Hi @Dunc
You may have done this already but if you ask ChatGPT the question below it throws out a whole load of interesting variables. It’s worth reading. It would seem a bit foolish to ridicule people who are experiencing SQ fluctuations post FW update - especially when you can’t possibly possess knowledge of exactly how Naim’s code relates to all those variables…
I agree, worths reading. Gemini Pro is quite clear: Based on the question in “image_e885c4.png”, the short answer is technically no, but psychologically yes.
Interesting reading though, and of course, I am fine with everyone finding reason where it fits.
" From a strict engineering and computer science perspective, a firmware update changes digital code—the software governing how the streamer’s processor, DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), or network interface operates. These changes take effect instantly the moment the device reboots. Digital code does not physically “settle,” “burn in,” or fluctuate over a period of weeks.
However, the phenomenon described in the image is widely reported and discussed in the high-end audiophile community. Here is a breakdown of why someone might experience this perceived fluctuation:
If the firmware update tweaked the streamer’s digital filters, FPGA timing, or DSP (Digital Signal Processing) algorithms, the actual sound signature may have changed. Your brain, which was heavily accustomed to the “old” sound, takes time to adapt to the new presentation. During this adjustment period, your perception of the audio can fluctuate wildly. It might sound incredibly revealing one day, and harsh or fatiguing the next, until your hearing finally “re-calibrates.” In the audio world, this is often referred to as “ear burn-in.”
After applying an update to a high-end system, listeners tend to engage in highly analytical listening. Because you are actively searching for differences, you enter a heightened state of awareness. You might start noticing recording flaws, variations in your local power grid, or slight changes in your room’s acoustics (like temperature or humidity) that were always present, but you are now attributing those normal day-to-day variations to the firmware update “settling.”
Occasionally, a major firmware update might trigger background tasks on the streamer, such as re-indexing a massive local music library, fetching new metadata, or rebuilding databases. If the streamer’s CPU is working overtime, it could theoretically introduce minute amounts of electrical noise or jitter into the signal path. Once those processes finish, the sound might “clean up.” However, this usually takes hours or a few days at most—not weeks.
High-end analog audio gear is highly sensitive to operating temperatures. If a firmware update fundamentally changes the device’s power management—causing the internal processor to run hotter or cooler than before—it could slightly alter the thermal equilibrium of the sensitive analog output stage. Even so, hardware components generally reach a stable thermal state within a few hours of being powered on.
The Verdict The 1s and 0s in the new software are not physically maturing over a few weeks, but the listener’s brain is absolutely working through an adjustment period. When a firmware update alters the timing or digital math of a familiar system, giving it a couple of weeks of normal, relaxed listening is usually the best approach to see if you actually enjoy the new sound profile."
I don’t want to derail this thread with AI findings, hence not pasting the actual lengthy GPT response I got, but I can say that it offered more potential technical explanations than the Gemini response you pasted.
Both technical and psychoacoustical is what I read.
I now hear also differences after a few days, in favour of the highs, details, depth, etc. but also a leaner bass sound which I less like honestly.
As i have said if filters, etc have been changed then 100% i agree it will sound different as filers and code is what digital is and how it sounds, without it you get nothing.
But i 100% disagree that capacitors need to learn or the firmware is evolving, etc, that is just in my view foolishness
What happened to Drago. This is what he has been waiting for for 1.5 years and he pulls out instead of giving a box he’s not using a good chance? Maybe he sold it days before 3.12.
Drago has decided to quit participation in forum discussion (at least for now) when another user made comments on his attitude on this topic. Richard has deleted these comments earlier in this thread.
Awsumz, surely?
That’s a shame as I always enjoyed Drago’s contribution.
Me too, I hope he returns to the forum. I always enjoy reading his posts.
Btw. Has anyone experienced different effects caused by the update between Tidal or Qobuz?
I totally agree with @JP45 and you…
Really? That is a shame. What’s the use of having a ‘discussion forum’ if there are no opposing opinions? I hope @drago returns shortly!
Yes. That’s why Richard Dane has asked people to give opinions on the firmware and refrain from posting opinions on other people.
So maybe it’s better to close this subject here again and discuss the very well sounding (in my opinion 
) 3.12 further.
Very interesting, thank you.
Hi @stavrose
Did the response to the query you submitted include any reference to air temperature and relative humidty in the listening environment?
Really appreciate the fact that for some radio stations cover art is displayed instead of the station logo… well done Naim!
I am very happy with 3.12, but I do miss the webclient for 1 thing only: copying the album cover picture if I want to post a message in the ‘What are you listening to in 2026’ thread.
It would be nice to have a scaled down webclient in a future version (only a now playing page with start, stop, previous and next buttons).
Since suffering severe loss of treble and bass sensitivity in my right ear that felt as tragic as losing a limb, I’ve been on a journey to try and recover that NAIM hifi magic. I dedicated a considerable amount of cash on a headphone amp (Chinese), connecting cable (Talinn-based Spanish artisan) and analogue planar headphones (China).
I felt like I had achieved that “just listening to the music” space that I had lost, then the team at NAIM suddenly released 3.12…
This morning, I listened to “Cherokee Morning Song” by Walela. The level of detail was gob smacking. Background bass tones revealed a sandpapery throatiness previously lacking, percussion acquired extended acoustics and I could actually hear the breath of the vocalists as they sang.
And none of the musicality had been lost.
It doesn’t get any better than this and I fear I may be spending more time in the comfy chair than is good for me.
