Audio quality on Z5 series

[LYuen]

I owned a Z5 compact and I heard annoying hissing sound on audio playback with balanced armature headphones, such as my Audio-Technica IM02 (113mW/dB) and etymotic research hf5

The problem is similar to this one:

http://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Xperia-X/Headphone-quality-Hissing-noise/m-p/1142383#M403

The problem occurs no matter it is playing from music app (with DSEE HX off), video app or streaming from YouTube.

The problem is especially significant when playing some quiet songs in quiet environment, such as the following:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNbbLDy94yg

When the piano is in, it comes with some digital like hissing sound.

I am not sure the problem happens to only balanced armature headphones or any sensitive headphones (the problem is less significant on ATH-E40, but still exists).  

After I have discovered the problem, I sent my phone to local Xperia service center and they changed the motherboard and audio jack for me.  However, the problem wasn’t fixed.  Therefore, I am doubted that the problem is on hardware design.

As I do not own other Xperia phones, I would like the community to test if the problem occurs on other Z5 compact phones, Z5 series phone or other Xperia phones.  Also, I wish Sony to look into this problem, and test with newly manufactured Z5 phones.

Thanks.

[Uliwooly]

If you experience this with third party headphones there isn't much to suggest here other than test different brands, I can test multiple Xperias, so let me know exactly what you want me to play, and also are you using third party music players or the default Music player?

Keep in mind that the equalizer won't work with youtube, you can use the search bar to find why some third party apps aren't supported (it's on their end).

[LYuen]

Ahh, the problem exists with Sony's XBA100, so this not a problem of headphones...

As mentioned above, the problem was improved with DSEE on.  I know the DSEE won't work outside the music app, but I don't always listen to sound through the music app.  I play games and watch videos, and the problem is there.  DSEE isn't a full solution to the problem.

[Uliwooly]

What you described seems to be problem with third party apps. 

[LYuen]

Nope.  It also happens on default video app.

[jarnold123455]

I am having the same problem on my xperia z5 compact. The default music app is fine with dsee hx turned on but any other app like spotify or youtube there is an annoying hissing noise in the background. Anyone got any ideas?

[Bhonder]

It happens to me too, when I keep the volume low. On my wife's Z3c does not happens.
It occurs with both sony's or thirty party headphones.
It occurs with both sony's or other apps.
It does not happens with bluetooth headphones.

It's something related to this phone's hardware, I guess.

[LYuen · Accepted solution]

Yep, after a few search, I think it is a common issue.

My solution:

Use default music app with DSEE on

Use beta version of poweramp and choose Hi-Res output

Unfortunately, no solution for streaming and video