Sony SCD-777ES User Manual

3-868-032-12(1)

Super Audio CD

Player

Operating Instructions	GB
Mode d’emploi	FR

SCD-777ES

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.

For the customers in the United States

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.

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 modification not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located at the rear of the unit.

Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. SCD-777ES

Serial No. _________________________

The following caution label is located on the rear enclosure.

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.

For the customers in Europe

This appliance is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER product.

The CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT MARKING is located on the rear exterior.

Welcome!

Thank you for purchasing the Sony Super Audio CD Player. Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference.

About This Manual

The instructions in this manual are for model SCD-777ES.

Conventions

•Instructions in this manual describe the controls on the player.

You can also use the controls on the remote if they have the same or similar names as those on the player.

•The following icons are used in this manual:

ZIndicates that you can do the task using the remote.

zIndicates hints and tips for making the task easier.

2GB

	TABLE OF CONTENTS
Features

Playback of the Super Audio CD recorded

in the DSD format

The DSD (Direct Stream Digital) format is the core technology of a Super Audio CD, allowing music reproduction that is extremely faithful to the original sound.

The DSD format, using a 2.8224 MHz sampling frequency 64 times higher than that of a conventional CD, and the 1- bit quantization, makes possible recording of more than four times the data information of the PCM format which is used for a conventional CD.

Different from the PCM format which performs data decimation and interpolation via digital filters, the DSD format adopts the simple playback process. In other words, the A/D converted 1-bit digital signal only passes through an analog low-pass filter before playback.

As a whole, the DSD format achieves both a wide frequency range of theoretically over 100 kHz, and a wide dynamic range across the audible frequency range at the same time, and results in high-quality music reproduction faithful to the original sound.

To play back a Super Audio CD recorded in the DSD format with exceptional quality, the SCD-777ES employs a newly developed DSD decoder and D/A converter system, as well as a chassis and loading mechanism especially designed for this unit.

Playback of a conventional CD with

higher quality

The SCD-777ES can also play back a conventional CD with higher quality than a conventional CD player. To provide enhanced quality, the SCD-777ES employs various advanced technologies. For example, two independent optical pickups are incorporated; one is for Super Audio CDs, and the other for conventional CDs. In addition, a 24-bit precision variable coefficient (V.C.) digital filter is provided for CD playback (see page 19). By selecting one of five filters which have different cutoff characteristics, you can adjust the tone quality in accordance with the music source or your audio system.

Others

•A Super Audio CD can mark up to 255 track/index numbers. Corresponding to that format, the SCD-777ES incorporates a large 3-digit display.

•The supplied remote is capable of controlling either the SCD-777ES and a conventional Sony CD player. (See B COMMAND MODE selector on page 10 and A CD1/ CD2 selector on page 11.)

Getting Started 4

Before You Start the Hookup 4

Hooking Up the Audio Components 5
About the Switch Marked “STANDARD” on the
rear panel of the player		6
Hooking Up the Power	6
Compatible Disc Types	7

Location and Functions of Parts 8
Front Panel Parts Descriptions	8
Rear Panel Parts Descriptions	10
Remote Parts Descriptions 11

Playing Discs	12
			GB
Playing a Disc 12
Using the Display	13
Locating a Specific Track		15
Locating a Particular Point in a Track 16
Playing Tracks Repeatedly		16
Playing Tracks in Random Order (Shuffle Play) 17

Creating Your Own Programme (Programme

Play) 18

Listening to a CD Using a Filter (Digital Filter

Function) 19

Additional Information 20

Precautions 20

Notes on Discs 21

Cleaning the Turntable 21

Troubleshooting 22

Specifications 22

Index 23

3GB

Getting

Started

This chapter provides information on the supplied accessories and how to connect various audio components to the Super Audio CD player. Be sure to read this chapter thoroughly before you actually connect anything to the player.

Before You Start the

Hookup

Checking the supplied accessories

This player comes with the following items:

•Audio connecting cord

(phono jack × 2 y phono jack × 2) (1)

•Mains lead (1)

•Plug adapter (U.S.A. and Canadian models only) (1)

•Stabilizer (1)

•Remote commander (remote) RM-DS1 (1)

•R03 (size-AAA) batteries (2)

Inserting batteries into the remote

Insert two R03 (size-AAA) batteries into the battery compartment with the + and – correctly oriented to the markings. When using the remote, point it at the remote sensor on the player.

z When to replace the batteries

Under normal conditions, the batteries should last for about six months. When the remote no longer operates the player, replace both batteries with new ones.

Notes

•Do not leave the remote in an extremely hot or humid place.

•Do not drop any foreign object into the remote casing, particularly when replacing the batteries.

•Do not use a new battery with an old one.

•Do not expose the remote sensor to direct sunlight or lighting apparatus. Doing so may cause a malfunction.

•If you do not intend use the remote for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage and corrosion.

4GB

Hooking Up the Audio Components

Connect the Super Audio CD player to an audio component. Be sure to turn off the power of all components before making connections and connect securely to prevent noise.

Connecting via ANALOG OUT jacks

Use an audio connecting cord for this connection. Be sure to match the colour-coded pin to the appropriate jacks: white (left) to white and red (right) to red.

Audio connecting cord (supplied)
White (L)	White (L)
Red (R)	Red (R)

Connecting via DIGITAL OUT CD COAXIAL

connector

Use a coaxial digital cable to connect the audio components equipped with coaxial digital input connectors. When connecting the coaxial digital cable, be sure to show “16 bit” in the display by pressing DIGITAL OUT on the upper side of the player.

Coaxial digital cable (not supplied)

Note

Only the audio signals of the CD can be output from the DIGITAL OUT CD connectors. Those of the Super Audio CD cannot be output through DIGITAL OUT CD.

Connecting via DIGITAL OUT CD OPTICAL

connector

Use an optical digital cable for this connection. When connecting the optical digital cable to the DIGITAL OUT CD OPTICAL connector, take the cap off the connectors and push the cable plugs in until they click into place.

Be sure to show “16 bit” in the display by pressing DIGITAL OUT on the upper side of the player. Be careful not to bend or twist the optical cable.

Optical digital cable (not supplied)

Note

Only the audio signals of the CD can be output from the DIGITAL OUT CD connectors. Those of the Super Audio CD cannot be output through DIGITAL OUT CD.

	COMMAND	DIGITAL OUT
	MODE	CD
		COAXIAL
		~AC IN
	CD1	STANDARD
	CD2	CUSTOM
	ANALOG OUT	TA - E1 / N1
R	L	OPTICAL

Stereo amplifier, etc.

INPUT

CD

L

R

Started Getting

5GB

About the Switch Marked “STANDARD” on the rear panel of the player

	Getting	The Super Audio CD includes high frequencies beyond
		the audible range, although the design of normal
	Started	amplifiers and speakers is based on characteristics
		corresponding to the audible range.
		Therefore, if you increase the volume or treble excessively
		during Super Audio CD playback, noise may occur or the
		amplifier’s protect circuit may be activated. To prevent
		these problems, set the switch at the rear of this player in
		accordance with the connected amplifier. This enables
		you to match the output signal to the amplifier
		characteristics.

Connecting to a normal amplifier

This switch is set to “STANDARD” at the factory. When you connect this player to a normal amplifier, leave the switch as it is. Never set it to “CUSTOM,” otherwise noise may be produced or the speakers and the amplifier may be damaged.

Connecting to the units described below

When you connect this player to the following units, remove the cover as illustrated below, then set the switch to “CUSTOM.”

• TA-E1 (stereo preamplifier) and TA-N1 (stereo power amplifier)

— European models only

• TA-FA777ES (integrated stereo amplifier)

The “CUSTOM” mode enables you to enjoy a wider range of frequencies.

Note

When you record the audio signals of a Super Audio CD to a tape deck (Cassette deck etc.), set the switch to “STANDARD” even if the player is connected to the one of the units described above.

6GB

Hooking Up the Power

Connect the supplied mains lead to the AC IN terminal on the player.

About the mains lead

European models only

Connect the supplied mains lead to the mains.

U.S.A. and Canadian models only

The supplied mains lead has a 3-pronged grounded plug. If you are using 3-pronged grounded mains, the plug can be inserted directly into the mains. However, if the socket is a 2-pronged grounded mains, use the supplied plug adapter or a commercially available plug adapter.

3-pronged grounded mains

2-pronged polarized mains

•When the width of the mains are a different size

Use the supplied plug adapter.

3 to 2-prong polarized plug adapter

N pole

•When the width of the mains are the same size

Use a commercially available plug adapter. In this case, you can check the polarity of the mains with a commercially available spark-testing screwdriver. It is the pronged ground that does not light the neon grow lamp even if you insert the spark-testing screwdriver into the mains. Insert the blades so that the “N pole” can be inserted to the ground on the plug.

If noise (hum) is produced

Noise may be caused by an electric potential difference on the ground circuit.* In this case, use the supplied plug adapter and be careful not to connect the ground lead to anything.

*Although the ground of the domestic mains is normally a safety ground, a few electrical potential differences may be produced, depending on the mains. Therefore, use of the supplied 3-pronged mains lead may lessen the quality of the audio signal or may produce humming noise.

Compatible Disc Types

You can play the following discs with this player. Depending on the type of disc to be played, select the appropriate indicator by pressing SACD/CD (pages 8, 12).

Super Audio CD (single layer disc)

This disc consists of a single HD layer*.

Press SACD/CD repeatedly so that the SACD indicator on the upper side of the player lights.

*High density signal layer for the Super Audio CD

HD (high density) layer

Super Audio CD (dual layer disc)

This disc consists of dual HD layers and is capable of extended play over long periods.

Press SACD/CD repeatedly so that the SACD indicator on the upper side of the player lights.

Also, as the dual layer disc consists of dual HD layers on one side only, it is not necessary to turn the disc over.

HD layer

HD layer

Conventional CD

This disc is the current format.

Press SACD/CD repeatedly so that the CD indicator on the upper side of the player lights.

CD layer

Super Audio CD + CD (Hybrid disc)

This disc consists of an HD layer and a CD layer. Press SACD/CD to select the layer you want to listen to. Also, as the dual layers are on one side, it is not necessary to turn the disc over. You can play the CD layer using a conventional CD player.

CD layer

HD layer

Incompatible Discs

This player cannot play the following discs. If you try to play them, the error message “TOC Error” will appear or there will be no sound.

•CD-ROM

•DVD etc.

Started Getting

7GB

Location and

Functions of

Parts

This chapter tells you about the location and functions of the various buttons and controls on the front and rear panels and the supplied remote. Further details are provided on the pages indicated in parentheses.

It also tells you about the information that appears in the display window.

Front Panel Parts

Descriptions

1 A button (12)

Press to open the disc lid.

2Disc lid (12)

Press Ato open/close the disc lid.

3FILTER button (19)

Press to select the digital filter type when playing a CD.

4SACD/CD button (12)

Each time you press the button while the player is stopped, the SACD or CD indicator on the upper side of the player lights. Select the indicator that matches the type of CD you want to play. For details on the type of discs you can play, see “Compatible Disc Types” on page 7.

5 H button (12)

Press to start play.

6X button (13)

Press to pause play.

8GB

Parts of Functions and Location

7 x button (13)

Press to stop play.

8l/L button (13)

Each time you press l, you go back to the preceding track; each time you press L, you go to the succeeding track.

9 Display window (Remote sensor ) (13)

Shows various information.

0DIGITAL OUT button (5)

Press when a component is connected to the DIGITAL OUT CD connectors. Each time you press the button, the display switches between “16 bit” (the audio signals of a CD can be output) and “OFF” (the audio signals of a CD cannot be output).

qa TEXT button (14)

Shows TEXT information when the player detects a TEXT disc.

qs TIME button (13)

Each time you press the button, the playing time of the track and the total remaining time on the disc appear in the display.

qd ! (power) switch (12)

Press to turn on the player.

9GB

Rear Panel Parts Descriptions

Parts of Functions and Location

	COMMAND	DIGITAL OUT
	MODE	CD
		COAXIAL
		~AC IN
	CD1	STANDARD
	CD2	CUSTOM
	ANALOG OUT	TA - E1 / N1
R	L	OPTICAL

1ANALOG OUT jacks (5)

Connect to an audio component using the audio connecting cord.

2COMMAND MODE selector

Normally set to CD1. When you connect a Sony CD player other than this player, set to CD2. In this case, you can control both the other Sony CD player and this player with CD1/CD2 on the remote. Set to CD1 to control the other Sony CD player, or CD2 to control this player.

3Switches depending on amplifier to be connected. For details, see “About the Switch Marked “STANDARD” on the rear panel of the player” on page 6.

4DIGITAL OUT CD OPTICAL connector (5)

Connect to an audio component using an optical digital cable.

5DIGITAL OUT CD COAXIAL connector (5)

Connect to an audio component using the coaxial digital cable.

Note

Only the audio signals of the CD can be output from the DIGITAL OUT CD connectors shown in 4 and 5. Those of the Super Audio CD cannot be output through DIGITAL OUT CD.

10GB

Remote Parts Descriptions

1CD1/CD2 selector

Select when you connect a Sony CD player other than this player. Set to CD1 to control the other Sony CD player, or CD2 to control this player. In this case, you have to set the COMMAND MODE selector on the rear panel to CD2.

2CONTINUE button (17, 18)

Press to resume normal play from Shuffle Play or Programme Play.

SHUFFLE button (17)

Press to select Shuffle Play.

PROGRAM button (18)

Press to select Programme Play.

3TEXT/ENTER button (14, 15)

Shows the TEXT information when the player detects a TEXT disc.

4LANGUAGE button (15)

Press to change the displayed language if the TEXT disc has several languages.

5Number buttons (15)

Press to enter the track numbers.

6 H button (12)

Press to start play.

X button (13)

Press to pause play.

x button (13)

Press to stop play.

7AMS ./> (AMS: Automatic Music Sensor) buttons (13, 15)

Press to locate a specific track.

8m/M buttons (16)

Press to locate a portion you want to play within a track.

9INDEX >/. buttons (16)

Press to locate a specific point marked with an index signal when you play a disc that has index signals.

0FILTER button (19)

Press to select the digital filter type when a CD is played.

qa SACD/CD button (12)

Each time you press the button, the SACD or CD indicator on the front of the player lights. Select the indicator that matches the type of CD you want to play.

qs TIME button (13)

Each time you press the button, the playing time of the track and the remaining time on the disc appear in the display.

qd DISPLAY MODE button (14)

Press to turn off the information.

qf REPEAT button (16)

Press repeatedly to play all tracks or only one track on the disc.

qg AyB button (17)

Press to select Repeat A-B Play.

qh CHECK button (18)

Press to check the programmed order.

qj CLEAR button (18)

Press to delete a programmed track number.

CD1• •CD2		FILTER	SACD/CD
CONTINUE	PLAY MODE		PROGRAM
		SHUFFLE
TEXT	LANGUAGE		TIME
ENTER
1	2	3	DISPLAY
			MODE
4	5	6	REPEAT
7	8	9	A B

>10 10/0 CLEAR CHECK

AMS

INDEX

Parts of Functions and Location

11GB

Playing Discs

This chapter explains the various ways to play discs.

Playing a Disc

Theoperationsfornormalplayandthebasicoperations duringplayar eexplainedbelow .

! A SACD/CD H X x l/L (power)

1Turn on the amplifier.

2Select the player position using the input selector on the amplifier.

3Press ! (power) to turn on the player.

4Press A to open the disc lid, and place a disc on the tray.

Placethesuppliedstabilizeronthedisc.Ifyoudonot,

“NoStabilizer”appearsinthedisplay .

With felt side facing down

5Press SACD/CD to select the SACD or CD indicator.

Eachtimeyoupr essthebutton,theSACDorCD

indicatorlights.Selecttheindicatorthatcor responds tothetypeofdisconthetray .Fordetails,seepage7.

6Press H.

Whenthedisclidisclosed,“CLOSE,”“Loading,”and “TOCReading”appearinsequenceinthedisplay .

Then,playbackstar	tsfr omthefirsttrack.Ifyouwant
tostar tplayingfr	omaspecifictrack,pr	ess l/L
repeatedlytoselectthetracknumberbefor		epr essing
H.

7 Adjust the volume on the amplifier.

12GB

Basic operations during play

To	Press
Stop play	x
Pause play	X
Resume play after pausing	X or H
Locate a succeeding track	L
Locate the beginning of the	l
current track or a preceding
track
Eject the disc	A

zIf you turn on the player when a disc is already loaded

Playback starts automatically. If you connect a commercially available timer, you can set it to start playing the disc at any time you want.

zTo select a layer you want to listen to when playing a hybrid disc (page 7)

After you stop play using x, press SACD/CD repeatedly to light either the SACD or CD indicator.

Notes

•Remove the stabilizer when there is no disc in the player.

•The Super Audio CD player takes longer than a conventional CD player to start playing after the disc is loaded. This is not a malfunction. The player is automatically identifying the type of disc, adjusting the servomechanism or verifying the copyright protection in internal mechanisms of the inserted disc.

Using the Display

Thedisplaywindowshowsvariousinformationaboutthe discortrackbeingplayed.Thissectiondescribesthe informationthatappearsforeachplaystatus.

TIME TEXT

LANGUAGE

TEXT/ENTER TIME

DISPLAY MODE

Displaying information while the player is

stopped

Press TIME.

Thedisplayshowsthetotalnumberoftracksandtotal playingtimeonthedisc.

Total number of tracks Total playing time

Discs Playing

13GB

Discs Playing

Using the Display

Displaying information while the player is

playing

Press TIME.
Eachtimeyoupr essthebutton,thecur		renttracknumber
anditselapsedtimeorr	emainingtimeappears,orthe
totalr emainingtimeforthediscappearsinthedisplay			.

Playing track number and elapsed playing time of the current track (default display)

Press TIME

Playing track number and remaining time of the current track

Press TIME

Total remaining time on the disc

Press TIME

Turning off the information in the display Z

Press DISPLAY MODE while the player is stopped or while playing a disc.

• ForadiscwhichdoesnothaveTEXT

Whenyoupr essDISPLA YMODEonce,“DisplayOf f”

appearsinthedisplay	.Whenyoupr essitwhileplaying
adisc,thewholedisplaydisappearsafteronesecond.
Tor etur ntothenor	maldisplay ,pr essitagain.
• ForadiscwhichhasTEXT

Whenyoupr essDISPLA YMODEonce,theinfor mation

oftheTEXTdiscdisappears.Whenyoupr	essitagain,
“DisplayOf f”appears.Whenyoupr	essitwhileplaying

adisc,thewholedisplaydisappearsafteronesecond. Tor etur ntothenor maldisplay ,pr essitagain.

Displaying the information of a TEXT disc

TEXTdiscscontaininformation,suchasthediscnameor artistname,aswellastheaudiosignals.Thisplayercan

displaythediscname,ar	tistname,andcur	renttrack
nameasTEXTinformation.
WhentheplayerdetectsaTEXTdisc,“TEXT”appearsin
thedisplay .IfyourTEXTdischasseverallanguages,
“TEXT”and“MUL TI”appearinthedisplay		.Whenyou

wanttochecktheinformationinanotherlanguage,see “DisplayingtheinformationofaTEXTdiscinother languages”onpage15.

Displaying the information of a TEXT disc

in stop mode

Press TEXT.
Eachtimeyoupr essthebutton,thediscnameorar			tist
nameappearsinthedisplay	.Whenyouselectthear		tist
name,“AR TIST”appearsinthedisplay		.

Display information of a TEXT disc while

playing a disc

Thecur renttracknameappears.Ifthediscnamehas
mor ethan16characters,thefirst15characterswillr	emain
afterthenamescr ollsbyinthedisplay .

Notes

•The display may not show all the characters, depending on the disc.

•This player can display only the disc name, artist name and track names from TEXT discs. Other information cannot be displayed.

14GB

Displaying the information of a TEXT disc

in other languages Z

YoucanchangethedisplayedlanguageiftheTEXTdisc
hasmultilanguagecapacity	.Whentheplayerdetectssuch
aTEXTdisc,“TEXT”and“MUL TI”appearinthedisplay .
Changethelanguageaccor	dingtothepr	ocedur esbelow .
1 Press LANGUAGE in stop mode.
Thecur rentselectedlanguage(English,Fr		ench,
German,etc.)flashes.
Iftheplayercannotdisplaythelanguagememorized
inaTEXTdisc,“OtherLang”appearsinthedisplay			.

2Press LANGUAGE repeatedly until the desired language appears in the display.

3Press TEXT/ENTER.

Theinformationappearsintheselectedlanguage.

Notes

•If your TEXT disc memorized in one language, the name of that language appears for a few seconds in the display when you press LANGUAGE.

•When you press LANGUAGE while playing a TEXT disc, the name of the current selected language appears for a few seconds in the display.

Locating a Specific Track

Duringstoporplaymode,youcanlocateanytracktobe played.

Number buttons

>10

./>

l/L

To go to	Do the following:
The next track (AMS*)	Press L
A preceding track (AMS*)	Press l repeatedly
The beginning of the current	Press l during play
track (AMS*)
* Automatic Music Sensor

Locating a track directly by entering the

track number Z

Press the number button(s) to enter the track number.

z To enter a track number over 11 Z

1Press >10.

2Enter the corresponding digits.

Toenter0,pr ess10/0instead.

Examples:

•To play track number 30, press >10, then 3 and 10/0.

•To play track number 100, press >10 twice, then 1, and 10/0 twice.

z If you enter a track number while the player is paused

You cannot locate a track in pause mode. The player will still remain paused.

Discs Playing

15GB