Anyone regretting Pontus 2 firmware upgrade

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.

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. 

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.

i picked up, just for fun, an original pontus... three footers but pre red wima caps

this thing sounds good, sotexturally dense, fluid and musical, but with the trademark vast imaging and easeful detail 

like so many restless busy-body companies with too many engineers with too much time, they keep changing, churning, but usually it only results in something different, not better