So it's time for a new phone, and I'm very tempted to divert from the iPhone for the Samsung Galaxy S6, but I'm not sure how it performs as an audio source. I am deciding between an iPhone 6+ and the S6(edge or non edge would be a later decision). I currently own an iPhone 5, which delivers great audio performance. Since I already own an iPhone now, maybe I can use my iPhone as my main audio source should I get the S6 (assuming the S6 has worse audio performance). Even though I could do that, I would still be listening from the S6 quite often, as I don't like to pocket 2 devices at a time everywhere I go. So please, lend me your thoughts and comparisons of sound quality if you can offer it. Any contribution is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

Bump , anyone?

You should probably be taking this to the Portable Source Gear subsection of this forum.

kg jag said:

You should probably be taking this to the Portable Source Gear subsection of this forum.

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Thanks, I will try that, I just figured that forum was more for discussion than help.

Nice PSBs in your avatar... I currently run my M4U1's with a Fiio E17 hooked to my Galaxy S5. The iPhone has better audio hardware and if you aren't going to be using an amp/dac combo while on the go just grab the iPhone. Although, I do find the Google Play store has a much better selection of audio apps if you will be playing FLAC or other file formats that aren't generally supported on mobile devices. The iPhone will sound better out of the box and definitely will have better amplification than any of the Galaxy phones, but the Google Play store app selection, root abilities, and possibility of using an amp/dac may sway you towards buying a Samsung device. Just my two cents, hope that helps a bit.

vtchardware said:

Nice PSBs in your avatar... I currently run my M4U1's with a Fiio E17 hooked to my Galaxy S5. The iPhone has better audio hardware and if you aren't going to be using an amp/dac combo while on the go just grab the iPhone. Although, I do find the Google Play store has a much better selection of audio apps if you will be playing FLAC or other file formats that aren't generally supported on mobile devices. The iPhone will sound better out of the box and definitely will have better amplification than any of the Galaxy phones, but the Google Play store app selection, root abilities, and possibility of using an amp/dac may sway you towards buying a Samsung device. Just my two cents, hope that helps a bit.

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Thanks! While I don't really have many songs where I have or can get the FLAC version, are there any apps you'd reccomend that might be better than the stock music app? I've heard and seen that their sound alive options can work a few wonders as well. I will be getting an amp eventually so that I can give my psb a little bit more kick in the low end as it needs it for some songs. Even with a portable amp, I likely wouldn't carry it around in my pocket, and I dont use my psb while I'm going anywhere, rather I use one of my iem's. Would you say that an amp can really bridge the gap between iPhone and the Galaxy?

I guess you could put it that way. Currently I use MX Player for all of my audio and video on my Android device. There are a few options to tweak hardware and software acceleration for audio and video. Personally, I leave any sort of EQ off and just adjust a step up or down on the Fiio when needed. Feel free to go to any store and try the phones out with your current IEM setup and see how they sound without an amp. The Apple device will get pretty loud and sound decent out of the box. I believe they still use Wolfson parts for their mobile audio processing but don't quote me on that. The Galaxy will be okay but you max out the volume quick. Even with some noise isolation, volume cranked, and my Bose earbuds I can still hear people in the gym and the awful songs they play on the radio. That never happened when I had an iPhone. Apple just lacks the customization and freedom the Android devices have. I'm a systems admin by trade so if I can't tweak something on it I probably won't buy it.

Interesting, I'll check the app out. I can trust that the iPhone will sound great as my iPhone 5 delivers great sound, and I will still be keeping it for sure, no matter which phone I get. Yeah I heard the DAC is Wolfson, but the amp is the downfall. I'm starting to lean toward the S6 due to the superior hardware capabilities and features. Customization wise, yeah, but I love my iPhone 5, especially since it's, jail broken, I have some great customization capabilities and options that improve productivity that you can't get on Android either. Also, hacked games and spotify

i hear the htc m9 has a pretty nice quality dac as well

http://www.head-fi.org/t/757776/the-dacs-in-galaxy-s6-and-the-m9-what-do-we-know