Denafrips FPGA Firmware Update


In case there are any Denafrips DAC owners out there that are not aware of the FPGA Firmware Update, here's the link:

I did the update on my Ares II earlier today and am currently enjoying the results.  It is definitely an improvement without question.

mceljo

@bobo1000 Just FYI, I avoided the first update because of the reports of increased brightness.  But opinions were very different regarding 1.4.  I took a chance and I am very pleased with the upgrade.  If there was any added brightness I would have rolled back to the original firmware. But, at least IME, the highs were as sweet and smooth as ever, maybe even moreso.

I should also point out that I had to disconnect the power to the DAC when I did the update, so when I first listened after the update, the DAC was not very warmed up.

I've found that my DAC takes a few hours to really sound it's best, and I generally leave it on 24/7. So this could have easily been the difference between my first listen and a few days later.

Anyone update to FW 1.4 and then revert back FW 1.0 on Pontus II. I did just that. The FW 1.4 sounded less natural as if DSP has been added to the sound like you get in AV receivers. Also I am getting micro-distortions on the sound randomly which is not repeatable.

@dandaroy I need to listen more (unrelated server issues have kept me from listening lately), but my initial impressions were different.  I found the sound slightly better, and no worse in any respect.  I guess YMMV, but, so far, I don't intend to revert to previous firmware on my Pontus II.

So for those that have updated the Venus II and have some time on them what are the changes to it? Any downgrade at all, excessive brightness or  sibilance?  I was hoping for a bit more transparency, maybe better bass control and soundstage improvements if any.