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DRAGON Support / Firmware Upgrade

Firmware Upgrade

For All DRAGON Systems 

(With Dual-Opposing 8”/ 12” Subwoofers)

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Version: 3.8 // Last Updated: 28th May, 2025

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What's New

FW 3.8

​FW 3.8: Adds AHD Ultra processing (replaces AHD Max).

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Note: The Nakamichi Remote App will be updated to reflect AHD Ultra. Note: You may be required to log in again after the update. For assistance, contact us at support@nakamichi-usa.com.

Past Enhancements

FW 3.4: Adds support for 12” subwoofers, while expanding DRAGON’s pairing capability to up to 4 subwoofers (Available only to systems with the appropriate configurations).
FW 2.6: Further enhancements to HDMI connection stability for various devices.
FW 2.1: Optimizes bass output. Improves HDMI and CEC communication for improved handshake between DRAGON, the TV and other connected devices.

Caution: If you own a World Premiere Edition unit (purchased April 2023) with firmware version 1.0x (never upgraded), upgrade to FW2.1 here before this update.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

⚠️ DO NOT TURN OFF ANY DRAGON COMPONENT or press remote buttons during the upgrade process, even if the LED display appears unresponsive.  Damage may void warranty.

A. Upgrade your System

Step 1. Preparing the USB Drive

  1. Use a USB 2.0 / 3.0 drive from a reputable brand with a capacity of 128GB and below.

  2. Plug the USB drive into your PC / Mac.

  3. Reformat the USB drive to either FAT32 (≤ 32GB capacity) or exFAT. For Windows, set allocation unit size to default. Click here for instructions to reformat the drive.

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Recommended Drives: SanDisk 16GB Ultra | PNY Turbo 16GB/32GB

Windows

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Mac

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Click image to enlarge

If DRAGON shows “FAIL 558XXXXX” or the upgrade percentage stalls for over 30 minutes, try the following:

Optimize Wireless Speaker Connection

  1. Temporarily turn off your Wi-Fi router(s). Unplug and bring the surround speakers and subwoofers as close to the main unit as possible. Reconnect them to AC power. 

  2. Turn off DRAGON by unplugging the AC power supply from the main unit. Reconnect the power to all speaker components, then turn on DRAGON. Upgrade should resume.

  3. If your area has heavy wireless traffic, retry the upgrade at a time when fewer people may be using wireless devices nearby.

 

Use a high quality USB 2.0/3.0 drive

Your USB drive may not be compatible or contains a firmware file that is incomplete. 

  • Ensure your USB drive meets the specification (USB 2.0/3.0 drive with a capacity less than 128GB, formatted in FAT32/exFAT), using default allocation size in Windows. Do not use a USB 3.1 / 3.2 drive. 

  • If possible, try a different USB drive that meets the specifications, or use another computer to save the firmware file.

  • Download the firmware file again. Copy a fresh copy of the firmware file into the USB drive. Ensure all components are powered on.

  • Turn off DRAGON:

    • Unplug the AC power supply from the main unit.

    • Insert the new USB drive, reconnect the power, and turn on DRAGON. Upgrade should resume.​ Watch Video.

B. Reset your System

After completing the firmware upgrade, perform a factory reset. 

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To restore all settings while retaining your Favorite 1 and 2 custom presets, input names and calibration values:

  1. Switch TV to HDMI eARC port.

  2. Switch DRAGON to HDMI 2/3/4. 

  3. Press HOME on your DRAGON remote to activate the On-Screen Display (OSD).

  4. Press ▶️ to navigate to the System tab.

  5. Press 🔽 to select “Restore Factory Settings”.

  6. Press ▶️ to select “Fav+Name+Room”. 

  7. Press ENTER to initiate factory reset.

  8. Wait for a few seconds. Press POWER to power on DRAGON.

 

Firmware upgrade completed.

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Retrieving Room Calibration Settings

💡If you applied custom room size calibration settings,

  1. Press HOME to activate the OSD.

  2. Press ▶️ to navigate to the “Calibration” tab. 

  3. Press 🔽 to select “Easy Sound Setup”.

  4. Press ▶️ twice to select “Custom Setup”.

  5. Press ENTER. Custom room settings are now restored. 

💡Unplug the USB drive after the upgrade to prevent overheating.

Re-pair Subwoofers

C. Re-pair your existing right dual-opposing 8” Subwoofer (for systems with FW2.6 or below)

If your system came with FW2.6 and below, after upgrading your firmware to FW3.X or later, re-pair the existing right subwoofer.

Press “HOME 🏠” to open the On-Screen Display (OSD). 

  1. Navigate to System tab > ‘Subwoofers Manual Pairing’.

  2. Press ◀️▶️ on your remote to ‘Choose from 3 options’ and set the appropriate configuration type for your setup:

    • 8” + 12” Subs: For a system with a mix of cabinet types.

    • 12” Subs Only: For a system with 12" subwoofers only.

    • 8” Subs Only: For a system with dual-opposing 8" subwoofers only.​

💡 Choose the correct configuration type. If you change subwoofer configuration later, you will need to re-pair the right dual-opposing 8” subwoofer. 

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Configuration with 8” + 12” Subs

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Configuration with 12” Subs Only

3. Ensure the affected subwoofer is powered on. Press and hold the pairing button behind the subwoofer until the blue LED blinks rapidly.

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💡 The subwoofer will stay in pairing mode for 120 seconds. Complete the remaining steps within this timeframe.

4. Press and hold the INPUT button on top of the main unit for 8 seconds.

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The main unit will display ‘WIRELESS PAIR’ on the LED display and search for a subwoofer to pair. 


Once successful, the OSD will show that the subwoofer has been connected. A solid blue LED on the subwoofer also indicates successful pairing with the main unit. 

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Configuration with 8” + 12” Subs

If the above steps do not result in successful pairing:

Download

By clicking Agree, you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions. This will take you to the firmware download page. 

Frequently asked questions

How can I check my firmware version?  

  1. Press the "HOME" button on remote to display the OSD on your TV.

  2. Navigate to "System".

  3. The firmware version can be found under the "Firmware Upgrade" option.

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I am a World Premiere Edition owner and have never upgraded my firmware before (FW1.0x). Can I upgrade directly to FW3.8?

Please upgrade your DRAGON to FW2.1 using the FW2.1 Installation Guide before performing this up​grade.

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I am on FW2.x, can I upgrade DRAGON directly to FW3.8?
Yes, you can. To ensure a smooth upgrade, please follow all instructions in our installation guide carefully. 

 

DRAGON could not detect my USB drive. What should I do?

  • Ensure your USB 2.0/3.0 drive has a capacity of 128GB and below, and is formatted to FAT32/exFAT. Click here for instructions to format the USB drive.

  • Power on DRAGON, and switch to USB mode before plugging in the USB drive. DRAGON will only detect the USB drive when in USB mode.

  • If the USB drive is already connected to DRAGON, follow these instructions:

    • Press “HOME” to open the On-Screen Display (OSD).

    • Navigate to System tab > ‘Firmware Upgrade’.

    • Press ▶️ once. The main unit display will show “FW UPGRADE. PRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE”.

    • Press ENTER to begin the firmware upgrade. 

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My modular expansion subwoofer stopped working with DRAGON. What should I do? 

Check that the correct subwoofer configuration is selected in the OSD.
1. Press “HOME” to open the On-Screen Display (OSD). 

2. Navigate to System tab > ‘Subwoofers Manual Pairing’.

3. Press ◀️ ▶️ on your remote to ‘Choose from 3 options’ and set the appropriate configuration type for your setup:

  • 8” + 12” Subs: For a system with a mix of cabinet types.

  • 12” Subs Only: For a system with 12" subwoofers only.

  • 8” Subs Only: For a system with dual-opposing 8" subwoofers only.

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