Denafrips FPGA Firmware Update

I can only share my point of view and my system. After hearing the Merason, I knew the P-II was lacking the emotion in music especially the vocal. I was about to sell the P-II. Then the update firmware came along. It’s free of cost so I gave it a try. And the rest is history. I am sticking with Denafrips. The new update is not only improving the tonal balance and articulation, but also improve on soundstage and transparency.

After I read

liangx5’s post: "I have seen enough positive responses not to be tempted to give it a try. The bad news for me is that my T-Plus is the last one in line to get updated, the good news is that hopefully by then they would have already learned and come up with a better/improved firmware :) "

I went back to watch Steve Huff’s "T-Plus 12" and Hans Beekhuyzen’s "T-Plus" reviews again. The way Mr. Beekhuyzen described the sq of T-Plus was like he was describing my post updated P-II. However, he did also contribute to the improvement to his latest new amp. As for now, I am waiting to hear the comments of updated T-Plus. I would be likely to replace the P-II and Chord with the updated T-Plus 12.

So, my conclusion is it all depends on both of whether your system could take advantage of the update or not and your personal preference. :)

Note: I have had the P-II for more than a year and It improved the area that was important to me right after the update. And it would be nice that it will sound even better later on. :)

its late and I'm rambling:

I'm not sure many of us have enough experience with re-flashing, re-burning-in DACs (or is it redacting an updated DAC). But, from what I've read; some owners of the Denafrips DACs were given 'early access' to the updates. Have we heard from any of the early adaptors before the general model releases? And, was their listening experience taken into account by anyone at Denafrips?

I applaud the support Alvin and his team at Vinshine has given all of us, and will continue to give. 

But, isn't  this more like a: 'Beta' of a SW update(?)

If it was flashable in the first place, it can be reflashed back.

It could be interesting if Denafrips released this upcoming FW to satisfy people like me, and it was nothing but the old FW in disguise, probably with a tweak or two. I would be happy with that :)

As for the synergy aspects of the last FW (the one I don’t like at all) that have been mentioned on the last posts, I just want to say this: if the PII came with this sound when I bought it, then I certainly would have sold it after a month of trying to like it.

I would prefer any other dac with a natural sound, like a Lab12, Audio Note, Holo Audio, etc

To me, the Denafrips sound is absolutely not what I have experienced in the last days, and that my system can assure me, after more than three years of pleasure.

I've made the firmware update to my Pontus II and it is a noticeable improvement.

I think the mids and highs sound more refined, but not harsh. Just a little cleaner.

I'm streaming from a Lindemann Limetree Bridge which I highly recommend.

Great and wide sound-stage and holographic effect.

I completed the frimware update on my AresII about a week ago. Used a PC with Windows 10. Made it through. Have an Audioquest NZ-3 power cord and a PS Audio power regenerator serving the DAC. DAC is set to NOS and Slow filter. Change is all positive. Everything from bass to treble is, my best description, more distinct and locked in. Just better and more fun. Also the occasional click when new tracts cycled up on the Pure Vinyl running Macbook are now absent.