How to Improve Audio Quality on Android
Table of Contents
- Understanding Android Audio
- Tip 1: Use High-Quality Source Files
- Tip 2: Choose the Right Music Player
- Tip 3: Master the Equalizer
- Tip 4: Optimize Hardware Settings
- Tip 5: Disable Audio Processing
- Tip 6: Use a USB DAC
- Tip 7: Stream at Higher Bitrates
- Quick Settings Cheat Sheet
- FAQ
Understanding Android Audio
Android has come a long way in audio quality. Modern versions support high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, but you need the right combination of hardware, software, and settings to get the best sound.
The audio chain:
- Source file → 2. Player software → 3. Android audio system → 4. Hardware (DAC/amp) → 5. Headphones/speakers
Weakness in any link degrades the overall quality. Let’s optimize each one.
Tip 1: Use High-Quality Source Files
Your audio is only as good as its source. Garbage in, garbage out.
Audio Quality Comparison:
| Format | Bitrate | Quality | File Size (per minute) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP3 128kbps | 128 kbps | Low | ~1 MB |
| MP3 320kbps | 320 kbps | Good | ~2.4 MB |
| AAC 256kbps | 256 kbps | Good | ~2 MB |
| OGG Vorbis | ~192 kbps | Good | ~1.5 MB |
| FLAC | ~900 kbps | Lossless | ~5-10 MB |
| ALAC | ~900 kbps | Lossless | ~5-10 MB |
| WAV | 1411 kbps | Lossless | ~10 MB |
| DSD | 5.6 Mbps | Ultra HD | ~20 MB |
Recommendation: Use FLAC for your permanent collection. It’s lossless (no quality loss) with good compression. For portable use, 320kbps MP3 or AAC is an excellent compromise between quality and size.
Where to Get High-Quality Music:
- Purchase from Bandcamp (FLAC downloads)
- CD rips using Exact Audio Copy
- High-res stores like HDtracks or Qobuz
- Your own CD collection ripped to FLAC
Tip 2: Choose the Right Music Player
Not all music players handle audio the same way. Some apply unnecessary processing, while others offer bit-perfect playback.
What to look for in a player:
- Direct audio output — Bypasses Android’s mixer for cleaner sound
- High-res support — Plays 24-bit/192kHz files natively
- No forced resampling — Respects the original sample rate
- EQ without degradation — High-quality digital signal processing
Recommended: Musiqly — Musiqly offers bit-perfect playback for high-res audio, a professional 10-band equalizer with minimal phase distortion, and support for all major formats including FLAC and DSD.
Tip 3: Master the Equalizer
A good equalizer can dramatically improve your listening experience. Here’s how to use Musiqly’s 10-band EQ:
Understanding Frequency Bands:
| Band | Frequency | What It Affects |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 31-62 Hz | Sub-bass, deep rumble |
| 3-4 | 125-250 Hz | Bass, kick drums |
| 5-6 | 500-1000 Hz | Low mids, body of sound |
| 7-8 | 2000-4000 Hz | High mids, presence |
| 9-10 | 8000-16000 Hz | Treble, air, sparkle |
Quick EQ Settings:
Rock: Boost bass (+3dB at 62Hz), cut mids (-2dB at 500Hz), boost highs (+2dB at 8kHz)
Pop: Slight bass boost (+2dB at 125Hz), flat mids, slight treble boost (+1dB at 8kHz)
Classical: Flat with slight high-end boost (+1dB at 16kHz)
Jazz: Warm — boost low mids (+2dB at 250Hz), slight treble cut (-1dB at 8kHz)
Electronic: Heavy bass (+4dB at 62Hz), presence boost (+2dB at 4kHz)
Podcast: Vocal clarity — cut bass (-3dB below 125Hz), boost mids (+3dB at 2kHz)
Tip 4: Optimize Hardware Settings
Your headphones are the most important factor in audio quality. Even the best source file sounds terrible through poor headphones.
Headphone Recommendations by Budget:
- Budget (under 50 dollars): Moondrop Chu II, 7Hz Zero 2, KZ ZS10 Pro
- Mid (50 to 150 dollars): Moondrop Aria 2, Truthear Hexa, Sennheiser IE 200
- High (over 150 dollars): Moondrop Blessing 3, Sennheiser IE 600, Focal Bathys
Wired vs Wireless:
- Wired always sounds better due to lossless transmission
- Wireless is convenient but uses lossy compression (even LDAC)
Enable High-Res Output:
In Android settings, go to Developer Options and:
- Set Bluetooth codec to LDAC (if available)
- Disable “Bluetooth A2DP hardware offload”
- Set sample rate to 192kHz (if your DAC supports it)
Tip 5: Disable Audio Processing
Android applies audio processing by default, which can degrade quality. Turn off these features:
- Disable “Adaptive Sound” or “Dolby Atmos” in device settings
- Turn off “Volume Leveler” or “Loudness Equalization”
- Disable any “Sound Effects” from your phone manufacturer
In Musiqly, you can enable “Direct Output” mode in settings to bypass Android’s audio processing entirely.
Tip 6: Use a USB DAC
A USB Digital-to-Analog Converter bypasses your phone’s built-in DAC for cleaner audio conversion.
Recommended USB DACs:
- Apple USB-C to 3.5mm - 9 dollars — Surprisingly good for the price
- Cx31993 based dongles - 15 to 20 dollars — Excellent value
- Qudelix 5K - 110 dollars — Best portable DAC/amp with EQ
- Fiio KA5 - 150 dollars — High-res desktop-class performance
Tip 7: Stream at Higher Bitrates
If you stream music online through Musiqly, adjust the quality settings:
- Open Musiqly Settings
- Go to Streaming Quality
- Select “High” (320kbps) for music streaming
- Enable “High Quality on Mobile Data” if your plan allows
For offline listening, download files at the highest available quality.
Quick Settings Cheat Sheet
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Source format | FLAC or 320kbps MP3 |
| Music player | Musiqly |
| EQ presets | Custom per genre |
| Bluetooth codec | LDAC (if available) |
| Streaming quality | 320kbps |
| Audio processing | OFF |
| USB DAC | Recommended |
| Headphones | Wired, quality IEMs |
FAQ
Does Android support high-res audio?
Yes, Android 10+ supports 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution audio output through USB DACs.
Can Musiqly play DSD files?
Yes, Musiqly supports DSD (DSF/DFF) playback through compatible hardware.
Does Bluetooth affect audio quality?
Yes, Bluetooth uses lossy compression. For best quality, use wired headphones or a USB DAC.
How do I enable high-res mode in Musiqly?
Go to Settings > Audio > High-Resolution Output and enable it for compatible DACs.
Related: Top Music Player Features Every User Needs | Musiqly vs Other Music Players
Sahil is the developer behind Musiqly. He's passionate about creating beautiful, feature-rich apps that enhance the way people experience music on Android.