Horrible Bluetooth LDAC audio signal

[BarKohba]

Ever since the Nougat update, the Bluetooth audio signal through LDAC (sound quality preffered option) has been HORRIBLE. Constant cut-outs, regardless of location (gym, work, street, home), in many situations with very few other wi-fi signals around.

The issue happens both with my MDR 1000x and XB80BS Sony LDAC-compatible bluetooth headphones. 

Indeed, when I switch the in-phone option to "best effort", where it basically uses normal apt-x Bluetooth instead for the LDAC (which, at least for me, was a major selling point for both the phone and the headphones, as there is quite a big sound difference), there are almost no cut-outs, but this is not an option.

I must mention that I've almost never experienced cut-outs in sound with my olde Xperia Z5, and I went to the store with my XZ because of this in order to get it exchanged. This is my 2nd XZ, therefore, and the issue is the same, hence, it's a software issue with XZ's firmware.

The reason I'm posting this here is not really to find a solution (as I don't think there is one besides a fix from Sony) but to make the issue as visible as possible so that Sony notices it (in case they haven't already) and work on a patch to fix the LDAC Bluetooth audio, because right now it's pathetic. Much worse than the old model. 

[SONny7000]

Same thing here. I had to select priority mode in connection on both my mdr-1000x and my sbs xb-3. In short, to not listen to music with jumps in the reproduction, I had to happen to listen in SBC. Note, I use a Xperia X

This setting to change from Ldac, aptx or AAC to sbc only, should be done on each device individually, so it is good to look at the manual through the Sony support website, as these settings generally do not come in the printed manual.

My Xperia x just received an update (34.3.A.0.228) and it looks like the problem with LDAC is apparently solved. I returned my mdr-1000x for audio priority and in Xperia I did the same thing, and I'm browsing, editing things on the device, without any gagging, while I listen to a hi res album. Just need to do the same test in my sbs xb-3 sound box, but so far I am very satisfied.

[SONny7000]

In fact, the LDAC connection is better, for this the wifi connection loses quality, I did a connection test and when I am with my headset connected in LDAC, the speed of the wireless connection drops dramatically, and when I select for sbc only, the speed of the wifi connection returns to high.

[Opiaceo]

The Last compilation fix the ldac problem? (32.4.a.1.54)

[Emir1 · Accepted solution]

Hi Everyone,

You may have experienced strange audio connectivity behaviour when connecting your Xperia device to a Bluetooth headset using LDAC enhanced Bluetooth technology. For example, audio may suddenly cut out and then resume.  

The LDAC connectivity behaviour have been addressed in upcoming releases of updated Android 8.0 (Oreo) software versions. These software versions include solutions that may solve any unexpected LDAC-related behaviour. 

Note! Software updates are released at different times depending on the operator, market, region or country. Therefore, we cannot give you an exact date for when a specific update will be available for your device. In addition, network operators and specific markets may choose not to use the updates for specific models.

[mschedrin]

What about Xperia Z5? Is it doomed to have issues with LDAC enabled audio devices? 

By not fixing that bug Sony discourages Z5 owners from buying Sony headphones and other audio gear with LDAC support, which sounds absurd at my point of view. . 

[CtrlAltDeler]

If anyone with a problematic Z5 device is interested in a group legal case against Sony regarding their obvious breach of the European Union's Directive on Unfair Commercial Practices, let me know. I am seriously considering this at this point.

Sony, your unfair and unlawful marketing is a big middle finger in your loyal customer's faces. You know what? Right back at you, Sony.

[pjmbarlick]

I have given up and gone back to an iPhone.

The basic Bluetooth connectivity and signal strength is streets ah4ad of the Sony. It is such a pleasure to be able to simply connect with no issues, no dropout and no random disconnects and phone reboots.

Sony, you should be ashamed!

[DavidG-TH]

This is a huge problem. I can make the problem go away if I do the following:

1. Remove Sony Music Center App. 

2. Turn of Location Services (changing the mode or disabling location on individual apps does not seem to help - Location must be off completely).

With these two changes, LDAC works flawlessly in "Sound Quality Preferred" mode, and it sounds great!

With this info, I think Sony's engineers can track down the problem and fix it. It should be fixed for Android 7 as well as 8, so that it's fixed for those phones that won't get the Oreo update.  

[FYLegend21]

Just got the MDR-1000X. It skips badly with Bluetooth on Z5 and it seems I can't switch to a codec other than LDAC. With that said I am still on version32.4.A.0.160 (Android 7.1.1). Other non-LDAC headphones give me no skipping, but outside the system apps (YouTube and Album videos seem to be fine), I am getting a considerable amount of audio delay, making it unacceptable for games.

Does version 32.4.A.1.54 solve the problem? Unfortunately this update has not been released in Taiwan yet.

[mschedrin]

I have Z5 running 32.4.A.1.54, the issues is still there. Usually rebooting the phone helps for a few hours. I'm very angry with Sony ignoring this significant issue.