Sony WH-1000XM5 Not Loud Enough? Here’s How To Make Them Louder

I recently purchased the Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless noise-canceling headphones. Overall, I’m very impressed with the sound quality, comfort, and noise cancellation. However, one issue I’ve run into is that at max volume, these headphones simply aren’t loud enough for my liking.

As an avid music lover and audiophile, I want my music to really come alive with powerful, immersive sound. So I decided to do some digging on how to make these headphones louder than their built-in maximum volume.

Checking The Basics First

Before trying any tweaks or mods, I wanted to make sure I had the basics covered. Here are some basic things I checked:

Audio Source Volume

First, I made sure the volume on my audio source (phone, computer, etc) was turned up to max. Sometimes the limiting factor is your source volume, not the headphones.

Codecs

I verified I was using an efficient high-quality audio codec like AAC or aptX for Bluetooth streaming. Lower bitrate codecs can sometimes limit max volume.

EQ Settings

I checked that the EQ settings in my music apps weren’t set to reduce bass or gain. Resetting EQ to flat/off can help get those last bits of volume.

Hearing Health

Finally, I considered my own hearing health. Our ears’ sensitivity reduces over years of audio exposure. Checking with an audiologist can identify any hearing reduction.

Once I’d verified these basics weren’t holding back my max volume, it was time to look into modifications.

Hardware Mods To Increase Max Volume

Some audiophiles have resorted to hardware mods to trick the headphones into playing louder. These involve soldering and physically altering the headphones – definitely risky! But they can work to override built-in volume limits.

Removing Internal Resistor

There is a small internal resistor inside the WH-1000XM5 headphones that acts as a limiter to prevent excessive volume. Some have carefully removed this resistor to increase max volume by a few decibels.

But this mod requires soldering skill and voids your warranty. If done wrong, it could even damage the headphones. So I personally wouldn’t recommend this mod for most people.

Inline Amp or DAC

Using an inline headphone amp or external DAC (digital-to-analog converter) is an easier way to boost volume. These devices go between your audio source and headphones, amplifying the signal before it reaches your headphones.

Portable amps from FiiO, AudioQuest and others can provide up to 20dB of clean gain for louder overall sound. I may test this option later – though it requires carrying another device.

Software and EQ Hacks

Before hardware alterations, I wanted to try some software tweaks to increase loudness while keeping the headphones stock:

Wavelet AutoEQ

Wavelet is an advanced Android and iOS app providing system-wide audio tuning and EQ. Importantly, it includes AutoEQ profiles specifically optimized for the XM5s.

Enabling the AutoEQ profile adjusted the EQ to accentuate certain frequencies that created the perception of louder sound. It worked better than my manual EQ’ing attempts.

Dolby Atmos

Enabling Dolby Atmos virtual surround processing in my Netflix and Apple Music apps helped make audio feel more spacious and loud. Atmos creates more immersion, making the existing volume feel louder.

Loudness Equalization

In my Spotify settings, I enabled the Loudness Equalization feature. This dynamically compresses quiet and loud parts of music to even out the volume. So soft passages sound louder and overall volume feels boosted.

Volume Booster Apps

On Android, apps like Volume Booster GOODEV or Boom: Music Player with 3D Surround can directly amplify your device’s audio signal for louder sound in any app. But beware risks of distorting the audio.

I suggest trying the software tweaks first before attempting hardware mods. Combined, they provided a noticeable loudness boost for me without physically altering the headphones.

When Is Louder Not Better?

Chasing max loudness on headphones isn’t always the right move. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

Audio Quality

Excessive loudness eventually reduces sound quality as the drivers are pushed beyond their limits. Boosting loudness should be done with care to avoid distortion.

Hearing Damage

Our ears are fragile organs that can be permanently damaged by loud volumes over time. Be careful not to trade short-term loudness for long-term hearing ability.

Noise Pollution

When listening in public, you also have to consider those around you. Chasing louder volume can make your music audible and annoying for others nearby.

Music Mix Intent

Some music is meant to have quieter passages as artistic intent. Over-amplifying can ruin the intended dynamic variation in the mix. Respect the artist’s desired volume levels.

So louder isn’t always the right solution. But in moderation, the tweaks above can provide that extra bit of volume some of us crave – without going to unhealthy extremes.

My Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones sound amazing with the right tuning. While hardware mods could push them louder still, I’m satisfied for now with the volume boost from software tweaks. But down the road, I may play more with inline headphone amps for even more clean volume when I really want to crank it up.

Just remember to keep hearing health front of mind. Music is best enjoyed when you can continue enjoying it for years to come. Take care of your ears, and they’ll take care of you.Copy

FAQs: Increasing Sony WH-1000XM5 Volume

Are the XM5s quieter than previous models?

Some users feel the max volume on the XM5s is slightly lower than older models like the WH-1000XM3s. This may be due to design tweaks and safety limits set by Sony.

What are the risks of hardware mods?

Hardware modifications like removing resistors involve soldering and physically altering the headphones, which voids warranties and can damage the headphones if done incorrectly. Only attempt hardware mods if you’re an expert.

Will software tweaks reduce audio quality?

Properly setup software tweaks like EQ adjustments and Dolby processing should not degrade audio quality. But excessive amplification in some third-party apps can overdrive the headphones and cause distortion.

How loud is dangerously loud?

According to WHO guidelines, volumes above 85 dB(A) for extended listening periods can cause gradual hearing damage over time. At very high volumes, damage can occur quickly.

Can wearing noise-canceling headphones at high volumes damage hearing faster?

Yes, because active noise cancellation technology already boosts internal volume to override ambient noise, further increasing volume risks quicker hearing damage.

What are safer alternatives for more volume?

Instead of overly boosting your headphones, consider moving to a quieter listening environment, upgrading to headphones with higher dynamic range, or checking for hearing loss impeding your perception of loudness.

Should I just get different louder headphones?

The XM5s prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation over pure loudness. If you require very high volumes, there are louder headphones available, but sound quality may be compromised.

In closing, chasing max loudness requires careful precautions. Prioritize audio quality, hearing health, and respect for others over pure volume levels. With some prudent tweaks, the XM5s can safely provide that extra bit of clean loudness many audiophiles desire.