Denafrips FPGA Firmware Update

I purchased the Enoy (Ares II) in November and have enjoyed it since then. But there was the occasional reverb effect. It was a great improvement over my DENON AV built in DAC via HDMI. I wasn't expecting anything earth shattering, but... It was night and day! The very first thing I noticed was the much larger and 3D soundstage. The balance of the audio was majorly improved and much more detailed without harshness at all. Finally the minor reverb effects I noticed in some songs was gone,

Listening to Beth Hart's vocals were just as raspy and strong, but with absolutely no artifacts which allowed me to listen without fatigue. Pink Floyd Shine on You Crazy Diamond was as clear and detailed as my vinyl CBS half speed pressing (the second corrected version). I have a very good vinyl setup, but I just can't stop listening now. My wife has to remind me she wants to watch something. Haha.

I hope everyone has the same experience. Alvin and his team deserve massive praise for the way they take care of the customer! And that the update really did make a major improvement.

One note for the Windows/USB users. After rebooting to allow unsigned drivers, you must install the Configuration driver which is separate from the FUT tool. If you don't the USB HiRes F-20 Configuration device will show up, but you will have the yellow exclamation triangle that is isn't functioning and the FUT tool will fail. Once that is working the update is instantaneous. I rebooted my Windows system and cycled the power completely on the DAC. I believe you will be very happy with this upgrade/ 

Yes, if you are updating the Ares II with the PC, it will need that driver to do the update to the firmware.

For those that don't understand "burn-in" it is a real thing I have experienced and measured. I have measured the changes in speakers, resistors, capacitors, etc. after significant use and they all had minor to major changes. The firmware itself doesn't need to be burned in, but the resistors in the ladder do. The volts and amps across them will change the physical properties. HOWEVER, since all electronics with the same spec on paper can vary based on the +/- tolerance there can be subtle to major differences. The system as a whole will adjust based on the actual values. So, some people may not experience burn in because it was already so close to where it needed to be already. But others will hear vast improvements over time because it did need to change to handle the new volt/amp differences. To be clear, I don't completely understand it, but have observed it making and repairing audio equipment and speakers. I started my career as an electronic tech before getting a degree in software so I have just enough knowledge and experience to say this. There are others that have much more knowledge about this with many different opinions because not all of it can be explained. But in the end it is all about your experience with what you have. Is it brining you the joy in listening you want? If not, then you have to continue your journey regardless of this little nit

One thing I do know for sure is that I have never had such a fantastic experience in customer support for audio equipment. If you have issues, please contact Vinshine. I know Alvin and his team will work hard to ensure you get what you need.