I think we need to wait a week or more to fully evaluate SQ changes. Atom and Nova have tendency to change SQ randomly for unknown reason (at least it was in previous firmware updates).
So yes, for now - the bass is reduced (maybe more controlled?) and mids/highs have more detail. But I’m sure it will sound differently after some time. Maybe SQ will become better. You can read post “Nova, big SQ jump after 9 months!” for more information about that.
Weird! I had a quick listen tonight and my snap impression was richer but rolled off more at the top end. Need to let it settle and give it a proper listen over weekend.
I did factory reset after upgrade as suggested CrystalGipsy, and now sound so much better than last update, the star shines as never before, it’s definitely the best update.Thank you
No idea, but realistically (disliking the previous firmware from June 2018 myself), unless all testers had the same equipment, rooms, ears and tastes it’d be impossible in terms of SQ/presentation to extrapolate for all users - this is why I’d be very keen for a downloadable past firmware repository.
What audio source and network setup are you using? Are you using switch or direct connection from router? Also, what network and power cables? I think how new firmware interprets sound quality is strongly dependent on these circumstances.
A lot of people (including me) complained about boomy bass in previous updates. Maybe they reduced bass to eliminate possible boominess. Anyway, now I’m lacking of good deep bass punch. At least for now.
What I understood the tester have been evaluated the SQ of Airplay 2. I think that every standard like Airplay 2, Chromecast, UPnP need own DSP settings because the music source has different quality and also the music transfer protocol has different quality. I mean that the music from my NAS via UPnP is not the same as the music stream from Tidal or local Music via Airplay 2 (might be the standard with the worst source for music like mp3).
Exactly. Sources, network setup, speaker and power cables, network cables and speakers themselves – all is very important. The same firmware update can do different impact on SQ depending on configuration. For some SQ can improve, for some SQ can become worse.
I think people listening to different sources get different SQ after update. Some like them, some not, some do not see difference. I think SQ is also dependent on unit burn in (how long user have it).
In my opinion test listeners should have Naim PowerLine cables and Naca5 speaker cables. Maybe Focal speakers also…?
I use Sky Wi-Fi network.The main power cable use cheap but well-reinforced and resistant to mechanical interference and what’s important is 3.5mm2 conductors ,the original Naim powerline which have about 1.5mm2, what important I recommend to exchange the Fuse for AMR gold reference 13A. I made by my self the speaker wires with silver-plated braid.The Speakers is Focal Electra 1008be2.
Can the Forum let me know the new Firmware update Version Numbers for an Atom ? Still not able to update in Australia … My Atom is on 2.3.1 (9794) It is saying Firmware is up to date.
Thanks Luc. Everything internet wise has been off and on. Tidal plays fine. Factory reset three times. Still “Firmware is up to date” Installed Version 2.6.1 (9794) . Odd