Kenwood XD-981MD Instruction Manual

COMPONENT SYSTEM/COMPACT HI-FI SYSTEM

XD-981MD

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

KENWOOD CORPORATION

B60-3933-00 CH (Q)

SY

2

Before applying power

Units are designed for operation as follows.

Caution : Read this page carefully to ensure safe operation.

Before applying power

XD-981MD (En)

U.S.A. and Canada...................................................................AC 120 V only

Austraria....................................................................................AC 240 V only

Preparation sectionBasic sectionApplication sectionKnowledge sections

Europe and U.K.......................................................................... AC 230V only

China and Russia .....................................................................AC 220 V only

*Other countries .................................. AC 110-120/220-240 V switchable

CH01

Safety precautions

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

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 EXCLAMA TION 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.

WARNING

: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.

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

The marking of products using lasers

(Except for some areas)

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

The marking is located on the rear panel and says that the com­ponent uses laser beams that have been classified as Class 1. It
means that the unit is utilizing laser beams that are of a weaker
class. There is no danger of hazardous radiation outside the unit.

Contents

Preparation section

Before applying power................................................ 2

Safety precautions ............................................................. 2

Special features .................................................................. 4

Handling of discs ................................................................ 5

System connection....................................................... 6

Connection of the System Accessories ........................... 6

Connection of Options (Optional Parts) .......................... 8

Controls and indicators ............................................. 10

Main unit ........................................................................... 10

Display ............................................................................... 12

Remote control Unit ......................................................... 13

Operation of remote control unit ............................. 14

CHANNEL SPACE setting ................................................. 14

Basic section

Let's put out some sound........................................... 16

Basic use method ............................................................. 16

Playback of CD.................................................................. 18

In regard to CD-TEXT....................................................... 19

Playback of Mini Disc....................................................... 20

Playback of tape ............................................................... 24

Receiving broadcast station ........................................... 28

Let's recording ............................................................ 30

Recording on MD.............................................................. 30

Recording on TAPE ........................................................... 34

Application section

Playback of CD............................................................ 36

Listening in the desired sequence

(program playback) ........................................................ 36

Repeated playback ........................................................... 38

Listening to an unexpected title sequence

(random playback).......................................................... 40

Playback of MD........................................................... 41

Listening in the desired sequence

(program playback) ........................................................ 41

Repeated playback ........................................................... 43

R.D.S. (Radio Data System) (Except for some areas)................... 45

Searching for a desired program type

(PTY search) .................................................................... 46

T o be able to listen to the desired information at any time ...

48

Caution : Read this page carefully to ensure safe operation.

Before applying power

XD-981MD (En)

Convenient Recording Methods .............................. 50

Selection of the Recording type ..................................... 50

One-touch recording of one CD

(One-touch edit recording of all tracks)....................... 52

When a desired track is found, only that track is recorded

(One-touch edit recording of one track) ...................... 53

Producing a MD collecting only the first titles (CD

(BEST HITS function) ..................................................... 54

Producing a tape collecting only the first titles (CD

(BEST HITS function) ..................................................... 55

Recording of one CD or several CDs (CD

(Program recording) ....................................................... 56

Recording of one CD or several CDs (CD

(Program recording) ....................................................... 57

=

=

MD)

TAPE)

=

=

MD)

TAPE)

MD Edit Functions ...................................................... 59

Selecting the editing function type ............................... 59

Assigning a title to a disc or track ................................. 60

Changing or deleting a title ............................................ 61

Moving several tracks at a time (QUICK MOVE) .......... 62

Moving a single track (TRACK MOVE)........................... 63

Dividing a track (TRACK DIVIDE).................................... 64

Combining two tracks (TRACK COMBINE) ................... 65

Erasing a single track (TRACK ERASE) or erasing all tracks on a disc

(ALL ERASE) .................................................................... 66

Effective Sound Field and Sound Quality Adjustment ... 68

Adjustment of balance and input level ......................... 68

Listening with the desired sound

(equalizer function) ........................................................ 69

Enjoying Sound Field Effects .......................................... 71

Clock adjustment........................................................ 72

Timer operation........................................................... 73

Operate easy To use Timer (O.T.T.) ................................ 73

Sleep timer........................................................................ 73

Timer programming......................................................... 74

Knowledge section

Important Items........................................................... 77

Maintenance ..................................................................... 77

Reference .......................................................................... 77

Cleaning the head section............................................... 78

Notes on cassette tape.................................................... 78

In case of difficulty .................................................... 79

Specifications............................................................. 84

3

Preparation section Basic section Application section Knowledge sections

4

Before applying power

XD-981MD (En)

Special features

Preparation sectionBasic sectionApplication sectionKnowledge sections

An MD recorder is standard equipment )

An MD recorder with high digital sound quality is standard equipment. Digital copying from a CD is
also easy. This recorder has many functions like recording and display of names for discs and titles,
changing the sequence of tracks, etc.

3D Surround a

This is a system producing a three-dimensional sound space. The feeling of depth, the width of the sound field,
etc. are improved clearly, and the listening area also is widened.

Convenient Recording Methods p

Various versatile recording functions are provided according to the use purposes.

÷ One-touch edit : Recording of one CD or MD or one track by pressing a single key
÷ TWIN REC function : Simultaneous recording from CD to MD and tape.
÷ BEST HITS function : Sequential recording of the first track of each CD onto MD or tape
÷ Program recording : Any desired tracks can be recorded in the desired sequence

Versatile tone and sound field adjustment Ø

The tone can be selected according to the genre of the music played:

POP, ROCK, CLASSIC.

Convenient timer functions d

In addition to the possibility of storing up to 2 timer programs in memory, the following functions are available.

÷ AI timer : When the unit is turned ON by the timer, the sound level increases gradually.
÷ O.T.T. : A timer with easy setting, which operates only once.
÷ Sleep timer : Useful when you want to go asleep while listening to music.

In regard to demonstration

DISPLAY

This unit is equipped with a demonstration function
(only display). Equalizer, sound field effect, etc. will
change sequentially, but the sound will not change. The
demonstration function can be cancelled as follows.

÷ This operates automatically when a power failure has occurred or the plug of the power cable has been pulled while the power was ON.

Cancellation is possible by pressing the key during the demonstration.

/DEMO

Press the key while the power is OFF
The mode is switched each time the key
is pressed.

1 DEMO (execution)
2 OFF (demonstration cancelled)

Unpacking

Unpack the unit carefully and make sure that all accessories are put aside so they will not be lost.
Examine the unit for any possibility of shipping damage. If your unit is damaged or fails to operate, notify your dealer immediately. If your
unit was shipped to you directly, notify the shipping company without delay. Only the consignee (the person or company receiving the unit)
can file a claim against the carrier for shipping damage.
We recommend that you retain the original carton and packing materials for use should you transport or ship the unit in the future.

Accessories

Europe, U.K. and Russia

Please confirm that the following accessories are present.

FM indoor antenna (1)

Other countries

Loop antenna (1)

AM loop antenna stand (1)

Speaker cords (2)

Remote control unit (1)



Batteries (R6/AA) (2)

Handling of discs

Disc handling precautions

Before applying power

XD-981MD (En)

5

Handling

Hold compact discs so that you do not
touch the playing surface.

Label side
Playing side

Sticker

Do not attach paper or tape to either
the playing side or the label side of
compact discs.

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Sticky paste

Caution on disc used

CD accessories

The CD accessories (stabilizer, protection sheet, protection ring, etc.)
which are marketed for improving the sound quality or protecting discs
as well as the disc cleaner should not be used with this system be­cause they may cause malfunction.

Never play cracked or warped disc.

During playback, the disc rotates at high speed in the player.
Therefore, to avoid malfunction, never use a cracked or deformed
disc or a disc repaired with tape or adhesive agent.

Cleaning

If fingerprints or foreign matter become
attached to the disc, lightly wipe the disc
with a soft cotton cloth (or similar) from the
center of the disc outwards in a radial man­ner.

Storage

When a disc is not to be played for a long
period of time, remove it from the CD player
and store it in its case.

Do not use cleaning discs.

Please do not use commercially available cleaning discs, they may
damage the internal mechanism

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Discs which can be played with this unit

CD (12 cm, 8 cm), CDV (only the audio part)

÷ With CD-G (CD Graphics) discs, this unit can play only the audio.
÷ Please do not use discs which are not round because they may cause

a malfunction.

Preparation section Basic section Application section Knowledge sections

Handling of Mini Disc

As the Mini Disc is accommodated inside a cartridge, it can be handled without caring about dust or fingerprint. However, stained or
soiled cartridge may cause malfunction. To enjoy beautiful sound for extended period of time, take care on the following points .

Do not touch the disc directly.

Do not touch the disc by opening the shutter with your hand. The
cartridge will be damaged if it is forced open.

Storage position

Do not leave Mini Discs in place where the temperature and/or humidity
are extremely high (for example, in a place subject to direct sunlight).

Dust countermeasure

The shutter of the disc cartridge is permanently open while the disc is loaded
in the set. Therefore, to prevent dust from penetrating inside the disc, take the
disc out of the unit immediately after completion of recording or playback.

Care

Wipe periodically dust and dirt attached on the cartridge with a dry
cloth.

Write protect tab

To protect recorded contents against accidental erasure, set the write
protect tab of the disc open. Return the tab to the original position when
you want to record signals on the disc.

Disc back side

Write protect tab

Slide open.
(Recording disabled)

Slide close.
(Recording enabled)

6

System connection

Connection of the System Accessories

This is the method for connection between the main unit
and the accessories. Please connect correctly as shown in
the figure.

AM loop antenna

The supplied antenna is for indoor use. Place it as far as possible
from the main system, TV set, speaker cords and power cord, and
set it to a direction which provides the best reception.

22

Preparation sectionBasic sectionApplication sectionKnowledge sections

Europe, U.K. and Russia

FM

75Ω

GND

AM

Other countries

AM FM

FM

75Ω

GND

300Ω

ANTENNA

Before applying power

XD-981MD (En)

Speaker (right)

−

+

33

SUPER
WOOFER
PRE OUT

Red

R L

+

SPEAKERS

(6-16Ω)

--

+

SPEAKERS

R

+--+

(6-16W)

L

AM FM

300Ω

ANTENNA

AUX INPUT

L

R

GND

FM
75Ω

DIGITAL

INPUT

OPTICAL

44

POWER cord

TO WALL AC OUTLET

Main Unit

Twist

Black

Speaker cord

Connect correctly + to + and - to -.

3214

Malfunction of microcomputer

If operation is not possible or erro­neous display appears even though
all connections have been made
properly, reset the microcomputer
referring to “In case of difficulty”.

l

FM indoor antenna

The accessory antenna is for temporary in­door use only. For stable signal reception we
recommend using an outdoor antenna. Re­move the indoor antenna if you connect one
outdoors.

Before applying power

System connection

XD-981MD (En)

7

Speaker (left)

−

+

11

1 Remove the insulation from the end of the cord end.

(Except for Europe, U.K. and Russia)

2 Locate the position providing good reception condi-

tion.

3 Fix the antenna.

Except for the U.S.A. and Canada

Caution regarding placement

To maintain proper ventilation, be sure to leave a space around the unit (from
the largest outer dimensions including projections) equal to, or greater than,
shown below.

Top panel : 50 cm, Rear panel : 10 cm.

Preparation section Basic section Application section Knowledge sections

33

Speaker Unit

Twist

Notes

Front View

¶

The external view is variable depending on the model and
marketing destination type.

0

BASSREFLEX SPEAKER SYSTEMBASSREFLEX SPEAKER SYSTEM

3214

Notes

1. Be sure to insert all connection
cords securely. If their connec­tions are imperfect, the sound
may not produced or noise may
interfere.

2. Before plugging or unplugging
a connection cord, be sure to
unplug the power cord from
the wall AC outlet, if connec­tion cords are plugged or un­plugged with the power cord
left plugged in, malfunction or
damage may result.

3. Never short-circuit the + and –
speaker cords.

4. If the left and right speaker
connections or the + and –
polarity are inverted, the sound
will be unnatural with unclear
positioning of musical instru­ments, etc. Be sure to connect
them without mistake.

8

Before applying power

System connection

XD-981MD (En)

Connection of Options

(Optional Parts)

Connect separately sold parts as shown in the figure.
Do not plug the power cord into the power outlet until all
of the required connections have been made.

Cassette deck (etc)

Playback output

(analog)

Preparation sectionBasic sectionApplication sectionKnowledge sections

Audio cords

AUX INPUT

L

R

SUPER
WOOFER
PRE OUT

SUPER
WOOFER
PRE OUT

R L

+

SPEAKERS

(6-16Ω)

--

FM
75Ω

GND

AM FM

300Ω

ANTENNA

AUX INPUT

L

R

+

DIGITAL

INPUT

OPTICAL

Remove cap.

Optical fiber cable

DIGITAL OUTPUT

(OPTICAL)

Digital component

Super woofer (SW-500)

Extremely low sound is played back powerfully. This
can be used with any type of playback.

DAT, DBS tuner , etc.

Before applying power

System connection

XD-981MD (En)

FM outdoor antenna

Lead the 75Ω coaxial cable connected to the FM outdoor
antenna into the room and connect it to the FM 75Ω termi­nal. Please remove the indoor antenna after an outdoor
antenna has been installed.

9

Other countries

FM

75Ω

GND

AM FM

300Ω

FM

75Ω

GND

AM FM

300Ω

ANTENNA

AUX INPUT

L

R

10mm 10mm

Antenna adaptor (optional)

Europe, U.K. and Russia

FM

75Ω

GND

AM

Preparation section Basic section Application section Knowledge sections

SUPER
WOOFER
PRE OUT

R L

+

SPEAKERS

(6-16Ω)

--

+

DIGITAL

INPUT

OPTICAL

Notes

Notes

1. Be sure to insert all connection cords
securely. If their connections are imper­fect, the sound may not be produced or
noise may interfere.

2. Before plugging or unplugging a connec­tion cord, be sure to unplug the power
cord from the wall AC outlet. If connec­tion cords are plugged or unplugged with
the power cord left plugged in, malfunc­tion or damage may result.

3. In case an associated system compo­nent is connected, also read the instruc­tion manual of the component.

4. While pushing the two sides of connec­tor in, pull it straight out.

10

Controls and indicators

Controls and indicators

XD-981MD (En)

Main unit

1
2

3

9
0

Preparation sectionBasic sectionApplication sectionKnowledge sections

!

@

TUNER/BAND

EX.BASS

PHONES

EQUALIZER

DOLBY NR

CYBER
TITLER

DISPLAY

/DEMO

REV.MODE

DISC

changer

3

REC

¶

BEST HITS

REC INPUT

SELECT

REPEAT

INPUT

SELECT

1¡

DISC LOADING MECHANISM

3D / O.T.T.

O.T.E. TRACK EDIT

ON/STANDBY

TITLE

INPUT

QUICK

MOVE

4

7

SEARCH



MULTI CONTROL

TITLE

DELETE

/VOLUME

6

COMPACT

DIGITAL AUDIO

TEXT

MULTI JOG

0

DOWN

¢

5

OPEN/CLOSE

2

0

0

1

0

D

I

S

C

1

7

3DISC

D

3

3

C

S

I

D

I

2

S

C

6

6

7
8

%

UP

^

&

E

N

T

T

E

E

S

R

*

(

4

)

#
$

£

¢

∞

MODE

EQUALIZER

DOLBY NR

MINI HiFi COMPONENT SYSTEM

§

Cassette deck unit

£ MODE key

At the time of unit ON : This switches the function of the MULTI

CONTROL/VOLUME knob. The items

which can be selected differ according
to the status at that time.

¢EQUALIZER operation key

The equalizer effect is switched ON and OFF. Also, the equalizer
type can be selected.

∞Rec (¶) key

Press to start recording. Pressing the key during recording stops it
after leaving a non-recorded space (blank) of about 4 seconds.

ˆ∏a

Ø∏

fi

AUTO REVERSE

§DOLBY NR key

Dolby noise reduction ON/OFF switching is executed.

¶Cassette holder

Press the area marked 0 PUSH OPEN to load or eject a tape.

•TWIN REC key

Simultaneous recording from CD to MD and cassette tape is possible.

ªO.T.E. (ONE TOUCH EDIT)

One-touch CD recording is possible.

ºPlayback (2, 3) key
⁄Stop (7) key

PUSH
OPEN

¡
™

0

TWIN

REC

O.T.E.

7¶

32

¶

•

ª

º
⁄

∞

¢

WE

WE

CD player section

Controls and indicators

XD-981MD (En)

11

1TUNER/BAND key

The received broadcasting band is switched.

2EX. BASS key

At the time of unit ON : Used for EX. BASS playback ON/OFF.
At the time of unit OFF : Used for AUTO POWER SAVE ON/OFF.

3PHONES jack

Headphones (sold separately) can be connected.

4Disc tray (door)

Up to three CDs can be held.

Amplifier/MD recorder section

9 3D/O.T.T. key

3D surround is switched ON and OFF.
At the time of unit OFF : Used for O.T.T. timer setting.

0BEST HITS key

The first tracks of all CDs in the unit are programed sequentially on
MD.
At the time of TUNER : This is used for switching between auto-

matic reception (stereo) and manual re­ception (monaural).

!Keys related to recording and input switching

REC (¶) key/indicator

This is used at the time of recording.

REC INPUT SELECT key

This is used to select digital or analog recording.
(Switching is possible only when the input selector is set to “CD”.)

INPUT SELECT key

The input source is selected. When CD, or MD is selected and a disc
has already been set, playback will start automatically.

REV. MODE key

The reverse mode of the deck (both sides, repeated, one side) is
switched.

DISPLAY/DEMO key

At the time of unit ON : The indications contents of the display

are switched.
At the time of unit OFF : Used for demonstration ON/OFF.
At the time of MD : Used to select the character group at the

time of title input.

@REPEAT key

This is used for repeated playback.
At the time of unit OFF : Used for timer setting.

#Fast forward, fast reverse (1, ¡) keys

At the time of CD, MD, and TAPE, this is used for fast forward and
fast backward.
At the time of TUNER, this is used to tune a broadcasting station.
At the time of title input, this is used for cursor movement.

$ON/STANDBY ( ) key

The system is switched ON and STANDBY.

%Display section
^MULTI CONTROL/VOLUME knob

Normally this is used for volume adjustment. Depending on the
purpose, the function can be switched with the MODE key.

RT

¤

Ø

P

°e

(¡§

•

•

&

&

*

a

d

f

@
^

5OPEN/CLOSE (0) key

These keys are used to insert and remove discs.

6DISC SELECTOR keys

Selects the disc to be played (or recorded).

7Play/pause (6) key
8Stop (7) key

ˆa

&Keys related to title input and editing

TITLE INPUT key

This is used for title input.

TITLE SEARCH key

This is used for title search.

QUICK MOVE key

This is used to change the track sequence.

DELETE key

This is used at the time of title input to delete one character.

SET key

This is used for title input and editing.

ENTER key

Used for time setting, timer setting, etc. Also used for execution of
editing processing, confirmation of entered titles, etc.

*Eject (0) key

This key is pressed to remove discs.

(MULTI TEXT DISPLAY

Various text information is displayed.

)MULTI JOG dial (4, ¢)

Used as the skip keys (to skip titles) at the time of CD or MD playback.
At the time of TUNER, these keys are used to receive memorized
stations.
These keys also are used for MD editing, character selection, time
setting, etc.

¡MD operation keys

Play/pause (6) key
Stop (7) key

™Keys related to editing and title display key

TRACK EDIT key

Used for track editing and for erasing of tracks or the entire disc.
Also used for time setting.

O.T.E. (ONE TOUCH EDIT) key

When this key is pressed during MD playback, only the track being
played at that time will be recorded to tape. When this key is pressed
in stopped condition, the MD selected at that time will be recorded to
tape from the first track on.
Also used for program timer setting.

Psd

(¡

´Á

WE

*

Preparation section Basic section Application section Knowledge sections

P

™

„

Œ

P

@

∏

h

12

KHz

MHz

PROG.

SLEEP O.T.T.

TP TA
NEWS

INFO.

PTY

EDIT

TOTAL

REPEAT

RANDOM DISC

ALL

DIGITALTITLE SEARCH MANUAL

R.D.S

EON

EX.BASS

N. B.
PGM

4321

8765
1211109
16151413

TUNEDSTEREOAUTO

MEMORY

MD

CD

21

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888:88



.

***



VOL

••••••••••

2
3

4

5

1

!

9

86 7 0 @

% ^

#

$

Display

(The displays given in this manual are approximations only.
They may differ from what actually appears on the display.)

Amplifier/MD recorder section

Preparation sectionBasic sectionApplication sectionKnowledge sections

Controls and indicators

XD-981MD (En)

1 EX.BASS (extra bass) indication
2N.B. (natural bass) indication
3PGM (program) indication
4RDS-related indication (except for some areas)
5Indication related to CD and MD
6MEMORY indication
7Spectrum analyzer display
89 RUNNING INDICATOR

With CD operation, MD operation, etc., the indicator lights (rotates)
according to the operation status.
The CD or MD play or pause status is displayed.

0SLEEP, O.T.T. (ONE TOUCH TIMER) display
!Cassette deck, reverse mode indication

MULTI TEXT DISPLAY section

3MD

REC

1

2

TAPE O.T.E. CD

AM PM

•

••••

TWIN

4

3

@Track number display

The presently played CD or MD track number is displayed.

#Volume display section

The volume level is displayed.

$Display section for tuner, application operation, etc

In addition to tuner display, CD application operation, timer playback,
etc. also is displayed.

%Character information display section (dot display)

Indication of input switching, volume level, disc/track title, disc No.,
and various other character information.

^Character information, time display

Frequency indication, time indication, track No., program No., etc.

1Time indication (AM: Before noon, PM: Afternoon)
2O.T.E. (ONE TOUCH EDIT) indication

(TAPE/CD =MD)

3TWIN REC indication

Displayed at the time of simultaneous recording from CD to MD and
tape.

4Character information/time display

At the time of title input: Characters are displayed.
Normally the time is displayed.

Remote control Unit

The keys on the remote control unit with the same
names as on the main unit have the same function as the
keys on the main unit.

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

RC-981MD

1

456

789

+10 0

O.T.E.

MD

1

¡

32

PGM

AUX

P.CALL

4¢

36

N.B.

REPEAT

RANDOM

CLEAR

DISC

SELECTOR

7

1

2

3

4

SLEEP

O.T.E.

TAPE

TAPE MD C D

2 3

7

8

9

0

!

Controls and indicators

55

5

55

RDS-related keys
TA/NEWS/INFO. key

: Used at the time of EON reservation.

PTY key

: Used at the time of program type detection.

TITLE SEARCH key

: This is used at the time of title search.

ENTER key

: Used for execution of editing processing, confirmation of en-

tered titles, etc.

Europe, U.K. and Russia

Other countries

13

XD-981MD (En)

i

y

Preparation section Basic section Application section Knowledge sections

™

TA/

5

6

Europe, U.K. and Russia

Other countries : RC-M1MD

NEWS/INFO

TIME

DISPLAY

TITLE

SEARCH

ENTER

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

RC-M1MD

: RC-981MD

PTY

DOT

DISPLAY

TUNER

BAND

MUTE

%

VOLUME

CONTROL



fi

Model : As listed on the left
Infrared ray system

1 SLEEP key

: This is used to set the sleep timer.

2Numeric keys

These are used to select CD or MD tracks and as preset call keys for the
tuner.

3 O.T.E. key (TAPE)

: This has the same function as the ONE TOUCH EDIT key on the

main unit.

O.T.E. key (MD)

: This has the same function as the ONE TOUCH EDIT key on the

main unit.

4Basic operation keys

11

Fast forward, fast reverse (
P.CALL/skip (4, ¢) keys (TUNER/CD, MD)

: These are used to receive memorized radio stations.
: Used for skipping (of titles) at the time of playback.

22

77

7)key

77

2,

22

33

3) keys (TAPE)

33

33

3) key (MD)

33

66

6) key (CD)

66

Playback (
Playback/pause (
Playback/pause (
Stop (

1,

11

¡¡

¡) keys

¡¡

@

#

$

d

•

6TIME DISPLAY key

: The time display is switched.

DOT DISPLAY key

: This key switches the display mode of the dot display.

7ON/STANDBY( ) key

: The system is switched ON and STANDBY.

8N.B. (natural bass) key

: Very low sound is compensated.

9Keys related to CD and MD

(Common keys for CD and MD function for CD or MD according to the
input selection.)

REPEAT key (CD, MD)

: This is used for repeated playback.

RANDOM key (CD)

: Playback of the CD tracks in random order.

CLEAR key (CD, MD)

: The programmed track sequence is cleared.

PGM key (CD, MD)

: This is used to program the track sequence.

°e

‡w

flq

0DISC SELECTOR key (CD)

: This selects the disc to be played.

!AUX key

: Press to listen to the input source connected to AUX (analog

external). Press again to listen to the input source connected to the
digital optical input terminal.

8ˆ

@TUNER BAND key (tuner)

: This key switches the reception band.

#VOLUME CONTROL (fi, %) keys
$MUTE key

: This is used to suppress the sound temporarily.

£

£

^

&

‚

(

•

&

14

2

1

Operation of remote control unit

Loading batteries

Controls and indicators

XD-981MD (En)

1 Remove the cover.

2 Insert batteries.

÷ Insert two R6 (“AA”-size) batteries following the polarity indications.

Operation

After plugging the power cord of this unit, press the ON/
STANDBY (

Preparation sectionBasic sectionApplication sectionKnowledge sections

system ON. When the system is turned ON, press the key
of the function to be operated.

Press the ON/STANDBY (
time display will remain lit and standby status will be
reached.

÷ When pressing more than one remote control keys successively,

press the keys securely by leaving an interval of 1 second or more
between keys.

) key of the remote control unit to turn the

) key again for OFF. Only the

3 Close the cover.

2

1

Remote sensor

¶

6m

30˚

Operating range (approx.)

0

30˚



1. The provided batteries are intended for use in operation checking, and their service life may be short.

Notes

Notes

2. When the remote controllable distance becomes short, replace both of the batteries with new ones.

3. If direct sunlight or the light of a high- frequency fluorescent lamp (inverter type, etc.) is incident to the remote sensor, malfunction may occur.
In such a case, change the installation position to avoid malfunction.

CHANNEL SPACE setting

(Except for U.S.A., Canada, U.K., Europe, Australia and Russia)

The CHANNEL SPACE setting is set to the correct setting that
prevails in the area to which the unit is shipped.
However, if the CHANNEL SPACE setting is not matched to the
area where the unit is to be used; for instance, when you move
from area 1 to area 2 or vice versa, desired reception of AM/FM
broadcasts is not expected. In this case, change the CHANNEL
SPACE setting in accordance with the area corresponding to the
table.

Area

U.S.A., Canada, and

1

South American countries

Other countries

2

CHANNEL

SPACE freq.

FM: 100kHz
AM: 10kHz

FM: 50kHz
AM: 9kHz

1Switch off the unit.

ON/STANDBY

2Select the channel space

Switching is done each time the key is pressed.

1 “CH SPACE” ......... FM: 100 kHz steps,

(AM: 10 kHz)

2 “CH SPACE” ......... FM: 50 kHz steps,

EDIT

CHNSPACE 9

÷ There is no display for the AM part, but the step is switched

simultaneously with the FM switching.

(AM: 9 kHz)

FM

100

TUNEDSTEREO

TOTALDIGITALTITLE SEARCH

kHz

3Confirm

E

N

T

E

R

Controls and indicators

,

,

,

,

,

,

XD-981MD (En)

15

Preparation section Basic section Application section Knowledge sections

,,

,,

,,,

,,,

,,

,,

16

Let's put out some sound

Basic use method

Let's put out some sound

XD-981MD (En)

Preparation sectionBasic sectionApplication sectionKnowledge sections

ON/STANDBY

11

22



Listening through headphones

Bass compensationMuting the sound temporarily

¶

11

0

33

Bass and treble compensation

1. Set the ON/STANDBY key to ON (STANDBY).

The unit is switched on when the CD,
MD and TAPE playback key or the
tuner BAND key is pressed.
When the ON/STANDBY(
pressed while the unit is ON, the unit
will be switched OFF.

) key is

÷ The display part becomes dark when the unit is

switched OFF. (DIMMER function)

MULTI CONTROL

/VOLUME

DOWN

The volume
decreases

2. Selecting the desired output.

Sequential switching each time the key
is pressed.

1 TUNER (Broadcasts)
2 CD *
3 MD )
4 TAPE ¢
5 AUX (External input) 8
6 DIGITAL IN (OPTICAL input)

•

÷ When CD or MD is selected, playback will start

when a disc already has been inserted.

2

2

INPUT

SELECT

3. Volume adjustment.

UP

33

÷ Quick turning produces a larger change amount.

The volume
increases

(Dynamic rotary volume control function)

÷ The display shows a reference value.

Muting the sound temporarily (Remote control unit only) Listening through headphones

Let's put out some sound

XD-981MD (En)

17

MUTE

Blinks

VOL

DIGITAL



1:23

÷ Press again to resume the original volume.
÷ This is also cancelled when the volume is changed.

Bass compensation (N.B.CIRCUIT : Natural Bass circuit)

(Remote control unit only)

N.B.

Lights

N. B.



NB 1A

+Scroll indication

Each press switches the modes as follows.

1 N B 1............... The bass range is compensated ac-

cording to the volume (effective at
low volume).

2 N B 2............... Bass range compensation indepen-

dent of the volume.

3 N B OFF.......... N.B. cancellation.

Insert the headphone plug into the PHONES jack.

PHONES

÷ The sounds from all speakers are cut off.

Bass and treble compensation (EX. BASS)

The factory default is ON.
Bass and treble range are compensated.

CD

EX.BASS

Preparation section Basic section Application section Knowledge sections



M

EX.BASS

CD

EX BASS ON

÷ Switching between ON and OFF each time the key is pressed.

CDMPDISCE1

When CD has been selected.

EX.BASS

CD

VOLUME 20

Volume display

AUTO POWER SAVE function

When the unit is ON and the unit is left for 30 minutes with CD,
MD, and TAPE not operating, the unit is switched off automati­cally by this function. This is convenient when you forgot to
switch off the unit. This function can be activated or deactivated
by the following operation.

EX.BASS

Press the key while the unit is OFF.

1 “ON” .... Auto power save is used.

2 “OFF” ... Auto power save is not used.

÷ When the input selection is TUNER, AUX, or DIGITAL IN, this

operates only when the volume is zero or when MUTE is on.

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MD

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VOL

DIGITAL

STANDBY mode of ON/STANDBY ( ) key

When the display section (time display) of this unit is lit or flash­ing, a small amount of power is supplied to the system. This is
called the standby mode. In this condition, the unit can be
switched on from the remote control.

ER SAVE ON

+Scroll indication
(AUTO POWER SAVE ON)

18

Playback of CD

Let's put out some sound

XD-981MD (En)

When a disc is placed into the CD player in advance, the unit
will be switched on automatically by pressing the playback (6)
key, and playback will start.

To stop playback. To pause playback

11

UP

22

Preparation sectionBasic sectionApplication sectionKnowledge sections

Playback from
desired track

0

To fast forward and backward

OPEN/CLOSE

1

2

0



Skipping tracks

0

3

11

When a key is pressed, the tray opens.
When the key is pressed again, the tray
closes.

To fast forward and backward

1. Load a disc.

1 Open the tray.
2Place a disc.
3Close the tray.

¶

0

Playback from

Skipping tracks

desired track

The label side must
be on top.

22

2. Start playback.

6

Skipping tracks

7

MULTI JOG

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XD-981MD (En)

19

The key names in brackets in the explanations are the
names of the keys on the remote control unit.

To fast forward and backward

E

N

T

T

E

E

R

S

To skip backward To skip forward

÷ The track in the direction of rotating the jog dial is skipped, and the

selected track will be played from the beginning.

÷ When the jog dial is rotated a little in the direction of counter-

clockwise once during playback, the track being played will be
played from the beginning.

÷ Operation also is possible with the keys 4 and ¢ of the remote

control unit.

Playback from desired track

Select the disc. Select the desired track No.

1

D

I

S

C

1

DISC

SELECTOR

D

I

S

C

2

3

C

S

I

D

Main unit

456

789

+10 0

Remote control unit

Remote control unit

Press the numeric keys as shown below....

To enter track No. 23 : 003
To select track No. 40 : 0000)

32

Backward
search

Forward
search

÷ Playback starts from the position where the key is released.

To pause playback

6

÷ Each press pauses and plays the CD alternately.

To stop playback

Preparation section Basic section Application section Knowledge sections

÷ Do not touch the played side of disc.
÷ Place the disc properly along the groove on the tray. (If the disc is not

placed horizontally, malfunction will result.)

Lights when a disc is inserted.

EX.BASS

CD

CD DISC 1

The selected disc is indicated.

MD

01

recorded tracks

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

VOL

DIGITAL

0:12

÷ Titles are displayed for discs conforming to CD-TEXT.
÷ After a few seconds, play starts from track No.1.

In regard to CD-TEXT

When discs conforming to CD-TEXT are played with this unit, the text
information recorded on the CD (disc name or titles) is displayed
automatically.

Time display on CD player

Each press of the TIME DISPLAY key changes the displayed contents.

123:

1 : Elapsed time of track being played

 -237:

2 : Remaining time of track being played
3 : Elapsed time of entire disc

2345:

4 : Remaining time on entire disc

-3615:

÷ There is no TOTAL indication in PROGRAM mode, in EDIT mode,

and in RANDOM mode.

TOTAL

TOTAL

20

Playback of Mini Disc

Let's put out some sound

XD-981MD (En)

When a disc is placed into the MD recorder in advance, the unit
will be switched on automatically by pressing the playback (3)
key , and playback will start.

UP

Preparation sectionBasic sectionApplication sectionKnowledge sections

11

Searching in a track

1. Load a Mini Disc.

¶

To pause playback

To stop playback

0

22

Skipping tracks

Ejecting the disc

In the direction of the arrow

22

1

456

789

+10 0

Remote control unit

32

Insert the minidisc correctly into
the slot of this unit.

2. Start playback.

To listen from the track No. 1

To select a track

Press the numeric keys as shown

below....

To enter track No. 23:

.......003

To enter track No. 40:

.......0000)

÷ When a title has been recorded for the disc or

the track, the title is displayed.

÷ In a few seconds, playback starts from track

No. 1.

÷ During playback, the track title is displayed at

the beginning of each track.

÷ If the “PGM” indicator is lit, press the PGM key

of the remote control unit to not lit.

÷ If a track NO. which does not exist on the disc

is selected while “READING” is blinking, the
last track on the disc will be played.

Let's put out some sound

0

XD-981MD (En)

21

Skipping tracks

E

MULTI JOG

T o skip backward To skip forward

÷ The track in the direction of rotating the jog dial is skipped, and the

selected track will be played from the beginning.

÷ When the jog dial is rotated a little in the direction of counter-

clockwise once during playback, the track being played will be
played from the beginning.

÷ Operation also is possible with the keys 4 and ¢ of the remote

control unit.

N

T

T

E

E

R

S

Searching in a track

Backward search Forward search

÷ Playback restarts when the key is released. (When the key is

pressed in pause mode, unit returns to the pause mode at the
reached position.)

÷ If forward or reverse search is started during play-pause, the disc

can be searched at a high speed but sound is not output.

To pause playback

÷ Each press pauses and plays the MD alternately.

To stop playback

Preparation section Basic section Application section Knowledge sections

Ejecting the disc

÷ The minidisc comes out from the minidisc insertion slot.

The display changes.

READINGEE!

KENWODISC

EX.BASS

PGM

O

Disc title

TRACKITITL

005

001

MD

CD

001

Track No. being played

Elapsed time of track being played

.

8 00:90

.

C80:00



VOL

DIGITAL

.

880:12

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Disc recorded in monaural mode

This unit is capable of playing a disc recorded in the monaural
mode.
As the amount of data required to record information in the mon­aural mode is half the amount required in the stereo mode, the
play (record) time of a disc recorded in the monaural mode is
twice (max. 148 minutes) that of a disc recorded in the stereo
mode.

22

N. B.

PGM

CD

ABCDE



Let's put out some sound

XD-981MD (En)

Searching a desired track by its title

When the titles of the tracks recorded on a minidisc for
recording are entered in advance, search by title is pos-

sible for the tracks to be played.

0

2

0

1

3

0

1Select the “MD” input.

INPUT

SELECT

2Confirm that the “PGM” indicator is

not lit.

PGM



Preparation sectionBasic sectionApplication sectionKnowledge sections

3Press the TITLE SEARCH key.

TITLE

SEARCH



4Select the desired title.



To smaller track No.

Press during stop.

To abort operation, press the TITLE
SEARCH key again.

P.CALL

4¢

T o larger track No.

(TITLE SEARCH)

P

÷ When the “PGM” display is lit, press the PGM key on the remote

control unit to switch it off.

Goes off

TUNEDSTEREO

TOTALDIGITALTITLE SEARCH

.

NOTTITLE

Track title

.

001

.

880:00

÷ With a track to which no title has been assigned, the track number and

“NO TITLE” are displayed.

÷ Track selection is possible with the MULTI JOG dial (4, ¢) on the

main unit.

TUNEDSTEREO

TOTALDIGITALTITLE SEARCH

ABCDEFDC 1

|Scrall indication

004

.

880:00

5Start playback.

MD

3



ABCDEFDC 1

004

880:12

TUNEDSTEREO

TOTALDIGITALTITLE SEARCH

.

In Regard to the TIME DISPLAY key

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XD-981MD (En)

23

This can be used to change the time display type at the MD
recorder section.

TIME

Remote control unit



Each press switches the modes as follows.

In stopped condition, during playback, and in PGM stop
condition

1 Elapsed time of track (0:00 indication)
2 Remaining time of track (-0:00 indication)
3 Elapsed time and Recordable time for the entire

minidisc

4 Remaining time for the entire minidisc

DISPLAY

In regard to the DOT DISPLAY key

Elapsed time of track being played

001

Remaining time of track being played

001

Recordable time for the entire minidisc

001

Remaining time for the entire minidisc

001

881:23

8 -2:34

8 53:21

-61:37

.

.

Preparation section Basic section Application section Knowledge sections

TUNEDSTEREO

TOTALDIGITAL

.

TUNEDSTEREO

TOTALDIGITAL

.

For CD and MD, the display mode of the dot display can be
switched.

DOT

DISPLAY



Each press switches the modes as follows.

(For discs conforming to CD-TEXT)

1 Disc title display
2 Track title display
3 Recordable time for the MD (only during MD record-

ing)

(For discs not conforming to CD-TEXT)

1 CD disc No.
2 Recordable time for the MD (only during MD record-

ing)

During MD recording

1 Normal display
2 Recordable time for the entire minidisc

Disc title display

DISC TITLE

Track title display

TRACKTTITL

÷ Switching to 1 Disc title display and 2 Track title display is done by

pressing the DOT DISPLAY key while the display is moving (during
scroll).

÷ When no track name (track title) and no disc name (disc title) has been

recorded, “NO TITLE” is displayed.

Indication of the recordable time for the MD

001DR54:32

”R” lights

÷ “BLANK DISC” is displayed when not even one track has been re-

corded. (When there is a disc title, the disc title will be displayed.)

01

01

01

.

000:00

.

000:12

.

0:12

TUNEDSTEREO

TOTALDIGITALTITLE SEARCH

24

Playback of tape

Let's put out some sound

XD-981MD (En)

If you load a tape(s) in a cassette deck(s) while the power is off,
simply pressing the tape play key turns power automatically
ON and starts playback.

UP

Preparation sectionBasic sectionApplication sectionKnowledge sections

0

PUSH

OPEN

11

¶

0

11



Selection of Dollby NR

Selection of reverse mode

1. Load a cassette tape.

1 Open the door.
2Insert a tape and close the door.

To wind tape at

high speed

To stop
playback

22

A

CYBER
TITLER

2. Start playback.

During playback, the tape running direction changes each time the key
is pressed.

2 3

22

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DOLBY NR

2 3

XD-981MD (En)

25

To wind tape at high speed

To fast wind in direction | To fast wind in direction \

÷ Press the 7 key to stop fast winding.

Selection of reverse mode

REV.MODE

Each press switches the modes as follows.

1 “[” ... Both sides are played back (recorded), and

then the tape stops.

2 “”” ..Both sides are played back endlessly.

(The tape stops after recording onto both
sides.)

3 ““” ... Only one side is played back (recorded), and

then the tape stops.

To stop playback

7

÷ Do not take out the cassette tape until the tape transport has

stopped completely.

Selection of DOLBY NR (Noise Rednction)

The Dolby NR system minimizes the hiss noise heard when playing
tape. When playing a tape Prerecorded with Dolby NR ON, be sure
to set the DOLBY NR ON for playback.

DOLBY NR

Lit when “DOLBY NR” is ON

Each press switches the modes as follows.

1 “DOLBY NR” ON............ DOLBY NR is used.

2 “DOLBY NR” OFF .......... DOLBY NR is not used.

÷ Select the DOLBY NR mode according to the recording condition of

the tape.

Preparation section Basic section Application section Knowledge sections

Lights

MD

CD

TAPEDSTOP1

÷Normal (TYPE ø), high (TYPE ¿), or metal (TYPE ¬) tape selection is

set automatically.

÷ Remove tape slack before loading.
÷ Close the door securely.

Displayed when the deck is loaded with a tape.

TAPEDPLAY1

***

***



VOL

DIGITAL

.

8 00:00



VOL

DIGITAL

.

8 01:23

Reverse mode indication

Transport direction indicators

The @ and #indicators indicate the current direction in which
the tape advances when playback or recording is started auto­matically by the easy operation function, etc. This direction is
the direction stored in memory when the tape was last stopped.
(T o change the tape running direction, press the 2 3 key during
playback, and then press the (7) key.)

Transport direction indicators

26

Let's put out some sound

XD-981MD (En)

Searching for the desired music program

(DPSS)

The DPSS (Direct program Search System) is capable of detecting non-recorded spaces of more than 4 seconds as “blanks
between programs ”and, based on this information, can return to the beginning of the music program being played or the
beginning of a desired program by skipping up to 16 other programs.

During play in direction 3

To play the next program : Press once.
To play the 4th program

0

2

0

1

3

0

after the current program : Press 4 times.

To return to the beginning
of the current program : Press once.
To play the 4th program
before the current program : Press 5 times.

During play in direction 2

To play the next program : Press once.
To play the 4th program
after the current program : Press 4 times.

To return to the beginning
of the current program : Press once.
To play the 4th program
before the current program : Press 5 times.

Preparation sectionBasic sectionApplication sectionKnowledge sections

The DPSS may not function normally with the following kinds of tape.

Notes

Notes

÷ Tapes containing several no-sound intervals of more than 4 seconds, such as conversation and talk tapes.
÷ Tapes containing pianissimo sections, such as classical music tape.
÷ Tapes in which large noise is recorded in blanks between programs.
÷ Tapes containing blanks between programs that are shorter than 4 seconds.
÷ Tapes recorded at low level.
÷ Tapes recorded by cross-fade recording (in which the beginning of next program is overlapped on the end of previous program).

A tip for use of the tape counter

The tape counter is set to “0000” when a cassette tape is loaded.
By writing down the counter reading in case you want to inter­rupt recording (playback) in the middle of the tape, the memo
will be helpful as a reference for locating the same position when
continuing the recording (playback) the next time. The tape
counter figure decrements during recording or playback of the
back side (while the 2 tape transport indicator is lit).
T o set the tape counter to “0000”, open the cassette holder once.
Then the counter will be reset.

CD

TAPEDSTOP1

MD

***



VOL

DIGITAL

.

8 00:00