Firmware update on C1100

[richardallred]

Has any one ever attended to do firmware update by themselves, and if so did it work?

Thanks

R

[j3brow]

In general, firmware updates are quick and easy. The C1100 proved to be easy too. The tech at Magnolia that updated mine did so fairly quickly. It was the 1st C1100 they had seen so first time to install. We did have a minor 'glitch' during installation. My C1100 display said "updating" for a while and his laptop installation program gave an error message. He followed instructions which gave sequence to power off c1100/remove USB update cable. When we power cycled the C1100 all was well, update successful. I think the error message had something to do with fact that McIntosh sent the correct firmware version but sent an older installation hardware version based on version listed by another user here on AA.

[j3brow]

The tubes will illuminate blue during installation.








IMG_9592.JPG

[richardallred]

Thanks, my dealer said 9 out of 10 times when installed out in field by customer it will brick the unit. Said they could recover but would have to send it in then. He said it was because laptops don't have all the proper drivers installed.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by richardallred

Thanks, my dealer said 9 out of 10 times when installed out in field by customer it will brick the unit. Said they could recover but would have to send it in then. He said it was because laptops don't have all the proper drivers installed.

That does beg the question why aren't they shipping them with the most current version firmware.

[krustycat]

Because they are lazy and don't want to open the boxes

[edward3132]

Since they are required to be bought via their dealer network, they could at least give a heads up to the dealer so the firmware update can be done before the customer picks it up.

But that would make too much sense to us, apparently not McIntosh. I am planning to get a C1100 so I will be sure to make sure that I know what the firmware version is in advance.

[jdandy]

It's no secret, I am a long time McIntosh fan, nearly five decades with Mac gear in one system after another, but this firmware shenanigans stresses me to no end. This has been an on going issue for years with component model after component model, preamps, processors, and DAC's, and all of it generally at the inconvenience of the customer. It appears there is no concern for this inconvenience, sort of "like it or lump it." It demonstrates to everyone that McIntosh continues to remain behind the proverbial digital eight ball. They don't seem to be able to grasp the concept of the Internet and server delivered firmware. The leader in Internet delivered firmware updates in the audio and video world in my opinion is Oppo. It's as simple as plugging an Ethernet cable into the player and select Update in the menu. Updates are also provided on their website that can be downloaded to a USB thumb drive, then plugged into an Oppo player. The USB thumb drive is recognized and the Update begins. Why can't McIntosh do this? Is it so difficult for the McIntosh digital engineers to implement an Internet firmware update process like Oppo through an Ethernet port on their components? It makes me wonder if the implementation of digital code into McIntosh components is farmed out to subcontractors and the process for new code is slow to be developed and delivered. Perhaps there are no digital engineers on McIntosh's payroll. I don't know, but they are chipping away at a hard earned reputation with their half baked firmware update issues.

I am not a McIntosh hater, quite the opposite actually, but whatever is going on in the digital realm at McIntosh it is a shame. The continual floundering to satisfy customers without burdening them with firmware update issues is alienating customers, both loyal ones and new ones. At one time the mere mention of the name McIntosh was met with awe and admiration. Now it seems when McIntosh is mentioned, especially their digitally controlled preamps, processors and DAC's, the response is far less flattering. As a person who has owned McIntosh gear for 49 years I find it depressing to watch a much loved company drift from its core principles of the first 45 years or so. It makes me sad.

[richardallred]

Originally Posted by jdandy

It's no secret, I am a long time McIntosh fan, nearly five decades with Mac gear in one system after another, but this firmware shenanigans stresses me to no end. This has been an on going issue for years with component model after component model, preamps, processors, and DAC's, and all of it generally at the inconvenience of the customer. It appears there is no concern for this inconvenience, sort of "like it or lump it." It demonstrates to everyone that McIntosh continues to remain behind the proverbial digital eight ball. They don't seem to be able to grasp the concept of the Internet and server delivered firmware. The leader in Internet delivered firmware updates in the audio and video world in my opinion is Oppo. It's as simple as plugging an Ethernet cable into the player and select Update in the menu. Updates are also provided on their website that can be downloaded to a USB thumb drive, then plugged into an Oppo player. The USB thumb drive is recognized and the Update begins. Why can't McIntosh do this? Is it so difficult for the McIntosh digital engineers to implement an Internet firmware update process like Oppo through an Ethernet port on their components? It makes me wonder if the implementation of digital code into McIntosh components is farmed out to subcontractors and the process for new code is slow to be developed and delivered. Perhaps there are no digital engineers on McIntosh's payroll. I don't know, but they are chipping away at a hard earned reputation with their half baked firmware update issues.



I am not a McIntosh hater, quite the opposite actually, but whatever is going on in the digital realm at McIntosh it is a shame. The continual floundering to satisfy customers without burdening them with firmware update issues is alienating customers, both loyal ones and new ones. At one time the mere mention of the name McIntosh was met with awe and admiration. Now it seems when McIntosh is mentioned, especially their digitally controlled preamps, processors and DAC's, the response is far less flattering. As a person who has owned McIntosh gear for 49 years I find it depressing to watch a much loved company drift from its core principles of the first 45 years or so. It makes me sad.

Well said

[joshnich]

I agree with Dan. Oppo does a very nice job with ease of firmware updates. It should not be that hard. Virtually everything from my car to my camera and everything in between requires a firmware update at some point. I have always been able to have the firmware updated either by itself or by myself - never having to go to a dealer.
Just saying.
I am BTW a McIntosh Fan and not a basher!