Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems DSP6000 Firmware Version Notes

Hello All,

I've recently purchased a pair of DSP6000s, and I've updated the caps and got them up and running. They sound pretty good, but are running firmware v4.08. I was going to update to 5.4, but I have been strongly advised not to do it, as it can "brick the speakers", and parts are now obsolete.

My question is, does anyone have a list of the release notes for each of the firmware releases between 4.08 and 5.4? The only notes I could find were for 5.2 and 5.4.

Regards,
Russell

Hi Russell,

It's very difficult to brick the old DSPs. I've updated loads and never had a major issue. Just get hold of the latest firmware and load it into the speakers, it really is not difficult!

At the bottom of the main page is a link to firmware notes.

If there are any problems let us know.

Cheers,

Steve

Thanks for the response Steve,

I've updated a pair of DSP 5000s without issue, but I've been specifically cautioned against updating the DSP 6000s. I'm trying to decide if I can live with this, thus the question about the release notes.

Regards,

Russell

I'm with Steve on this one, and have updated plenty of DSPs, including the 6000s without any issues. Can you share the additional context around why updating the DSP6000s are high risk?

John

The warning came from a repair shop that specializes in Meridian equipment.

I've looked at the firmware release notes page, and it seems to only reference version information for the configuration and update programs, not the products (speakers, processors etc). I recall seeing a page, which I can't find now, that showed v5.2 and 5.4, but nothing before that. I thought that there might be somewhere that contained the whole list of firmware notes.

Russell

+2 I have never seen a bricked Floorstanding DSP speaker from a firmware update.

Hi Russ,

The only speakers I've heard of issues with updating their firmware are the DSP3100's.

I've updated plenty of DSP6000s with v4.x firmware straight up to the latest version without a single incident.
Provided your DSPs are 24/96 versions, then the firmware is software flashable, the 18bit boards use an EPROM chip that needs to be physically changed.

Just make sure you have the correct serial cable, Meridian Flash software, and firmware and you're all set.

I think your dealer must be either confused or scaremongering!

Good luck,

Steve

Hi All

It was me who told him not to update.

We have had several of the DSP 5500, 6000, 7000 where the E2 prom will not take the code. The first thing the upgrade program does it erase what is there (and of course that works just fine) hence a bricked DSP board.

Marc

Fortunately I have not experienced this but, if Marc says it is so, it is so.

Thank you all for your responses.

To be honest, had I known what I was getting into, I would not have purchased these speakers. As it is, I've replaced all of the caps in the amplifier sections, which I did not know I was going to have to do when I bought them, and now find out that they are stuck in a previous firmware version with no ability to update, which again, I had no idea I wouldn't be able to do. The original purpose of this thread was a request for the release notes for all of the firmware versions between 4.08 and 5.4 so I could decide for myself whether I can live with this restriction or not. I'm coming to a point where I may have to cut my losses and move on.

Regards,

Russell

As it sounds like you are not particularly attached to them, another option may be to try the update and in the event of bricking the speakers, I am sure that you could sell them on at a good price for spares?

I'd certainly be interested in 24/96 DSP boards for spares (bricked or not!)

If Marc has any he wishes to dispose of, I'm happy to pay something for them along with shipping, etc.

Please drop me a PM.

Cheers,
Steve