I thought that was hilarious...understandable thermal issue, but people love this amp SO MUCH they stand up for it! I've read several reviews if the thing (and its stereo "el cheapo" 20 something grand version) and was surprised Stereophile got to it so late...but still...I absolutely take wholehearted pleasure in this amp shutdown issue, and further pleasure in the fact that anybody justifies or defends the embarassing shut down...really...55 grand! These amps should not only never ever do anything but look and sound fabulous, they should venturi their heat into little clouds of golden wonderfulness that water your house plants and make children happy all over the world.