@jimmychan I had a problem with programming one Xilinx part on the DA module. I found if I slowed down the JTAG clock (Tck) from default 10Mhz to 1MHz I could program OK. I may not be using the same Xilinx programming SW as you (Impact32 14.6), On the top row find Output -> Cable Setup... and set JTAG Tck speed/ baud rate to 1Mhz or slower.
There are other JTAG tools under Debug -> (JTAG) Chain Integrity Check. This will tell you if the JTAG cable is connected correctly and if the Xilinx part ID matches what is in the programming file. I could not pass this test even until I reduced Tck speed. Other Xilinx SW versions may have these functions in different locations.
You are a wealth of knowledge. Thank you! I could not get my Xilinx software to work properly with Win10. I will give your suggestions a try. I had just called a buddy to see if I could borrow his Win7 laptop.
On to more fun topics. I told myself I would hold off for at least a week commenting re: the DA-7V2 boards + Accusilicon clock changes in my R-8.
While "audio memory" is a funny thing, I can confidently say that the change is both noticeable and significant. To me, it was well worth it. To any potential buyers out there, feel fortunate that you get the new DA-7 boards standard and go for the clocks. Do it. I echo the words of those before me. I didn't upgrade the USB board clock b/c I don't use that input, but FWIW, it seems like an easy recommendation.
I am currently (yes, still) using V3S firmware. I'll try V3A again soon enough along with the new TDA versions.
The three things that were immediate to me and that stuck with me throughout the week are:
1) Improved sense of realism in the timbre of human voice and stringed instruments.
2) Realism in the attack, sustain, and decay of cymbals specifically.
3) Greater 'flexibility' (my word) in the soundstage offered by the modes within firmwares. I always noticed a change in dynamics and overall presentations between the modes within the firmwares, but rarely much change in the soundstage. Now, the changes between modes seem a bit more pronounced, and both the height and depth of the soundstage shifts a bit.
Overall, music just sounds better... really. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. However those specific things made me instantly very, very pleased that I made the effort to do the updates. I can also hang my hat on those changes. Even though I "know" it sounds better, everything else is a bit more challenging to articulate.
I think the firmwares play an important role - personally. I switched from NOS2 as my favorite mode across all available V3A and V3S modes "pre-update". Now, my preferred mode is NOS3. FWIW, the OS modes were challenging for me with V3S, but better with V3A in the past. I still don't prefer the OS modes using V3S, but the OS modes are more pleasing than I remember. I preferred the OS modes in V3A to V3S and the NOS modes in V3S. That's the fun part...
Currently, things look like this...
Singxer SU-1 => HMDI R-8 / I2S (NOS 3, no PLL, no sync) => R-9 / ACSS => M-3 / ACSS => Tekton Double Impact
I've swapped amplifiers in and out a bit to see if I prefer certain modes with certain amps, but all comparisons with the R-8 before and after were done with the chain above.
As always, thanks to the kind group here for the assistance and thoughts. Mostly, thanks to Kingwa for allowing existing owners to experience the updates!
I'll forge ahead to try new firmwares on the R-8. With DACLadder's assistance, I can maybe get the FPGAs on the DA-8s in my R-1 up to the latest firmware.
-Cheers
