Develop Bugs

[Q] Audio quality

Does any body else find that the Audio quality is very low? or is it just me?

it's definitely just you.
the phone can drive my AIAIA TMA-1 headphones almost as well as my Hi-MD MiniDisc recorder. these headphones have 40mm drivers, so they're not measly headphones.

oscillik said:
it's definitely just you.
the phone can drive my AIAIA TMA-1 headphones almost as well as my Hi-MD MiniDisc recorder. these headphones have 40mm drivers, so they're not measly headphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I googled it and, those are expensive headsets. I wanted to know how, the sound is with the stock headsets that come with the phone? if you've tried them. I also heard that the new music player has a EQ now, is that true?

mklass said:
Does any body else find that the Audio quality is very low? or is it just me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ht*p://w*w.swedroid.se/forum/58657-ljudchip-2.html#post818634
Frequency response...
Sent from my V9 using XDA App

qnet said:
I googled it and, those are expensive headsets. I wanted to know how, the sound is with the stock headsets that come with the phone? if you've tried them. I also heard that the new music player has a EQ now, is that true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried em with the stock earphones provided and even they are louder than my Beats Solo's Hmmm... And yes you are correct the new music app does come with EQ its quite good too
I meant the audio from the actual speaker its self any ways and not ear phones
Edit...
Come to the conclusion that its the audio cable, because it doesn't fit flush.

mklass said:
Just tried em with the stock earphones provided and even they are louder than my Beats Solo's Hmmm... And yes you are correct the new music app does come with EQ its quite good too
I meant the audio from the actual speaker its self any ways and not ear phones
Edit...
Come to the conclusion that its the audio cable, because it doesn't fit flush.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I like my music and, that's one of the things I wanted to know about. It seems to be the least thing with most reviews because, they hardly ever mention it.

qnet said:
I googled it and, those are expensive headsets. I wanted to know how, the sound is with the stock headsets that come with the phone? if you've tried them. I also heard that the new music player has a EQ now, is that true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried the stock headset (which is exactly the same as the headset that comes with the Nexus S) and the stock headset is alright. Better than Apple earbuds, but not earth shattering. If you're half-way serious about music then you are more likely to use your own earphones/headphones anyway
mklass said:
I meant the audio from the actual speaker its self any ways and not ear phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahhh in that case then, yes the built in loudspeaker is very quiet. Much quieter than the Nexus S.

oscillik said:
I've tried the stock headset (which is exactly the same as the headset that comes with the Nexus S) and the stock headset is alright. Better than Apple earbuds, but not earth shattering. If you're half-way serious about music then you are more likely to use your own earphones/headphones anyway
ahhh in that case then, yes the built in loudspeaker is very quiet. Much quieter than the Nexus S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Klipsch S4A with comply tips. They sound great with the nexus s. My GN should be here Wednesday, looking forward to seeing how TI compares to the Wolfson.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

oscillik said:
ahhh in that case then, yes the built in loudspeaker is very quiet. Much quieter than the Nexus S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really??? That's the only thing I hate on my Nexus S 4G - Low volume speaker, sometimes I dont even hear when my phone rings, or barely hear another person when using speakerphone..
Wasn't the case with Epic 4G (Sprint's Galaxy S), it was very loud.
I've tried Voodoo sound but it only helps headphones audio.
I was really hoping Galaxy Nexus would improve in that...

oscillik said:
I've tried the stock headset (which is exactly the same as the headset that comes with the Nexus S) and the stock headset is alright. Better than Apple earbuds, but not earth shattering. If you're half-way serious about music then you are more likely to use your own earphones/headphones anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I do have my own headphones but, I figured if it sounds good with the stock ones, it will really sound good with mine.

volume through earphones i find is quite good! Just the external volume for ring/sms tones is heaps low!!!

zok-star said:
volume through earphones i find is quite good! Just the external volume for ring/sms tones is heaps low!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use custom ringtones from an app called zedge, they're really great. If you download a certain ringtone or message notifier it can be louder.

I'm missing calls like crazy because of the low speaker volume output. I can't hear the text or email notifications either.
I'm not sure why they used such a low volume speaker on this unit. That's one thing that Motorola has always gotten right... a very loud speaker.
Oh well...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

soon enough I'm guessing the regulars will have a kernel with audio boost. Just like for the nexus one. Just food for thought.
I'm not worried about it. Nexus one had the same threads going on at the time.
*I don't have my GN yet

DiNoise said:
Really??? That's the only thing I hate on my Nexus S 4G - Low volume speaker, sometimes I dont even hear when my phone rings, or barely hear another person when using speakerphone..
Wasn't the case with Epic 4G (Sprint's Galaxy S), it was very loud.
I've tried Voodoo sound but it only helps headphones audio.
I was really hoping Galaxy Nexus would improve in that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may well be possible via an update - my HTC desire HD was woefully low.. Very quite from the speaker.. After an update a few months ago I noticed a significant improvement!

Wow. I thought my GN was faulty. Setting such a low speaker volume is criminal

I can attest to he quality of the audio output on the device (via the headphone jack) to be pretty decent. On par with the 4S, if that says anything. They're powering my headphones well enough.
The speakerphone? Yeah, there's no denying that it isn't top-notch.
Sent from my GNex

Actually my loudspeaker is par. Doesn't compete with matrix loudness though. It is very clear though and no bass. My earpiece is very clear too. It could definitely use a little boost though. Earphones with mics is very loud and clear. Same for Bluetooth.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

alias3800 said:
I can attest to he quality of the audio output on the device (via the headphone jack) to be pretty decent. On par with the 4S, if that says anything. They're powering my headphones well enough.
The speakerphone? Yeah, there's no denying that it isn't top-notch.
Sent from my GNex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? I was curious about this as well. I compared my Galaxy Nexus and iPhone 4S just now with the bundled headphones. My 4S feels much louder and had more base. The Nexus sounded low and didn't have "thump". There's always a slight hiss in the background too.

I can barely here anything from the external speaker.. The system volume like locking he screen or tapping on icons.. Can't hear them on full voulme also! its so faintt..

Galaxy Nexus sound improvements are here!

As most of you might already know the GN uses the TWL6040 DAC. It's performance is very good but it could be better. It can't compete with VoodooSound found on the Nexus S.
While we are awaiting for sound improvements from Supercurio, the awesome developer of VoodooSound, you guys might wanna check this app out.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.skvalex.alsamixer&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5za3ZhbGV4LmFsc2FtaXhlciJd
ROOT and BUSYBOX Required!!!
I did not develop this app. so credits go to skvalex - the developer of this app.
For those of you that don't know what a AlsaMixer is - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alsamixer
Once you install the app. open it and scroll down to TWL6040 Power Mode
and write High-Performance in the box then hit OK.
To increase the Headphone volume scroll down to Headset and write in the box 14 or 15 depending how loud you want it.
Also these volume settings seem to revert to the original once you pause the music so increase the volume while playing music and enjoy.
Would appreciate any input on how to make these setting stick.

Thank you for telling us about this but does this app actually make the sound better and not just louder?
My Galaxy S with voodoo sound really made the bass and other sings 1000 x better.
My Galaxy Nexus has NO bass at ALL.

retskrad said:
Thank you for telling us about this but does this app actually make the sound better and not just louder?
My Galaxy S with voodoo sound really made the bass and other sings 1000 x better.
My Galaxy Nexus has NO bass at ALL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Going from Low-Power to High-Performance should definitely increase the sound quality.
As far as Bass is concerned you are free to use the built-in software EQ. It's not as good as supercurio's hardware Bass implementation but it's all we have. Also there is DSP manager from CyanogenMod 9.

MFire said:
Going from Low-Power to High-Performance should definitely increase the sound quality.
As far as Bass is concerned you are free to use the built-in software EQ. It's not as good as supercurio's hardware Bass implementation but it's all we have. Also there is DSP manager from CyanogenMod 9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright thanks!

if this app really increase the sound, then we should analyse what it does and include the changes in a rom
or are there already some roms that include the changes made by the app

retskrad said:
My Galaxy Nexus has NO bass at ALL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bass from my Nexus is making me deaf, I kid you not.
Using DSP manager and a pair Klipsch X10, I'm getting insane bass.

Hmmm well headset level 14 seems to be exactly the same as stock and 15 does increase it a bit but can't compete with voodoo sound.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

How does this compare in just using Volume+ ?

Zacisblack said:
Hmmm well headset level 14 seems to be exactly the same as stock and 15 does increase it a bit but can't compete with voodoo sound.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what headphones are you using but for me 14 is definitely louder then stock while 15 would probably damage my ear drums

What setting makes it increase the speaker volume?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

Pkmn760 said:
What setting makes it increase the speaker volume?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't tried for speaker. Still looking into it.

I think Volume+ is the best...actually makes the speaker louder and higher quality depending on the settings used. I'll try this to see how it is though.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

Beautiful, really just wanted the HP mode from voodoo anyway.
Very-high dynamic range of 104 dBA is achieved when using the system clock input and DAC path high-performance (HP) mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

MFire said:
I'm not sure what headphones are you using but for me 14 is definitely louder then stock while 15 would probably damage my ear drums
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you've never used voodoo sound. Probably shouldn't bother then since you think this can damage your ear drums. I use Klipsch image S4A headphones. My Fascinate is the only thing that can put them to their limit.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

bpm2000 said:
Beautiful, really just wanted the HP mode from voodoo anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WHat do you mean and whats dynamic range?

Zacisblack said:
I guess you've never used voodoo sound. Probably shouldn't bother then since you think this can damage your ear drums. I use Klipsch image S4A headphones. My Fascinate is the only thing that can put them to their limit.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're kidding! I barely decided to upgrade from my Nexus S with VoodooSound cause I didn't know how the Galaxy Nexus would sound. On my (late) Nexus S I never increased the VoodooSound HP Amp past 0 dB. And the GN set to 15 it's past that.
How loud do you want it?

I think stock is below level 10. And level 11 is comfortably loud enough for me (using Sony NUDE-EX earbuds). 14 is 15 are insane levels for sure, but probably necessary with big-ass power-hungry headphones.
Thanks MFire for the tip. This indeed a good experiment that shows the potential of our device. This means supercurio might help us out here for a permanent fix (I hope so)
Overall, I find the external speaker is the one that needs alot more improvement rather than the headset.

This really confuses me...the whole voodoo sound thing.
So, I've worked for year for a company that produces DACs for audiophiles and professionals.
What you want in a DAC is for the audio to be EXACTLY the same as what was recorded. You want bit transparency, and you want the music to sound exactly as the musician intended it to be.
Adding in DSPs, and adding "more bass" pollutes the sound if you ask me. Is that what voodoo is doing??

The default for headphone is '9', it tells you when you want to change it.
Thanks for the find though! This would have to do until Voodo Sound comes, only if it has set on boot that would be perfect.

bekyndnunwind said:
This really confuses me...the whole voodoo sound thing.
So, I've worked for year for a company that produces DACs for audiophiles and professionals.
What you want in a DAC is for the audio to be EXACTLY the same as what was recorded. You want bit transparency, and you want the music to sound exactly as the musician intended it to be.
Adding in DSPs, and adding "more bass" pollutes the sound if you ask me. Is that what voodoo is doing??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO! That's not what Voodoo is doing. It bypasses the Samsung drivers to assure the sound comes directly from the DAC. The bass thing is just off topic, we're looking for the clean sound that you described .

Voodoo mods for Galaxy Nexus

Hi everyone!
I feel the need to create a post here as my mail & twitter accounts are filled with "Please support Galaxy Nexus" requests, pressuring me everyday.
My goal here is not to generate expectations or start teasing but to give answers I can give.
So!
What I'll do and what I'll not do on Galaxy Nexus:
Won't do:
Voodoo Sound:
Yea, I know, I said a few weeks ago I might add Galaxy Nexus in Voodoo sound but eventually that won't be the case for several reasons.
- Galaxy Nexus audio quality potential is good but not quite as good as what I target.
- Galaxy Nexus audio codec, TI TWL6040 has no DSP, which means:
Parametric EQ
Stereo enhancements
Advanced recording presets using Dynamic Range Compression
Using hardware: those cannot be done.
Its the signature and exclusive features of Voodoo Sound and what matters to me.
I know devices with WM8994 tend to become old compared to the latest generation but I don't care.
Sound quality stay just as excellent and class-leading, that's what's important no matter how many new devices are released each week.
Will do:
Voodoo LOUDER:
That's why I created this different app, in order to host useful audio mods/hacks even if they don't reach the quality and features I require for Voodoo Sound.
Things I'll implement here:
- Analog headphone amplifier control, with perfect OS integration and automatic optimal setup for the best audio quality results.
If there are a few dB left to squeeze at maximum output level, the biggest interest here is the opposite: with optimizations for sensitive headphones & in-ear.
I'll implement a few more things but you'll see it by yourself.
Where there will be no compromise, its about usability, seamless experience, automatic optimal settings and most importantly no custom kernel requirements (only root)
This is why it require more work (and more time) than random hacks but eventually its of course worth it as I'm sure it will become one of the app you'll use daily.
Wi-fi screen-off fix:
Wi-fi is terrible with several routers (loosing every packet as soon as the screen turns off) and that has to be fixed.
I started working on it as well but as usual, I target a patching & flashing free solution.
Too soon to comment:
Screen color rendering customization and calibration − long term project unifying most Super AMOLED and LCD Samsung flagships.
General
- no ETA. It's done when it's done.
- Don't count on anything before it's actually released. Some part can be very challenging due to constrains (compatibility, no flashing) and might be impossible, or possible, or take months.. I'm sure you see what I mean
I say that because if the devs I try to publish look like simple apps, they depend on crazy hacks, doing things not how it was supposed to. So there's always research and challenges behind and it the outcome can be better but also worse than expected.

Thank you! Voodoo louder has definitely made my Galaxy S II sound better. Can't wait
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I'm pretty stoked to see where this goes!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

thanks! the galaxy nexus desperately needs a volume boost and a screen mod.

neotekz said:
thanks! the galaxy nexus desperately needs a volume boost.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're asking about speaker or earpiece during call, right?
Because in its stock configuration it already has one of the loudest headphone output level on market.

OMG! Supercurio, I love you!!!!
you made it in the SGS..., now with GNEX... thanks for your job and your time...
mmm voodoo color for GNEX please... IMO is very needed like in the SGS
best regards

supercurio said:
You're asking about speaker or earpiece during call, right?
Because in its stock configuration it already has one of the loudest headphone output level on market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
headphone out, bluetooth and earpiece are fine, its the speaker that's lacking. my lg optimus p500 is louder, im using volume+ right now to make the speaker louder but even with the max volume boost it not even as loud as my Atrix without any mods.

supercurio said:
If there are a few dB left to squeeze at maximum output level, the biggest interest here is the opposite: with optimizations for sensitive headphones & in-ear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! Exactly what I need! Hate relying on stupid software eq to tune down the overly high volume!
Thanks in advance.

I will be following this very closely! Thank you Francois.
Swyped from my Galaxy Nexus

This has made my day. We really appreciate you supercurio! I dont care what you charge for another voodoo app. I'm here to support your work so make the price worth your hard work
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

No DSP! Seriously! Texas Instruments were the first (ever) to produce a DSP and the didn't implement one in their OMAP 4 platform? I find that hard to believe.
What I most miss from the Nexus S with VoodooSound is the awesome stereo crosstalk. I don't suppose you can do something about that...
Other then that the TWL6040 is already pretty damn good IMO.
We appreciate your work and hope for further releases.

neotekz said:
headphone out, bluetooth and earpiece are fine, its the speaker that's lacking. my lg optimus p500 is louder, im using volume+ right now to make the speaker louder but even with the max volume boost it not even as loud as my Atrix without any mods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I quote any word. Headphone is very low. i'm using volume+ at 15 level, but even with this dangerous level call, media audio is not even as loud as other devices.
Supercurio for me you must concentrate on headphone.
Thanks for you work

Hope to use soon this mod.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Yesssssssssssssss

acer73 said:
I quote any word. Headphone is very low. i'm using volume+ at 15 level, but even with this dangerous level call, media audio is not even as loud as other devices.
Supercurio for me you must concentrate on headphone.
Thanks for you work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am using aokp and headphone output is very high.. listening at only 1/4 volume with my westones.

oyebto said:
i am using aokp and headphone output is very high.. listening at only 1/4 volume with my westones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even 1 bar of volume is too loud with my westone

Thanks !
I never hear my ringtone in my pocket, and shakes either with my GN.

Thanks Supercurio! Especially excited about the wifi fix, that's about the only thing that's really bothering me. Glad to hear you're working on a fix! Good luck with it all...

On my Fascinate I could use DSPManager to mess with the sound effects when streaming bluetooth audio.
Will that not be possible on my GNex? If so, HUGE bummer. Im not sure if that had anything to do with Voodoo Sound on the Fasci or if DSPManager just isnt working correctly in ICS yet.
Thanks.
-Chris

dennishylau said:
Even 1 bar of volume is too loud with my westone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second that!
Because of the ridiculously loud volume, I am still carrying my Cowon with me every day.

Headphone Jack Performance?

I am a big music listener and the Galaxy S w/voodoo sound is amazing an so are i devices picking up nexus this week how is performance i want to know because i might have to pick up Galaxy S or i device for my media player
Please no **** head comments

Its about average.

phatmanxxl said:
Its about average.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the sound low? should i purchase a ipod or galaxy S1

I'm definitely not an audio buff, but the jack is good enough for me to not be complaining about quality in both calls and music/podcasts.

I miss voodoo sound.
Sent from my AOSP Android 4.1.1 Galaxy Nexus

It's good enough for me. The sound is great with good headphones.

The sound is pretty damn good if you ask me. I have uploaded almost my entire MP3 collection to Amazon, and I use their Cloud Player app to listen to my music. It works well with the built-in volume control that provides extra volume, and ten a little bit of tweaking with the DSPManager makes it wünderbar! I love using my Nexus as my media player.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Coming from the og epic the nexus is a dream for sound. I'm running paranoid android and I can max out my car stereo without any tweaks. I'm very picky for clean sound. So I'm very pleased with the audio out.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

What headphones do you guys own?

Jasonhunterx said:
Is the sound low? should i purchase a ipod or galaxy S1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really, just turn on the EQ as it is off by default and you can really wake it up. The headphones are fine and I can crank it all the way up on the train and the person sitting next to me cannot hear a thing.

I am also pleased with the sound out of the box. I listen with active noise cancelling headphones, in the car, and the headphones that came with the phone. Since mine is rooted I was able to install beats audio drivers and I also played with dsp manager.

netbuzz said:
I am also pleased with the sound out of the box. I listen with active noise cancelling headphones, in the car, and the headphones that came with the phone. Since mine is rooted I was able to install beats audio drivers and I also played with dsp manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok guys thanks defiantly picking this phone up got 130$

Jasonhunterx said:
What headphones do you guys own?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vsonic GR07. It sounds decent but could be much better

philowneus said:
Coming from the og epic the nexus is a dream for sound. I'm running paranoid android and I can max out my car stereo without any tweaks. I'm very picky for clean sound. So I'm very pleased with the audio out.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm quite the opposite, I MISS my old epic with voodoo sound... The GNexus performs good but definitely not to my standards with volume and clarity.

I've always liked Sony headphones, I'm pretty rough on them and frequently loose them so I try not to spend too much.
---------- Post added at 11:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:17 PM ----------
Maui4x4 said:
.....The GNexus performs good but definitely not to my standards with volume and clarity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's how I feel.

Zeinzu said:
I miss voodoo sound.
Sent from my AOSP Android 4.1.1 Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried my 50/50's on my Galaxy Nexus and I retract this statement.
Sent from my AOSP Android 4.1.1 Galaxy Nexus

The stock earphones that comes with the phone are pretty low in terms of sound quality. If you have a good set of IEP then it won't be much of an issue. The sound quality is pretty decent enough. If you don't have a good set of IEP,go for a S4i.
Even I also listen to music atleast for 2-3 hours a day on my iPod Classic. I would prefer an iPod over the phone because of the battery thing. It drains too fast as compared to the iPod,which is quiet obvious.

I've just come from a galaxy S2 and the sound quality out of the headphone jack is miles better. It sounds cleaner, richer, and more balanced (Everything is clear and at a natural volume, from low bass to high treble). I've had iPod nano 3g and 4g and I think it sounds significantly better than both of those too.
The volume is a little louder than the galaxy s2, but still nowhere near as loud as both of the iPod nanos I've had. That said, I rarely find myself listening at maximum volume even on a crowded bus.
I've always used a pair of medium sized/priced seinheiser headphones.
You have nothing to worry about.

Can you tweak the volume buttons so they increase the volume in more small steps? (like the iPhone for example)

Volume+
Hi,
i've ever had good experience with the paid version of Volume+ app.
Speaker Settings
+8 for Simple Volume Boost
+6 for Bass Boost
Headset Settings
+8 for Simple Volume Boost
+6 for Bass Boost
There is no way to boost the in-call volume
By the way in the Franco kernel App there is a patch to increase the volume quality.
Bye

[Q] Galaxy Note 2 Sound problem

Hi,
Nice place you got there. Into my story; I had an iPhone 4s over one year but switched to Note 2 once it came out as I wanted more freedom and the Android interested me as I would like to call my self a computer tech.
The issue is, from day one the sound was very low, even when full or increased in call. I rooted the phone and increased the volume even more. The thing is, its not clear enough. No matter on what level I put the sound on its not as clear as on my iPhone. At first I asked around to see if my phone has defects but many people across the web complain about the same thing.
Now I would like to have you opinion about this and if anything can be done about it.
Thank you for reading my first post and it will defiantly wont be my last as I have other questions and all.
-Adam

Sound quality on the note is very similar to iPhone hardware wise. Android has some bugs in terms of sound drivers and a hiss problem.
What you can do to improve the sound quality and allow you to play around with some of the dac options is:
1. Install perseus kernel
2. Purchase neutron player from the market.
3. Install headphones amp for free from the market
The kernel will allow low level access to the Wolfson dac and come with some tweaking options in stwaeks (installed with the kernel)
Neutron has it's own sound system and will avoid the android bugs in that terms. It has many options and you should explore and fiddle with it for a while.
The headphones amp app is a good company for the kernel as it hacks the volume button and allows for dac amplification instead of digitally increasing the volume, thus get a better sound.
With good headphones you should get very good results.
Good luck.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

Thank you for your reply.
So from what I understand is that if I install perseus kernel, the sound should get better. Will looking into it.
My main problem is getting a good sound through the phone's speaker at the moment as I don't use headphones much.

HMM low sound ? probably u have defect note 2
my N2 sounds great without any problem