Center Channel Cutting Out

[sandeepmohan]

Hi Folks,

I've got an old Denon AVR 3312 as my HT base. Running 5.1. Though its old gear, it has worked flawlessly.
We were watching Untamed on Netflix (Highly recommended) when out of the blue the dialog channel cut out. I could not hear any dialog. Had to switch to Stereo to continue watching. In the middle of an Episode I flipped back to Surround and the center channel was back. Only to cut out in a few minutes. This was accompanied by some relays clicking inside the AVR. I shut down the receiver, TV, turned off power completely, swapped HDMI cables. The issue fixes itself and then moments later, I loose the center channel again. The AVR runs barely warm (even at 60% gain) so not a case of temperature cut out. Checked speaker wires and I can't find any shorting. Interestingly when I run a speaker test tone via the AVR interface, the center channel does output a signal. Its only when viewing content, there is no audio or dialog.

Any tips on how to diagnose the issue.

 

[MaSh]

Redo the center channel wiring, check if there are any stray strands that have come lose. You could also try to reset the receiver, do not add any additional gain at source or at speaker. Run auto setup and switch all speakers to Small with crossover suitable for what your sub can handle.

If still the issue persists, get the receiver checked by a trusted technician.

MaSh

 

[Nitin K]

Hi Folks,

I've got an old Denon AVR 3312 as my HT base. Running 5.1. Though its old gear, it has worked flawlessly.
We were watching Untamed on Netflix (Highly recommended) when out of the blue the dialog channel cut out. I could not hear any dialog. Had to switch to Stereo to continue watching. In the middle of an Episode I flipped back to Surround and the center channel was back. Only to cut out in a few minutes. This was accompanied by some relays clicking inside the AVR. I shut down the receiver, TV, turned off power completely, swapped HDMI cables. The issue fixes itself and then moments later, I loose the center channel again. The AVR runs barely warm (even at 60% gain) so not a case of temperature cut out. Checked speaker wires and I can't find any shorting. Interestingly when I run a speaker test tone via the AVR interface, the center channel does output a signal. Its only when viewing content, there is no audio or dialog.

Any tips on how to diagnose the issue.

You can try connecting the center speaker to one of the fronts just to be sure if the center speaker works although the test tone confirmed it to rule out issues with the speaker.
Pls try a difference source like a bdp or a cd in different surround modes to see if the issue persists. Last option is to do a factory reset and redo Audyssey.

 

[sandeepmohan]

The speaker wiring was already checked. There are no stray strands of wiring anywhere
Audyssey or the receiver unit has not been reset yet, cause I don't want to go through the ordeal of recalibrating the whole thing all over again.

Interestingly, I did a Google search for the issue and found a few who reported the exact same issue. The solution is a joke but does seem to work. Tilt the front or the back end of the receiver a little bit, maybe half an inch off the surface and drop it. I did this and got back the center channel immediately.

The issue is due to sticky or failing speaker relay within. They can be replaced which will resolve the issue. I'll hold till such time the issue becomes a pain.

 

[edjamesx]

Mostly it looks like faulty (center)channel chip in the AVR. My old ONKYO AVR had similar issue, i need to replace it. then it worked fine.
Before servicing just check the center channel connection pin is fine , sometimes it also could be faulty. if this is not the issue only to replace the chip for center channel.
Also if too much dust is collected inside AVR , this could be issue. Get it clean with good technician if this is the case. Cleaning by ourself ,may end up in damaging other components , since these components are very fragile.

 

[sandeepmohan]

Before servicing just check the center channel connection pin is fine , sometimes it also could be faulty. if this is not the issue only to replace the chip for center channel.

Could you elaborate on this center channel pin? Where is this?
Dust is minimal so thats unlikely to be the issue
I'll keep going for now as the unit seems to work alright.
The unit has age going against it so it could well be the chip or the relay itself.

 

[edjamesx]

Could you elaborate on this center channel pin? Where is this?
Dust is minimal so thats unlikely to be the issue
I'll keep going for now as the unit seems to work alright.
The unit has age going against it so it could well be the chip or the relay itself.

i meant the connecting pin (+,- terminals) in the AVR , where you connect to speaker with wire. if you are using screwing method check whether its loose or eroded , or if using banana plugs for connection check the pin inside AVR where its has female port. You may also clean it with mild solution.
If you have minimal dust then should be ok to use. Old Aged AVRS expected to work weirdly , when you shake or hit it it works like how we used to do for old tape recorders
if you are visiting service center in the future ,Mostly Technician will only be able to identify the issue is with connecting pin or not. ask them to check the connecting pin first then later ask them to check the amp board for center channel chip. If its relay issue probably all channels will not work correctly. Looks to be some issue with chip as you have only center channel issue..

 

[mbhangui]

All avrs come with a sophisticated microprocessor to control the various channels controlling the delay in milli/micro seconds from the various speakers. Since they have a microprocessor to control the sound flavour, they also have a fault sensing / power protection circuit (controlled by the microprocessor) to cut off the channels in case of any faults. Download the service manual which will tell you how to enter the diagnostic mode. If the centre channel is cutting off the fault will be recorded. Pressing a sequence of buttons brings up the diagnostic mode and tells you the error on the avr display screen or the display connected to the avr.