Sony MHC-GRX30, MHC-GRX30J User Manual

3-866-375-13(1)

Mini Hi-Fi
Component
System

Operating Instructions
Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the rear panel. Record the serial
number in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your
Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. Serial No.

f

TEXT

MHC-RXD5/R550
MHC-GRX30/GRX30J

©1999 by Sony Corporation

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.

To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

Do not install the appliance in a confined space,
such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.

This appliance is classified
as a CLASS 1 LASER
product. The CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
MARKING is located on
the rear exterior.

NOTICE FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN THE
U.S.A.

This symbol 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.

This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.

CAUTION

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

INFORMATION

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.

CAUTION

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

NOTICE FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN
CANADA

CAUTION:

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

This stereo system is equipped with the Dolby B­type noise reduction system*.
* Manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
DOLBY and the double-D symbol a are
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation.

2

Table of Contents

Getting Started

Step 1: Hooking up the system............ 4

Step 2: Setting the time ......................... 6

Step 3: Presetting radio stations .......... 7

Saving the power in standby mode.......9

Basic Operations

Playing a CD ......................................... 10

Recording a CD .................................... 12

Listening to the radio........................... 13

Recording from the radio .................... 14

Playing a tape........................................ 15

Recording from a tape ......................... 17

The CD Player

Using the CD display........................... 18

Playing the CD tracks repeatedly ...... 19

Playing the CD tracks in random

order ................................................ 20

Programming the CD tracks ............... 21

Playing CDs without interruption ..... 22

The Tape Deck

Recording on a tape manually ........... 23

Recording a CD by specifying track

order ................................................ 24

Sound Adjustment

Adjusting the sound ............................ 27

Selecting the audio emphasis ............. 28

Changing the spectrum analyzer

display ............................................. 29

Selecting the surround effect .............. 29

Other Features

Using the Radio Data System (RDS)*. 30

Singing along: Karaoke ....................... 32

Falling asleep to music ........................ 34

Waking up to music ............................. 34

Timer-recording radio programs ....... 36

Optional Components

Connecting audio components .......... 37

Connecting a VCR ................................ 38

Connecting external antennas ............ 39

Additional Information

Precautions ............................................ 40

Troubleshooting ................................... 41

Specifications ........................................ 44

Index....................................................... 46

* European model only

DJ Effects

Looping part of a CD ........................... 26

Flashing part of a CD ........................... 26

3

Getting Started

Step 1: Hooking up the system

Do the following procedure 1 to 4 to hook up your system using the supplied cords (for
European model only) and accessories.

AM loop antenna

FM antenna

2

3

1

4

Front speaker

(Right)

Connect the speakers.

1

Connect the speaker cords of front
speakers to the SPEAKER jacks as
below.

Insert only the stripped portion.

R

+

Black (’)Red (‘)

Notes

• Keep the speaker cords away from the antennas to
prevent noise.

• The type of speakers supplied varies according to
the model you purchased (see “Specifications” on
page 44).

L

+
–

Front speaker

(Left)

4

Connect the FM/AM antennas.

2

Set up the AM loop antenna, then
connect it.

Jack type A

Extend the FM lead

AM loop antenna

antenna horizontally.

Jack type B

Extend the FM lead
antenna horizontally.

AM loop antenna

FM75

COAXIAL

AM

FM75

COAXIAL

AM

For models with a voltage selector,

3

set VOLTAGE SELECTOR to
position of your local power line
voltage.

VOLTAGE SELECTOR

220-240V

110-120V

Connect the power cord to a wall

4

outlet.

The demonstration appears in the
display. When you press , the
system turns on and the demonstration
automatically ends.

If the supplied adaptor on the plug does
not fit your wall outlet, detach it from
the plug (only for model equipped with
an adaptor).

To connect optional components

See page 37.

To deactivate the demonstration

When you set the time (see “Step 2: Setting
the time”), the demonstration is deactivated.

To activate/deactivate the demonstration
again, press DISPLAY (for MHC-RXD5/
R550) or DEMO (STANDBY) (for
MHC-GRX30/GRX30J) while the system is
off.

continued

5

Step 1: Hooking up the system
(continued)

To attach the front speaker pads

Attach the supplied front speaker pads to the
bottom of the speakers to stabilize the
speakers and prevent them from slipping.

Step 2: Setting the
time

You must set the time before using the timer
functions.

The clock is on a 24-hour system for the
European model and a 12-hour system for
other models.

The 24-hour system model is used for
illustration purposes.

Inserting two size AA (R6)
batteries into the remote

]

}

}

]

Tip

With normal use, the batteries should last for about
six months. When the remote no longer operates
the system, replace both batteries with new ones.

Note

If you do not use the remote for a long period of
time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage
from battery leakage.

When carrying this system

Do the following to protect the CD
mechanism.

1 Press FUNCTION repeatedly until “CD”

appears in the display.

2 Hold down LOOP and press so that

“LOCK” appears in the display.

DISPLAY

6 6

1

3,52,4

6

1 Press CLOCK/TIMER SET.

The hour indication flashes.

2 Turn the jog dial to set the hour.

3 Press ENTER/NEXT.

The minute indication flashes.

4 Turn the jog dial to set the minute.
5 Press ENTER/NEXT.

The clock starts working.

Tip

If you’ve made a mistake, start over from step 1.

To change the time

The previous explanation shows you how to set the
time while the power is off. To change the time
while the power is on, do the following:

1 Press CLOCK/TIMER SET.
2 Turn the jog dial to select SET CLOCK.
3 Press ENTER/NEXT.
4 Perform steps 2 through 5 above.

Step 3: Presetting
radio stations

You can preset the following number of
stations:

– 2 band model: 20 for FM, 10 for AM.
– 3 band model: 20 for FM, 10 for MW and 10

for SW depending on the model you
purchased.

Jog dial

6 6

3

41(Power)

2

Note

The clock settings are canceled when you disconnect
the power cord or if a power failure occurs.

continued

7

Step 3: Presetting radio stations
(continued)

1 Press TUNER/BAND repeatedly

until the band you want appears in
the display.

The bands you can receive vary
depending on the model you purchased.
Be sure to check which bands you can
receive.

Every time you press this button, the
band changes as follows:
2 band model:

FM ˜ AM
3 band model:
FM n MW n SW

n

2 Press and hold + or – until the

frequency indication starts to
change, then release.

Scanning stops when the system tunes in
a station. “TUNED” and “STEREO” (for
a stereo program) appear.

TUNED

MONO

STEREO

ALL DISCS

kHz

MHz

3 Press TUNER MEMORY.

A preset number appears in the display.
The stations are stored from preset
number 1.

Preset number

ALL DISCS

4 Press ENTER/NEXT.

The station is stored.

5 Repeat steps 1 to 4 to store other

stations.

VOLUME

VOLUME

To tune in a station with a weak
signal

Press + or – repeatedly to tune in the station
manually.

To set another station to the
existing preset number

Start over from step 1. After step 3, turn the
jog dial to select the preset number you want
to store the other station.

You can add a new preset number after the
last preset number.

To erase the preset station

1 Hold down TUNER MEMORY until a

preset number appears in the display.

ALL DISCS

VOLUME

ß

2 Turn the jog dial to select the preset

number you want to erase.
Select “ALL ERASE” when you want to

erase all the preset stations.

3 Press ENTER/NEXT.

“COMPLETE” appears.

When you erase a preset number, the preset
number decreases by one and all preset

ß

numbers following the erased one are
renumbered.

To change the AM tuning interval

(Except for the European and Middle
Eastern models)

The AM tuning interval is factory set to 9 kHz (10
kHz in some areas). To change the AM tuning
interval, tune in any AM station first, then turn off

ß

the power. While holding down the ENTER/NEXT
button, turn the power back on. When you change
the interval, AM preset stations will be erased. To
reset the interval, repeat the same procedure.

Tip

The preset stations are retained for half a day even if
you unplug the power cord or if a power failure
occurs.

8

Saving the power in
standby mode

(For European and North
American models only)

You can lower the power consumption to
minimum (Power Saving Mode) and save
energy in standby mode.

POWER SAVE/DEMO

(Power)

(STANDBY)

6 6

Tips

• Each time you press POWER SAVE/DEMO
(STANDBY) in the Power Saving Mode, the
display switches between the Power Saving Mode
and the demo mode.

•

indicator and timer indicator (when the
timer is set) light up even in the Power Saving
Mode.

• The timer works in the Power Saving Mode.

Notes

• You cannot set the time in the Power Saving
Mode.

• One Touch Play function does not work in the
Power Saving Mode.

To cancel the Power Saving Mode

Press DISPLAY.
The clock display appears.

DISPLAY

/Press POWER SAVE/DEMO

(STANDBY) when the power is off
(during demo or clock display
mode).

The system switches to the Power Saving
Mode and the demo or clock display
disappears. The system is turned on/off
by pressing .

9

SHUFFLE REPEAT1

ALL1 DISCS PROGRAM

STEP

VOLUME

SYNC

ß

Basic Operations

Playing a CD

— Normal play

You can play up to three CDs in a row.

DISC SKIP/

EX-CHANGE

(Power)

p

6 6

2

CD

(P

1

1 Press § and place up to two CDs on

the disc tray.

If a disc is not placed properly it will not
be recognized.

With the label
side up. When
you play a CD
single, place it
on the inner
circle of the
tray.

To insert a third disc, press DISC SKIP/
EX-CHANGE to rotate the disc tray.

2 Press one of the DISC 1~3 buttons.

The disc tray closes and play starts.
If you press CD (P (or CD ( on the

remote) when the disc tray is closed,
play starts from the CD loaded on the
tray whose button is lit green.

Disc tray number

Track number

Playing time

10

PLAY

MODE

Jog Dial

◊

√

0 / )

VOLUME +/–

CD (

P
p

= +
0 )

VOL +/–

To Do this

Stop play Press p.
Pause Press CD (P (P on the

remote). Press again to resume
play.

Select a track During play or pause, turn the

jog dial clockwise (to go
forward) or counterclockwise
(to go back) and release it
when you reach the desired
track. (Or press + (to go

forward) or = (to go back)

on the remote.)

Find a point in Press and hold down ) or
a track 0 during play and

release it at the desired point.

Select a CD Press a DISC 1~3 button or
in stop mode DISC SKIP/EX-CHANGE.

Play only the Press PLAY MODE
CD you have repeatedly until “1 DISC”
selected appears.

Play all CDs Press PLAY MODE repeatedly

until “ALL DISCS” appears.
Remove the CD Press §.
Exchange other Press DISC SKIP/

CDs while EX-CHANGE.
playing

Adjust the Turn VOLUME +/– (or press
volume VOL +/– on the remote).

Tips

• Pressing CD (P when the power is off
automatically turns the power on and starts CD
playback if there is a CD in the tray (One Touch
Play). When the system is in the Power Saving
Mode, the One Touch Play function does not
work.

• You can switch from another source to the CD
player and start playing a CD just by pressing
CD (P or the DISC 1~3 buttons (Automatic
Source Selection).

• If there is no CD in the player, “CD NO DISC”
appears in the display.

• When a disc tray holding a CD is selected (or
playing), the DISC 1~3 button for that tray lights
green. When a disc tray holding a CD is not
selected, the DISC 1~3 button for that tray lights
orange. When all disc trays are empty, the DISC
1~3 buttons all light green.

Basic Operations

11

Recording a CD

— CD Synchro Recording

The CD SYNC button lets you record from a
CD to a tape easily. You can use TYPE I
(normal) or TYPE II (CrO2) tapes. The
recording level is adjusted automatically.

DISC SKIP/

EX-CHANGE

(Power)

DOLBY NR

CD

(P

2

2 Press § and place a CD.

Then press again to close the disc tray.
If the indicator for the tray you want to

record is not lit green, press DISC SKIP/
EX-CHANGE repeatedly so that it lights
green.

With the label
side up. When
you play a CD
single, place it
on the inner
circle of the
tray.

3 Press CD SYNC.

Deck B stands by for recording and the
CD player stands by for playback. The
indicator on TAPE B ( (for front side)
lights up.

4 Press DIRECTION repeatedly to

select A to record on one side.
Select ß (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.

6 6

453

p

1

1 Press 6 and insert a blank tape into

deck B.

With the side
you want to
record facing
forward

12

~6

5 Press REC PAUSE/START.

Recording starts.

To stop recording

Press p.

Tips

• If you want to record from the reverse side, press
TAPE B 9 to light its indicator after pressing CD
SYNC.

• When you record on both sides, be sure to start
from the front side. If you start from the reverse
side, recording stops at the end of the reverse side.

• When you want to reduce the hiss noise in low­level high-frequency signals, press DOLBY NR so
that “DOLBY NR” appears after pressing CD
SYNC.

Note

You cannot listen to other sources while recording.

Listening to the radio

–– Preset Tuning

Preset radio stations in the tuner's memory
first (see “Step 3: Presetting radio stations”).

(Power)

6 6

2

1

1 Press TUNER/BAND repeatedly

until the band you want appears in
the display.

The bands you can receive vary
depending on the model you purchased.
Be sure to check which bands you can
receive.

Every time you press the button, the
band changes as follows:

2 band model:
FM ˜ AM
3 band model:
FM n MW n SW

n

2 Turn the jog dial (or press = or

+ on the remote) to tune in the

desired preset station.

=

+

Turn counter­clockwise
(or press =
on the remote)
for lower preset
numbers.

Preset number* Frequency

Turn clockwise
(or press +
on the remote)
for higher
preset numbers.

Basic Operations

STEREO/MONO

◊

√

VOLUME +/–

TUNER/BAND

= +

VOL +/–

ALL DISCS

kHz

MHz

* When only one station is preset, “ONE

PRESET” appears in the display.

To Do this

Turn off the radio Press .
Adjust the volume Turn VOLUME +/– (or

press VOL +/– on the
remote).

continued

VOLUME

ß

13

Listening to the radio (continued)

VOLUME

MHz

kHz

ALL DISCS

ß

To listen to non-preset radio
stations

Use manual or automatic tuning in step 2.
For manual tuning, press + or – () or 0
on the remote) repeatedly. For automatic
tuning, press and hold + or – () or 0 on
the remote ).

Tips

• Pressing TUNER/BAND when the power is off
automatically turns the power on and tunes to the
last received station (One Touch Play). When the
system is in the Power Saving Mode, the One
Touch Play function does not work.

• You can switch from another source to the radio
just by pressing TUNER/BAND (Automatic
Source Selection).

• When an FM program is noisy, press
STEREO/MONO so that “MONO” appears in the
display. There will be no stereo effect, but the
reception will improve. Press the button again to
restore the stereo effect.

• To improve broadcast reception, reorient the
supplied antennas.

Recording from the
radio

You can record the radio program on a tape
by calling up a preset station. You can use
TYPE I (normal) or TYPE II (CrO2) tapes. The
recording level is automatically adjusted.

(Power)

6 6

DOLBY NR

1

14

p

5 4,6

2

3

1 Press TUNER/BAND to select the

band you want.

2 Turn the jog dial to tune in a preset

station.

Turn counter­clockwise for
lower preset
numbers.

* When only one station is preset, “ONE

PRESET” appears in the display.

=

Preset number*

+

Turn clockwise
for higher
preset numbers.

Frequency

3 Press 6 and insert a blank tape into

deck B.

With the side
you want to
record facing
forward

~6

4 Press REC PAUSE/START.

Deck B stands by for recording.

5 Press DIRECTION repeatedly to

select A to record on one side.
Select ß (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.

6 Press REC PAUSE/START.

Recording starts.

Playing a tape

You can use any type of tape, TYPE I
(normal), TYPE II (CrO2) or TYPE IV (metal) ,
since the deck automatically detects the tape
type. You can also use the jog dial’s AMS*
functions to quickly search for songs you
want to hear. To select either deck A or B,
press DECK A ( or DECK B ( on the
remote.

(Power)

3

p

VOLUME

+/–

To stop recording

Press p.

Tips

• If you want to record from the reverse side, press
TAPE B 9 to light its indicator after pressing
REC PAUSE/START in step 4.

• When you record on both sides, be sure to start
from the front side. If you start from the reverse
side, recording stops at the end of the reverse side.

•To record non-preset stations, use + and – in step
2 to tune in the desired station manually.

• When you want to reduce the hiss noise in low­level high-frequency signals, press DOLBY NR so
that “DOLBY NR” appears after pressing REC
PAUSE/START in step 4.

• If noise is heard while recording from the radio,
move the respective antenna to reduce the noise.

6 6

1

DOLBY NR

2

◊

√

Jog dial

0 / )

Basic Operations

1

p
= +
0 )

DECK A (
DECK B (

VOL +/–

continued

15

Playing a tape (continued)

1 Press 6 and insert a recorded tape

in deck A or B.

With the side
you want to
play facing
forward

~6

2 Press DIRECTION repeatedly to

select A to play one side. Select
ß* to play both sides.

To play both decks in succession, select
RELAY (relay play).**

3 Press TAPE A (or TAPE B) (

(DECK A (or DECK B) ( on the
remote).

Press TAPE A (or TAPE B) 9 to play
the reverse side. (Press DECK A (or
DECK B) ( again on the remote to play
the reverse side.) The tape starts playing.

* The deck stops automatically after

repeating the sequence five times.

** Relay play always follows the following

sequence:
Deck A (front side), Deck A (reverse side),

Deck B (front side), Deck B (reverse side).

To Do this

Stop play Press p.
Fast-forward Press 0 or ).
Rewind Press 0 or ).
Remove the cassette Press 6.
Adjust the volume Turn VOLUME +/– (or

press VOL +/– on the
remote).

Tips

• Pressing TAPE A (or TAPE B) ( or 9 when the
power is off automatically turns the power on and
starts tape playback if there is a tape in the deck
(One Touch Play). When the system is in the
Power Saving Mode, the One Touch Play function
does not work.

• You can switch from another source to the tape
deck just by pressing TAPE A (or TAPE B) ( or
9 (Automatic Source Selection).

• When you want to reduce the hiss noise in low­level high-frequency signals, press DOLBY NR so
that “DOLBY NR” appears.

Searching for the beginning of a
track (AMS*)

During playback, turn the jog dial the same
direction as the 9 or ( indicator to go
forward. Turn the opposite direction to go
back. (Or press = or + on the remote.)

The search direction, + (forward) or – (back),
and number of songs being skipped (1~9)
appear in the display.

Example: searching forward 2 songs

* AMS (Automatic Music Sensor)

Notes

The AMS function may not operate correctly under
the following circumstances:
– When the unrecorded space between songs is less

than 4 seconds long.

– If completely different information is recorded on

the left and right channels.

– When there are continuous sections of extremely

low level or low frequency sound (like those of a
baritone sax).

– When the unit is placed near a television. (In this

case, we recommend moving the unit farther away
from the television or turning off the television.)

16

Recording from a
tape

— High-speed Dubbing

You can use TYPE I (normal) or TYPE II
(CrO2) tapes. The recording level is
automatically adjusted.

(Power)

6 6

DOLBY NR

3 Press DIRECTION repeatedly to

select A to record on one side.
Select ß (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.

4 Press REC PAUSE/START.

Dubbing starts.

To stop dubbing

Press p.

Tips

• When you dub on both sides, start recording from
the front side. If you record from the reverse side,
recording stops at the end of the reverse side.

• If you set DIRECTION to ß when the tapes you
use have different lengths, the tape in each deck
reverses independently. If you select RELAY, the
tapes in both decks reverse together.

• You don’t have to set DOLBY NR, since the tape in
deck B is automatically recorded in the same state
as the tape in deck A.

Basic Operations

12314

p

1 Press 6 and insert a recorded tape

in deck A and a blank tape in deck
B.

With the side
you want to
play/record
facing forward

~6

2 Press HI-DUB.

Deck B stands by for recording.

17

The CD Player

Using the CD display

You can check the remaining time of the
current track or that of the CD.

When a CD TEXT disc is loaded, you can
check the information stored on the disc, such
as the titles or artist names.

(Power)

6 6

DISPLAY

/ Press DISPLAY.

Each time you press the button during
normal playback or in the stop mode, the
display changes as follows:

During normal playback

nPlaying time on the current track

µ

Remaining time on the current track

µ

Remaining time on current CD (1 DISC
mode) or “--.-- ” display (ALL DISCS
mode)

µ

Title name of the current track*

µ

Clock display (for eight seconds)

µ

Effect name or “EFFECT ON (OFF)”

In the stop mode

nTitle name of the CD*

µ

Artist information*

µ

Total number of tracks and total playing
time

µ

Clock display (for eight seconds)

µ

Effect name or “EFFECT ON (OFF)”

18

* With CD TEXT discs only ( certain

characters cannot be displayed ). When the
CD contains more than 20 tracks, CD TEXT
is not displayed from track 21 on.

Playing the CD tracks
repeatedly

–– Repeat Play

/ Press REPEAT during playback

until “REPEAT” appears in the
display.

Repeat Play starts. Do the following
procedure to change the repeat mode.

This function lets you repeat a single CD or
all CDs in normal play, Shuffle Play and
Program Play.

(Power)

6 6

PLAY MODE

REPEAT

To repeat Press

All the tracks on PLAY MODE repeatedly
the current CD until “1 DISC” appears in

the display.

All the tracks on PLAY MODE repeatedly
all CDs until “ALL DISCS” appears

in the display.

Only one track REPEAT repeatedly until

“REPEAT 1” appears in the
display while playing the
track you want to repeat.

To cancel Repeat Play

Press REPEAT so that “REPEAT” or
“REPEAT 1” disappears from the display.

19

Playing the CD tracks
in random order

–– Shuffle Play

You can play all the tracks on one CD or all
CDs in random order.

(Power)

6 6

DISC 1~3

3

To cancel Shuffle Play

Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until
“SHUFFLE” or “PROGRAM” disappears
from the display. The tracks continue playing
in their original order.

To select a desired CD

Press DISC 1~3.

Tips

• You can start Shuffle Play during normal play by
pressing PLAY MODE repeatedly to select
“SHUFFLE”.

• To skip a track, turn the jog dial clockwise (or
press + on the remote).

1

2

Jog dial

1 Press FUNCTION repeatedly until

“CD” appears in the display, then
place a CD.

2 Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until

“1 DISC SHUFFLE ” or “ALL DISCS
SHUFFLE” appears in the display.

“ALL DISCS” shuffles all the CDs in the
player. “1 DISC” shuffles the CD whose
DISC indicator is green.

3 Press CD (P.

All the tracks play in random order.

20

Programming the CD
tracks

–– Program Play

You can make a program of up to 32 tracks
from all the CDs in the order you want them
to be played.

(Power)

37

1 Press FUNCTION repeatedly until

“CD” appears in the display, then
place a CD.

2 Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until

“PROGRAM” appears in the
display.

3 Press one of the DISC 1~3 buttons to

select a CD.

4 Turn the jog dial until the desired

track appears in the display.

Total playing time

Disc number

(including selected track)

SYNC

6 6

1

p

245

◊

√

CD (

p
= +

CHECK
CLEAR

VOL +/–

ALL1 DISCS PROGRAM
SHUFFLE REPEAT1

Track number

5 Press ENTER/NEXT.

The track is programmed. The program
step number appears, followed by the
total playing time.

6 To program additional tracks,

repeat steps 3 to 5.
Skip step 3 to select tracks from the
same disc.

7 Press CD (P.

All the tracks play in the order you
selected.

VOLUME

ß

STEP

continued

21

Programming the CD tracks
(continued)

To cancel Program Play

Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until
“PROGRAM” or “SHUFFLE” disappears
from the display.

To Press

Check the CHECK on the remote
program repeatedly. After the last

track, “CHECK END”
appears.

Clear a track from CLEAR on the remote in
the end stop mode.

Clear a specific CHECK on the remote
track repeatedly until the

number of the track to be
erased lights up, then press
CLEAR.

Add a track to the 1 Select the disc tray with a
program DISC 1~3 button.

2 Select the track by

turning the jog dial.

3 Press ENTER/NEXT.

Clear the entire p once in stop mode or
program twice while playing.

Tips

• The program you made remains in the CD player
even after it has been played back. Press CD (P
to play the same program again.

• If “--.--” appears instead of the total playing time
during programming, this means:

– you have programmed a track number

which exceeds 20.

– the total playing time has exceeded 100 minutes.

Playing CDs without
interruption

–– Non-Stop Play

You can play CDs without pausing between
tracks.

(Power)

6 6

1

1 Press FUNCTION repeatedly until

“CD” appears in the display, then
place a CD.

3

2

22

2 Press NON-STOP to light the

indicator.

“NON-STOP PLAY” appears in the
display.

3 Press CD (P.

To cancel Non-Stop Play

Press NON-STOP so that the indicator goes
out and “NON-STOP OFF” appears in the
display.

The Tape Deck

Recording on a tape
manually

You can record from CD, tape, or radio as
you like. For example, you can record just the
songs you want or record from the middle of
the tape. The recording level is adjusted
automatically.

(Power)

6 6

DOLBY NR

4 Press DIRECTION repeatedly to

select A to record on one side.
Select ß (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.

5 Press REC PAUSE/START.

Recording starts.

6 Start playing the source to be

recorded.

To Press

Stop recording p.
Pause recording REC PAUSE / START.

Tips

• If you want to record from the reverse side, press
TAPE B 9 to light its indicator after pressing
REC PAUSE/START in step 3.

• When you want to reduce the hiss noise in low­level high-frequency signals, press DOLBY NR so
that “DOLBY NR” appears after pressing REC
PAUSE/START in step 3.

• When recording from a CD, you can use the jog
dial to select tracks during rec pause mode (after
pressing REC PAUSE/START in step 3 and before
pressing REC PAUSE/START in step 5).

214 3,5

p

1 Insert a blank tape into deck B.
2 Press FUNCTION repeatedly until

the source you want to record (e.g.,
CD) appears.

3 Press REC PAUSE/START.

Deck B stands by for recording. The
indicator on TAPE B ( (for front side)
lights up.

23

Recording a CD by
specifying track order

— Program Edit

1 Place a CD and insert a blank tape

into deck B.

2 Press FUNCTION repeatedly until

“CD” appears in the display.

You can record tracks from all the CDs in the
order you want. When programming, make
sure the playing times for each side do not
exceed the length of one side of the tape.

(Power)

6 6

11

2

3, DOLBY NR

4

p

56810

12

1

1

3 Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until

“PROGRAM” appears in the
display.

4 Press one of the DISC 1~3 buttons to

select a CD.

5 Turn the jog dial until the desired

track appears in the display.

Total playing time

Disc number

ALL1 DISCS PROGRAM
SHUFFLE REPEAT1

(including selected track)

SYNC

Track number

STEP

VOLUME

ß

6 Press ENTER/NEXT.

The track is programmed. The program
step number appears, followed by the
total playing time.

7 To program additional tracks to be

recorded on side A, repeat steps 4 to

6.

Skip step 4 to select tracks from the same
disc.

24

8 Press P on the remote to insert a

pause at the end of side A.

CHECK

◊

√

“P” appears in the display and the total
playing time resets to “0.00” in the
display.

9 Repeat steps 5 and 6 for tracks from

the same disc or steps 4 to 6 for
tracks from another disc to program
the remaining tracks to be recorded
on side B.

10 Press CD SYNC.

Deck B stands by for recording and the
CD player stands by for playback. The
indicator on TAPE B ( (for front side)
lights up.

11 Press DIRECTION repeatedly to

select A to record on one side.
Select ß (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.

12 Press REC PAUSE/START.

Recording starts.

Selecting tape length
automatically

—Tape Select Edit

You can check the most suitable tape length
for recording a CD. Do the following steps
before recording.

1 Insert a CD.
2 Press FUNCTION repeatedly until

“CD” appears in the display.

3 Press EDIT once, so that “EDIT”

flashes.

The required tape length for the
currently selected CD appears, followed
by the total playing time for side A and
side B respectively.

To stop recording

Press p.

To check the order

Press CHECK on the remote repeatedly. After
the last track, “CHECK END” appears.

To cancel Program Edit

Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until
“PROGRAM” or “SHUFFLE” disappears
from the display.

Tip

When you want to reduce the hiss noise in low-level
high-frequency signals, press DOLBY NR so that
“DOLBY NR” appears after pressing CD SYNC.

Notes

• You cannot use Tape Select Edit for discs
containing over 20 tracks.

• You cannot use this function after programming.
In order to use this function, you must first cancel
the program by pressing PLAY MODE repeatedly
until “PROGRAM” or “SHUFFLE” disappears
from the display.

25

DJ Effects

Looping part of a CD

— Loop

With the loop function, you can repeat part of
a CD during playback. This lets you create
original recordings.

(Power)

6 6

LOOP

Jog dial

Flashing part of a CD

— Flash

With the flash function, you can “flash” the
CD sound during playback. This lets you
create original recordings.

(Power)

6 6

FLASH

Jog dial

/ Press and hold LOOP during

playback at the point you want to
start the Loop function, and release
to resume normal play.

To adjust the loop length

Turn the jog dial while holding LOOP (or
press FILE SELECT > or . while holding
LOOP on the remote) to select different loop
lengths (LOOP 1~20).

26

/ Press and hold FLASH during

playback at the point you want to
start the Flash function, and release
to resume normal play.

To adjust the flash length

Turn the jog dial while holding FLASH (or
press FILE SELECT > or . while holding
FLASH on the remote) to select different flash
lengths (FLASH 1~20).

To use LOOP and FLASH together

Press and hold both LOOP and FLASH at the
same time.

Notes

• The loop and flash length cannot be adjusted
during this operation. Adjust the loop and flash
lengths independently beforehand if necessary.

• To record the loop or flash effect, use the analog
MD/VIDEO (AUDIO) OUT connections or this
unit’s tape deck.

Sound Adjustment

Adjusting the sound

You can reinforce the bass, create a more
powerful sound, and listen with headphones.

(Power)

GROOVE

6 6

FILE

SELECT

Notes

• With some songs, the music will sound distorted
when you use the DBFB system with the sound
effect if the bass is too strong. Set the DBFB to
“DBFB
(see page 28).

• Cancelling GROOVE sets DBFB to “DBFB
and flattens the equalizer curve. To cancel the
DBFB level, press DBFB until the indication
disappears.

” or “OFF”, or cancel the sound effect

”

To listen through the headphones

Connect the headphones to PHONES jack. No
sound will come from the speakers.

Note
(except for European model)

If you have connected a super woofer, please note
that sound comes from the super woofer even when
the headphones are connected. Turn off the power
of the super woofer when using headphones.

DBFB

PHONES

To reinforce bass (DBFB)

Press DBFB*.
Every time you press the button, the display

changes as follows:

nDBFB NORMAL (DBFB )

DBFB HIGH (DBFB )

DBFB OFF (off)

* DBFB = Dynamic Bass Feedback

µ

µ

For a powerful sound (GROOVE)

Press GROOVE. The volume switches to
power mode, DBFB is automatically set to
full strength, the equalizer curve changes,
and the “GROOVE” button lights up. Press
GROOVE again to return to the previous
volume.

27

Selecting the audio
emphasis

1 Press FILE SELECT.

The last effect chosen appears in the
display.

The audio emphasis menu lets you select the
sound characteristic according to the sound
you are listening to.

(Power)

6 6

231

2 Use the jog dial (or press ./> on

the remote) to select the preset you
desire.

The preset name appears in the display.
See the chart “Music menu options”.

3 Press ENTER/NEXT.

To cancel the effect

Press ON/OFF on the remote repeatedly so
that “EFFECT OFF” appears in the display.

Music menu options

“SUR ” appears if you select an effect
with surround effects.

Effect

ROCK
POP
JAZZ
DANCE
SOUL

ACTION
ROMANCE
DRAMA
SPORTS

FLAT

For

Standard music sources

Soundtracks
and special listening
situations

Listening without effects

28

v/V

◊

ON/OFF

√

Changing the

Selecting the
spectrum analyzer
display

You can enjoy changing the display while
listening to the music.

(Power)

6 6

SPECTRUM
ANALYZER

/ Press SPECTRUM ANALYZER.

Every time you press the button, the
display changes as follows:

IMAGE PATTERN

˜

NORMAL PATTERN

surround effect

You can enjoy the surround effect.

(Power)

6 6

SURROUND

/ Press SURROUND to turn the

surround effect on or off.

Every time you press the button, the
display changes as follows:

nSURROUND ON (SUR )

µ

SURROUND OFF (off)

Note

When you choose other sound effects, the surround

effect will be canceled.

29

Other Features

Using the Radio Data
System (RDS)

(For European model only)

What is the Radio Data System?

Radio Data System (RDS) is a broadcasting
service that allows radio stations to send
additional information along with the regular
program signal. This tuner offers convenient
RDS features like station name display and
location of stations by program type. RDS is
available only on FM stations.*

Note

RDS may not work properly if the station you are
tuned to is not transmitting the RDS signal properly
or if the signal strength is weak.
* Not all FM stations provide RDS service, nor do

they provide the same type of services. If you are
not familiar with the RDS system, check with your
local radio stations for details on RDS services in
your area.

Receiving RDS broadcasts

To check the RDS information

Each time you press DISPLAY, the display
changes as follows:

n Station name*

µ

Frequency

µ

Program type*

µ

Clock display

µ

Effect name or “EFFECT ON (OFF)”

* If the RDS broadcast is not received, the station

name and program type may not appear in the
display.

Locating a station by
program type (PTY)

You can locate a station you want by selecting
a program type. The unit tunes in the type of
programs currently being broadcast from the
RDS stations stored in the tuner’s preset
memory.

/ Simply select a station from the FM

band. When you tune in a station
that provides RDS services, the
station name appears in the display.

30

(Power)

6 6

2,3,4,5

1

1 Press PTY while listening to the

radio.

2 Turn jog dial to select the program

type you want. See the “List of
program types” section below.

3 Press ENTER/NEXT.

The unit starts searching the preset RDS
stations (“SEARCH” and the selected
program type are shown alternately in
the display).

When the tuner receives a program, the
preset station number flashes.

4 Turn jog dial to continue search for

the station number you desire.

5 Press ENTER/NEXT while the

preset station number you desire is
flashing.

To cancel PTY search

Press PTY again.

List of program types (PTY)

NEWS

News programs

AFFAIRS

Topical programs that expand on current
news

INFORMATION

Programs about consumer affairs,
medical advice, etc.

SPORT

Sports programs

EDUCATION

Educational programs, such as “how-to”
programs and advice

DRAMA

Radio plays and serials

CULTURE

Programs about national or regional
culture, language and social concerns

SCIENCE

Programs about the natural sciences

VARIED

Programs containing celebrity
interviews, panel games, and comedy

POP

Popular music programs

ROCK

Rock music programs

EASY MUSIC

Easy listening (middle of the road music)

L CLASSICAL

Classical music, such as instrumental,
vocal, and choral works

S CLASSICAL

Performances of major orchestras,
chamber music, opera, etc.

OTHER MUSIC

Music, such as jazz, rhythm and blues,
and reggae

WEATHER

Weather information

FINANCE

Stock market reports and tradings, etc.

CHILDREN

Program for children

SOCIAL

Programs about people and the things
that affect them

RELIGION

Programs of religious contents

PHONE IN

Programs where members of the public
express their views by phone or in a
public forum

TRAVEL

Programs about travel. Not for
announcements that are located
by TP/TA

LEISURE

Programs on recreational activities such
as gardening, fishing, cooking, etc.

continued

31

Using the Radio Data System (RDS)
(continued)

Singing along:

JAZZ

Jazz programs

COUNTRY

Country music programs

NATION

Programs featuring the popular music of
the country or region

OLDIES

Programs featuring oldies music

FOLK

Folk music programs

DOCUMENTARY

Investigative features

ALARM TEST

Test signal for emergency broadcasts

ALARM-ALARM

Emergency broadcasts

NONE

Any programming not defined above

Note

”NO PTY” appears when the program type that you
selected is not currently being broadcast.

Karaoke

You can sing along with any stereo CD or
tape by turning down the singer’s voice. You
need to connect an optional microphone.

(Power)

6 6

21,5

3

VOLUME +/–

32

1 Turn MIC LEVEL to 0 to turn down

the microphone control level.

2 Connect an optional microphone to

MIX MIC.

3 Press KARAOKE PON/MPX

repeatedly to obtain the karaoke
effect you desire.

Every time you press the button, the
display changes as follows:

KARAOKE PON n MPX R n MPX L

n

Effect name or N

* When an audio emphasis is selected, the

The h indicator appears in the display
when a karaoke mode is activated.

“EFFECT ON (OFF)*”

effect name appears.

To sing karaoke with decreasing the
vocal level of a CD, select “KARAOKE
PON”. To sing karaoke of multiplex CD
or tape, select “MPX R” or “MPX L”.

1 Press FUNCTION repeatedly to

select the source you desire and set
it to pause mode.

4 Start playing the music and adjust

the volume.

5 Adjust the microphone volume by

turning MIC LEVEL.

When you are done

Turn MIC LEVEL to 0 and disconnect the
microphone from MIX MIC, then press
KARAOKE PON/MPX repeatedly so that
“h” disappears.

Note

With some songs, vocals may not be canceled when
you select “KARAOKE PON”.

Mixing and recording
sounds

(Power)

6 6

5

2 Do steps 1 to 5 in the “Singing

along: Karaoke” section. Then,
insert a tape in deck B.

3 Press REC PAUSE/START.

4 Press REC PAUSE/START again.

Recording starts.

5 Press CD (P to start playing the

CD player (or TAPE A ( for tape
deck A).

Playback starts. Start singing along with
the music.

To stop recording

Press p.

Tips

• If acoustic feedback (howling) occurs, move the
microphone away from the speakers or change the
direction of the microphone.

• If you want to record your voice through the
microphone only, you can do so by selecting the
CD function and not playing a CD.

Notes

• If you press ON/OFF on the remote or press
FUNCTION or recall a sound effect, the karaoke
mode is canceled.

• The instrumental sound may be reduced as well as
the singer’s voice when the sound is recorded in
monaural.

• The singer’s voice may not be reduced when:

—only a few instruments are playing.
—a duet is being played.
—the source has strong echoes or chorus.
—the singer’s voice deviates from the center.
—the voice on the source is singing in high

soprano or tenor.

1 3,4

p

2

33

Falling asleep to
music

— Sleep Timer

You can let the system turn off at the preset
time, so you can sleep to the music. You can
preset the time to be turned off by 10 minutes.

SLEEP

/ Press SLEEP on the remote.

Every time you press the button, the
minute display (the turn-off time)
changes as follows:

AUTO n 90min n 80min n 70min
n … n 10min n OFF n AUTO

When you choose “SLEEP AUTO”

The power turns off when the current CD or
tape finishes playback (for up to 100
minutes).

To check the remaining time

Press SLEEP once.

To change the time to turn off

Select the time you want by pressing SLEEP.

To cancel the Sleep Timer function

Press SLEEP repeatedly until “SLEEP OFF”
appears.

…

Waking up to music

— Daily Timer

You can wake up to music at a preset time
every day. Make sure you have set the clock
(see “Step 2: Setting the time”).

TIMER

9

SELECT

6 6

324,5,6,

7,8

1 Prepare the music source you want

to play.

• CD: Insert a CD. To start from a
specific track, make a program (see
“Programming the CD tracks”).

• Tape: Insert a tape with the side you
want to play facing forward.

• Radio: Tune in the preset station you
want (see “Step 3: Presetting radio
stations”).

34

2 Adjust the volume.
3 Press CLOCK/TIMER SET.

“SET DAILY 1” appears.

4 Turn jog dial to select “DAILY 1

(or 2)”, then press ENTER/NEXT.

“ON” appears and the hour digits flash
in the display.

1 2 RECSLEEP

ALL DISCS

5 Set the time to start playback.

Turn jog dial to set the hour, then press
ENTER/NEXT.

The minute indication starts flashing.

1 2 RECSLEEP

VOLUME

To check the setting

Press TIMER SELECT and turn the jog dial to
select the respective mode (DAILY 1 or
DAILY 2), then press ENTER/NEXT.

To change the setting, start over from step 1.

To cancel the timer operation

Press TIMER SELECT and turn the jog dial to

ß

select “TIMER OFF”, then press ENTER/
NEXT.

Tip

The power turns on 15 seconds before the preset
time.

ALL DISCS

VOLUME

Turn jog dial to set the minute, then
press ENTER/NEXT.

The hour indication flashes again.

6 Set the time to stop playback

following the above procedure.

7 Turn jog dial until the music source

you want appears.

The indications change as follows:

n TUNER ˜ CD PLAY N

n TAPE PLAY N

8 Press ENTER/NEXT.

The type of timer (DAILY 1 or DAILY 2),
followed by the start time, stop time and
the music source, appears, then the
original display appears.

9 Turn off the power.

ß

35

Timer-recording radio
programs

To timer-record, you must preset the radio
station (see “Step 3: Presetting radio
stations”) and set the clock (see “Step 2:
Setting the time”) beforehand.

7

TIMER
SELECT

6 6

63,4,52

1 Tune in the preset radio station (see

“Listening to the radio”).

2 Press CLOCK/TIMER SET.

“SET DAILY 1” appears.

4 Set the time to start recording.

Turn the jog dial to set the hour, then
press ENTER/NEXT.

The minute indication starts flashing.

12REC SLEEP

ALL DISCS

Turn the jog dial to set the minute, then
press ENTER/NEXT.

The hour indication flashes again.

VOLUME

5 Set the time to stop recording

following the above procedure.

The start time appears, followed by the
stop time, the preset radio station to be
recorded (e.g., “TUNER FM 5”), then the
original display appears.

6 Insert a recordable tape.
7 Turn off the power.

When the recording starts, the volume
level is set to the minimum.

To check the setting

Press TIMER SELECT and turn the jog dial to
select “REC”, then press ENTER/NEXT.

To change the setting, start over from step 1.

To cancel the timer operation

Press TIMER SELECT and turn the jog dial to
select “TIMER OFF”, then press ENTER/
NEXT.

Note

If the power is on at the preset time, the recording
will not be made.

ß

3 Turn jog dial to select “REC”, then

press ENTER/NEXT.

“ON” appears and the hour digits flash
in the display.

12REC SLEEP

ALL DISCS

36

VOLUME

ß

Optional components

Connecting audio
components

Select one of the following two connections,
depending on the equipment to be connected
and method of connecting. Refer to the
instructions of each component.

Connecting an MD deck
for digital recording

You can record from CD into the MD deck
digitally by connecting an optical cable.

To the DIGITAL IN jack of the MD deck

Connecting an MD deck
for analog recording

Make sure to match the color of the plugs and
the connectors. To listen to the sound of the
connected MD deck, press FUNCTION
repeatedly until “MD” appears.

To the audio output
of the MD deck

To the audio input
of the MD deck

Optical Cover Holder

Tip

Keep the optical cover at the slot provided.

Tip

When you connect a Sony MD deck, you can use the
MD (, P, and p buttons on this unit’s remote to
perform play, pause, and stop operations.

Note

If you cannot select “MD” even when you have
pressed FUNCTION, press
down FUNCTION when the power is turned off.
“VIDEO” will be switched to “MD”. To return to
“VIDEO” do the same procedure.

while holding

continued

37

Connecting audio components
(continued)

Connecting a super
woofer speaker

(except for European model)

You can connect an optional super woofer
speaker.

To super woofer

Connecting a VCR

Make sure to match the color of the plugs and
the connectors. To listen to the sound of the
connected VCR, hold down FUNCTION and
press when the power is turned off. This
switches the “MD” function to “VIDEO”.
Once you enable the “VIDEO” function, just
press FUNCTION repeatedly until “VIDEO”
appears.

To the audio output of the VCR

Note

If you have connected a super woofer, please note
that sound comes from the super woofer even when
the headphones are connected. Turn off the power
of the super woofer when using headphones.

38

Note

If the sound is distorted or too loud when selecting
“VIDEO”, or you want to switch back to “MD”,
repeat the operation described above for switching
to “MD”.

Connecting external
antennas

Connect the external antenna to improve the
reception.

FM antenna

Connect the optional FM external antenna.
You can also use the TV antenna instead.

Jack type A

75-ohm coaxial cable
(not supplied)

FM75

COAXIAL

AM antenna

Connect a 6- to 15- meter (20- to 50- feet)
insulated wire to the AM antenna terminal.
Leave the supplied AM loop antenna
connected.

Jack type A

Insulated wire (not supplied)

FM75

COAXIAL

AM

Jack type B

Jack type B

IEC standard socket
connector
(not supplied)

AM

FM75

COAXIAL

AM

Insulated wire
(not supplied)

FM75

COAXIAL

AM

39

Additional Information

Precautions

On operating voltage

Before operating the unit, check that the operating
voltage of your unit is identical with the voltage of
your local power supply.

On safety

• The unit is not disconnected from the AC power
source (mains) as long as it is connected to the
wall outlet, even if the unit itself has been turned
off.

• Unplug the unit from the wall outlet (mains) if it is
not to be used for an extended period of time. To
disconnect the cord (mains lead), pull it out by the
plug. Never pull the cord itself.

• Should any solid object or liquid fall into the
component, unplug the unit and have the
component checked by qualified personnel before
operating it any further.

• The AC power cord must be changed only at the
qualified service shop.

On placement

• Place the unit in a location with adequate
ventilation to prevent heat build-up in the unit.

• Do not place the unit in an inclined position.

• Do not place the unit in locations where it is;
— Extremely hot or cold
— Dusty or dirty
— Very humid
— Vibrating
— Subject to direct sunlight

On operation

• If the unit is brought directly from a cold to a
warm location, or is placed in a very damp room,
moisture may condense on the lens inside the CD
player. Should this occur, the unit will not operate
properly. Remove the CD and leave the unit
turned on for about an hour until the moisture
evaporates.

• When you move the unit, take out any discs.

If you have any questions or problems concerning
your unit, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Notes on CDs

• Before playing, clean the CD with a cleaning cloth.
Wipe the CD from the center out.

• Do not use solvents such as benzene, thinner,
commercially available cleaners or anti-static
spray intended for vinyl LPs.

• Do not expose the CD to direct sunlight or heat
sources such as hot air ducts, nor leave it in a car
parked in direct sunlight.

Cleaning the cabinet

Use a soft cloth slightly moistened with mild
detergent solution.

To save a tape permanently

To prevent a tape from being accidentally recorded
over, break off the cassette tab from side A or B as
illustrated.

Detector slots

Tab of side B

If you later want to reuse the tape for recording,
cover the broken tab with adhesive tape. However,
be careful not to cover the detector slots which allow
the tape player to automatically detect the type of
tape.

Tape type:
CrO2/METAL NORMAL

Tab of side A

Side A

Break off the
cassette tab of
side A

40

Detector slots

Before placing a cassette in the
tape deck

Take up any slack in the tape. Otherwise the tape
may get entangled in the parts of the tape deck and
become damaged.

When using a tape longer than 90
minutes

The tape is very elastic. Do not change the tape
operations such as play, stop, and fast-winding etc.
frequently. The tape may get entangled in the tape
deck.

Cleaning the tape heads

Clean the tape heads after every 10 hours of use.
When the tape heads become dirty;

— the sound is distorted
— there is a decrease in sound level
— the sound drops out
— the tape does not erase completely

— the tape does not record
Make sure to clean the tape heads before you start
an important recording or after playing an old tape.
Use separately sold dry-type or wet-type cleaning
cassette. For details, refer to the instructions of the
cleaning cassette.

Demagnetizing the tape heads

Demagnetize the tape heads and the metal parts that
have contact with the tape every 20 to 30 hours of
use with a separately sold demagnetizing cassette.
For details, refer to the instructions of the
demagnetizing cassette.

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problem using this unit,
use the following check list.

First, check that the power cord is connected
firmly and the speakers are connected
correctly and firmly.

Should any problem persist, consult your
nearest Sony dealer.

General

The display starts flashing as soon as you
plug in the power cord even though you
haven’t turned on the power
(demonstration mode).

•For MHC-RXD5/R550:
Press DISPLAY when the power is

turned off. If the unit is in the Power
Saving Mode, press POWER SAVE/
DEMO (STANDBY).

•For MHC-GRX30/GRX30J:
Press DEMO (STANDBY) when the

power is turned off.

The demonstration mode appears
automatically the first time you plug in the
power cord or if there is a power outage.

The clock setting is canceled.

•The power cord is disconnected or a
power failure occurs. Redo “Step 2:
Setting the time”. If you have set the
timer, also redo “Waking up to music”
and “Timer-recording radio programs”.

The radio presetting/timer setting is
canceled.

•The power cord is disconnected or a
power failure occurs for longer than half
a day. Redo “Step 3: Presetting radio
stations”.

There is no sound.

•Rotate VOLUME clockwise.

•The headphones are connected.

•Insert only the stripped portion of the
speaker cord into the SPEAKER jack.
Inserting the vinyl portion of the speaker
cord will obstruct the speaker
connections.

continued

41

Troubleshooting (continued)

•The protective device on the amplifier has
been activated because of short circuit.
(“PROTECT” and “PUSH POWER” flash
alternately.) Turn off the unit, eliminate
the short-circuit problem and turn on the
power again.

•There is no audio output during timer
recording.

There is severe hum or noise.

•A TV or VCR is placed too close to the
stereo system. Move the stereo system
away from the TV or VCR.

The sound from the connected source is
distorted.

•If “VIDEO” appears in the display when
you press FUNCTION, switch the display
to “MD” (see “Note: Connecting a VCR”).

“0:00” (or “12:00”) flashes in the display.

•A power interruption occurred. Set the
clock and timer settings again.

The timer does not function.

•Set the clock correctly.

DAILY 1, DAILY 2, and REC do not appear
when you press the TIMER SELECT button.

•Set the timer correctly.

•Set the clock.

The remote does not function.

•There is an obstacle between the remote
and the system.

•The remote is not pointing in the
direction of the system’s sensor.

•The batteries have run down. Replace the
batteries.

There is acoustic feedback.

•Decrease the volume level.

•Move the microphone away form the
speakers or change the direction of the
microphone.

The color irregularity on a TV screen
persists.

•Turn off the TV set once, then turn it on
after 15 to 30 minutes. If the color
irregularity still persists, place the
speakers farther away from the TV set.

“PROTECT”and “PUSH POWER” appear
alternately.

•A strong signal was input. Press to
turn off the power, leave the system
turned off for a while, then press
again to turn on the power.

Speakers

Sound comes from one channel or
unbalanced left and right volume.

•Check the speaker connection and
speaker placement.

Sound lacks bass.

•Check that the speaker’s + and – jacks are
connected correctly.

CD Player

The CD tray does not close.

•The CD is not placed properly.

The CD will not play.

•The CD is not lying flat in the disc tray.

•The CD is dirty.

•The CD is inserted label side down.

•Moisture condensation has built up.
Remove the CD and leave the system
turned on for about an hour until the
moisture evaporates.

Play does not start from the first track.

•The player is in program or shuffle mode.
Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until
“PROGRAM” or “SHUFFLE” disappears.

“OVER” is displayed.

•You have reached the end of the CD.
Press and hold 0 to return.

42

Tape Deck

Tuner

The tape does not record.

•No tape in the cassette holder.

•The tab has been removed from the
cassette (see “To save a tape
permanently” on page 40).

•The tape has reeled to the end.

The tape does not record nor play or there
is a decrease in sound level.

•The heads are dirty. Clean them (see
“Cleaning the tape heads” on page 41).

•The record/playback heads are
magnetized. Demagnetize them (see
“Demagnetizing the tape heads” on page

41).

The tape does not erase completely.

•The record/playback heads are
magnetized. Demagnetize them (see
“Demagnetizing the tape heads” on page

41).

There is excessive wow or flutter, or the
sound drops out.

•The capstans or pinch rollers are dirty.
Clean them (see “Cleaning the tape
heads” on page 41).

Noise increases or the high frequencies are
erased.

•The record/playback heads are
magnetized. Demagnetize them (see
“Demagnetizing the tape heads” on page

41).

After pressing ( (9) or 6, there is a
mechanical noise, “EJECT” appears in the
display, and the unit enters standby mode
automatically.

• The cassette tape was not inserted
correctly. Eject the tape and turn the
power back on.

Severe hum or noise (“TUNED” or
“STEREO” flashes in the display).

•Adjust the antenna.

•The signal strength is too weak. Connect
the external antenna.

A stereo FM program cannot be received in
stereo.

•Press REPEAT STEREO/MONO so that
“MONO” disappears.

If other troubles not described
above occur, reset the system as
follows:

1 Unplug the power cord.
2 Plug the power cord back in.
3 Press p, ENTER/NEXT, and at the

same time.

4 Press to turn on the power.

The unit is reset to factory settings. All the
settings you made, such as the preset stations,
clock, and timer are cleared. You should set
them again.

43

Specifications

AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS:
(USA models only)

POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL
HARMONIC DISTORTION

with 6 ohm loads both channels driven, from
70-20,000 Hz; rates 60 watts per channel
minimum RMS power, with no more than

0.9% total harmonic distortion from 250
milliwatts to rated output.

Amplifier section

Canadian model:

Continuous RMS power output (reference)

Total harmonic distortion less than 0.07%

European model:

DIN power output (rated) 60 + 60 watts

Continuous RMS power output (reference)

Music power output (reference)

Other models:

The following measured at AC 110, 220 V 50/60 Hz
DIN power output (rated) 60 + 60 watts

Continuous RMS power output (reference)

The following measured at AC 120, 240 V 50/60 Hz
DIN power output (rated) 70 + 70 watts

Continuous RMS power output (reference)

60 + 60 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz,
10% THD)

(6 ohms at 1 kHz, 30 W)

(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)

80 + 80 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz,
10% THD)

140 + 140 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz,
10% THD)

(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)

80 + 80 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz,
10% THD)

(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)

100 + 100 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz,
10% THD)

Inputs
MD/VIDEO (AUDIO) IN:voltage 450 mV/250 mV,
(phono jacks) impedance 47 kilohms
MIX MIC: sensitivity 1 mV,
(phone jack) impedance 10 kilohms
Outputs
MD/VIDEO (AUDIO) OUT:
(phono jacks) voltage 250 mV

PHONES: accepts headphones of 8
(stereo mini jack) ohms or more
SPEAKER: accepts impedance of 6 to

SUPER WOOFER (except for European model):

impedance 1 kilohms

16 ohms

voltage 1V, impedance
1 kilohm

CD player section

System Compact disc and digital

Laser Semiconductor laser

Laser output Max. 44.6

Frequency response 2 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)
Wavelength 780 – 790 nm
Signal-to-noise ratio More than 90 dB
Dynamic range More than 90 dB
CD OPTICAL DIGITAL OUT
(Square optical connector jack, rear panel)
Wavelength 660 nm
Output Level –18 dBm

audio system
(λ=780nm)

Emission duration:
continuous

*This output is the value
measured at a distance of
200 mm from the
objective lens surface on
the Optical Pick-up Block
with 7 mm aperture.

µ

W*

Tape player section

Recording system 4-track 2-channel stereo
Frequency response 40 – 13,000 Hz (±3 dB),
(DOLBY NR OFF) using Sony TYPE I

Wow and flutter ±0.15% W.Peak (IEC)

cassette
40 – 14,000 Hz (±3 dB),
using Sony TYPE II
cassette

0.1% W.RMS (NAB)
±0.2% W.Peak (DIN)

Tuner section

FM stereo, FM/AM superheterodyne tuner

44

FM tuner section

Tuning range 87.5 – 108.0 MHz
Antenna FM lead antenna
Antenna terminals 75 ohm unbalanced
Intermediate frequency 10.7 MHz

AM tuner section

Tuning range
2 Band type:
North American models: 530 – 1,710 kHz

(with the interval set at 10
kHz)
531 – 1,710 kHz
(with the interval set at 9
kHz)

European models: 531 – 1,602 kHz

(with the interval set at 9
kHz)

Other models: 531 – 1,602 kHz

(with the interval set at 9
kHz)
530 – 1,710 kHz
(with the interval set at 10

kHz)
3 Band type:
Middle Eastern models:
MW: 531 – 1,602 kHz

(with the interval set at 9

SW: 5.95 – 17.90 MHz

kHz)

(with the interval set at 5

Other models:

kHz)

MW: 531 – 1,602 kHz

(with the interval set at 9

kHz)

530 – 1,710 kHz

(with the interval set at 10

SW: 5.95 – 17.90 MHz

kHz)

(with the interval set at 5

kHz)
Antenna AM loop antenna
Antenna terminals External antenna terminal
Intermediate frequency 450 kHz

Speaker

SS-RXD5S for MHC-RXD5 (European model)
SS-R550 for MHC-R550 (European model)

Speaker system 3-way, 3-unit,

Speaker units
Woofer: 17 cm, cone type
Tweeter: 5 cm, cone type
Super Tweeter: 2 cm, dome type
Nominal impedance 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 220 x 340 x 280

Mass Approx. 4.0 kg net per

bass-reflex type

5

/8 x 133/8 x 11 in.)

mm (8

speaker (8 lb. 10 oz.)

SS-RXD5 for MHC-RXD5 (North American model)
SS-GRX30 for MHC-GRX30
SS-GRX30G for MHC-GRX30 (Middle Eastern
model)
SS-GRX30J for MHC-GRX30J

Speaker system 3-way, 3-unit,

Speaker units

bass-reflex type

Woofer: 15 cm, cone type
Center Tweeter: 5 cm, cone type
Super Tweeter: 2 cm, ceramic type
Nominal impedance 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 220 x 340 x 265

Mass Approx. 3.8 kg net per

mm

5

(8

/8 x 133/8 x 107/16 in.)

speaker (8 lb. 4 oz.)

General

Power requirements
North American models: 120 V AC, 60 Hz
European models: 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Australian models: 230 - 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Mexican models: 120 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Thailand models: 220 - 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Other models: 110 - 120 V or 220 - 240 V

Power consumption
U.S.A. models: 130 watts
Canadian model: 110 watts
European models: 130 watts
Other models: 110 watts

Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 280 x 340 x 380

Mass : Approx. 9.5 kg

Supplied accessories: AM loop antenna (1)

Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.

AC, 50/60 Hz

mm (11

x 133/8 x 15 in.)

(21 lb.)

Remote commander (1)
Batteries (2)
FM lead antenna (1)
Front speaker pads (8)
Speaker cords (2) (for

European model only)

45

Index

A

Adjusting

the audio emphasis 28
the sound 27

the volume 11, 13, 16
Antennas 5, 39
Automatic Source Selection

11, 14, 16

B

Batteries 6

C

CD player 10, 18
CD Synchro Recording 12
Clock setting 6
Connecting. See Hooking up

D

Daily Timer 34
Display 18, 29

E

Edit 24

F, G

Flash 26

H, I, J

Hooking up

optional components 37

the antennas 5, 39

the power 5

the speakers 4

the system 4

L, M

Loop 26

N

Normal Play 10
Non-Stop Play 22

O

One Touch Play 11, 14, 16

P, Q

Playing

a CD 10
a preset radio station 13
tracks in random order
(Shuffle Play) 20
a tape 15
tracks in the desired

order (Program Play) 21
tracks repeatedly

(Repeat Play) 19
Presetting radio stations 7
Preset Tuning 13
Program Edit 24
Program Play 21
Protecting recordings 40
PTY 30

R

Radio Data System 30
Radio stations

presetting 7

tuning in 13
Recording

a CD 12, 24

a radio program 14

a tape 17, 23

timer recording 36
Repeat Play 19
Resetting the system 43

S

Saving recordings 40
Selecting the audio emphasis

28
Setting the time 6
Shuffle Play 20
Sleep Timer 34
Sound adjustment 27
Speakers 4, 38
Station name 31

T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z

Tape deck 15, 23
Timer

falling asleep to music

34

timer recording 36

waking up to music 34
Troubleshooting 41
Tuner 7, 13
Tuning interval 8, 44

46

K

Karaoke 32

47

48

Sony Corporation Printed in Malaysia