LG V20 Sound Quality

[Sovkiller]

Nice sound mine gave me issues on screen ghosting...

 

[athiker94]

Wanted to ask your input about how to setup the LG v20 to loudspeakers. I am currently running a Marantz 2230 and was considering running it out to the RCA connectors in the back. But, am open to ideas, other DAC'S, amps.... ect. I don't wan't to spend alot of money (less than 150) dollars to make it happen. But, was just curious. And thanks.

 

[Malefoda]

The V20 will detect that you use a Jack to RCAs cable to your Marantz (same way it detects that your cans are high impedance or not). Then just use your V20 as line level device, set the V20 to full scale output (or a tad less, IIRC some ESS mobile DACs (at least the ES9023) showed some distortion when used full scale). Adjust volume on the Marantz.
Maybe the build.prop mod on the 16bit stuff if it makes sens to you (root/messing...).

 

[rlw6534]

Wanted to ask your input about how to setup the LG v20 to loudspeakers. I am currently running a Marantz 2230 and was considering running it out to the RCA connectors in the back. But, am open to ideas, other DAC'S, amps.... ect. I don't wan't to spend alot of money (less than 150) dollars to make it happen. But, was just curious. And thanks.

Vintage receiver, correct? Does it have any inputs other than RCA? IMO, the V20 will work just fine using 3.5 mm to RCA jacks with the appropriate splitter. You'll have to figure out the correct volume on the V20 to match up...

 

[Malefoda]

Good point rlw6534, in fact that is a good advice as the impedance may be matched but maybe not line level. Is the internal headamp gain set to x1 and used just as a buffer? Don't know, my advice was with the V20 with line level output which is to be verified. Match the output level to a CD player or any real line level. Or goes 70/80% as a start.

 

[athiker94]

Vintage receiver, correct? Does it have any inputs other than RCA? IMO, the V20 will work just fine using 3.5 mm to RCA jacks with the appropriate splitter. You'll have to figure out the correct volume on the V20 to match up...

Yes, it's a vintage receiver and I ordered a 3.5mm to RCA jack to see how that goes. And thanks!!

 

[rlw6534]

Good point rlw6534, in fact that is a good advice as the impedance may be matched but maybe not line level. Is the internal headamp gain set to x1 and used just as a buffer? Don't know, my advice was with the V20 with line level output which is to be verified. Match the output level to a CD player or any real line level. Or goes 70/80% as a start.

I believe in aux/high-impedance mode the volume is still adjustable. I would match volume as you suggested as I'm not sure what the voltage level is at full volume on the V20.

 

[6Channel]

All what rlw6534 said. I run full volume outta my headphone jack into my headphone amps, and it's worth noting that the SQ audibly decreases when the output bar is at lower levels, unrelated to volume (complicated). I think you will do just fine running it through the adapter cable - just remember: if you don't strap that V20 in a firm position, you may be very surprised by amplified speaker pops in speakers at the 2230 output if the wiggled cable causes a contact issue at jacks on either end. This from much experience with insecure connections. You wanna take care of the 2230 !

 

[athiker94]

Do you think a dedicated DAC is necessary? Or, do you feel as if the v20's DAC is good enough?

 

[Malefoda]

IMHO you need an expensive DAC to hear a clear difference. If I am to buy not better than a Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital I may just keep the V20. Buy better speakers instead

 

[6Channel]

I certainly wouldn't want you to merely abide by my personal opinion, and I only use mine only for headphone listening, but I've heard many headphone amps and haven't heard better audio than out of my V20 (or my current V30) 3.4mm jack. If I had to split hairs, my V20 audio through Neutron "might" be a tad better than my V30, depending on which day it is. For starters, I recommend you read https://www.stereophile.com/content/lg-v30-hi-res-smartphone-mqa-page-2

 

[6Channel]

I'm editing my response 3 minutes ago to emphasize that audio is absolutely great out of the jack, but I juice it up with an outboard headphone amp to push my hungry 600Ω cans. I'm sure the "line level equivalent" from the V20 jack plugged into the 2030 will be plenty strong.

 

[athiker94]

I'm editing my response 3 minutes ago to emphasize that audio is absolutely great out of the jack, but I juice it up with an outboard headphone amp to push my hungry 600Ω cans. I'm sure the "line level equivalent" from the V20 jack plugged into the 2030 will be plenty strong.

Amazing article. I knew there was some magic with this v20

 

[bixby]

@rlw6534 & @6Channel are on the money with their comments. Having owned a bunch of the great LG Q and V series and have used them to front a stereo system(briefly) they are good transports and the dac is good as well.

A very good computer setup with PC, mac, or pi is in another league even with just a good but not expensive dac. In the end, I think it is relative to the overall system. The better the setup, the more transport and dac matter.

 

[athiker94]

Was wondering if the LG v20 essentially becomes a pre-amp also when you run from the headphone out to system? A pre-amp and DAC.