Denon AVR-X550BT receiver turns off out at loud volume

[Fluxnoise]

I have a Denon AVR-X550BT surround receiver connected to

• two Elac Debut B6 bookshelf speakers and
• one Klipsch R-115SW subwoofer

The problem is that the receiver automatically turns off due to some protection feature automatically at loud volume. For example, when watching a movie at a somewhat loud volume and with bass relatively far turned up, it can turn off during a loud scene. Next time it happens I'll write down which exact text the receiver displays, I don't know if it's for protection from overheating or as a protective measure to prevent too-loud volume (pretty sure it's the former or something like that and if it's the latter I'd like to increase the volume limit).

How can I prevent it from turning off? It works fine when turning it back on but decreasing the volume a bit.

I'm also interested in what you think about the set-up so far, I think it still needs some sidespeakers and the subwoofer isn't as good as I had hoped for punchy bass of some music (perfect for most movies though). However, I guess that's probably for another thread.

 

[PENG]

I have a Denon AVR-X550BT surround receiver connected to

• two Elac Debut B6 bookshelf speakers and
• one Klipsch R-115SW subwoofer

The problem is that the receiver automatically turns off due to some protection feature automatically at loud volume. For example, when watching a movie at a somewhat loud volume and with bass relatively far turned up, it can turn off during a loud scene. Next time it happens I'll write down which exact text the receiver displays, I don't know if it's for protection from overheating or as a protective measure to prevent too-loud volume (pretty sure it's the former or something like that and if it's the latter I'd like to increase the volume limit).

You can use the diagnostic feature to find out whether it turns off for the following probably causes:

While the power is On, hold down buttons Tuner Preset Ch+, Tune-, and Tune+ for a few seconds (say 5)
It will display "PROTECT", using the "STATUS" button.

Displays:

ASO - A short cct has occurred
DC - DC output of the power amp is abnormal
THERMAL - Abnormal heat sink temperatue

After viewing the above, press Tuner- button to return to the normal display. Based on the info you provided, the likely cause would be either ASO or THERMAL.

How can I prevent it from turning off?

It works fine when turning it back on but decreasing the volume a bit.

Yes, just turn down the volume!! For example, if you were listening at -10, try -13, -15, or -20 etc., until it won't shutdown any more.

I'm also interested in what you think about the set-up so far, I think it still needs some sidespeakers and the subwoofer isn't as good as I had hoped for punchy bass of some music (perfect for most movies though). However, I guess that's probably for another thread.

The Debut B6's impedance is 6 ohms nominal, they are not difficult to drive, but your AVR's power supply is quite weak so if you listen even moderately loud and sit further than a few feet, the AVR may run quite warm to hot so you may want to buy a $15 USB powered fan to help cool the unit, at least for longevity.

A better subwoofer should help a lot for better sound quality. Take a look of SVS, Rythmik, or HSU research's.

 

[TLS Guy]

I have a Denon AVR-X550BT surround receiver connected to

• two Elac Debut B6 bookshelf speakers and
• one Klipsch R-115SW subwoofer

The problem is that the receiver automatically turns off due to some protection feature automatically at loud volume. For example, when watching a movie at a somewhat loud volume and with bass relatively far turned up, it can turn off during a loud scene. Next time it happens I'll write down which exact text the receiver displays, I don't know if it's for protection from overheating or as a protective measure to prevent too-loud volume (pretty sure it's the former or something like that and if it's the latter I'd like to increase the volume limit).

How can I prevent it from turning off? It works fine when turning it back on but decreasing the volume a bit.

I'm also interested in what you think about the set-up so far, I think it still needs some sidespeakers and the subwoofer isn't as good as I had hoped for punchy bass of some music (perfect for most movies though). However, I guess that's probably for another thread.

How much ventilation do you have round the receiver? If you keep playing it too loud and its shutting down, it will soon shut down permanently and you will be looking for a new one.

 

[highfigh]

I have a Denon AVR-X550BT surround receiver connected to

• two Elac Debut B6 bookshelf speakers and
• one Klipsch R-115SW subwoofer

The problem is that the receiver automatically turns off due to some protection feature automatically at loud volume. For example, when watching a movie at a somewhat loud volume and with bass relatively far turned up, it can turn off during a loud scene. Next time it happens I'll write down which exact text the receiver displays, I don't know if it's for protection from overheating or as a protective measure to prevent too-loud volume (pretty sure it's the former or something like that and if it's the latter I'd like to increase the volume limit).

How can I prevent it from turning off? It works fine when turning it back on but decreasing the volume a bit.

I'm also interested in what you think about the set-up so far, I think it still needs some sidespeakers and the subwoofer isn't as good as I had hoped for punchy bass of some music (perfect for most movies though). However, I guess that's probably for another thread.

The bass level should have no bearing on the AVR shutting off unless you have found a way to get the AVR to allow full range output to the main speakers AND set the subwoofer to 'Yes' i n speaker setup. I'm not aware that this is possible, though.

Check the speaker setup and crossover settings to raise the frequency where the main speakers start- set it higher than 80Hz and see if it shuts off but make sure the AVR has adequate ventilation, as TLS GUY posted. Read the manual- it used to show that a minimum of 8" of clear space was required above the top and it's best to have shelves with slots, to allow air to convect from below.

 

[Trebdp83]

I think some numbers are missing here. Volume level at power off? Crossover levels? Distance to main listening position? Distance of nearest object from top, sides and back of AVR?

 

[TLS Guy]

The bass level should have no bearing on the AVR shutting off unless you have found a way to get the AVR to allow full range output to the main speakers AND set the subwoofer to 'Yes' i n speaker setup. I'm not aware that this is possible, though.

Check the speaker setup and crossover settings to raise the frequency where the main speakers start- set it higher than 80Hz and see if it shuts off but make sure the AVR has adequate ventilation, as TLS GUY posted. Read the manual- it used to show that a minimum of 8" of clear space was required above the top and it's best to have shelves with slots, to allow air to convect from below.

I have been looking at this, and I think even though it is a small bookshelf speaker it is actually a difficult nasty load.

This is not only a 5 ohm speaker, but the phase angle goes to -60 degrees close to the minimum impedance. That is going to look like close to a short circuit right in a major power band.

I really don't understand why manufacturers design like that for a speakers aimed at the lower end of the market. The receiver in question, and I actually think any receiver in that $400.00 price bracket is going to have trouble at loud volumes especially if the bass is turned up. That rig as posted is a low to medium rig. It is not a high powered rig, and will not last long if so used.

 

[Fluxnoise]

Thanks a lot everyone! Didn't so many helpful replies...I will probably report back at a later point once I diagnosed it with the Status button and so on.

@PENG If I get a cheap USB fan, how should I attach it onto/into the amplifier? It doesn't seem like it's designed for getting a fan added and the fan would need to be very silent (almost inaudible).
@TLS Guy It's ca 10 cm from the wall, standing on something with nothing but over a meter of air above it in a normal room. For your second comment: what change do you recommend on my side (I don't have much to spend, right now probably nothing)?
@highfigh I went through the speaker setup. I'll try raising the recommended Hz (I think it was 80) if that does not reduce sound quality later and could mitigate this shutdown problem.
@Trebdp83/all:

Volume level at power off:
70-75% on amplifier (70 seems to be fine most of the time), ca 100% on PC (will note it down next time) but it's not music but occurred during a movie where most of the time the sound level is low.

Crossover levels
Used the receiver setup (using the microphone at the listening position) and its recommended settings. On the back of the subwoofer I have low-pass set to LFE (maximum) so it should just use what's configured in the amplifier which I think is 80Hz.

Distance to main listening position
Just 2.5 meters (+1 for the ELACs).

Distance of nearest object from top, sides and back of AVR
over 1 m, over 1 m on one side and 1 cm on the other, ca 10 cm

 

[isolar8001]

That's a really wimpy AVR...I was kinda shocked when I saw it. Didn't know Denon made anything that lightweight.
Find a quiet small house fan to blow on it while you are cranking it well past its limits.
Might last and it might not with those speakers, and being pushed well beyond its limits.

 

[TLS Guy]

Thanks a lot everyone! Didn't so many helpful replies...I will probably report back at a later point once I diagnosed it with the Status button and so on.

@PENG If I get a cheap USB fan, how should I attach it onto/into the amplifier? It doesn't seem like it's designed for getting a fan added and the fan would need to be very silent (almost inaudible).
@TLS Guy It's ca 10 cm from the wall, standing on something with nothing but over a meter of air above it in a normal room. For your second comment: what change do you recommend on my side (I don't have much to spend, right now probably nothing)?
@highfigh I went through the speaker setup. I'll try raising the recommended Hz (I think it was 80) if that does not reduce sound quality later and could mitigate this shutdown problem.
@Trebdp83/all:

Volume level at power off:
70-75% on amplifier (70 seems to be fine most of the time), ca 100% on PC (will note it down next time) but it's not music but occurred during a movie where most of the time the sound level is low.

Crossover levels
Used the receiver setup (using the microphone at the listening position) and its recommended settings. On the back of the subwoofer I have low-pass set to LFE (maximum) so it should just use what's configured in the amplifier which I think is 80Hz.

Distance to main listening position
Just 2.5 meters (+1 for the ELACs).

Distance of nearest object from top, sides and back of AVR
over 1 m, over 1 m on one side and 1 cm on the other, ca 10 cm

The change I recommend is to not play it so loud. Remember every 3dn increase in volume, which is about the minimum required to notice a significant increase in volume. Every 3db increase in power doubles the power demands from the amp. If you double the perceived loudness then the power demand from the amplifier is increased by a factor of 10. So if you are using an average of six watts per channel and want it twice as loud then you need to deliver 60 watts per channel, which is nearly the maximum power of the amp, and if you do it for that long given your speakers, it will almost certainly shut down and soon it will be a boat anchor.

You have a low volume rig, and that is it. The only way you can make it louder is to get more efficient speakers with a less onerous load, get a bigger amp or both.

 

[PENG]

I have been looking at this, and I think even though it is a small bookshelf speaker it is actually a difficult nasty load.

This is not only a 5 ohm speaker, but the phase angle goes to -60 degrees close to the minimum impedance. That is going to look like close to a short circuit right in a major power band.

I really don't understand why manufacturers design like that for a speakers aimed at the lower end of the market. The receiver in question, and I actually think any receiver in that $400.00 price bracket is going to have trouble at loud volumes especially if the bass is turned up. That rig as posted is a low to medium rig. It is not a high powered rig, and will not last long if so used.

First of all, that ASR review was for the model 2.0 B6.2 so it could be a little different than the OP's Debut B6. In any case, Stereophile measured the Debut B6, and it shows a similar graph, in the bass band anyway:


Elac Debut B6 loudspeaker Measurements | Stereophile.com
JA considered it easy to drive, he said:

With a minimum value of 6 ohms at 190Hz and an electrical phase angle that is high only when the impedance magnitude is also high, this will be a very easy load for the partnering amplifier to drive.

Regardless, you should know, as you know your electrical theories, among other things audio.., that this so called easy or difficult drive talks are often bs due to the reviewer's lack of technical knowledge, than facts.

Reality is, as @Trebdp83 said in his post#5, "power handling capability, and sensitivity are in most cases, all need to be considered and are often more important. I cannot understand why people like JA who must have reviewed tons of speakers and amps, plus many years of experience, would still say those things that bordered on starting audio and help spreading audio myths and hypes, unintentionally of course.

I wouldn't have been too critical of his reviews, had he in this case skip the word "very", lol..

Very similar looking graph in the bass band (practical same if adjusted for the different scales used):

 

[PENG]

Thanks a lot everyone! Didn't so many helpful replies...I will probably report back at a later point once I diagnosed it with the Status button and so on.

@PENG If I get a cheap USB fan, how should I attach it onto/into the amplifier? It doesn't seem like it's designed for getting a fan added and the fan would need to be very silent (almost inaudible).

If you want it to be "very" silent almost inaudible, then it is not cheap, though it was when I bought my 4 years ago. I couldn't get a black one at the time but I suspect if you look hard enough, or email Noctua you may find that they do make a black one, but good luck for that...

Amazon.com: Noctua NF-S12A ULN, Ultra Quiet Silent Fan, 3-Pin (120mm, Brown) : Electronics

It isn't too bad if you are in the USA as Amazon listed it for about $22.

The popular AC Infinity fans are truly USB powered so it is easier to use those, but I could hear from from 10 ft even set to the lowest speed, though if your room's HVAC fan is running, you probably won't hear it as the noise level seems to only bother those who are very sensitive to that kind of noise. That's based on forum feedback, and not from any surveys. The Noctua fan, at 8.6 dB (maximum), is truly almost inaudible even from a foot distance, if set to lower speed and is inaudible from my seat that is about 10.5 ft.

Below shows how I mount the fan:

The fan is rated for 12 V, but I am using only 9 V, and it has been cool enough for my Anthem:
It does not come with usb connectors, but does provide some wires so you can stripped them and make your own usb connectors. Or if you are lazy like me, just hardwire it to any adjustable preferred, 12 V brick power supplies. It looks untidy but I can see it from the front anyway.

 

[TLS Guy]

First of all, that ASR review was for the model 2.0 B6.2 so it could be a little different than the OP's Debut B6. In any case, Stereophile measured the Debut B6, and it shows a similar graph, in the bass band anyway:


Elac Debut B6 loudspeaker Measurements | Stereophile.com
JA considered it easy to drive, he said:



Regardless, you should know, as you know your electrical theories, among other things audio.., that this so called easy or difficult drive talks are often bs due to the reviewer's lack of technical knowledge, than facts.

Reality is, as @Trebdp83 said in his post#5, "power handling capability, and sensitivity are in most cases, all need to be considered and are often more important. I cannot understand why people like JA who must have reviewed tons of speakers and amps, plus many years of experience, would still say those things that bordered on starting audio and help spreading audio myths and hypes, unintentionally of course.

I wouldn't have been too critical of his reviews, had he in this case skip the word "very", lol..

Very similar looking graph in the bass band (practical same if adjusted for the different scales used):

View attachment 62675

A speaker like this is, or should be a very simple design. In my view there is absolutely no excuse for a load like that in a speaker intended for the lower end of the market. This speaker is likely to be paired with electronics at the lower end of the market also. Sorry, but this is amateur our for Elac on this one. You can also see there is a significant cabinet resonance at 180 Hz. This design is just well below what is required and in no way professional no matter what the credentials of the designer. The result is disappointment and frustration as noted from the OP.

 

[Trebdp83]

I did forget to ask about the speaker configuration and sound mode selections used for movies and music. If All/Multi Channel Stereo mode is On and the receiver is actually configured for 5.1, things could go south pretty quickly at high volume. Though, I’d guess that Center and Surrounds are set to None.

I’d stay away from Direct Mode as it sends a full frequency signal to the speakers and nothing to the subwoofer when playing two channel signals when LFE+Main is not selected for the subwoofer. Some would suggest just turning LFE+Main ON but the full range signal would still be sent to the speakers in Direct Mode.

You just need to be careful with volume using those speakers with that receiver. I’d go as high as 120Hz on the crossover. Some drivers are better than the cabinets in which they reside. A lower crossover can make a cabinet resonate and produce ugly noise at high volume. Some think turning up the volume even more will help and things get worse.

I’d put it in Stereo mode with a 100Hz - 120Hz crossover and move the sub around until it hits just right at the main listening position. Spread those speakers out a bit with a toe-in and put them out in the open. A small bookshelf speaker with a rear port shouldn’t actually be crammed into a bookshelf. Not sure what is going on in this particular room but optimal positioning and configuring of speakers will mean less volume cranking to compensate for other issues when power is not in abundance in a receiver that runs hot.