Denafrips FPGA Firmware Update

To Alvin: Having received my Pontus II on March 6th; is it possible that the update was applied prior to shipment?

Firmware update worked well and so far so good with sound and use. No problems at all w/ Mac Os Big Sur.

It's satisfying that Denafrips/Vinshine looking after existing customers like this. I do think Alvin and his team are very customer focussed and responsive. It's worth just as much as the quality of the product that the after service is so strong.

Just be careful with those little screws on the unit, as their thread is easily stripped.

Does/do these firmware upgrades work also on the newest Ares (anniversary) dac or do those come with the updated firmware already?

From reading the procedure for installing the firmware, again; I would say it applies to all the Ares II DACs.

I purchased the Enoy (Ares II) in November and have enjoyed it since then. But there was the occasional reverb effect. It was a great improvement over my DENON AV built in DAC via HDMI. I wasn't expecting anything earth shattering, but... It was night and day! The very first thing I noticed was the much larger and 3D soundstage. The balance of the audio was majorly improved and much more detailed without harshness at all. Finally the minor reverb effects I noticed in some songs was gone,

Listening to Beth Hart's vocals were just as raspy and strong, but with absolutely no artifacts which allowed me to listen without fatigue. Pink Floyd Shine on You Crazy Diamond was as clear and detailed as my vinyl CBS half speed pressing (the second corrected version). I have a very good vinyl setup, but I just can't stop listening now. My wife has to remind me she wants to watch something. Haha.

I hope everyone has the same experience. Alvin and his team deserve massive praise for the way they take care of the customer! And that the update really did make a major improvement.

One note for the Windows/USB users. After rebooting to allow unsigned drivers, you must install the Configuration driver which is separate from the FUT tool. If you don't the USB HiRes F-20 Configuration device will show up, but you will have the yellow exclamation triangle that is isn't functioning and the FUT tool will fail. Once that is working the update is instantaneous. I rebooted my Windows system and cycled the power completely on the DAC. I believe you will be very happy with this upgrade/