1068 analog inputs failing... any thoughts?

[mars]

I've got a problematic 1068 that has already been to rotel once for relay problems. Initial problem was a bad output switching relay. came back working fine or so I thought.
I am beginning to experience worsening intermittent left channel analog input drop. i.e. the left channel just goes dead after a while using the analog input-particularly with quiet material. sometimes I have to plug and unplug analog equipment to "wake the left channel up". Dealer is baffled and as it is intermittent they don't have the patience to chase it down.
Digital inputs work perfectly as does the bypass input.
Does anyone know the topography of this unit? Is this another relay? Is it an input sensitivity problem? I've tried all the usual updates, resets, running in minimal configurations and cable switching... Help?

[Kevin D]

So it only happens on the analog input (but not the multi-channel bypass input)? I'm assuming you've tried another analog input and it happens there as well. Shouldn't be a sensitivity issue as there's no auto-on circuit like some sub amps.

Does it do it when in STEREO BYPASS mode? Hit the 2ch button multiple times to get there. This essentially makes the analog input 2ch bypass inputs. If it does it there I would say it's a problem with the analog input card. If it doesn't do it there, but does in the other stereo modes, it's probably a problem with your DSP board (as any mode besides BYPASS routes the signal through it).

Kevin D.

[mars]

Sounds like you know your stuff...
Happens in all analog inputs simultaneously. Occurs in 2CH stereo mode-mine does not have a stereo bypass mode off the 2ch button-bypass has it's own button. Does not occur in multi-bypass or with any digital input (wouldn't it also occur with digital input if it were the DSP board?).
On the plus side, dealer is willing to send it back to rotel to let them puzzle it out.

[Kevin D]

The 1068 did add a bypass mode for the regular stereo inputs as well. From the manual:

2CH Stereo: Turns off the center channel and
all surround channels in the system and delivers
a conventional 2-channel signal to the front
speakers. If the system is configured to route
bass signals from the front speakers to the
subwoofer, this capability remains in effect.

Analog Bypass: For 2-channel analog inputs,
there is a special stereo mode that bypasses
ALL of the RSP-1068’s digital processing.
The two front speakers receive pure analog
stereo full-range signals with no subwoofer
crossover, no delay, no level adjustments,

To select Stereo or Analog bypass
mode for 2-channel analog recordings.
Press the 2CH button on the remote
to toggle between Stereo (with digital processing)
or Analog Bypass (no digital processing)
modes.

The DSP board might work digital to digital, but might have a problem converting analog into digital. Testing it in 2ch bypass will help narrow it down.

Kevin D.

[mars]

That's what I get for being a die hard Harmony remote user. That button is not mapped!
Thanks again for your help. I'll keep you posted if I find anything new.