Frequently Asked Questions

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Many people have asked how the new tariffs on imports from China and Hong Kong are impacting our product offerings. Will we increase our prices? Will there be shortages of our products? Or delays in the supply chain that impact order fulfillment?

The miniDSP products we offer originate in China and Hong Kong. Both of these countries have had additional tariffs levied on their exports in recent weeks. We import and maintain inventory in Colorado, and incorporate import fees into our pricing structure. We do not add import fees on top of our published prices.  

That said, unfortunately price adjustments will be inevitable. It’s understandable that we will need to account for higher tariffs on our miniDSP products, but our goal is to keep price increases to a minimum.  

The current tariff situation is very fluid, changing almost day by day. We realize there is a lot of uncertainty, but we are committed to treating our customers fairly. We are following the developments closely, and will continue to put the needs of our customers first.

In general, the answer to that question is yes.  But the degree depends on several factors.

When comparing an EQ901 to a mint condition OEM equalizer, the differences can be subtle. If the original Bose OEM Equalizer is in less than excellent shape with aging capacitors, sliders and connectors, then the new EQ901s are vastly superior.

The EQ901 series is based on the high-performance analog device's digital signal processor, so the noise and distortion are lower and the dynamic range is greater, leading to better audio performance.

In testing, our goal was to have the EQ901 series equalizers be as close as possible to the factory EQ response, with additional enhancements in dynamic and frequency range for lower noise and distortion.

All models in the EQ901 series are compared here:  EQ901 Series Selection Guide.

While it is possible to connect an active subwoofer with any of the EQ901 series equalizers, there are specific models that are designed with active crossovers to optimize the audio performance of your 901s with a subwoofer. To see a comparison of our different models and their features, check out our EQ901 Series Selection Guide.

For more on this topic, check out our Tech Blogs and Videos.

The purpose of the active crossover filter is to properly integrate the subwoofer with high frequency speakers, resulting in the following positive effects:

• The main speakers are relieved of their ultra low bass responsibilities, dramatically lowering distortion and improving clarity and dynamic range.
• The subwoofer is limited to its low frequency range and properly integrated with Bose 901 speakers, giving a clear, tight sound.

Contact Deer Creek Audio, we are here to help! 

Email us at staff@deercreekaudio.com.  Please include screenshots of the issues with your email.  

Call us at 720.726.9272.

When the EQ901B Plus arrives, it will include the EQ901B Plus unit along with a regulated power supply. The equalization curves for the Bose 901 series you selected will be preset on the EQ901B Plus unit.

If the programming within your EQ901 has been deleted or damaged, you can purchase a firmware update through our EQ901 Series Upgrade Program.  Just select “Firmware Upgrade for any EQ901” from the dropdown menu.  Once you place your upgrade order, we will send an email confirmation with additional instructions. 

Yes, we have options for upgrading your current EQ901.  The services below are available with our Upgrade Program.  You can simply select the appropriate option from the dropdown menu.  Once you place your upgrade order, we will send an email confirmation with additional instructions.

• Firmware update for any EQ901
• Add subwoofer and update firmware for any EQ901
• EQ901 B upgrade to EQ901 B Plus
• EQ901 B upgrade to EQ901 Elite
• EQ901 B upgrade to EQ901 Platinum
• EQ901 Elite or EQ901 USB upgrade to EQ901 Platinum

The EQ901 is specifically designed for Bose 901 speakers, and although it is possible to use it with another set of speakers, it is not recommended as it would cause excessive bass and treble.

Check out the SHD / Flex Startup guide in our Resources Library. Also be sure to read the miniDSP user guides.

When you purchase an SHD series product, it includes full, perpetual licenses for Dirac Live, the miniDSP Device Console, the ASIO USB driver and Volumio. Each time you download software you’ll receive the latest version. You also can upgrade at any time, from multiple computers, using the supplied licenses.

The license for Dirac Live is hard coded into the SHD product, and the software is downloaded directly from the Dirac website.  All other downloads are available through miniDSP.  You will need to open free accounts with miniDSP and Dirac Live to access your downloads.

It’s recommended that when you perform an update on an individual piece of software you also update all software for the unit.

Yes, all of our SHD products are the most recent versions released by miniDSP.  We import new fresh stock monthly directly from miniDSP, so all our products contain the latest firmware and software updates.

Try these tips when updating your SHD:

• Save your Dirac projects and configuration .xmls
• Remove all related miniDSP, Dirac software and USB drivers
• Be sure to update all software for Dirac, Device Console, USB driver and Volumio
• Load the ASIO driver on PCs (required)

Use this method if Volumio has become corrupted and you are unable to access the Volumio web interface. Go to the Volumio Reset section on the miniDSP website and follow the steps for factory reset (also outlined below). 

• Insert a blank USB stick into your computer. Make sure it is formatted in FAT32 format.
• Click on the link provided on the factory reset page and save the file download to the USB stick. Do not rename or modify the file. Eject the stick from your computer. 
• Power off your miniDSP SHD or SHD Studio and insert the USB stick. Power it on again.
• Volumio will revert to the factory version. This can take up to 10 minutes, during which time the Volumio web interface will be unresponsive.
• When the Volumio web interface responds again, proceed through the setup wizard. Go to Settings then System.  Scroll down to the System Version section and click on the Check Updates button. Update your Volumio to the latest version.
• Update any remaining settings to what you had before the reset.

Tips

If you had renamed your system in the Volumio settings, you will need to access the web interface using the default name.

The factory_reset file is removed from the USB stick during this process. If you want to do the reset again, you will need to copy the file to the USB stick again.

Yes, the miniDSP SHD series is certified Roon Ready.  Roon’s high-resolution streaming technology is built into the SHD network player, and combines simple setup, daily reliability and the highest levels of digital audio performance. 

All SHD models shipping now have full Roon Ready capabilities.  For existing SHD owners, you’ll need to delete any old Roon connections to your unit, then update to the latest SHD and Volumio firmware.  You’ll then have full Roon Ready interface.

All the miniDSP products are extremely quiet, however, it is possible with improper gain structure to have a high noise floor. Here's an application note that addresses this: https://www.minidsp.com/applications/dsp-basics/gain-structure-101

Here are the public, published signal-to-noise ratios:

• SHD - 120dB SNR measured / 0.0003% THD+N
• 2x4 HD - Dynamic range: 103dB - THD+N: 0.001% (USB to RCA)

Contact Deer Creek Audio, the miniDSP Dev Team or the forum on the miniDSP website. We are here to help! 

• Deer Creek Audio
• miniDSP Dev Team 
• miniDSP Forum

Please include screenshots of the issues with your email. 

The UMIK-1 is calibrated at the factory; you simply download the calibration file from the miniDSP website using the seven-digit serial number found on the body of the microphone. The UMIK-2 includes a license code for the required PC driver download.

• UMIK-1 miniDSP product page
• UMIK-2 miniDSP product page

Some of the advantages of purchasing your miniDSP product from Deer Creek Audio include:

• Our products ship from domestic stock, so there are no import fees and duties due.
• All products ship same business day from Colorado.
• We offer favorable return policies and U.S.-based warranty support.
• Sales tax on orders placed directly with Deer Creek Audio only applies to Colorado deliveries.
• We are a small, engineer-owned team of miniDSP experts based in Colorado.
• We offer a full range of remote consulting services, from beginner support to complex system setup using TeamViewer.
• Deer Creek Audio is an authorized, U.S.-based miniDSP dealer (Dealer Network).

The Hypex nc252 Quad and nc252 Duo amplifiers assembled by Deer Creek Audio utilize parts supplied by an approved Hypex OEM manufacturer, including the case, cabling and all connectors. 

The banana jack and XLR connectors meet the quality standards of Hypex and are gold plated.  If you select RCA inputs, those are provided by Amphenol.  Line level interfaces to the connectors are soldered internally, while speaker level connectors use high force screw compression connectors.  The electrical integrity of these connectors is excellent.

Also keep in mind we do not have any switching between RCA and XLR inputs. This prevents any noise and distortion from entering at this very critical input stage. 

Finally, it’s important to note that all line level cabling is twisted and shielded. All other cabling is twisted with an offsetting outer plastic shield. Cable runs are extremely short and do not drape across the amplifier boards. 

We have taken great care to make sure that we deliver every available bit of performance out of these high quality, Hypex amplifiers.

All of the Nilai 500 assembled amplifiers and DIY amplifier kits shipped by Deer Creek Audio are set to the middle gain setting. This is appropriate for 95% of preamplifiers.

When you start using the system, you can judge if you need more or less gain by how much volume control you need to use on the preamp.  For instance, if it’s very touchy and you barely need to turn up the volume, then you should reduce the amplifier gain. Conversely, if you have to turn the volume knob way up then you probably need to increase the amplifier gain.

In the case of using your Nilai 500 with an audio video processor (AVP), you will want to set the gain so that the drive level from the AVP is as close to default or nominal as possible.  

Basically, your goal is to operate all your devices in their operational sweet spot.  

Instructions for changing the gain setting are in the documentation included with your amplifier.

Using the tools provided, first loosen the four outer screws on the rear panel and the four screws attaching the feet to the bottom panel.  Only loosen the screws by a couple of turns, until they aren’t tight.  Next remove the two tiny allen screws that are underneath the front panel and flip it upwards.  This allows you to remove and then reinsert the top sliding cover.  When done, be sure to retighten every screw after reassembly.

Deer Creek Audio only offers true Hypex engineered and approved designs.  Our assembled amplifiers use only the latest Hypex OEM components or those of Hypex approved OEM suppliers.  All Hypex designs have thousands of hours of consumer use in configurations that are fully recognized and supported by Hypex, so you will enjoy guaranteed performance and long-lasting support.

We offer same business day shipping for orders received by 2 PM mountain time. U.S. domestic orders for small items ship expedited (1 to 3 days), large items ship ground service (FedEx, UPS or USPS). Overnight shipping for small items is available for U.S. mainland orders. Carriers to Canada and international destinations may vary. See product listings for item-specific shipping costs. Orders over $500 are shipped with signature required. 

For U.S. domestic purchases, state sales tax is only assessed for Colorado customers.  All customers outside of the United States will be responsible for any import duties and other taxes assessed by the government of the importing country. These fees are not included in our shipping charges.

The best value for our products is often via the eBay International Shipping program.  Simply add the item to your cart and you will see the full delivered price to your address including all taxes, duties and shipping.

eBay International Shipping items are first shipped from our local facility to an eBay International Shipping center. Then eBay International Shipping takes care of the rest, including completing customs forms, paying import fees and providing international shipping to you. The program also includes end-to-end international tracking, so you can stay up-to-date throughout the process. You can go to eBay and view the tracking process to your final destination.  

eBay assumes responsibility once the item reaches the eBay International Shipping center. If the item is lost or damaged during international transit, the program has you covered. For shipping or delivery questions on your eBay International Shipping order, please contact eBay directly.

This indicates that your item is being shipped via the eBay International Shipping program to your registered address at eBay.

If you have questions or comments, you can reach us at the following:

Email:  staff@deercreekaudio.com

Telephone:  720.726.9272

Website:  deercreekaudio.com