Hello, I'm quite desperate for help. I have a Yamaha RX-V685 which has performed flawlessly for a couple of years. Recently it started dropping off the network randomly (so streaming sources and MusicCast would stop).
I've tried factory resetting it (no improvement) and then tried forcing a firmware update over USB, which usually would get stuff on 'Verifying' (for over 12+ hours) but it's gone on to update twice now - but errors out during S6 Writing then goes to 'Unknown Error'.
Now whenever I turn it on, it gets into a loop of 'Update failed' - wanting me to re-update or power off to cancel (but that doesn't do anything and it's still stuck in the loop).
I'm not sure what's going on at all - almost seems like there's a power / connectivity issue internally causing it to fail and error out - or some EEPROM has been damaged causing instability. I've downloaded the service manual but there's nothing of use for this issue.
Any ideas or pointers?
Unfortunately that is a serious problem. Somehow you have a failed corrupted update. When that happens you have to send the unit to a certified service center to have the BIOS re-flashed. This can only be done at a certified service center. Until then your receiver is bricked as you say. Also in view of the previous problems you noted, there may also be more serious problems the service center will have to identify.
That receiver is three years old, however it is on the lower end of the food chain so to speak. So it is a marginal decision as to replacement versus repair.
If funds are available, putting the funds towards a higher end receiver should be seriously considered. It seems to me there are more issues in the lower priced receivers. This is a difficult decision and it is not possible to give you definitive advice.
May be you should contact the service center and ask what it would cost to flash the BIOS and re-install the firmware. If the unit is still non functional, I think I would instruct the center to recycle the unit.
