For some reason, I cannot get the Massive FPGA update to show up from my USB drive when I go into the FPGA load screen. The other update worked just fine, showing updated firmware version 2.6.2 from the previous version. The FPGA Version shows as 179-Antero. In fact, when I am in the FPGA load screen, I see no valid FPGA files listed at all, including from the thumb drive that I have inserted containing the latest Massive FPGA bin file. Yes…the USB thumb drive is formatted in FAT 32 and the file is the only file that is loaded in the root directory. It is a 32GB drive. Can anyone help?
You might need to scroll down (use the down arrow on the control wheel) in order to see the additional FPGA load.
I have already tried that probably 5 times------nothing is listed at all.
I’m dipping in and out (apparently, there was an arraignment today in a major federal crime), but so far, to my ears, Massive is massively good.
My notes include clarity, focus, drive, percussiveness, ambience, bass, illumination of the back corners of the soundstage and lowered sibilance…
Can someone point me to a description of the changes and fixes?
In summary, basically all the issues reported that should have been fixed prior to the initial release, and I’d guess it measures better now after the first reviews.
Fortunately it now sounds amazing with the release of Massive.
I agree…some “release notes” would be appreciated (if not already provided elsewhere by PSA).
(@jamesh?)
the release notes are in downloaded zip file :
Version 2.6.2
Date 08/01/2023 File image.binFpga1_228_Massive.bin
Description
Added Massive Mountaintop release (FPGA version 228).
Note that the DSD UI firmware image has not changed (still at 2.6.2).Fixes
• Massive Mountaintop FPGA release
◦ Adds 7th order SDM
◦ Improvements to FPGA output stage ◦ Fixes for clicks and pops
Thank you!
The installation of the new software, Massive Mountaintop release (FPGA version 228), went smoothly without any issues whatsoever. I’ve played some of my test tracks that I’m familiar with, and I really like what I’m hearing. My initial impression is that the soundstage has been slightly pulled back and has more center focus. The soundstage is also a bit narrower compared to the previous version, but it’s possible that this might change after a few days and with more hours of burn-in time of the FPGA.
Vocals, acoustic instruments, and especially the piano sound excellent with better separation than before. I have very open and revealing speakers (Piega), and previously, some recordings could be a bit sharp in the top. This is now gone, and I can sense more warmth, making everything sound more “analog” if I can use that word to describe the playback of digital files 
Sibilance, especially in female vocals, has disappeared, and it sounds more natural.
All in all, a fantastic upgrade. I’m looking forward to listening more!
I have had this happen before. Have you used that drive to load version before? I have one that works and one that does not? Fat32 vs NTFS. Sometimes I have to do a cold boot or two.
The DS MkII cannot “see” more than 10 files from the loading screen. If you have other stuff on that USB, try removing it.
Can you make sure your connection to the DAC is solid? Also, any chance you could run the Bit Perfect test for us and make sure everything’s set correctly?
Can someone point me to file(s) and process for doing Bit Perfect testing of the MK2?
Thanks
After some more Massive listening I’ve got to concur with the general findings…quieter, deeper, more separation, air, etc. This is even after the APS transformer mod that took the MK2 in these same directions. But the best bump, the most elusive one, is the one that heightens our engagement. Voices and instruments just sound more real. Call it whatever you want…warmth, body, bloom, less digital…it all gets you closer. Less analysis, more listening for fun.
After listening to every new mountain top on the MK1 (and Snowmass was a beauty) this new one matches Paul’s hyperbole. Kudos to Ted and the gang.
Wow. Looking forward to the install when the drive that PS Audio will be mailing me arrives. (Thanks for that PS Audio–being able to buy factory prepared firmware updates has been a great thing for me.)
I’m enjoying a similar thing as my new tube amp seasons in. . . sounds are becoming more real. That’s the goal!
Well 228 loads but for some reason it does not recognise USB input, green light is on but no sample rate. Have changed cable no difference, go back to other DAC before MK2 and all is good.
So, reloaded 208 and suddenly Mk2 functions as before all good with Usb green light on and sample rate and Mk2 has output. For some reason 228 even when loaded get USB green light but no sample rate and nil function.
The Rev C manual is not very clear regarding different settings but I have not changed any settings. Still had to put Vol to 100 and Fixed Vol to Off when 228 was loaded as expected but even with USB green light on still no sample rate.
So back to 208 it is and will have to wait for “the magic of Ted’s Massive” at some later date. Not happy. Why should loading 228 and not changing anything else not give sample rate and no output? As old saying goes “answers on a postcard…”
I’ll DM you, we’ll see what’s going on.
Hi Paul, I checked all the connections, no issues there unless I have a bad cable. When I reported this I had only been listening to silver discs though the PST. I have a PS I2S-12 cable for that and that combo had worked flawlessly with the DS Mk I and Mk II prior to this firmware upgrade. After that I tried USB and optical, both have the issue. I did try another USB since it was a cheapie, no difference. I did try the Bit Perfect test, using my iPad (no streamer to replace my Bridge II yet), the larger file came through as 96-16 and the smaller file came though as 96-24. Neither file triggered a “Bit Perfect” on the DS Mk II, but does that display support that? If it does there’s a problem, but only when using the iPad via USB.
I should add that I reloaded the FPGA firmware (the exact same version I used for the first load) a couple of times. After the first reload there was an improvement, I would say it was at least 50% fewer “dropouts”. The second reload made no difference. I checked the file on the server, has the same date and time as the one I first one I downloaded. I did redownload and unzip, just in case there was a glitch in that process, but the file size was the same. I did not try loading the redownloaded version into the FPGA.
For the sake of completeness, is there a possibility that one of my other components, Stellar P3 Regenerator or BHK Pre could be causing this? Can’t think of why but have to make sure.
It’s kind of hidden, but if you go to the main DirectStream Mk2 product page and scroll down just a bit past the order button, you’ll see a little section with a video of Paul raving over the new firmware and some benchmark figures describing the improvements in ultrasonic and audible noise. To me, the release notes are very dry and only meant as a bookkeeping record.