Denafrips FPGA Firmware Update

@mksun - Do you have any explanation for how an FPGA update could benefit from a break-in?  

I thought something had finally identified that could be agreed up on that break-in wasn't a factor for, but you're not alone.

An FPGA update doesn't change anything that's hardware related.  It seems that if the digital file getting processed differently requires a break-in period then every individual digital file would require a similar break-in since it would be slightly different.

I think the break-in, in this case, is a combination of getting used to the different sound and having some separation from the previous sound so that the new sound can be judged on its own merits and not so much as a comparison that relies on faulty memories.

I‘m a Pontus ii owner but was wondering if anyone has uploaded the new FW for the Venus and Venus ii. If so, how does it sound?  

I don't own—nor have I listened to the Venus's 'Voice' but, I'd like to know what owners think.

I did a little listening today comparing the various modes on my Ares II and I think I still prefer the OS Slow filter.  The OS Fast filter felt like something had been lost and the NOS seemed to have a bit more bloom which sounds good but I missed the slight loss in detail.  Quite a few people that previously preferred the OS Slow now seem to prefer the NOS, so I thought I'd give it a go.

I would also remind to avoid double upsampling in your digital chain and be aware of what’s happening. In other words, if the source is upsampling already for example then NOS mode is likely more appropriate for the DAC. And vice versa.

Also, to avoid the restart in test mode hoop jumping with windows you might instead try, via a CMD window in Admin mode: bcdedit /set testsigning OFF. This should allow the driver install process to complete. Once you have updated you can then CMD: bcdedit /set testsigning ON.

Otherwise, if that doesn’t work for some reason just restart in test mode as instructed ;)

I also have found the sound is generally improved by the update. Also yes, please be aware of the filter settings and such before and after.

TK TEKAudioSpecialties.com