yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
Yes, I believe that's all it is. Some think that the quad dac isn't being used unless you're in high impedance mode, but that is not the case. The quad dac is being used as long as the hifi icon is showing. I have headphones that trigger the high impedance mode and headphones that don't, but need more power than LG provides with the normal mode. I use the external device trick on those and I get all the volume I need for them. The high impedance mode does not present any better sound quality than the other modes, it simply provides more power to the headphones that need it.

Think about this, professional musicians use in-ear monitors that are super sensitive, so they don't need much power. On the LG V30, they should be running on normal mode. The DAC isn't (and shouldn't be) made to sound any less amazing on that mode than on high impedance mode. The DAC feeds it's audio signal into an amp, and the V30 amp has 3 gain modes labeled normal/external device/high impedance, really that's just low gain/normal gain/high gain.

You're not fooling yourself, you're right, but it's the impedance adapter that is causing the change in sound. And you might even prefer the sound altered on your headphones, maybe it makes them sound better to you...there's nothing wrong with that. But the misconception is that the high impedance mode is changing the sound quality from the quad dac, it's not, it's different because the impedance adapter you're using is altering the sound of your headphones.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] johnp357:
change in sound? is that change in sound mean louder? because I need someone to tell me if it will do that. I have a 1more triple driver that people think is great but I think it's pretty weak in low end when compared to my other IEMs. I bought one of these adapters hoping that the V30 will make it sound louder. I do not want to go and buy IEM that cost ridiculous amounts of $$ just to hear the effect which may be disappointing. I just want to experience this stupid DAC amplifier without spending a large chunk of money. So far what we have pales in comparison to a rooted phone with Viper4android. (imo)
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
Have you tried the external device trick? I would try that before using the impedance adapter. You'll need a short headphone extension cable, plug it into your phone first without plugging in your iems. Then plug in your iems into the extension cable. That should give you plenty of volume for your iems. If that's not enough volume for you, then you can consider trying the impedance adapter.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] psawjack:
I think that people like ra990 are getting confused and causing confusion regarding the intent of this topic. If you actually read the start of this thread instead of jumping in the middle and throwing walls of text into the mix maybe folks won't be confused.

This thread was never about differing audio QUALITY with the different DAC modes but differing audio VOLUMES. Nobody here wanted to get into an audiophile discussion here. That's what Headfi is for. Go debate the issues about what adding impedance does to your sound quality into another thread or over there.

We were trying to figure out how to trigger the different modes of the DAC. It's been figured out so again read the thread for info.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
I'm just trying to make people aware that using the impedance adapter will give you volume, but it will impact the sound quality as well. The whole impedance adapter trick came from the V20, but on that phone, you could remove it from the chain once you got it into that mode, on this phone you can't. So, yes you'll get more volume, but that's not all you get, there's some other effects as well and people need to consider that before jumping to the conclusion that the impedance adapter is the best solution. In many cases the external device trick will be better because it's not messing with anything other than providing more volume. People think the quad dac modes are like good/better/best, so they want to do whatever it takes to get to the "best" and it's not like that, it's just just gain settings.

I've been following this thread from the first post, it actually got started because people couldn't see the various modes on the TMO/Sprint versions. I have been participating since page 3, when we figured out it was a carrier specific issue on displaying the dac modes. At this point, it's a general discussion about the quad dac, so I don't think I'm out of line discussing the issues that come with forcing the various modes on the phone.

Peace out.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] NotATreoFan:
I had a nice, long post about my experiences with 4 different ear/headphones on the V30, with and without the External Device trick and the 75ohm adapter.

Unfortunately the forum blipped after posting it and it never appeared here. In short, there is a difference, but it will vary based on your ear/headphones. I'm about to run off to the company Christmas party, so I'll take another crack at posting it tomorrow morning.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
That sounds great, please do post your findings again if you can!
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] bilbo60:
This was the part I was missing. Just tried it. Works for me. Thanks
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] johnp357:
I'm going to have to try this now because.... I finally received the DUNU 75 ohm resistor by mail from over seas.. damn that was long. In any event, the result is this. the sound did not improve/get louder for the 1more triple driver IEM. as a matter of fact, it dropped a couple of decibels. sad really. It did trigger the "connected to a high impedence device" but that meant nothing. So the conclusion is that the IEM sucked or the V30 will not push any more volume to the IEM when you try to trick the impedence. So thanks for your comments. regardless of what other's say, this posting is not clear cut and the result is just as convoluted. I will try the external device trick next.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
IEMs are tricky, but hopefully you'll get what you need out of the external device trick. BTW, if your IEMs have a removable cable, then you don't need the extension cable to try. Just remove the cable from your IEMs, plug the removed cable into your V30 - that should put it in external device mode, then connect your cable to the IEMs. Same trick but without the extension cable. That's what I do for my planar magnetics.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] johnp357:
do you recommend any particular brand?
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] NotATreoFan:
Did you connect the headphones the adapter, and then plug it in? That's what I did, and the 75ohm adapter definitely made my 1More Triple louder.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] johnp357:
yup. that way, but also tried adapter first, then into adapter. either way came to the same result. if you try to unplug it (the adapter) for a swap, message and notification of high impedence goes away. sad, cause I really wanted this to work.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] NotATreoFan:
The 75ohm adapter must be in the headphones, and then both plugged in together. The external device trick is the one that requires only the adapter first.

They definitely got louder for me, and also increased the sound signature.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] johnp357:
the 1more is 32 ohms? 75 is apparently enough to trigger it so 75 or 102 should be the same output but for me it didn't work out that way. I'm going to start testing others IEMs but I think they are all crap. people were claiming the 1more for being cheap was really good so I was really hoping. oh well.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] NotATreoFan:
Yep. They're 32ohms.

I'll post my results in the morning. A little tipsy right now.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] bilbo60:
For me as well, but I still prefer my SoundMagic E80's.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ChazzMatt:
Gets louder for me also on the 1more with the 75 ohm connector. Even though I occasionally push the volume a little higher on some songs the maximum is never necessary.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
Someone on the head-fi forums discovered this Shure adapter kit, which triggers the high impedance mode and lets you control volume. Might be a better option than the impedance adapter for those interested. https://www.amazon.com/Shure-EAADPT-KIT-Adapter-Combines-Attachable/dp/B001P5HL3S

This looks like a pretty ideal solution! I just ordered one.

Reference post at head-fi here.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ChazzMatt:
So it adds impedance, just like we said to do. ;)

The only thing it does a regular impedance connector doesn't do is have that extra external audio control.

From the post you cited:

Just what we said.

The Amazon listing doesn't say how many ohms impedance it's adding.

Sent from my carrier unlocked LG V30 US998
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
Yes, and I still believe the change in sq is from the added impedance and not because the DAC actually improves sound quality in high impedance mode! That is still an ongoing debate over at head-fi, read the subsequent posts. Honestly, I don't really know - someone contacted LG and they said that LG told them that the quad-dac is always active if Hifi mode is on and the modes simply offer more or less gain. That just makes sense based on how all the DACs and Amps have ever worked. So, I tend to believe that.

The whole high impedance mode offers better sound quality comes from early PR on the LG V30, where they mentioned that the DAC can use one of the quad dacs to be more efficient with power and in high impedance mode it uses all four dacs of the quad dac. So, LG themselves are giving two different stories, I don't think we'll ever know. But, as long as you're happy with what you're doing, keep doing it!

The DAC on the V30 is amazing, even in aux mode, which is how I've been using it. I can't imagine it sounding any better than it already does, but hey, I'm open to it.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
I just received my high impedance adapter today and I'm very happy to report that it works exactly like I expected it to, and the way I suggested, when used with an extension cable. I'm currently listening to my planar magnetic headphones in high impedance mode WITHOUT the impedance adapter in my chain. And they sound....much louder than the other modes. I'll rewrite the steps here and link to images to prove it! Album with steps here (https://imgur.com/a/53lKd)...

What you need to make this work (https://imgur.com/eXy1dAc)

headphone extension cable

high impedance adapter (150ohm recommended)

Step 1: connect the high impedance adapter to your extension cable, nothing connected to the phone at this point (https://imgur.com/GH7iIbo)

Step 2: connect the extension cable + high impedance adapter to your phone, this will trigger high impedance mode (https://imgur.com/mu0iAiE)

Step 3: now unplug just the high impedance adapter from the extension, the phone stays in high impedance mode (https://imgur.com/E9NMiVp)

Step 4: now plug in your headphones into the extension cable, the phone should now drive your headphones in high impedance mode without any alteration of sound caused by the impedance adapter (https://imgur.com/jRE1S5T)

As I've been stating, the impedance adapter was never meant to be used while actually listening. This trick was originally discovered with the V10/V20 and works the same exact way on the V30. If you still aren't able to achieve this, then either you are not doing it correctly or there's some difference between our phones or accessories.

PS: I did try listening with the adapter connected, like a lot of you have been doing, and there is a definite change in the sound signature of my headphones. Sorry to say that I don't prefer it over the unaltered sound. The impedance adapter is also definitely limiting the high impedance mode's volume.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] bilbo60:
Followed your steps. Step 2 does not trigger High impedance, but external audio device. Wonder f it's my extension cable? Mine is male to male.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
Male to male is not a headphone extension cable. It's just a 3.5mm cable. So yes, it's definitely that.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] bilbo60:
Nope. Got another cable male to female....same result. (By the way, was using a female to female adapter with the first cable.) Do you think the length of the cable makes any difference?
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
If you're saying that step 2 doesn't trigger the high impedence mode, then I'm guessing it's the impedence adapter. I think I'm using a 75ohm adapter, so maybe the one you're using is not strong enough to trigger it when connected with an extension.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] bilbo60:
Thanks. Maybe it is a T-Mobile vs Verizon thing. The only way I've been able to trigger hi impedance with low impedance headphones is to plug them directly into adapter then into phone.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
Check which adapter you're using. If it's a 50ohm, then I'm betting that's it. 50ohm is the minimum required to trigger high impedance mode, so maybe with the extension cable, it drops to just below where V30 triggers it. If you're using 75ohm like me, then yea I'm guessing just a difference in the phones possibly.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] bilbo60:
Using 75 Ohm.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] psawjack:
This person is probably right about VSW VS TMO. If you use the third party app to verify modes it is probably less accurate than the VSW model which shows which mode its in using LG software.

Best test is have bilbo test which mode using HIFI settings page along with third party app and see if they both show the same.

I don't think that the plug, unplug, plug method works that way and that we always need an impedance adapter in the chain.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
I had the exact same though earlier today, but his problem is he can't get it to go into the high impedance mode with the extension, that's even before you do the unplug step. If he uses the extension cable + high impedance adapter, it shows aux, but if he uses just the adapter, it goes into high. Bilbo, please correct me if I'm wrong - but you stated Step 2 is where it's not working, right? If it was the unplug of the impedance adapter (Step 3) that it fell back to reporting aux, then the software could have been the culprit like you mentioned.

That's a good test though, if the app is still free, maybe Bilbo could try it out and see if there's a difference between what it reports and what the native mode shows.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] bilbo60:
You are correct about my results. Are you using a 3rd party app? I'll try it to see what happens. What's it called?

All my observations are from: Settings>Sound>Hi-Fi Quad DAC (under advanced settings)
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] psawjack:
The app link is below. Us TMO users don't have the luxury of using the built-in setting so we must resort to using this app.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apptrio.hi_fi_status
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
After spending much time with the phone and trying out all the modes, there is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that it is working as stated. One thing I did realize is that I have the Dunu 150 ohm impedance adapter (white rings), so that might be why we're getting different results vs those of you that have a 75ohm one.

The difference between listening in high impedance mode with it connected and without is not subtle at all! The impedance adapter in the chain is definitely degrading the extreme ends of the frequency range with noticeable distortion, and the volume is being limited by it as well. I'm getting a good ~8db boost in volume and way better quality without it in my chain. Again, maybe that's more noticeable because I'm using a 150ohm vs 75ohm adapter, but I would think the results would just be less pronounced with the 75ohm adapter. With the 150ohm adapter, even aux mode is louder and clearer for me!

In aux mode, max volume gets to sufficient levels, but my planar magnetic headphones aren't shaking. In high impedance mode (sans impedance adapter) the phone is sending enough power to my cans to really shake them around my head and I actually have to reduce the volume to a couple notches below max.

Trust me guys, you don't want to listen with that impedance adapter connected if you're listening with a pair of decent resolving headphones. There is better sound quality and more volume to be had if you can eliminate it from your chain.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ChazzMatt:
Is there a reason you got the 150 ohm adapter, which is really overkill? The only reason I got the 75 ohm was because I can't find 50 ohm adapters or at least not reasonable cost ones on eBay/Amazon.

The Dunu 75 ohm adapter fits the headphone jack hole in my case very well, whereas the squared off generic is too large.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
I always understood the point of the adapter was just to trick the phone into high impedance mode and then remove it, so it made sense to me to go with something well over the 50ohm high impedance trigger point of the V30 to make sure it did just that. Good thing I did because, in bilbo's case, the 75ohm one isn't doing it with the extension cable.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ChazzMatt:
Whereas I want just enough impedance to trigger High Impedance Mode and I'm going to leave the adapter in. I know my wife isn't going to mess with plugging/unplugging some extension, and I'm probably not either. My 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones sound fantastic in High Impedance Mode with the 75 ohm adapter.

Another user said the 20 ohm adapter (plus the 32 ohms the 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones already has) isn't quite enough. But a 50 ohm adapter would definitely do the trick... They don't seem to exist, however.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
I didn't buy high end headphones and a phone with an audiophile grade DAC in it to not squeeze every bit of detail and juice out of it that I could. I understand that not everybody is after that, so you do you!
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] bilbo60:
Well, I did some more experimenting tonight, but still ended up with more questions than answers. I purchased the app (LG Hi-Fi Status). The results were exactly as with the native app. I even tried doubling up my 20 Ohm adapter with my 75 Ohm and I couldn't trick a cable into hi impedance. I've tried 3 different cables. So does everyone agree there is more gain with external audio device than normal audio device? I guess, when I'm not using my hi-impedance headsets I'll use an extension cable.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
Definitely, volume wise it goes normal, aux, high impedance.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] psawjack:
I'd say that if aux mode is enough to drive what you have to how loud you want it then you are good to go. If you own those 1mores then it sounds like HIM is good for them.

For me aux mode isn't enough to drive my HPs so i need to bump it up with HIM. My phone will be sitting on my desk while enjoying the music so an adapter attached to the phone is a non-issue for me. For my IEMs on the road i just rock normal mode.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] macbookpro2014:
LG Hi-Fi Status

In Google Play, search for "LG Hi-Fi Status" and install it.

---------- Post added 1st January 2018 at 12:03 AM ---------- Previous post was 31st December 2017 at 11:58 PM ----------

In Google Play, search for "LG Hi-Fi Status" and install it.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] NotATreoFan:
Already installed. My quoted post was from before the app was known to work on the V30.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] MetGala:
Does anybody know how to trigger high impedance mode when using an aux cord with the 75 ohm impedance adapter? I could only get it to work with headphones.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] bilbo60:
Which carrier you with?

POST #244
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ChazzMatt:
Which ohm adapter are you using? Use the 75 ohm adapter. The 20 ohm is not enough, even on the 1More triple driver headphones that already have 34 ohms built in.

I have two more set of headphones -- SoundMAGIC E80S and SoundMAGIC E50S -- that supposedly have 64 ohms and 51 ohms of impedance, respectively, but neither trigger high impedance mode reliably by themselves -- even though BOTH already have over 50 ohms of built-in impedance. I plug them in, the HIM indicator turns on and instantly turns off. On both, repeatedly. On all three of my V30/V30+ phones. Yet, plug the 75 ohm adapter in with them. BOOM. Instant High Impedance Mode. (Now whether a 20 ohm adapter would trigger with those, I do not know. I just know someone else tried a 20 ohm with the 34 ohm 1More triple drivers, a headset I also have, it didn't work.)

75 ohms impedance adapter always works for me on all 3 of my V30/V30+ phones. I've used three different sets of headphones and I have two different brands of 75 ohm impedance adapters.

Any higher is overkill.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-5mm-20oh...r-Plug-for-HiFi-Player-Earphone-/381662639828

If the squared off bottom (towards the pin) doesn't fit well through your case, then use this one below. Costs a little more, but has rounded bottom.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/DUNU-3-5mm...hash=item238e03bfa6:m:mY7LLoApGhvxne-71cclIpA

Both 75 ohm 3.5mm adapters (square off and rounded) both work well -- I have them both. The only difference is the cost and the rounded bottom design. I was using one case where the squared bottom adapter did not fit as the jack hole wasn't quite big enough for it to seat properly -- but now that I'm using another case there's no problem with either.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] bilbo60:
That's strange, my SoundMAGIC E80S always triggers the high impedance mode.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ChazzMatt:
Yes, it is strange. First I got the E50S (51 ohms) for my wife and the HIM turned on, then off, immediately. I thought maybe the 51 ohms wasn't quite enough? So, then I got the E80S for my wife. 64 ohms, right? Same thing. Got them both from Amazon. It defeated the whole purpose for me buying them.

I've tried many times, on both, on all three phones, but especially in my wife's phone, because they were for her. I have no explanation why HIM does not stay on, especially with the 64 ohms headset.

But adding the 75 ohm connector does the trick.

Sent from my official carrier unlocked LG V30+ US998
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] Gary_O:
Mine as well.

=GO=
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] Mr CATFISH:
How much do you like the 1more's? I was eyeballing the 1More quads.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] MetGala:
I am with T-Mobile. I also edited my post because I somehow forgot to mention "aux cord."

---------- Post added at 12:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:45 PM ----------

I am using a 75 ohm adapter. I edited my post because I forgot to mention "aux cord." My apologies. The HIM works with my earbuds(16 ohm and a 20 ohm), but HIM doesn't activate when I use an aux cord and plug it in the HIM adapter then plug it into the V30 to use in the car for example.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] bilbo60:
I don't think it will. I've never got the Hi impedance mode to trigger with any external speakers, with or without the adapters. I also don't think it matters, as long as you can get enough volume. The DAC is still in use.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ChazzMatt:
I like them a lot. There's one song Desperado by the Eagles where the melancholy piano sounds like it's RIGHT THERE next to you.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ChazzMatt:
For those of you who are rooted:

[FIX] HIGH IMPEDANCE MODE ALL THE TIME

https://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=75050273

Louder audio, better audio.

Sent from my official carrier unlocked LG V30+ US998
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ChazzMatt:
Figured out the issue. I had the A/B switch set to B. A said iPhone, and I didn't pay attention to the rest. I thought B was for Android. It's very small print on the label. On A, the quad DAC turns on without having to use the 75 ohm connector'

Sent from my official carrier unlocked LG V30+ US998
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] dacksmax:
So has anyone been able to get high impedance mode (HIM) to turn on when connected to an external device via aux cord such as car stereo or home preamp? I dont use headphones and still want to use HIM.