[lcaillo]

FYI, we do have a glossary that defines lots of terms like DTS. It won't have the kind of detail that you will get in responses in a thread like this, but it can be helpful.

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/glossary/#d

 

[lcaillo]

Shutdown with high volume can mean either that you are pushing the unit beyond its ability, too much of a load presented by the speakers, or a short in a speaker wire.

 

[lcaillo]

Actually, some things from Wal-Mart are fine, as long as you know what to lok for and understand the technology. You cannot expect to find the highest quality equipment there, but if you understand the limitations of what you buy, much of it is perfectly fine within its design. There are many thousands of people who are likely perfectly happy with the same product that you found inadequate.

In general, it has been the case that amplifiers will start clipping with typical music at about half of the range of the volume control. The bottom line is, when you hear distortion, turn it down immediately. That is the case with nearly ANY system.

 

[lcaillo]

If it shuts down, it is either defective, you are asking it to do something that it is not designed to do, or you have a short in your wires or speakers. The point is, if you don't understand the limits of what the unit can do you may never find the right system for your needs.