Denafrips FPGA Firmware Update

Hi All! I'm a new guy.

Alvin/Vinshine appear to have a small team of associates, and it just might be too over-whelming to release the firmware for all their DACs all at the same time; what with questions about the procedure to installl.

Conjecturing; It just might be all the same files.

Thanks, Alvin. Good for Us to know.

To Alvin: Having received my Pontus II on March 6th; is it possible that the update was applied prior to shipment?

From reading the procedure for installing the firmware, again; I would say it applies to all the Ares II DACs.

Installed the Pontus II 12th Anniversary FUT. I downloaded to my Mac Pro (Mojave), the directions were clear and went quite smoothly. Less than 1 minute once I dropped the file into the Terminal window. I didn't expect to be blown over by the results of the firmware, and, I wasn't. However, there is some pixie dust happening here; A good thing. I played one of my favorite Latin Jazz - 'Montuno' -from Lalo Schifrin. its 7:34 of pure energy—and there was a bit more bass & brass, a bit more air around instruments, and a bit more sound stage height than what I'm use to. Its a small bump. I'll know better in a week.

I should add to the above; I was streaming from my iPad, usb to Pontus, to P3 pre, to EX-M7, to Revel M106 pair. I have yet to try the other ports and I believe Alvin noted those ports would receive the benefit of the firmware, too.

The (EP4CE6F) chip is what is in my Pontus II I purchased from Vinshine in late February, 2023.

There is more detail to my music, however it has lost a 'smidge' of it's warmth/sweetness. I'll continue to listen for another week or 2-3 weeks for a return to what was.

its late and I'm rambling:

I'm not sure many of us have enough experience with re-flashing, re-burning-in DACs (or is it redacting an updated DAC). But, from what I've read; some owners of the Denafrips DACs were given 'early access' to the updates. Have we heard from any of the early adaptors before the general model releases? And, was their listening experience taken into account by anyone at Denafrips?

I applaud the support Alvin and his team at Vinshine has given all of us, and will continue to give. 

But, isn't  this more like a: 'Beta' of a SW update(?)

If it was flashable in the first place, it can be reflashed back.

I'll be keeping my Pontus II at the latest FIRMWARE update. I hear more detail in music I am familiar with, and my music is mostly Jazz trio/quartet—which sounds lucious, wide, detailed and open. Quite happy!

I don't own—nor have I listened to the Venus's 'Voice' but, I'd like to know what owners think.

Thanks to Todd, and glad I have a Mac. 8?)

From what I recall reading here, or somewhere; all settings go back to default any time/every time flashing/reflashing is done.

It's not like getting a tattoo. Can be flashed back. If you bought any of their DENAFRIPS dacs new, from Vinshine, you would have received an email of the firmware offer. Even if you bought it used, they will provide you with the update instructions. Contact Alvin at Vinshineaudio.com. Very pleasant man. Yes, search & read, too.

I happen to enjoy the update but I've also added a new preamp, and an Iris DDC to the music mix.

I’ve applied the 1.4 firmware to my Pontus II 12th this morning, and I was thoroughly surprised by the giant step this update made. Gone is the hint of dryness to not most, but all music I listened to today. From the USB feed thru the Iris, to the Pontus, and the toslink, and coax connection. Lush, defined, airy, good separation, juicy stuff. DENAFRIPS have done more than corrected any missteps from the previous files. All is good. All sounds perfect. Just what I wanted from Alvin and his team. Kudos, and more Kudos!!

And remember to reset the I2S port after updating.