Denafrips FPGA Firmware Update

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.

It could be interesting if Denafrips released this upcoming FW to satisfy people like me, and it was nothing but the old FW in disguise, probably with a tweak or two. I would be happy with that :)

As for the synergy aspects of the last FW (the one I don’t like at all) that have been mentioned on the last posts, I just want to say this: if the PII came with this sound when I bought it, then I certainly would have sold it after a month of trying to like it.

I would prefer any other dac with a natural sound, like a Lab12, Audio Note, Holo Audio, etc

To me, the Denafrips sound is absolutely not what I have experienced in the last days, and that my system can assure me, after more than three years of pleasure.

I've made the firmware update to my Pontus II and it is a noticeable improvement.

I think the mids and highs sound more refined, but not harsh. Just a little cleaner.

I'm streaming from a Lindemann Limetree Bridge which I highly recommend.

Great and wide sound-stage and holographic effect.

I completed the frimware update on my AresII about a week ago. Used a PC with Windows 10. Made it through. Have an Audioquest NZ-3 power cord and a PS Audio power regenerator serving the DAC. DAC is set to NOS and Slow filter. Change is all positive. Everything from bass to treble is, my best description, more distinct and locked in. Just better and more fun. Also the occasional click when new tracts cycled up on the Pure Vinyl running Macbook are now absent.

FYI: According to the Area II User Manual the Slow/Sharp Filters only affect the sound of the DAC in OS Mode.