Wednesday, November 1, 2023

LISTENING TO FLAC FILES ON A MOBILE PHONE

 Hello and Welcome Back... Something a Bit Different..

So, you found this awesome website on the internet offering FLAC files for free (this site) and hopefully you will consider shouting the totally rad dude who runs the site a coffee (or two)

But what to play the FLAC files on?

On the go, nothing beats a decent mobile phone, there's so much choice in today's market but it mostly comes down to 2 decisions...

Apple or Android

 

** APPLE **

In 2023, it hard to fathom that Apple still does not support FLAC files, after all, Apple was built on music.

Today's IPhone's can play WAV files which is kinda similar to FLAC files only WAV is uncompressed which means while the music sounds good, it will take up a huge amount of room where as FLAC is compressed and still retains quality but in a smaller package.

Recommended for wicked audio is the IPhone 14 Pro Max (wireless headphones only unless you use a dongle)

 


IPhone 14 Pro Max (above)

To get FLAC files to play in an IPhone, you will need an App that can decode and playback in style. The best app i have found over the years is the 'Onkyo HF Player' app. (below)

 Its worth getting the paid version and will offer a slather of options, not only decode FLAC, but make it sound even better with various enhancements.

To transfer FLAC files to your IPhone, you will need to plug into a computer and have ITunes running. Once it has Synced, Look for 'File Sharing' on the left hand side of ITunes when syncing (under info)

Once you have drag and dropped your FLAC files into the Onkyo app under File Sharing, safely disconnect your phone from ITunes and open the Onkyo App and your music files will be ready to go.. You may have to guide the app to find the files for the first time (tell the app where the music files are in storage in the phone) 

Enjoy

 

** ANDROID **

The two best phones i have found in my music listening over the years are Sony & Samsung.

I'm old school and still like the headphone socket, something Sony has brought back in their line up. Wireless headphones tend to give me a headache so its the wired path for me.

My main love for music listening would have to be Sony Xperia range.

Straight off the bat, most Sony Xperia phones handles FLAC 16/24bit and up to 192khz frequency range with ease. Its like having a HI-Res Audio Player built into your phone.

For those on a budget, i would recommend the Sony Xperia XZ Premium / Compact. 

While they are an old phone, you should still be able to pick one up second hand fairly cheap. If you find the battery is no good, you can replace the battery to a brand new one for around $80-149


Sony Xperia XZ Premium / Compact (above)

For those who want the best, the Sony Xperia 1 (i - V) series is highly recommend. The sound out of these phones are next level with added Dolby Atmos / 360 Reality Audio to keep you entertained for hours.

Sadly the Xperia 1 series are bloody expensive so the next step down is the Xperia 5 series, still worth looking at. Its middle range phones that still pack a punch in terms of sound quality.

Sony Xperia 1iii (My current phone) (above)
 

To play FLAC files on Sony Xperia phones i highly recommend the native Sony App (purple with a white music symbol)... One Word of Advice.. DON'T UPDATE THE APP

Sony Music Player App (above)
 

If you wipe the phone, leave the music app as it comes with the phone. I found out the hard way with my Xperia XZ Compact. I updated the App and instantly, the music sounded 'Dry'. I had to wipe the phone and it set back to the early version and the sound was good again... Lesson Learnt

To find a Samsung with a headphone jack is near impossible. The one i was just using was a Samsung Galaxy S9+, it still has the headphone jack. If your not bothered about headphones, Other newer Samsung phones have excellent wireless music player capability.

Samsung Galaxy S9 + (above)

To play FLAC files on a Samsung, i like the App 'USB Audio Player', once again, the paid version which unlocks goodies like playing MQA Playback (Original Master Recordings) & Internal Hi-Res Recordings playing exact File structures. (also includes Bit Perfect Mode)

USB Audio Player App (above)

Most phones when playing audio use a method call down-sampling to make the player /phone work easier but this App allows full access to your FLAC music files from the internal DAC (Digital Audio Converter) to your headphones..

Other mentions are the LG V ThinQ series with quad DACs (4 x Digital Audio Converters) which in a mobile phone is most wicked, but sadly, LG no longer do mobile phones

So, That's It. These recommendations are from my own experience and is not a paid endorsement by any brand.. Its just my 2cents worth.

I hope this helps with your music listening and enjoy music on the go as much as i do.

 

LINKS

https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_14_pro_max-11773.php (IPhone 14 Pro Max)

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/onkyo-hf-player-hi-res-music/id704139896 (Onkyo HF app for Apple Phones)

https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xz_premium-8593.php (Sony Xperia XZ)

https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_1_iii-10712.php (Sony Xperia 1 iii)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.extreamsd.usbaudioplayerpro&hl=en_NZ&pli=1 (USB Audio Player App for Android)

https://www.screenfixed.com.au/  (replace old battery for new one)

https://aussiemobilephonerepairs.com.au/price-list/sony-xperia-repairs (replace old battery for new one)

 

Back To The Music...


#flacfilesonmobilephone

#howtoplayflacfilesonamobilephone

#apple

#android

#sonymobile

#samsungmobile

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