Subliminal Talk

(02-07-2025, 09:13 PM)Vasil Wrote: [ -> ]

(02-06-2025, 07:26 PM)Shannon Wrote: [ -> ]5.11G and 6G are totally different worlds.  You will have a vastly different result going over the instructions in 5.11G vs 6G.  6G is multiple times more powerful and high impact.  It's so powerful that I could not build Absolute Self Confidence, because it would have gone too far.  Let that sink in.



You haven't even tried 6G.  You know nothing about it yet.  You're making a lot of assumptions to be asking this.  Which of my subliminals have you used, beside OED?

I've used many: AOL, ASC original, OED 5G and 5.11, OF, X4A 1000, DMSI, and quite a few others. OED 5G was actually the one that sold me on your programs, since after a couple of months of heavy use I started getting unmistakable physical effects that could not have been placebo. Problem was I couldn't listen 10+ hours a day indefinitely and the effects faded when off the program. What I noticed was that with your 5G subs, I got results when spamming the program 10 hours a day for sufficiently long periods of time. Unfortunately, I have not gotten the intended results with any of the 5G+ gen programs I've used (MHS, MLS, OF, DMSI, X4A, and others). I've continued to try new programs to see if maybe the lack of results could be chalked up to resistance towards specific goals, but had no luck. Given that these 5G+ programs had very specific instructions, I can't help but wonder if the reason I'm not seeing good results is that whatever configuration of volume and loops is needed for me isn't aligned with the general recommendation, hence the temptation to experiment by using more loops than recommended when I eventually get to OSC and DRS 6G.

You are not dealing with 5.xG anymore in these programs.  You don't have any experience of what they do or how they work, never mind for you.  You cannot make assumptions about 6G based on what 5G did or did not do.  This is an entirely different beast, and there is a reason it took so long to develop.  It leaves even 5.11G in the dust.  So based on your history, if you're going to try OSC, do it by itself, without DRS.  And when I say to follow the instructions, I mean, follow the instructions.  It is very important that we follow the instructions exactly in 6G.

As for 5.11G, did you ask for help when the programs were not working?

(02-07-2025, 04:19 PM)Shannon Wrote: [ -> ]

(02-07-2025, 12:13 AM)Bignoise Wrote: [ -> ]Let's say I want to use this playlist every night when I go to sleep

1. 1 hour silent track
   
2. 1 hour silent track
   
3. OSC (20 min)
   
4. DRS 6G
   
5. DRS 6G
   

The only problem I see is the recommended volume. I have an IPhone, so:
- Recommended volume for OSC is 10/16
- Recommended volume for DRSv2 is 6/16

So what would be my best approach..... 8/16 (the middle)???

This is just an example, but it's a general question about combining 6G subliminals with different suggested volumes.

Thank you.

Why do you think these volumes are recommended?  If they were only "recommendations", it would not be necessary for me to spend so much time and energy figuring them out to that level of specificity.  These are not recommendations.  That is the volume at which they should be used.

If you cannot be around to adjust the volume, then use one while you're awake, and play the other after you adjust the volume while you're sleeping.  They don't necessarily need to be played back to back.

Because it's the most imprecise and ambiguous instructions you provide.
I recently upgraded from iPhone 12 Pro Max to 16 PM, and I can tell you the speaker quality and volume is not the same. I don't even think the speakers in regular 16 model and pro max sound the same, with the same volume.
And that's talking just about Apple. You provide a volume for "Android". I'm an engineer and I can tell you that is like a joke. I can tell you the speakers quality and volume in a top-tier Samsung Galaxy android has nothing to do with a low-cost Chinese android phone. And you provide the same volume for both. The hardware for android phones can be totally different.
So yes.... I think it's useful and a guide, but it's not "the bible".

(02-08-2025, 12:51 AM)Bignoise Wrote: [ -> ]

(02-07-2025, 04:19 PM)Shannon Wrote: [ -> ]Why do you think these volumes are recommended?  If they were only "recommendations", it would not be necessary for me to spend so much time and energy figuring them out to that level of specificity.  These are not recommendations.  That is the volume at which they should be used.

If you cannot be around to adjust the volume, then use one while you're awake, and play the other after you adjust the volume while you're sleeping.  They don't necessarily need to be played back to back.

Because it's the most imprecise and ambiguous instructions you provide.
I recently upgraded from iPhone 12 Pro Max to 16 PM, and I can tell you the speaker quality and volume is not the same. I don't even think the speakers in regular 16 model and pro max sound the same, with the same volume.
And that's talking just about Apple. You provide a volume for "Android". I'm an engineer and I can tell you that is like a joke. I can tell you the speakers quality and volume in a top-tier Samsung Galaxy android has nothing to do with a low-cost Chinese android phone. And you provide the same volume for both. The hardware for android phones can be totally different.
So yes.... I think it's useful and a guide, but it's not "the bible".

Alright, I see an opportunity here.  I'm trying to get the most precise variable to be this.  I have found it almost impossible to achieve a correct communication of what the best volume is.  Can you show me how to do that better and more accurately?  I was attempting to use Db but that is different depending on where the microphone speaker combination is on the phone.  What do I do to accurately and consistently communicate a specific volume that works for everyone on every device with all the different possible numbers of volume adjustment layers?

I can attest that I did notice a difference in efficacy and smoothness of 5.11G programs at the same volume between a realMe phone (a pretty decent one, but still) and a proper Samsung Galaxy, and they're both Android. I don't know enough about their specs to contribute more.

OSC-6G ---I listened to it ..for 20 min .

https://subliminal-talk.com/Thread-Shann...#pid266682

(02-08-2025, 12:51 AM)Bignoise Wrote: [ -> ]Because it's the most imprecise and ambiguous instructions you provide.

https://subliminal-talk.com/Thread-Shann...#pid266693

(02-08-2025, 05:28 PM)Shannon Wrote: [ -> ]Alright, I see an opportunity here.  I'm trying to get the most precise variable to be this.  I have found it almost impossible to achieve a correct communication of what the best volume is.

TBH I waited such a long time and finally the opportunity is ripe.

My previous post also implied the same stuff but I just didn't wanna be Captain Obvious back then:

https://subliminal-talk.com/Thread-Shann...#pid264828

---

https://subliminal-talk.com/Thread-Shann...#pid265461

(09-10-2024, 05:38 PM)Shannon Wrote: [ -> ]To recap:

Shannon knows what he's doing, and Shannon knows what he's talking about.  The INSTRUCTIONS are not suggestions or recommendations, and the ONLY time you don't follow them is if they don't work.  Then you ask Shannon how to proceed.  You NEVER use headphones because at best you don't know what volume to use and at worst you could cause damage to your hearing and overload your subconscious, potentially causing it to reverse the instructions or stonewall entirely, which means you spent that money and time to get NOTHING.  Ultrasonic format works just fine even in a dance club level volume situation.  You're not missing out on anything by FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS because SHANNON MADE THEM AND SHANNON KNOWS WHAT THE HELL HE'S DOING AND TALKING ABOUT WHEN IT COMES  TO USING THEM.

First of all, IMHO @Bignoise and I should be reasonably tech-savvy to begin with and therefore please don't even "try anything unnecessary" so to speak. More importantly, there's no need to scream in all apps since we better stay logical rather than emotional.

---

https://subliminal-talk.com/Thread-Shann...#pid265461

(09-10-2024, 05:38 PM)Shannon Wrote: [ -> ]Played through a headphone, the volume range differs between type of headphone (earbud, over the ear, resting on the ear), quality of headphone (cheaper is less volume) and some headphones have their own volume controls (again, very bad).

With all due respect that's most definitely applicable for both speaker(s) and headphones, not to mention the fact that in some cases Android phones even came with quad speakers:

https://www.epey.co.uk/phone/speaker-fea...-speakers/

And then it wouldn't take much time to do a quick search on Google, just about anyone could find these comparisons with ease:

http://allaboutwindowsphone.com/features...eakers.php
https://startingtodj.com/how-are-phone-s...any-watts/
https://www.screenfixed.com.au/why-does-...-decrease/
https://www.razmobility.com/assistive-te...e-loudest/
https://www.audiokinetic.com/en/blog/lou...rt-phones/


Same deal for the same test that was repeated by GSMArena over the years:

https://www.gsmarena.com/gsmarena_lab_te...-751p7.php
https://www.gsmarena.com/best_phone_spea...-52157.php
https://www.gsmarena.com/best_sounding_s...w-2648.php
https://www.gsmarena.com/gsmarena_labs_n...-41789.php
https://www.gsmarena.com/best_sounding_s...w-2779.php
https://www.gsmarena.com/here_are_the_lo...-61049.php

We could keep going but the point is moot for sure, pretty darn obvious that both volume (dB) and LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale or Loudness Units Full Scale) do vary from one phone model to another.

---

I really took my time to do my homework, so far this one turned out to be the only game in town at €149,90 / $149.95 / AU$239.95 MSRP:

https://www.sennheiser-hearing.com/en-US/p/ie-200/

Quote:Why not make balanced, high-fidelity sound available to everyone, no matter where they are? The IE 200 is Sennheiser’s answer. Whether you’re a lifelong audiophile — or you just want better sound on the road — these exceptionally neutral and precise earphones reveal an entire world of new detail.

https://eu.sennheiser-hearing.com/products/ie-200
https://global.sennheiser-hearing.com/products/ie-200

Quote:

• Precision assembly Transducers are manufactured using an advanced process to minimize unit-to-unit variation of the miniature dynamic drivers
  

https://audiopolis.pl/img/cms/pdf/IE200_Spec.pdf#page=2
https://images.thomann.de/pics/atg/atgda...pdf#page=2

Quote:The Irish-made transducers of German design are manufactured by Sennheiser Consumer Hearing using an advanced process to minimize unit-to-unit variation of the miniature dynamic drivers; the acoustic fleece smoothens treble for fatigue-free listening; the polymer-blend diaphragm ensures ultrafast transient response and clarity.

---

Now let's take a look at our operating systems as well. Unfortunately iOS still failed the bit-perfect test here and there:

https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=35209
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=40649

Android also seemed to be such a pain to deal with, even with Android 14 or above while only USB audio devices are supported:

https://github.com/androidx/media/issues/415
https://source.android.com/docs/core/aud...mixer-attr
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/android-...an.972830/

Pulsar Music Player wouldn't be ready for the prime time as well:

https://xdaforums.com/t/avoiding-android...o.3933075/

Quote:Is anybody aware of a system-wide solution to avoid the upsampling of 44.1KHz / 16-bit music to 48KHz?

With system-wide, I mean a solution that does not rely on certain player apps such as UAPP or Neutron, which we know can do it, but only when playing from inside that app. A solution which works with all (or most) audio sources and apps, modifying the default system behavior of upsampling 44/16 to 48KHz when playing to the Quad DAC.

Further details for those of us who might be interested:

https://github.com/PixelExperience/andro...1020957821

As usual Windows also didn't seem to be all that promising:

https://www.overclock.net/posts/28889271/
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/wasapi-v...t-14393462
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum...ost-847042

---

Now we should be left with the only choice since Linux really is the way to go. If anyone were able to afford anything in 6G already, then getting a dedicated DAP at $479 MSRP should be no biggie:

https://track.hiby.com/Manual/Find?p=HiBy%20RS2&l=en

Quote:The HiBy RS2 is a Linux HD lossless player with Darwin architecture

https://hifigo.com/products/hiby-rs2

Quote:Darwin Architecture on the RS2 also features a NOS/OS mode switch. Users can turn the 16x oversampling off anytime by simply selecting the NOS mode.

Quote:HiBy’s Darwin Architecture comes as a blessing for the traditional R2R ladder DACs. It effectively reduces the distortion caused by the resistance mismatches in an R2R Ladder producing a natural and clean sound presentation.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/hiby-rs...ise.26041/

Quote:It has a 3500 Mah battery which gives a 10 hour battery life (9 hours and 37 minutes with my testing). The display is small but intuitive to use as it is a touch screen, the size is about 2.45” and the resolution is 480x360, with my testing on full brightness I was able to read the screen while direct sunlight hitting. It takes around 3 hours to charge from 05 to 100% and should be charged with 5V and 1.5A brick. The weight of the RS2 is 158g and the dimensions are 90.3x64.3x18.8mm which is quite a small form and using it was convenient and easy. the chassis is made o aluminum alloy and it was particularly firm to hold.

---

https://subliminal-talk.com/Thread-DMSI-...#pid172837

(07-02-2017, 04:49 PM)Duke.Togo Wrote: [ -> ]I play the sub at night, and I listen exclusively on my Sennheiser HD 280's. 

The right headphones make all the difference for me. 

https://subliminal-talk.com/Thread-Aces-...#pid260824

(07-27-2023, 06:33 PM)Duke.Togo Wrote: [ -> ]I use Sennheiser headphones directly jacked into my phone or my computer and listen to it that way.  I don't use the phone speakers.

Once again please don't just say something like "Duke tends to know what he's doing" etc. since we should be able to do better than that.

In summary, we've got the best technology in the entire history of Subliminal Audio right now. Let's find an optimal combination of hardware + software to match that innovation.

The (system + application) software part has to be done right, while trying to minimize the variations between two pairs of headphones.

I deliberately picked something without any kinda wireless antennas (e.g. 4G / 5G / Bluetooth / Wi-Fi etc.) since they could interfere with audio playback, not to mention the fact that receiving any calls / system notifications / alarms etc. would also screw things up in the first place.

Of course we've got built-in audio player software, therefore we don't even need to worry about this:

Quote:First, this means there should only be one volume adjustment to consider.  If your player offers volume adjustment independent of the cell phone's Master Volume, please use a different player that does not have that feature.  Currently, I use Pulsar for my Android phone because it has the ability to make playlists that have the same track multiple consecutive times, and does not have independent volume control.

---

FYI - for those of us who are familiar with the work of Harvard professor Shoshana Zuboff, most likely we'll understand why we're opting for Linux instead of other operating systems in the wild:

https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profil...facId=6582
https://medium.com/@matt.flownotes/surve...ff04140940
https://www.statista.com/chart/15207/sma...and-apple/

Shannon,

Thank you for creating 6G optimal confidence

A very pleasing experience so far.

(02-08-2025, 05:28 PM)Shannon Wrote: [ -> ]Alright, I see an opportunity here.  I'm trying to get the most precise variable to be this.  I have found it almost impossible to achieve a correct communication of what the best volume is.  Can you show me how to do that better and more accurately?  I was attempting to use Db but that is different depending on where the microphone speaker combination is on the phone.  What do I do to accurately and consistently communicate a specific volume that works for everyone on every device with all the different possible numbers of volume adjustment layers?

More than complaining you don't provide a precise volume instructions, I was complaining you sometimes reply to your (good and loyal) customers like if they were children/stupid. And with this response you just did again.

So, you, that know infinitely more than me about subliminals and digital audio, after thinking countless time more than me about what's the best approach on how to communicate what the best volume is, you reached the conclusion the best way is to write down "iPhone 10/16 clicks".

OK, I agree. It's the best approximation. It's the best and more clear way for your customers. But it's an approximation. It's only an absolute value for the model you made the testing with, probably some years ago. For any other hardware different than you made the testing with, it's not absolute. This same "10/16" between iPhone X and an iPhone 16 can has a 50% difference. I think we can agree on this, right?

So, if a (good and loyal) customer of you asks:

smalleye Wrote:Let's say I want to use this playlist every night when I go to sleep

1. 1 hour silent track
   
2. 1 hour silent track
   
3. OSC (20 min)
   
4. DRS 6G
   
5. DRS 6G
   

The only problem I see is the recommended volume. I have an IPhone, so:
- Recommended volume for OSC is 10/16
- Recommended volume for DRSv2 is 6/16

So what would be my best approach..... 8/16 (the middle)???

You have two options.
1- Reply to this person as he was stupid:

Shannon Wrote:Why do you think these volumes are recommended?  If they were only "recommendations", it would not be necessary for me to spend so much time and energy figuring them out to that level of specificity.  These are not recommendations.  That is the volume at which they should be used.

2- Reply as this person is an adult:

Shannon Wrote:The volumes I provide are the best aproximation I can do, but in reality I have no fucking idea at what volume (dB) are you listening to them, because there are infinite hardware combinations.
Why don't you listen to OSC before going to bed as it's only 20 min and don't ask stupid questions in the forum?
Anyway, as maybe in the future it's not only 20 min, but many loops, despite not being the best scenario,  if it's the only way you can listen to them uninterrupted, the best approach would be:
a) Set the lower volume of both
b) Set the loudest volume of both
c) Set the middle volume between both of them.

I encourage to don't use this method, but I understand you are asking this because your life doesn't allow you to use the recommended way, and not because you want I lose time in the forum.

Thank you.

What about "Adjust the volume playing the masked track until you have a comfortable volume and use that volume for whatever format you are playing". Has worked well for me.

(02-09-2025, 04:01 AM)Bignoise Wrote: [ -> ]

(02-08-2025, 05:28 PM)Shannon Wrote: [ -> ]Alright, I see an opportunity here.  I'm trying to get the most precise variable to be this.  I have found it almost impossible to achieve a correct communication of what the best volume is.  Can you show me how to do that better and more accurately?  I was attempting to use Db but that is different depending on where the microphone speaker combination is on the phone.  What do I do to accurately and consistently communicate a specific volume that works for everyone on every device with all the different possible numbers of volume adjustment layers?

More than complaining you don't provide a precise volume instructions, I was complaining you sometimes reply to your (good and loyal) customers like if they were children/stupid. And with this response you just did again.

So, you, that know infinitely more than me about subliminals and digital audio, after thinking countless time more than me about what's the best approach on how to communicate what the best volume is, you reached the conclusion the best way is to write down "iPhone 10/16 clicks".

OK, I agree. It's the best approximation. It's the best and more clear way for your customers. But it's an approximation. It's only an absolute value for the model you made the testing with, probably some years ago. For any other hardware different than you made the testing with, it's not absolute. This same "10/16" between iPhone X and an iPhone 16 can has a 50% difference. I think we can agree on this, right?

So, if a (good and loyal) customer of you asks:

smalleye Wrote:Let's say I want to use this playlist every night when I go to sleep

1. 1 hour silent track
   
2. 1 hour silent track
   
3. OSC (20 min)
   
4. DRS 6G
   
5. DRS 6G
   

The only problem I see is the recommended volume. I have an IPhone, so:
- Recommended volume for OSC is 10/16
- Recommended volume for DRSv2 is 6/16

So what would be my best approach..... 8/16 (the middle)???

You have two options.
1- Reply to this person as he was stupid:

Shannon Wrote:Why do you think these volumes are recommended?  If they were only "recommendations", it would not be necessary for me to spend so much time and energy figuring them out to that level of specificity.  These are not recommendations.  That is the volume at which they should be used.

2- Reply as this person is an adult:

Shannon Wrote:The volumes I provide are the best aproximation I can do, but in reality I have no fucking idea at what volume (dB) are you listening to them, because there are infinite hardware combinations.
Why don't you listen to OSC before going to bed as it's only 20 min and don't ask stupid questions in the forum?
Anyway, as maybe in the future it's not only 20 min, but many loops, despite not being the best scenario,  if it's the only way you can listen to them uninterrupted, the best approach would be:
a) Set the lower volume of both
b) Set the loudest volume of both
c) Set the middle volume between both of them.

I encourage to don't use this method, but I understand you are asking this because your life doesn't allow you to use the recommended way, and not because you want I lose time in the forum.

Thank you.

I'm not trying to respond as if you're a child.  I don't even understand what you mean when you say I have "done it again".  I'm trying to express frustration that nobody seems to want to follow the directions.  When you pointed out to me why, and it made sense, I asked for help.  Because you're an engineer and you appear to be aware of something I am not aware of.  And because I realize I don't know everything.

I think we can both agree that it doesn't matter how much more I know about subliminals than you if on this very important point, I don't have enough knowledge.  My best efforts have resulted in, as you out it, an "approximation". 

I am trying to make sure everyone gets the best possible results, and it has become very apparent that the volume is important.  There are always specific volumes that do better than others.  I buy one phone, and use one brand, and I try to be sp specific as I can with the knowledge that experience provides me.  But it makes sense that there would be significant differences in volume between models and levels of qualitty, so I suppose my best efforts are going to have to be and remain an approximation.

The problem with this is, this only feeds into the "do whatever I want" mindset that a lot of the younger users have when it comes to following the directions, and they end up asking me why they don't get good results when they're using it WAY the hell too loud, or why they get tinnitus when they're listening to ultrasonic with headphones.  Or they do some other dumb thing, because they didn't bother to read or follow the directions.  You don't necessarily see it, but we deal with this a LOT.  So it's frustrating.

I'm just trying to be specific with volume.

(02-09-2025, 04:42 AM)Johannesbrst Wrote: [ -> ]What about "Adjust the volume playing the masked track until you have a comfortable volume and use that volume for whatever format you are playing". Has worked well for me.

That is at least as variable an end volume as the other way, but I guess I don't have the option of being extremely specific for everyone, by the looks of it.

@Shannon Congratulations on 6G! If I had known things would be moving this fast, I might’ve ran something with less commitment than OGSF2. This might be the first time in awhile that I stop midway through. I’m even debating stopping now and running something lighter. Perhaps OSC 6G or something casual.

But you’re going way faster than I anticipated and I’m excited to finally see the final fruits of this many year labor! A lot of us have been anticipating this for many years. I can’t fucking wait!!!

My iPhone's decibel reader responds to when my pixel phone is playing an ultrasonic subliminal. Surely this would be a more accurate comparison between phone speakers than playing music with a much higher dynamic range. The subliminal messaging is what's important for the brain to take in, not the sound quality of the audible trickling stream or ocean sounds that are masking them. The differences between speakers when comparing what is essentially an incredibly advanced audiobook may not be as apparent as playing music. I'm not sure I'm making my point as clearly as I want.

(02-08-2025, 11:39 PM)Frankie Wrote: [ -> ]https://subliminal-talk.com/Thread-Shann...#pid266682

(02-08-2025, 12:51 AM)Bignoise Wrote: [ -> ]Because it's the most imprecise and ambiguous instructions you provide.

https://subliminal-talk.com/Thread-Shann...#pid266693

(02-08-2025, 05:28 PM)Shannon Wrote: [ -> ]Alright, I see an opportunity here.  I'm trying to get the most precise variable to be this.  I have found it almost impossible to achieve a correct communication of what the best volume is.

TBH I waited such a long time and finally the opportunity is ripe.

My previous post also implied the same stuff but I just didn't wanna be Captain Obvious back then:

https://subliminal-talk.com/Thread-Shann...#pid264828

---

https://subliminal-talk.com/Thread-Shann...#pid265461

(09-10-2024, 05:38 PM)Shannon Wrote: [ -> ]To recap:

Shannon knows what he's doing, and Shannon knows what he's talking about.  The INSTRUCTIONS are not suggestions or recommendations, and the ONLY time you don't follow them is if they don't work.  Then you ask Shannon how to proceed.  You NEVER use headphones because at best you don't know what volume to use and at worst you could cause damage to your hearing and overload your subconscious, potentially causing it to reverse the instructions or stonewall entirely, which means you spent that money and time to get NOTHING.  Ultrasonic format works just fine even in a dance club level volume situation.  You're not missing out on anything by FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS because SHANNON MADE THEM AND SHANNON KNOWS WHAT THE HELL HE'S DOING AND TALKING ABOUT WHEN IT COMES  TO USING THEM.

First of all, IMHO @Bignoise and I should be reasonably tech-savvy to begin with and therefore please don't even "try anything unnecessary" so to speak. More importantly, there's no need to scream in all apps since we better stay logical rather than emotional.

---

https://subliminal-talk.com/Thread-Shann...#pid265461

(09-10-2024, 05:38 PM)Shannon Wrote: [ -> ]Played through a headphone, the volume range differs between type of headphone (earbud, over the ear, resting on the ear), quality of headphone (cheaper is less volume) and some headphones have their own volume controls (again, very bad).

With all due respect that's most definitely applicable for both speaker(s) and headphones, not to mention the fact that in some cases Android phones even came with quad speakers:

https://www.epey.co.uk/phone/speaker-fea...-speakers/

And then it wouldn't take much time to do a quick search on Google, just about anyone could find these comparisons with ease:

http://allaboutwindowsphone.com/features...eakers.php
https://startingtodj.com/how-are-phone-s...any-watts/
https://www.screenfixed.com.au/why-does-...-decrease/
https://www.razmobility.com/assistive-te...e-loudest/
https://www.audiokinetic.com/en/blog/lou...rt-phones/


Same deal for the same test that was repeated by GSMArena over the years:

https://www.gsmarena.com/gsmarena_lab_te...-751p7.php
https://www.gsmarena.com/best_phone_spea...-52157.php
https://www.gsmarena.com/best_sounding_s...w-2648.php
https://www.gsmarena.com/gsmarena_labs_n...-41789.php
https://www.gsmarena.com/best_sounding_s...w-2779.php
https://www.gsmarena.com/here_are_the_lo...-61049.php

We could keep going but the point is moot for sure, pretty darn obvious that both volume (dB) and LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale or Loudness Units Full Scale) do vary from one phone model to another.

---

I really took my time to do my homework, so far this one turned out to be the only game in town at €149,90 / $149.95 / AU$239.95 MSRP:

https://www.sennheiser-hearing.com/en-US/p/ie-200/

Quote:Why not make balanced, high-fidelity sound available to everyone, no matter where they are? The IE 200 is Sennheiser’s answer. Whether you’re a lifelong audiophile — or you just want better sound on the road — these exceptionally neutral and precise earphones reveal an entire world of new detail.

https://eu.sennheiser-hearing.com/products/ie-200
https://global.sennheiser-hearing.com/products/ie-200

Quote:

• Precision assembly Transducers are manufactured using an advanced process to minimize unit-to-unit variation of the miniature dynamic drivers
  

https://audiopolis.pl/img/cms/pdf/IE200_Spec.pdf#page=2
https://images.thomann.de/pics/atg/atgda...pdf#page=2

Quote:The Irish-made transducers of German design are manufactured by Sennheiser Consumer Hearing using an advanced process to minimize unit-to-unit variation of the miniature dynamic drivers; the acoustic fleece smoothens treble for fatigue-free listening; the polymer-blend diaphragm ensures ultrafast transient response and clarity.

---

Now let's take a look at our operating systems as well. Unfortunately iOS still failed the bit-perfect test here and there:

https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=35209
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=40649

Android also seemed to be such a pain to deal with, even with Android 14 or above while only USB audio devices are supported:

https://github.com/androidx/media/issues/415
https://source.android.com/docs/core/aud...mixer-attr
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/android-...an.972830/

Pulsar Music Player wouldn't be ready for the prime time as well:

https://xdaforums.com/t/avoiding-android...o.3933075/

Quote:Is anybody aware of a system-wide solution to avoid the upsampling of 44.1KHz / 16-bit music to 48KHz?

With system-wide, I mean a solution that does not rely on certain player apps such as UAPP or Neutron, which we know can do it, but only when playing from inside that app. A solution which works with all (or most) audio sources and apps, modifying the default system behavior of upsampling 44/16 to 48KHz when playing to the Quad DAC.

Further details for those of us who might be interested:

https://github.com/PixelExperience/andro...1020957821

As usual Windows also didn't seem to be all that promising:

https://www.overclock.net/posts/28889271/
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/wasapi-v...t-14393462
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum...ost-847042

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Now we should be left with the only choice since Linux really is the way to go. If anyone were able to afford anything in 6G already, then getting a dedicated DAP at $479 MSRP should be no biggie:

https://track.hiby.com/Manual/Find?p=HiBy%20RS2&l=en

Quote:The HiBy RS2 is a Linux HD lossless player with Darwin architecture

https://hifigo.com/products/hiby-rs2

Quote:Darwin Architecture on the RS2 also features a NOS/OS mode switch. Users can turn the 16x oversampling off anytime by simply selecting the NOS mode.

Quote:HiBy’s Darwin Architecture comes as a blessing for the traditional R2R ladder DACs. It effectively reduces the distortion caused by the resistance mismatches in an R2R Ladder producing a natural and clean sound presentation.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/hiby-rs...ise.26041/

Quote:It has a 3500 Mah battery which gives a 10 hour battery life (9 hours and 37 minutes with my testing). The display is small but intuitive to use as it is a touch screen, the size is about 2.45” and the resolution is 480x360, with my testing on full brightness I was able to read the screen while direct sunlight hitting. It takes around 3 hours to charge from 05 to 100% and should be charged with 5V and 1.5A brick. The weight of the RS2 is 158g and the dimensions are 90.3x64.3x18.8mm which is quite a small form and using it was convenient and easy. the chassis is made o aluminum alloy and it was particularly firm to hold.

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https://subliminal-talk.com/Thread-DMSI-...#pid172837

(07-02-2017, 04:49 PM)Duke.Togo Wrote: [ -> ]I play the sub at night, and I listen exclusively on my Sennheiser HD 280's. 

The right headphones make all the difference for me. 

https://subliminal-talk.com/Thread-Aces-...#pid260824

(07-27-2023, 06:33 PM)Duke.Togo Wrote: [ -> ]I use Sennheiser headphones directly jacked into my phone or my computer and listen to it that way.  I don't use the phone speakers.

Once again please don't just say something like "Duke tends to know what he's doing" etc. since we should be able to do better than that.

In summary, we've got the best technology in the entire history of Subliminal Audio right now. Let's find an optimal combination of hardware + software to match that innovation.

The (system + application) software part has to be done right, while trying to minimize the variations between two pairs of headphones.

I deliberately picked something without any kinda wireless antennas (e.g. 4G / 5G / Bluetooth / Wi-Fi etc.) since they could interfere with audio playback, not to mention the fact that receiving any calls / system notifications / alarms etc. would also screw things up in the first place.

Of course we've got built-in audio player software, therefore we don't even need to worry about this:

Quote:First, this means there should only be one volume adjustment to consider.  If your player offers volume adjustment independent of the cell phone's Master Volume, please use a different player that does not have that feature.  Currently, I use Pulsar for my Android phone because it has the ability to make playlists that have the same track multiple consecutive times, and does not have independent volume control.

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FYI - for those of us who are familiar with the work of Harvard professor Shoshana Zuboff, most likely we'll understand why we're opting for Linux instead of other operating systems in the wild:

https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profil...facId=6582
https://medium.com/@matt.flownotes/surve...ff04140940
https://www.statista.com/chart/15207/sma...and-apple/

So based on all of that would you say a HiBy RS2 with the sennheiser head phones is the 'cheat code'?