For the stock DirectStream, there is/was such consensus.
But it’s not relevant to modified DACs.
Yeah I know, just wondering why?
Would think that as you improve the hardware you’d notice an even bigger improvement between Snowmass and Sunlight. Sunlight wasn’t just a different flavor, it was more revealing because of a lower noise floor.
Was it really?
Looking back, I feel like these newer FW were adding more wow effect. Whether they added resolution or not, lowered the noise floor or not, the stock DirectStream sound was never right (lifelike) or even good.
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I will answer (or not) with a different example.
You know how many people applied EMI/RF absorbers directly on the chips. With the stock DAC, it worked well. It smothened (somewhat muffled) the stock unpleasant sound. I had these on the key chips myself.
But once you work your way up the mods stages, the same EMI/RF absorbers now steal the resolution. I removed these absorbers from the chips, which really lowered the noise floor.
Though, I still have some absorbers nearby the display/processor and input boards to work with RF reflections.
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I could not disagree more, based on my somewhat limited experience.
Compared to what? I guess that is the question I would ask you.
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With Sunlight, the stock DSD Mk1 reached it’s highest peak, then combined with the APS VOCM upgrade, it spread it’s wings and ascended even high, becoming a truly remarkable DAC.
This goes on to show that everyone has a different set of ears. If Snowmass works for you, be happy and enjoy your system. Everyone’s system is different and unique depending on the rest of the chain. In my chain, DSD MK1 was never lifeless. Even without my BHK preamp. EMI/RF did wonders reducing noise even with the mods. In my ears, and my specific system, Sunlight trounces Snowmass V1/2/3. Some ears may enjoyed slightly veiled (less revealing) sound, and that’s fine. But, I would be a little more cautious making these categorical statements.
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Quita true. There are many reasons why “YMMV” has become a cliche.
I’m a little concerned why Snowmass sounds better with the sig plus upgrade. Did something in the upgrade possibly take a step backwards? Again to my ears Sunlight wasn’t merely a different flavor, it was a genuine step forward. Hearing an expanded soundstage, increased dynamics, and newfound low level details all indicate a lower noise floor, that’s an objective and positive step forward. Why then would improving the hardware, sound so much better reverting back to an inferior firmware?
Your starting point is logically false. That’s why you’re confused. Previous FW are not inferior, later FW are not better.
I would say, FW were more like crutches for the bad stock sound. Hardware improved - no need for crutches.
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Compared to even cheaper DACs like Bel Canto 2.5 or Mytek Brooklyn. And of course, compared to the same modded DirectStream.
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And I would say I suspect you don’t quite understand how the DS DACs work vis a vis the FPGA programing efforts of @tedsmith . Your reference to a bad stock sound just does not match my experience.
I have a modified DS Sr. and none of the hardware modifications (JK Richards’ analogue power supply board, removing the Bridge II card, and the original JK Richards’ transformer swap - whatever they used early on) provided more than an incremental improvement to what I would characterize as the “stock sound”.
I perceived these modifications helped lower the noise floor, so to speak. But the differences they wrought were subtle, and not “game changing” to my ears. They did not convert an underperforming piece of kit into a great piece of kit. The DS Sr. was already the best DAC I had ever heard in my system.
Moreover, my experience with the various Firm Ware changes in the FPGA programing (i.e., the various mountain tops) was similar. Each progression seemed to allow for better low-resolution detail, some improvement in “tonality” and better separation of recorded content in the space/sound stage provided for in the recording. To my ears, each programming change eked a bit more out of the “stock sound”.
In other words, I submit that “improved hardware” does not change the stock sound. Rather, it also helps (where relevant) to lower the noise floor and allow for better resolution of what is on a given recording.
My $0.02/YMMV/IMO/IME… 
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I have never listened to these DACs in my system, so I’ll have to defer to your personal experience with them in yours.
It doesn’t surprise me that some don’t like Snowmass over the newest firmware. With just the upgraded transformers and the VOCM mod like my buddy has there was not that much difference between firmware’s that we could hear. His even has some power supply upgrades. With my Signature Series Plus it’s much easier to hear the difference. In fact a night and day difference between the two DACs. It’s like a cheap phonograph cartridge versus a very expensive one. You realize how good it is when your speakers totally disappear and presented with a massive sound stage. So open and clear.
I did extensive listening with most all the firmware and it’s an easy win with Snowmass. When you get to this level of sound quality, you can hear small changes much easier. It’s much better than my Chord Dave and my dCS.
Have you tried switching back and forth between Snowmass and Sunlight on your sig plus?
Yes. It was an easy decision with my Signature Series Plus however with my buddies he had to leave the DAC on a particular firmware for at least several days at a time as one can get accustomed to a version over a long period of time. My recommendation would be leave the firmware you are testing on for at least two days or more before switching and making a final decision.
Originally I was going to leave it on Snowmass for an extended period of time, but couldn’t take for more than 15 minutes. That was more than enough time to realize it wasn’t to my liking. As soon as I switched back the magic returned.
You may have issues with your DAC like high DC offset or noisy power supply as explained to me by APS. Ted Smith made the newer firmware to address hardware issues. Sounds like what you’re experiencing.
Fix them and your on your way to the next level in sound quality.
Care to elaborate…?
I don’t understand what you are referring to; or how a change to FPGA programming can “address hardware issues”.
TIA.
According to Ted himself. The FPGA has control of each of all four opamps per channel. In later firmware he changes phasing of these separately to help lower noise and fix other issues.
Turbotk has asked specifically this question about this to help him with his own upgrades. He also uses snowmass as he thinks it is better suited for his modified DAC.
I know absolutely that it sounds much better with DirectStream that has been heavily modified to fix the hardware issues. Unless you experienced this yourself you could not possibly know what you are missing.
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OK, so changing out the four subject operational amplifiers for better performing op amps negates the need for the FPGA tweaks intended adjust the op amp phasing and noise.
This means you can have a “better” hardware baseline, so to speak; and a previous FPGA programming can then sound “better”.
Do I have that correct?
Thanks for the follow up.
Cheers.