Bushmaster Mk2 updated firmware June 2015

[Covenant]

Stan very kindly sent me an updated chip to try out.
My first impressions were of mild disappointment, the improvements were subtle listening to standard quality music. When I tried some 24/96 recordings however, I could easily tell the difference with an expanded soundstage, more punch to percussion and brass but a greater sense of naturalness to vocals. The overall impression was that Bushmaster had become more musical in a very addictive way.
Another winner from Mr Beresford I think......

[icehockeyboy]

I do believe this is the same thing I'm now awaiting! ��

[Desmo]

I do believe this is the same thing I'm now awaiting! ��
I thought you said you were waiting for the Caiman II firmware. Is this the same thing as the Bushmaster firmware?

[StanleyB]

The Bushmaster II and Caiman II firmware are not the same thing. It just so happened that I have been working on upgrades for both at the same time. The MCU chip that I use for both is the same make and part number, with each running its own program.
As far as the upgrade for both of the DACs is concerned: I spent some time messing about with the idea of using the MCU as a clock timer, instead of relying on the crystal oscillator of the input receiver chip. The datasheet of the input receiver mentions SPDIF recovered PLL or standalone crystal derived clock generation, but there are no examples from the manufacturer on how to actually go about switching from the crystal clock to PLL. So I had to do a lot of experimenting myself in order to work out how to jump from one to another. Unfortunately the Bushmaster only has one button that can be pressed, which limits the amount of functions and functionality that I can add to it. So the new firmware has only one option. The Caiman II has two buttons, which has allowed me to come up with a method to switch between the crystal and PLL clock. But I shall describe that in the CMII thread

[sq225917]

So data recovered clock lock or crystal.

[StanleyB]

So data recovered clock lock or crystal.
In a nutshell, yes.

The MCU that I use to load the firmware code into also happens to be provided with two timers, which can be used as clocks etc. I have never really bothered with using them since I had no hands on experience with how to program them properly, let alone make use of the possibilities. But after buying a professional/industrial code editor and compiler I decided to just play about with the software and see what the various new functions at my fingertips could be used for. It is then when I accidentally hit on a registry location that could switch from external crystal to data clock recovery. I sent out a few test samples to a couple of people to double check that I wasn't imagining what I was hearing. The differences are not overwhelming on the Bushmaster, which is why I haven't bothered to make the upgrade available for Bushmaster owners as yet. But on the Bushmaster II the difference is clearly noticeable on high resolution files. In the case of the Caiman II it seems to improve things at just about every sample rate. I ended up developing a firmware for the Caiman II that allows you to switch between the original clocking method, the super firmware, and the new data recovery method. It all happens in real time, so you can get a near instant result of the differences. Even by my own standard of expectations I am completely amazed how much an improvement the clock recovery method has on the signal.

[mkrzych]

In a nutshell, yes.

The MCU that I use to load the firmware code into also happens to be provided with two timers, which can be used as clocks etc. I have never really bothered with using them since I had no hands on experience with how to program them properly, let alone make use of the possibilities. But after buying a professional/industrial code editor and compiler I decided to just play about with the software and see what the various new functions at my fingertips could be used for. It is then when I accidentally hit on a registry location that could switch from external crystal to data clock recovery. I sent out a few test samples to a couple of people to double check that I wasn't imagining what I was hearing. The differences are not overwhelming on the Bushmaster, which is why I haven't bothered to make the upgrade available for Bushmaster owners as yet. But on the Bushmaster II the difference is clearly noticeable on high resolution files. In the case of the Caiman II it seems to improve things at just about every sample rate. I ended up developing a firmware for the Caiman II that allows you to switch between the original clocking method, the super firmware, and the new data recovery method. It all happens in real time, so you can get a near instant result of the differences. Even by my own standard of expectations I am completely amazed how much an improvement the clock recovery method has on the signal.

Please put me on the list for the latest CMII firmware. Will pay for that when available.

[Covenant]

After another listening session I have to say than the improvement over the previous firmware is significant. Last night I couldn't tear myself away from my hifi; music I knew well took on a new life with better recordings sounding stunning. I listen a lot to high quality internet radio streams and can now appreciate that the quality of them varies a lot- Radio Paradise at 320kb/s is only average but Audiophile Live is much better.
If you haven't got the latest firmware please please please order it as you don't know what you are missing!

[rossman]

I ordered the new firmware chip yesterday. Stan thinks it could solve a problem with noise between tracks when using shuffle play on my network player.

I'm looking forward to seeing if this works and to an improvement in sound quality as well.

[richard51]

After another listening session I have to say than the improvement over the previous firmware is significant. Last night I couldn't tear myself away from my hifi; music I knew well took on a new life with better recordings sounding stunning. I listen a lot to high quality internet radio streams and can now appreciate that the quality of them varies a lot- Radio Paradise at 320kb/s is only average but Audiophile Live is much better.
If you haven't got the latest firmware please please please order it as you don't know what you are missing!

Salutation Covenant... I must say that its because of your review some years ago that i bought the hifimediy dac with great satisfaction and after that the beresford dac.... Now i had read your impression about the upgrade for the bushmaster mkII .... I had emailed stan and paid for it.... i thank you for all that and i will report here my impression...

[Covenant]

Cheers Denis,
At least if you dont like it, you haven't wasted much money!

[rossman]

I received and fitted the new chip last night.

While it didn't resolve the noise issue that I was experiencing between tracks I agree that there is a significant improvement.

I have a pair of Sennheiser HD600 headphones which I thought were dark and murky with the original chip. The new firmware opened the sound out significantly and they now sound wonderful.

[richard51]

Cheers Denis,
At least if you dont like it, you haven't wasted much money!

I trust you and stanley beresford and rossman... the price is not a heavy burden no, my system is now very resolving with my monsoon mm 2000 speakers, and hifiman he 400 paired with the Ember amp +7193 tubes (these tubes are fantastic, and more resolving than all my others) thanks to you all here ...i will comment in few;) days or weeks....

[Covenant]

I trust you and stanley beresford and rossman... the price is not a heavy burden no, my system is now very resolving with my monsoon mm 2000 speakers, and hifiman he 400 paired with the Ember amp +7193 tubes (these tubes are fantastic, and more resolving than all my others) thanks to you all here ...i will comment in few;) days or weeks....

Same headphones as me-did you get the special earpads?

[richard51]

Same headphones as me-did you get the special earpads?

No what are your special earpad? Now i have a new tube that transform completely the he 400 for the soundstage...... way better with the 7193 tubes on the Ember amp... I am proud to have the bushmaster ( for the price unrivaled dac) and the Ember unrivaled amp for the price

[Covenant]

Hi Denis,
They were available through Head-Fi, see this thread:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/646812/hifiman-he500-he400-jergpad-mod-v2-5
In all honesty, I think the improvement they make is marginal and I wouldn't bother getting them, if they are available. I also got a padded headband that clips around the old one and makes the cans a lot more comfortable. Sent off to the USA for it-cost about £10. Now that was worth it.

[richard51]

Hi Denis,
They were available through Head-Fi, see this thread:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/646812/hifiman-he500-he400-jergpad-mod-v2-5
In all honesty, I think the improvement they make is marginal and I wouldn't bother getting them, if they are available. I also got a padded headband that clips around the old one and makes the cans a lot more comfortable. Sent off to the USA for it-cost about £10. Now that was worth it.

i am glad to have your opinion Covenant, if its only marginal i dont bother either...thanks for your opinion..For the headband i dont have problem best regards my friend...

[icehockeyboy]

I ordered the new firmware chip yesterday. Stan thinks it could solve a problem with noise between tracks when using shuffle play on my network player.

I'm looking forward to seeing if this works and to an improvement in sound quality as well.

No doubt about it improving sound quality. :)

[Fi-Wi]

So I understand that this upgrade is only significantly noticable with hi-res files?

My BMII is connected to a Capella so my headphones already sound superb in my taste, but if little differences can be heard with 320kbs streams I don' think that I have to bother. I don't use hi-res at this moment but I applaude for the continuing developments by Stan.

[rossman]

So I understand that this upgrade is only significantly noticable with hi-res files?

My BMII is connected to a Capella so my headphones already sound superb in my taste, but if little differences can be heard with 320kbs streams I don' think that I have to bother. I don't use hi-res at this moment but I applaude for the continuing developments by Stan.

I haven't played any Hi res files yet, just standard Red book CDs, rips and Flac or Wav files, but all have sounded better with the new chip. So it's not just hi res that is improved.

[Covenant]

In my system the improvement is more noticeable with a better quality source. What I said was that it enabled me to hear the difference between high quality streams-the better ones sound very impressive.

[Theadmans]

24 years ago I bought a 4 CD box set called Palatine - The Factory Records Story.

About 10 years ago when CD prices were at their peak I sold this box set for around £120.

A few weeks ago I snagged another copy of this box set for just over £10 (although imported from the USA).

This week I listened to the Box Set again for the first time in many years with the BM II Firmware Mod.

Staggered - just staggered - I am hearing things I have never heard before - I know this music very well having bought the first Joy Division LP in '79.

This is the best digital Factory Records I have ever heard, more bass, better detail, improved sound stage etc etc.

[uproar13]

I'm getting better soundstage, more realistic vocals and better bass from the upgrade.

Out of interest what headphones are people using with this?

[Theadmans]

I'm getting better soundstage, more realistic vocals and better bass from the upgrade.

Out of interest what headphones are people using with this?

...well I have Sennheiser HD650s linked to the Capella Head Amp (although most of my listening on Cans is late night stuff so as to not disturb the rest of the family in bed).

A lot of my listening since the chip upgrade has been through my Creek Integrated Amp and 10 year old AVI Neutron IV Speakers. I find these excellent 10 year old bookshelf speakers are exceptionally revealing when used in near field mode. These are the last UK made Neutrons and in my opinion are the sweet spot of the range - the quality of the treble from the tweeter is superb (I picked these up mint - second hand - for £200 a few years ago from a guy on Hi-Fi Wigwam).

http://www.thedigitalmusicexperts.com/TDME/AVI_NIV_files/avi-neutrons_4_with_wine.jpg

[richard51]

In my system the improvement is more noticeable with a better quality source. What I said was that it enabled me to hear the difference between high quality streams-the better ones sound very impressive.

dear Covenant i confirm your impression about the upgrade 2 for the bushmaster....In fact i am convinced that if someone dont hear a great difference there is a problem in his gear( cable headphone or speakers) My gear is very resolving about details... i had stax and planar speakers....the upgrade refine all frequencies across the board and made the soundstage more vivid.... Thanks to our generous genious stanley Beresford...

[pikebobstar]

Hi All,

Received my upgrade chip today (excellent service, only ordered Wednesday afternoon).

A breeze to fit although my example had one of the legs bent and folded (easy to sort with basic tools, patience and care). The label was on upside down so following Stan's instructions to the letter, it initially didn't work with the unit completely dead. I figured out by comparing the 2, that there is a half circle cut out on the top of the chip on the left side. By fitting the upgrade chip the same way around as the original, it powered on fine. I had a quick listen to make sure was working and then left to burn in for a couple of hours.

Just had my first serious listen. I can confirm it is a night and day difference in my system. Summed up, the overall sound is more real and natural. Bass is fuller with better impact. Cymbals decay superbly. The detail is almost as good as vinyl (obviously a subjective opinion :) ) and the level of detail continues when things get busy. You can still pick out individual instruments and follow them. I'm impressed and would recommend for just shy of £20 delivered. Definitely worth the outlay.

Cheers

[Fi-Wi]

I installed the upgrade just 5 minutes ago and the first thing I notice when listening through my beyerdynamics DT990 pro's are more pronounced vocals and a punchier bass on Radio Paradise HQ stream.

So far so good.

[Darren66]

Thinking of buying latest firmware update. Question,I run the DAC from the anker battery but didn't upgrade with the first firmware chip which I believe helped with battery use. Does the latest firmware do both or would I need to buy both.

Thanks for any help. Darren

[StanleyB]

Thinking of buying latest firmware update. Question,I run the DAC from the anker battery but didn't upgrade with the first firmware chip which I believe helped with battery use. Does the latest firmware do both or would I need to buy both.

Thanks for any help. Darren
The new firmware has the battery function included.

[Darren66]

The new firmware has the battery function included.

Thanks Stan will be ordering soon.

[TimJ]

Just ordered mine, hope it is easy to fit!

[uproar13]

If i can do it anyone can :-)

[TimJ]

Any advice which way round the chip goes in or does it not matter? Thanks
No probs sorted, stan kindly replied

[PhilofCas]

Hi all,

I got this updated chip recently from Stanley (excellent quick service, thank you :thumbsup:).

The difference is very noticeable, a definite increase in clarity and transient speed across all frequencies, for me it has stripped away a layer of harshness I didn't even realise was there (in the DAC), it's cleaned up the higher midrange/top end no end, it makes everything more intelligible and smoother, it urges you to keep creeping the volume up. I've not listened to many albums so far, but I've tried some what I consider to be poor recordings, the increased cleanliness and smoothness has helped these along nicely. Just listened to The Good, the Bad and the Queen, and now listening to Air, 10000hz Legend, what a difference, it's as though everything has clicked into focus, without any added glare, it really is a marked improvement.

A complete no brainer - simply a must buy for anyone.

Stanley really has found a very effective upgrade for peanuts, brilliant.

[TimJ]

god knows how spending a mere £20 could improve things yet again! thanks stan, superb, even the wife is asking to listen to tunes to hear how good they can sound. Never thought my set up could be improved by such a small payout. great thank you Stan, keep up the good work :)

[rossman]

I've spent a fair bit of time over the last couple of days listening to the DAC with the new chip.

I'm thoroughly enjoying it even though I can't really put my finger on why that is at the moment. I know that some of the hi fi aspects such as bass, timing, sibilance and clarity have improved but it's the overall sense of listening to music rather than hi fi that has got me digging out stuff that I haven't heard for a while and listening to albums all the way through, including tracks that I didn't really appreciate before.

One of the benefits for me is the ability to retain musicality and intelligibility at lower listening levels rather than wanting to constantly turn it up. I'll be ordering a battery soon as well to see what benefits that brings and I can see a Caiman II being ordered in the future.

[kininigin]

The new firmware has the battery function included.

What does the battery function in the new firmware do?

[kininigin]

Well i've ordered the firmware upgrade! Very interested it how it will sound and judging from previous comments,should be just what i'm looking for!

[Audio Advent]

Can I ask how to change the clocking options? I've never bothered to compare but fancy doing so..

[kininigin]

Well got the new firmware upgrade,thank you stan for your excellent service as always! I installed it last week and made sure everything was working as it should,which it is.

Went away last weekend and have been working to very late this week,so not had a chance to have a proper listen yet! From what i have heard so far though has been impressive and echoes what others have said!

[PhilofCas]

Just a little update to my earlier posting, listening to Beck's The Information, very familiar to me having listened to it lots, quite a dense, heavy recording in places, with lots going on, the update cuts through this and reveals lots of previously hidden layers, simply brilliant, :cheers: Stan.

[Ray]

I got the new firmware chip a few weeks ago and a yet I haven't ventured in with screwdriver in hand!
Do I have any soldering to do or dose the old chip just slot out and the new one slots in?

Thanks, Ray

[CageyH]

No soldering required.
Pay special attention to the chip orientation before removing it. Put the new one back in ensuring the orientation is correct.
It's quite easy to do.

[StanleyB]

I got the new firmware chip a few weeks ago and a yet I haven't ventured in with screwdriver in hand!
Do I have any soldering to do or dose the old chip just slot out and the new one slots in?

Thanks, Ray
You should have received the fitting instructions in an email. If you didn't, email me and I shall email you back with the instructions.

[Ray]

Found the distructions Stanley.
I only use that e-mail address for reciepts and junk mail, it's just to keep my primary address clean,, I never check it, that's how I missed it.
I'll put it in over the next day or so and have a we play.

Thanks Again, Ray

[Ray]

Putting the new firmware chip in was simple,, once I got the case lid lifted up. I don't think I have ever seen a case fit together so beautifuly snug.
I had music going all day yesterday and today and my impression is that the sound is much fuller in not only the upper bass but in the midrange with a slightly softer sound in the top end that is very becomming, the change in cymbals was most noticeable they are really beautiful so life like now.
Sorry I didn't stick it in a few weeks ago and I'm delighted with the changes !