yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] M9guy:
But with the 6p you wont get the 7.1 the pizel comes with until 2017 you will get beta this year, basically google took a dump on nexus buyers because you no longer get new os updates first you have to wait only pixel gets them, until google does the same to pixel buyers. Google clearly does not care what buyers want and change their updates policy at any time with no regard as to what buyers were promised at purchase such as 6p buyers should have 7.1 right now but instead only pixel gets it and no one else, ie google took a dump on nexus 6p buyers and actually nexus 6 and nexus 9 buyers as they were Nov of 2014 so 7.1 is out before they are 2 years old so Motorola Nexus 6 and Htc Nexus 9 should have 7.1 now also. Google took a dump on Nexus buyers period...:mad:
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Nick_HtcOne:
Safe to assume then that Pixel will have similar sound quality to HTC 10 ?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] M9guy:
Not through one speaker that is pointing down, the Htc 10 has stereo speakers. No way pixel one speaker will sound as good as the two speakers of the Htc 10.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] mixedguy:
Technically the Nexus phones are still first in line to get the 7.1 update.

The Pixel phones are being sold with 7.1, they were never updated from a previous version of Android, they begin with 7.1.

In order for something to get a update, it would have to have a previous version to update from. The Pixel phones start out with 7.1, so you can't really count it as a update.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] M9guy:
Yes Nexus get 7.1 but not the regular release until 2017 this year nexus only gets 7.1 beta. It has always been that each new system update nexus got it at least at the same time as the new model. Pixel got 7.1 and Nexus has to wait to even get the beta and no official 7.1 release for Nexus until 2017 that was never how it worked Nexus buyers get screwed over now.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] JasonJoel:
Ah, good point!!!
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] vibrantliker:
V4A is way more than an eq. It's revolutionary!
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] mariano3113:
Not necessarily the difference between the US Note 7 and HTC 10 was listening levels, so I am assuming the AMP side of HTC 10 is 'unique'.

I see people mentioning HTC M8 and that device has horrible hiss on the sensitive IEMs I prefer to use: Campfire Jupiter and Shire SE545. My Galaxy S6 also produces audible hiss with those IEMs.

Note 7 thoroughly surprised me with the Audio Quality which only got better once I had Viper4Android installed and working.

Note 7 with Aqstic codec was very Black background, with clean sound, very little stereo crosstalk and to me great response using Shure 535 & Campfire Jupiter. Since there doesn't seem to be anything special listed as far as Headphone out amplification : I am hoping Pixel will be on-par.

HTC 10 had the same characteristics of Note 7 with clean output (no hiss, no interference) but louder stock listening levels.

Where I was most impressed with Note 7 and HTC 10 was the ability to charge and use AUX input on rental cars while still having a 'clean' sound. No buzzing or feedback interference.

I had really high hopes for the LG V20 until they mentioned B&0 tuning was not US bound (just like the G5 B&0 Friend/Module) and then gsmarena testings showed Nexus 5 levels stereo crosstalk on headphone out. (Worrisome to me inregards to channel imbalance...especially with all the Quad-Dac hype)(I will however wait to test V20 on the 28th when it arrives locally, ironically similar dates to my estimated Pixel delivery 26th-28th.)

As far as supporting 24/192, yes Pixel devices support.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] JasonJoel:
One good DAC is better than 4 mediocre ones...

More isn't always better. Look at camera pixels. Lol.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] CollinFX45:
I think you really hit the nail on the head here. I too was waiting for that V20 and while the B&O certification may mean nothing at all (or everything, who knows), it started to smell an awfully lots like the G5 and DAC module and I am not playing that game again. Even after importing the H860 and module, it was finicky at best on US networks...but I digress. For this reason, I went with the Pixel XL and am also hoping for similar quality to my trust HTC 10 (and perhaps exceeding my Exynos S7E). I'm glad that the Aqstic has been introduced because that was my last complaint about Snapdragon-based solutions: the DAC usually sucked. Anyway, mine will apparently be here on the 20th and I'll be eager to report back on my findings.

-Collin-
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] matteventu:
Just for reference for all of you: Nexus 5 and HTC One M8 have the same DAC. Nexus 6P and One M9 have the same DAC.

From this you can understand that not everything is thanks to the DAC. Also amplifier and other factors can influence a lot the sound quality.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] alexjzim:
I'm still holding out because one misinformed google rep told me otherwise :D :crying:
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] nuwayman:
I was at best buy yesterday getting a 6p. A Google worker there asked me what about the pixel. Then he pulled a pixel xl out of his pocket. He let me check it out. It was nice I'll admit. He said he just got it himself. They are to show it to customers that come to the Google area. I had him play something in full volume. He played a song from YouTube. To me it didn't sound like anything special. He had his hand cupped at the bottom where the sound was coming from. But I was in a loud place.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] waytoocrazy:
This is encouraging... not on the Pixel front, as my carrier is Verizon and they basically dashed my desire for it. Though, I was still thinking about the Note 7 (cancelled it due to the other rumors of the Note 7 replacements and fires...and then AT&T possibly not carrying them anymore). So, I'm left waiting for the V20 (if it sounds good). If not, I'll wait for the next round of phones, as the Xperia Z3v sounds decent enough. I like the headphones that you use, not sure why you use that Viper4Android with those headphones. Is that not an EQ w/DSP functions and just tailors the audio to taste? I've not heard valid reasons why that software does anything special. I use the following headphones around the house...

- Audeze EL-8 Open

- Heir Audio 4.a CIEM

- MEElectronics M6 Pro

- Fostex Th-X00 Purple Heart

- Philips SHP9500

I of course have other headphones coming, but those are to be driven by a desktop setup.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] waytoocrazy:
Agreed, it is all in the implementation.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] matteventu:
Ahahahahh so dumb LOL

They have no idea of what they're talking about xD
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] mariano3113:
Viper4Android does install a driver to use.

The volume levels with just Viper driver & activated, but no other audio effects present are different with many Android devices. Truly a Mileage May Vary.

On the Note 7 in particular it allows for some extra listening levels (louder) before triggering the Extreme Warning for turning the volume up to 70%.

While drivers and firmware are technically just a form of software, IMO they are a cleaner approach to enhancing performance, especially in regards to audio EQ tweaking. Much like using UI video tweaks rather than updating the driver for video card.

Not sure if that was entirely coherent: it is late ...I may register post after plane lands.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] noeldavid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXokAzASesA&feature=youtu.be

here's a video comparing loudness between the single pixel speaker and the pair of nexus 6p speakers. I am pleased to know that even thou I lose stereo front facing I will at least be able to hear loud sound. The Pixel specification on the google store under media state: "Adaptive audio amplifier to maximize speaker performance and durability". I hope that they use a good amplifier for the headphone jack, it would be my only concern and this same guy says that the pixel has no trouble driving his Sennheiser hd 280 pro 36 ohm impendance headphones! Yay! I ordered xl 128gb black 30 seconds after the preorder went live with expedited shipping, hope to get on Oct 20th thursday.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] waytoocrazy:
People actually care about speaker volume? I don't think I use my speakers more than for just notifications. Well, maybe the occasional YouTube video. Otherwise, it is all about the headphone audio.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] DaveHTC200:
For me I agree except for headphones, I like good quality and flawless connection to Bluetooth headphones for the gym
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] jeffonion:
According to the video on youtube, the speaker on pixel xl is better than nexus 6p, and according to Qualcomm, it use hi-fi dac like htc 10 does. The power of the Snapdragon 821 processor extends into the Pixel smartphones’ audio capabilities through stunning Hi-Fi audio playback. The phone features the Qualcomm Aqstic audio codec, designed to deliver high dynamic range and high-resolution playback up to 192kHz/24bit to create a remarkable audio experience designed to match the demands of the modern audiophile. https://www.qualcomm.com/news/snapdragon/2016/10/04/pixel-phones-made-google-powered-snapdragon-821
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] neyenlives:
One of if not the biggest selling point that sold me on the Nexus 6 was the dual front facing speakers. Boy was that a mistake. They crackle and distort all the time. Glad I got rid of that aspect of the N6.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] liam_davenport:
If you're wanting in ear quality go for the LG V20, HTC 10 or ZTE Axon 7

I've had HTC m7/8/9 and LG G5 All top quality sound so you can't go wrong with either V20 or HTC 10

Heard great things about the Axon 7 audio and the price is dope like half price of the V20
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] matteventu:
BTW, confirmed it lacks aptX.

They should be ashamed of themselves.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] recDNA:
I care more about external speaker quality and volume. Note 7 sounded awful. I don't need stereo but it should decent. Any experience?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] liam_davenport:
Will be better then Note 7 since no water resistance but don't expect anything amazing
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Nitemare3219:
aptX would have been nice, but few devices support it (probably due to licensing fees). Today's Bluetooth standard by default actually comes fairly close to aptX in terms of bitrate. As long as you have newer hardware on both ends, it should be an inaudible difference for most.

Google guy with his phone said the Pixel sounded better (quality wise) and louder despite only having 1 speaker compared to the 6P. But front facing and stereo do count for a lot by themselves.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Heisenberg420:
Well this was an interesting read. Think I might have to pick one of these up... It'll be worth every penny if headphone quality is as good as my HTC 10
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] matteventu:
I honestly doubt it will be as good as HTC 10, but at the same time I am 100% sure it will be better than any other previous Nexus.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] AndrasLOHF:
Not only that but long term trust me you don't want the long term issues that come with V4A.

Now before anyone chimes in on this, a lot of what you guys are using for Viper zip installs was started in a thread that I maintained on the Nexus 5(thread is in my signature). There was a great group of users in the thread that we worked together and created at the time the best install for V4A. From removing conflicting libs, setting correct permissions, installing files to the right places, and even adding the ability for all files to remain after flashing a ROM, was started there. Now this was needed because Viper is a crap install process and hasn't been properly updated in years by the creator. Yes its's open source, but to my knowledge no one has grabbed the torch. I still check the official thread from time to time and still see the same old install issues again and again. Personally I just got tired of it.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] chdloc:
From the evidence that I've seen so far, the Pixel and HTC 10 will (most likely) share the same codec & headphone amp combo, the WCD9335. Differences in objective audio fidelity will come down to:

kernel driver-level amplifier setup

differences in the mixer. I have not seen the mixer_paths_tasha.xml file of the HTC 10 to be sure

analog circuit design, particularly ground plane isolation
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] bjrmd:
And lets hope the headset jack impedance is low enough not to cause frequency response swings in multi armature IEM's.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] CollinFX45:
Depressing news, Guys:

http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Google-Pixel-XL-Review_id4264/page/3

.45V of headphone output. Behind S7, HTC10, iPhone 7, and pretty much every other flagship this year.

-Collin-
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] chdloc:
People tend to (wrongly) correlate attainable playback volume with audio quality/fidelity.

0.45 V output voltage corresponds to around 6 dB loss in maximum volume compared to the 1 Vrms that the built-in codec/amp is theoretically able to pump out. If you have even moderately sensitive headphones, say > 100 dB/V, and value your hearing, the quoted fact in itself is a non-issue.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] CollinFX45:
Fair enough, and maybe my hearing sucks, but on my S7 Edge (which gets .7ish volts) I am constantly running out of volume on several pairs of IEMs. Full-sized headphones are out of the question. On my Pinnacle P1, my main IEMs, I can crank the volume all the way up while streaming Tidal and it isn't loud enough. While only a 6dB loss isn't huge, it's a real problem for most Android phones that are already too quiet. Just my opinion of course. I wanted to see 1v like the HTC 10 and iPhone.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] matteventu:
I was just going to post this... 0.45 is an absolute disappointment... I don't say we should have expected 1V or more like HTC 10 and iPhones, but at lease 0.7, 0.8V... c'mon Qualcomm press release about Aqstic must be bull**** then.

I KNOW we're not talking about "quality" but just loudness. But without a decent loudness I don't give a **** about quality if I can't even hear the music.

Anyway, let's wait for a test focused on quality now. So GSMArena or an audiophile website.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] bjrmd:
For those that need the full 1 volt, there probably will be just a simple mixerpath adjustment to make

I personally listen at about 75 dB using my Shure se846s, which amounts to just about 5 millivolts .

I'm sure [MENTION=2760454]chdloc[/MENTION] will be putting the device through some testing using high end gear shortly.

Remember that most web testing sites will just test at near maximum levels, not very relevant to most listening scenarios.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Enphenate:
Finally upgrading my HTC M8 to the Pixel XL and was hoping for similar quality since its HTC built. The M8 has been one of the best sounding phones ive used especially via the AUX port. I use the AUX on the M8 on a daily basis during my commute, its loud and sounds awesome. I also have a S7 Edge which I use, but its AUX loudness and quality is nowhere near the M8, its extremely quiet and bland. I have to crank my car audio near its max to make it even sound decent on the S7 Edge. Seems like the posts above confirm that the Pixel provides less voltage via AUX than the S7 Edge, which is beyond disappointing.

Gonna keep my hopes up, but I guess ill have to wait and see until I have the unit in hand to test it.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] chdloc:
OK, virtually all codec/amp combos I've seen are able to put out 1 Vrms. The quoted max voltage on the Pixel is 0.45 V, which is almost exactly 7 dB below 1 V. I've looked at the mixer_paths.xml that I pulled out of the leaked system dump. I can see the that 7 dB of attenuation is applied to the headphone path ("headphones" device). So, as [MENTION=281070]bjrmd[/MENTION] said, the "missing" 7 dB can easily be re-applied after a custom recovery has been made available for the Pixel (by increasing "RX1 Mix Digital Volume" and "RX2 Mix Digital Volume" from 77 to 84).

Disclaimer: I highly encourage folks to look up "noise-induced hearing loss" before cranking up playback levels. Google may have been influenced by those concerns in their decision to limit the headphone port's output voltage.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Chippy_boy:
Where do you listen, in a library?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] bjrmd:
Since this is off the topic see this post or this
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] foggydonkey:
Speaking of Nexus 6, my moto z just came in, and my inital impressions is that the audio quality is great!! dear I say better than the HTC 10. The audio sounds clean, and there's little to no electronic noise, and left and right cross talk is at a minimum as well. That makes it sound punchy, and I'm able to go get amazing left and right channel separation.

I can tell it's amp isn't as powerful as the HTC 10 (volume needs to be higher on on the moto z, and doesn't sound as good at lower volumes), but man I swear, I was pleasantly shocked at the moto z's sound quality.

If someone makes a mod with a headphone jack and an amp, this would crush the competition.

PS Never heard the V10 or V20, and curious to hear someone's comparison
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] noeldavid:
I am very happy with the headphone jack volume output! Compared to the ZTE Axon 7 I would dare to say the Pixel's headphone jack provides louder volume. In the Pixel I have to lower the volume 2 clicks to hear at a comfortable volume and with the Axon 7 I had to lower the volume 1 click. My Sennheiser Momentum in ear headphones have an impendance of 18 ohm and are drive FLACs and 192 MP3's with clear powerful separation of highs and lows. The Pixel in contrast cannot properly drive my Sennheiser HD 598SE over the ear headphones which have an impendance of 50 ohm but even if not loud they provide a clear soundstage (i am not an audiophile). If the Pixel's headphone jack is a 9/10 then Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 are a 5 out of 10,very weak. Very happy with my Pixel purchase.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] CollinFX45:
I echo everything you said. I've had mine for a few days now and have found it actually quite loud. It makes me distrust the Phone Arena testing method because they rated the G4 as having more voltage and yet this is clearly louder (going by memory though). Overall, I'm happy to finally have a pure Android phone that actually sounds halfway decent.

-Collin-
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] iamhacked:
Anyone know the best quality audio player for Pixel XL? It seems like the music player apps often use their own audio engine or something, making it sound different depending on the song and device. Has nothing to do with EQ or other enhancements.

For example, I've found Poweramp the best on my Nexus 4 and 5. I've found Samsung Music the best on my Galaxy S6. What about the Pixel XL? Which player is optimized the best?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] cabouno:
Audio quality on my Pixel XL is crap. I got a iPhone 7 plus given to me and it is MUCH better sound quality. My Samsung Galaxy Edge S7 was better as well. So far, really disappointed .
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] DanJRWalsh:
What are you referring to? Speaker output? Aux output?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] cabouno:
Sorry, I should have been more specific. The speaker sound quality and loudness is terrible. I haven't used the headphone jack yet. It is by far, the worst sounding speaker I have ever had on a phone.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Nitemare3219:
My Shure SE846 IEMs sound fantastic with GP Music and using the stock EQ to tweak to my liking... which is surprising. Usually I need V4A to be satisfied with the audio output. The stock EQ actually works well with this phone. No noticeable noise or anything. YMMV with higher impedance headphones.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] chdloc:
Not sure what phones you've used before, but I did some informal comparison of my XL with an iPhone 7. The Pixel's single speaker gets about 2 dB louder than the dual-speaker arrangement of the iPhone 7 (as measured with a sound level meter). Audio quality is subjective. They do have a different sound signature, but I would not say that one sounds "better" to me than the other.

Having said that, I'm more interested in the fidelity of the audio coming out of the headphone jack. It is important not to confuse fidelity with quality. At least in my book, fidelity is an objective measure, which can be determined by comparing the signal that is being fed to the DAC/amp to the signal that comes out of ones' headphones. Audio quality is highly subjective, heavily dependent on one's preferences (bass vs. highs, etc). I'll be posting some results of audio fidelity measurements later today.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] wase4711:
you obviously haven't owned too many cell phones then...

even though the sound quality from these lame tiny bottom of the phone speakers are weak, they are by no means the worst I have ever heard on a phone, and I have owned at least 100 cell phones in my life..
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] cabouno:
I've had probably 50, and yes it's the worst I've ever had.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] wase4711:
did you own a Palm Treo 650?

THAT was the worst sounding phone ever, If I remember correctly
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] @home:
So whats the verdict on headphone jack sound quality?

Is it 6p quality? ( That was $hit)
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Cowbell_Guy:
Honestly what's the big deal? Just get ARISE or viper.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] @home:
Cause I use poweramp & I want a great sounding device if I'm shelling out £800+.

That's the big deal.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Enphenate:
Coming from a HTC M8 (which sounds amazing via AUX), I am pleasantly surprised with the headphone jack quality. The Pixel sounds great via AUX. I was a bit worried after someone mentioned the .45V output of the XL, but It sounds right on par with my M8, its clear and loud. I also have a Galaxy S7E that sounds alright, definitely need to crank the volume on it compared to the Pixel. I have the Verizon Pixel XL, so ARISE/Viper aren't an option yet, but I dont recall them making a significant difference on my M8 anyways. Speaker audio is irrelevant for me as listening to music via cellphone speakers is pointless.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] wase4711:
Until there is root, you cant use these...
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] @home:
Won't root stop android pay? If so viper is a no go. I was never impressed with viper anyway
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] wase4711:
at this point, just unlocking your bootloader is stopping Android Pay..
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] @home:
So audio out the box has to be top notch otherwise it's just another Google fail, like the 6p
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] wase4711:
the popular thinking now a days is that any serious audio listening done with a cell phone is done with high quality wired/BT headsets...thats why all these new "flagship" phones have been coming with pathetic on board speakers lately...In a way I agree with that, since I never do any serious music listening through my phone speakers anymore...
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] chronos7:
Arise/Viper is the best change in quality for your music hands down. The work that they are doing should be purchased by one of the phone manufacturers if they were smart.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] @home:
Meh, $hit hardware cannot be fixed with software. Of the pixel does have a s hit dac.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] chronos7:
Whenever root happens give it a try. It's that good!