Is audio gear sensitive to static electricity?

Yes.

To answer your headline question, yes it is. I think, the static discharge will occur if you were touch something on your system. Harmful to your system? - maybe over time. I know a static discharge can shut down some system components.

With regards to your Pontius, there may some internal problem with the unit.

I would email Alvin, the distributor for Denafrips, about this problem.

I've had some static issues, but only ever when touching the equipment in dry air.

While my equipment is not sensitive, I am. I hate getting shocked. So, I walk around barefoot. Problem solved.

yes

Sorry folks but stereo equipment is extremely sensitive to static discharge and is one of the main culprits for component and ultimately system failure. There are safeguards built into modern equipment these days but my no means can they be considered failsafe. Without getting into the semantics of electron transfer between charge differentials, the easiest way to keep down static discharge is to maintain a humidity level of around 50%; then by simply grounding yourself before touching your equipment by touching a wall or something before attacking your equipment can prove beneficial. Just sayin.

Or, take your shoes off. 

during the winter, with the heat on, i only listen with a ground wire tethered around my ankle