New Firmware update v. 3.6.0

I do find it a bit strange that a firmware update that has no mention of changes to the sound in the release notes actually does affect the sound.
Does that mean it was an unplanned side effect? In which case I would have thought that it would still be noted in the release notes as changes to sound are surely monitored closely.
If it was planned why wasn’t it mentioned?
Just curious really, I have noticed a change here after the update.

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After a few days of listening I am impressed with 3.6.
Not good at putting sound comparisons into words so I’ll just say its the best I have heard out of my Atom and I will seriously consider before installing another update. :+1:

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@Mark63 So the sound has changed at least for me with the new firmware version. Intentionally or not Naim should include details in the release notes when they can. This then gives everyone the information on whether to update of not.
I have submitted a ticket requesting information on this and whether the firmware can be regressed on my device as I’m not happy with the sound change. No response as yet.

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My understanding is that if you change anything in the firmware code then it will have an effect, albeit relatively minor, on sound. This is why Naim spend quite a lot of time tweaking the coding to ensure that sound is optimised every time the firmware is revised. They’re getting very good at this now. If they can make it perform even better, all the better. Certainly that’s the aim. Roy is the ultimate judge, THE ears of Naim for many, many years, and as harsh a judge as any. The performance has to please him, otherwise it doesn’t get signed off. End of.

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Yes it’s the release notes not having any mention of it that I find a bit strange.

Or maybe it’s all in our imagination and the devs are watching in amusement, they probably have a sweepstake on how many reports of sound changes come in over the first couple of weeks :grinning:

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Thanks Richard, I never imagined it would go out without sound checks! If changes/improvements are made however, should they not be mentioned in the release notes? Or is it simply a case of it being something that can’t really be put into words?

This is my first firmware update since buying my system so it surprised me. If I didn’t read this forum I’d be wondering what was going on.

At this level of performance, if you change anything anywhere (not just in firmware either) it will always have an effect on sound, so optimising sound is always a really important part of the process.

Right, but being new I only know that as a result of reading this forum and this thread in particular!

When we release a new version of our software we describe all changes, so those customers that aren’t alpha/beta testers or aren’t on our forums are fully informed.

Anyway, I’ll leave it that, I know what to expect next time :slightly_smiling_face:
Cheers

One of the things I’ve always found impressive with NAIM is the way every single upgrade I’ve placed on the long march from that very first purchase (a NAIT) to my current multi-box setup, has drawn away successive veils between my ears and the detail, added all the “hifi” stuff but has never once caused me to stop tapping my foot.

This includes the firmware upgrades.

Huzzah say I.

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I’ve had a Nova and NDX2 for a few years now and have always found a nice lift in sound quality with the Firmware updates, which has been a nice surprise.

The new update has done something quite delightful on the low end, with much tighter paced bass with more separation between different low end instruments. I was a little worried as to how this might interact with my listening room for my main system, but it seems to be hanging together nicely - even with some rather loud Riverside banging way (I do have the doors open to release the bass waves :sunglasses:).

Ha. Yeah. Many would lose their credibility if there were no change to the sound and they were claiming all these enhancements.

I just did the update and had no troubles. Didn’t even have to restart the app. Bravo!

And now for the listening… :neutral_face:

Roy’s golden ears must be rolling off a little now surely? Is there a protege coming up through the ranks?

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Or maybe as they age, they continue to match the demographic of Naim’s traditional customers…

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I asked the same question and was told there is indeed a small team of mini-Roys who’s ears have been in training for a while. This will ensure consistency in SQ testing when Roy finally decides to properly retire.

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A reboot solved the problem.
Volume numbers on the display is back.

Updated my Nova with no issues at all, if they are all built to the same exacting standards why do some people get problems and others none? It seems very odd as there is no hardware change just software.

Possibly because they rely on other things to operate; server, network etc… and these different greatly from one user to the next.

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Indeed, might explain why some find the latest fw a little off in the high end!

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Hi, thanks for this tip. Updating IOS in iphone to 14.4.1 did not solve my issue finding my Atom. Checked permissions which were ‘alow when using app’. In the app when it was searching a saw a short flash of the Atom with the actual song it was playing but then concluded that no devices could be found??
Reinstalling the NAIM app solved it. all working fine now.

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Welcome.
You found out technology 101 really helps.
Turn off (really off, plug out, no electricity) - cup of tea - turn on. Result!
Helped a friend with Sonos issues last weekend by telling him to take the plug out. Stand by is not the same as off.