Denafrips FPGA Firmware Update

Updated the firmware on my Ares 2 and Pontus 2 today.  Both updates were pretty easy.  The actual firmware update took less than a minute on my MacBook Pro.  Overall the sound quality on both was better, maybe more so for the Ares 2.  Hearing a little more detail in the music and imaging is better and soundstage is a little wider.  Very happy with the firmware update.

I'm part of a Denafrips group on FB and the Pontus updates seem to be getting a much higher percentage of mixed reviews after the firmware update than the Ares II.

I'm now really curious to see how things play out as the upgrade is released to each successively better DAC.

I'm wondering if the Ares II is at a perfect level where the differences are heard almost entirely as an improvement, but the more resolving the DAC (and likely overall system) is the more the differences will less obvious and rely more on listener preference.  It's possible that the differences become more significant and as a result sound more like a new product than an upgrade to the current one.

I ran the upgrade on my Pontus II yesterday. Process was smooth - just carefully follow the directions. I am very happy with the results - a definite bump in detail and imaging. Bass is a bit more articulate. I added the Iris DDC to my setup in December, connecting to the Pontus via I2S. That was a very nice upgrade. It's still early, but I feel the firmware upgrade was an improvement almost  as much as adding the Iris. 

I also did the update yesterday on MacBook Pro w/Ventura. I am a complete and total idiot when it comes to a computer! I managed to figure it out in about an hour, give or take. Didn't run a timer. I would imagine it would take the average person 10 minutes maybe?

I am pleased with the update. I had tremendous snaps when resolution changed. I have not experienced a single one yet today!!!

I won't yet comment on the potential "improvements" as I will need a few evenings to be sure.

So far I am very happy with the results!

Thank you to Alvin and the Vinshine/Denafrips Team!

J.F. 

Firmware request for Pontus2 requested on a Saturday afternoon. Sunday morning reply with all details received in my email. Hassle free once I figured out the Windows 11 driver installation process. firmware update was hassle free . Still enjoying the music….no regrets