Panasonic SC-AK18 User Manual

CD Stereo System

Operating Instructions

Model No. SC-AK28

SC-AK18

The illustrations show SC-AK28.

EB GN

Note:

The "EB" indication shown on the packing case indicates United Kingdom.

Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, please read these instructions completely.

Please keep this manual for future reference.

RQT5265-B

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 system. These operating instructions, however, fundamentally explain the operation of system SC-AK28.

	using		System	SC-AK28	SC-AK18
			Main unit	SA-AK28	SA-AK18
			Speakers	SB-AK28	SB-AK18
	Before

(Back of product)

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.

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. ENSURE THAT CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE VENTILATION TO PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OVERHEATING.

Supplied accessories

Please check and identify the supplied accessories.

AC mains lead ..............................................	1 pc.
For United Kingdom	For Australia and New
(RJA0044-1C)	Zealand
	(RJA0035-X)

Remote control transmitter ..........................

1pc.

SC-AK28: (RAK-SC957WK)

SC-AK18: (EUR648200)

Batteries for remote control .......................

2pcs.

FM indoor antenna	....................................... 1 pc.
For United Kingdom	For Australia and New
(RSA0007)	Zealand
	(RSA0006 - J)

AM loop antenna (RSA0029) .......................

1 pc.

Antenna plug adaptor (SJP9009) .................

1pc.

(United Kingdom only)

Use numbers indicated in parentheses when asking for replacement parts.

2

RQT5265

Table of contents
Before using
Supplied accessories ....................................................................		2
Safety precautions .........................................................................		3
Caution for AC Mains Lead ..........................................................		4
Concerning the remote control ....................................................		5
Battery installation ......................................................................		5
Correct method of use ................................................................		5
Placement of speakers ..................................................................		5
Connections ...................................................................................		6
Basic connections (for supplied accessories) .............................		6
Optional antenna connections ....................................................		7
External unit connection .............................................................		7
Front panel controls ......................................................................		8
Turning the demo function off ...................................................		10
ECO mode ....................................................................................		10
Auto-off function .........................................................................		10
Setting the time ...........................................................................		11
Convenient functions ..................................................................		11
Radio operations
Presetting radio broadcasts	.......................................................	12
Listening to radio broadcasts ....................................................		13
Compact disc operations
Concerning compact discs .........................................................		14
Listening to compact discs ........................................................		15
Direct access play ....................................................................		16
Repeat play ..............................................................................		16
Random play ............................................................................		16
Program play ............................................................................		17
To listen to special CDs and tracks (CD Manager function) .....		18
Cassette deck operations
Listening to tapes ........................................................................		19
Concerning cassette tapes .........................................................		20
Recording operations
Before recording (Deck 2 only) ..................................................		21
Tape-to-tape recording ................................................................		21
Recording from radio broadcasts ..............................................		22
Recording from compact discs ..................................................		23
To record special CDs and tracks (CD Manager function) ........		24
Sound quality/sound field operations
Using the built-in sound quality/sound field settings ...............		25
Boosting the super woofer	SC-AK28 ........................................	25
Adding bass SC-AK18 ...............................................................		25
Varying the sound quality with the manual equalizer ..............		26
Varying the sound quality with the acoustic image
(Al) equalizer .............................................................................		26
Timer operations
Using the timer ............................................................................		27
Using the play/record timer	.......................................................	27
Using the sleep timer ................................................................		29
Reference
Using an external unit .................................................................		29
Troubleshooting guide ................................................................		30
Maintenance .................................................................................		31
Technical specifications .............................................	Back Cover

Safety precautions

Placement

Set the system up on an even surface away from direct sunlight,
high temperatures, high humidity, and excessive vibration. These
conditions can damage the cabinet and other components, thereby
shortening the unit’s service life.
Place it at least 15 cm away from wall surfaces to avoid distortion
and unwanted acoustical effects.
Do not place heavy items on the unit.	using
Voltage
	Before

Do not use high voltage power sources. This can overload the unit and cause a fire.

Do not use a DC power source. Check the source carefully when setting the unit up on a ship or other place where DC is used.

AC mains lead protection

Ensure the AC mains lead is connected correctly and not damaged.

Poor connection and lead damage can cause fire or electric shock. Do not pull, bend, or place heavy items on the lead.

Grasp the plug firmly when unplugging the lead. Pulling the AC mains lead can cause electric shock.

Do not handle the plug with wet hands. This can cause electric shock.

Foreign matter

Do not let metal objects fall inside the unit. This can cause electric shock or malfunction.

Do not let liquids get into the unit. This can cause electric shock or malfunction. If this occurs, immediately disconnect the unit from the power supply and contact your dealer.

Do not spray insecticides onto or into the unit. They contain flammable gases which can ignite if sprayed into the unit.

Service

Do not attempt to repair this unit by yourself. If sound is interrupted, indicators fail to light, smoke appears, or any other problem that is not covered in these instructions occurs, disconnect the AC mains lead and contact your dealer or an authorized service center. Electric shock or damage to the unit can occur if the unit is repaired, disassembled or reconstructed by unqualified persons.

Extend operating life by disconnecting the unit from the power source if it is not to be used for a long time.

3

RQT5265

Caution for AC Mains Lead

		(For United Kingdom)
		(“EB” area code model only)
		For your safety, please read the following text carefully.
		This appliance is supplied with a moulded three pin
	using	mains plug for your safety and convenience.
		Should the fuse need to be replaced please ensure that
		A 5-ampere fuse is fitted in this plug.
		the replacement fuse has a rating of 5-ampere and that
	Before
		Check for the ASTA mark	or the BSI mark on the
		it is approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362.

body of the fuse.

If the plug contains a removable fuse cover you must ensure that it is refitted when the fuse is replaced.

If you lose the fuse cover the plug must not be used until a replacement cover is obtained.

A replacement fuse cover can be purchased from your local dealer.

CAUTION!

IF THE FITTED MOULDED PLUG IS UNSUITABLE FOR THE SOCKET OUTLET IN YOUR HOME THEN THE FUSE SHOULD BE REMOVED AND THE PLUG CUT OFF AND DISPOSED OF SAFELY.

THERE IS A DANGER OF SEVERE ELECTRICAL SHOCK IF THE CUT OFF PLUG IS INSERTED INTO ANY 13-AMPERE SOCKET.

If a new plug is to be fitted please observe the wiring code as stated below.

If in any doubt please consult a qualified electrician.

IMPORTANT

The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:

Blue: Neutral, Brown: Live.

As these colours may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:

The wire which is coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured Black or Blue.

The wire which is coloured Brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured Brown or Red.

4

WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT EITHER WIRE TO THE EARTH TERMINAL WHICH IS MARKED WITH THE LETTER E, BY THE EARTH SYMBOL i OR

COLOURED GREEN OR GREEN/YELLOW.

THIS PLUG IS NOT WATERPROOF—KEEP DRY.

Before use

Remove the connector cover.

How to replace the fuse

The location of the fuse differ according to the type of AC mains plug (figures A and B). Confirm the AC mains plug fitted and follow the instructions below.

Illustrations may differ from actual AC mains plug.

1.Open the fuse cover with a screwdriver.

Figure A

Figure B

Fuse cover

2.Replace the fuse and close or attach the fuse cover.

Figure A

Fuse

(5 ampere)

Figure B

Fuse

(5 ampere)

RQT5265

A

R6, AA, UM-3

SC-AK28

SC-AK18

R6, AA, UM-3

1

2

B

Remote control signal sensor

30° 30°

	Transmission	About 7 meters in front of
	window
		the signal sensor

C

SC-AK28

Superwoofer

SC-AK18

Concerning the remote control

	Battery installation		A
	Use of batteries
	• Align the poles (+ and –) properly when inserting the batteries.
	• Do not mix old and new batteries or different types of batteries.
	• Do not recharge ordinary dry cell batteries.
	• Do not heat or disassemble the batteries. Do not allow them to				using
	contact flame or water.
	• Remove the batteries if the unit is not to be used for a long time.
	• Do not keep together with metallic objects such as necklaces.
	• Do not use rechargeable type batteries.				Before
	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.

	B
Correct method of use

Operation notes

•Do not place obstacles between the remote control signal sensor and remote control unit.

•Do not expose the remote control signal sensor to direct sunlight or to the bright light of a fluorescent light.

•Take care to keep the remote control signal sensor and end of the remote control unit free from dust.

•If this system is installed in a rack with glass doors, the glass doors’ thickness or colour might make it necessary to use the remote control a shorter distance from the system.

To prevent damage

•Never place heavy items on top of the unit.

•Do not disassemble or reconstruct the unit.

•Do not spill water or other liquids into the unit.

Placement of speakers C

SC-AK28

Place the speakers so that the super woofer is on the outside.

SC-AK18

Speakers are designed identically so that no left or right channel orientation is necessary.

Notes

•Keep your speakers at least 10 mm away from the system for proper ventilation.

•These speakers do not have magnetic shielding. Do not place them near televisions, personal computers or other devices easily influenced by magnetism.

•To avoid damage to the speakers, do not touch the speaker cones if you have taken the nets off.

5

RQT5265

Before using

6

Connections

Basic connections (for supplied accessories)

		•	Plug the AC mains lead into a household mains socket only after
	1	•	all other connections have been made.
			To prepare the antenna wires and speaker cords, twist the vinyl
	2		cover tip and pull off.
	3
		For Australia and New Zealand
		The configuration of the FM and AM antenna terminals are different.
	4	To household	Connect the FM indoor antenna.
			Tape the antenna to a wall or column, in a position where radio
		mains socket
			signals are received with the least amount of interference.

1 For Australia and New Zealand						For United Kingdom
					Adhesive tape
					FM indoor antenna
			FM	ANT
					)
			(
1				G	ND
					2
2
For Australia and New Zealand						For United Kingdom
	AM	ANT
		LOO	P
		EXT
					AM loop antenna
3	SC-AK28
					Red (+)
Grey (+)
					Black (–)
					Blue (–)
SC-AK18
					Red (+)
					Black (–)
4		Appliance inlet				Connector
			Approx. 6 mm

Note

For best reception sound quality:

An FM outdoor antenna is recommended. (See page 7.)

Connect the AM loop antenna.

After attaching the antenna, turn on the system and tune in a broadcast station. Then, turn the antenna to the angle of best reception and least interference.

Connect the speaker cables.

Connect each end of the speaker cables to the terminal lever of the same colour.

Caution

•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.

•To prevent damage to circuitry, never short-circuit positive (+) and negative (–) speaker wires.

Caution

•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.

Connect the AC mains lead.

(FOR UNITED KINGDOM ONLY)

BE SURE TO READ THE CAUTION FOR THE AC MAINS LEAD ON PAGE 4 BEFORE CONNECTION.

Insertion of connector

Even when the connector is perfectly inserted, depending on the type of inlet used, the front part of the connector may jut out as shown in the drawing.

However there is no problem using the unit.

Note

The included AC mains lead is for use with this unit only. Do not use it with other equipment.

RQT5265

A For Australia and New Zealand

							FM outdoor antenna
							(not included)
						75 Ω coaxial cable (not included)
						1
			ANT					30 mm
	FM
		(			)	2
			GND				Shield braid
						3	15 mm	Core wire
	For United Kingdom							FM outdoor antenna
								(not included)
							75 Ω	coaxial cable
							(not included)
Antenna plug
adaptor (included)
B	For Australia and New Zealand
							AM outdoor antenna
						5 -12 m	(not included)
	AM	ANT
		LOO		P
							AM loop antenna
		EXT
							(included)
	For United Kingdom
							AM outdoor antenna
					5 -12 m		(not included)
							AM loop antenna
							(included)

C

R L

Rear panel of this unit

(R) (L)

Analog player (not included)

D			Rear panel of this unit
	OPTICAL OUT		Optical fiber
			cable
			(not included)
			Receiver
		OUT	(not included)
	OPTICAL
	OUT
	OPTICAL
			OPTICAL
			IN

Connections

Optional antenna connections

You may need an outdoor antenna if you use this system in a mountainous region or inside a reinforced-concrete building, etc.

FM outdoor antenna A

Disconnect the FM indoor antenna if an FM outdoor antenna is in-	using
stalled.
1 Remove a piece of the outer vinyl insulator.
2 Twist the shield braid.
3 Expose the core wire.	Before

Note

An outdoor antenna should be installed by a qualified technician only.

AM outdoor antenna B

Connect the outdoor antenna without removing the AM loop antenna. Run 5 to 12 m of vinyl-covered wire horizontally along a window or other convenient location.

Note

When the unit is not in use, disconnect the outdoor antenna to prevent possible damage that may be caused by lightning. Never use an outdoor antenna during an electrical storm.

External unit connection

•Make sure that the power supply for all components has been turned off before making any connections.

•For details, refer to the operating instructions of the unit which are to be connected.

•All peripheral components and cables sold separately.

Connecting analog equipment C

An analog player with a built-in phono equalizer can be connected. When units other than those described are to be connected, please consult your audio dealer.

Connecting digital equipment to the optical fiber out terminal D

(For United Kingdom: model SC-AK28 only)

Remove the dust-protection cap and connect this unit to other digital equipment with an optical fibre terminal, such as a receiver or digital surround processor.

•Leave the cap attached when this terminal is not being used.

For your reference

If you have DTS format CDs, you can enjoy six channel playback by connecting this unit to a receiver or digital surround processor that has a DTS decoder.

Note

Use only the optical fibre terminal when playing back DTS format discs. DTS signals can only be correctly output through the digital terminal.

¡ DTS is a trademark of Digital Theater Systems, L.P.

7

RQT5265

	A
		1	8
			9
		2
		3	10
using			11
		4
			12
		5
Before			15
			13
	6		14
			16
	7		17

B

18 19 20 21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

8

Front panel controls
Main unit A
No.	Name	Ref. page
1 Eco button (MODE) ....................................................		10
2 For Australia and New Zealand
	Standby/on switch (f/I, POWER) .............................	10
For	For United Kingdom
	Standby/on switch (f/I) .............................................	10
	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.

3AC supply indicator (AC IN)

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

4Play timer/record timer button and indicator

	(rPLAY/rREC) ..........................................................	27
5	Clock/timer button
	(CLOCK/TIMER) ..............................................	11, 27, 28
6	Display
7	Deck 1 cassette holder ..............................................	19
8	Disc direct play, open/close buttons and indicators
	(CD 1 ~ CD 5, c) ........................................................	15
9	CD manager button
	(CD MANAGER) ...................................................	18, 24
! Random play button (RANDOM) ..............................		16
	Disc tray
# Display select/demonstration button
	(-DISP/–DEMO) ....................................................	10, 11
$ SC-AK28
	Super woofer on/off button
	(S.WOOFER) ...............................................................	25
	SC-AK18
	V.BASS on/off button (V.BASS) ...............................	25
% Volume control (VOLUME) ........................................		13
& 3D AI EQ button (3D AI EQ) .....................................		26
( Headphone jack (PHONES) ......................................		29
) Deck 2 cassette holder ..............................................		19
Center console B
~ Tape/deck select button (TAPE, DECK 1/2) ............		19
+ CD button (CD) ...........................................................		18
, Tuner/band select button (TUNER, BAND) .............		12
- AUX button (AUX) ......................................................		29
. Deck 1 open button (c DECK 1 OPEN) ..................		19
/ Basic operating buttons
	Functions change according to the source.
: Tape edit button (TAPE EDIT) ..................................		21
; Recording start/stop button (a REC/STOP) ............		22
< Reverse mode select button (REV MODE) ..............		19
= Deck 2 open button (c DECK 2 OPEN) ..................		19
> Sound equalizer control (SOUND EQ) .....................		25

RQT5265

2

29

30

31

32

18

19

33

15

13

34

14

35

36

37

10

38

21

20

39

40

41

Front panel controls

Remote control

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

No.			Name	Ref. page
2	Standby/on button (f) ...............................................			10
....................................? Auto off button (AUTO OFF)				10		using
@ Numeric buttons (≥ 10, 1–0)				13, 16
[ Program button (PROGRAM) ...................................				17			Before
\ Cancel button (CANCEL)				17
~ Tape/deck select button (TAPE) ..............................				19
...........................................................+ CD button (CD)				18
] EQ select button (EQ) ................................................				25
& 3D AI EQ select button (3D AI) ................................				26
$
		SC-AK28
	Super woofer on/off button
	...............................................................(S.WOOFER)			25
		SC-AK18
	V.BASS on/off button (V.BASS) ...............................			25
^ Reverse side playback/preset channel
	select button (//3) .............................................			13, 19
% Volume buttons (– VOLUME +) ................................				13
_ Sleep button (SLEEP) ................................................				29
{ Muting button (MUTING) ...........................................				11
| Disc button (DISC) .....................................................				16
......................................! Random button (RANDOM)				16
} Repeat button (REPEAT) ...........................................				16
......................................................- AUX button (AUX)				29
, Tuner/band select button (TUNER) .........................				12
V Skip/search buttons (g/(, )/f) ........				15, 20
0 Play/pause/preset channel
	select button (-/J/4) ...................................			13, 15, 19
....................................................1 Stop button (L)				15, 19

9

RQT5265

A

Before using

B For Australia and

New Zealand

For United Kingdom

For Australia and New Zealand

For United Kingdom

C

10

Turning the demo function off A

If the clock has not been set, a demonstration of the display is shown when the unit is switched to standby.

This function is set to on at the time of purchase.

Turn this function off to get the most from the eco mode (see below).

Press and hold [-DISP/–DEMO] until “NO DEMO” is displayed.

The display changes each time the button is held down.

NO DEMO (off) ↔ DEMO (on)

ECO mode B

When this mode is used, the display remains blank when the unit is switched to standby mode and the power consumed is reduced to 0.4 W from a maximum of 12 W.

The mode is set to on at the time of purchase.

	Condition in standby	Display	Power consumption
	ECO mode
	off	clock	12 W
	on	blank	0.4 W

Note

To get the most from this mode, turn the demo function off or set the clock.

Turning ECO on and off

Press [f/7] to turn the unit on.

Press [MODE].

The current ECO mode is displayed. Press again to change the mode.

The display changes each time the button is pressed.

NORMAL (off) ↔ ECO (on)

The eco mode can be turned on if the unit is in standby but it cannot be turned off.

Auto-off function C

by remote control only

When CD or tape is selected as the source

To save power, the unit turns off if it is left unused for four minutes.

Note

This function does not work if the source is tuner or AUX.

Press [AUTO OFF].

“AUTO OFF” is shown on the display.

To cancel

Press [AUTO OFF] again to clear “AUTO OFF” from the display.

For your reference

The setting is maintained even if the unit is turned off. When the unit is turned on again, “AUTO OFF” is displayed and the unit functions as described above.

“AUTO OFF” disappears from the display if either tuner or AUX is selected as the source but continues to function normally.

“AUTO OFF” remains displayed if CD or tape is selected as the source.

RQT5265