DENAFRIPS FPGA Firmware Update (12TH Anniv.)

[kengt]

Agree a Hermes or Gaia would be a nice upgrade for any Denafrips DAC, and will improve all your sources. Just plan on using the I2S connection.

I also highly recommend a T2 or T+ , with or without a DDC. I got a T2 soon after it came out and was blown away by how much better it sounded than my previous (pretty nice) Yamaha DAC/SACD player. I soon added a Gaia (I would have gone Hermes but the Terminator is silver and Hermes only comes in black...) and it was a nice upgrade on top of that. And got even better when I started syncing the clock between the two.

It seems like Denafrips does a great job at delivering real sonic improvement each step up the product chain.

Thank you for your insights and sharing.

 

[nothing1]

Alvin informed me that the "new" firmware is expected around June, July. Looking forward to having the issues fixed without the sound signature changed.

 

[Riccioli30]

Alvin informed me that the "new" firmware is expected around June, July. Looking forward to having the issues fixed without the sound signature changed.

Yes, I confirm. End of June, beginning of July. And for my P2/12, bought in April with the latest factory sw, he tells me he recommends updating with the new one coming and not looking back. I also understood that it is a specific update for the P2, and not for the other D. already updated.

 

[naka9]

Yes, I confirm. End of June, beginning of July. And for my P2/12, bought in April with the latest factory sw, he tells me he recommends updating with the new one coming and not looking back. I also understood that it is a specific update for the P2, and not for the other D. already updated.

Great news!
Although I confess that I will wait to hear from other users experience before upgrading the FW1.0.
And if in the end it is indeed an upgrade on this already natural and involving present, then I will be all in

 

[nothing1]

Alvin made no statement in regards to the update only being for the P2 he knows i have the Ares ii and made no statement that would exclude me from the update!

 

[PoMarantz]

I am glad that Denafrips is taking it's time developing the new firmware.
Now that I have V1.0 reinstalled I can wait for that new development in blissful musical engagement!

 

[DrCal]

Great news!
Although I confess that I will wait to hear from other users experience before upgrading the FW1.0.
And if in the end it is indeed an upgrade on this already natural and involving present, then I will be all in

Thanks. I guess the current update is on schedule, e.g. for T2/+ next week? I want to update my T+ just for fun while waiting for the next iteration of the firmware

 

[SearchingForTheSound]

When the new FW comes out, I’m jumping in headfirst. If I don’t like it, I have two others to choose from.

 

[nothing1]

it would be interesting to know if people that where using hqplayer if the different filters being used was affecting the sound for better or worse. Maybe people could list their filters they were using and if the liked the new firmware?

 

[nothing1]

well this went nowhere !

 

[joseG86]

it would be interesting to know if people that where using hqplayer if the different filters being used was affecting the sound for better or worse. Maybe people could list their filters they were using and if the liked the new firmware?

I've tried HQPlayer with my HPs and there's 0 difference no matter what filters I use, maybe with speakers

Only difference is PCM / DSD, DSD sounds lower and gives the impression of bigger soundstage but as for me, HQPlayer only uses high amounts of CPU to make music sound like music

Edit: I used to use Foobar2000 and I love it but lately I'm using JRiver and I love the DSP effects like Effects/Environment and making music sound like you're in a concert hall etc

 

[David A Silva]

Well it's been about 14 days (330 hrs) since I plugged in my new Pontus II 12th Anniversary - came with the new firmware - sounds wonderful. With songs like those from Dua Lipa the bass is very robust and tight, with many albums from the 80s n 90s the bass is a bit thin. Is that what everyone is chatting about between the old and new firmware?
I'm thinking of adding a Lokius or a small notebook to replace my ipad so I can run eq software...
I'll probably wait another few weeks for the new firmware before I decide... my plastic needs a rest!

 

[medon]

...Is that what everyone is chatting about between the old and new firmware?
I'm thinking of adding a Lokius or a small notebook to replace my ipad so I can run eq software...
...

IMHO EQ software won't be able to do the adjustments in a way that reflects the two tastes between old and new firmware...
I don't know if Denafrips / Vinshine "allows" 12th owners to retrofit old firmware, but I would give it a shot before investing into new hardware.
... unless, of course, you need to spend money.

 

[David A Silva]

...

I don't know if Denafrips / Vinshine "allows" 12th owners to retrofit old firmware, but I would give it a shot before investing into new hardware.
... unless, of course, you need to spend money.

Thanks. I am content with the overall tonal balance, I'd just like a 3db lift in the lowest octave. I don't know what the old firmware sounded like. Is it just the lower octaves or is it a warmish tilt into the midrange and treble? I don't think I want the midrange much warmer than it is...

 

[ivez]

Well it's been about 14 days (330 hrs) since I plugged in my new Pontus II 12th Anniversary - came with the new firmware - sounds wonderful. With songs like those from Dua Lipa the bass is very robust and tight, with many albums from the 80s n 90s the bass is a bit thin. Is that what everyone is chatting about between the old and new firmware?
I'm thinking of adding a Lokius or a small notebook to replace my ipad so I can run eq software...
I'll probably wait another few weeks for the new firmware before I decide... my plastic needs a rest!

The best and simple way to understand if your dac or system sounds right is with the way you use the volume control. If the music you hear makes you to increase the volume, the system works fine. If you decrease the volume something is wrong and cannot easily be corrected with dsp equalization because of negative effects in transparency and dynamic range. An additional problem with the new firmware is that it makes you separate your music to good and not so good. When the dac plays well, you plug it in and forget it. This is achieved with the original firmware, at least in my case.