New Firmware 10.1.0

[PhilP]

Crystal clear and all the life and warmth is gone. Same deal as with the last few firmwares.
Fatigue within a few minutes playing some edgy tracks that I tolerate with fw 7.1.3.
Back to 7.1.3!!

I agree. I really like 7.1.3 but use 8.1 so I can use SAM which has clear benefits in my system.  I have tried all the subsequent FW releases and find them too bright with over-emphasised treble which increases the sense of airiness and apparent detail but makes recording hiss intrusive and increases listening fatigue. I also find the later releases less warm.

Seems like FW preferences are still system-dependent, which I don't find particularly surprising.

EDIT: @Cyclob. Perhaps we hear the same things because we both use AIR

Also, my comments relate to comparing 10.1.0 to much earlier FW versions not to the last version which most of the posts in this thread seem to be referring to.