Sony CDX-R3300 Operating Instruction

FM/AM
Compact Disc
Player

3-261-845-11 (1)

Operating Instructi on s
Mode d’emploi

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the bot tom of the unit.
Record these numbers in the spa ce provided below.
Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this produc t.

Model No. CDX-R3300 Serial No.

For installation and connections, see the supplied installation/connections manual.
En ce qui concerne l’installation et les connexions, consulter le manuel
d’installation/raccordement fourni.

US
FR

CDX-R3300

© 2004 Sony Corporation

Warning

–
–

–

–

t

Welcome !

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 receiver.

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.

You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.

Thank you for purchasing this Sony Compact
Disc Player. You can enjoy its various features
even mo re wit h:

• MP3 file playback.

• CD-R/CD-RW which can have a session added
can be played (pag e7).

• Discs recorded in Multi Sessio n can be pla ye d,
depending on th e r ecording method (page 7).

• CD TEXT information
(displayed when a CD TEXT disc*

•ID3 tag*
information (displayed when an MP3 file is
played).

• Optional controller accessory
Card remote commander RM-X114

*1 A CD TEXT disc is an audio CD that includes

*2 ID3 tag is an MP3 file that contains information

2

version 1.0, 1.1, 2.2, 2.3 or 2.4

information such as the disc name, artist name,
and track names. This information is recorded on
the disc.

about album name, artist name, track name, etc.

1

is played).

CAUTION

The use of optical instruments with this produc
will increase eye hazard.

2

Table of Contents

Location of controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Notes on discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

About MP3 files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Getting Started

Resetting the unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Detaching the front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

CD Player

Playing a disc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Display items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Playing tracks repeatedly

— Repeat Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Playing tracks in ra ndom order

— Shuffle Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Radio

Storing stations automatically

— Best Tuning Memory (BTM). . . . . . . 13

Receiving the stored stations. . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Storing only the desired stations . . . . . . . . . 14

Other Functions

Adjusting the sound characteristics . . . . . . 14

Quickly attenuating the sound . . . . . . . . . . 14

Changing the sound and display settings

— Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Setting the equalizer (EQ3). . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Additional Information

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Removing the unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Error displays/Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

3

Location of controls

Refer to the pages listed for details.

ATT OFF

DSPL

–

ALBUM

SOURCE MODE

SEL

+

123456

a Volume +/– button
b ATT (attenuate) button 14
c DSPL (dis play mode change) button

10, 12

d OPEN/EJECT shutter 11
e Display window
f EQ3 button 16
g OFF (Stop/Power off) button* 9, 11
h SEEK +/– button

Radio:
To tune in stations automatically/find a
station manually.
CD (MP3 files):
To skip tracks/fast-forward, reverse a track.

i (front panel release) button 9
j SOURCE (Power on/Radio/CD) button

T o select the source.

k MODE button

To change the oper at i on.

l SEL (select) button

To select items.

m RESET button (located on t he fron t side of

the unit, behind the fr ont panel) 9

EQ3

SHUF

REP

CDX-R3300

SENS

BTMSCRL

n Number buttons 15

Radio:
To store the desired station on each number
button.
MP3 files:

(1): ALBUM – 11
(2): ALBUM + 11

CD:

(3): REP 12
(4): SHUF 12

o SENS button 13
p SCRL (scroll) button 12
q BTM button 13
r Receptor for the card remote

commander

* Warning when installing in a car without

an ACC (accessory) position on the
ignition switch

After turning off the ignition, be sure to press
and hold (OFF) on the unit until the display
disappears.

Otherwise, the display does not turn off and this
causes battery drain.

SEEK

4

Card remote commander RM-X114
(optional)

Selecting an album with the card
remote commander

Album can be skipped using the DISC
(ALBUM) (+/–) buttons on the card remote
commander.

DSPL MODE

+

PRESET

LIST

+

DISC

MENU

–

SEEK

SOUND

SOURCE

DISC

PRESET –

+

VOL

+

SEEK

–

ENTER

ATTOFF

–

The corresponding buttons of the card
remote commander control the same
functions as those on this unit.

a DSPL button
b MENU button*

1

c SOURCE button
d SEEK (–/+) buttons
e SOUND button
f OFF button
g VOL (+/–) buttons
h MODE button
i LIST button*

1

j DISC*1 (ALBUM)/PRESET (+/–)

buttons

k ENTER button*

1

l ATT button

To Press

Skip albums*
– Album selection

2

+ or – [once for e ach album]
To continuously skip
albums, press and hold
either button.

*2 Available only when an MP3 file is played.

Skipping tracks continuous l y

Press once (SEEK) (+) o r ( SEEK) (–) on the
card remote commander, then press ag a in within
2 seconds and hold.

*1 Not available for this unit

Note

If the display disappears by pressing (OFF), it cannot
be operated with the card remote commander unless
(SOURCE) on the unit is pressed, or a disc is inserted
to activate the unit first.

Tip

For details on how to replace the battery, see
“Replacing the lithium battery” on page 17.

5

Precautions

Notes on discs

• If your car has been parked in direct sunl ig ht,
allow the unit to cool off before operating it.

• Power antenna will extend au tomatically while
the unit is operating.

If you have any quest ions or proble m s
concerning your unit that are not covered in this
manual, please co nsult your nearest Sony dealer.

Moisture condensation

On a rainy day or in a very damp area, moisture
condensation ma y occur inside the lenses and
display of the unit. Should this occur, the unit
will not operate properly. In such a case, remove
the disc and wait for about an hour until th e
moisture has evaporated.

To maintain high sound quality

Be careful not to splash juice or other soft drinks
onto the unit or discs.

• To keep a disc clean, do not touch its surface.
Handle the disc by its ed ge.

• Keep your discs in their cases or disc
magazines when not in use.

• Do not subject dis cs to heat/high tempe rature.
Avoid leaving them in a parked car or on a
dashboard/rear tray.

• Do not attach labels , or us e discs with sticky
ink/residue. Such discs may stop spinning
when used, caus in g a m alfunction, or may rui n
the disc.

• Do not use any discs wit h l abels or stickers
attached.
The following malfunctions may result from
using such discs:
– Inability to ej e ct a disc (d ue to a label or

sticker peeling off and jamming the eject
mechanism).

– Inability to read audio data correctly (e.g.,

playback skipping, or no playback) due to
heat shrinking of a sticker or label ca using a
disc to warp.

• Discs with non-standard shapes (e.g., heart,
square, star) c annot be played on thi s unit.
Attempting to do so may damage the unit. Do
not use such discs.

• You cannot play 8 cm (3 in) CDs.

6

• Before playing, clean the discs with a
commercially available cleaning cloth. Wipe
each disc from the center out. Do not use
solvents such as ben zine, thinner , co mmercially
available cleaners, or antistatic spray intended
for analog discs.

Music discs encoded with copyright
protection

This product is designe d t o pl ay back discs that
conform to the Compact Disc (CD) sta ndard.
Recently, various music discs enc oded with
copyright protection ar e ma rketed by so me
record companies. Please be aware t hat among
those discs, there are some that do not conform to
the CD standard and ma y not be pl ayable by this
product.

Notes on CD-Rs (recordable CDs)/CD­RWs (rewritable CDs)

This unit can play the following discs:

Type of discs Label on the disc

Audio CD

MP3 files

• Some CD-Rs/ C D - RWs (depen di ng on the
equipment used for its recording or the
condition of the disc) may not play on this unit.

• You cannot play a CD-R /CD-RW that is not
finalized*.

• You can play MP3 files recorded on CD­ROMs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs.

• A CD-R/CD-RW to which a sess ion can be
added can be played.

About MP3 files

MP3 (MPEG 1 A udio Layer-3) is a sta ndard
technology and format for compressing a soun d
sequence. Th e fi le i s comp ressed to a bout 1/ 10 of
its original size. Sounds outside the range of
human hearing are compressed while the sounds
we can hear are not compressed.

Notes on discs

You can play MP3 files recorded on CD-ROMs,
CD-Rs, and C D -RWs.
The disc must be in the ISO 9660*
level 2 format, or Joliet or Romeo in the
expansion format.
You can use a disc recorded in Mult i Session*

1

*

ISO 9660 Format

The most common international standard for
the logical format of files and folders on a
CD-ROM.
There are several specification levels. In
Level 1, file names must be in the 8.3 format
(no more than 8 characters in the name, no
more than 3 characters in the extension
“.MP3”) and in capital letters. Fold er names
can be no longer than 8 char act ers. There can
be no more than 8 nested folder levels. Level
2 specifications allow file names up to 31
characters long.
Each folder can have up to 8 tree s.
For Joliet or Romeo in t he expansion format,
make sure of the contents of the writing
software, etc.

2

*

Multi Session

This is a recording method that enables
adding of data using the Track-At-Once
method. Conventional CDs begin at a CD
control area called the Lead-in and en d at an
area called Lead-out. A Multi Session CD is a
CD having multiple sessions, with each
segment from Lead -i n t o Lead-out regarded
as a single session.
CD-Extra: The format which records audio
(audio CD data) as tracks on session 1, and
records data as tr acks on session 2 .
Mixed CD: In this format , da ta is recorded as
track 1, and audio (audio CD data) is recorded
as track 2.

continue to next page t

1

level 1 or

2

.

* A process necessary for a recorded CD-R/CD-RW

disc to be played on the audio CD player.

7

Notes

• With formats other than ISO 9660 le v el 1 an d lev el 2,
folder names or file names may not be displayed
correctly.

• When naming, be sure to add the file extension
“.MP3” to the file name.

• If you put the extension “.MP3” to a file other than
MP3, the unit cannot recognize the file properly and
will generate random noise that could damage your
speakers.

• The following discs take a longer time to start
playback.
– a disc recorded with complicated tree structure.
– a disc recorded in Multi Session.
– a disc to which data can be added.

Cautions when playing a disc that is recorded in
Multi Session

• When the first track of the first session is audio CD
data:
Only audio CD data of the first session is played
back.
Any data in subsequent sessions is skipped.

• When the first track of the first session is not audio
CD data:
– If an MP3 file is in the disc, only MP3 file(s) is

played back and other data is skipped. (Audio CD
data is not recognized.)

– If no MP3 file is in the disc, “NO MUSIC” is

displayed and nothing is played back. (Audio CD
data is not recognized.)

The playback order of the MP3 files

The playback order of the folders and files is as
follows:

Folder (album)

1

1

MP3 file (track)

2

2

3

3

4

5

6

6

7

5

4

7

8

8

9

Tree 1
(root)

Notes

• A folder that does not include an MP3 file is skipped.

• When you insert a disc with many trees, it takes a

longer time to start playback. We recommend that
you make only one or two trees for each disc.

• Maximum folder number: 150 (including root folder
and empty folders)

• The maximum number of MP3 files and folders that
can be contained in a disc: 300
When a file/folder name contains many characters,
this number may become less than 300.

Tip

To specify a desired playback order, before the folder
or file name, input the order by number (e.g., “01,”
“02”), then record contents onto a disc. (The order
differs depending on the writing software.)

Tree 2

Tree 3

Tree 4

Tree 5

8

Getting Started

Detaching the front panel

You can detach the front panel of this unit to
protect the unit from being stolen.

Resetting the unit

Before operating the unit for the first time, or
after replacing the car battery or changing the
connections, you must reset the unit.
Remove the front panel and press the RESET
button with a pointed object, such as a ball-point
pen.

RESET button

Note

Pressing the RESET button will erase the clock setting
and some stored contents.

Caution alarm

If you turn the ignition switch to the OFF
position without removing the front panel, the
caution alarm will beep for a few seconds.
If you connect an op ti onal amplifier and do not
use the built-in amplifier, the beep sound will be
deactivated.

1 Press (OFF)*.

CD playback or radio reception stops (the key
illumination and display remain on).

* If your car has no ACC (accessory) position on

the ignition switch, be sure to turn the unit off by
pressing (OFF) until the display disappears to
avoid car battery drain.

2 Press , then pull it off towards you.

(OFF)

T

C

E

J

E

/

N

E

P

O

Notes

• If you detach the panel while the unit is still turned

on, the power will turn off automatically to prevent
the speakers from being damaged.

• Do not drop or put excessive pressure on the front

panel and its display window.

• Do not subject the front panel to heat/high

temperature or moisture. Avoid leaving it in a parked
car or on a dashboard/rear tray.

Tip

When carrying the front panel with you, use the
supplied front panel case.

continue to next page t

9

Attaching the front panel

Attach part A of the front panel to part B of the
unit as illustrated and push the left side into
position until it clicks.

Setting the clock

The clock uses a 12-hour digital indica ti on.
Example: To set the clock to 10:08

T

C

E

J

E

/

N

E

P

O

Note

Do not put anything on the inner surface of the front
panel.

1 Press (DSPL) for 2 seconds.

The hour indication flashes.

1Press the volume +/– button to set

the hour.

2Press (SEL).

The minute indi cation flashes.

3Press the volume +/– button to set

the minute.

2 Press (DSPL).

The clock starts. Aft er th e cl ock setting is
completed, the display retu rn s to normal play
mode.

10

To eject the disc

CD Player

Playing a disc

1 Open the shutter.

2 Insert the disc labele d si de up.

Playback starts automatically.

3 Close the shutter.

If a disc is already inserted, pre ss (SOURCE)
repeatedly unti l “ C D ” appears to start playback.

To Press

Stop playba ck (OFF)
Skip tracks

–Automatic

Music Sensor

Fast-forward/
reverse
–Manual Search

Skip albums*
–Albums selection

(SEEK) (–/+)
(./>)
[once for each tr ack]

(SEEK) (–/+)
(m/M)
[hold to desired p o i nt ]

(1)(ALBUM–) or
(2)(ALBUM+)

1 Open the shutter.

2 Push down th e shutter.

The disc is ejected.

Notes

• While ejecting or inserting a disc, do not close the

shutter. The disc may be caught and damaged.

• A disc may be ejected if you open the shutter

forcefully.

• Before playing a track, this unit reads all track and

album information on the disc. Depending on the
track structure, it may take more than a minute
before playback begins. During this time, “READ” is
displayed. Please wait for play to start automatically
when the reading is complete.

• Depending on the condition of the disc, it may not

play back (page 6, 7).

• While the first/last track on the disc is playing, if

(SEEK) (–) or (SEEK) (+) is pressed, playback skips
to the last/first track of the disc.

• When the last track on the disc is over, playback

restarts from the first track of the disc.

• If you play a high-bit rate MP3 file such as 320 kbps,

sound may be intermittent.

Tip

A disc can be played with the shutter opened or
closed.

* Available only when an MP3 file is played.

T o skip trac ks continuous ly, press (SEEK) (+) or
(SEEK) (–), then press again within 2 seconds
and hold.

11

Display items

When the disc/album/track changes, any
prerecorded title*
automatically displayed (if A.SCRL (Auto
Scroll) is set to “ON,” names exceeding 8
characters will be scrolled (page 15)).

Source

Displayable item s

• Track number/Elapsed playing time

• Disc name*

• Album (folder) name*

• Track (file) name*1*

•ID3 tag*

•Clock

To Press

Switch display item (DSPL)
Scroll display item (SCRL)

*1 When pressing (DSPL), “NO NAME” indicates that

there is no prerecorded name to display.

*2 Only for CD TEXT discs with the artist name.
*3 Only for MP3 files.

Only track name/artist name/album name in ID3
tag is displayed.
When pressing (DSPL), “NO ID3” indicates that
there is no ID3 tag to display.

Notes

• Some charact ers can not be di splayed.

• For some CD TEXT discs with very many

characters, information may not scroll.

• This unit cannot display the artist name for each
track of a CD TEXT disc.

Notes on MP3

• ID3 tag applies to version 1.0, 1.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4.

• Some characters and signs cannot be displayed

(appear as “*”). The max imum numb er of
displayable characters for an album (folder) name/
track (file) is 64 (Romeo) or 32 (Joliet); ID3 tag 30
characters (1.0, 1.1, 2.2 and 2.3) or 126 characters
(2.4).

• In the following cases, elapsed playing time may not
be displayed accurately.
– when an MP3 file of VBR (variable bit rate) is

played.

– during fast-forward/reverse.

Tips

• When A.SCRL (Auto Scroll) is set to “OFF” and the
disc/album/track is changed, the disc/album/track
name does not scroll.

• When an MP3 file is played and the album is
changed, the new album number is displayed.

1

of the new disc/album/track is

1

/Artist name*

3

2

3

3

12

Playing tracks repeatedly

— Repeat Pla y

You can select:

• REP-TRACK — to repeat the current track.

• REP-ALBM* — to repeat the tracks in the
current album.

* Available only when an MP3 file is played.

During playback, press (3) (REP)
repeatedly until the desired setting
appears in the display.

Repeat Play starts.

To return to normal play mode, select
“REP-OFF.”

Playing tracks in random
order

— Shuffle Play

You can select:

• SHUF-ALBM* — to play the tracks in the
current album in random order.

• SHUF-DISC — to play the tracks in the disc in
random order.

* Available only when an MP3 file is played.

During playback, press (4) (SHUF)
repeatedly until the desired setting
appears in the display.

Shuffle Play starts.

To return to normal play mode, select
“SHUF-OFF.”

Radio

The unit can store up to 6 st at ions per band
(FM1, FM2, FM3, A M 1 and AM2).

Caution

When tuning in statio ns w hile driving, use Best
Tuning Memory to prevent accidents.

Storing stations
automatically

— Best Tuning Memory (BTM)

The unit selects the stations with the strongest
signals within the selected band, and stores them
in the order of their fre q uency.

1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select

the radio.

2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the

band.

3 Press (BTM) for 2 seconds.

The unit stores stations in the order of their
frequencies on the number buttons.
A beep sounds when the setting is stored.

Notes

• If only a few stations can be received due to weak
signals, some number buttons will retain their former
settings.

• When a number is indicated in the display, the unit
starts storing stations fr om the one cu rrently
displayed.

Receiving the stored stations

1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select

the radio.

2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the

band.

3 Press the number button ((1) to (6))

on which the desired station is stored.

If preset tuning does not work

— Automatic tuning/Local Seek Mode

Automatic tuning:

Press (SEEK) (+) or (SEEK) (–) to
search for the station.

Scanning stops wh e n th e unit receives a
station. Re peat the operation until the desired
station is receiv ed.

Local Seek Mode:

If the automatic tuning stops too
frequently, press (SENS) repeatedly
until “LOCAL-ON” appears in the
display.

Only the stations with relatively strong
signals will be tuned in.

To cancel the local seek mode, pres s ( SENS)
twice when receiving FM.

Note

When receiving AM, to cancel the local seek mode,
press (SENS) (“LOCAL-OFF” appears).

Tip

If you know the frequency of the station you want to
listen to, press and hold (SEEK) (+) or (SEEK) (–) to
locate the approximate frequency, then press
(SEEK) (+) or (SEEK) (–) repeatedly to fine adjust to
the desired frequency (manual tuni n g) .

If FM stereo reception is poor

— Monaural Mode

During radio reception, press (SENS)
repeatedly until “MONO-ON” appears
in the displ ay.

The sound improves, but becomes monaural
(“ST” disapp ears).

To return to normal radio reception mode, press
(SENS) (“MONO-OFF” appears).

13

Storing only the desired
stations

You can manually preset th e desired stations on
any chosen number button.

1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select

the radio.

2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the

band.

3 Press (SEEK) (+) or (SEEK) (–) to tune

in the station that you want to store.

4 Press the desired number button ((1)

to (6)) for 2 seconds until “MEM”
appears.

The number button indication appears in the
display.

Note

If you try to store another station on the same number
button, the previously stored station will be erased.

Other Functions

Adjusting the sound
characteristics

You can adjust the balance, fader, low pass filter
and subwoofer volume.

1 Press (SEL) repeatedly until “BAL,”

“FAD,” “LPF” or “SUB” appears.

Each time you press ( SEL ), the item changes
as follows:

1

LOW*

t MID*1 t HI*1 t

BAL (left-right) t F AD (front-rear) t
LPF (low pass fi lter)*
SUB (subwoofer volume)*

*1 When EQ3 is activated (page 16).
*2 When “SUB” is selected (pa ge 15).
*3 The cut off frequency is adjustable to 78 Hz,

125 Hz or OFF.

*4 The volume level is adjustable between –10

and +10 steps. (Below –10, “ATT” is displayed.)

2 Press the volume +/– button to adjust

the selected item.

Note

Adjust within 3 seconds after selecting the item.

2*3

t

2*4

14

Quickly attenuating the
sound

Press (ATT).

After “ATT-ON” momentarily appears,
“ATT” appears in the display.

To restore the previous volume level, press
(ATT) again.

Changing the sound and
display settings

— Menu

The following items can be set:

Set up

• REAR/SUB*1 — to switch the audio output
REAR or SUB.
– Select “REAR” to output to a power

amplifier.

– Select “SUB” to output to a subwoof er.

• A.SCRL (Auto Sc roll)*

•DEMO*

1

— to turn the demonstration display
on or off.
– Select “ON” to activate the demonstration

display (The dem onstration starts about 10
seconds after the unit is turned off).

– Select “OFF” to deactivate the

demonstration display.

• BEEP — to turn the beeps on or off.

• DIM — to change the brightness of the display.
– Select “ON” to d i m the display.
– Select “OFF” to deactivate the Dimmer.

2

(page 12)

Switching the REAR/SUB*

1

Press (SEL) and then press the
volume + (REAR) or – (SUB) button.

After 3 seconds, the display returns to normal
play mode.

Selecting the desired item

Press (SEL) and the desired button
simultaneously.

(SEL) + (3): A.SCRL*
(SEL) + (4): DEMO*

2

1

(SEL) + (6): BEEP
(SEL) + (DSPL): DIM

After the mode setting is completed, the display
returns to normal play mode.

To cancel the item, press (SEL) and the desired
button simultaneously again.

*1 When the unit is turned off.
*2 When no CD is playing, this item will not appear.

15

Setting the equalizer (EQ3)

You can sel ect an equalizer cu rve for 7 music
types (XPLOD, VOCAL, CLUB, JAZZ, NEW
AGE, ROCK, CUSTOM and OFF (equalizer
OFF)).
You can store a different equalizer setting fo r
each source.

Selecting the equalizer curve

1 Press (SOURCE) to select a source

(Radio or CD).

2 Press (EQ3) repeatedly until the

desired equalizer curve.

Each time you press (EQ3), the item
changes.

To cancel the equalizing effect, select “OFF.”

Adjusting the equalizer curve

You can store and adjust the equalizer settings
for different tone ranges.

1 Press (SOURCE) to select a source

(Radio or CD).

2 Press (EQ3) repeatedly to select the

desired equalizer curve.

3 Adjusting the equalizer cur ve.

1Press (SEL) repeatedly to select the

desired tone range.

Each time you pr ess (SEL), the tone range
changes.

LOW t MID t HI (t BAL t FAD t
LPF t SUB)

2Press the volume +/– button

repeatedly to adjust to the desired
volume level.

The volume level is adjustable by 1 dB
steps from –10 dB to +10 dB.

3Repeat step 1 and 2 to adjust the

equalizer curve .

To restore the factory-set equali zer curve,
press (SEL) for 2 seconds.

Note

When EQ3 is set to “OFF,” you cannot adjust the
equalizer curve settings.

16

Additional Information

Maintenance

Fuse replacement

When replacing t he fuse, be sure to use on e
matching the amperage rating stated on the
original fuse. If the fuse blows, check the power
connection and replace the fuse. If the fuse blows
again after replacement, there may be an internal
malfunction. In su ch a case, consult your near es t
Sony dealer.

Fuse (10 A)

Warning

Never use a fuse with an amperage rating
exceeding the one supplied with the unit as this
could damage the u ni t.

Cleaning the connectors

The unit may not function properly if the
connectors between the unit and the front panel
are not clean. In order to prevent this, detach the
front panel (p age 9) and clean the connectors
with a cotton swab dipped in alco hol. Do not
apply too much force. Otherwise, t he connectors
may be damaged.

Replacing the lithium battery

Under normal conditions, battery will last
approximately 1 year . (The serv ic e lif e may be
shorter, depending on the conditions of use.)
When the battery becomes weak, the range of the
card remote commander becomes shorter.
Replace the battery with a new CR2025 lithium
battery. Use of any other battery may present a
risk of fire or explosion.

x

+ side up

Notes on lithium battery

• Keep the lithium battery out of the reach of
children. Should th e battery be swallowed,
immediately consult a doctor.

• Wipe the battery with a dry cloth to assure a
good contact.

• Be sure to observe the correct polarity when
installing the battery.

• Do not hold the battery with metallic tweezers,
otherwise a shor t-circuit may occur.

Main unit

Back of the front panel

Notes

• For safety, turn off the ignition before cleaning the
connectors, and remove the key from the ignition
switch.

• Never touch the connectors directly with your fingers
or with any metal device.

WARNING

Battery may explode if mistreated.
Do not recharge, disassemble, or dispose of
in fire.

17

Removing the unit

1 Remove the protection collar.

1 Detach the front panel (pag e 9).
2 Engage the release keys together

with the protection collar.

2 Remove the unit.

1Insert both releas e keys togeth er

until they click.

Face the hook
inwards.

Orient the release
key correctly.

3 Pull out the rel ease keys to remove

the protection collar.

2Pull the rele ase keys to unseat the

unit.

3Slide the unit out of the mounting.

18

Specifications

AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS

POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION

23.2 watts per channel minimum continuous average power into 4 ohms,
4 channels driven from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than 5% total
harmonic distortion.

CD Player section

Signal-to-noise ratio 120 dB
Frequency response 10 – 20,000 Hz
Wow and flutter Below measurable limi t

Tuner section

FM

Tuning range 87.5 – 107.9 MHz
Antenna terminal External antenna connector
Intermediate frequency 10.7 MHz /450 kHz
Usable sensitivity 9 dBf
Selectivity 75 dB at 400 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio 67 dB (stereo),

Harmonic distortion at 1 kHz

Separation 35 dB at 1 kHz
Frequency response 30 – 15,000 Hz

AM

Tuning range 530 – 1,710 kHz
Antenna terminal External antenna connector
Intermediate frequency 10.7 MHz/450 kHz
Sensitivity 30 µV

69 dB (mono)

0.5 % (stereo),

0.3 % (mono)

Power amplifier section

Outputs Speaker outputs
Speaker impedance 4 – 8 ohms

Maximum power output 52 W × 4 (at 4 ohms)

(sure seal connectors)

General

Outputs Audio outputs terminal

Input Antenna input terminal
Tone controls Low:

Power requirements 12 V DC car battery
Dimensions Approx. 178 × 50 × 179 mm
Mounting dimensions Approx. 182 × 53 × 161 mm

Mass Approx. 1.2 kg
Supplied accessori e s Parts for installation and

Optional accessory Card remote commander

Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.

(rear/sub switchable)
Power antenna relay control
terminal
Power amplifier control
terminal

±10 dB at 60 Hz (XPLOD)
Mid:
±10 dB at 1 kHz (XPLOD)
High:
±10 dB at 10 kHz (XPLOD)

(negative ground)

1

(7

/8 × 2 × 7 1/8 in) (w/h/d)

1

(7

/4 × 2 1/8 × 6 3/8 in)

(w/h/d)
(2 lb 10 oz)
connections (1 set)

Front panel case (1)
RM-X114

19

Troubleshooting

The following checklist will help you remedy
problems you may encounter with your unit.
Before going through the checklist below, check
the connect i on and operating procedures.

General

No sound.

• Press the volume + button to adjust the
volume.

• Cancel the ATT function.

• Set the fader contro l to the center posi tion for
a 2-speaker syste m.

The contents of the memory have been
erased.

• The RESET button has been pressed.
t Store again into the memory.

• The power lead or battery has been
disconnected.

• The power connecting lea d is not connected
properly.

No beep sound.

• The beep sound is canceled (page 15).

• An optional power amp lifier is connected
and you are not using the built-in amplifier.

The display disappears from/does not
appear in the display window.

• The display disappears i f you press and ho l d
(OFF).
t Press and hold (OFF) again until the

display appears.

• Remove the front panel a nd clean the
connectors. For detail s, se e “Cle anin g the
connectors” on pag e 17.

Stored stations and correct time are erased.
The fuse has blown.
Makes noise when the ignition key is in the
ON, ACC, or OFF posit ion.

The leads are no t matched correctly w i t h the
car’s accessory power connect or.

No power is being supplied to the unit.

• Check the connect i on. If everything is in
order, check the fuse.

• The car does not have an ACC position.
t Press (SOURCE) (o r insert a disc) t o turn

on the unit.

The power is continuously supplied to the
unit.

The car does not have an A CC position.

The power antenna does not extend.

The power antenna does not have a relay box.

CD playback

A disc cannot be loaded.

• Another CD is already loaded.

• The CD has been forcibly inserted upside
down or in the wrong way.

Playback does not begin.

• Defective or dirty CD.

• CD-R/CD-RW that is not finalized.

• You tried to play back a CD-R/CD-RW not
designed for audio use.

• Some CD-Rs/CD-RWs may not pla y due to
its recording equipment or the disc
condition.

MP3 files cannot be played back.

• Recording was not performed according to
the ISO 9660 level 1 or lev el 2 forma t, or the
Joliet or Romeo in the expansion format.

• The file extens ion “.MP3” is not added to the
file name.

• Files are not store d i n MP3 format.

MP3 files take longer to play back than
others.

The following discs take a longer time to start
playback.
–a disc recorded with complicate d tree

structure.

–a disc recorded in Multi Session.
–a disc to which data can be added.

A disc is automatically ejected.

The ambient tempe ra t ur e exceeds 50°C
(122°F).

The operation buttons do not function.
CD will not be ejected.

Press the RESET button.

The sound skips from vi br a tion.

• The unit is installed at an angle of mor e than
45°.

• The unit is not installed in a sturdy pa rt o f
the car.

The sound skips.

Dirty or defect ive disc.

20

Radio reception

Preset tuning is not possible.

• Store the correct frequency in the memory.

• The broadcast signal is too weak.

The stations cannot be received.
The sound is hampered by noises.

• Connect a power ante nna control lead (b l u e)
or accessory power supply lead (red) to the
power supply lead of a car ’s antenna booster
(only when your ca r has built-in FM/AM
aerial in the rear/side glass).

• Check the connect i on of the car antenna.

• The auto ant enna will not go up.
t C heck the connection of the power

antenna control lead.

• Check the frequency.

Automatic tuning is not possible.

• The local seek mode is set to “ON.”
t S et the local seek mode to “OFF”

(page 13).

• The broadcast signal is too weak.
t Perform manual tuning.

The “ST” indication flashes.

• Tune in the frequency accura te l y.

• The broadcast signal is too weak.
t Set the monaural reception mode to

“ON” (page 13).

A program broadcast in stereo is heard in
monaural.

The unit is in monaural reception mode.
t Cancel monaural rece pt i on m ode

(page 13).

Error displays/Messages

Error displays

The following indica tions will flash for about 5
seconds, and an al arm sound will be heard.

ERROR

• A CD is dirty or inserted upside d own.
t Clean or insert the CD correctly.

• A CD cannot play because of some pr oblem.
t Ins er t another CD.

FAILURE

The connection of speakers/amplifiers is
incorrect.
t See the installation guide manual of this

model to check the connection.

NO MUSIC

A CD which is not a music file is inserted in
this unit.
t Insert a mus ic CD in this u nit.

OFFSET

There may be an internal malfunction.
t Check the connection. If the error

indication remains on in the display,
consult your nearest Sony dealer.

RESET

The CD unit cannot be o per ated because of
some problem.
t Press the RESET button on the unit.

Messages

L.SEEK +/–

The local seek mode is on during automatic
tuning (page13).

“” or “”

You have reached the beginning or the end of
the disc and you ca nnot go any furt her.

If these solution s do not help improve the
situation, consul t y our nearest Sony dealer.

21