What db levels are Android volume steps?

[Luk37astic]

On Android 5.0 (maybe all, but I only have 5.0+ devices), there are 15 volume steps (mute, 1, ... , 15).
 
I am experimenting and testing all sorts of DACs and amps, but it's constantly annoying me that I have no idea what my device volume should be for the truest-to-original, purest output.
 
What I want is a 0db output to an external DAC or amp to adjust the volume there, but after searching every keyword and website, I can't find any documentation or statistics on what volume steps output what db levels.
 
Is max volume on Android negative db to protect hearing? Is it 0db? Or is it positive db which can cause distortion and/or clipping? And if it's different for every device, is there any way to test for this?

 

[BrandonFYIA]

Wouldn't mind knowing this myself. I've been looking for the same info. I assume you mean for the least damaging way to double amp?

 

[Luk37astic]

In the case of using a headphone amp with my phone's headphone out, yea.
 
And even with the DAC. I'm using a Dragonfly, which depends solely on the device's volume, but if I were to use a dedicated DAC to feed into an amp, I would want a pure, 0db-adjusted signal.

 

[TimmyTofu]

Hi,

borrowing an old thread about the volume steps on Android.

Only 15 volume steps on Android feels really inadequate, as it makes it impossible to find that sweet spot volume-wise. How are you people dealing with this, basically is there a good simple app for getting more, refined volume steps on Android? I mean there's got to be a solution for this?!

I'm currently using the phone/headphone combo of BQ Aquaris X2 + Sony 1000xm2 and I'm quite satisfied with it otherwise.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Only 15 volume steps on Android feels really inadequate, as it makes it impossible to find that sweet spot volume-wise. How are you people dealing with this, basically is there a good simple app for getting more, refined volume steps on Android? I mean there's got to be a solution for this?!

I'm currently using the phone/headphone combo of BQ Aquaris X2 + Sony 1000xm2 and I'm quite satisfied with it otherwise.

That depends on the firmware. My SGS3 had about 8 or 9 steps, maybe 10, and with my 125dB/1mW ASG-1.3 it goes from lvl 2's "almost there..." to lvl 3's "OMG TURN IT DOWN!!! NOW!!!" An Android update fixed the problem around the same time that Neutron also had an update that got rid of the electronic noise when using USB output.

 

[SoundDouble]

My understanding is there is no one answer for this.

Different phones have different amps and therefore different output power. Your sgs3 may need 2 clicks on volume where my htc10 might need 1 with the same iem.

As far as the amount of volume steps on your phone. Normally rooting will allow for more steps. Giving you more precise volume control. There are also other android software mods that might give more steps. I would check xda-developers to see if they have a forum for your specific phone.

 

[TimmyTofu]

Thanks for the replies.

That's pretty much what I thought. Looking at the apps, won't root at this point though.

If it's of use to anyone, I read someplace that the latest OnePlus phones have double the number of volume steps compared to stock android.