System shutting down due to clipping?

Well you didn't say the exact full model number.

There was an older RX-V1000 that IS obsolete/discontinued.

The newer Aventage line is the RX-A1000.

Like I said in reply #1 - hope the 6-ohm setting works for you... ;-)

RTM

For some Yamaha AVRs, there is a setup option to run "6-ohm" speakers (which may work 'better' for your 4-ohm speakers).

Check your manual.

Also check to see what your max volume setting is: there are options to limit the volume and if you don't have that set to max then the AVR may shut down as well.

Check your manual.

Just to stir the pot a bit more.

The OP may be able to keep his current AVR and IF it has pre-outs, he could add an external amp.

Couple of choices:
1) 2-channel ext amp for Front L/R speakers - which may 'offload' the AVR enough to drive the remain speakers
2) multi-channel ext amp: 3 or even 5 channel and completely offload the AVR from driving any speakers.

Would be helpful to know which Yammie AVR model the OP has.

I still have my Yamaha RX-V1800 as my AVR for a 5.1 setup. At one point I had my old Carver M-1.0t hooked up via the AVR pres for Front L/R ext amplification, and could go "stupid loud" for all channels.

Your AVR does have preouts ("Main outs"):
http://www.son-video.com/images/static/Rayons/HomeCinema/AmpliAV/Yamaha/RXV1000bg.gif

It sounds from your above system setup description that you are using the main outs from the AVR, connected to your Sonic Frontier/Aragons to drive your Front L/R speakers.

If so, then your V1000 is only driving the center and surrounds.

How long have you had this setup? Is the AVR shutting down recent?

Maybe the AVR power supplies are failing....it is an older model.

If you've had this for awhile and the shutdowns are 'recent' - sure makes the AVR the probable culprit.

Good excuse for an upgrade!! :-)