LG’s smartphones, particularly the V series, were a haven for audiophiles. Their dedication to high-quality sound, featuring advanced components like the Quad DAC, set them apart in a market often focused on other specs. The V30, praised for its exceptional audio performance, even led some to ditch their dedicated music players. But LG’s departure left a void. What now for those seeking a premium mobile listening experience? This article explores LG’s audio legacy, the role of dongle DACs in enhancing smartphone sound, and the evolving landscape of mobile audio in a world increasingly reliant on Bluetooth technology.
Key Takeaways
- LG phones, particularly the V30, set a high standard for mobile audio. Their commitment to features like the Quad DAC made them a favorite among audio enthusiasts.
- Dongle DACs offer a portable and effective way to upgrade your phone’s sound. They bypass your phone’s internal audio processing, resulting in a cleaner, more powerful listening experience.
- The shift away from prioritizing built-in audio presents both challenges and opportunities. While external devices like dongle DACs offer solutions, the move towards completely wireless earphones raises questions about the future of high-fidelity mobile sound.
LG’s Smartphone Audio Legacy
LG’s exit from the smartphone arena left a noticeable void, particularly for people who care about good sound. For a period, they were a rare breed among manufacturers, truly prioritizing high-quality audio. Remember when most smartphones sounded, well, just okay? LG decided to up the ante, catering to a select but growing group who wanted a better listening experience on their phones. One of the features that distinguished LG was its quad DAC (digital-to-analog converter). As Darko Audio notes, LG was a mainstream manufacturer that took a real interest in delivering better mobile sound quality (YouTube Video). This wasn’t just a marketing ploy; it was a genuine effort to improve how we listen to music on our phones.
The LG V30: Peak Smartphone Audio?
The LG V30 was a game-changer. It wasn’t just about the hardware; it was about the whole package. The V30’s audio was so good that some, like Darko Audio, even ditched their dedicated portable music players (YouTube Video). Think about that: a smartphone going head-to-head with (and winning against) high-end portable audio devices. This really shows LG’s commitment to sound quality. The V30 offered a level of audio fidelity rarely found in smartphones, making it a go-to for audio enthusiasts. It set a high bar for what a smartphone could deliver, sonically speaking.
Quad DACs and Hi-Res Audio
LG continued to refine its audio technology, using the quad ESS DAC and integrating it onto the same chip as the headphone circuit (YouTube Video). This focus on the headphone output is important. After all, that’s how most of us listen to music on our phones. LG understood this and invested in making that experience top-notch. While they explored features like MQA support, their main goal remained providing excellent sound through wired headphones. It’s a testament to their dedication that they kept pushing the boundaries of mobile audio, even when other manufacturers seemed content with the status quo. For several years, LG genuinely tried to create the best-sounding smartphones (YouTube Video), and their efforts resonated with those who value great mobile sound.
LG: Changing Mobile Sound
LG’s exit from the smartphone arena marked a real shift in the mobile audio landscape. For a period, they were leading the charge, dedicated to high-quality sound in their phones. This resonated with audiophiles and casual listeners, raising the bar for what we expected from our mobile devices. As Darko Audio reflected in his video, “LG, what will we do without you?” (YouTube Video), their absence left a void.
The LG V30: Peak Smartphone Audio?
The 2017 LG V30 was a watershed moment for smartphone audio. Its integrated DAC and headphone amp were revolutionary, as highlighted by Darko Audio. He was so impressed, he sold his dedicated portable music player. The V30 proved a smartphone could be a serious contender against dedicated audio players, offering a premium listening experience on the go.
Quad DACs and Hi-Res Audio
LG continued innovating with features like the Quad DAC, found in phones like the G8. While “Quad DAC” sounds complex, the real takeaway, as Darko Audio emphasizes, is the overall improvement in sound quality. Whether you were listening to standard or high-resolution audio, the hardware made a difference. This focus on enhancing all audio, not just high-res files, distinguished LG. They prioritized making everything sound great, regardless of the format.
What are Dongle DACs?
Dongle DACs are small digital-to-analog converters that plug into your smartphone’s USB port, noticeably improving your audio quality. They’re especially well-liked by people who want better sound than what their phone’s built-in headphone jack offers. Think of them as a pocket-sized upgrade for your headphones.
How Dongle DACs Work
A dongle DAC bypasses your phone or laptop’s internal sound card, handling the digital-to-analog conversion itself. This results in higher-fidelity audio playback. For example, using a device like the THX Onyx with a Surface Book 2 or MacBook lets you hear bit-perfect audio up to 32-bit/384 kHz. It’s worth noting, though, that many Android operating systems resample audio to 48 kHz, which can affect the quality of formats like MQA, as discussed in this Darko Audio video. This means the theoretical benefits of high-resolution files might not be fully realized on all Android devices.
Choosing a Dongle DAC
Many people choose dongle DACs because they dramatically improve the listening experience on smartphones and laptops, easily surpassing the quality of built-in headphone outputs. The DAC’s hardware is the most important factor, often more so than sample rate or bitrate. That’s why serious listeners often invest in these external devices. If you’re curious about high-quality audio gear that pairs well with Dongle DACs, take a look at our beginner’s guide to in-ear monitors (IEMs).
LG’s Exit and Smartphone Audio’s Future
LG’s departure from the smartphone market left a noticeable gap, particularly for audiophiles. They were among the few manufacturers catering to those wanting better sound from their phones. As Darko Audio observes, LG was a mainstream company that took a real interest in high-fidelity mobile audio—a welcome sight in a market often preoccupied with other features (YouTube). Their commitment showed in devices like the LG V series, which pushed the boundaries of smartphone sound.
Filling the Audio-Centric Gap
The V30, for instance, generated real buzz among audio enthusiasts. Its sound was so good that some, like Darko Audio, even replaced their dedicated portable music players for the simplicity of a single device (YouTube). This highlights LG’s success in creating a compelling audio experience. Finding a smartphone that prioritizes high-fidelity audio similarly is now more difficult. Who will fill this gap and meet the needs of listeners who value quality sound?
Changing Consumer Needs
While the integrated, high-quality audio of LG phones is missed, the market has adapted. We’ve seen a rise in dongle DACs, external devices that improve the sound of smartphones and laptops (YouTube). These pocket-sized devices offer a way to improve your mobile listening experience, even without a dedicated audio-centric phone like the LG V30. Though not as seamless as top-tier built-in audio, dongle DACs represent a shift in how we approach portable audio quality. As Darko Audio mentions, the portable audio landscape has become more complex, especially for those who prefer not to carry a separate music player (YouTube). Dongle DACs offer a good solution, but the question remains: will manufacturers prioritize integrated high-quality audio again, or are external devices the new standard?
Get Great Audio on Your Phone Now
Losing a major player like LG in the smartphone arena definitely shakes things up, especially for audiophiles. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy high-quality audio on your phone. Whether you’re rocking a Samsung, a Pixel, or an iPhone, getting good sound is totally doable.
Optimize Audio Settings and Streaming
First things first, check your phone’s audio settings. It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how much of a difference the right settings can make. Look for options like equalizer settings or sound profiles. Experiment with them and see what sounds best to your ears. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into sound, our Beginner’s Guide to Speaker Types might be helpful.
Next, think about your streaming service. If you’re using a service like Tidal, Qobuz, or Spotify, remember that downloading music for offline playback has a real advantage. As Darko Audio points out, using Android on a dedicated music player or your phone lets you access offline content (YouTube Video). This can sometimes offer better sound quality than streaming, especially when your connection isn’t great. Also, keep in mind that most “high-res” streaming options are actually CD quality, so don’t get too hung up on chasing the highest resolution files. Focus on what sounds good to you. Our Beginner’s Guide to Soundbars offers some additional tips on getting the best audio quality from different sources.
Explore High-Quality Audio Gear
Now, let’s talk hardware. While high-resolution audio is cool, it’s more important to find gear that improves sound quality across the board. As Darko Audio mentions, when considering new hardware, the real question is whether it enhances the sound of all music, not just high-res tracks (YouTube Video).
One of the best ways to upgrade your phone’s audio is with a dongle DAC. These little devices bypass your phone’s built-in audio processing and give you a cleaner, more powerful sound. They’re especially helpful if you’re using wired headphones. Why do they work so well? Because they’re designed to make all playback sound better (YouTube Video). Plus, with more and more dongle DACs hitting the market, you have plenty of options to choose from (YouTube Video). Check out our Beginner’s Guide to In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) for more info on using these with your phone. For those interested in a more comprehensive audio setup, our Beginner’s Guide to Studio Monitors might be a good resource, even if it’s not directly related to mobile audio. It provides a good foundation for understanding sound quality.
The Future of Smartphone Audio
Industry Responses and New Tech
LG’s exit from the smartphone market leaves a noticeable hole for audio-focused phones. Other manufacturers haven’t really jumped in to fill this space, and the attention has shifted to external devices like dongle DACs. These small devices bypass your phone’s internal sound processing for a cleaner, more powerful audio experience, making them a popular choice for people who want high-quality sound from their phones. However, there’s a potential issue on the horizon: Apple is rumored to be removing the Lightning port on future iPhones. This could mean no ports at all, effectively shutting out wired headphones and those handy dongle DACs. This shift could force users to rely solely on Bluetooth for their audio.
Bluetooth’s Role in Audio Quality
Right now, Bluetooth doesn’t support completely lossless audio. Sony’s LDAC codec comes close, but it’s still technically lossy. This means that while Bluetooth audio can sound good, it doesn’t quite reach the quality of a wired connection. It’s also worth noting that iPhones don’t work with LDAC, limiting high-quality wireless audio options for Apple users. This potential move to a completely wireless world raises some interesting questions about the future of high-fidelity mobile audio. For more on this topic, check out this discussion on LG’s impact and the future of smartphone audio.
Audio Alternatives After LG
LG’s departure from the smartphone arena left a void for audiophiles. Their commitment to high-quality sound, particularly with features like the Quad DAC, set them apart. So, where do we go from here? What options do we have for great sound from our phones now that LG’s innovative phones are gone? Thankfully, there are several paths forward.
One increasingly popular solution is the dongle DAC. As Darko Audio points out, “[N]ow that LG is kind of pulling out of the smartphone market, I think we should be turning our attention to dongle DACs like this.” These pocket-sized devices bypass your phone’s internal DAC, often resulting in noticeably improved sound. They’re versatile too, working with not just smartphones but also laptops and tablets. “[T]hey make everything on our smartphone or laptop sound better,” Darko explains in his video discussing LG’s impact. If you’re serious about sound quality, a dongle DAC is a worthwhile purchase. Our beginner’s guide to in-ear monitors (IEMs) touches on using DACs with IEMs for a premium listening experience. For a broader understanding of audio equipment, our beginner’s guide to speaker types offers a helpful overview.
This shift toward external DACs coincides with other changes from phone manufacturers. As Darko Audio also mentions, Apple might remove the Lightning port from future iPhones. This would further necessitate external audio solutions, making dongle DACs even more relevant. Whether you’re using an iPhone, another phone, or even considering portable music players, understanding your audio options is key.
Improve Your Mobile Listening
Mobile Audio Playback Best Practices
Getting good sound on your phone can be tricky. It used to be that if you wanted decent audio on the go—on a bus, train, or plane—you needed a separate digital audio player (DAP). Now, smartphones have largely taken over, but getting the most out of them requires a little know-how. One handy feature of running apps like Tidal, Qobuz, or Spotify on your phone is downloading music for offline listening, as pointed out by Darko Audio (YouTube). This is essential for avoiding interruptions during your commute or when traveling somewhere with spotty cell service.
Don’t get too caught up in the hype around high-resolution audio. While it’s a nice feature, it only represents a small fraction of available music. As Darko Audio notes, a surprising 95% of music on “high-res” streaming services is actually CD quality (YouTube). Focus on improving the overall sound quality of all your music, not just high-res tracks. One way to do this is with a dongle DAC. These small devices bypass your phone’s built-in audio processing and provide a cleaner signal, making everything sound better (YouTube). We’ll cover dongle DACs in more detail later. For now, just know they’re a worthwhile investment if you’re serious about mobile audio. Check out our Beginner’s Guide to In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) for more information on IEMs, which often pair well with mobile setups.
Getting great mobile audio isn’t always straightforward; there are some challenges. But with a few tweaks and the right gear, you can significantly improve your listening experience. We’ll share more tips on choosing the right equipment for your needs later in this post.
LG’s Lasting Audio Impact
LG’s dedication to high-quality audio carved a unique space in the smartphone market. For years, they pushed the boundaries of mobile sound, earning praise from audiophiles and casual listeners alike. One reviewer commented on LG’s commitment, noting their interest in “serving people…who have an interest in better sound quality on the go.” This wasn’t about marketing hype; it genuinely changed how we experienced audio on our phones. Streaming services like Spotify and Tidal sounded noticeably better thanks to LG’s advanced audio hardware.
LG differentiated themselves by focusing on the headphone output. While other manufacturers chased specs, LG prioritized the core listening experience. They knew that even high-resolution audio files needed a quality headphone amp to truly shine. This focus earned them accolades, with one reviewer praising LG “for giving it their best for four or five years to make the best sounding smartphone possible.” Their pursuit of excellent headphone audio set a benchmark few others matched.
The market, however, continued to change. The emergence of dongle DACs offered a new way to achieve high-quality mobile audio. These portable devices bypass a phone’s internal hardware, creating a dedicated audio pathway. This market shift, along with other factors, contributed to LG’s exit from the smartphone industry. Their influence, however, remains. They demonstrated that mobile audio matters, inspiring listeners to demand better sound from their smartphones.
What’s Next for Smartphone Audio?
LG’s departure from the smartphone arena left a hole in the market for audio-focused phones. What does this mean for mobile sound’s future? It’s complicated. Listening habits are changing, and how we experience audio on our phones is evolving too. Darko Audio discussed this shift, highlighting the increasing reliance on external devices like dongle DACs (digital-to-analog converters) to improve sound. Check out this video for more of their perspective.
Dongle DACs offer a portable way to bypass your phone’s built-in audio processing, often producing a cleaner, more detailed sound. They’re becoming more popular as phone manufacturers prioritize slim designs over high-quality audio components. This trend raises a question: will high-fidelity audio become a niche market for smartphone users willing to buy extra hardware?
The move towards wireless listening adds another layer of complexity. While Bluetooth is convenient, the current technology doesn’t support lossless audio. This means a trade-off in quality, especially noticeable for listeners used to wired connections or high-resolution audio files. This presents a real dilemma for those who prioritize sound quality. Will Bluetooth technology improve, or will wired listening with external DACs become the standard for discerning listeners? Time will tell. Meanwhile, see our beginner’s guide to in-ear monitors (IEMs) to learn about getting the most from your mobile listening experience. Also, our beginner’s guide to portable music players might help you find the perfect device for your audio needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did LG’s exit from the smartphone market matter for audio quality?
LG was one of the few smartphone manufacturers that consistently prioritized high-quality audio, often including features like a dedicated DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and a good headphone amp. Their departure left a gap in the market for phones designed with serious listeners in mind. They were known for making phones that genuinely sounded great, even compared to dedicated music players.
What was so special about the LG V30’s audio?
The LG V30 was considered a landmark phone for mobile audio. Its built-in quad DAC and headphone amp delivered sound quality comparable to dedicated portable music players. Many people found the audio so impressive that they stopped using separate music players altogether. It set a high standard that few other smartphones have matched.
What are dongle DACs, and why are they relevant now?
Dongle DACs are small, external devices that plug into your phone’s USB port (or sometimes the headphone jack) and improve its audio output. They’re gaining popularity because they offer a way to get better sound from smartphones that lack LG’s dedicated audio hardware. They essentially bypass the phone’s internal sound processing, providing a cleaner signal to your headphones.
Is high-resolution audio the most important factor for good sound on my phone?
Not necessarily. While high-resolution audio files can sound great, it’s more important to have good audio hardware. A quality DAC and headphone amp will improve the sound of all your music, regardless of the file format. Don’t get too caught up in chasing high-res files if your phone’s hardware isn’t up to par.
What does the future hold for smartphone audio?
The trend seems to be moving toward external devices like dongle DACs for improved audio. However, with rumors of phone manufacturers removing ports altogether, the future is uncertain. This could mean a greater reliance on wireless Bluetooth audio, which currently doesn’t offer the same quality as wired connections. It remains to be seen whether phone makers will re-prioritize built-in audio or if external devices will become the norm.
