@mceljo while trying to install my firmware (a different issue) it just added to my frustrations while I was trying to install the firmware. Fortunately I have a couple of spare PC's. Whenever I try diy on any of my electronics it is very difficult for me at best, and often turns to shit. I don't know why the firmware installation didn't work but I'm glad that I at least brick didn't my Denafrips ares. The firmware version that i have is 3.06, so it has missed a couple of firmware updates since this new one came out, I'm not sure if I would need to install each update one at a time. Anyway thanks for asking and I'm going to try it again when my nerves calm down and hope for the best. Thanks for asking.
244 responses Add your response
@grh1958 - Safe to assume that your post isn't representative of the order that you tried things? You went through the official process of sending Vinshine a picture of your chip and then attempted to follow the instructions upon their reply with your computer having issues? Just clarifying so that others with a similar experience can know for sure. |
@dman1974 and @liangx5 - thank you both for the responses. I have the Pontus ii connected to an Hermes via I2S and am enjoying the new FW. I do not find the new FW to be too bright or harsh. My system is very relaxed and neutral and think the additional detail and expanded soundstage sounds great. I’m going to wait until the new FW is released and try it next but I have to say, I’m enjoying the latest upgrade. I know it is system dependent and can understand why many are going back to the earlier FW. |
@dman1974 and @stevebohnii FYI, I saw this review from a Venus II owner at pinkfishmedia.net. I have a T+ and can't wait to try the new firmware :) https://pinkfishmedia.net/forum/threads/denafrips-pontus-ii-fpga-firmware-upgrade-2023.278879/page-5
|
@stevebohnii I also have Venus2 but waiting to hear feedback from others. So far I’m on the fence based on other’s feedback. Especially about going back. |
I would like to give another input on this new firmware update. To tweak the DAC to your system or personal preference, we have the functions of NOS/OS and sharp/slow filter on OS. This is done by simply pressing some buttons. Now Denafrips has given us another tweak for free, the new FPGA firmware, the root of the existing NOS/OS and filters tweaks. On the Chord TT2, the bespoke FPGA DAC, it offers 4 programming filters: FIL1 – Incisive neutral: the default, filtering characteristic; the absolute reference. FIL2 – Incisive neutral with HF roll-off: FIL3 – Warm: a secondary filtering, a subtle warming tonality. FIL4 – Warm with HF roll-off: Therefore, the new firmware update maybe be an upgrade to one but may not be to the other. It is just like NOS/OS and Sharp/Slow filters. It all depends on your system and personal preference. However, I believe Denafrips and Alvin think it is an upgrade to the DAC. And to me, it is a major upgrade. |
triode44 posts Maybe the HDMI pin designations changed when you updated?
Yes, THANKYOU!! That's what it was
YAY! I WAS USEFUL! 😀😀😀😂 (HAPPY 4 YOU!) |
triode43 posts I got a chance to roll my firmware back to the first version and after the flashing and restarting, my Pontus 2 is now really distorted in I2S mode, USB sounds fine. So I thought I would reinstall the version1 again and exact same thing. I can tell what song is playing.... barely. I can hear USB playback just fine, but I was using I2S 100% of the time because it sounds so much better, up until now. I am just shutting it down completely until I can get an answer what to do.
Maybe the HDMI pin designations changed when you updated? |
It is a costly move but you can replace the DSP module for around $350 with the new firmware already installed. You can swap the modules back and forth wth different sound tracks to see what the differences will be between updated version and original. Denafrips recommended this to me since my computer skills weren't up to task to perform update. |
I got a chance to roll my firmware back to the first version and after the flashing and restarting, my Pontus 2 is now really distorted in I2S mode, USB sounds fine. So I thought I would reinstall the version1 again and exact same thing. I can tell what song is playing.... barely. I can hear USB playback just fine, but I was using I2S 100% of the time because it sounds so much better, up until now. I am just shutting it down completely until I can get an answer what to do. |
To everyone who is benefited from the updated firmware, I would put a value to this update solely based on my own experience. After the update, I felt my Chord TT2 has fallen behind. Then I figured that if I fed the P-II with Wireworld Platinum I2S, I should give the TT2 a better cable (just to be fair to TT2, and, I am also a cable believer). So I order the Audio Sensibivity’s Signature Silver S/PDIF (BNC), and paid a small dough for the burn in. It costed me about $500. Now I am getting "the same kind of listening enjoyment" from my TT2. I don’t want to name who is better. I only wanted to point out that Denafrips and Alvin have saved us at least $500. :) Note: Could someone provide me a link for advices on what SPF module, Ethernet convertor, and Optical cable that are best for connecting LHY SW 8 to SW10 because I already had the SW8. On YouTube. I remembered Alvin had mentioned that. Thanks |
Greetings!
The mixed feeling/result of the firmware update is not unexpected. If you pay attention, you may notice similar comments on other products, softwares, firmwares etc - where some users may prefer the older version, and some prefer the newer version.
It is not easy to strike a balance to please everyone - but we strive to be one. Our goal is to continuously improve the DAC features and performance through the firmware update. Whenever there is a substantial update available for you, we will share it with you at - no fee - free.
We have also make the original firmware available on the FUT download links. You may rollback to the previous version whenever you like.
What does it mean to you? The firmware update capability opens an endless possibilities to constantly improve the sound quality, features of the DAC.
Good news? I bet :)
Many thanks, Alvin Chee |
I have owned the Pontus ll 12th for 2 weeks which was an upgrade from the Aries ll. I really like the increased detail that I was getting from the Pontus but I really missed the analogue sound of the Aries so I rolled back the software to 1.0 today. I'm the type of listener that likes an analogue sound, if I had to choose between SS and analogue, I would choose analogue. To me the 1.3 version has more of a SS sound. I really love the 1.0 version. It has plenty of detail for me without sounding rolled off. It has everything I look for in sound. I think the sound you get or will want is entirely dependent on your system set up and what you are looking for. I see a version for everyone. Alvin is the perfect example of what good customer service should look like. It's all too lacking these days. |
@mceljo I have no idea why break-in would improve the sound and I was skeptical at first. My break-in process has consisted of streaming to the Pontus round the clock with my amp turned off when I’m not listening. I have been able to critically listen only a few hours a day and I have definitely noticed that the haziness that was present initially after the upgrade is now gone. The overall sound also seems smoother since I began this streaming process several days ago. I posed some questions to the FPGA development team at Vinshine regarding break-in and this was their response: "The FPGA firmware update essentially ’rewired’ the logic gates in the FPGA chip. (Ref: link here). Please allow some time for the FPGA to burn in for optimum sound reproduction. Up to 300 hours will be good." |
I would also remind to avoid double upsampling in your digital chain and be aware of what’s happening. In other words, if the source is upsampling already for example then NOS mode is likely more appropriate for the DAC. And vice versa. Also, to avoid the restart in test mode hoop jumping with windows you might instead try, via a CMD window in Admin mode: bcdedit /set testsigning OFF. This should allow the driver install process to complete. Once you have updated you can then CMD: bcdedit /set testsigning ON. Otherwise, if that doesn’t work for some reason just restart in test mode as instructed ;) I also have found the sound is generally improved by the update. Also yes, please be aware of the filter settings and such before and after. TK TEKAudioSpecialties.com
|
I did a little listening today comparing the various modes on my Ares II and I think I still prefer the OS Slow filter. The OS Fast filter felt like something had been lost and the NOS seemed to have a bit more bloom which sounds good but I missed the slight loss in detail. Quite a few people that previously preferred the OS Slow now seem to prefer the NOS, so I thought I'd give it a go. |
@mksun - Do you have any explanation for how an FPGA update could benefit from a break-in? I thought something had finally identified that could be agreed up on that break-in wasn't a factor for, but you're not alone. An FPGA update doesn't change anything that's hardware related. It seems that if the digital file getting processed differently requires a break-in period then every individual digital file would require a similar break-in since it would be slightly different. I think the break-in, in this case, is a combination of getting used to the different sound and having some separation from the previous sound so that the new sound can be judged on its own merits and not so much as a comparison that relies on faulty memories. |
I also like the new firmware as well and had installed for two weeks but I decided to roll back today to the original 1.0 firmware to compare. Wow. I definitely now prefer 1.0. I’m starting to think that they updated firmware 1.0 with the fixes and improvements but used the original DSP. Back is the fullness, sweet extended highs, more immersive and harmonically rich, and less dryness I hear in the 1.3. I’m hearing the details of 1.3 and tghter bass. You should go back and try 1.0 again, it only takes a few minutes!! |
+1 For keeping the FPGA update for the Pontus II. @franktc55 I fully agree with your assessment and it sounds even better after 100+ hours of burn-in. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
I can only share my point of view and my system. After hearing the Merason, I knew the P-II was lacking the emotion in music especially the vocal. I was about to sell the P-II. Then the update firmware came along. It’s free of cost so I gave it a try. And the rest is history. I am sticking with Denafrips. The new update is not only improving the tonal balance and articulation, but also improve on soundstage and transparency. After I read liangx5’s post: "I have seen enough positive responses not to be tempted to give it a try. The bad news for me is that my T-Plus is the last one in line to get updated, the good news is that hopefully by then they would have already learned and come up with a better/improved firmware :) " I went back to watch Steve Huff’s "T-Plus 12" and Hans Beekhuyzen’s "T-Plus" reviews again. The way Mr. Beekhuyzen described the sq of T-Plus was like he was describing my post updated P-II. However, he did also contribute to the improvement to his latest new amp. As for now, I am waiting to hear the comments of updated T-Plus. I would be likely to replace the P-II and Chord with the updated T-Plus 12. So, my conclusion is it all depends on both of whether your system could take advantage of the update or not and your personal preference. :) Note: I have had the P-II for more than a year and It improved the area that was important to me right after the update. And it would be nice that it will sound even better later on. :) |
What do you say when someone turns off there dac and others love the new presentation of the update. That’s very confusing to hear. Could it be system dependent, tubes or no tubes, British vs tipped up speaker. It’s a shame I don’t know if I fit in with the gear or people that love the update.
Is it for sure it will go back to the authentic old sound, does reversing update have a break in? Im sure it’s probably real but can someone explain update break in. |
@figuy the same happened to me. A day after the FW upgrade I saw that it had changed to OS Sharp filter, instead of my preferred Slow filter. So I changed it to Slow filter (phase on) and continue to listen until yesterday evening - a 10 days period, working 24/7 - but no luck. The sound still was awful. I have tried the NOS setting too but no luck there also. Now, my Pontus II is shut off, waiting for the next FW update, the one that will restore all the Denafrips famous sound :) |
I just noticed something. Right after I installed the update a while back the Phase button was off which I always had on. Today, it hit me, I wondered if the update sort of put all settings back into a default state so I double checked to see that the OS filter was set to Slow, as Fast sounds too bright to me, and sure enough the Fast filter was on! Now I need to listen some more. That has to be part of why I feel the new update has increased the treble more than I like. You all might want to double check your filter setting. |
| Post removed |
I noticed that also with my Ares II. I almost always used phase with the light on, but after the update, there was much less a difference. In addition, last evening, while streaming (Tidal, not from my server), I tried NOS and I think I now prefer it. Like many, I had it set to OS/slow filter before, but really felt the NOS setting was now more to my liking. I’ll have to check it out when spinning CD’s and playing ripped files on the server too. |
My Ares II had the occasional skipping issue. Also an early production unit, Ares II circuitry in an plain Ares box. Confirmed by Alvin. Update went smoothly. No more skipping. Prior to the update there was a definite sound difference between positive and negative phase selection. After the update unable to detect a difference. Listened to a couple reference tracks prior to update. Same tracks after the update were much cleaner. Individual notes had more separation, impact and decay. Overall, a major improvement. |
Yeah, it's pretty awesome. I'm following the discussions at other forums as well. Denafrips is great. To the point mentioned earlier, I have also started taking some measures to voice my system due to the change and for now have simply moved some power cords around. Most notably I had a power cord with Rhodium plated copper plugs on the Pontus II and decided to use a cord (same design) with pure copper plugs to offset some of the high frequencies and bring back a bit more warmth. If there is a way for them to bring back the tonality with a bit more warmth/fullness/natural high end, but with the clarity and detail of the new update, that would be great. |
From what I read in HeadFi forum, apparently Denafrips are aware of the complaints and diligently working on releasing new firmware updates for Pontus II with both EP4CE22F and EP4CE6F chips. We shall see... Anyways, I have never seen such an active interaction between a manufacturer and audiophile community... simply amazing. |
@audiofilo123 "Changing my system to pursue the dac “new sound” seems really absurd to me." ------------------- I would have to agree with you on this. Now it comes to the realization of whether the new dac sound is actually an improvement to your system. This would be the system synergy. To me, the updated firmware is great. It leaves us with a lot of potential. :) |
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. |