Coming from a Nexus One (which is very similar to the Desire) I find the DHD better in speaker quality. If the phone is already on max then it won't ring louder, but say it's on medium. If it rings the light sensor and orientation of the phone will trigger it to turn the volume up. Sort of like when it rings sitting on a table, and you pick it up, it gets lower. Yes the SRS and Dolby make a huge difference. Depending on what I'm listening to I switch back and forth, and sometimes use the built in equalizer. Overall to me this is the best phone I have ever had. Hands down.