Denafrips FPGA Firmware Update

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 

I am a happy owner of Ares II and Pontus II DAC's. Ive updated the FPGA code on Ares II in March, and right after the update I was able to feel the difference. 

I was a bit skeptical about the update, and I was thinking that I would not feel much difference if compared to the original FPGA firmware that came with the Ares II. I was wrong!! The new firmware improved the sound quality, and now I can hear more details from the music. Clearer high's and better vocals.

I was considering selling my Ares II, but with the updated FPGA code, I have decided keeping it with me.

The update for the Pontus II became available 2 days ago, and I've installed it. Like in my Ares II the sound quality improvement was easily noticeable. Bass is more firm and solid, at a point that I had to lower the volume in my sub. Vocals are nicer. It became a bit brighter, but not at a point that it is fatigue, and because of that, some people might not like it. According to Vinshine, it is recommended to perform a burn in due to the new logic in the FPGA. Overall, I am happy with the new FPGA code, and I would do it again if I had a Pontus II with the original FPGA code version. Several fixes were implemented and I don't which one improved the soundstage; it is more precise now.

Just a small note, the update instruction for Mac, provided by Vinshine is based on an older version of iOS, and users who have the latest version Ventura, the pictures don't match, but it is not difficult to figure out how to proceed with it.

Thanks for the exceptional support from Alvin and Vinshine !! Excellent post sales support, which is rare nowadays.

@dskusa - "According to Vinshine, it is recommended to perform a burn in due to the new logic in the FPGA."

Can you provide a source for this?  I was so hopeful that I'd finally found something that audiophiles could agree didn't benefit from a burn in.  Now the walls are closing in around me like I'm a visitor at ADX Florence.

I’ll second what other users have said in regards to the effects of the Pontus II update: I noticed increased clarity and more detail right away. The bass may be firmer and perhaps lessened a tad. Someone else mentioned a brighter sound and that may result in a perception of lighter bass. The sound may have lost a smidge of the organic feel at the expense of detail but I enjoy the detail. We’ll see how much the sound changes with break-in but I’m happy I did the upgrade.

Make sure you download the latest version of all files vs using what you may have installed from a previous firmware update as my upgrade process failed at the last step until I installed the latest software versions.

After reading some saying a little brighter and not as organic has anyone decided to hold up on the update? I was planning on doing an update on my Pontus 2 this weekend but may hold off until more have spoken up on their results.
 

I’m very happy with the detail and bass I’m getting now if I need more Im guessing I can change out cables or tubes. Gaining better bass and sound stage is very appealing but if at the cost of losing it’s natural presentation it is a concern for me. I’m sure there is no going back after update.