Hi,
this is my first post ever in head-fi. So let's see, when my posting will be approved.
I did the update for my Pontus II yesterday, and as i have been not very competent in identifying differences between DACs in gerneral, id didn't expect very much.
But i was quite wrong.
The Sound Signature changed quite a lot.
I would desribe its new sound as a bit more leaning towards an audiophile tuning. Openess, resolution, transparence are improved quite much - you will easily be able to hear this fast with a resolving chain. Soundstage size ist bigger and pinpoint localization ist clearer.
In the first minutes I was a bit concerned, if this new signature and better technical skills are a good mach for my chain apart of the Pontus II consting of a Mjolnir Carbon and Stax SR-X9000 would be a good match, as perceived bass quantity (despite better definition) can be a little less, but today I listened to many different genres like classical music, Jazz, Easy Listening and Electronica and Techno/House. I miss a little bit more deep bass of the old firmware for EDM-Music, but accross the board of different genres the improvements are so clearly discernable, that I highly appreciate the update. I would even say, that Pontus II is now one class above as itself with the old firmware.
So have fun. Take your take to get used to the changes; it may take some time. And'd don't be afraid of, what I said about bass quantity. I think, it's only perception, more control and definition in the low registers and really not by much. So i wish you as much fun with this update as I have.
I'm looking forward to more impressions