Sony STR-DE 225 Receiver, sudden interruption of Audio, after switching off everything is ok again

Hello, I got a problem with my Sony Receiver STR-DE 225. 
There´s a sudden interruption of Audio in non defined intervalls - may be once ore 6 times during appr. 5hrs operation.
Interruption does not depend on Volume. Connection cables and speakers I´ve checked.
There´s a loud crack in both speakers, display shows for short time "PROTECTION".
After switching off and on again, everything operates normal until next interruption.
I removed from the inside of the receiver a lot of dust with a vacuum cleaner, but this didn´t help.
Unfortunately Sony has no documents for this device, as it is To "old" (1996), or could give me a hint,
in what cases "PROTECTION" might appear.
Is there anyone to give me a clue?  Thanks