[chihwahli]

Hello All,

Are the V30 and V40 really an improvement over the V20 as music player?
I wonder if it is really boost audio quality if I buy an second hand V30 or V40.

Edit: added webpage with specs between the different LG V series smartphone
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LG_V_series

LG V20 DAC explained in detail:
https://www.androidauthority.com/lg-v20-quad-dac-explained-713587/

LG30 news things:
https://www.androidauthority.com/lg-v30-audio-797447/

LG V30 has MQA support, which seems to have advantages and disavantages:
https://www.audiostream.com/content/mqa-reviewed
https://community.roonlabs.com/t/mqa-is-bad-for-music/21038/11

LG 40 specs, info:
- https://www.lg.com/us/mobile-phones/v40-thinq/specs
- https://www.head-fi.org/threads/lg-v40-thinq.890345/
- V40 requires some time to adapt to new sound signature, some people said, it is better then V20,30.

Personally: V20 has replaceable battery, plays FLACs 24 bit very well, can be bought cheap, don't need more.

Edit: up to date in depth discussion about best audiofile smartphone as of may 2019:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/best-smartphone-for-audiophile-part-ii-updated-mar-2019.853115/

 

[Mhog55]

As with most everything in this hobby, it's subjective. I never heard the 20, but I feel the 40 is an improvement over the 30.

 

[chihwahli]

i understand what you mean, but in the subjectivity there can be some measurable difference.

Didn't read that that LG changed the DAC chip. only tweaked it. First by B&O , then by Meridian (?)

so i was wondering.

 

[Mhog55]

i understand what you mean, but in the subjectivity there can be some measurable difference.

Didn't read that that LG changed the DAC chip. only tweaked it. First by B&O , then by Meridian (?)

so i was wondering.

Don't quote me on this, but I believe LG used the latest - newer version of the dac chips in the 40. Maybe read through the V40 thread for sound and comparison posts. Meridian did a really good job with the 40. The 30 had a more aggressive, rough around the edges sound. Not that it sounded bad. It actually sounded damn good. But the 40 improved it, with a more airy character, improved spaciousness, better separation, with a cleaner, more musical sound. It's not night and day, but it's definitely noticeable imo. It did take some time to burn in and come around, believe it or not. At 1st I was really disappointed I traded my 30 in. Now I'm happy as a clam. In fact, there were a handful of people who got their 40 a few months after I did. They were sorely disappointed as well, but after some moderate use, they agreed that it was indeed an improvement. So yeah, maybe browse that thread. Some of those folks are a lot better at describing what they're hearing than I am.

 

[chihwahli]

Many thanks MHog55. Then I will keep using my V20 until I need another phone. V40 is then a good candidate. Really like the LG V series. It's funny our brain needs time to adapt to the new sound signature. It's kinda like new behaviours, they need certain time to become normal too.... interesting.

 

[protoss]

Surprisingly Samsung S10 is better than the LG offerings

 

[chihwahli]

Hey Protoss, perhaps, but the Samsung prize is just too high. In my country, LG V series drop prizes quiet fast. V40 can be bought 2nd hand with 1 or 2 year warranty for about 520 euro (used2cell.nl). I rather pump the money in good IEMS. As I did > Campfire Andromeda. Thanks for the comment thought. Should keep my "ears" open and not discard any non -LG V series as possible mobile music player. =) Always been Samsung Fan, just not sooo fan of their prizes -.- Still have my good old Samsung S5 hangng around...somewhere.................................... here boy here boy?! Where are you?? (have not used S5 since I have the V20)

 

[Mhog55]

Surprisingly Samsung S10 is better than the LG offerings

This is absolutely not the case. I've been listening and comparing my co workers S10 with my V40. It does sound good, but better - just no.

 

[Mhog55]

Many thanks MHog55. Then I will keep using my V20 until I need another phone. V40 is then a good candidate. Really like the LG V series. It's funny our brain needs time to adapt to the new sound signature. It's kinda like new behaviours, they need certain time to become normal too.... interesting.

Very true

 

[protoss]

It does sound good, but better - just no

Strange me too and I found out that the S10 is better!

 

[Mhog55]

Strange me too and I found out that the S10 is better!

Care to elaborate?

 

[protoss]

Well,

The S10 is no slouch. It has all the bell and whistle you need from a modern dac
Specs"
32-bit/384kHz audio
Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
Dolby Atmos/AKG sound

What i heard from an HD800 through the headjack sounds great and full of detail.

LG was good. Maybe I am a Samsung fanboi? Overall, Sammy wins

 

[Mhog55]

Well,

The S10 is no slouch. It has all the bell and whistle you need from a modern dac
Specs"
32-bit/384kHz audio
Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
Dolby Atmos/AKG sound

What i heard from an HD800 through the headjack sounds great and full of detail.

LG was good. Maybe I am a Samsung fanboi? Overall, Sammy wins

Yes, the S10 is no slouch and sounds good. You may indeed be a fanboy lol

 

[Xolotal]

I have some interest in this, since when I replace my phone, I really want something that can function as a decent DAP with streaming. The LGs have MQA, which is something I guess. I'm worried about the LG skin, since I like stock/near stock Android. Anything else I should be aware of with the LGs (I have an old OnePlus now). Additionally, I'm looking at Fi for service, which limits me to the G7 or V35 ThinQ. I'm not at the place where I will get a standalone player. The Samsung is super pricey.

 

[chihwahli]

@Xolotal So you like a mobile music player? LG V series work very fast, have 4 GB memory and fast CPU. So LG skin is no problem. If you like it to be stock android OS, you might try to flash a custom OS into your LG. I am not aware why you should. I don't understand what you mean with Fi service.

The following article tells that the LG V20 is very good:
https://www.ubergizmo.com/articles/lg-v20-quad-dac-how-it-works/

(I do not work for LG electronics, no really! I just like them a LOT)