I would like to start by thanking Alvin and Vinshine Team for their hard work and support. Consider the hundreds/thousands of units sold across the world, firmware update program across product lines is a daunting task. And to top off their commitments towards their users, this is provided free of charges regardless of how they were purchased. My hats off.
This firmware update process is well documented and relatively painless even to computer illiterates like me. Only suggestion is to start the instruction off by the On-line request first. Placing this in the third step could be confusing for some. This should be done before any computer setup or configurations.
Unit I have is Pontus II (PII) in my secondary system. As for the initial impression, pre-12th, I prefer oversampling in my system. With NOS, there were traces of roughness around the lower treble and space between images. With OS, it sounds as if the overall picture was finely polished. For those who doesn’t believe precise image is natural in life performance, do yourself a favor and attend some life un-amplified performance sitting at the best center seat. This is what the Pontus II mimics with the right system.
It’s been 8 days since the firmware update and the PII had throughly warm up. First couple of days of listening was surprisingly disappointing. The crystal clear highs and transparency dropped a few notch. Room signature of original recordings were suppressed and everything sounded a bit congested. Few days ago, I switch to NOS mode and there reveals the answer, OS is better pro-12th in my system. As of last night, this is the best this system had ever sounded. Glassy highs reported elsewhere here is not founded, but instead teary eyes. Comparing to pre-12th OS mode, the stage opened up another 10-15%. Tonal balance is ruler flat from bass up. Transient attract, though not world class, is quick and impactful. No highlights across the entire spectrum. Transparency is close to top notch equaling my previous reference/Berkeley. Can’t comment on low bass because my PII isn’t handling due to unique configuration in my systems. Off stage and deep stage images are more palpable. Room acoustic captured in good recordings are better reproduced.
Overall, this firmware update brings my system another notch closer to my reference system. Just a note, the PII is driving my baby Boulder/Kharma direct with no preamp in between. The low base was handled through DEQX and a pair of power subwoofers. Henceforth, I can’t comment on PII’s sub-40hz performance.
Above observation was made through my modest system. Should this not be similar to your findings, I hope it’s at least entertaining.
Best Regards
Mosler666