Is an old iPhone 5c a good choice to start a Hi-Fi audio career

[ap4ss3rby]

Long story short, I am currently using a Skullcandy Hesh 2.0 wired ( I know it's not the best choice, but I'm 14 and had them as my only choice for better headphones​) and they are paired with a Samsung Galaxy A5, so does that iPhone have a better DAC than the A5

 

[Beyakusenn]

Hello and welcome to Head-fi. Good to see that you are already interested in Hi-Fi at your age.
 
As you said, the headphones are the weakest link in this case. The iPhone 5c is significantly better for audio than the Galaxy A5.
 
For future upgrades, you could ask here on the forums. The most important thing is to listen to various systems yourself and find out what kind of sound suits you. It might take a while, but it's a fun journey.

 

[Niouke]

the iPhone should beat the A5 easily. The best way is to compare them side by side with the same music in a quiet room. Welcome to Head-Fi!

 

[ap4ss3rby]

Thanks, I have also noted that the iPhone has a louder sound output

 

[471630]

A little advice I wish I could have given myself 10 years ago: Don't rush yourself through this hobby—take your time.
 
You will always find better (and more expensive) gear to upgrade with. But you can't go backwards.
 
If an iPhone 5C, or even the Galaxy, sounds good enough for today, enjoy it while you can.
 
I won't speak for everyone here, but as a budding audiophile myself, I tend to be perpetually on the lookout for the next big thing. I need to just slow down and listen to the music more.
 
I'm sure you'll make the right decision.

 

[ap4ss3rby]

Thanks, I am trying to enjoy my little software tricks while they last, later when I get a beefier sound system... And have huge amounts of music, I will find later that the software I use is a bad choice for better audio quality. maybe those Sennheiser Momentums will be mine maybe I will just give up

 

[Niouke]

I'm new to this aswell but I have never heard of a software giving bad sound quality on a stock smartphone so you should be safe. If it sounds good to you it's all you need. Take your time reading before you buy, the best being to actually try the product with your actual source before buying.

 

[Beyakusenn]

Thanks, I have also noted that the iPhone has a louder sound output

Just some advice: pay attention to not listen to your music too loudly! You can get new headphones, but not fully functioning new ears (yet). Also using ear plugs at parties and for long airplane trips can help as well. In the future you might consider active noise canceling headphones for commuting.
 
So how loud is too loud? Try measuring that with an app on the iPhone. It's far from accurate, but it's a decent first indication. Make sure the volume stays below 83dB and you are good. If you feel like turning the volume up in a noisy environment, be aware that that increases the risk of hearing damage.
 
Also, louder music might sound better at first, but remember: loudness is no real quality! Some masters are louder than others. The louder ones are usually the ones of lesser quality, but because they are louder, most people tend to perceive it as 'better'.

 

[ap4ss3rby]

What do you recommend

 

[ap4ss3rby]

I'm new to this aswell but I have never heard of a software giving bad sound quality on a stock smartphone so you should be safe. If it sounds good to you it's all you need. Take your time reading before you buy, the best being to actually try the product with your actual source before buying.

I use viper4android for the DDC function which basically corrects the response curve of the headphones

 

[Beyakusenn]

What do you recommend

As I said: try measuring at what SPL ( sound pressure level) you are listening at the moment by putting on some music at the volume you usually use for your headphones. Then using an app and the microphone on your smartphone, measure the loudness (I have the app SPL meter myself). If it's above 83dB and you listen to hours on end, try getting used to a lower SPL for your daily listening.
 
If you go to parties, ask your parents to get you ear plugs. If not the silicone ones with filters, at least the cheap foam plugs.

 

[ap4ss3rby]

Maybe I'll try later

 

[Mikualotic]

Hello. Welcome to Head-F.i My advice would be get some better headphones. Like other said before it is your weakest link in your set up. I would get better headphones that you are comfortable about spending X amount of money. You do not want to rush buying headphones. I may some bad purchases in the past that I regret buying (mainly bose true sound without them I wouldn't got into HiFi). I wish I got an IEM instead at that point in my life. Then I got my first open headphone HD 598 SE. I kept on getting better headphones until I got HD 650s and a an OTL tube amp. All i need now is a portable dac/amp. HiFi is an everlasting journey. Happy Listening and good luck with your journey. 

 

[ap4ss3rby]

My optimal volume seems to be in the safe zone (around 60-70 dB) I find it to be decently loud such that the bass is somewhat punchy and the mids and highs to be clear enough

 

[Niouke]

I use viper4android for the DDC function which basically corrects the response curve of the headphones

I lot of people are using that around here, I personally never felt the need for it yet. If you want to buy, consider the IEM's as they have a good bang for the buck especially on smartphones in my opinion.