Receiver shutting down during high loads


I have a UK made Sherwood Newcastle R-925 receiver that recently started shutting down in surround modes (Dolby Digital and Pro Logic just for testing purposes) under high loads. It worked fine for years and now a gunshot, scream, etc seems to overload the system causing shutdown. As I am not a technician, what could be the problem? I like this unit and would like to have it repaired, but I'm not sure how pricey it may be...
donaldjstewart
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Have you changed speakers?
Is this a 22volt unit that has been converted to 110v?
Are you using a transformer to convert it to 110?
Many speakers' impedance will drop when pushed hard. If your nominal impedance is dropping from 8 ohms to 5 or 6, that could be why???
Otherwise, check for a mild short in the speaker cables. At low loads, the system can operate but as voltage increases...
Thanks! and as far as me soldering decently, ha ha... I guess I better learn so I can take care of my own stuff.
The first thing I'd check is whether or not you have a "dead-short" between speaker wires! This will cause the receiver to go into a shutdown/"protection" mode in most models. Might check that. Also, yes, did you change speakers? Do you run the speakers as "full range?" Might check all this. Receivers have limited power output mostly, and most often than not "small" is the better speaker setting, sending the demanding bass to the subwoofer. Check it all. If all else fails, send the unit for inspection.
Thanks Flrnlamb and Elevick, I have not changed speakers for at least 7 years (KEF Coda 7's as mains and simple JVC surrounds without a sub). I did choose "small" on center speaker, I have the level at MAX, but I've had it there for the past number of years with no problems (until now). I am adding a subwoofer, so I don't ruin my Coda 7's, but since I haven't had one, and haven't had any problems until now, I don't think that's it...
I have run the speaker check mode, and everything seems to work, no negative polarity issues, but I must admit I don't know what a "dead short" is or how to check for that...
It certainly seems as though it goes into a shutdown/protection mode. Again, this is a brand new problem--it's worked flawlessly for 7 years or so...
As an update, I watched the scene again (scene 7, The Interpreter) and everything sounded fine for about 3 minutes when the audio seemed to drop out by maybe 50%...30 seconds or so later the receiver shut down... I believe it may need new capacitors as I cannot find any shorts in my speaker wires. Also Elevick, it is a 110v unit with no external transformer.
Another update, the repair shop said this looks like a digital problem. Does this sound right? The unit overloads in Prologic as well...