New firmware 8.1.3

[Confused]

Back on 7.1.1 with current naim speaker cables.

I instantly prefer this in terms of relaxation and bass 'punch', but I'm really missing that extra bass extension.  That said, it came at a price where for me I couldn't get the punchy bass back with 8.1.3, just more deep, low, bass. Of course I'd like both! The treble just seems a bit less punishing somehow but that ones hard to explain.

These are interesting observations, I have noticed very similar with the KEF Blade.  However, I think these might be differences between the "original" SAM and SAM V2, rather than related specifically to firmware differences.  Although the two are obviously related, as "old" SAM can only be used with 7.x.x firmware.  I can't help thinking that there is something not quite right with SAM 1 profile conversion to SAM V2.

Maybe all legacy SAM profiles need a SAM Lab update to get full benefit of SAM 2?