Denafrips FPGA Firmware Update

I have the Enyo and did the firmware update and WOW what a difference for the better!

After the update was done I played some music and was extremely disappointed. The next morning I woke up and turned on the amp and music started playing right away. I had forgotten to turn off the streamer the night before, and the Enyo I usually just leave it on. 

Anyways, I turned up the volume and was flabbergasted. I listened for a short time and all I could think of was wow things were sounding extremely good. I guess there is a short burn in period. 

Well, its been a few days now and I am pleased. Prior to the update I preferred listening with the OS mode engaged and with fast roll off. Today however I like the DAC in NOS mode. The soundstage is immersive, robust, has better clarity and depth. Imaging is cleaner, and defined. Still retaining its warm mid sound that I like about this DAC. I’m hearing more of the bass with better articulation and more punch in the mid bass. 

I still like OS mode with fast roll off and look forward to trying it with slow roll off.

This update is fantastic. I find my head bopping to the music constantly now. I don’t know how they did this but kudos to all those involved in this project.

Unfortunately, the latest update worked flawlessly for 6-days. The pops are back and additionally, my music cuts in and out. Disappointing to read that owners of the Pontus 2 also have the same issues as my Ares 2.

Great sounding product but when you end up listening for pops etc. instead of the music, it defeats the purpose. Music is supposed to be enjoyable and instead it's turned into a stressor because of these flaws. Very disappointed with all of this.

Regarding the pops, if anyone is using software to feed your dac, try reducig the output by 2 dB. Tbis sounds a lot kike dac clipping issues with other DACSif your pops vanish the problem is clear.

@erik_squires - I'll be curious to see if your tip resolves the issue.  I have not had a lot of time to listen since the firmware upgrade, but have not yet had the things described @geox54 happen.  I'm using a Bluesound Node 2i with the volume fixed.

I guess I should have given more specifics. I'm using a Cambridge Audio CXC via Audioquest Carbon Toslink cable to the Ares 2. When I first purchased this DAC, I was using a BJC coaxial and the issues were much more frequent than when using the Toslink. I then switched to Toslink and the pops were less frequent so I just never went back to the coaxial.

Don't get me wrong, for the first few days after the firmware update, the Ares 2 worked flawlessly and sounded fantastic. Then all of a sudden, the gremlins returned and so did my frustration. 

I am hoping that this was just a one-off anomaly. Have not listened to it much at all since, solely because I haven't had the time. Also, I must state that Vince has been absolutely great with customer service, as I had contacted him previously for another firmware update to correct previous issues, which were the same that sparked this latest firmware update. I love this DAC and hope that in the end, the issues can be resolved for good.

@mceljo did you have these issues while streaming via Bluesound Node 2i prior to the update?