Sony STR-DA50ES User Manual

FM Stereo FM-AM Receiver
Operating Instructions
3-864-512-11(2)
STR-DA50ES
) 1998 by Sony Corporation

WARNING Precautions

To prevent fire or shock
unit to rain or moisture.
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.
A
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.
Note to CATV system installer:
This reminder is provided to call CATV system installer's attention to Article 820­40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
Owner's Record
The model and serial numbers are located on 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. STR-DA50ES
Serial No
_______________
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.
On safety
Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet, unplug the receiver and have it checked by qualified persormel before operating it any further.
On power sources
• Before operating the receiver, check that the operating voltage is identical with your local power supply. The operating voltage is indicated on the nameplate at the rear of the receiver.
• 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.
• If you are not going to use the receiver for a long time, be sure to disconnect the receiver from the wall outlet. To discormect the AC power cord, grasp the plug itself; never pull the cord.
• One blade of the plug is wider than the other for the purpose of safety and will
fit into the wall outlet only one way. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, contact your dealer.
• AC power cord must be changed only at the qualified service shop.
On placement
• Place the receiver in a location with adequate ventilation to prevent heat buildup and prolong the life of the receiver.
• Do not place the receiver near heat sources, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust or mechanical shock.
• Do not place anything on top of the cabinet that might block the ventilation holes and cause malfunctions.
On operation
Before connecting other components, be
sure to turn off and unplug the receiver.
On cleaning
Qean the cabinet, panel and controls with
a soft cloth slightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent such as alcohol or benzine.
If you have any question or problem concerning your receiver, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.
About This Manual
The instructions in this manual are for model STR­DA50ES. Check your model number by looking at the upper right corner of the front panel. In this manual, the
USA and Canadian model is used for illustration purposes unless stated otherwise. Any difference in operation is clearly indicated in the text, for example, "USA / Canada only."
Type of differences
^\^Model
Feature^^
DVD/LD inputs and selector • DVD inputs and selector
TV / DBS inputs and selector
TV/LD inputs and selector

Conventions

• The instructions in this manual describe the controls on the receiver. You can also use the controls on the supplied remote if they have the same or similar names as those on the receiver. For details on the use of your remote, refer to the separate operating mstructions supplied with the remote.
• The following icon is used in this manual:
V Indicates hints and tips for making the task easier.
This receiver incorporates the Dolby* Pro Logic Surround system and the DTS” Digital Surround System.
» Manufactured under license from Dothy Laboratories Licensing
Corporation. DOLBY, the doubte-D symbol □□, "PRO LOGIC,"
and Dolby Digital (AC-3) are trademarks of Dtdby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.
»»Manufactured under license from DTS, Inc. “DTS", “digital
surround", and “coherent acoustics" are trademarks of DTS, Inc. All rights reserved.
To view the demonstration
Hold down SET UP and press 1/(1) to turn on the power. The following message appears in the display twice:
"Now Demonstration Model! If you finish demonstration, please press POWER KEY while this message appears in the display. Thank you!!"
USA/Canada
Others
-
Table of contents

Hooking Up the Components 4

Unpacking 4 Antenna Hookups 5 Audio Component Hookups 6 Video Component Hookups 7 Digital Component Hookups 8 Other Hookups 10

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System 12

Speaker System Hookup 13 Multi-Channel Surround Setup 14 Before You Use Your Receiver 19

Location of Parts and Basic Amplifier Operations 22

Front Panel Parts Description 22

Enjoying Surround Sound 26

Selecting a Sound Field 27
Understanding the Multi-Chaimel Surround
Displays 31
Customizing Sound Fields 33
I y.1 - 2,. •-

Receiving Broadcasts 37

Direct Tuning 38 Automatic Tuning 39 Preset Tuning 39
'«WWaH'if >'>. ^ ' -

Other Operations 41

Indexing Preset Stations and Program Sources 42 Recording 42 Using the Sleep Timer 43
Adjustments Using the SET UP Button 43
To cancel the demonstration
Press 1/(1) to turn the receiver off during the previous
message. The next time you turn the receiver on, the demonstration will not appear.
Note
Rurming the demonstration will clear the receiver's memory. For details on what will be cleared, see "Clearing the receiver’s memory" on page 19.

Additional Information 44

Troubleshooting 44 Specifications 46 Glossary 48 Tables of Settings Using the CURSOR MODE and
SET UP buttons 49
Index 51
Hooking Up

Unpacking

the
Components
This chaptepdescribes how to connect various audio and video components to the receiver. Be sure to read the sections for the components you have before you actually connect them to the receiver..
Check that you received the following items with the remote:
• FM wire antenna (1)
• AM loop antenna (1)
• Remote commander RM-TP501 (remote) (1)
• LR6 (size-AA) alkaline batteries (4)

Inserting batteries Into the remote

Insert four size-AA (LR6) alkaline batteries with the + and
- properly oriented in the battery compartment. When using the remote, point it at the remote sensor ■ on the receiver. For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with your remote.
9 When to replace batteries
Under normal conditions, the batteries should last for about 3 months. When the remote no longer operates the receiver, replace all batteries with new ones.
Notes
• Do not leave the remote in an extremely hot or humid place.
• Do not use new batteries with old ones.
• Do not mix battery types. This remote is designed for use with alkaline batteries only.
• Do not expose the remote sensor to direct sunlight or lighting apparatuses. Doing so may cause a malfunction.
• If you don't use the remote for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage and corrosion.

Before you get

• Turn off the power to all compoirents before making any connections.
• Do not connect the AC power cords until all of the coimections are completed.
• Be sure to make connections firmly to avoid hum and noise.
• When connecting an audio/ video cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks on the components: yellow (video) to yellow; white (left, audio) to white; and red (right, audio) to red.

Antenna Hookups

AM loop antenna (supplied)
FM wire antenna (supplied)

Tarminals for connecting .Um entennas

Connect the
AM loop antenna AM terminals FM wire antenna FM 75£i COAXIAL terminal
To the

Notes on antenna hookup

• To prevent noise pickup, keep the.AM loop anterma away from the receiver and other components.
• Be sure to fully extend the FM wire antenna.
• After cormecting the FM wire emterma, keep it as . horizontal as possible.
V If you have poor FM reception
Use a 75-ohm coaxial cable (not supplied) to connect the receiver to an outdoor FM antenna as shown below.
Outdoor FM antenna
Important
If you connect the receiver to an outdcxrr antenna, ground it against lightning. To prevent a gas explosion, do not connect the ground wire to a gas pipe.
Note
Do not use the SIGNAL GND /h terminal for grounding the receiver.
Audio Component Hookups

Required cords

Audio cords (not supplied)
When connecting a cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks on the components.
White (L)
Red (R)

Jacks for connecting audio components

Connect a
Turntable CD player Tape deck MD deck or DAT deck MD / DAT jacks
To the
PHONO jacks CD jacks TAPE jacks

Note on audio component hookups

If your turntable has a ground wire, connect it to the SIGNAL GND rh terminal on the receiver.
Video Component Hookups
IflD
on. ai
©
_

Required cords

Audio/video cords (not supplied)
When connecting a cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks on the components.
Yellow (video) White (L/audio)s= Red (R/audio)
Video cord for connecting a TV monitor (not supplied)
Yellow ‘=i Mp= —=c3B tJ Yellow
__
■KB
aOBWi
ONKRj
©
f©®
Yellow (video) White (L/audio) Red (R/audio)
manmm
©
m e
m
Connect a To the
TV or DBS tuner TV/DBS jacks (LKA/Canada) TV tuner or LD player
VCR VIDEO 1 jacks
Additional VCR
DVD or LD player DVD player
TV monitor
Camcorder or video game
TV/LD jacks (Other countries)
VIDEO 2 jacks LD/DVD jacks (USA/Canada) DVD jacks (Other countries) MONITOR VIDEO OUT jack VIDEO 3 INPUT jacks on the
front panel
TV monitor
To the w front ^ panel
/'
Camcorder or video game
You can connect your TV's audio output jacks to the TV / DBS (TV/LD) AUDIO IN jacks on the receiver and apply sound effects to the audio from the TV. In dtis case, do not connect die TV's video output jack to the TV / DBS (TV / LD) VIDEO IN jack on the receiver. If you are connecting a separate TV tuner (or DBS tuner), connect both the audio and video output jacks to the receiver as shown
above.
V When using the S-video Jades instead of the video jacks
Your monitor must also be Connected via an S-video jack. S-video
signals are on a separate bus from the video signals and will not
be output through the video jacks.
Digital Component Hookups
^ Connect the digital output jacks of yc'ur DVD player and
DBS tuner (etc.) to the receir er's digital input jacks to bring the multi channel surround sound of a movie theater into your home. To enjoy full effecf of multi channel surround sound, five speakers (fwo front speakers, two rear speakers, and a center speaker) and a subwoofer are required. You can also connect an LD player with an’IiF OUT jack via an RF demodulator, like the Sony MOD-RFl (not supplied).
TV or DBS tuner
(TV tuner or LO player)

Required cords

Optical digital cords (not supplied)
Black ■dii~lB!!!i
Coaxial digital cord (not supplied)
Yellow c^i III)]— =
Audio/video cords (not supplied)
When connecting a cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks on the components.
Yellow (video) Yellow (video) White (L/audio)^^^^^ White (L/audio) Red (R/audio) Red (R/audio)
* If your DVD player is equipped with a COAXIAL OUTPUT, do not
make optical connections. Only connect the DVD player to the receiver's DVD IN COAXIAL jack.
amte Black
=01111 Ik» Yellow

Example of LD player connected via an RF demodulator

Please note that you carmot connect an LD player's AC-3 RF OUT jack directly to this unit's digital input jacks. You must first convert the RF signal to either an optical or coaxial digital signal. Connect the LD player to the RF demodulator, then connect the RF demodulator's optical or coaxial digital output to this unit's OPTICAL DVD/LD (TV/LD) IN or COAXIAL DVD/LD IN jack (USA/Canada only). Refer to the instruction manual supplied with your RF Demodulator for details on AC-3 RF hookups.
Note
When making connections as shown above, be sure to set INPUT MODE ( INPUT MODE is set to "AUTO."
] on page 23) manually. This unit may not operate correctly if
Connect the digital output jack of your MD or DAT deck
to the receiver's digital input jack and connect the digital input jack of your MD or DAT deck fo fhe receiver's digifal outpuf jack. These connections allow you to make digital recordings of CDs and TV broadcasfs.
CD player

Required cords

Optical digital cords (not supplied)
Black ■glW tea—
Audio cords (not supplied)
When connecting a cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks on the components.
amb- Black
0
o
5;
5'
ifi
c
•o f*
y A
n o
3
n
o
3
<D
3
^ 1
Notes
• Please note that you cannot make a digital recording of a digital multi channel surround signal.
. ••This unit is compatible with 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, and 48 kHz sampling frequencies. It is not compatible with 96 kHz sampling frequencies.
• It is not possible to record analog signals to TAPE and VIDEO with only digital connections. Be sure to make both digital and analog connections to your digital components.

other Hookups

shipped.
S’LINKCTRLAI

Required cords

CONTROL A1 connecting cord (not supplied)
Black «cqaSB
AC power cord AC OUTLET*
niiqil |Tt3e» BldCk
10

S-LINK CONTROL Al hookup

• If you have a S-LINK CONTROL A1-compatible
Sony CD player, tape deck, or MD deck
Use a CONTROL A1 cord (not supplied) to connect the S-LINK CTRL A1 jack on the CD player, tape deck, or MD deck to the S-LINK CTRL A1 jack on the receiver. Refer to the separate manual "CONTROL-A1 Control System" and the operating instructions supplied with your CD player, tape deck, or MD deck for details.
Note
If you make CONTROL A1 connections from the receiver to an MD deck that is also.cormected to a computer, do not opérate the receiver while using the "Sony MD Editor" software. This may cause a malfunction.
• If you have a Sony CD changer with a
COMMAND MODE selector
If your CD changer's COMMAND MODE selector can be set to CD 1, CD 2, or CD 3, be sure to set the command mode to "CD 1" and coimect the changer to the CD jacks on the receiver. If, however, you have a Sony CD changer with VIDEO OUT jacks, set the command mode to "CD 2" and cormect the changer to the VIDEO 2 jacks on the receiver.

Connecting the AC power cord

Before cormecting the AC power cord of this receiver to a wall outlet:
• Connect the speaker system to the receiver (see page
13).
• Turn the MASTER VOLUME control to the leftmost position (0).
Connect the AC power cord(s) of your audio / video components to a wall outlet.
If you cormect other audio/video components to the AC OUTLET(s) on the receiver, the receiver will supply power to the cormected component(s), allowing you to turn the whole system on or off when you turn the receiver on/off.
Caution
Make sure that the total power consumption of the component(s) connected to the receiver’s AC OUTLET(s) does not exceed the wattage stated on the rear panel. Do not connect high-wattage electrical home appliances such as electric irons, fans, or TVs to this outlet.
X
0
o
*■
s'
<a
c
■o
r* y
A n
o
3
3 n 3
cr

Setting the voltage selector (for models suppilied with a voltage selector)

Check that the voltage selector on the rear panel of the receiver is set to the local power supply voltage. If not, use a screwdriver to set the selector to the correct position before cormecting the AC power cord to a wall outlet.
11
Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker
System
This chapter describes how to hook up your speaker system to the receiver, how to position each speaker, and how td set up your speakers to enjoy multi channel surroimd sound.
SET UP

Brief descriptions of buttons and controis used to set up the speaker system

SET UP button: Press repeatedly to display "SPEAKER
SETUP" when specifying speaker types or "SPEAKER DISTANCE" when specifying speaker distances.
SOUND FIELD ON/OFF button: Turns the sound field
mode on or off.
Cursor buttons (♦/♦/♦/♦): Use to select the parameters
and settings after pressing the SET UP button.
BALANCE control: Use to adjust the front speaker
balance while outputting a test tone.
12

Speaker System Hookup

Required cords

Speaker cords (not supplied)
One for each front, rear, and center speaker
Monaural audio cord (not supplied)
One for an active woofer
Black =O0D:
Rear speaker(R)
e
• Front speaker (R)
Active woofer
0
e
ir^ iTTl
Front speaker (L)
0
Rear speaker (L)
e
e
Irn ITTI
Center speaker
X O
0
0
(fi
•o
(fi
■o
■o
I
5;
5*
c
0» 3
fi.
(A
(D
3
c
(A
(D ft) K­»
(A
» 3
0

Terminals for connecting the speakers

Connect the To the
Front sp>eakei^ SPEAKERS FRONT A terminals Additional pair of front
speakers Rear speakers SPEAKERS REAR terminals Center speaker Active woofer WOOFER AUDIO OUT jack*
* You can connect an active woofer to either of the two jacks. The
remaining jack can be used to connect a second active woofer.
SPEAKERS FRONT B terminals
SPEAKERS CENTER terminals

Notes on speaker system hookiqi

• Twist the stripped ends of the speaker cords about 2/3 inch (15 mm). Be sure to match the speaker cord to the appropriate terminal on the components: + to + and ­to If the cords are reversed, the sound will be distorted and will lack bass.
• If you use front speakers with low maximum input rating, adjust the volume carefully to avoid excessive output on the speakers.
13
Speaker System Hookup

Selecting the impedance

Set the IMPEDANCE SELECTOR for the speakers as indicated in the table below. Check the instruction
' manual of your speakers if you’re not sure of the
impedance. (This information is usually printed on a
ZD
label on the back of the speaker.)
If the nominal impedance of your speaker is
Between 4 and 8 ohms 8 ohms or higher
Note
Be sure to connect front speakers with a nominal impedance of 8 ohms or higher if you want to select both sets (A+B) of front speakers (see page 23).
Set IMPEDANCE SELECTOR to
4Q 8Q

Multi-Channel Surround Setup

For the best possible surround sound all speakers should be the same distance from the listening position (©). (However, this unit lets you to place the center speaker up to 1.5 meters closer (©) and the rear speakers up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) closer (©) to the listening position. The front speakers can be placed from 3 to 40 feet (1.0 to
12.0 meters) from the listening position (©).)
Do not place the center or rear speakers farther away from the listening position than the front speakers.
14
Depending on the shape of your room (etc.), you may wish to place the rear speakers behind you instead of on the side walls. One advantage of this placement is that you can use a pair of large floor standing speakers matching your front speakers.
If you place the rear speakers behind you, be sure to check the speaker location setting in the SPEAKER SETUP menu when using sound fields from the VIRTUAL 3D genre (see pages 16 and 28-29 for details).

Specifying the speaker types

■ Front speaker size (FRONT)

Initial setting : LARGE
• If you connect large speakers that will effectively reproduce bass frequencies, select "LARGE". Normally, select "LARGE".
• If the sound is distorted, or you feel a lack of surround effects when using multi-channel surround sound, select "SMALL" to activate the bass redirection circuitry and output the front channel bass frequencies from the sub woofer.
• When the front speaker is set to "SMALL", the center and rear speakers are also automatically set to "SMALL" (unless previously set to "NO").

■ Center speaker size (CENTER)

Initial setting: LARGE
• If you connect large speakers that will effectively reproduce bass frequencies, select "LARGE". Normally, select "LARGE". However, if the front speakers are set to "SMALL", you cannot set the center speaker to "LARGE".
• If the sound is distorted, or you feel a lack of surround effects when using multi-channel surround sound, select "SMALL" to activate the bass redirection circuitry and output the center channel bass frequencies from the front speakers (if set to "LARGE") or sub woofer. *’
• If you do not coiuiect the center speaker, select "NO". The sound of the center chaimel will be output from the front speakers.’^
ID
*0
ID
Tl
n
K
0
o
sr
3
c
gi
3
a
i/i
s
5'
c
A I/I
01 ?r
A
V)
« 3

1 Press l/(!) to turn on the receiver. 2 Press SET UP to display "SPEAKER SETUP". 3 Press the cursor buttons (* or e) to select the

parameter you want to adjust.
4 Press the cursor buttons (♦ or *) to select setting
you desire. The setting is entered automatically.
5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have set all of the
parameters that follow.

■ Rear speaker size (REAR)

Initial setting: LARGE
• If you connect large speakers that will effectively reproduce bass frequencies, select "LARGE". Normally, select "LARGE". However, if the front speakers are set to "SMALL", you cannot set the rear speakers to "LARGE".
• If the sound is distorted, or you feel a lack of surround effects when using multi-charmel surround sound, select "SMALL" to activate the bass redirection circuitry and output the rear channel bass frequencies from the sub woofer or other "LARGE" speakers.
• If you do not cormect rear speakers, select "NO".’^

V *1-*3 correspond to the following Dolby Pro Logic modes

•' NORMAL PHANTOM 3 STEREO
15
Multi-Channel Surround Setup
9 About speaker sizes (LARGE and SMALL)
Internally, the LARGE and SMALL settings tor each speaker determine whether or not the internal sound processor will cut the bass signal from that channel. When the bass is cut from a channel, the bass redirection circuitry sends the corresponding bass frequencies to the sub woofer or other "LARGE" speaker. However, since bass sounds have a certain amount of directionality it ^^t not to cut them, if possible. Therefore, even when using small speakers, you can set them to "LARGE" if you want to output the bass frequencies from that speaker. On the other hand, if you are using a large speaker, but prefer not to have bass frequencies output from that speaker, set it to "SMALL". If the overall sound level is lower than you prefer, set all sf>eakers to "LARGE". If there is not enough bass, you can use the equalizer to boost the bass levels. To adjust the equalizer, see page 34.

■ Rear speaker position (REAR PL.)*

Initial setting: BEHIND This parameter lets you specify the location of your rear speakers for proper implementation of the Digital Cinema Sound surround modes in the VIRTUAL 3D genre. Refer to the illustration below.
• Select "SIDE" if the location of your rear speakers
corresponds to section O-
• Select "MIDDLE" if the location of your rear speakers corresponds to section ©.
• Select "BEHIND" if the location of your rear speakers corresponds to section ©.
This setting only effects the surround modes in the VIRTUAL 3D genre.
E]

■ Rear speaker height (REAR HGT.)*

Initial setting : LOW This parameter lets you specify the height of your rear speakers for proper implementation of the Digital Cinema Sound surround modes in the VIRTUAL 3D genre. Refer to the illustration below.
• Select "LOW" if the location of your rear speakers corresponds to section O-
• Select "HIGH" if the location of your rear speakers corresponds to section ©.
This setting only effects the surround modes in the VIRTUAL 3D genre.
* These parameters are not available when "Rear speaker
size (REAR)" is set to "NO".
C About the rear speaker position (SIDE, MIDDLE, and BEHIND)
This setting is designed specifically for implementation of the
Digital Cinema Sound modes in the VIRTUAL 3D genre. With the Digital Cinema Sound modes, speaker position is not as critical as other modes. All of the modes in the VIRTUAL 3D genre were designed under the premise that the rear speaker
would be located behind the listening position, but presentation
remains fairly consistent even with the rear speakers positioned at a rather wide angle. However, if the speakers are pointing toward the listener from the immediate left and right of the listening position, the VIRTUAL 3D modes will not be effective
unless the reeir speaker position parameter is set to "SIDE".
Nevertheless, each listening environment has many variables,
like wall reflections, and you may obtain better results using
"BEHIND" or "MIDDLE" if your speakers are located high above
die listening position, even if they are to the immediate left and
right.
Therefore, although it may result in a setting contrary to the
"Rear speaker position" explanation, we recommend that you
playback multi channel surround encoded software and listen to
the effect each setting has on your listening environment. Choose
the setting that provides a good sense of spaciousness and that
best succeeds in forming a cohesive space between the surround
sound from the rear speakers and the sound of the front speakers.
If you are not sure which sounds best, select "BEHIND" and then
use the speaker distance parameter and speaker level
adjustments to obtain proper balance.
16
Loading...
+ 35 hidden pages