp,

No problem. Ok........ so the E6 amp makes it sound better/more clean/louder. Got it!

I may very well just buy it now. I'll decide soon and if I do, I'll post the DSEE HX thing on here too so ppl know if it still comes through with E6 in the mix.

Thanks,

RockStar2005
[Xperia Z3 General] Tmel14:
Did this combo improve the volume? Like my music quite loud and used to the iPhone which can go really loud, would this be comparable at all with NC and DSEE?

---------- Post added at 01:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:12 PM ----------

Answered my own question, just managed to have a listen in the O2 store and the volume was brilliant! I can't speak for headphones as I use in earphones but I found it comparable to my iPhone 5S!

As soon as I pressed volume up, confirmed to go past the EU limit or whatever it is, and got to top volume, it was really impressive.
[Xperia Z3 General] RockStar2005:
Hey Tmel,

Yeah DSEE HX works to upscale both mp3 and lower-level (aka, CD-quality) FLAC tracks to make them as optimized as they possibly can be. Your Hi-Res FLAC tracks however won't benefit from it, so if you plan to get Hi-Res tracks (24-bit/96kHz or higher), then I'm not sure it will do anything to those, which means the amp might still come in handy. Since your using earphones you won't need the extra volume (voltage) as much, but the point is a portable amp like the FiiO E6 WILL make it sound even better, if you're open to buying & using it.

RockStar2005
[Xperia Z3 General] subhani:
I've compared my Z3 with my missus' iP6+ using a pair of cheap Sony MDR-ED12LP earphones. Played a random Maroon 5 vevo track from YouTube just for trying purposes and the Z3 was noticeably better quality, bassier and richer. Same amplitude.

It is loud ENOUGH. I was just comparing with the M8 which is rated louder in earphone dept.
[Xperia Z3 General] RCJ89:
I know you have answered your own question already but the phone is easily loud enough. Today I used my beats mixrs instead of the NC headphones and was just amazed how loud the z3 is, i even tried the some £30 sony overhead headphones in pc world today and the voluem and bass was excellent. When i tried them with my s5 before it was low volume and the bass wasnt there.

I just love the Z3 I was so disappointed with sony after having the Xperia S, T, Z & Z1 with low volume, the Z2 was a bit better but still not loudd enough but the Z3. Different level!!

Thank you sony, keep this up, add a blocking calls mode and notification read out like the S5//Note 4 & LG G3 and perfect device!!!!

---------- Post added at 09:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:01 PM ----------

As I promised I woould try out over head sony headphones to see if the option comes up under headphones list, it doesnt happen it just shows only the in ear headphones listed any other heaphoones come are highlighted under general
[Xperia Z3 General] RockStar2005:
RCJ,

Yeah a couple other ppl on here also said the same thing. It's no big deal, but thanks for checking anyway!

I decided to go with the Sennheiser HD 598s and also the FiiO E6 portable headphone amp (super tiny!), both of which are very highly rated by customers and the music experts over at Head-Fi.org. They both come in tomorrow from Amazon, so can't wait to try them out on my M8! Next Wed I'll get the Z3 so then the real test will begin. lol

RockStar2005
[Xperia Z3 General] RCJ89:
Yes not a big deal at all.

Thanks for that, I will look out for those headphones. I am going to take the names down.
[Xperia Z3 General] RockStar2005:
RCJ,

Very cool! YW.

I chose the 598s for the following reasons (in case you're interested):

1) Sound Quality - Sennheiser's reputation is excellent as I'd mentioned in my last post. They've been around for 60 years and seem to know very well how to make great sounding headphones.

2) Price - $319 retail, $181 on Amazon, and they're rated better than Beats' Studio and Pro headphones on Head-Fi, which only gave Pro and Studio like 3 stars (though they are still great headphones IMHO, just a bit overpriced).

3) Opened-Back - With the 598s being opened-back in design, although that means they will leak more sound than closed-back headphones (i.e., Beats, AKGs, etc), they also are rated as having better sound quality b/c of it. And opened-back they say means your ears won't get warm or hot as fast as closed-back headphones do.

4) Looks - They are really nice & premium looking headphones as you saw. They based the design off European sports sedans. Sennheiser is German btw if that wasn't painfully obvious. lol

5) Comfort - I still have yet to try them out, so I'm only saying this based off reviews, but they are said to be very comfortable for hours of usage.

Hope that helps!

RockStar2005

5)
[Xperia Z3 General] RCJ89:
Well if they sound better than those that is awesome, cheers dude :good:;).
[Xperia Z3 General] subhani:
Have you already tried Poweramp and boosting the bass? It is the bassiest of all the apps outside of V4A. Download it sir.

Then go and disable ClearAudio+ in System Settings, Audio Settings.

Then choose MH410 in System Settings, Audio Settings, Headphones.

Then tweak both the equalisers in PowerAmp AND in System Audio Settings for stringer bass.

Don't forget to use a set of minimum standard earphones that are rated for some bass. The boxed ones don't count.

If this isn't enough bass for you then I'm not sure you'll ever be satisfied. [emoji23]
[Xperia Z3 General] raviboy100:
Thanks alot but i found a non root equivalent of v4a. Called noozxoide. I made a post where u can read all about it.