Home audio & video forum: Audio/Headphone related query

Hiya Pepe7, appreciate your response.

So just to be more specific now. I'm in strong inclination towards buying the Samsung Galaxy S2. The specs of that thing are just mesmerizing. But then as I do my research I find they've changed the audio chip from the supposedly better 'Wolfson' to 'Yamaha' and the audio experience is only average. (I'm not a quick believer though.)

Have you or your any of friends got any personal experience on the device? My only point is I want to spend the cash in the right direction and explore all choices; music incidentally is one of the priorities. So would at least like being "satisfied" if not "overwhelmed".

Any suggestions or alternatives?

P.S - If it's worth - I mostly listen to music within the confines of Rock and Metal.

Regardless of what the audiophile pundits on the interwebs state <insert large dose of sarcasm>, this change from the Wolfson to Yamaha processor doesn't mean as much on a mobile device in real world terms. A great number of those same folks have not bothered to learn about what configurations and/or apps are available to further enhance their music experience on the hardware. Instead, they make blind complaints w/o working with their aforementioned device. They worry more about the paint color of the water trough instead of whether or not their tapwater tastes good .

While I haven't worked for more than about 45 minutes total with an S2, I do think it's a quality device once you get the lay of the land. Haven't done any blind audio tests vs iPhone,etc either. Keep in mind that there's normally a return policy of at least 14 days with the big carriers (or greater, sometimes), so that helps you out too in properly evaluating what quality meets your needs.

I will be somewhat candid with you regarding the type of music you will be mostly listening to. If you listen to generally cacophonic music like crazy loud rock or metal, what sort of DAC is present under the hood won't be nearly the issue as it would if you were a classical enthusiast with a lot of very quiet, breathy passages to absorb through headphones coming from your device.

Put a little more effort into the headphones, like you would with a home audio system with getting proper sounding speakers. It's the part that folks starting out leave behind, somewhat.

Are you working with only MP3s/lossy files? Or do you also maintain/listen to any other lossless files in your collection such as WAV/ALAC/FLAC? An Android device will generally give you better options for more flexiblity in the types of files you can play, FWIW.

Haha, that was cheerful. I guess you're right, I was understating the "real-world" element and doing too much maths. So I am finally going for GS2 and yes I will work sincerely on buying a nice pair of headphones as well, pretty soon.
About the lossless audio - yes I do have (a few) FLAC files including the entire Iron Maiden discography! Of course I do realize it does make a difference, even from a 320 kbps mp3. I was so glad to find out this device has default support to such formats.
So in the end I believe HQ audio, good headphones, a 'lil bit of software/firmware support and I shall be duly satisfied.
Again, thanks a tonne for your responses. I do consider my self a computer enthusiast but I never really owned a smartphone before so was a bit skeptical. (It's my graduation reward, heh.) Will look forward to your services in future as well!

Peace...

Wow, that takes me back to when I was a bit of a headbanger, many moons ago . They really put on some amazing concerts. Loud and clear, from what I remember, compared to some other metal bands I would go see live. Seeing the huge robotic 'Eddie's was really fun too. It's really hard for other metal acts to beat their first four releases IMO, especially Killers & Number of the Beast(!) Their best tour was Piece of Mind though. <starting to feel old today...>

Have fun with the new toy,
P

So I got it. And you can't be any more overwhelmed with what that device could do!

Tried it on my speakers - no horrors whatsoever. Did some research and also ordered a nice pair of headphones.

But seriously, sod audio. That phone's all about video. Those colors are just, delicious!

Thanks for the support man, will be needing more of that for sure!

Up the Irons!