yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
Would have done it but got a replacement U11 and have not received refund for the one I returned so holding off rooting this one till that refund comes in.

I still feel the DAC in the adapter is fine. I think the phone is limiting how loud it goes though. Using the adapter with USB Audio Player Pro, sound is LOUD (Could also be software volume boost, but I cannot achieve this loudness using other apps). I feel UAPP must be enabling louder volume somewhere through an API perhaps.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Digitalkarma:
reading stuff about editing mixer path files.

https://xdaforums.com/general/general/guide-technical-explanation-boost-t3202087

the HPH levels on the U11 are already set to '20' which is the maximum and optimal level. strangely if you set it any higher than '20' the volume gets lower and if you set value any lower than '20' you are decreasing the amplifier output. only thing left to do is increase the RX digital gain, but the question is how far can you go without distorting and degrading the sound quality?

i also looked at the HTC10's mixer paths and it is more or less the same. the HPH and RX values are identical.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
I was actually looking at this before. I went through a lot of scenarios regarding the OP3T I previously had. It too was set to 20. Custom kernels allowed you to boost further, but even 1dB increase just caused instant distortion and clipping.

My S7 Edge Exynos had a similar system but it could be driven VERY WELL to the point it was louder than my friends HTC 10. There was no noticeable loss in sound quality at all.

Where exactly is the RX digital gain for the U11? I only see stock values at the top of the file and nothing I can really make out in the headphones 44.1 section (if that is even the correct place to look).
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Digitalkarma:
my bad, wrong use of terminology its the RX digital volume which is set to 84 in the mixer file. seems like 87 would be a nice way to boost the loudness but maybe at a small sacrifice to good sound quality. i couldnt find a 44.1 section i'll have to take another look. :good:
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
From what I remember, on the S821 we had to modify mixer_paths_tasha rather than simply mixer_paths, wondering if that is the same with the U11 and S835
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Digitalkarma:
i think you may be right and on to something. and also upon further inspection the U11 has a few more additional mixer paths that the 10 doesnt have. seeing some things of interest here and have made some modifications.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
No pressure but it'll be interesting to see what you come up with. I sent my Fiio K1 DAC back. Totally forgot that the mic and buttons on my headset wouldn't work, which is a deal breaker for me. I can't stand holding a phone to my ear anymore lol.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] wakkaday:
i cant get this dongle working with samsung s8? any solution
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] rmc6901:
Does it work fine on your U11? I have no problem at all on my S8. I just plugged it in and it worked. I'm using Power Amp on the S8. Did you get a message of any kind on the S8 when you plugged it in?
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] schmeggy929:
Um why are you asking a question like that in a HTC forum? Lol
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Digitalkarma:
bump.

anyone on the Sprint U11 noticed any improvement to the audio using Usonic or regular headphones since the latest OTA update? HTC did alter some of the sound files a bit..
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Kisakuku:
For those who don't keep track of all the sprawling U11 threads.

If your stock 3.5 mm adapter stops working, plug it into the USB-C port with headphones plugged in and reboot the phone. Next time you reboot without the adapter and headphones plugged in, the adapter will stop working again. The only permanent solution at the moment is to install Magisk 13.2.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] vegetaleb:
Geez another hardware problem with the U11, I am glad I took an S8 after all.

With the Dolby app (from Lenovo) the sound is punchy and rich, I bet it will too with the U11 adapter, it's pretty close to HTC Dolby on previous models like the 10.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Kisakuku:
It's not a hardware problem, it's a SELinux issue that can be fixed in software.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] vegetaleb:
So you are talking about Rooted U11?
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Kisakuku:
No, it's an issue with stock firmware / ROM that at the moment can only be fixed by unocking and installing Magisk.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Timewise:
I assume you need to be rooted to install the dolby atmos app??
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
I'm curious too, the USonic still has bad sibilance/scratching with "S" sounds on the 1.13 update. (When noise cancelling is enabled).
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] vegetaleb:
Yes, any audio mod that can deeply affect the audio quality needs root
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Ratedzelaya:
Fiio k1

Just bought a fiio k1 for my u11 since the adapter that came with the phone broke. Somehow it bent from the USB c end. Anyway I bought a micro USB to USB c cable with the k1, will this work with the u11? or do I need USB a to micro USB c to use the k1 with the u11?
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] *justintime*:
Okay i found my holy grail and setup.

It's a little bulky and maybe not nice for everyone.

I bought a Topping NX4 DAC/ Amp and it's regonized in Deezer and Spotify.

http://www.tpdz.net/en/products/nx4/index.htm

It's a great (little) device which also runs great on the Sennheiser HD700 which are more difficult to drive.

Download the app soundabout to select the USB output Host port to direct drive it to the DAC/Amp. If you plug it in standard. It will route through the "speaker" output which involves the processing in the U11. And off course you won't want that.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
I used a USB C to Micro USB cable just fine.

---------- Post added at 02:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:32 PM ----------

Definitely not for me on the go lol.

If I'm at home I'll just listen to music using my PC.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] *justintime*:
Didn't work for me tried 20 cables... And if you compare sound quality with Fiio or Topping? It's a different league.

I was also looking for an amp to drive my HD700 instead of using my AVR and be limited to the cable.

So win win win situation.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
Certainly, at almost three times the price and more than 5 times the size of the K1 it is to be expected.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Timewise:
So what you are saying is that when using this app, the standard android driver will be bypassed and the one inside your nx4 will be used? Will this work with other dacs as well? How do you know that it is recognised in the streaming apps?
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] *justintime*:
Not the app alone the DAC has also to do with it.

Fiio K1 didn't work for me and Dragonfly Black.

Topping is the First who passed my tests.

I know because i can hear the difference in swapping the presets in Soundabout. And using the 3.5mm adapter.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Timewise:
OK Thnx for answering my questions. I might give it a go, however, the bulk and the battery inside the topping is not something I prefer. Where did you order it from? One last question, did you try the app with the dragonfly as well? I know you said you had a hard time getting the dragonfly black to work, although I can't remember the details. I'm just curious as to when you started using the Soundabout app.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] *justintime*:
One benefit it won't eat power of the U11. And if you want to upgrade to some nice headphones which may more difficult to drive you are set.

I didn't used the Soundabout app with the Dragonfly. But what I did remember it sucks the juice out of the U11.

So. Maybe it works with the Dragonfly.

The NX4 is the same price as a dragonfly of you order direct in China.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] harkirat01:
Any comparisons with the LG G6, LG V20 and the HTC 10 with just the HTC U11 adapater. Does it sound better or is at par? I am still trying to get my hands on a demo piece of the HTC U11 but till now it's not available.

Feedback/review would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] *justintime*:
I don't have comparison experience with those phones.

And HTC U sonic earbuds are not bad.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] harkirat01:
Thanks for replying though I was asking everyone and anyone for a feedback regarding the audio performance of the U11
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] vegetaleb:
It seems it's like the HTC 10 but with Dolby off meaning less punch in the bass and colder signature, also the stereo is not as rich as on the HTC 10, it's good with earphones but not big headphones that need more power.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] joshiameya:
I connected the phone using a aukey USB c cable to USB port in my mazda3, assumed it will work. But it doesn't, car keeps saying check USB.

Any ideas/suggestions
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] *justintime*:
Try the app soundabout. In the app you can assign the audio output.

Maybe that will work.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] vegetaleb:
As I expected HTC messed things up by taking off the 3.5mm jack just like they did with the M7 ultrapixel (purple tint fiasco), they didn't test USB audio well enough, they just wanted to blindly copy apple, if they don't bring back the 3.5mm on the U12 I will stay with a phone that has one.

BTW the U11 testers didn't get the USB to 3.5mm adapter to try it, another error...
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] schmeggy929:
How did they mess up when the adapter works on everything I own? I have two sets of 3.5mm headphones, jeep audio jack, and usb-c to USB-A slot in Jeep. All work fine, The 3.5mm jack is going away whether you like it or not.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Timewise:
With a lack of 3rd party headsets with usb-c the jack isn't going away anytime soon.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] vegetaleb:
Yep

This is a battle between audiophiles and people who accept whatever a brand throw them in the face.

USB C will replace 3.5mm in a couple of years but not now
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Huigie:
Thats it, it just works. I have a Cardas EM5813 that sound great with the HTC10 but sound like crap when connected to the U11 + adaptor. Difference in quality is huge.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] ShyamSasi:
Any feedback on Bluetooth audio? I have a V-moda crossfade wireless I was wondering how'd sooud.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] rmc69:
I noticed that Motorola and the new Pixel XL2 have also dropped the headphone jack. I bought an HTC U11 and while it doesn't sound bad with my Dragonfly Black, it's no match for my LG V10 paired with my Sennheiser HD650s. They might do an about face, but honestly, like it or not, I think they're moving away from the headphone jack. It seems everyone wants lighter, thinner waterproof (resistant) phones. I've never used a good pair of Bluetooth Headphones. Do you guys think the Bose QuietComfort 35s would sound good with the U11? If not, do you have any suggestions?
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
I remember reading a huge thread on Head Fi and some on r/headphones over at reddit.

General consensus was that a £300 bluetooth headphone fails against a £150-200 wired etc

Can't see why it wouldn't sound good since you're moving the audio away from the U11 DAC/AMP. I hear that some units of the QC35 suffer from bad bass at loud volume (depending on what you're listening to). Here in the UK you can try most things bought online and return if you don't like it. Perhaps order them and see if you like them or not?
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] blueberry60:
Sound seems a bit higher volume less treble in theatre mode than music mode, but why is boomsound level too low in both of music and theatre mode in comparision to M9? I have to increase volume to the highest level.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
Two front facing speakers

vs

Speaker + tweeter + water-resistant membrane
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] schmeggy929:
First off BoomSound is opposite in the U11, it used to be BoomSound was for only the 3.5mm jack and not built-in speakers. Now BoomSound is for the built-in speakers and Usonic for the Earphones. You are also comparing front facing speakers with one front and one downward speaker. Place the phone flat and the U11 is louder than the M9. It is all about placement, I do believe the U11 is louder but not as much clarity as the M9. My Game of Thrones ringtone is 2 notches down from Max and i never had to do that before(M8, M9, M10, or Bolt)
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] blueberry60:
I can overcome this problem with Poweramp Full Version Music Player that is tuned in rock equalizer setting using theater boomsound, otherwise I lose treble sounds.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
I bought the MDR-1000X which supposedly sounds better than the QC 35s. I'm sending the 1000x back. Sound quality is just a notch above the ATH M50x which can be sourced for £100 in the UK vs the 1000x which cost £300. If the 1000X sound better than the QC35 I think you'll be a bit disappointed coming from HD650's lol
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] *justintime*:
For now.... Bluetooth wireless headphones will never win over wired headphones. Maybe with AptxHD?

I don't have experience with that..

Side note...

If you are looking for some awesome sounding IEM's for a dime. Go buy the KZ ZS5. They are great...
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] vegetaleb:
Still too expensive ;)

Will get them for half their price at aliexpress 11.11

ZS3 + dolby atmos on s8 are sweet, anyone tried dolby app on U 11 + adapter yet?
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] *justintime*:
I have the ZS3 also but never touched it again after the ZS5.

The ZS3 has too much bloated bass to my taste.

Dolby app is okay. But I use V4A.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] rmc6901:
I have trouble wearing IEMS and prefer regular headphones as I listen to music almost exclusively at home. I have tried a couple of external DACs such as the Dragonfly Black and the Cambridge DacMagic XS. They sound OK, but can't approach the sound I get from my LG V10 or even my Axon 7. I'm just trying to figure out what combination will give me similar sound quality with the U11. I was thinking of maybe a Bluetooth solution, but you guys say that will still be below the quality of wired headphones.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
Strange, 95% of what I've read online says the black should be equal to the V10 at a minimum. The dragonfly red of course is better than the V10 but you'd need to be using UAPP to get the most from it anyways. I think an external DAC + the U11 is the closest you are going to get to the V10 sound really.

You are using wired sets that cost around £300 if I recall. you'd to spend almost double that to get a wireless set that has all the necessary built in amps etc to drive it to the point it'll match the HD 650s. Plus most wireless headphones won't be open back. You are going to struggle lol.

Saying that, there is nothing wrong the MDR 1000x. They simply weren't worth the price from a sound quality aspect. They sound like £120-£140 headphones. They actually cost £300 simply due to ANC and wireless. I don't really care about ANC. If you do really want to try though,

then the £500 DSR9BT are available lol

---------- Post added at 03:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:06 PM ----------

Nah I've resigned to using the USonic when I leave the house. ATH M50x is my go to at home.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] rmc6901:
Thanks for the info. I do use UAPP. I guess I'll make do for now with my Dragonfly Black until something better comes along.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
Out of curiosity, what is it that is missing when using an external dac + the U11 vs the V10
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Huigie:
Joy...
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
LOL
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] rmc69:
It's hard for me to explain in audiophile terms, but I'll try. I suppose the headphone amp in the LG V10 has more headroom. The sound is more spatial, i.e, more dynamic range. On the U11, whether using the dongle or my Dragonfly Black, the sound is just "ok". It feels restrained like it is being capped and something held back. On the U11, in the UAPP app, I've checked "use USB DAC" and I'm assuming that is correct. If there is any other setting I need to look at please let me know.

This statement from What-HiFi?'s review pretty well says it better than I can.

"Listen through better headphones using the adapter, and the sound is much improved. It's well balanced and plentifully detailed - but could be more dynamic.

As it is, it's a touch laid-back – an easy listen, but not the most engaging. The amp in the adapter struggles to drive less sensitive headphones, and the volume doesn't go as loud as we'd like."

Their full review is here:

https://www.whathifi.com/htc/u11/review
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Huigie:
In layman's terms, it sounds dull and boring.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
The P7 Wireless coupled with the U11 sound brilliant. They go pretty loud (louder than MDR-1000x for sure). Punchy, crispy treble, perfect for Hip Hop, RnB, DnB, EDM etc. Stay away if you a ruler flat analytical type though. The bass isn't for everyone.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] rmc69:
I forgot all about the B&W's. I'll definitely check them out although a little pricey at $400, but you get what you pay for plus I can use them with my other phones as well.

They seem to have good reviews.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] jtommyj:
Ok, I ordered those KZs on your recommendation so I hope they're good lol. For the price and reading reviews it was a no brainer.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Schrotty35:
With which Audio Player can i use native the internal DAC?
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] *justintime*:
Usb audio player pro. It's paid. But very much options, stream from Tidal Qobuz etc.

Onkyo HF player is free and also does a good Job
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Galactus:
Yeah in the UK the QC35 are around $398 anyways lol. The P7 Wireless are $416 and the MDR-1000x are $399

P7 Wireless certainly sounds a lot better than the 1000x which apparently is much better than QC35 unless you're looking for a more neutral sound. Of course the 1000x and QC35 both sound good for headphones that have amazing ANC but I don't really care about ANC. Main drawback for me regarding the 1000x was the volume level just didn't cut it. Sounded like the underpowered 3.5mm adaptor.

The P7 Wireless go loud but you don't notice it at first. The instruments are spaced so well that rather than everything thumping you in the face (apart from the bass, which gives you a massive slap each time), you get a bombardment of sound from all sides which doesn't really emphasise how loud the music is until you listen for a few minutes and find you have to turn the volume down.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Huigie:
Was checking out the astell&kern xb10 to drive my Cardas in ears but just pre ordered the Bluewave Get. APTX-HD capable amp/dac. Due September...
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] rmc6901:
Decided to try the Onkyo HF player this morning. Was so-so with the HTC dongle, but when I plugged in my Dragonfly Black this time the difference was profound. I haven't even set the equalizer yet. I think my Monster headphones will work best with the U11. They're efficient with good bass so for now I'm happy. It's just a matter of finding the right combination of headphones, DAC and software player.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] jtommyj:
Hi. Little issue here. I'm using UAPP and all my playlists are showing up as empty. They work fine on Neutron, Poweramp,Blackplayer,etc, just not on uapp. Any ideas?
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] schmeggy929:
Same thing happened to me, seems the update messed up the location of the xml playlists. As long as they are xml playlists you could try copying them to sdcard/UAPP/PlayListsV3/. I just created a new playlist the other day and that is where it is placed.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] jtommyj:
Mine are in m3u8 format so I'm trying to find a converter. You'd think a 9$ app could convert them. What a pia this is turning out to be.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Schrotty35:
I use latest Poweramp with HTC InEars and i can not set USB Audio. It switched to Aux. But the U11 dont have Aux?
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] schmeggy929:
I stopped using PowerAmp and switched to USB Audio Player Pro, however if you only use PowerAmp you could try Settings/Developers options/ clicking Disable USB audio routing. Not sure if that will help
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Schrotty35:
Which developer options?
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] ShyamSasi:
You'll need to enable the developers option. Then disable it.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] schmeggy929:
Um there is only one Developer options. In Settings
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Schrotty35:
Not help, whene i use i can only use Phone Speaker. USB DAC is on but not work with the InEars from HTC. Only Aux will work.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] schmeggy929:
Are you using it for local music or streaming music? I know there is a workaround to get streaming music playing for Spotify not sure about PowerAmp.

Also are you using an external DAC with the stock USB c type earphones? Did you try to turn off wired headset/AUX?
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Schrotty35:
Use only local music.

---------- Post added at 02:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:23 PM ----------

I have buy now USB audio Player and its working but the EQ dont have presents? Which settings are recomment for the U11? Whene i push volume down the sound is silent, volume up working normal.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] jtommyj:
Impossible to say how to set EQ because that's too subjective.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Schrotty35:
The player dont have eq options. Every audio player have eq options. I have deinstall the player and get money back. Over 6 euro for a player without eq presents is bad. In the Forum from the Player i can not post, bad support.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] *justintime*:
I don't know where you are looking but it has EQ... If you want to use the more advanced parametric EQ. Yes that's an option.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] Schrotty35:
Yes eq but not settings. I mean dance, classic, rock and other.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] *justintime*:
??? You can make them your own? And save them as presets.

Those standard eq presets sound worthless most of the time.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] jtommyj:
Yeah I've never used those presets either. They always sound to me like children at the school for the deaf programmed them.
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] jhill110:
That's freaking hilarious!
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] gavinfabl:
Just finished my audio review, which also talks about the adapter 3.5mm Dac, the best headphones to use, and vs LG V20 vs other DACS.

https://gavinsgadgets.com/2017/08/12/htc-u11-audio-review-best-headphones-to-use-vs-lg-v20-dfr-more/
[HTC U11  Guides, News, & Discussion] *justintime*:
Nice... What's your opinion about the need of a third party app?

It looks like to me that it bypases the DAC. Sound quality is lower. When using USB audio player for instance not only volume.