DENAFRIPS FPGA Firmware Update (12TH Anniv.)

Jun 11, 2023 at 3:48 PM Post #721 of 1,289
Since VInshine suggested break-in after the update, I'll leave it on playing in background for a week and shall see what happens.
For a week or two, you'd rather get used to the new sound than feel burn-in. I have uploaded the second new firmware on Pontus and in the meantime back to the original 1.0. It seems to me that the time and habit factor is at work here. Personally, after two new firmwares I will come back in a day or two to the original one, because it seems to me that it is the most optimal in my system. But I still have to listen to it a little bit
 
Jun 11, 2023 at 7:03 PM Post #722 of 1,289
After 3 days of listening to the 3.6 firmware on my TPlus and Gaia, the sound has evolved to a point where my system is sounding at its best.. There's more detail in the top end without being harsh and the bass is really tight and slams hard. On first listen, the 3.6 sounds bright but after few days of warming up, top end mellowed out but yet still detailed. I find myself listening to music louder than usual because my TPlus sound so detailed and smooth. Thank you Vinshine for this update. For those who tried the 3.6 and find it bright, give it some time and it will mellow out. That's when the magic happens.
 
Jun 11, 2023 at 7:31 PM Post #723 of 1,289
OK, I updated T-Plus to V3.7, removed Iris DDC and connected directly from Melco N1z/2ex to the DAC via USB. First impression, I didn't like it, e.g. violin sounded too bright. It seems the DAC got extension at both high and low end, but with less body and fullness comparing to V1.0/DDC/I2S... I will leave it for a week and revisit next weekend...
I did not like the USB initially either although I did not listen much as I was letting it burn on the I2S.

I also have a Lampizator Golden Gate. Before V3.7 it was night and day different from the TP. The midrange on the TP is much closer to the Lampizator now. I think there is less air and holographic effect with V3.7 but it is more relaxing. Again I found the NOS setting not to my liking now and use the OS with fast roll off filter.
 
Jun 12, 2023 at 7:11 PM Post #724 of 1,289
I did not like the USB initially either although I did not listen much as I was letting it burn on the I2S.

I also have a Lampizator Golden Gate. Before V3.7 it was night and day different from the TP. The midrange on the TP is much closer to the Lampizator now. I think there is less air and holographic effect with V3.7 but it is more relaxing. Again I found the NOS setting not to my liking now and use the OS with fast roll off filter.
Wow, it is quite a compliment for the TPV3.7 to be closer to your Lampizator Golden Gate in the midrange. I have not tried OS mode after the update, will switch from NOS to OS/Fast filter next time to try.
 
Jun 13, 2023 at 1:14 PM Post #725 of 1,289
Hi ! I'm new here from France.

I upgraded my Terminator II (EP4CE22F17 chip) last sunday to V3.7 having followed this forum several times and could read that all wasn't as easy or well as expected for many denafrips dac users.

Here is my contribution about my upgrade experience:
- The upgrade procedure was fast and easy (usb firmware was already upgrade several months ago preventing me to allow driver installation on my win10)
- My first half-surprise was that many setting if not all where reset and I had to set them again
* Clock out was on : had to disable it (after my initial tests)
* I2S had to be set again and I used a test disc PCM as well DSF test tracks (left/right channel, balance, in/out phase etc...)
This step could be done as expected
* I checked filter to have it as before (OS + low filter)

a. first test immediatly after upgrade, PCM sound works but had a lot of background noise ! in fact, this was due I2S hdmi wasn't fully pluged-in (after unplug, plugin, no noise to hear (as it should) - for those having noise on I2S, check cable first or try to change it to see if this will help you.
b. PCM sound is more precise, seems to have better basses , medium and soundstage seems to be nearly equal, high frequencies are harsh (this was expected and nothing different as when I installed new cables, so missing burn-in)
c. At this time, the results without burn-in is what I expected (of course, not as plaisant as before)
d. Switched to DSD, no sound ! (tried to toggle entry to opt and back to i2S, sound is back !)
e. Switched to PCM, no lose of sound (ok)
f. Switched to DSD, no sound (togle inputs and sound is back). In fact, DSD mode was no detected and the ON leds where 44.1k + 4x + 8x)
g. I set off the clock-out which was on after upgrade (not needed). Switch from DSD to PCM was better (the symptome occures time to time only and mostly when switching on the fly (during play) from one PCM title to a DSD title. This problem is put as minor for me having a fast bypass - sent an email to Alvin to inform him
h. Today, after more than 50h, I listen to well known track (PCM and DSD - DSF64) and what I can say is Whouah ! what a great change since first listen time. The harsh is gone, soundstage opened, medium got more boddy and basse better, All is more precise, more details with a very nice full medium body and realism above what I expected from this upgrade. Big smile on my face (my streamer is know to have a "rich medium with lots of substance").
i. At this step, I no more going back, the result is very a big step above what it was before (this transparency could perhaps reveal the limits of source quality or cable used in between !)
j. Despite a PCM to DSD time to time detection issue (I hope it will be easy to resolve but with the sound of V3.7 without changing it of course), I fully recommend to do the upgrade (the sound is on an other level and from now, I have to listen and explore again all my music). WONDERFULL - Big BRAVO ! for the sound quality :clap::clap::clap::clap::clap: (the warm sound is always here, denafrips sound signature is here) .... It it will go better after more days / hours

Regards
 
Jun 13, 2023 at 1:49 PM Post #726 of 1,289
I've reverted my Pontus 12th back to v1.0 (NOS) from v1.4. The tone is so much more enjoyable. It's just more musical.

I think it's very much a truism that in the short term after moving to v1.4 the uptick in detail is impressive. But with time you start to notice a slight digital sheen. Female vocals in higher energy tracks in particular exhibit a hardness. And it's not till you revert to v1.0 that you realise how you were unconsciously tensing on some tracks.
 
Last edited:
Jun 13, 2023 at 2:26 PM Post #727 of 1,289
My humble Venus II is fed via USB by an Auralic streamer.
I wonder if putting a reclocker like the Gaia between streamer and DAC would do anything noticable (except generating some revenue for Vinshine).
I sourced a 2nd hand Innuos Phoenix USB reclocker on eBay. It sits between my Zenith streamer and Pontus. I can assure you it really is extremely good. I only last week tried swapping it out just to reacquaint myself with its impact, and it was like a veil had descended on the music.
But, it's money. And needs a decent USB cable from it to the DAC to make the most of it.
If you do get one (or an equivalent OCXO reclocker) give it at least a week to settle. The oven alone can take a day just to reach optimal temperature.
 
Jun 13, 2023 at 3:22 PM Post #728 of 1,289
...I have not tried OS mode after the update, will switch from NOS to OS/Fast filter next time to try.

I just spent the morning listening to OS/Sharp filter and it sounds really good. The bass is tighter and there is more (apparent) detail. I would call it "fast" vs. NOS being "smooth." I'm not sure I like it better than NOS but I'm going to keep for a while and see how it plays.
 
Jun 13, 2023 at 5:53 PM Post #729 of 1,289
I just spent the morning listening to OS/Sharp filter and it sounds really good. The bass is tighter and there is more (apparent) detail. I would call it "fast" vs. NOS being "smooth." I'm not sure I like it better than NOS but I'm going to keep for a while and see how it plays.
I used to like OS/slow filter better when I owned Ares II and Pontus II, NOS sounded smooth but at the expense of dynamics and soundstage. After I upgraded to T-Plus, I preferred NOS mode and never looked back.
 
Jun 13, 2023 at 6:03 PM Post #730 of 1,289
I've reverted my Pontus 12th back to v1.0 (NOS) from v1.4. The tone is so much more enjoyable. It's just more musical.

I think it's very much a truism that in the short term after moving to v1.4 the uptick in detail is impressive. But with time you start to notice a slight digital sheen. Female vocals in higher energy tracks in particular exhibit a hardness. And it's not till you revert to v1.0 that you realise how you were unconsciously tensing on some tracks.
Absolutely correct. P2/12 ( April 2023. Sw 1.3). A lack of micro contrast and too much punch in the midfoot (Imho). On female voices, a bit hardness, little harmonic development. I haven't tried V.1.4 yet. as Vinshine tells me.
 
Jun 15, 2023 at 11:39 AM Post #732 of 1,289
Hello , I just ordered a Denafrips Venus II 12th anniversary will arrive this coming Monday, I look forward to joining in on the conversation,…It’s my first Denafrips purchase.
 
Jun 15, 2023 at 1:09 PM Post #733 of 1,289
Hello , I just ordered a Denafrips Venus II 12th anniversary will arrive this coming Monday, I look forward to joining in on the conversation,…It’s my first Denafrips purchase.

Congrats! I think any Denafrips DAC is a great performer at it's price. Presumably your DAC will come with the latest firmware installed so you're not going to have to deal with the update. There are several Denafrips threads out there for more general discussion, although I don't remember seeing one dedicated to the Venus. Maybe you should start one?
 
Jun 15, 2023 at 1:25 PM Post #734 of 1,289
Congrats! I think any Denafrips DAC is a great performer at it's price. Presumably your DAC will come with the latest firmware installed so you're not going to have to deal with the update. There are several Denafrips threads out there for more general discussion, although I don't remember seeing one dedicated to the Venus. Maybe you should start one?
Oh jeesh you’re right , shouldnt have had that fatty then post comments,…
 
Jun 16, 2023 at 3:05 AM Post #735 of 1,289
Hi ! I'm new here from France.

I upgraded my Terminator II (EP4CE22F17 chip) last sunday to V3.7 having followed this forum several times and could read that all wasn't as easy or well as expected for many denafrips dac users.

Here is my contribution about my upgrade experience:
- The upgrade procedure was fast and easy (usb firmware was already upgrade several months ago preventing me to allow driver installation on my win10)
- My first half-surprise was that many setting if not all where reset and I had to set them again
* Clock out was on : had to disable it (after my initial tests)
* I2S had to be set again and I used a test disc PCM as well DSF test tracks (left/right channel, balance, in/out phase etc...)
This step could be done as expected
* I checked filter to have it as before (OS + low filter)

a. first test immediatly after upgrade, PCM sound works but had a lot of background noise ! in fact, this was due I2S hdmi wasn't fully pluged-in (after unplug, plugin, no noise to hear (as it should) - for those having noise on I2S, check cable first or try to change it to see if this will help you.
b. PCM sound is more precise, seems to have better basses , medium and soundstage seems to be nearly equal, high frequencies are harsh (this was expected and nothing different as when I installed new cables, so missing burn-in)
c. At this time, the results without burn-in is what I expected (of course, not as plaisant as before)
d. Switched to DSD, no sound ! (tried to toggle entry to opt and back to i2S, sound is back !)
e. Switched to PCM, no lose of sound (ok)
f. Switched to DSD, no sound (togle inputs and sound is back). In fact, DSD mode was no detected and the ON leds where 44.1k + 4x + 8x)
g. I set off the clock-out which was on after upgrade (not needed). Switch from DSD to PCM was better (the symptome occures time to time only and mostly when switching on the fly (during play) from one PCM title to a DSD title. This problem is put as minor for me having a fast bypass - sent an email to Alvin to inform him
h. Today, after more than 50h, I listen to well known track (PCM and DSD - DSF64) and what I can say is Whouah ! what a great change since first listen time. The harsh is gone, soundstage opened, medium got more boddy and basse better, All is more precise, more details with a very nice full medium body and realism above what I expected from this upgrade. Big smile on my face (my streamer is know to have a "rich medium with lots of substance").
i. At this step, I no more going back, the result is very a big step above what it was before (this transparency could perhaps reveal the limits of source quality or cable used in between !)
j. Despite a PCM to DSD time to time detection issue (I hope it will be easy to resolve but with the sound of V3.7 without changing it of course), I fully recommend to do the upgrade (the sound is on an other level and from now, I have to listen and explore again all my music). WONDERFULL - Big BRAVO ! for the sound quality :clap::clap::clap::clap::clap: (the warm sound is always here, denafrips sound signature is here) .... It it will go better after more days / hours

Regards

Reported cases where no sound could occur (I2S tested only) :

Case 1
- Power on Streamer - power on DAC (button) - Power on Integrated Amplifier - Streamer goes ready - Start DSD track = no sound (DSD led not on but PCM leds are !) - DAC Power off/on (button) - play DSD track - DSD led goes on and sound is ok (only occurs on first DSD track from the list - DSF64 in my case)

Case 2
- Playing PCM tracks (AIF or WAV or any other PCM type) then read a DSF (DSD) track, DSD led didn't go on and PCM leds are on (no sound) (only on first DSD tracks from the list). playing PCM after a DSD track works well

Bypass: power off/on Denafrips power button or switch from I2S to an other entry (e.g. opt) and back to I2S (only once until a new change from PCM to DSD tracks)

Since my last post about the sound quality, it is more and more a dream (more emotion, soundstage, details and transparency - air - very very natural and real)
I could hear that some (less than 6 on about 600 and checked nearly 200) albums are less good but others are much better (wondefull, topissime, a dream) due to album recording quality. The transparency is at a level where any minimal source equipement caracteristics could be revealed.

A neighbor went home to listen the upgrade (he was impressed by the new sound gap and next day, he confessed having got music peace he heared in his head all the nigh like a dream !)
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top