If 3.0.6 has taught us anything, it’s that even if the FPGA code stays the same, small changes in the PIC controller coding can make a noticeable difference in sound quality. That got me thinking; why not create a barebones PIC code that allows for “basic” functionality that emphasizes on pure sound quality rather than functionality. Offer both a fully functional continually updated PIC control code and a barebones one that focuses on sound quality. I’m assuming it’s the extra processing creating more noise.
I don’t know how many are like me, but I rarely interact with my Directstream, only adjusting the volume occasionally and I keep the screen off when the unit is on. I realize for those who use the Bridge, updating the PIC code is important, but for many others who use a different source component or even a pre-amplifier, there is little reason to have all the functionality as we don’t use a lot of it. How about creating PIC code to make it as least noisey as possible with “basic” or “limited” functionality?
Or better yet, offer a hardware upgrade that galvanically isolates the PIC controller from the rest of the system!