New beta firmware 7.1.3 released

[Jnan_devi]

New beta Firmware 7.1.3 updated.

Volume : Agreed with some of the posts here. I generally use Mark Knopler's Private Investigation and other Indian songs which has overall dynamics. Not sure about the power increase, but I dont have to go all the way to -10 to -8dB. After 7.1.3 installation, I first increased the volume to the extent i was satisfied with the loudness, and then got up from couch to check the volume, it was at -17dB. Nice change. I clearly see there is improvement in overall listening experience. Found difference in the Bass (not sure yet, need to do some more auditioning). Also found difference in BASS with and without SAM but less compared to 7.1.1. Mids are up-leveled, little forward – I like it this way. I think highs are Close enough to previous (better). I don’t have world best ears to determine the difference.

SAM: Dont have SAM profile for my speakers, but using SAM of new series of the same speaker model. I do find difference, but not as much as the previous Firmware 7.1.1. I can go without SAM or tried to reduce % all the way to 10% which is fine too. I think I will eventually forgo SAM.

Temperature: for my listening volumes of -10dB, With SAM ON (20%) with previous 7.1.1, it used to go upto 44deg.C much quicker ~20mins. Now I noted with 1 hour of listening, it breached 40Deg.C

Overall happier with the new Firmware 7.1.3.

Someone wants to put up a poll ? I would be happy to cast my vote. but with some additional parameters like SQ, SAM different, Volume, No difference at all, Old Firmware better etc.

Went back to 7.1.1 and played for some time until the temp breached 40Deg.C. Played my favourites  at constant volumes of about -16dB. 

SAM - OFF in both the cases but did test them ON and OFF just to see the difference. Will come to that later.

then Upgraded to 7.1.3. Same set of songs while temp were around 39 and then ramped to 41/42. Watched that the volume ramped to 42 with volume set at -16db. had to reduce to -20 to be comfort of my listening loudness.

I Felt the following might be different from what i heard first time. (SAM OFF). I m typing as i m auditioning each element. with lots of repeats.
1) Highs - Much more detailed. Much more spaced, did not notice cut-offs. Was it little harsher ? Nah ... Cleaner ? Hmmm ... Cleaner. Similar to 7.1.1. Means not much changed ? I think there is some improvement.
2) Mids - Better. I m loving them. I like mids more pulled fwd. Not sure if my mind is playing tricks here (upgrade ? must be good types)
3) Bass - I think here it has improved well. 

However regarding SAM - there is subtle difference with SAM enabled in 7.1.3 as compared to 7.1.1.
Temp : I maybe wrong earlier. With same volume in both the cases. the difference is about 2Deg.C. and not 4-5 deg.c as i earlier stated.

However for a given recording between 7.1.1 and 7.1.3 used Private Investigation (Mark Knopfler) - here is where i noted okay with 2-3dB lower was also loud enough.

Overall my personal Take : I think, change is subtle enough. I think will stick to 7.1.3  Find nothing wrong with the upgrade too.