yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] TheDannemand:
This got me thinking: My list of best money ever spent on audio gear (some on-topic, some not):

6) The B&O Beomaster 1900 receiver I bought new for ~$400 in 1977 (at the tender age of 13) and sold 20+ years later for the same price. There were better sounding receivers at the time (although it was pretty good) but it was the design of this thing that made it a must have.

5) The Dali 505 floor speakers I bought used for $700 around 2001-02 and sold five years later for the same price (when we moved from Denmark to USA). Paired with a Thule IA 120 receiver, it was the best sounding audio system I've owned.

4) My V30+ which may be the best audio source I've ever owned, possibly tied with my old B&O turntable (Beogram 2400 as I recall, still in storage back in Denmark). As value for money goes, it looked to be a great deal (T-Mo BOGO + $400 LG rebate). But T-Mo charged for TWO extra months of service after we'd paid off and ported out (and refused to to correct it). And LS998 can now be bought for $350 and Frankenphoned to US998, which in hindsight makes ours an "OK only" deal. But as audio source it is amazing!

3) Monoprice Hi-Fi Reflective Sound Technology Earphones (#12236). These are excellent IEMs in the $100 range -- except I only paid $6.99. Monoprice no longer carries that exact model, but they carry the black/bronze variant #12235, albeit at $8.99 they're $2 more (shocker!). For those wanting a warmer bass but slightly less detail, Monoprice Large-Driver Earbuds (#14088) is a great alternaive at $9.99.

2) M-Audio AV40 Studiophile monitors which I bought for $59 (plus $19 shipping) on eBay last year for use with my PC. Excellent monitors, far, far better than the expensive Bose speakers they replaced. As is often the case with great products, M-Audio replaced this model with AV42, which is inferior according to those who have compared them.

1) Monoprice Stage Right Multimedia Studio Reference Monitor Headphones (closed-back) (#605055) is my most recent audio gear, and an insane deal for $30 (I paid $25 in April). Given the low price, I was prepared to be disappointed and return them; and they did take 1-2 months to fully open up. But they're now my preferred listening device by far. They're warm, yet detailed, and easily compete with $150+ brand name headphones. For those preferring a flat reference sound profile, not V-shaped or bassheady.

At some point I'll make a post here that is completely on-topic :cyclops:

Edit: For use with V30, the Stage Right headphones are 32 ohms, which means normal Hi-Fi mode (not High Impedance mode). They are fairly easily driven (Neodymium Dynamic Driver, 100dB) so not a problem. But if looking for more headroom, just plug the cable into the V30 before plugging it into the headphones. That will trigger Aux mode, with PLENTY of power for these headphones.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] BROKEN1981:
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Techni...1-fkmrnull&ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmrnull_1&th=1&psc=1

This is what I am going for. 5-40,000 hz. 50 ohms and a better known brand then SoundMagic
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] gazzacbr:
Specs look good but be sure to post back here with review. At 50ohm they should trigger dac.

No volume control? I am now finding that annoying on my sennheiser cx-500i - the i on the end is for iPhone therefore pause/play works but not volume.

Was about to push the button on the SoundMAGIC E80c but will wait for your review.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] TheDannemand:
Just to clarify: Any headphone or speaker or other device plugged into the headphone jack will trigger the Sabre Quad DAC (or allow it to be enabled in Settings). Impedance merely affects the level of amplification by the OpAmp.

50 ohms is just at the threshold that should trigger High Impedance Mode, but I've seen several reports from users for whom it didn't (on head-fi.org). For others it did. I guess it's a tossup.

Edit: Looking at the specs of the linked ATH, with a Dynamic Driver and 108dB sensitivity, V30 should have plenty of power to drive them, even if they don't trigger HIM (as they should given their 50 ohms).
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] BROKEN1981:
Actually according to LG, high Impedance mode triggers all 4 dac. Normal impedance is low power mode and only uses 1 dac.

Took a lot of searching to find this info from LG.

---------- Post added at 07:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:55 AM ----------

SoundMagic is not rated for high res audio.

I'll give a few links that are with the same price range.

https://www.amazon.com/RHA-CL750-Pr...kmrnull&tag=hydsma-20&ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmrnull_2

150 ohms

https://www.amazon.com/Vsonic-GR07-...tDescription_secondary_view_div_1532584804052

50 ohms

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Techni...1-fkmrnull&ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmrnull_1&th=1&psc=1

50 ohms
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] TheDannemand:
For the longest time that was my understanding too. And it seems logical as far as the role of the four DAC units. Like you, I spent dozens of hours reading articles and analysis and debate about this (including several claiming to refer to LG engineers). Based on the measurements done by some of the head-fi folks (and the information they claim to have from LG engineers) I came around to believe that the 3 modes only affect the OpAmp, not the number of DAC units.

If you have a link to the LG source you mention, I would love to see it. I can still be swayed back to my original belief :cool:
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] Tinkerer_:
On the aspect of using higher impedance headphones to trigger high impedance mode of the DAC/amp(s), and the related headphones comparisons:

"High-Res" appears to be mainly a marketing ploy de jour. It even has its own trademarked logo. I've tried headphones with this logo with inferior sound quality. Just because something produces measurable response from 5 to 40kHz does not guarantee it will sound good.

In addition to inherent quality of the headphones, the fit and seal and integration of in-ear headphones to the ear canal are also key. It is all part of the system. Very slight changes in fit and seal change the perceived audio quality tremendously.

My favorite lower impedance headphones used to be the Audio-Technica ATH-CK7, but only with a specific set of tips that came with an old set of UE headphones. Any other tips and the AT did not achieve the magic. Those headphones sound pretty good with my V30S, but the SM E80 sound even better, probably because they trigger HIM and because the high impedance of E80 is really a sign of design that inherently improves audio fidelity.

The SM E80 I have achieve magic in my ears with the standard included large silicone tips. But even this requires some fiddling, and it is sensitive to several factors including final pressure in the semi-sealed canal.

So again, reviews vary wildly even for the same model in-ear headphone, just due to this fitment issue, as well as personal preferences and source etc. Buy several from retailers with good return policy and return those you don't like.

I avoid things like inline controls because (a) that imposes several additional failure points at interconnects, (b) the V30 can be screwy with any load condition such as additional interconnects that affects total load impedance - I saw this with my Beyer iDX200 that use a two-piece cable with a mini Jack connecting the two parts, the V30 output turned to the worst sounding crap I've ever heard, at first I thought I had a defective phone.

...
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] BROKEN1981:
https://www.lg.com/us/support/product-help/CT10000025-20150477272116-others

Never saw this before.

What I was talking about I believe a person shared a screenshot from Twitter with a comment from LG.

I could be wrong.

I did however read something.

The link I gave, is directly from LG.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] BROKEN1981:
It would be nice if I could edit my post on XDA labs to add a screenshot........

Android Authority has an exact quote which I am showing.

Here is the link as well.

https://www.androidauthority.com/lg-v20-quad-dac-explained-713587/

I do find it odd that after all this time there is still a debate on how the quad dac works. Seems LG did a shotty job with this device.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] BROKEN1981:
I have the free B&O earphones. Toggling the HiFi mode on and off, I don't hear any difference. Even when using HiFi music. What I do hear, sounds good. Only reason I ordered new earphones is due to them breaking.

Nice post and it makes a whole hell of a lot of sense.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] TheDannemand:
Thank you!

Wow, that surprises me that you don't hear a difference. I hear a definite difference when toggling HiFi mode while listening on various <50 ohms headphones and earphones. Not like it sounds bad with the Quad DAC off, but soundstage and airiness and separation in particular improve with it on.

Do you have a B&O branded V30? I did read some posts saying that B&O had tuned it differently.

Which music player do you use? And do you have EQ or other processing enabled in the digital path?

This really surprises me!
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] BROKEN1981:
I use stock LG music app. No mods
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] TheDannemand:
Yeah, that's weird.

LG Music app is pretty good, except for the upsampling issue I mention in this post, which is the main reason I use UAPP instead. But that's not going to affect what we're looking for here.

Here is a thought: If you try and switch to one of the more dramatic Sound Presets under HiFi Settings, will that make the difference between Quad DAC on/off audible to you? (I forget the the names of those presets, and my V30 is currently at LG for screen replacement. Boy, do I miss her...)

Another thought: If you trigger HIM, then plug in your <50 ohms headphones afterwards, do you then hear the difference when toggling the DAC? (As I'm sure you know, trigger HIM by plugging an Impedance adapter or any >50 ohms device into a simple TRS adapter or extension cable, then plug that into the the V30. Once HIM has been achieved, unplug the >50 ohms device and plug your <50 ohms headphones into the TRS adapter/cable -- which should still be in the V30. This is the procedure that I am claiming that most people really don't need, unless they have planar magnetic headphones.)

I'm beginning to wonder if there is something wrong with your DAC. I just cannot believe that the B&O headphones would be so muffled that you cannot hear the difference.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] rm8226:
And how can i do that without rooting ?
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] iRS_:
are you having the h932 version which cannot be rooted?
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] rm8226:
I have h930ds indian model i just dont wanna root thats y i was asking
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] zacharias.maladroit:
use the mentioned impedance dongle,

editing system files of off limits without root
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] rm8226:
Steps for doing that plz m a newbie
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] BROKEN1981:
So just to let you know, I did not ignore you.

Was waiting on my earphones from Amazon. Not sure why it took this looooong to get them. At 50ohms I am in high Impedance. I can now tell the difference if HiFi is on or off.

I'm not saying that is a result of high Impedance. My guess is the Audio-Technica.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] TheDannemand:
Congrats, they look great! Certainly the right headphones/earphones can make a big difference. And glad to hear that your ESS DAC is working alright!

Yeah, I don't want to be very argumentative about the High Impedance thing or give the impression either, that I am 100% certain on it. As I said, I'm trying to balance the evidence on both sides of that argument.

The other day I'd pulled out my LG earphones (the non-B&O ones that came with my V30+) and decided to try using those to compare HIM vs Normal mode. And I was surprised that there was a big difference. But not in the way one might expect: They sounded pretty bad in HIM and much clearer and more open in Normal mode. I thought that was really odd.

Then I discovered that the TRS adapter which I use (and keep in the phone after triggering HIM) has so much resistance in itself that it apparently changes the frequency response of the LG earphones. When plugged in directly (Normal mode) they sound fine (albeit too thin and trebly for my taste). When playing through the TRS adapter they sound muffled.

Note that I am NOT talking about playing through the Imp adapter (which I also use when triggering HIM, but remove after HIM is achieved). This is just the simple 3.5 mm male-female adapter which should be neutral.

I have played through that adapter before when testing HIM with my Stageright headphones and didn't notice any problems. Maybe because those headphones are less sensitive than the LG IEMs or maybe the adapter has been damaged since then. I should test some more, because this really is odd.

But I guess my point here is that seemingly innocuous additions to the chain, such as a simple TRS adapter, can alter the FR curve in unpredictable ways.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] BROKEN1981:
https://amp.reddit.com/r/lgv20/comments/60vcuo/you_can_enter_high_impedance_mode_on_low/

Try this method. It will put anything into aux mode without a cord. It worked on my B&O H3. Using an add-on to get into any mode is just a bad idea, which you seen.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] TheDannemand:
Thank you. Wow, that one I'd never seen before. My first quick test I wasn't able to make it work, but I'll try some more.

Anyways, I never need any of those for normal listening. All of my earphones are plenty loud in Normal mode. Even my over the ear headphones are loud enough, but I sometimes prefer having a little more headroom with those, so I just plug the cable into the phone before plugging it into the headphones, which gives me Aux mode as well.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] stemplar007:
,,...The Quad DAC’s low power mode shuts down three of the four DACs when they’re not needed, to increase battery life when playing lower quality audio or using lower quality headsets. – Ken Hong, global communications director for LG ...,, So it can really be justified under 50 ohms. The impedance trick. For HighGain
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ferez:
Couldn't find an answer for that, but does the V30 use the Quad DAC for recording audio is i connect an external microphone?
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] IntenseColor:
Not sure if I'm correct. But as it's the other way around it uses a ADC instead of a DAC.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ferez:
yeah you are absolutely correct, hehe, that's what i meant, it will need to be an analog to digital converter, but does that exist on the V30? A high quality ADC?
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] Emu:
I downloaded the app to check and fortunately the DAC triggers high impedance mode for my headphones which are rated 64 Ohm. Thank god.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] toocool4all:
Following thread from starting I got my answer .
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] PHYCLOPSH:
I use my V35 with $5 VE Monk Plus 64ohm headphones. My setup is as follows: [Player Pro] music app w/equalizer set to "headphones" preset w/ preamp on, [DAC Fix] app is also active, LG HiFi DAC is on w/ equalizer set to "lounge", sound preset is "normal," and digital filter is "short". The sound is amazing, much better than my $200 Bose headset. I was kinda shocked, but it's true, the $5 headphones beat Bose and it's not even close. I recommend people try this setup. Great for all kinds of music.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] vi001101106:
Can we create a quick poll/list of users and their carriers to see which devices have it and which don't?

lyall29 shows AT&T in his screencap.

notatreofan doesn't show carrier, but I'd say the Wi-Fi Calling icon is from T-Mo.

I have T-Mo as well and do not see the modes, either.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] RockStar2005:
I was thinking the same thing..........that would make tracking this issue easier.

I have T-Mobile. I DO NOT see the modes switching, though I've only connected it to low impedance (32 ohm) headphones. I have not yet connected it to my car stereo or a high impedance set of headphones or adapter like this one (75 ohm one; don't wanna go above 100 or some say you get distortion), which on the V20 "forced" it into High Impedance Mode. I will be trying out the adapter soon though on it.

So far it seems that AT&T shows it, and T-Mobile doesn't. But according to CHH2, who I ASSUME has T-Mobile too, there IS a change in volume despite no graphic chance to refer to. (CHH2, please confirm your carrier.)
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] vi001101106:
I have low impedance IEMs and there is a difference in volume with the 'external device' trick. (Does trigger Google Assistant when plugging in the IEMs to the adapter sometimes, tho)

My high impedance IEMs also do have a much higher volume, as well.

So it does change, apparently, we just can't see it.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] RockStar2005:
Do you have T-Mobile vi?

What is the "external device" trick that you're doing? I tried the one that worked on the V20 on the V30 but it didn't seem to work.

Well it's good to hear that you're noticing a difference too.

Once I get a chance I'm gonna compare my low impedance (32 ohm) headphones w/o the adapter and then with my High Impedance Adapter and see if I notice a difference. I'm guessing I will. Then I'll report here, but may be a while.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] NotATreoFan:
I do have T-Mobile. I usually stream through Android Auto and BT in the car, but my V20 would show External when using the line in port of my car. I'll test it with the V30 tomorrow morning.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
I have TMO and I do not see it either, but it does appear to be working. Drives my HD800S and ear buds nicely.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] sicerik 1980:
Tmobile here as well. Looks like it works just doesn't show you. I kinda miss seeing what mode it's in tbh.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] RockStar2005:
I agree. I don't get why it's different on different carriers. Makes no sense at all.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
It sounds like it was removed in a more recent update. Maybe TMO currently has the most recent LG software build and it will be removed from others with updates as well. I just bought mine today and it has a manufacture date of 10/2017.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] RockStar2005:
Interesting theory. That is possible too. Maybe LG thinks that by removing the labels it'll make it easier for consumers so they don't have to think about it anymore? I dunno. lol But in actuality, for me anyway, it's gonna mean I have to think about it more b/c now I'll have to concentrate more to really determine whether or not there's a difference.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] subguy812:
It is the T-Mobile V30 ....some other threads are talking about it. Has anyone been able to verify with the T-Mobile one that it actually switches but just doesn't show it?

---------- Post added at 04:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:41 AM ----------

Look on the box to the left of the 10/2017 and it will show you the date, mine was 10/14/2017
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] CHH2:
This is correct. I have a T-Mobile version. When I plug my normal headphones in the phone plays at one volume setting and when I plug my high impedance headphones in it plays at a different setting. Setting the volumes the same for both headphones also sounds different. It's working, we just don't get that confirmation for our peace of mind. Seems like an odd omission but that's not the only weird change.

Somewhere I saw a video of a guy playing with the Floating Bar settings and he showed a screen where you could pin it to a location so it would accidentally get moved. I can't seem to find any such screen on mine and was wondering if that's a carrier omission or a problem of using a non-stock launcher.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ChazzMatt:
Probably the latter.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] CHH2:
Nope, former, carrier omission. I just switched through both of LG's hideous home screens and still didn't have the options screen to pin the floating bar.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] RockStar2005:
Thanks for reconfirming CHH2!!

Now I'm happy again! LOL :victory:
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] NotATreoFan:
Tested in my car today. No difference in display, but noticeable difference in sound levels.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] ra990:
Does look like TMO issue only, would love to know why this difference exits.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] RockStar2005:
Yes me too.

---------- Post added at 02:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:53 AM ----------

I also did the same (T-Mo), and WOW............the difference in volume is INSANE! Normally if I put my phone volume up to max, I still have to put my car's volume up to AT least 20-25 (Note: 35 is max) to really hear it well. But when I tried it out in my car earlier today, I noticed that it got VERY loud before I even hit 10! In some cases, even at 5-7 it was very loud. To anyone reading this who has T-Mobile, I can say with absolutely ZERO doubt that the amp on the T-Mo V30 is being adjusted automatically by the phone. I can't say for sure if it was in External Mode or High Impedance Mode, but if it was EM, then I'm honestly a bit scared to try HIM! lol
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] M5Rahul:
TMobile version here as well. I clearly remember seeing the ‘EM or HIM ‘ initially, but it’s definitely not there anymore!

I, also, can’t tell a huge difference in sound levels with the following headsets/IEMs

AKG tuned ones from Sammy (came with the S8+)

B&O from some other device..lol can’t recall right now!

V-Moda M100

Sennheiser HD-650
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] subguy812:
I don't have my HD650 to test it, my brother has them. My IEM's are easy to drive.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] merikgvr401:
Hi where can we get these for $5. Wanna get a set. Thanks
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] BROKEN1981:
Venture Electronics VE MONK Plus earbud earphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J0S4AAS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aDJnDb3CGS8A3
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] merikgvr401:
Thanks. Don't see $5 though. Might have been a sale.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] jptV30:
No... they are $5...

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Venture-Electronic-VE-MONK-earbud-earphone/32417311324.html
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] CHH2:
Hmmm, the Sennheisers should trigger high impedance mode being as they're 300 ohms resistance. The others won't as best as I can tell they're all 32 ohms. So there should be a difference between the Sennheisers and the rest.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] liteon163:
My V30 is on Verizon. Plugging in 32 Ohm headphones (Samson SR950) shows normal, while line out shows aux. Oddly enough, though, when I attach 50 Ohm planar magnetic headphones (Fostex T-X0) it still shows normal. :(

Is there some way to turn off the digital filter? Sure, it doesn't sound "bad," but I'd like to eliminate digital filtering if at all possible.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] vi001101106:
When I had the V20 I didn't like the fact that my low impedance IEMs (Audeze iSine 10) didn't get as loud as I like so it seems this is still the case. I noticed that with the iSine Google Assistant does kick in EVERY TIME when I do the ext-device trick properly. If it somehow doesn't activate, Assistant doesn't show up.

Plugging in the Pinnacle P1 makes them shine. Cannot wait to get full-size cans to get the most out of the phone.
[LG V30 Questions & Answers] RockStar2005:
vi,

On the V20, I'd been told that if you use a high impedance adapter, you can "trick/force" the device into going into HIM. I tried it out on the V20 I had (which I eventually returned in favor of the HTC 10), and it DID work! So if this is still an issue for you, then I highly recommend purchasing the same adapter I did, which was the 75 ohm one seen here. (I was told that if I go up to or above 100 ohms that it MIGHT cause distortion, so I would go with the 75 ohm one if I were you.) Let us know if you do this and confirm it works on the V30. My cousin has my adapter so I have to make time (maybe this week) to go see him and get it back to test it out on my T-Mobile V30. I'll post here after I do too.