Denafrips FPGA Firmware Update

I ran the upgrade on my Pontus II yesterday. Process was smooth - just carefully follow the directions. I am very happy with the results - a definite bump in detail and imaging. Bass is a bit more articulate. I added the Iris DDC to my setup in December, connecting to the Pontus via I2S. That was a very nice upgrade. It's still early, but I feel the firmware upgrade was an improvement almost  as much as adding the Iris. 

I also did the update yesterday on MacBook Pro w/Ventura. I am a complete and total idiot when it comes to a computer! I managed to figure it out in about an hour, give or take. Didn't run a timer. I would imagine it would take the average person 10 minutes maybe?

I am pleased with the update. I had tremendous snaps when resolution changed. I have not experienced a single one yet today!!!

I won't yet comment on the potential "improvements" as I will need a few evenings to be sure.

So far I am very happy with the results!

Thank you to Alvin and the Vinshine/Denafrips Team!

J.F. 

Firmware request for Pontus2 requested on a Saturday afternoon. Sunday morning reply with all details received in my email. Hassle free once I figured out the Windows 11 driver installation process. firmware update was hassle free . Still enjoying the music….no regrets 

I am a happy owner of Ares II and Pontus II DAC's. Ive updated the FPGA code on Ares II in March, and right after the update I was able to feel the difference. 

I was a bit skeptical about the update, and I was thinking that I would not feel much difference if compared to the original FPGA firmware that came with the Ares II. I was wrong!! The new firmware improved the sound quality, and now I can hear more details from the music. Clearer high's and better vocals.

I was considering selling my Ares II, but with the updated FPGA code, I have decided keeping it with me.

The update for the Pontus II became available 2 days ago, and I've installed it. Like in my Ares II the sound quality improvement was easily noticeable. Bass is more firm and solid, at a point that I had to lower the volume in my sub. Vocals are nicer. It became a bit brighter, but not at a point that it is fatigue, and because of that, some people might not like it. According to Vinshine, it is recommended to perform a burn in due to the new logic in the FPGA. Overall, I am happy with the new FPGA code, and I would do it again if I had a Pontus II with the original FPGA code version. Several fixes were implemented and I don't which one improved the soundstage; it is more precise now.

Just a small note, the update instruction for Mac, provided by Vinshine is based on an older version of iOS, and users who have the latest version Ventura, the pictures don't match, but it is not difficult to figure out how to proceed with it.

Thanks for the exceptional support from Alvin and Vinshine !! Excellent post sales support, which is rare nowadays.

@dskusa - "According to Vinshine, it is recommended to perform a burn in due to the new logic in the FPGA."

Can you provide a source for this?  I was so hopeful that I'd finally found something that audiophiles could agree didn't benefit from a burn in.  Now the walls are closing in around me like I'm a visitor at ADX Florence.