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Anyone regretting Pontus 2 firmware upgrade

I was notified of Pontus 2 upgrade for April 1st. I checked on Audiogon what people were saying of Pontus upgrade, not all reviews were positive. Most said they enjoyed improvement. More detail tighter bass. 

 

Some claim bright and glassy with loss of bass, also stating not as musical. Reading this stopped my plans of the upgrade for now. I’m not looking for a more high fi sound. My system is all tube and very detailed as it is and very happy with Pontus in second system. Is this upgrade reversible? Some brought up “brick” I have no idea what that is but understand it needs to be sent in for repair.

 

I would like to do the upgrade but until I understand what I’m in for I plan to hold off on update. Does anyone agree? 

 

 

paulcreed
fastcat95
36 posts
 

Iracosse:  I would take a small swab and a bit of alcohol (or possible household cleaner) and see if you can get the whitish smudge off the chip. Don't use so much that it drips or runs off the chip! If this does not work, post a GOOD closeup photo to this thread, so we can get a better idea of what it is like.

4afsanakhan
134 posts
 

Can this DSP upgrade be applied to original Pontus?

mr_m
1,900 posts
 

Irlacosse,

The whitish mark on the chip shouldn't hurt anything. I have it on the chip in my Pontus ll also. My Dac is 2 years old and going strong.

Replacement of the module with chip on it is expensive. The US. cost of that module is approximately $350 US. That is why they are probably ignoring your request for a free one. I too am going to hold off on the update. My Pontus ll isn't problematic. I like the sound as is, and believe if it isn't broke, don't fix it.

 

thelonious527
15 posts
 

I bought a new DSP board so that I could go back easily. Luckily I’m very happy with the new openness and increased musicality. I find myself ‘tapping’ to the music . It’s quite a satisfying experience that touches upon the beauty of analog. The cost was reasonable in relative terms. Only $ 418 CAD and a short 1 1/2 week wait. 

sfgak
97 posts
 

I also bought a new DSP board to be able to switch back and forth. The latest firmware (1.4) has more high-end detail, tighter bass, and a very slightly wider soundstage, consistent with what has been reported by others. But there is a certain fluidity that’s missing with the new firmware. Listening, for example, to "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac, with the original firmware, Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar swells feel like they are completely enveloping you; with the new firmware, that feeling is gone, and the sound is a bit more analytical.

Some of whether you'll prefer the new firmware could depend on the rest of your system. I feel my speakers (Dali Epicon 6's) have a high degree of high-end resolution, which may be why the new firmware is not a slam-dunk for me. 

I’m glad I can switch back and forth easily by putting in the other DSP module. This week, I’ve been listening with the original firmware. I like them both, although they are unmistakably different.

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