Denafrips Firmware Upgrade

[friendly]

Denafrips FPGA Chip Firmware Upgrade
I recently received an email alert for Alvin at Vinshine Audio, they were about to roll out firmware upgrades for their Dacs. An email to Alvin resulted in my being asked to supply a picture of the chip in my Aries ii dac. The chip has undergone various model changes during production runs and they need to confirm the chip to supply the correct firmware and loading program.

The process will require removing your dac from your audio system and removing the case cover to photograph the FPGA chip. An email was sent with picture attached and about one week later I received a reply with the appropriate files for my particular chip. Together with a link to a step-by-step guide. Unlike me please read carefully. I didn't and it caused a great scratching of my head, light cursing followed by profanities.

Before you attach your dac to the computer you need to download two files from the Denafrips site. In my case a Windows OS driver file and a config file.

I do think these should be bundled with the upgrade email to make the process easier.

Once you have installed the Windows file you will be able to connect it via USB cable and proceed with the upgrade carefully following the instructions. Being a genius I saw what I expected to see not what was written. The final stage is counterintuitive and threw me completely ie you put the dac back into standby mode for the firmware to install. I assumed it had to be on for it to work. DUH a Homer moment.

But what you want to know was it worth the effort? Oh was it ever, the sound has been elevated by a large margin. First impression was smooth then as I played my favourite tracks it became apparent that detail and separation had gone to another level and dynamic shading is hugely improved, this having a big impact on the musical interpretation. The finger picking on Nils Lofgren Keith Don’t Go has been transformed, and nuances of shading expose his lovely phrasing.

Thank you Alvin for supporting your products long term. I can think of a few firms that would charge no small amount for an upgrade like this, insisting that we take the item to a specialist dealer and thanking them for lightening our wallet.

[Covenant]

Whooo this is exciting.
Does the firmware upgrade only apply when connected via USB? I use SPDIF. I briefly tried USB but couldn't get it to work, I don't think the Aries likes my squeezebox touch.

[struth]

id imagine you will need to attach via usb to do the upgrade but it then should upgrade the dac as a whole

[Covenant]

Thanks Grant,
Yea, that's what I thought. I will certainly have a go installing the update.

[mikeyb]

Needs to be plugged into your pc via usb, I've done mine and there's a definite step up in sound quality.

I'd advise having the instructions printed or view them on another device so you don't interfere with the install from the pc.

[friendly]

Yes it must be connected via USB to a computer and yes it's a full upgrade no matter how you connect it in your system.

[Bencat]

If you want to use USB with your Squeezebox Touch then you need to do two things . Doing the first might well work on its own but if not then you will need the second as well . Firstly on the SBT go to Apps and make sure you allow third party apps . Then under the App list look for the Triode Digital Output App and install it . The SBT will then reboot and when it next turn on you should see across the top of the black screen telling you the Triode app is installed and not supported.

Then on the first home page go to the bottom and go to settings . You will find one called Audio Settings and a listing Digital Output . Make sure that you have USB out connected to whatever DAC you want to use . Under Digital Output you should see a line saying USB output to and the name of you DAC . Choose this and then SBT will reboot . If this all works fine then that will give you sound out through your USB . If on the other hand USB is not listed in the Digital Output menu just Analogue + Digital and Digital then this is because the SBT is an early class 1 usb output and some more modern units at usb 3 do not see it . In this case you will need a passive USB extender which you plug in to the SBT then take your USB cable from that to your DAC and this time your DAC as USB out will appear in the Digital Output list and again choose that option and you will get sound through USB . Please note that choosing USB output in this way turns off both the Analogue output and the Digital output . If you want to go back to them then you will need to go back to the
Digital Output menu and choose one of them . You can not use both options at the same time . Unplug any digital or analogue output cables from the SBT when you use USB and disconnect the USB when using either of the other two options . Hope this helps but you do not need to use the USB output if you do not want to .

[Covenant]

Thanks Andrew,
You are right about my SBT being an old one, It was bought when they first came out. I have used digital with other dacs but had forgotten about the need for a passive USB extender. I presume I don't need this to install the Firmware update?
To everyone about to try the update:
The update for the Aries is password protected but is supplied when you have submitted a photo of the chip. I spent 20 minutes trying to get the password accepted before I realised that the last two digits were capital i rather than 11.

[Bencat]

Jerry

No you do not need the USB extender to do a firmware upgrade . In general the SBT will let you know when you need a firmware upgrade if you do not get a message to do it then best left alone . The Triode is a plug in and no you can do this from the Apps / Menu when you do make sure you tick the bax to reinstall after firmware upgrade or you have to do that yourself .

[Covenant]

Thanks Andrew,
I should have said, I have had the Triode app installed for years and its worked fine with other dacs I have used. Anyway, I have sent off for a passive USB extender to see if that helps.

I have installed the Thesycon driver but the config driver wont install. I have tried disabling Driver Signature following the procedure outlines in the firmware update guide but I must be doing something wrong. I might not be pressing F7 at the right time. Any advice appreciated.