I've applied the new firmware to my Venus II yesterday and haven't heard any of the issues some have reported (treble bright / reduced bass etc)
I played some favourite tracks and the sound was "similar" to before. Maybe the soundstage is improved but need more time to assess
I certainly don't expect that, over time, I will need to roll back this firmware
In terms of connection equipment / cable types I run Lumin U1 Mini (AES) -> Venus II (XLR) -> Roksan Blak > Spendor A7 + REL S512 subwoofer
I had previously used OS (slow) and restored to this setting after the upgrade (as it reverts)
Will look to experiment with OS (sharp) / NOS at some point given these have been tweaked in the firmware
Lip sync is "mostly" fixed. It's much closer to real time on my TV output. Not sure an R2R ladder DAC will ever be perfect in that regard. Not that I run the TV through the DAC often... this is for my stereo music source
Hopefully the sound glitch is gone. Had experienced this occasionally but might take some time to prove up it is fixed
If you are comfortable (technically) performing the upgrade it's definitely worth it. Especially given it can be backed out with v1 of the firmware
Regards
Andrew
Just read that a new firmware version is available:
https://www.vinshineaudio.com/post/new-fpga-firmware-denafrips-pontus-dac
I'm risking sounding delusional, but the difference to my ears was quite distinct. That said, so many factors at play. I'm sure the Venus II probably plays in a similar ball-park to the T+A, and - best I can tell - I couldn't really ask much more of it, before or after the update. IME the source mastering is almost always the most limiting factor at this level. But, tonally, I perceived more 'air' and depth in the sound than I remember. This made the more interesting by the fact that, with my ears, that's the aspect of musical reproduction in my room I found slightly lacking before. So it could be the firmware has brought out a bit more detail up there, or it could be that others might find the treble a bit 'hot' now, but it suits me.I've downloaded the new and improved firmware for my Pontus II, but I've not applied it yet. I acquired a T+A DAC 200 10 days ago, so I've been having an interesting time comparing it to the Iris+Pontus combo. The T+A is notably better in all ways, but the Denafrips lineup is still quite listenable.
I don't trust myself to remember the nuances of DAC attributes. Therefore, I'm trying to develop a good comparative reference of the two DACs, so that when I apply the firmware, I can clearly discern how it's improved.
The differences between DACs can be quite interesting:
I find direct comparisons to be quite helpful, alternating between quick switches (a few seconds) and somewhat longer ones (15 seconds to a few minutes). To some extent you can use longer-term trials, to see if you get tired of something. In those situations, though, I find it harder to describe why I (dis)like something. Direct A/B makes that easier and helps me to recognize and articulate the differences.
- The Benchmark DAC1 "seems" accurate, yet is somehow rather hard and cold, almost sounding "brittle".
- The Benchmark DAC2 is an improvement, shedding that brittleness, yet is still rather clinical.
- The Chord Qutest sounds much warmer and comfortable but isn't nearly as precise and delineated as the Benchmark DAC2. Note that using a better power supply significantly improves the Qutest.
- The Denafrips Pontus II has the warmth of the Qutest but sounds more dynamic and rhythmic. Yet it doesn't present the precise inner details as well as the Benchmark DAC2. (Note that I compared the DAC2, Qutest and Pontus II, side-by-side.)
- Putting the Denafrips Iris DDC in front of the Pontus II elevates the palpability and confidence of the DAC and makes instruments more defined. The rhythm also seems better. (I haven't compared this combo directly against the Benchmark DAC2, but I probably will when my friend visits in a month.)
- The T+A DAC 200 surprises me, because it illustrates that as good as the Iris+Pontus is, it's still quite fuzzy around the edges. Instruments are not nearly as well defined. Dynamics aren't as good, and the rhythm is lacking. If you are quickly switching back and forth between them (with just a few seconds between), then this might not seem as evident, but if you sit on it for 15 seconds or longer, you realize that the T+A is the clear winner.
BTW, when I did the comparison of DAC2, Qutest and Pontus II, I had recently purchased the Benchmark HPA4 pre-amp. One of its features is input volume adjustment, enabling level-matching of the DACs. Otherwise, doing an A/B comparison wouldn't be fair--ears are too biased towards things that are louder.
As I mentioned above, my friend is visiting in a month, and we'll do another shootout at that time. He was the first to get excited by the promise of the T+A. I was unsure whether I would care about the delta, and the price difference was quite significant. Now that I have it, I don't want to give it up! Once my friend hears it, I suspect he'll feel the same and have to buy one for himself.
Correct. After the problems with the first one, I was hesitant about jumping onto the second one. I was entertained by the new T+A, which helped my patience with the Pontus.Sounds like your Pontus II doesn't have the new firmware update yet?
It was a figure of speech, naturally.If the music slows down there must be a motor or belt error.