The 4.6 verdict

Posted by: Jack From Adelaide on 14 April 2018

Well, it is now a week since I updated my NDX to use the new 4.6 firmware. My principle purpose was to try and improve the stuttering I had on TIDAL and I didn't expect anything else. The playback through TIDAL is vastly improved. There, post done. WAIT there's more.

What I didn't expect from the description was any noticeable change in sound quality. I don't have a multi-room system (would that I could afford such a luxury!) but I do have quite a good main music system, which includes an NDX.

What I found after the first few albums was that the bass was tighter and more "tuneful". Then I noticed higher resolution. This became apparent almost immediately because my music room is next door to my Mother In Law's bedroom and I usually have to either use headphones or listen at painfully low levels so as not to disturb her. I was reading a book and kept having my attention drawn to whatever I was playing. The instruments and the singers were literally leaping out of the speakers into the room. It was uncanny. At this very moment I am listening to K. D Lang's "Hymns of the 49th Parallel" on UpNP server (minim server - rendered to WAV) and the piano in Hallelujah has this wonderful dynamic presentation, the loud and quiet passages are rendered more noticeably. K.D.'s voice and her exquisite control of the pacing and phrasing is there to hear. In a way that I have never noticed before. A couple of days ago it was Imogen Heap and her Ellipse album on TIDAL. Again the sense of her being in the room was remarkable. At some points it made the hair on my arms stand up. I have listened to E. Power Biggs playing Handel, the bizarre and ultimately rewarding Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith's "The Kid", Dami Im's new album "I Hear a Song" and Ryan Teagues "Block Boundaries". Every album is surrendering new details and expression that I have never heard before.

For those of you as ancient as me it is equivalent to the first time I put a moving coil cartridge on my turntable: I am rushing to listen to old favourites and new music to see what it sounds like now! In some cases I am discovering that they aren't as well recorded as I thought (Scartaglen's "This Nights Fun" was closed in and you could hear each microphone feed was in a separate acoustic) others are better than I ever suspected.

This upgrade was extremely painful to load (see my recent posts on the issue) but it was well worth the effort. Here is the magic of digital audio: a simple firmware upgrade is like a multi-thousand dollar improvement in your system.

My advice: If you can't load the firmware after an hour of effort, simply take your gear to your dealer and offer them $20 or something to do it for you. It is well worth the effort.

Posted on: 19 April 2018 by musicfan51

ND555 must be a heckuva player to sound significantly better, after this firmware update to NDS. If it is like 20% better , I likely would not leave my house , just listen to music around the clock . Though not sure I can afford a ND555 . $22K in USA But never say never ! I was not sure I could get an NDS and did .

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by fred47

Am I right to assume that the new firmware update is only sounding worse on the majority of Novas. Mine does....

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by mezza

I didn’t like the sound from my superuniti after the 4.6 update, so went back to 4.4 most people agree that the 4.6 update sounds better, bass better defined and tighter, for me the bass was too prominent, more detail, for me less, sounded closed in, just wasn’t to my liking

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by Graham Clarke

Seems like I'm in the minority of not liking the new firmware on my NDS.

I installed it last weekend and spent an hour trying to convince myself that it was better. At first it did seem like there was more detail in the treble but something was not quite right. I didn't find the bass tighter, it seemed like there was less bass extension, less slam and power to it. I guess that may give it the appearance of being tighter. So the extra detail in the treble might be because there's less bass and the shift in balance between bass and treble makes it seem brighter overall.

So I left it a few days and tried again yesterday. Same result. Demoed it to my wife without any explanation as to what had changed or any comments on the SQ difference and she came to the same conclusion. And yes, I did do a factory reset immediately after install.

So the update may be successful on some people's systems but unfortunately not on mine. So I will be going back to 4.4. Am glad I kept the older set of files!

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by French Rooster

when i first listen some days ago after the update on my nds, i heard a little improvement: a bit more natural and less congested sound, a bit more extended too. But it was subtle and today, accustomed to the sound, it is difficult to me to tell if something really changed. But it is not worse.

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by antony d

yes very pleased with 4.6 as I commented at the time, a very good upgrade on my NDX, I too noticed the improvement from the get go

more detail, focus and seperation - running in a DR so i did think it could of been that but NO its the 4.6

fortunatley I did not have any issues with the upgrade and mine took about 10 mins, took slightly longer looking at the video on u tube and making sure I had it all

thumbs up from me

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by Clive B

French Rooster posted:
when i first listen some days ago after the update on my nds, i heard a little improvement: a bit more natural and less congested sound, a bit more extended too. But it was subtle and today, accustomed to the sound, it is difficult to me to tell if something really changed. But it is not worse.

But isn't that the case with any upgrade you make? After time you just get used to it and it become the new norm. It's only when other people comment on the sound that you remember how good it is overall, but not the last incremental change. At least that's what I find.

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by GST

Graham Clarke posted:
Seems like I'm in the minority of not liking the new firmware on my NDS.
I installed it last weekend and spent an hour trying to convince myself that it was better. At first it did seem like there was more detail in the treble but something was not quite right. I didn't find the bass tighter, it seemed like there was less bass extension, less slam and power to it. I guess that may give it the appearance of being tighter. So the extra detail in the treble might be because there's less bass and the shift in balance between bass and treble makes it seem brighter overall.
So I left it a few days and tried again yesterday. Same result. Demoed it to my wife without any explanation as to what had changed or any comments on the SQ difference and she came to the same conclusion. And yes, I did do a factory reset immediately after install.
So the update may be successful on some people's systems but unfortunately not on mine. So I will be going back to 4.4. Am glad I kept the older set of files!

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by French Rooster

Clive B posted:
French Rooster posted:
when i first listen some days ago after the update on my nds, i heard a little improvement: a bit more natural and less congested sound, a bit more extended too. But it was subtle and today, accustomed to the sound, it is difficult to me to tell if something really changed. But it is not worse.
But isn't that the case with any upgrade you make? After time you just get used to it and it become the new norm. It's only when other people comment on the sound that you remember how good it is overall, but not the last incremental change. At least that's what I find.

i heard some tracks i was not listening recently and now i can’t say really if there is a change. My immediate impressions were improvement, so it is probably that.

With a more noticeable upgrade, i could even in the next days say that i hear an improvement.

So for me it is a subtle change.

If i was not tired the day i finally could install the update, after several problems, i would probably took more time to listen and appreciate if there is a real upgrade or not. I just listened to 3 tracks and my impressions were positive: more easy going sound, a bit more free and natural.

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by musicfan51

With so many disagreeing on if they like or dislike the sound of the 4.6 firmware update , you have to think it comes down to we all hear differently. Guess that is why we do not always agree what speakers sound the best . Interesting all the different opinions .

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by ken c

probably the wrong thread for me to post as I have not really reached a 'verdict' as such -- I am still trying to come to terms with 4.6 NDS update in my active system. A factory reset did have quite a big impact from a brief listen after doing it -- but unfortunately not in the right direction.

Been very busy with work lately -- but I have managed to steal some time to have a listen every now and then. Prior to the upgrade, it was often quite difficult to stop playing music whenever I decided to listen to "just the one" track -- often found myself still playing a couple of hours later -- such was the draw. The few times I have had a chance to listen after the 4.6 upgrade -- this 'draw' has been missing -- meaning that I had difficulty listening for more than 30mins -- lost interest totally after that. Initially I thought this was to do with mood, etc., -- but i now know that is not the case. I tried to force myself to have a longer listening session this afternoon -- failed again. This suggests that in my system -- this upgrade is now working as well a I expected.

It can be quite difficult to describe what one is not happy about in relation to sound quality as this tends to get one dissecting the sound -- which in itself can be quite stressful.

But FWIW, please allow me to try.

Am I hearing more detail?

Yes, definitely...

Is there more bass?

Yes... but see next point...

Then, hey, what are you unhappy about?

The "detail" to me sounds like it is not a 'coherent' as in 4.4 -- the extra "clarity" seems to be coming from exaggerated musical lines -- making the music sound somewhat forced, harsh, congested and fatiguing.

Unless things miraculously improve soon, , It is very likely I will downgrade to 4.4, but I will give it a few more days before doing so.

It is fascinating though that firmware/software can make such a difference -- but I guess that is not surprising in this day of increasingly "processed" music.

Ho hum...

enjoy...

ken

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by musicfan51

ken c posted:
probably the wrong thread for me to post as I have not really reached a 'verdict' as such -- I am still trying to come to terms with 4.6 NDS update in my active system. A factory reset did have quite a big impact from a brief listen after doing it -- but unfortunately not in the right direction.
Been very busy with work lately -- but I have managed to steal some time to have a listen every now and then. Prior to the upgrade, it was often quite difficult to stop playing music whenever I decided to listen to "just the one" track -- often found myself still playing a couple of hours later -- such was the draw. The few times I have had a chance to listen after the 4.6 upgrade -- this 'draw' has been missing -- meaning that I had difficulty listening for more than 30mins -- lost interest totally after that. Initially I thought this was to do with mood, etc., -- but i now know that is not the case. I tried to force myself to have a longer listening session this afternoon -- failed again. This suggests that in my system -- this upgrade is now working as well a I expected.
It can be quite difficult to describe what one is not happy about in relation to sound quality as this tends to get one dissecting the sound -- which in itself can be quite stressful.
But FWIW, please allow me to try.
Am I hearing more detail?
Yes, definitely...
Is there more bass?
Yes... but see next point...
Then, hey, what are you unhappy about?
The "detail" to me sounds like it is not a 'coherent' as in 4.4 -- the extra "clarity" seems to be coming from exaggerated musical lines -- making the music sound somewhat forced, harsh, congested and fatiguing.
Unless things miraculously improve soon, , It is very likely I will downgrade to 4.4, but I will give it a few more days before doing so.
It is fascinating though that firmware/software can make such a difference -- but I guess that is not surprising in this day of increasingly "processed" music.
Ho hum...
enjoy...
ken

And this proves the point that we all hear differently! Plus everyone has different systems with different speakers !

I think we need to take a poll to how many like the changes of 4.6 firmware update in SQ and who does not . Get hard figures to % like and do not like it .

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by Slim68

musicfan51 posted:
I think we need to take a poll to how many like the changes of 4.6 firmware update in SQ and who does not . Get hard figures to % like and do not like it .

Like (very much)

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by GraemeH

Effortless listening to a familiar sounding system = the hours roll by - versus effortful listening to a (now) unfamilar system = fatiguing after 30mins? Perhaps an explanation?

Try uncritical listening to less familiar stuff and see how it goes?

Just a thought.

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by Penarth Blues

I've finally had a bit of a chance to listen to the changes that 4.6 brings to the Uniti2 and I'm not sure I'm that happy.

The best way to describe it is that the sound has gone from being focussed around the mid-range and a small sound stage to now sounding 'hollowed out' in both the mid-range and in the middle of the sound stage. I feel like I've lost the punch and drive in the music that was the reason I bought the system.

I'll listen to some other music over the next few weeks but it may be that the new release simply doesn't suit my room, speakers and Uniti2.

At least I have the option to downgrade and I'm still grateful to Naim for trying to provide an improved sound and functionality from existing equipment

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by ken c

musicfan51 posted:

I think we need to take a poll to how many like the changes of 4.6 firmware update in SQ and who does not . Get hard figures to % like and do not like it .

Without taking any poll, from my reading various reports -- seems clear that most people like the 4.6 sound. People like me seem to be in the minority. I don't recall any previous NDS upgrade having this sort of divided opinion -- even though of course only a few of us cloth eared lot are not too happy with the 4.6 effect... Tough cheese on us I guess...

enjoy

ken

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by ken c

GraemeH posted:
Effortless listening to a familiar sounding system = the hours roll by - versus effortful listening to a (now) unfamilar system = fatiguing after 30mins? Perhaps an explanation?
Try uncritical listening to less familiar stuff and see how it goes?
Just a thought.
G

No idea... as I say, I will give it a few more days and if I still feel the unhappy, then I will definitely roll back to 4.4 and get back to effortlessly listening to music at home, rather than be drawn into 'how to listen' ...

enjoy

ken

Posted on: 20 April 2018 by DomTomLondon

Graham Clarke posted:
Seems like I'm in the minority of not liking the new firmware on my NDS.
I installed it last weekend and spent an hour trying to convince myself that it was better. At first it did seem like there was more detail in the treble but something was not quite right. I didn't find the bass tighter, it seemed like there was less bass extension, less slam and power to it. I guess that may give it the appearance of being tighter. So the extra detail in the treble might be because there's less bass and the shift in balance between bass and treble makes it seem brighter overall.
So I left it a few days and tried again yesterday. Same result. Demoed it to my wife without any explanation as to what had changed or any comments on the SQ difference and she came to the same conclusion. And yes, I did do a factory reset immediately after install.
So the update may be successful on some people's systems but unfortunately not on mine. So I will be going back to 4.4. Am glad I kept the older set of files!

I’m in the same situation with my SU. After the 4.6 update I noticed more detail and separation but that the bass is no longer as full and punchy as before. But it does mean that I can turn the volume up a bit more in the evening and not worry about disturbing my neighbours. So not sure if I’ll go back to 4.4 or just stay with the new update.

Posted on: 21 April 2018 by fred47

My dealer already installed the new firmware on my Nova. Coming from a Nd5xs and Nait XS Im crying my head off. The Nova sounds flat with a sharp edge to it. It does not float in between my room, Liveless and dull....No oempfh , no emotion, nothing...

Posted on: 21 April 2018 by Gazza

It took a good 4 weeks with ups and downs for my Nova to get to its sweet spot. If it’s new be patient.....play radio overnight on low volume etc

Posted on: 21 April 2018 by sjbabbey

fred47 posted:
My dealer already installed the new firmware on my Nova. Coming from a Nd5xs and Nait XS Im crying my head off. The Nova sounds flat with a sharp edge to it. It does not float in between my room, Liveless and dull....No oempfh , no emotion, nothing...

The Nova does not have fw 4.6 installed (the subject of this thread). The new uniti range firmware update is version 2.6.

There is a separate thread to discuss the 2.6 update for the new uniti range.

Posted on: 21 April 2018 by fred47

Sorry I only see 4.6 on the Naim support page ment fot the Uniti Nova.

Posted on: 21 April 2018 by fred47

on the Nova screen it is saying 2,6 9506 but file that I cannot find on the support page.Its saying that the 4.06 is also ment for the Nova. Strange and confusing.

Posted on: 21 April 2018 by sjbabbey

Fred

suggest you check out this thread

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...-april-2018-comments

Posted on: 22 April 2018 by Jonn

ken c posted:
probably the wrong thread for me to post as I have not really reached a 'verdict' as such -- I am still trying to come to terms with 4.6 NDS update in my active system.
Am I hearing more detail?
Yes, definitely...
Is there more bass?
Yes... but see next point...
Then, hey, what are you unhappy about?
The "detail" to me sounds like it is not a 'coherent' as in 4.4 -- the extra "clarity" seems to be coming from exaggerated musical lines -- making the music sound somewhat forced, harsh, congested and fatiguing.
Unless things miraculously improve soon, , It is very likely I will downgrade to 4.4, but I will give it a few more days before doing so.
It is fascinating though that firmware/software can make such a difference -- but I guess that is not surprising in this day of increasingly "processed" music.
Ho hum...
enjoy...
ken

Agree totally Ken. After a week with v4.6 I've now gone back to v4.4 on my NDS and the magic has returned.

V4.6 overemphasised parts of the musical spectrum so it sounded unbalanced. Further the soundstage widened so instruments were spread too far left and right like some 1960s stereo demonstration album. Balance has been restored with v4.4 and the emotional connection to the music is back.

Good thing there is the option.