Receiver shuts down after a message

Most of this type of receiver uses an integrated 15-18 pin SIP-M output device. Usually, they are in pairs - one for the "main" speakers, and another one (plus a discreet device) for "rear" and "center" channels. My best advice is to skip the Sony factory service, and find a compentent technician where you can drop it off and at least have it honestly evaluated. When items such as this come to my bench, if I feel it is too labor intensive to either find or repair the fault (not to mention replacement parts cost...not too bad if you are replacing components; really bad if you are replacing semi-obsolete boards) - I simply tell the person, "It's not worth fixing". Good luck.

-Richard

Anyone know any competent technicians in the Pittsburgh area?

Also to consider....when I took it to the Sony authorized repair shop, the tech said that, looking at four bent connectors on the back, he thought that it been dropped.

However, it did play fine, even with the bent connects, until I tried hooking up the center channel with the power on.

I also talked with a Sony rep who quoted me a flat $225 repair fee if I'd shop it to their Laredo TX repair location. I am thinking about sending it there but feel that they may change their price if they see the bent terminals (and catagorize that as misuse).

Well, it seems you've done the diagnostic work for the technician yourself - it worked fine until you hooked up the center channel. That pretty much says it all. Dropped or not, the unit worked before hooking up the center channel. As I said in my previous post, "honestly evaluated". It doesn't seem as though you've made it to the 'honesty' part yet. Find a new technician, and by all means, DO NOT spend more than $125 repairing this unit; it's not worth it. Honestly.

-Richard

Thanks for the advice. I'll take it to another shop to get a second opinion.