Panasonic SAAK523, SAAK520, SAAK323, SAAK320 User Manual

For U.S.A.

The illustrations show SC-AK520.

As an ENERGY STAR® Partner, Panasonic has determined
that this product meets the ENERGY STAR® guidelines for
energy efficiency.

CD Stereo System

Operating Instructions

Model No. SC-AK520

SC-AK523
SC-AK320
SC-AK323

P PC

Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, please read these
instructions completely.
Please keep this manual for future reference.

SC-AK523 and SC-AK323 are available in the U.S.A. only.

RQT7330-5P

Table of contents

Dear customer

Thank you for purchasing this product.
For optimum performance and safety, please read these instructions
carefully.

These operating instructions are applicable to the following systems.
Unless otherwise indicated, illustrations in these operating instructions
are of SC-AK520.

System SC-AK520 SC-AK523 SC-AK320 SC-AK323

Main unit SA-AK520 SA-AK523 SA-AK320 SA-AK323

Front speakers SB-AK520 SB-AK520 SB-AK320 SB-AK320

Subwoofer SB-WAK520 SB-WAK520 – –

CAUTION!

THIS PRODUCT UTILIZES A LASER.
USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE
OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN
MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.
DO NOT OPEN COVERS AND DO NOT REPAIR YOURSELF.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK
OR PRODUCT DAMAGE, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPARATUS TO RAIN, MOISTURE, DRIPPING OR
SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH
LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED
ON THE APPARATUS.

CAUTION!

DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE,
BUILT-IN CABINET OR IN ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE.
ENSURE THE UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO PREVENT
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO
OVERHEATING, ENSURE THAT CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER
MATERIALS DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE VENTILATION VENTS.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ............................. 3

Listening caution ............................................................... 3

Product Service ................................................................. 3

Supplied accessories ........................................................ 4

Placement of speakers ...................................................... 4

The remote control ............................................................ 4

Disc information ................................................................ 5

Set-up ................................................................................. 6

Front panel controls .......................................................... 7

CDs ..................................................................................... 8

How discs with MP3 differ from CDs ............................... 9

CD Play Mode function for MP3 ....................................... 9

Album skip play .............................................................. 10

Track skip play ............................................................... 10

INTRO function (Album scan) ........................................ 10

Program play for MP3 .................................................... 10

Starting play from a desired track in a desired album .... 11

Title search function ....................................................... 11

CD display for MP3 ........................................................ 12

Marking a track .............................................................. 13

Radio ................................................................................ 13

Cassettes .......................................................................... 14

Sound quality/sound field ............................................... 15

Other functions ................................................................ 15

Optional antenna connections ........................................ 15

External unit connections ............................................... 15

Using an external unit .................................................... 15

Using headphones (not included) ................................... 15

Turning the demo function on/off .................................... 15

Convenient functions ...................................................... 16

Auto-off function ............................................................. 16

Setting the time .............................................................. 16

Timers............................................................................... 17

Troubleshooting guide .................................................... 18

Maintenance ..................................................................... 18

Specifications .................................................................. 19

Limited Warranty (ONLY FOR U.S.A.) ............. Back cover

The model number and serial number of this product can be
found on either the back or the bottom of the unit.
Please note them in the space provided below and keep for
future reference.

MODEL NUMBER

SERIAL NUMBER

User memo:

DATE OF PURCHASE
DEALER NAME
DEALER ADDRESS

TELEPHONE NUMBER

Except for U.S.A.

Inside of product

2

RQT7330

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read these operating instructions carefully before using the unit. Follow the safety instructions on the unit and the applicable safety instructions
listed below. Keep these operating instructions handy for future reference.

1) Read these instructions.

2) Keep these instructions.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5) Do not use this apparatus near water.

6) Clean only with dry cloth.

7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.

8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.

9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding­type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than
the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided
for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

Listening caution

Selecting fine audio equipment such as the unit you’ve just pur­chased is only the start of your musical enjoyment. Now it’s time to
consider how you can maximize the fun and excitement your equip­ment offers. This manufacturer and the Electronic Industries Associ­ation’s Consumer Electronics Group want you to get the most out of
your equipment by playing it at a safe level. One that lets the sound
come through loud and clear without annoying blaring or
distortion—and, most importantly, without affecting your sensitive
hearing.

We recommend that you avoid prolonged exposure to excessive
noise.

Sound can be deceiving. Over time your hearing “comfort level”
adapts to higher volumes of sound. So what sounds “normal” can
actually be loud and harmful to your hearing.
Guard against this by setting your equipment at a safe level BEFORE
your hearing adapts.
To establish a safe level:

Start your volume control at a low setting.

•

Slowly increase the sound until you can hear it comfortably and

•

clearly, and without distortion.

Once you have established a comfortable sound level:

Set the dial and leave it there.

•

Taking a minute to do this now will help to prevent hearing damage
or loss in the future. After all, we want you listening for a lifetime.

10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.

11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.

13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused
for long periods of time.

14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally,
or has been dropped.

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN THE U.S.A.:

CAUTION:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that inter­ference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equip­ment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equip­ment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and re-

•

ceiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different

•

from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician

•

for help.

Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment
would void the user’s authority to operate this device.

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.

Product Service

1. Damage requiring service —The unit should be serviced by

qualified service personnel if:
(a) The AC power supply cord or AC adaptor has been damaged; or
(b)Objects or liquids have gotten into the unit; or
(c)The unit has been exposed to rain; or
(d)The unit does not operate normally or exhibits a marked change

in performance; or

(e)The unit has been dropped or the cabinet damaged.

2. Servicing —Do not attempt to service the unit beyond that
described in these operating instructions. Refer all other servicing
to authorized servicing personnel.

3. Replacement parts —When parts need replacing ensure the
servicer uses parts specified by the manufacturer or parts that
have the same characteristics as the original parts. Unauthorized
substitutes may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

4. Safety check —After repairs or service, ask the servicer to
perform safety checks to confirm that the unit is in proper working
condition.

Product information

For product information or assistance with product operation:

In the U.S.A., refer to “Customer Services Directory” on the back
cover.

In Canada, contact the Panasonic Canada Inc. Customer Care Centre
at 905-624-5505, or visit the website (www.panasonic.ca), or an
authorized Servicentre closest to you.

3

RQT7330

Supplied accessories

Please check and identify the supplied accessories.
Use numbers indicated in parentheses when asking
for replacement parts.

In U.S.A. to order accessories, refer to
“Accessory Purchases” on the back cover.

The remote control

Batteries

R6/LR6, AA, UM-3

AC power supply cord .. 1 pc.

(RJA0065-A)

Remote control

transmitter ..................... 1 pc.

AK520

(EUR7710050)

AK320

• Black: (N2QAHB000045)

• For U.S.A. only:
Silver: (EUR7710020)

AK323

(N2QAHB000045)

AK523

FM indoor antenna .. 1pc.

(RSA0006-J)

AM loop antenna .. 1 pc.

(N1DADYY00002)

Batteries ............. 2 pcs.

Placement of speakers

Place the front speakers so that the super tweeter is on the outside.

Super tweeter

Super tweeter

Insert so the poles (+ and –) match those in the remote control.

•

Do not use rechargeable type batteries.

•

Do not:

mix old and new batteries.

•

use different types at the same time.

•

heat or expose to flame.

•

take apart or short-circuit.

•

attempt to recharge alkaline or manganese batteries.

•

use batteries if the covering has been peeled off.

•

keep together with metallic objects such as necklaces.

•

Mishandling of batteries can cause electrolyte leakage which can
damage items the fluid contacts and may cause a fire.
If electrolyte leaks from the batteries, consult your dealer.
Wash thoroughly with water if electrolyte comes in contact with any
part of your body.

Remove if the remote control is not going to be used for a long
period of time. Store in a cool, dark place.
Replace if the unit does not respond to the remote control even
when held close to the front panel.

Main unit

Front speaker
(left)

Note

AK520 and
AK523 only

Subwoofer

Place on the floor or a sturdy shelf
so that it won’t cause vibration.

(SB-WAK520)

• Keep your speakers at least 10 mm (

for proper ventilation.

13

/32˝) away from the system

Front speaker
(right)

• These speakers do not have magnetic shielding. Do not place them

near televisions, personal computers or other devices easily
influenced by magnetism.

• You cannot take the front net off the speakers.

Use

Y

R

O

M

E

M

30

Transmission

window

Aim at the sensor, avoiding obstacles, at a maximum range of 7
meters directly in front of the unit.

Keep the transmission window and the unit’s sensor free from dust.

•

Operation can be affected by strong light sources, such as direct

•

sunlight, and the glass doors on cabinets.

˚

30

About 7 meters in front of
the signal sensor

Do not:

put heavy objects on the remote control.

•

take the remote control apart.

•

spill liquids onto the remote control.

•

Remote control
signal sensor

˚

4

RQT7330

Disc information

CD selection

Choose CDs with this mark:

Do not:

use irregularly shaped CDs.

•

attach extra labels and stickers.

•

use CDs with labels and stickers

•

that are coming off or with
adhesive exuding from under
labels and stickers.
attach scratch proof covers or

•

any other kind of accessory.
write anything on the CD.

•

clean CDs with liquids. (Wipe

•

with a soft, dry cloth.)
use CDs printed with label

•

printers available on the market.

XXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXX XX

XXXX XXXX XXXXX

XXXX XXXX XXXXX
XXXX XXXX

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

To prevent damage

Always observe the following points:

Load only 1 CD on the tray.

•

Load CDs as shown in the figure.

•

An adaptor is not needed with 8 cm CDs (singles).

X
X

X
X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X
X

X
X

X

X

X

X

X

X

XXXX XX XXXXX

XXXX XXXX XXXXX

X

XXXXXXXX XXXX

XXX XXX XXXXX

XX

XXXXXX XXX XXXXXXX

XXXX XX XXXXX

X
X

X
X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

XXXX XX XXXXX

XXXX XXXX XXXXX

XXXX

X
X

XXXX

X

XXX

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

XXXX

X

XXXX

XXX

XXXXXX

XXX XXXXXXX

XXXX XX
X

XXX

X

XXXX X

X

XXXXX

XXXX XX

XXXXX

XX

XX

XXXX XXXXX

XXXX XX

XX

XXXXX

8 cm CD

12 cm CD

Set the system on a flat, level surface.

•

Always unload all CDs before moving the unit.

•

Do not:

set the unit on top of magazines, inclined surfaces, etc.

•

move the unit while a tray is opening/closing, or when loaded.

•

put anything except a CD in the tray.

•

use cleaning CDs or CDs which are badly warped or cracked.

•

disconnect the AC power supply cord from the household AC outlet

•

during disc changing operation.

MP3 information

This unit can play MP3 files recorded on CD-R/RW with a computer.
Files are treated as tracks and folders are treated as albums.
This unit can access up to 999 tracks, 255 albums and 20 sessions.

When making MP3 files to play on this unit

Disc format

Discs must conform to ISO9660 level 1 or 2 (except for extended
formats).

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

File format

MP3 files must have the extension “.MP3” or “.mp3”.

To play in a certain order

Prefix the folder and file names with 3-digit numbers in the order you
want to play them.
Files may not be recorded in numbered order if the prefixes have
different numbers of digits. For example: 1????.mp3, 2????.mp3,
10????.mp3.
However, some writing software may also cause recording to occur in
a different order.

root

001

001.mp3

002.mp3

003.mp3

002

001.mp3

001.mp3

002.mp3

003.mp3

002.mp3

003.mp3

004.mp3

003

MPEG Layer-3 audio decoding technology licensed from Fraunhofer
IIS and Thomson multimedia.

Limitations on MP3 play

This unit is not compatible with packet-write format.

•

When both MP3 and CD-DA data is recorded on the disc over a

•

number of sessions:

If the first session contains MP3 recordings, the unit will play from

•

the MP3 made in that session till the session before the first CD-DA
recordings.
If the first session contains CD-DA recordings, the unit will play only

•

the recordings made in that session. The subsequent sessions will
be ignored.

Some MP3 may not be played due to the condition of the disc or

•

recording.
Recordings will not necessarily be played in the order you recorded

•

them.
For

•

upper case.

AK320

and

, lower case letters will be displayed as

AK323

This unit can play MP3 and CD-DA (digital audio) format audio
CD-R and CD-RW that have been finalized (a process that enables
CD-R/CD-RW players to play audio CD-R and CD-RW) upon
completion of recording.
It may not be able to play some CD-R or CD-RW due to the
condition of the recording.

5

RQT7330

Set-up

Connect the AC power supply cord only after all other connections have been made.

Preparation

Twist and pull off the vinyl tip of the antenna wires and speaker cords.

2 AM loop antenna

Stand the antenna up

(R)

on its base.

4 AC power supply cord

Note

The included AC power supply cord
is for use with this unit only.
Do not use it with other equipment.

For your reference

To save power when the unit is not
to be used for a long time, unplug it
from the household AC outlet.
You will need to reset some memory
items after plugging in the unit.

The illustrations show SC-AK520.

(L)

1 FM indoor antenna

Adhesive tape

Affix where
reception is best.

3 Speaker cords

AK520 AK523

AK320

Gray

AK323

Blue

Black

3

1

Blue

Black

3

2

Gray (+)

Red

Gray

1

Blue (–)

Connect the left (L) side

Red

in the same way.

Red

-

Red (+)

Black (–)

Blue (–)

Connect the left (L) side
in the same way.

Black

Red (+)

Black (–)

Gray (+)

Subwoofer

Red (+)

Black (–)

Use only the supplied speakers.

The combination of the main unit and speakers provide the best sound.
Using other speakers can damage the unit and sound quality will be
negatively affected.

Caution

•

•

(SB-WAK520)

Use the speakers only with the recommended
system. Failure to do so may lead to damage
to the amplifier and/or the speakers, and may
result in the risk of fire. Consult a qualified
service person if damage has occurred or if
you experience a sudden change in
performance.
Do not attach these speakers to walls or
ceilings.

6

RQT7330

Front panel controls

VOL

VOL

SH I

CL OCK
T IME R

RE C

O OFF

IN TRO

UND EQ

T EQ

ING

EN TER

MA RKE R

TI TLE

SE ARCH

PR OG

AM

RE P

AT

AY MO DE

DI SC

SP ACE

AB C

DE F

GH I

TU V

W XY

PQ RS

JK L

MN O

EE P

CD DI SP

DI MME R

BUM

CUR SOR

DE L

TAPE

CD

AUX

LE AR

TUNER

ND

S.WOOF ER

Main unit

SUPER

SUBWOOFER

SOUND EQ

PRESET EQ

DECK 1

DISP

DEMO

TUNER

BAND

AUX

REC

1 AC supply indicator [AC IN]

This indicator lights when the unit is connected to the AC power
supply.

2 Standby/on switch [

ff

f/I, POWER]

ff

Press to switch the unit from on to standby mode or vice versa. In
standby mode, the unit is still consuming a small amount of power.

3 Display

4 Deck 1 cassette holder .........................................................14

5 Disc tray

6 CD tray open/close button [c, OPEN/CLOSE] .................... 8

7 CD direct play buttons [1 ~ 5] ............................................... 8

8 Remote control signal sensor ............................................... 4

9 Headphones jack [PHONES] ................................................15

! Deck 2 cassette holder .........................................................14

Center console

AK520 AK523

!

Subwoofer button [SUBWOOFER] ......... 15

# Super sound EQ button [SUPER SOUND EQ] ................... 15

$ CD skip/search, tape fast-forward/rewind,

tune/preset channel select, time adjust buttons

[g/REW/3, f/FF/4] ........................ 8-11, 13, 14, 16, 17

% Tuner/band select button [TUNER, BAND] ........................ 13

& CD play/pause button [ :/J, CD] .......................................... 8

(
)

AK520
AK520

Enter button [ENTER] ....................... 10, 11

AK523

Joystick .............................................. 10, 11

AK523

~ Preset EQ select button [PRESET EQ] ............................... 15

/

C

M

H

U

B

A

L

R

A

A

C

R

O

S

R

U

C

E

N

T

E

R

FFREW

CD

TAP E

DECK

1/2

T

I

T

L

E

S

E

A

R

C

H

DELETE

STOP

DECK 2

U

R

S

O

R

A

A

L

R

B

A

U

H

M

C

/

M

A

R

K

E

R

M

E

M

O

R

Y

R

E

C

A

L

L

+ Deck 1 open button [c, DECK 1] ....................................... 14

, Display, demonstration button [DISP, –DEMO] .... 8, 12, 15, 16

- Record button [a, REC] ....................................................... 14

. AUX button [AUX] ................................................................ 15

/ Volume control [VOLUME DOWN, UP] ............................... 16

: Tape play button [ :, TAPE] ................................................ 14

; Deck select button [DECK 1/2] ............................................ 14

< Stop/program clear button [L, STOP] ....................... 8-11, 14

= Deck 2 open button [c, DECK 2] ....................................... 14

>

AK520 AK523

?

AK520 AK523

[TITLE SEARCH] .................................................................. 11

@

AK520 AK523

[MARKER, –MEMORY, -RECALL] ....................................... 13

Delete button [DELETE] ................ 9, 10, 12

Title search mode select button

Marker memory/recall button

Remote control

(For

AK520

and )

AK523

(For

AK320

and )

AK323

(For

AK520

and )

AK523

(For

AK320

and )

AK323

(For

AK520

and )

AK523

(For

AK320

and )

AK323

DISC

PROG

R AM

PL AY MODE

REP

E AT

TUNER

BAND

VOL

AL BUM

INTRO

SHI

FT

AU TO OFF

MARKER

S.WOOFER

S.S.SOSOUND EQ

PLPLAY

CLOCK

/

REC

TIMER

SL EEP

CD DISP

DIMMER

DEF

ABC

2

1

GHI

4

789

DEL

CD

CLEAR

AUX

JKL

5

TUV

SPACE

0

TAP E

VOL

CURSOR

RE W FF

TITLE

SEARCH

PRERESET EQ

3

MNO

6

WXY

10

ENTER

MUTUTING

ZPQRS

Buttons such as 2 function in exactly the same way as the
buttons on the main unit.

/

[ Sleep timer + Auto off button [SLEEP, AUTO OFF] .....16, 17

\ Disc button [DISC] ................................................................. 8

] Program button [PROGRAM] .................................... 9, 10, 13

^ Play mode select button [PLAY MODE] .................. 8, 9, 13, 14

Use this for selecting CD play mode, tune mode, FM mode, AM
beat proof and deck select.

_ Repeat button [REPEAT] ....................................................... 8

{

AK320

Delete button [DEL] ....................... 9, 10, 12

AK323

| Album skip buttons [ , , ALBUM] ............................... 10

} Intro button [INTRO] ............................................................. 10

AK320

V

[MARKER] ............................................................................. 13

AK323

Marker memory/recall button

0 Shift button [SHIFT]

To use functions labeled in orange \:
While pressing [SHIFT], press the corresponding button.

(For

AK520

and )

AK523

(For

AK320

and )

AK323

(For

AK520

and )

AK523

(For

AK320

and )

AK323

\

AK520 AK523

AK320

AK520 AK523

1

[S.SOUND EQ, S.WOOFER] ................................................ 15

2 Dimmer + Play timer/record timer button

[DIMMER, rPLAY/REC] .................................................. 16, 17

3 CD display + Clock/timer button

[CD DISP, CLOCK/TIMER] ................................... 8, 12, 16, 17

44

Numbered, character buttons

>>

[

>10, 1–9, 0, A-Z, SPACE!”#] ...................................... 8-11, 13

>>

5 CD skip/search, tape fast-forward/rewind,

tune/preset channel select, time adjust, cursor buttons
[g, REW/3, CURSOR,

f, 4/FF, CURSOR ] ..................................... 8-14, 16, 17

6
7

AK320
AK320

AK323

AK323

[TITLE SEARCH] .................................................................... 11

8 Muting button [MUTING] ..................................................... 16

: For buttons [AUTO OFF], [CLOCK/TIMER],

[rPLAY/REC] and [S.WOOFER]

AK323

: For buttons [AUTO OFF], [CLOCK/TIMER]

and [rPLAY/REC]

Super sound EQ + Subwoofer button

Enter button [ENTER] ......................... 10, 11

Title search mode select button

7

RQT7330