Denafrips FPGA Firmware Update

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.

@audiofilo123 "Auralic Aries Femto connected with Audioquest Carbon USB and Belden 8402 from the dac to the amp."

"After some listening hours I get the impression that, despite the enhanced soundstage and definition, there is also some kind of artificiality to the sound. 
There is more clarity in the mids and I can hear more details and voices / instruments are better scaled, but the bass is weaker and the treble seems more glassy. "

-------------

I have 3 streamers, Auralic Aries Femto, Ifi Zen Streamer, and Lumin U2 mini. The Auralic has been with me the longest time. Ifi Zen is just for curiosity. And at last, the Lumin is serious and mature. It is more analog sounding, relax and musical. It will take the full advantages of the firmware update. 

Good luck and good listening :)

I upgraded the firmware of Ares2/Enyo a few days ago.
The firmware has been successfully upgraded.
The upgrade has more ares ii 12th flavor.

Thanks to Alvin for his efforts in firmware upgrade service.

My Pontus II has the EP4CE22F chip and this is welcome news. I too feel that while the new firmware has added some clarity and details that the treble does sound a little more prominent and there is a loss of some overall weight to the sound. As someone else said, I swear I sense a bit less soundstage depth now as well. I still sense layering but seems like the stage overall is less deep? Also, I’m now getting a pop/skip via coaxial from my Zen Stream a few seconds into every track and I let Denafrips know this. Really looking forward to this potential new update for Pontus II EP4CE22F chip owners. 

Interesting, that's at least two reported skipping issues after the upgrade.