Finally Happy with the EVO's Audio Quality

[nobody]

One of the only disappointments I had with my EVO was that the audio quality through the headphone jack seemed muffled and quiet compared to my old iPhone. This wasn't a huge issue but very noticeable when listening to music in my car through the AUX input. After doing the following, I'm happy to say that the quality now even surpasses the iPhone.

• Installed the paid version of MixZing - the price was kinda steep but well worth it since it comes with an EQ. Boosting the overall gain tweaking the low frequencies has done wonders - best music app IMO hands down!

(Following Requires Root and NAND):

• Flashed a custom 2.2 ROM - the newer ROMs are using modified versions of HTC's source kernel to boost the audio volume. I prefer BakedSnack 1.4 using his included kernel. Better audio quality and better battery life to boot.
• Flashed the workaround (or manually edit build.prop) to temporary disable stagefright. This fixes the audio issues with Pandora running on 2.2.

I'm very happy with my setup now - anyone else have other suggestions?

 

[Rob_A]

I use Mixzing as my music app and love it.

Just an FYI to others, the equalizer is functional in the free version too.

 

[Crodley]

"Requirements:
rooted htc evo with full root. (nand access)
custom recovery"

I have an unrooted 2.2 EVo and am wondering if I can root like you have, or did HTC close that door with Froyo?

I'm not computer illiterate but I am ROOTING illiterate, can you point me to a page to get me started, specifically in the "audio" direction you went?

 

[nobody]

"Requirements:
rooted htc evo with full root. (nand access)
custom recovery"

I have an unrooted 2.2 EVo and am wondering if I can root like you have, or did HTC close that door with Froyo?

I'm not computer illiterate but I am ROOTING illiterate, can you point me to a page to get me started, specifically in the "audio" direction you went?

You can't root stock 2.2 yet but hang in there. Im sure they will find a way soon enough.

 

[Crodley]

K thanks for the information

p.s. I too use Mixzing and LOVE it.

 

[pwnst*r]

One of the only disappointments I had with my EVO was that the audio quality through the headphone jack seemed muffled and quiet compared to my old iPhone. This wasn't a huge issue but very noticeable when listening to music in my car through the AUX input. After doing the following, I'm happy to say that the quality now even surpasses the iPhone.

• Installed the paid version of MixZing - the price was kinda steep but well worth it since it comes with an EQ. Boosting the overall gain tweaking the low frequencies has done wonders - best music app IMO hands down!

(Following Requires Root and NAND):

• Flashed a custom 2.2 ROM - the newer ROMs are using modified versions of HTC's source kernel to boost the audio volume. I prefer BakedSnack 1.4 using his included kernel. Better audio quality and better battery life to boot.
• Flashed the workaround (or manually edit build.prop) to temporary disable stagefright. This fixes the audio issues with Pandora running on 2.2.

I'm very happy with my setup now - anyone else have other suggestions?

Quality != Volume

 

[Slick1020]

One of the only disappointments I had with my EVO was that the audio quality through the headphone jack seemed muffled and quiet compared to my old iPhone. This wasn't a huge issue but very noticeable when listening to music in my car through the AUX input. After doing the following, I'm happy to say that the quality now even surpasses the iPhone.

• Installed the paid version of MixZing - the price was kinda steep but well worth it since it comes with an EQ. Boosting the overall gain tweaking the low frequencies has done wonders - best music app IMO hands down!

(Following Requires Root and NAND):

• Flashed a custom 2.2 ROM - the newer ROMs are using modified versions of HTC's source kernel to boost the audio volume. I prefer BakedSnack 1.4 using his included kernel. Better audio quality and better battery life to boot.
• Flashed the workaround (or manually edit build.prop) to temporary disable stagefright. This fixes the audio issues with Pandora running on 2.2.

I'm very happy with my setup now - anyone else have other suggestions?

Were you using an aux jack with 3 black bands or only 2? You have to use a 3 band aux cable or your music will sound extremely low.

 

[nobody]

Were you using an aux jack with 3 black bands or only 2? You have to use a 3 band aux cable or your music will sound extremely low.

Interesting. Ill look into this but I thought that the cables with 3 sections included a in line mic for making calls.

 

[EarlyMon]

Interesting. Ill look into this but I thought that the cables with 3 sections included a in line mic for making calls.

They do but there's also a dongle that converts 3 to 2 that some people swear by - I think Amazon sells them, so they must be common enough.

I've not had that trouble with the few brands of headsets I've used - but others have sworn that's required for some specific brands / models listed in the threads hereabouts...

Here's one that came up courtesy of NeoteriX -

Shure Americas | Music + Mobile Phone Adapter

Granted that was for getting the FM Radio's antenna requirement met as well - but I was sure I'd seen posts for that sort of thing for sound quality.

Take with grain (or full bag) of salt when my memory is involved these days.

 

[Slick1020]

Interesting. Ill look into this but I thought that the cables with 3 sections included a in line mic for making calls.

Never mind, I went looking for an aux cable with 3 bands on both sides and they do not exist!

 

[snowwy66]

i've found the gummy earphones from walmart work really good. $10.

DON'T EVEN consider trying other brands or more expensive brands. my first try was the KOSS set. i liked the comfort of the earpeace.

and as a side note. walmart sells our stock earphones for $2.47.

i too would like a volume boost though. as i plan on using for my motorcycle and like others. the car volume through the receiver sucks.

i've been using my computer to check out the volume. computer speakers have the same jack. my computer also has a line in. so i can hook my speakers directly to the ph one or plug my phone using the line in jack.

if i can find the right set of speakers. i actually think i'm going to buy a set for the bike. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much cheaper then other systems i ahve tried that have flunked the volume test.

 

[EarlyMon]

Don't know if these will cut it for you - http://androidforums.com/htc-evo-4g/131928-what-features-do-you-want-evo-2-a-8.html#post2297663

And you're saying the $10 gummies are the Koss ones?

 

[EvoFrick]

Hrm I song have these problems, I have a pair of headtrip in ear headphones they work loud and great for all tones.

 

[drumshark]

I love MixZing as well. It's a God send.

But (keep in mind, this is coming from somewhat of an audiophile) nice, IEM's (In ear monitors) will help as well with audi quality, and will help a great deal with volume.

Basically, most IEM's use very small speakers, and have low resistances (low resistance means more of the phone's power is converted into sound, and tiny speakers need less power to be driven). They also (should) make a seal inside your ear, helping to block out a lot of sound. Good one's block out more sound than the big, over ear headphones like Bose and such.

$20 skullcandy's will be better than $10 gummies because (for somewhat techy audio reasons) they will be louder and you will be able to hear them clearer.
S
end me a message if you want any tips on headphones or just general audio questions and I'll do my best to help

 

[agavrila]

I use Double twist. BEST MUSIC APPLICATION. I use Beats by Dre Studio Headphones. And with double twist it sounds amazing. Even with my regular earbuds or in ear headphones, double twist seemed to have just as great of sound quality as the iPods and iPhones. Bc i my father used to own both iPod touch and iPhone 4. The black bands on the jack didn't make a difference to me. The application double twist is completely free and is absolutely PERFECT if you listen to music on your android phone a lot.