QuestionI have a Sony STR-D365 amplifier. Recently we were watching a movie and the amplifier shut the speakers (sound) off and started flashing PROTECT on it's face. What does this mean? Can it be fixed?
AnswerDear Cheryl,
"PROTECT" means that the unit's thermal protection units were activated, which in turn cut off output power to the speakers. The causes for this vary. Usually, it's a problem with the impedance load that the speakers present to the power amplifier inside the receiver. This happens when the speakers are wired incorrectly, are being played too loudly, or are too difficult for the receiver to handle. What kind of speakers are you using?
Occasionally, the circuit acts up and activates itself, or playing the unit too loudly has blown a fuse.
First, check all the user servicable fuses. You'll find their location and amperage rating in the user's manual. If they're broken, replace them. If they're not, then check all your speaker connections, making sure that you've connected positive/red to positive/red and negative/black to negative/black. Make sure that none of the bare wire from any speaker is touching any bare wire from any other speaker.
If the unit still won't power up, then I'm afraid you'll have to take it into the shop for evaluation by a qualified repair technician.
Good luck. And thanks for choosing allexperts.com!
Kindest regards,
Kevin
