While there’s been a modest revival in dedicated audio players, most listeners — including many discerning audiophiles — are streaming music straight from their smartphones. And why not? Android devices offer a vast selection of music streaming platforms, surprisingly capable speakers, and some of the best Bluetooth connectivity around.

Still, Android’s audio signal chain remains a bit of a black box. What actually happens to your music between the app and your headphone driver is often unclear. To lift the veil, here’s how Android handles your audio — and what you can do to get the best possible sound.

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