Denafrips FPGA Firmware Update

I’ll second what other users have said in regards to the effects of the Pontus II update: I noticed increased clarity and more detail right away. The bass may be firmer and perhaps lessened a tad. Someone else mentioned a brighter sound and that may result in a perception of lighter bass. The sound may have lost a smidge of the organic feel at the expense of detail but I enjoy the detail. We’ll see how much the sound changes with break-in but I’m happy I did the upgrade.

Make sure you download the latest version of all files vs using what you may have installed from a previous firmware update as my upgrade process failed at the last step until I installed the latest software versions.

After listening for about a week post-update I’ve decided to request the old firmware. While the level of detail and clarity has nicely improved the sound is now leaner and less analog. I feel like some of the weight and body has been lost in favor of focus and detail. Hopefully it’s not an issue to get the old firmware restored. 
 

I truly appreciate all Vinshine Audio does for its customers (and Alvin is the best) but to my ears the update isn’t desirable. If there’s a process to restore the old firmware then it’s a risk-free trial to see what works for you.

I shared my desire to revert to the old firmware with Vinshine and here’s what they said:

Our goal is to have the best of both worlds - New firmware with bugs fixed, as well as to preserve the sound quality that DENAFRIPS is known for - ability to reproduce music very much 'analog-like', and improve it further. 

We are working with DENAFRIPS on this. We aim to release a new firmware for Pontus II (EP4CE6F) in approximately 7 days to achieve that. 

Thank you, Vinshine!!!