aptX Adaptive / aptX Lossless USB Transmitters

[itchyears]

Hello again,

First of all, I apologize for spamming this thread with my personal issue with these buds.

I have switched off and unplugged my Hub 5 router for 10+ minutes and also restarted my smartphone. The issue persists, it is the same. I gave up, switched off Wi-Fi mode and I'm currently listening happily to aptX Lossless.

I am not going to alter the set-up of my home Wi-Fi, which is functioning perfectly both for personal and business use, for these buds.

On my Xiaomi 15 Ultra, I utilize a Private DNS, which effectively blocks all advertisements across applications and websites. This configuration is identical to what I have used on my Samsung 23 Ultra. Everything—mobile banking applications, government portals, insurance platforms, and more—works without any disruptions, and I do not encounter advertisements. I see no reason to compromise this functionality for the sake of these earbuds. For thoroughness, I temporarily disabled the Private DNS, but the results remained the same.

Either I have a faulty pair or Xiaomi needs to really work on it. I do not have any issue with aptX Lossless or any other Bluetooth codec on these buds or any other of my Bluetooth devices.

One last thing: in my previous message, when I first got them, I mentioned that I perceive an expanded soundstage and more clarity. False impression, and I apologise. These buds come with an audio effect (Harman Audio EFX) which is on by default. To hear how these buds really sound, you need to scroll down the list, shown in the screenshot, and select Custom and make sure all values are set to zero. Otherwise, you are equalizing the sound and, well, yeah... And, without any EQ they sound like normal, everyday, cheap, earbuds.

Thank you to those who have helped. I will return when I will have Xiaomi's response.

Forgot the most obvious thing to test but you won't like it.... but its the one all tech support suggest first, factory reset the phone and factory reset the buds.

If anything at least when Xiaomi Support ask you to do those steps, you can fast track it or pretend you done those steps, to hurry up the process of a refund/exchange.

If you don't fancy doing all the router 2.4ghz/5ghz steps or factory resetting the router, try the mobile hotspot wifi trick first its a lot quicker to see if it works.

Have you tried it properly without the Harman Audio EFX? just wondering sometimes EQ or Sound modes can add latency or other issues....Worth disabling any other extra sound effects or Sound processing options.

That is a tad disappointing about the sound quality still, but I did read similar comments from few early Chinese owners suggesting these buds are average sounding. I think we will have to wait for the likes of Sony, AKG, Samsung, Cambridge Audio, B&W etc and the top audio producers to make some really good sounding ear buds and hps with Xpan.

Shame B&Ws new wireless PX7 S3s headphones support aptx lossless with LE audio planned, if they had Xpan support id be selling my current headphones.

 

[f300]

Hello,

I wanted a budget, lightweight on-ear (I wish Sennheiser still made the PX100!) so I've bought a Creative Soundblaster Jam V2. They can use aptx, aptX HD & aptX-LL.

I'm not sure what I'd be best buying to connect them to my PC. What would give the best results and latency, a USB audio adapter (and which one, so many to choose from), or a normal Bluetooth 5.3 dongle like a TP-Link UB5A or UB500 Plus and the Alternative A2DP Driver? I like the idea of an app to easily change between HD and LL...

I'm having some doubts determining which audio adapters actually support the older aptx-LL, especially on AliExpress. Some don't seem to make a clear distinction between it and the LL mode of Adaptive.

Any advice appreciated, thanks!

 

[cosea]

Earfun Air Pro 4 also support aptX Lossless over LEA.

 

[KB8P]

Earfun Air Pro 4 also support aptX Lossless over LEA.

Okay, but the vivo TWS 4 HiFi, which has the same QCC 3091 chipset, doesn't seem to support LE Audio connection to the Bluetooth transmitter at all.

 

[Boomers]

Earfun Air Pro 4 also support aptX Lossless over LEA.

Where does it say that? I also own a pair and for LE Audio have only gotten Aptx Adaptive and Lite working on the FMA120 with mixed results. Aptx Adaptive for me is broken as the audio becomes desynced between both earbuds, and Aptx Lite just isn't very stable with frequent cut-outs.

I've gotten Aptx Lossless to work but only under using classic along with High Quality audio mode.

 

[cosea]

Where does it say that? I also own a pair and for LE Audio have only gotten Aptx Adaptive and Lite working on the FMA120 with mixed results. Aptx Adaptive for me is broken as the audio becomes desynced between both earbuds, and Aptx Lite just isn't very stable with frequent cut-outs.

I've gotten Aptx Lossless to work but only under using classic along with High Quality audio mode.

In LEA mode with High Quality selected show aptX Adaptive instead of LC3, it means that it is in aptX Lossless over LEA.

 

[KB8P]

There are some unfixed bugs in the fma120 LE audio aptX Lite, aptX Adaptive codecs, and another bug was added in version 1.1.2, so I contacted flairmesh and got a reply.

FMA120 is built using the latest SDK, so there may be compatibility issues with earbuds using older firmware versions.

Next month, I will buy Xiaomi Buds 5 in the Chinese market and try out the QLEA earbuds for the first time and explore possible solutions.

 

[Nick24JJ]

I’m back with a final update regarding my Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro (Wi-Fi).

I have now initiated the return process and expect a full refund.

To recap, the issues I experienced were as follows:

• Loss of sound from one earbud, while I was sitting next to my phone which was stationary on my desk, and my router positioned directly beneath it.
• During all WhatsApp calls, audio was only transmitted through the right earbud.

All of these issues occurred exclusively when using Wi-Fi audio.

Despite the escalation of my concerns, Xiaomi UK’s customer service has failed to provide any explanation for these issues, offer potential solutions, or confirm whether my unit was defective and required replacement.

Overall, this has been a very disappointing first experience with Xiaomi UK’s support team.

 

[KB8P]

I’m back with a final update regarding my Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro (Wi-Fi).

I have now initiated the return process and expect a full refund.

To recap, the issues I experienced were as follows:

• Loss of sound from one earbud, while I was sitting next to my phone which was stationary on my desk, and my router positioned directly beneath it.
• During all WhatsApp calls, audio was only transmitted through the right earbud.

All of these issues occurred exclusively when using Wi-Fi audio.

Despite the escalation of my concerns, Xiaomi UK’s customer service has failed to provide any explanation for these issues, offer potential solutions, or confirm whether my unit was defective and required replacement.

Overall, this has been a very disappointing first experience with Xiaomi UK’s support team.

Are the firmware for Buds 5 Pro and Xiaomi 15 Ultra up to date?

 

[Nick24JJ]

Are the firmware for Buds 5 Pro and Xiaomi 15 Ultra up to date?

Yes, my phone is fully updated.

When I first paired the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, I received a firmware update, which I successfully installed before performing a factory reset.

According to Xiaomi support: "The effective connection distance of the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro (Wi-Fi version) is 10 meters. If the distance is too far, performance may be affected. It is recommended not to move too far from the phone when wearing the earbuds."

Having used Bluetooth technology for years—including LDAC at 990/909kbps and aptX Adaptive up to Lossless in recent months—I have always been able to move freely around my property while my phone remains on my desk, without experiencing disconnections, sound loss, or the strange de-synchronization effect I encountered with the Buds 5 Pro, which produces an echo-like distortion.

Despite testing the Buds with my phone placed right next to me, the issues persist. A YouTube review suggested that these earbuds should automatically switch to aptX Adaptive (Lossless) when Wi-Fi is out of range, ensuring a seamless experience.

However, in practice, I have to close and restart the music app just to restore sound in both earbuds.

Maybe some of these issues will be addressed in a future firmware update.

Considering Xiaomi’s lack of professionalism and the fact that the sound quality is nothing remarkable, I feel I’ve experienced enough of Wi-Fi Audio for now.

For me, it has not delivered a seamless experience, as advertised.

 

[KB8P]

Yes, my phone is fully updated.

When I first paired the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, I received a firmware update, which I successfully installed before performing a factory reset.

According to Xiaomi support: "The effective connection distance of the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro (Wi-Fi version) is 10 meters. If the distance is too far, performance may be affected. It is recommended not to move too far from the phone when wearing the earbuds."

Having used Bluetooth technology for years—including LDAC at 990/909kbps and aptX Adaptive up to Lossless in recent months—I have always been able to move freely around my property while my phone remains on my desk, without experiencing disconnections, sound loss, or the strange de-synchronization effect I encountered with the Buds 5 Pro, which produces an echo-like distortion.

Despite testing the Buds with my phone placed right next to me, the issues persist. A YouTube review suggested that these earbuds should automatically switch to aptX Adaptive (Lossless) when Wi-Fi is out of range, ensuring a seamless experience.

However, in practice, I have to close and restart the music app just to restore sound in both earbuds.

Maybe some of these issues will be addressed in a future firmware update.

Considering Xiaomi’s lack of professionalism and the fact that the sound quality is nothing remarkable, I feel I’ve experienced enough of Wi-Fi Audio for now.

For me, it has not delivered a seamless experience, as advertised.

https://kajetblog.com/xiaomi-buds-5-pro/
This Japanese YouTuber claims that even in extreme environments, Wi-Fi mode provides wired-like quality without any disconnections. As far as I know, the latest global firmware for the 15 Ultra is 2.0.105.0, but Xiaomi phones have different update versions depending on the OS region, so you may need to change to Hong Kong and check.

For reference, Xiaomi Buds can receive OTA faster through Xiaomi Earbuds app, so you need to check for firmware updates through the app.

 

[CactusPete23]

https://kajetblog.com/xiaomi-buds-5-pro/
This Japanese YouTuber claims that even in extreme environments, Wi-Fi mode provides wired-like quality without any disconnections. As far as I know, the latest global firmware for the 15 Ultra is 2.0.105.0, but Xiaomi phones have different update versions depending on the OS region, so you may need to change to Hong Kong and check.

For reference, Xiaomi Buds can receive OTA faster through Xiaomi Earbuds app, so you need to check for firmware updates through the app.

Does the Xiaomi Phone and Their Earbuds need to be connected to a WIFI network to work? Or can the phone send music via WIFI directly to the Earbuds without being connected to a WIFI network? Trying to understand how it works. Thanks

 

[KB8P]

Does the Xiaomi Phone and Their Earbuds need to be connected to a WIFI network to work? Or can the phone send music via WIFI directly to the Earbuds without being connected to a WIFI network? Trying to understand how it works. Thanks

If your phone is not connected to a Wi-Fi network, it will connect directly to the earphones via Wi-Fi Direct.

 

[Nick24JJ]

https://kajetblog.com/xiaomi-buds-5-pro/
This Japanese YouTuber claims that even in extreme environments, Wi-Fi mode provides wired-like quality without any disconnections. As far as I know, the latest global firmware for the 15 Ultra is 2.0.105.0, but Xiaomi phones have different update versions depending on the OS region, so you may need to change to Hong Kong and check.

For reference, Xiaomi Buds can receive OTA faster through Xiaomi Earbuds app, so you need to check for firmware updates through the app.

Thank you for your response and recommendations—I truly appreciate them.

I trust the Japanese reviewer, as well as another reviewer, both of whom reported excellent stability with no disconnections.

I checked for firmware updates through the Xiaomi Buds App, but none are available, as shown in the screenshot below.

As for HyperOS, my phone is running 2.0.103.0.VOAEUXM which is the latest update.



Given these circumstances, I’m wondering—why is this issue affecting me?

Should I keep the earbuds and wait for a possible update?
Should I exchange them—could I have a faulty unit?
Or should I return them altogether and request a full refund?

 

[itchyears]

Thank you for your response and recommendations—I truly appreciate them.

I trust the Japanese reviewer, as well as another reviewer, both of whom reported excellent stability with no disconnections.

I checked for firmware updates through the Xiaomi Buds App, but none are available, as shown in the screenshot below.






As for HyperOS, my phone is running 2.0.103.0.VOAEUXM which is the latest update.



Given these circumstances, I’m wondering—why is this issue affecting me?

Should I keep the earbuds and wait for a possible update?
Should I exchange them—could I have a faulty unit?
Or should I return them altogether and request a full refund?

I would exchange them, its free after all and then you can test the new ones out properly and see if its the same issue or not, its always possible you just had a bad pair.

Even if you don't enjoy the sound quality from the new Xiaomi buds put a request within that return period to return them to get money back, at least then you can say you have done everything you can.