Firmware updates and sound quality

[davidng]

@Simon-in-Suffolk

firmware changes can change the code execution timing which in turn controls the timing of digital currents read and writing to memory or CPU execution… this in turn changes or ‘shapes’ the conducted noise in ground planes, electro magnetic coupling and internal powerlines.
This reshaped noise can interact with digital clocks and analogue circuitry to produce an audible affect.

@Gazza

it is subtle changes to the electrical floor noise in the Core processor…after a firmware is fixed for release the sound team tweak the noise floor to ensure it is the same or better.

There is a considerable number of posts about SQ change resulting from firmware updates. Whilst I think I did hear some subtle differences, my mind tells me it may be temperature or even humidity that may contribute to the difference. I am sure firmware development team is not doing anything intentional with regard to SQ but merely addressing reported issues and adding features as they are ready. I don’t believe there is built-in machine learning that gets flushed by firmware update. Please tell me if I am wrong.

Really appreciate these two comments from @Simon-in-Suffolk and @Gazza. I don’t really understand processor electrical noise floor but timing seems completely plausible. Perhaps someone from Naim can provide some insights, please. Thank you.