LG V30 - Impressions?


Hi everyone,

Just read a review at Stereophile for this phone. As luck would have it, I’m in the market for a new portable music device. I tend to use hard to drive IEM’s or headphones. By this I mean that the bass and lower midrange really only shine with rock solid headphone amplifiers. I’m using a Fiio portable amp right now, but would like to be able to consolidate and stream Tidal.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/lg-v30-hi-res-smartphone-mqa

Also, it takes micro SD cards, so I can finally have a phone with enough storage for my personal collection too. 

Anyone else have the chance to listen to this phone?

Best,

E
erik_squires
erik, i got my v30 about two weeks ago to replace my htc m10, which was a vg player. the lg is eons better so long as it's playing in external or high impedance mode (it automatically senses when your headphones are >50 ohm; otherwise you can use a 3.5mm adapter)--i actually prefer the v30 to my portable headphone amps. battery life is much better than expected as well.
Hi @loomisjohnson

Good info!  Thanks for replying.

You were comparing to the HTC M-10?

My favorite IEM's are 30ish Ohms. What happens if it senses a low impedance?
Best,
Erik

Based on some online reading, the only difference in the impedance modes is the output gain. I'll have to take my headphones to make sure it's loud enough. :) 

Best,

E
If it's 50 o or below itll stay in normal mode which isnt adequate. However you can carry around a little 3.5mm m to f adapter plug or cable which if you plug in first will put the phone in external mode, which is excellent. You can also get an impedance adapter plug which cost around ten bucks and will put it in high impedance mode, which is even better
I have a V20+ SK Edition, and my wife has the V30.  I use mine with Campfire Audio, Periodic Audio and JH Audio IEM's.  Does a decent job, but if you're looking for a little extra, you could always add an Headphone amp such as the Periodic Nickel.  I have a big hulking SDMC Card in mine; nice to be able to bring my entire music library with me, including my hi-res.