Denon DRM-555 User Manual

STEREO CASSETTE TAPE DECK

DRM-555

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
MODE D’EMPLOI
INSTRUCCIONES DE OPERACION

PRECISION AUDIO COMPONENT/CASSETTE TAPE DECK DRM-555

REMOTE SENSOR

L
R

-40 +10-30 +5-20 +3-10 +1-5 0-3 -1

‚¤‚‚

PLAY

2 STOP 3 REC PAUSE

REC/REC MUTE

PHONES

RESET

INPUT LEVEL

EJECT

5

¢ON £OFF

COUNTER
MEMORY

MPX

B OFF C

DOLBY NR

REC OFF PLAY.

TIMER

REV.MODE

PHONE LEVEL

MIN MAX

-

+ LEFT RIGHT

BIAS FINE BALANCE

DIRECTION

CD SYNCHRO REC

5

4

10

3

9

2

8

1

7

0

6

AUTO REVERSE

HIGH SPEED DUBBING SYSTEM

dB

FOR ENGLISH READERS PAGE 05 ~ PAGE 16
POUR LES LECTEURS FRANCAIS PAGE 17 ~ PAGE 28
PARA LECTORES DE ESPAÑOL PAGINA 29 ~ PAGINA 37

2

IMPORTANT TO SAFETY

WARNING:

TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

Please, record and retain the Model name and serial number of your set shown
on the rating label.
Model No. DRM-555 Serial No.

CAUTION:

1. Handle the power supply cord carefully

Do not damage or deform the power supply cord. If it is damaged or
deformed, it may cause electric shock or malfunction when used. When
removing from wall outlet, be sure to remove by holding the plug
attachment and not by pulling the cord.

2. Do not open the top cover

In order to prevent electric shock, do not open the top cover.
If problems occur, contact your DENON DEALER.

3. Do not place anything inside

Do not place metal objects or spill liquid inside the cassette tape deck.
Electric shock or malfunction may result.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

• FOR U.S.A. & CANADA MODEL ONLY

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT USE THIS (POLARIZED) PLUG
WITH AN EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS
THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE
EXPOSURE.

• POUR LES MODELES AMERICAINS ET CANADIENS UNIQUEMENT

ATTENTION

POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES NE PAS UTILISER CETTE
FICHE POLARISEE AVEC UN PROLONGATEUR UNE PRISE DE COURANT
OU UNE AUTRE SORTIE DE COURANT, SAUF SI LES LAMES PEUVENT
ETRE INSEREES A FOND SANS EN LAISSER AUCUNE PARTIE A
DECOUVERT.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du
Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

3

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read Instructions – All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the appliance is
operated.

2. Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions
should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the appliance and in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions
should be followed.

5. Water and Moisture – The appliance should not be used
near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool, and the like.

6. Carts and Stands – The appliance should be used only with
a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.

6A. An appliance and cart

combination should be
moved with care.
Quick stops, excessive
force, and uneven
surfaces may cause
the appliance and cart
combination to overturn.

7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting – The appliance should be
mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the
manufacturer.

8. Ventilation – The appliance should be situated so that its
location or position does not interfere with its proper
ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be
situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may
block the ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in
installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may
impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.

9. Heat – The appliance should be situated away from heat
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

10. Power Sources – The appliance should be connected to a
power supply only of the type described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the appliance.

11. Grounding or Polarization – Precautions should be taken so
that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is
not defeated.

12. Power-Cord Protection – Power-supply cords should be
routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
appliance.

14. Cleaning – The appliance should be cleaned only as
recommended by the manufacturer.

15. Power Lines – An outdoor antenna should be located away
from power lines.

16. Outdoor Antenna Grounding – If an outside antenna is
connected to the receiver, be sure the antenna system is
grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage
surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides
information with regard to proper grounding of the mast
and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to
an antenna-discharge unit, size of grounding conductors,
location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding
electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.
See Figure A.

17. Nonuse Periods – The power cord of the appliance should
be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long
period of time.

18. Object and Liquid Entry – Care should be taken so that
objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the
enclosure through openings.

19. Damage Requiring Service – The appliance should be
serviced by qualified service personnel when:

A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged;

or

B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the

appliance; or
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or

exhibits a marked change in performance; or
E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure

damaged.

20. Servicing – The user should not attempt to service the
appliance beyond that described in the operating
instructions. All other servicing should be referred to
qualified service personnel.

FIGURE A

EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING

AS PER NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE

ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE

GROUND
CLAMP

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)

NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

4

ENGLISH FRANCAIS ESPAÑOL

NOTE ON USE / OBSERVATIONS RELATIVES A L’UTILISATION / NOTAS SOBRE EL USO

• Avoid high temperatures.
Allow for sufficient heat dispersion
when installed on a rack.

• Eviter des températures élevées
Tenir compte d’une dispersion de
chaleur suffisante lors de l’installation
sur une étagère.

• Evite altas temperaturas.
Permite la suficiente dispersión del
calor cuando está instalado en la
consola.

• Keep the set free from moisture,
water, and dust.

• Protéger l’appareil contre l’humidité,
l’eau et lapoussière.

• Mantenga el equipo libre de
humedad, agua y polvo.

• Do not let foreign objects in the set.

• Ne pas laisser des objets étrangers
dans l’appareil.

• No deje objetos extraños dentro del
equipo.

• Do not let insecticides, benzene, and
thinner come in contact with the set.

• Ne pas mettre en contact des
insecticides, du benzène et un diluant
avec l’appareil.

• No permita el contacto de
insecticidas, gasolina y diluyentes con
el equipo.

• Never disassemble or modify the set
in any way.

• Ne jamais démonter ou modifier
l’appareil d’une manière ou d’une
autre.

• Nunca desarme o modifique el equipo
de ninguna manera.

• Unplug the power cord when not
using the set for long periods of time.

• Débrancher le cordon d’alimentation
lorsque l’appareil n’est pas utilisé
pendant de longues périodes.

• Desconecte el cordón de energía
cuando no utilice el equipo por mucho
tiempo.

* (For sets with ventilation holes)

• Do not obstruct the ventilation holes.

• Ne pas obstruer les trous d’aération.

• No obstruya los orificios de
ventilación.

• Handle the power cord carefully.
Hold the plug when unplugging the
cord.

• Manipuler le cordon d’alimentation
avec précaution.
Tenir la prise lors du débranchement
du cordon.

• Maneje el cordón de energía con
cuidado.
Sostenga el enchufe cuando
desconecte el cordón de energía.

ENGLISH

5

Thank you very much for purchasing the DENON component stereo cassette
tape deck.
DENON proudly presents this advanced tape deck to audiophiles and music
lovers as a further proof of DENON’s non-compromising pursuit of the ultimate
in sound quality. The high quality performance and easy operation are certain to
provide you with many hours of outstanding listening pleasure.

— TABLE OF CONTENTS —

FEATURES ……………………………………………………………………………5
CONNECTION ………………………………………………………………………5
NAMES AND FUNCTIONS OF PARTS …………………………………………6, 7
CASSETTE TAPES ……………………………………………………………………7
AUTOMATIC TAPE SELECTION ……………………………………………………8
PLAYBACK …………………………………………………………………………8, 9

MUSIC SEARCH SYSTEM ………………………………………………………9

RECORDING …………………………………………………………………………10

PROPER RECORDING LEVEL …………………………………………………10
RECORDING BIAS ADJUSTMENT ……………………………………………11

REC/REC MUTE AND REC PAUSE BUTTON ………………………………11
DIMMER ADJUSTMENT …………………………………………………………11
SYNCHRONIZED RECORDING FUNCTION ……………………………………12
TAPE COUNTER AND MEMORY STOP …………………………………………13
TIMER RECORDING/PLAYBACK …………………………………………………14
DOLBY B AND C NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM ………………………………15
DOLBY HX-PRO HEADROOM EXTENSION SYSTEM …………………………15
MAINTENANCE ……………………………………………………………………15
TROUBLESHOOTING ………………………………………………………………16
SPECIFICATIONS ……………………………………………………………………16

Please check to make sure the following items are included with the main
unit in the carton:

(1) Operating Instructions …………………………………………………1
(2) Connection Cords ………………………………………………………2
(3) Mini-Plug Cable …………………………………………………………1

FEATURES

2 Computer Controlled Mechanism
2 Dual Power Supply
2 Dolby HX-Pro Headroom Extension System
2 Dolby B & C Noise Reduction Systems
2 Manual Bias Adjustment Control
2 Computing Tape Counter with 4-Digit Readout and Memory Stop
2 Music Search System
2 FL Peak Level Meters
2 Auto Tape Selector
2 Synchronized Recording
2 Timer Play and Timer Recording
2 Optional Remote Controllable

CONNECTION

• Leave your entire system (including this cassette deck) turned off until all connections between the deck and other components have been completed.

VOLTAGE
SELECTOR

115V 230V

PRESET

LINE
OUT

LINE

IN

L

R

SYNCHRO

TAPE-1

PB

REC

L
R

R

L

R

L

L

R

L

R

LINE

OUT IN

Receiver or amplifier

This jack is for the synchronized
recording function only.
Do not plug in microphones,
headphones nor other plugs.

Power supply
outlet.

60 Hz

DRM-555

2

Connecting the Deck to an Amplifier

• Before connecting the deck to your amplifier, please review your
amplifier’s instruction manual.

• Use the white plugs for the left channel and red plugs for the right
channel.

2 Tape Dubbing

• Many stereo amplifiers and receivers have tape dubbing circuitry so that
tape duplication can be performed between two or more tape decks.
Review your amplifier’s instruction manual for a full explanation of this
mode of operation.

2 Connecting Headphones

To listen through headphones, plug your headphones into the PHONES
jack.

2 Installation Precautions

If the deck is placed near an amplifier, TV or tuner, noise (induced hum) or
beat interference may result, especially during FM or AM reception. If this
occurs, place the deck further away from other components or reorient its
position.

Caution:

A mechanical sound is heard the first time the power switch is set to “ON”
after the power cord is plugged into an outlet. This is the sound of the
cassette mechanism being set to the proper operating state, and is normal.
(When using an AC outlet on a receiver or amplifier, used an
“UNSWITCHED” outlet.)

WHITE

WHITE

WHITE

WHITE

RED

RED

RED

RED

ENGLISH

6

NAMES AND FUNCTIONS OF PARTS

q

Power Operation Switch (¢ ON £ OFF)

• Press once to turn the power to deck on, and once more to turn the

power off.

• The deck remains in a stand-by (non-operative) mode for

approximately 2 seconds after it is switched on.

w

Eject Button (EJECT 5 )

• Press this button to open the cassette compartment cover. When the

tape is running, press the Stop button (

2 STOP) first to stop tape

transport, then press the Eject button (EJECT

5).

e

Timer Switch (TIMER)

• This switch is provided for use with an optional audio timer for

unattended recording or morning-alarm playback.

• For non-timer operation, this switch should be set in the “OFF”

position. See page 14.

r

Cassette Compartment Cover

• If the cover is not closed completely, the tape transport buttons will

remain inoperative.

t

Remote Sensor (REMOTE SENSOR)

• With the cassette deck the remote control unit is not included.

• Each of “Play, Fast Forward, Fast Rewind, Stop, Rec Pause and

Rec/Rec Mute” functions can be remote controlled with wireless
handset of the receiver (DRA Series receivers). For details refer to the
DRA Series operating instructions.

o

Counter Memory Button (MEMORY)

• When this button is pressed during forward tape travel ( ), fast
rewinding (

6 ) will stop automatically at the tape counter position

“‚‚‚‚”.

• When this button is pressed during reverse tape travel ( ), fast
forwarding (

7 ) will stop automatically at the tape counter position

“‚‚‚‚”. See page 13.

!0

Counter Reset Button (RESET)

• Press this button to reset the tape counter to zero.

!1

MPX Filter Button (MPX)

• The MPX Filter button (MPX) should be used to prevent interference
with the Dolby NR circuit when making Dolby NR encoded recordings
of FM stereo programs.

• When making Dolby NR encoded recordings from any program
source other than FM stereo, leave this button in the “OFF” position.

!2

Input Level Control (INPUT LEVEL)

• This knob adjusts the recording input level. It affects the level in both
channels. See page 10.

!3

Balance Control (BALANCE)

• This is the knob to adjust the recording level balance between the left
and right channels. Turn it counter-clockwise to reduce the right
channel’s level and clockwise to reduce the left channel’s. Usually,
put the knob at the center click position.

!4

Bias Fine Control (BIAS FINE)

(For Normal, CrO2 and Metal tape)

• Use this control to fine-adjust the bias. Standard bias is obtained at
the center click-stop position. See page 11.

!5

Phone Level Control (PHONE LEVEL)

• Head phone output level is adjusted by this knob. The levels in the left
and right channels can be changed simultaneously.

!6

Headphone Jack (PHONES)

• For private music enjoyment without disturbing others, or for
monitoring a recording, a headphone set may be connected to this
jack. Use a headphone with an impedance rating of 8 to 1200
Ω/ohms.

PRECISION AUDIO COMPONENT/CASSETTE TAPE DECK DRM-555

REMOTE SENSOR

L
R

-40 +10-30 +5-20 +3-10 +1-5 0-3 -1

‚¤‚‚

PLAY

2 STOP 3 REC PAUSE

REC/REC MUTE

PHONES

RESET

INPUT LEVEL

EJECT

5

¢ON £OFF

COUNTER
MEMORY

MPX

B OFF C

DOLBY NR

REC OFF PLAY.

TIMER

REV.MODE

PHONE LEVEL

MIN MAX

-

+ LEFT RIGHT

BIAS FINE BALANCE

DIRECTION

CD SYNCHRO REC

5

4

10

3

9

2

8

1

7

0

6

AUTO REVERSE

HIGH SPEED DUBBING SYSTEM

dB

we r t y

u

i!2

o

!0

!1

q

!7

!6 !5

!4

!3

Caution:

Whenever the Power Operation switch is in the OFF state, the apparatus is
still connected on AC line voltage.
Please be sure to unplug the cord when you leave home for, say, a
vacation.

y

Display

u

Dolby NR Switch (DOLBY NR)

• To record or playback tapes with Dolby B or C-type noise reduction,
set this switch to “B” or “C”. Turn it “OFF” when not using the
Dolby NR system.

i

Reverse Mode Switch (REV. MODE)

• Select the type of tape transport. The reverse mode can be set to

(one side), (continuous playback).

ENGLISH

7

y

Display

• Indicators with an encircled number light up when the corresponding button is pressed.

L
R

-40 +10-30 +5-20 +3-10 +1-5 0-3 -1

SYNCMPX

MEMO

dB

Peak Level Meter

MPX Filter
Indicator

Remote
Control Indicator

Indicates the recording and playback signal levels for
the left and right channels.

Tape Transport Indicators

Memory Indicator

Tape Counter

Synchro Rec Indicator (See page 12)

CASSETTE TAPES

2 Handling Precautions

• C-120 cassette tapes
C-120 cassette tapes are not recommended as they use a very thin tape
base which may become tangled around the capstan or pinch roller.

• Tape Slack
Before putting a tape into the deck, take up any slack with a pencil or your
finger tip. This precaution prevents the tape from becoming entangled
around the capstan or pinch roller.

A

2 Storage Precautions

• Do not store cassette tapes in a place where they will be subject to:

• Extremely high temperature or excessive moisture

• Excessive dust

• Direct sunlight

• Magnetic fields (near TV sets or speakers)

• To eliminate tape slack, store your cassettes in cassette cases with hub
stops

2 Accidental Erasure Prevention

• All cassettes have erasure prevention tabs for each side. To protect valuable
recordings from accidental or inadvertent erasure, remove the tab for the
appropriate side with a screwdriver or another tool.

• To record on a tape whose erasure prevention tabs have been removed,
cover the tab holes with adhesive tape.

Erasure prevention tab for side B

Erasure prevention tab for side A

!7

Tape Transport Buttons

Play Button

Stop Button

Fast Rewind Button

Fast Forward Button

Rec/Rec Mute

Button

Rec Pause Button

Direction Button

Press to playback tape.

Press to stop the tape in any mode.

Press for fast rewind.

Press for fast forwarding.

Press the Rec/Rec Mute button (REC/REC MUTE) (

4 ) and Play button (PLAY) simultaneously to

start recording. If only the Rec/Rec Mute button (REC/REC MUTE) (

4 ) is pressed, the deck enters

the recording pause mode. Pressing this button in the recording pause mode will start Auto Rec
Mute, and a 5-second silent space is recorded onto the tape.

Press this button to enter the recording pause mode from the recording or recording mute mode.
This button can only be used during recording.

Changes the tape transport direction from forward “

1” to reverse “0”, and vice versa.

PLAY

2 STOP

6

7

4

3 REC PAUSE

01

Side A