I’ve also noticed what others have and am quite impressed with what’s been accomplished. One thing not commented on thus far is tonal quality. I noticed both initially and in a more extended session several hours later that the overall balance here sounds like it moved upward, and that middling and worse music files (flac, mp3) are more apt to sound ragged and the top end screechy (effect of more extended highs?). Not sure I like either of those, especially the first, but much more listening needed. This is using an ethernet cable (Audioquest Vodka) from router to Bridge I on a Windows 8.1 desktop computer.
Elk said Dim works fine for me.Perhaps powering down the DS completely and restarting it will return things to normal.
Fim works fine too. I always remove SD card power down and do second restart when updating firmware. It was suggested to me by another forum member long ago to do this.
willcycle said I am sorry to see the dim switch toggle not implemented in this firmware. More listening time is required for me to comment on the sound.It should work, I just tested on my DS in the lab.
Dennis
@Dennis: Should even bridge II beta testers switch to pikes peak? I´ve seen that the fpga is the same, but the DSDD and DSDG differ.
I just thought I would chime in with some impressions.
So far it seems that it is only Al that expressed some critisism, but this time I tend to agree with him. I think the mids (e.g. solo instruments) are a bit recessed. The soundstage also seem to slightly rise towards the roof (a foot or so), however this could be more correct for all I know.
On the positive side the plucking of a guitar string is indeed improved and I think the noise floor is lower, at least attenuated background sounds seems to stand out even more than with the last revision. There are indeed more going on.
I think our impressions are highly affected by the inherent properties of the systems we own (especially the speaker characteristics). In my case I am currently using the RCA output of the DS DAC for my subs and the XLR output for my main speakers. This unbalances the XLR output which results in a lower output level and I am also of the impression that this influence the recessed mids experience. The transients are somewhat restrained and polite, however I agree with those who say that the DSD sound quality also has improved (slightly).
I am partly getting the foot-tapping feel, however I need to investigate further by disconnecting the subs (which will result in less slam and less rich sound). The subs do not camuflage other frequencies, but might have a significant impact on the overall sound balance.
It might be that when I hook up my preamp (returning from upgrade) all of my reservations may vanish.
One more thing:
The power button flashes forever during the upgrade. Since I have reported the ground problem via I2s I disconnected the I2s cable and restored power on the DS and now everything worked. I checked that the latest Pikes Peak OS was onboard.
highstream said One thing not commented on thus far is tonal quality.I did, above: "Timbre is richer, with greater texture."
. . . the overall balance here sounds like it moved upward, and that middling and worse music files (flac, mp3) are more apt to sound ragged and the top end screechy (effect of more extended highs?).Subjectively, this makes sense. Any time transparency and clarity are improved higher frequencies appear emphasized. It is the flip-side to those who hear greater detail when the high end is boosted by a dB or two. It is easy to conflate transparency and detail with boosted highs. And vice versa.
On a separate topic, I am struck by your including FLAC files with “middling and worse music files.” If you find lossless FLAC files to sound bad, there are other issues which need be addressed.
Dennis Kerrisk said
aliaswolf said @Dennis: Should even bridge II beta testers switch to pikes peak? I´ve seen that the fpga is the same, but the DSDD and DSDG differ.Only if you want to check the sound quality. The bridge beta code has had the sound verified'
Dennis
Frode said I think the mids (e.g. solo instruments) are a bit recessed.I do not hear this, but will critically listen.
The soundstage also seem to slightly rise towards the roof (a foot or so), however this could be more correct for all I know.Many find this to be a sign of better reproduction. I am unconvinced this effect is "better," but find it often correlates with greater top end clarity, which itself is good.
On the positive side the plucking of a guitar string is indeed improved and I think the noise floor is lower, at least attenuated background sounds seems to stand out even more than with the last revision. There is indeed more going on.Fully agreed, and it is nice to hear someone else finds the S/N ratio is improved. I continue to find striking that there can be a sense of greater quiet when any potential noise is vanishingly low to begin with.
I would not call it a criticism, but there is one “change” that is personal preference dependent. It feels like I have moved from the third table from the stage in the club (Blue Note) to the first. The music is more up close - in your face. You may or may not like this change. Could be entirely just my system - there are so many variables. I am personally somewhat agnostic on this - I enjoy both tables, and just adapt to the new seating arrangement. All other improvements are unambiguously positive. I sense so shift up in the spectrum. Tonal balance seems a little different, but really what I am hearing is “more going on” and better separation of instruments.
I am listening in near field with my speakers, so this might influence the ‘up close’ experience less than others.
I also think that single point dome tweeters may sound more aggressive than ribbon foils, meaning that some reports dominant mids and others reports recessed mids.
Dennis Kerrisk saidDennis Kerrisk saidaliaswolf said @Dennis: Should even bridge II beta testers switch to pikes peak? I´ve seen that the fpga is the same, but the DSDD and DSDG differ.Only if you want to check the sound quality. The bridge beta code has had the sound verified’
Dennis
Out of curiosity I switched to pikes peak. Now the DS can’t find the bridge II any more (not an option from the front display; if I switch to bridge via remote there is no network connection). So I believe I have to go back to the beta tester version?!
aliaswolf saidDennis Kerrisk saidDennis Kerrisk saidaliaswolf said @Dennis: Should even bridge II beta testers switch to pikes peak? I´ve seen that the fpga is the same, but the DSDD and DSDG differ.Only if you want to check the sound quality. The bridge beta code has had the sound verified’
Dennis
Out of curiosity I switched to pikes peak. Now the DS can’t find the bridge II any more (not an option from the front display; if I switch to bridge via remote there is no network connection). So I believe I have to go back to the beta tester version?!
Pikes Peak will not run the bridge II. Sorry about that.
Dennis
I experience recessed nothing. Everyone across the spectrum is jumping out more in equal measure (mid bass may be a bit more to be fair), but if anything sounding more balanced than before. I have ribbon tweeters.
Yes, my sense is also closer up than 2.4.6, and I also wondered if the midrange is a little recessed. In a sonically well-designed auditorium or venue, I’ve read and experienced that roughly row H gives better sound than being up close (as a frequent purchaser of symphony rush tickets, I typically end up in the first few rows). If I understand why correctly, the extra distance gives the different frequencies a better chance to reach one’s ears as more integrated. I’m not sure how that applies to desktop audio, but the parallel came to mind.
As for (downloaded) flac files, I included them some among the middling because some I have are, and Pikes Peak definitely emphasizes or brings out a certain raggedness here that wasn’t so noticeable, if at all, with the 2.4.6. I emphasize “here” and “thus far.”
First of all, thanks for the hard work!
The latest firmware Pike is loaded. My first impression is. Where is the difference? If there is a difference I think I have to switch back to be sure. If I want to hear a difference than maybe it is a bit more spiky. If there is a difference than it is real small on my system.
Don’t get me wrong I realy appreciate the hard work.
Funny - a no difference guy had to come out of the woodworks. I had the same experience with the previous FW upgrade. First you think you must be tonedeaf. Then you chalk it up to too many uncontrollable variables 
edorr said I experience recessed nothing. Everyone across the spectrum is jumping out more in equal measure (mid bass may be a bit more to be fair), but if anything sounding more balanced than before. I have ribbon tweeters.Ok.
I have a slight dip in my hearing around 6kHz. This may be an explanation for why I like pronounced mids.
When I said ribbon I meant foil (5’ long) and not a single point ribbon tweeter. I don’t know which type you refer to.
Frode saidedorr said I experience recessed nothing. Everyone across the spectrum is jumping out more in equal measure (mid bass may be a bit more to be fair), but if anything sounding more balanced than before. I have ribbon tweeters.Ok.
I have a slight dip in my hearing around 6kHz. This may be an explanation for why I like pronounced mids.
When I said ribbon I meant foil (5’ long) and not a single point ribbon tweeter. I don’t know which type you refer to.
I have just a ribbon tweeter. I have not calibrated my ears yet. Sounds like DRC allowing you to lift the 6KHz band.
However, keep in mind that 6Khz is not a midrange frequency. All you hear at 6Khz are harmonics. Not sure what tweeter crossover points are, but no way in a 3 way system, 6Khz goes to the midrange driver.
Everything over 400Hz goes to my ribbon foil. I do not have a mid range woofer. My speakers are open baffle with a tall ribbon column.
Below 400Hz my dual 12" woofers take over and below 50Hz my subs are dominant.
That is just year speaker design / crossover point issue. Still does not make 6Khz a “midrange” signal. It is a high frequency… Female vocals max out at about 1 Khz. The rest are overtones…