Sorry, maybe it's a placebo, but I keep coming back to b2.14 - it's the best sounding firmware for me. 

I am taking part in the internal beta testing and yet haven't come across the link to download the latest version. 

Indeed.

+1  There's nothing in the google beta group:(

I have phonaks pfe 122, etymotic er4pt and aurvana live - and compared to galaxy s3 the sound N5 produces is horrible. I have been dissatisfied with it to such an extent that I've bought fiio x3

Gentlemen, please stop discussing the limit of the numer of files x3 can store. 5800? for ****** sake, back in the days I had my first Iriver with 64MB and I was happy with it:) Let's concentrate on sq and the features of the new firmware.

I guess it's the firmware with the modified volume.

I'm not an audiophile, nor do I care for the way they describe sound signatures of the numerous daps here. But when I listened to my all time favourite record 'Be' by Pain of Salvation after b2.14 firmware upgrade, both on Aurvana Live and Etymotic er4pt, I was like 'Wow, is this my old x3 or...

Would anyone be willing to compare sq of DX50 and X3 with beta2.14 firmware?

No battery issues whatsoever. 

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7567/smartphone-audio-quality-testing/5 You should defenitely read this thorough analysis. 

Settings in viper would be better as they affect all sources of audio including spotify. Please get the latest version of the app. Your settings do improve the awful sound N5 produces, though I still prefer fiio x3 or GS3. Thanks

Would you be so kind as to install Viper4android fx - and play with the settings there and inform me on your results and optimal settings? 

It's still worth it -c'mon it's only 50 bucks but the difference is worth a million. 

So far GS3 is the best sounding phone I've had. 

Phonak pfe112 or 122 or 012 with grey filter - they all have the same driver. Moving to phonaks is like being deaf and suddenly being able to hear again - there simply is no comparison, imho. What is more they are so comfortable that, despite over the ear construction, you don't feel them. 

I guess we are addressing completely different problems here, but I get your point. If you're satisfied with N5 dac quality then that's ok with me. Cheers

Claiming that playing with eq can improve sq of a device is like saying that a blind person can see better with glasses on. Sorry for the blunt comparison - but I thought it is a forum for people who love sq. I'm not an audiophile but even I know that. What is unbearable? - lack of detail...

If you're looking for sq, stay away from N5, otherwise it's a great phone.

Stock or not (actually I've tested several settings with viper4android) sq is bad as far as my perception is concerned. With S3 my Phonaks 122 sounded amazing, with N5 they turned into a torture device, with Etymotic er4pt N5 is simply unbearable.  Edit: funny - I've just read your post above -...

I've had N5 for some time now - switched from Galaxy S3, and to be honest it made me buy FiiO x3 as I couldn't listen to this flat, muffled, lifeless sound it produces. I love my N5, but those who say that it sounds great must be joking.