Unless you’re ready to splurge on top-notch earbuds or headphones, the desire for enhanced sound quality is a common sentiment. Whether for movies, calls, or music, earbuds stand out as fantastic little companions that let you savor audio without the hassle of dealing with tangled wires. Let’s explore a few pointers and hacks that can elevate the sound quality of your earbuds.
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Tip 1: Tune in to the higher-quality music
We often indulge in music streaming on platforms like Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, or other online and offline services, overlooking the actual music quality. However, there are noteworthy apps like Google Music, Deezer, and Spotify, which offer the option to stream or download high-quality music, featuring a high bit-rate of 320kbps.
Take Spotify, for instance; make it a point to configure the Audio Quality settings to “Very High” for both Wifi and Cellular streaming. While sacrificing quality might result in louder music, prioritizing the highest quality ensures a premium audio experience.
Tip 2: Use External DAC
Your smartphones and laptops come equipped with a built-in DAC for Digital to Analog Converter. To break it down, any electronic device producing sound relies on a DAC to convert digital signals into analog ones, enabling your phone (or other devices) to bring your music to life. However, the catch is that some devices may house a less-than-stellar DAC, leading to a slightly off-mic experience.
Enter the game-changer: an external DAC. Investing in one can significantly enhance the quality of your audio. While these external systems may lean towards the pricier side, the payoff is exceptional sound quality. It’s no wonder audiophiles swear by external DACs for an elevated music experience.
Tip 3: Change the Bluetooth Audio Codec
When it comes to Bluetooth Audio Codecs, your Android smartphone defaults to SBC, whereas iPhones opt for the superior AAC. The Bluetooth codec you choose significantly impacts the sound quality delivered through your wireless earbuds and headphones.
SBC boasts high optimization, but AAC takes the lead with its advanced compression algorithm. Additionally, there are other codecs at your disposal, like Qualcomm aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC, among others. Switching to these alternatives can further elevate your sound quality experience.
Here’s how you can change BT Audio Codec on Android –
- First, go to Settings >> System >> Developer Options. If you don’t have developer options available, you will have to enable it by hitting Build Number seven times.
- Search for Bluetooth Audio Codec and tap on it.
- Change it from SBC to others as you will have to test and repeat to find the perfect codec.
- Additionally, you need to select ‘Playback Quality’ where you can select ‘Optimised for Audio Quality’ for the best experience.
Tip 4: Adjust EQ Settings
Individual preferences in hearing and responding to sounds vary. Some crave booming bass, while others lean towards higher treble. Some prefer a neutral tone, while some seek a balance across frequencies. Each earbud comes equipped with an EQ console, allowing users to either stick to factory presets or customize settings according to their preferences.
Playing around with the EQ consoles allows you to fine-tune frequencies at different decibel levels to achieve optimal sound quality. Keep in mind that the settings that work best for you might not be ideal for someone you’re sharing music with. But that’s perfectly fine because the goal is to tailor the sound to your liking, and EQ settings empower you to prioritize what matters most—achieving better sound quality from your buds.
Tip 5: Proper Cleaning!
Whether you’re rocking wired or wireless headphones, earphones, or earbuds, these accessories often get overlooked in the cleanliness department. It’s common for people to casually wear them, toss them into pockets or bags, and reuse them without much thought. However, maintaining their cleanliness is crucial. When you wear earbuds or earphones, natural oils, and earwax tend to build up. While it might not seem like a big deal initially, this accumulation can become quite unsightly over time.
Beyond just the aesthetics, the wax and debris can hinder the sound quality emanating from your buds or earphones. This could be a reason why you notice a decline in sound quality compared to when you first got them. A simple solution is to use a microfiber cloth (or any cotton cloth) to wipe away the accumulated gunk. For those hard-to-reach places, a toothbrush can come in handy.
If you’re using wired earphones or headphones, don’t forget to clean the headphone jack as well, as it tends to gather debris. Take a blunt needle, gently swirl it into the port, and see if you can eliminate any junk. Doing so may lead to a noticeable improvement in the sound quality of your earphones.
Tip 6: Go to a Quieter Room
It’s pretty straightforward. Even with budget-friendly earbuds, being in a quiet environment can significantly boost your audio experience. Admittedly, this isn’t always feasible—think airports, railway stations, restaurants, offices, or during a jog. However, it’s a game-changer when you’re at home, especially if your earbuds lack noise cancellation.
The magic lies in the minimal ambient noise, allowing the sound from your buds to shine with a louder and richer tone. In quieter settings, you’ll notice an enhanced enjoyment of bass, contrasting with the bustling environments where it might get drowned out.
Tip 7: Change Between Eartips
You’ve got a range of options to explore, like in-ear or half-in-ear buds. In the case of in-ear buds, they snugly fit into your ear cavity, creating a seal that shields your music experience from ambient noise. Most in-ear earbuds come with at least three sizes of ear tips, allowing you to find the perfect fit. Some models may even offer a variety of sizes and fit for you to experiment with.
The concept is straightforward. The better the ear tips fit into your ear and create a seal, the less interference you’ll experience from surrounding noise. It’s a breeze to switch between ear tips—just swap them out, put them on, and assess how the fit impacts the sound quality.
Tip 8: Engage ANC
It’s pretty straightforward. If your earbuds come with active noise cancellation (ANC) or even environmental noise cancellation (ENC), you’ve got the means to shut out ambient sounds. Admittedly, ANC outperforms ENC, but it also comes with a higher price tag. This means that most mid-range earbuds are equipped with ENC or similar features to combat ambient noise.
Depending on whether you have ANC or ENC, you should be able to fully or partially block ambient sounds (ANC excelling in both aspects). This automatically translates into a hassle-free, enhanced sound quality blasting from your buds. You can go with either option, but in comparison, ANC takes the lead.