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Over the past few years, if you’ve had the chance to own any of the new Sony wireless headphones, you’ve probably noticed that your headphones come with LDAC technology. Nowadays, there are many brands of over-ear headphones or wireless earbuds that also choose to use this technology.
But what is LDAC and how is it different or superior to other technologies?
The LDAC is a wireless audio system that aims for excellent sound quality.
LDAC is a codec (Coder/Decoder) or wireless audio codec/decoder technology invented and developed by Sony. It is unclear what LDAC stands for as Sony has never disclosed this.
The LDAC codec differs from traditional Bluetooth streaming technology in that it applies Bluetooth wireless streaming technology that combines lossless compression and loses some data (solid state-of-the-art encoding/decoding) for high-resolution audio transmission
As for the technical details, LDAC uses high bitrate transmission, 330/660/990kbps for sample rates of 48kHz and 96kHz, or 303/606/909kbps for sample rates of 44.1kHz and 88.2kHz.
This specification is superior to older Bluetooth technologies such as the Bluetooth Special Interest Group’s Codec SBC, which uses only 345kbps for a sample rate of 48kHz, or Qualcomm’s aptX Codec, which uses bitrates 384kbps for a sample rate of 48kHz. That means the LDAC technically delivers sound quality superior to any other Bluetooth codec.
Technically speaking, there is only the LDAC at bitrates up to 990kbps is considered wireless hi-res audio. However, there’s also some in-depth technical proof that LDAC still doesn’t qualify as true 24bit/96kHz hi-res audio for studio quality sound, as this article from SoundGuys or Android Authority said.
LDAC isn’t the only attempt to bring High-Resolution Audio to the world of wireless headphones. As Qualcomm introduced the aptX-HD (also known as aptX Lossless) Codec in 2016 to enable audio streaming at higher bitrates up to 576kbps if used with compatible Bluetooth headphones or speakers (with aptX HD decoder)
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How can we use LDAC?
While Sony has developed LDAC technology and has continued to push its use, especially in its own products. While the LDAC encoder is open-source software. That’s why LDAC has been used in other brands’ products as well.
Including any Android mobile phone utilized 8.0 (released in 2016) or higher. So if you have a mobile phone with the Android version or later, which means you can use the LDAC with compatible wireless products.
Since LDAC technology was developed by Sony, It’s no surprise that Sony has the most LDAC-supported products, including Sony’s newest premium wireless headphones, the WH-1000XM4 and WF-1000XM4, while Anker has also implemented LDAC in its headphones, Soundcore Life Q35 – Wireless ANC over-ear headphones.
LDAC is also used in the Technics EAH-AZ60, Edifier NeoBuds Pro, Philips Fidelio T1, HiFiMAN Deva, HiFiMAN Deva Pro, and the Audeze Mobius gaming headset has also implemented LDAC.
LDAC is also used in wireless speakers, home theater systems, soundbars, portable digital audio players, etc. Even headphones amps (Bluetooth DAC/AMP) like FiiO BTR3, Fiio BTR5, and Fiio BTR7, as well as Bluetooth transmitters & receivers and many more products, also support LDAC as well.
Now, still, none of Apple’s products support LDAC, whether it’s AirPods or the iPhone and iPad, although Apple Music currently offers Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless streaming anyway.
The Bluetooth codec that Apple uses in most of its products is AAC, which focuses more on connection stability than sound quality. But that doesn’t mean the sound quality isn’t up to par or not so excellent. Because in any product, the Bluetooth codec is only one of many components that affect sound quality.
Enabling and monitoring LDAC usage on Android devices
Most smartphones or Android devices currently support LDAC technology, but on some models, it may need to be set to enabled through the Developer options menu by going to Settings > Developer options > Bluetooth Audio Codec and selecting LDAC. The name of each menu may not be quite the same, depending on the brand and model of that device will be determined But overall, the meaning is the same.
The developer menu can be activated by going to About phone and repeatedly pressing the Build number about 7-10 times. However, for some Android smartphones, it may be possible to select the LDAC option directly in the Bluetooth menu and sub-menu after Bluetooth is connected with compatible devices.
LDAC Headphones
The items below are just some examples of headphones that support LDAC.
LDAC Over-Ear Headphones
Technics EAH-A800
Specs: form factor: over-ear, dimension: 6.69″ x 7.72″ 3.35″, weight: 10.5 ounces/298 grams, driver size: 40mm dynamic drivers, frequency response: 4Hz – 40kHz, impedance: 34 ohms, sensitivity: 105 dB/mW @1kHz
Features: wireless, Bluetooth 5.2 ( supported profiles: A2DP/AVRCP/HSP/HFP), support codecs: AAC/SBC/LDAC, operation range: up to 10 meters, adaptive noise-canceling/transparency mode, playtime: up to 50 hours, fast charging: 15 minutes get 10 hours, multi-point connection: yes (connect to 2+ Bluetooth devices at once and switch seamlessly), combine the physical button and touch control, earcups: foldable/fold-flat/soft cushion padding, headband: soft padding & adjustable, microphones: built-in 8 mics
Sony WH-1000XM5
Specs: over-ear, closed-dynamic, dimension: 8.85″ x 3.03″ x 10.36″, weight: 8.8 ounces, driver size: 30mm, impedance: 40 ohms, frequency response: 4 – 40kHz, sensitivity: 102 dB, cord type: single-sided (detachable), cord length: 1.2m
Features: wireless industry-leading noise-canceling with auto noise canceling optimizer, crystal clear hands-free calling with 4 beamforming microphones, support Alexa voice control, 30 hours battery life, ultra-comfortable & lightweight design with soft fit leather, multi-point connection, intuitive touch control, speak-to-chat, quick attention mode (stop the music and let in environment sound), wearing detection
Anker Soundcore Space Q45
Specs: over-ear, dimension: 6.34″ x 3.46″ x 7.44″, weight: 9.9 ounces, driver size: 40mm, frequency response: 20 – 40kHz, impedance: 16 ohms, charging type: USB-C
Features: adaptive ANC (5 levels of transparency & noise-canceling), 3 stages noise-canceling system, wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, playtime: 50 hours (ANC on)/65 hours (ANC off), fast charge: 5 minutes get 4 hours, hi-res, microphones: build-in 2 mics with AI-Enhanced calls, dual connection, adjustable EQ via Soundcore app: 22 EQ presets, support LDAC codec, foldable design,
What’s in the box: Soundcore Space Q45 noise-canceling headphones, USB-C charging cable, 3.5mm AUX cable, travel case
Anker SoundCore Life Q35
Color: frosted pearl, obsidian blue
Specs: over-ear, dimension: 7.68″ x 7.09″ x 3.07″, weight: 9.6 ounces, driver: 40mm, frequency response: 16 – 40kHz, impedance: 16 ohms, wireless range: 15m/49ft
Features: 3 levels ANC (indoor/outdoor/transport), transparent mode, hi-res audio, LDAC codec, playtime: 40 hours (ANC on)/60 hours (ANC off), wearing detection, 22-EQ preset, NFC pairing, hard nice carrying case
In the box: Soundcore Life Q35 ANC headphones, 3.5mm aux cable with remote control, USB type C cable, airplane adapter, user manual
Technics EAH-A800
Specs: form factor: over-ear, dimension: 6.69″ x 7.72″ 3.35″, weight: 10.5 ounces/298 grams, driver size: 40mm dynamic drivers, frequency response: 4Hz – 40kHz, impedance: 34 ohms, sensitivity: 105 dB/mW @1kHz
Features: wireless, Bluetooth 5.2 ( supported profiles: A2DP/AVRCP/HSP/HFP), support codecs: AAC/SBC/LDAC, operation range: up to 10 meters, adaptive noise-canceling/transparency mode, playtime: up to 50 hours, fast charging: 15 minutes get 10 hours, multi-point connection: yes (connect to 2+ Bluetooth devices at once and switch seamlessly), combine the physical button and touch control, earcups: foldable/fold-flat/soft cushion padding, headband: soft padding & adjustable, microphones: built-in 8 mics
Ankbit E700 Hybrid ANC Headphones
Specs: over-ear, dimension: 8.26″ x 6.69″ x 1.57″, weight: 8.8 ounces, drivers: 40mm diaphragm drivers,
Features: wireless, hybrid active noise-canceling: indoor/outdoor/transport, transparency mode: yes, Bluetooth 5.1, hi-res audio, support codec: LDAC/aptX-HD/aptX/aptX LL/AAC/SBC, playtime: 60 hours (standard mode)/45 hours (ANC mode), speed charge: 5 minutes get 5 hours, deep dynamic bass, built-in CVC8.0 noise cancellation microphones (for crystal clear), foldable design, 100 to 120 degrees rotatable, dual connection, NFC pairing
Included Accessories: Ankbit E700 Hybrid ANC headphones, USB charging cable, USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable, carrying case, user manual
LDAC Wireless Earbuds
Tozo Gloden X1 – LDAC & Hi-Res Audio True Wireless Earbuds
Specs: in-ear, dimension: 2.76″ x 1.97″ x 1.97″, weight: 6.7 ounces, driver diameter: 12mm dynamic speaker with polymer composite film materials, frequency response: 12Hz to 44.1kHz, battery capacity: 500mAh
Features: Bluetooth 5.3, true wireless earbuds, hi-res audio, LDAC HD audio-decoding, playtime: 8 hours (single charge)/32 hours (with charging case), active noise-canceling: 3 layers hybrid ANC, waterproof rating: IPX6, dual digital LED power display, snug & comfortable fit design,
In the box: Performer Raycon earbuds, small charging case, 5 ear tips (different sizes), USB-C charging cable, user manual
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro
Color: black, blue, pink, white
Specs: fit-type: in-ear, dimension: , weight: , 9 eartips different sizes provided: XXXS/XXS/XS/S/M/M+/L/L+/XL, Bluetooth 5.0, charging type: USB type C/Qui Certified wireless charger
Features: wireless, targeted ANC: eliminate disruptive & intrusive noise, support LDAC, HearID customized sound, complete EQ control & 22 preset EQs, sound: pure sound & noise-canceling via PureNote drivers, in-ear sensors: auto play/pause, playtime: 7 hours (single charge)/up to 26 hours (include charging case), fast charge: 15 minutes get 3 hours, single-use: both earbuds, 6 mics with uplink noise reduction, waterproof rating: IPX4, touch control
SoundPEATS Air 3 Deluxe HS
Specs: form factor: semi-in-ear, dimension: 2.31″ x 0.89″ x 1.89″, weight: 1.28 ounces, driver diameter: 14.2mm, charging type: USB type C, frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz,
Features: true wireless earbuds, Bluetooth 5.2 (Qualcomm QCC3040 chipset), hi-res audio LDAC, in-ear detection, game mode: 60ms ultra-low latency, built-in 4 microphones for hands-free calls, built-in dual ENC mic (blocks ambient noise up to 80%), battery life: 5 hours (single charge)/20 hours (with charging case), personalized EQ
In the package: a pair of SoundPEATS Air 3 Deluxe HS earbuds, charging case, USB-C charging cable, user manual
Anker Soundcore Space A40
Specs: fit-type: in-ear, dimension: 2.67″ x 1.74″ x 1.12, weight: 0.64 ounces, charging type: USB-C
Features: true wireless earbuds, adaptive ANC: reduction noise by up to 90%, transparency mode, playtime: 10 hours (single charge)/50 hours (with charging case), fast charge: 10 minutes get 4 hours, support wireless charging, hi-res sound, EQ: presets/customizable, built-in 6 mics with AI algorithm, Bluetooth 5.2, supported codecs: LDAC/AAC/SBC, mode: mono/stereo, multipoint connection
In the box: Soundcore Anker Space A40 noise-canceling earbuds, charging case, five pairs of ear tips: XS/S/M/L/XL, USB-C charging cable
Sony WF-1000XM4
Specs: in-ear, dimension: 3.7″ x 2.56″ x 3.39″, weight: 4.6 ounces, playtime (with NC): 8 hours (single charge)/24 hours (with charging case), playtime (without NC): 12 hours (single charge)/36-hours (with charging case), microphone: Beam Forming Microphone
Features: noise-canceling, Bluetooth, codec supported: LDAC, auto speak-to-chat, water-resistance: IPX4, voice support: Alexa built-in, wireless charging: Qi technology, app: Sony|Headphones Connect, ergonomic design for a great fit, crystal-clear call quality, quick charge: 5-minutes get 1-hours, EQ customizable sound profile, stable Bluetooth connection, ambient sound control: yes, touch panel, wearing detection sensor
MP3/MP4 Player with LDAC
Fiio M11Plus Portable Music Player
MP3/MP4 Music Player Portable – High-Resolution Audio Player Android 10 Bluetooth5.0/atpX HD/LDAC/DSD Lossless Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm 1000hrs Standby Home/Car Audio/Speaker connection
HIDIZS AP80 Pro MP3 Player
HIDIZS AP80 PRO MP3 Player with Bluetooth – High-Resolution Lossless Music Player with LDAC/aptX/FLAC/Hi-Res Audio/FM Radio, Digital Audio Player with Full Touch Screen
Fiio M11S Hi-Res MP3 Music Player
Dual ES9038Q2M, Android 10 Snapdragon 660, 5.0inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, 5G WiFi/Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm 2.5mm/3.5mm/4.4mm Black
Key Features:
high-performance dual ES9038Q2M DACs, 670mW output power, Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 Andriod 10, SRC global bypass, 5.0-inch/720P IPS display, hi-res audio, LHDC, MQA, memory storage: 3GB/32GB (single slot, support 2TB), Bluetooth format (receive): SBC/AAC/LDAC, Bluetooth format (transmit): SBC/AAC/aptX/atpX HD, LDAC/LHDC
FiiO M17 MP3/MP4 Player Music Player
High-Resolution Bluetooth Portable Desktop Audio Player 6.3mm/4.4mm Android 10 Lossless Apple Music for Home/Car Audio/Speaker/Preamplifier 9200mAh Battery, Bluetooth 5.0 (support – SBC/ACC/aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC), ultra-low latency (support up to DSD512 & 32bit/768kHz), automatically rotated screen, USB 3.0 (writing speed up to 100M/s), support MQA 8x unfolding for master-level sound, Qualcomm Snapdragon 660: Android 10, Flagship QCC5124 chip
Key Features:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 660: Android 10 OS open to install 3rd party apps
- Flagship QCC5124 chip: Bluetooth 5.0 with support for aptX Adaptive
- Bluetooth reception: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC
- Bluetooth transmission: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC
- XMOS receiver chip: ultra-low latency, supports up to DSD512 and 32bit/768kHz
- Gravity sensor: screen can be automatically rotated like a smartphone thanks to the gyroscope
- Extremely fast transfers: with USB 3.0 writing speeds can hit up to 100M/s, allowing file transfers to be complete within minutes or even seconds
- MQA 8X support: supports MQA 8x unfolding for master-level sound.
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