Sony STR-DE425 User Manual

3-862-354-21(L’l

FM Stereo
FM'AM Receiver

Operating Instructions

STR-DE425
STR-DE325

1998 by Sony Corporation

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock

hazard, do not expose

the 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.

IMPORTANT

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 bv
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

4^'hich the receiver is connected.

- Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV' technician for help.

CAUTION

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

Note to CATV system installer

This reminder is provided to call the
CATV system installer's attention to
Article 820-40 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-DE425/STR-DE323

Serial No.

Precautions

On safety

• Should any sc4id object or liquid tall
into the cabinet, unplug the receiver
and have it checked bv qualified
personnel before operating it anv
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 receiver is not disconnected from
the AC power source (MAINS) as
long as it is connected to the wall
outlet, even if the receiver 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 disconnect 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 onl\­one way. If you are unable to insert
the plug fully into the outlet, contact
your dealer, (US mode! onlv)

• Should the AC power cord need to be

changed, have it done at a qualified
service shop only.

On placement

• Place the receiver in a location with

adequate ventilation to prevent heat
build-up 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

• Clean the cabinet, panel and controls
with a soft cloth slightlv moistened
with a mild detergent solution. Do
not use any tvpe of abra^iN e pad,
scouring powder or solvent such as

alcohol or benz.ine.

For detailed satetv precautions, see the

•IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS" leatlet.

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
models STR-DE425 and STR-DE325.
Check your model number by looking
at the upper right corner of the front
panel or lower right corner of the
remote. In this manual, the STR-DE425
is the model used for illustration
purposes, any difference in operation is
clearly indicated in the text, for
example, "STR-DE425 only".

Type of differences

Model

Feature

MIX AUDIO
OUT
WOOFER

5.1/DVD INPUT
VIDEO
MONITOR

Conventions

The instructions in this manual describe
the controls on the receiver. You can
also use the controls on the remote if
they have the same or similar names as
those on the receiver.

• A "Quick Reference Guide" is

supplied on page 23.

• The "Remote Button Descriptions"

section on page 22 provides an
overview of the remote buttons.

• The following icons are used in this

manual:

Indicates that you can use only
the remote to do the task.
Indicates hints and tips for
making the task easier.

DE425 DE325

•

•

•

•

Table of contents

Getting Started

Unpacking 4
Hookup Overview 4
Antenna Hookups 5
Audio Component Hookups 5
Speaker System Hookups 6
Video Component Hookups 7
AC Hookups 8
Before You Use Your Receiver 8

Receiver Operations

Selecting a Component 8
Receiving Broadcasts 11
Presetting Radio Stations 12
Recording 13
Using the Sleep Timer 13
Choosing a Surround Mode 14
Getting the Most Out of Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound 15

Additional Information

Troubleshooting 17
Specifications 18

Glossary 19

Index 20

Rear Panel Descriptions 21

Remote Button Descriptions 22

Quick Reference Guide 23

This receiver has the Dolby Surround
system.
Manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
"Dolby "Pro Logic" and the double-D
symbol □□ are trademarks of Dolby
Laborattiries l.icensing Corporation.

Getting Started

Unpacking

Check that vou received the tollowing items with the
receiver:

• FM wire antenna (1) ^

• AM loop antenna (1)

• Remote controller (remote) (1)

• Size AA (R6) batteries (2)

Inserting batteries into the remote

Insert two size AA (R6) batteries in accordance with
the + and - markings on the battery compartment.
When using the remote, point it at the remote sensor IS
on the receiver.

'Q' When to replace batteries

Under normal use, the batteries should last for about 6
months. When the remote no longer operates the
receiver, replace both batteries with new ones.

Notes «

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

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

• 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.

Hookup Overview

The receiver allows you to connect and control the
following audio/video components. Follow the
hookup procedures for the components that you want
to connect to the receiver on the pages specified. To
learn the locations and names of each jack, see "Rear
Panel Descripfions" on page 21.

Before you get started

• Turn off fhe power to all components before making
any connections.

• Do not connect the AC power cords until all of the
connections are completed.

• Be sure to make connections firmly to avoid hum
and noise.

• When connecting an audio/video cable, 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.

Getting Started

Antenna Hookups

Overview

This section describes how to connect AM and FM
antennas to the receiver. If you want to receive radio
broadcasts with the receiv'er, complete these
connections first, then go to the following pages.
For specific locations of the terminals, see the
illustration below.

ANTENNA

What antennas will I need?

• FM wire antenna
(supplied) 0)

AM loop antenna
(supplied) 0)

Q If you have poor AM reception

C'onnect a 20 to 30 it. (b to 15-mcter) insulated wire (not
supplied) to the AM antenna terminal in addition to the
AM loop antenna. Trv to extend the wire outdoors and
keep It horizontal-

Connecting a ground wire

To prevent hum, connect a ground wire (not supplied)
to the ih ground terminal. If you've connected an
outdoor antenna, be sure to connect the ground for
lightning protection.

Receiver

A

©

SIGNAL GND

♦

to ground

Where do I go next?

If you want to connect other components, go on to the next
section. If you're only planning to use the receiver to listen
to the radio, go to "Speaker System Hookups" on pages 6
and 7.

Hookups

FM wire antenna

After connecting

ting L

Receiver

AM loop antenna

the wire
antenna, keep it
as horizontal as
possible.

''Q' If you have poor FM reception

Connect a 75-ohm coaxial cable (not supplied) to an FM
outdoor antenna.

0:

Receiver

Audio Component Hookups

Overview

This section describes how to connect your audio
components to the receiver. If you want to use the
receiver as an amplifier, complete these connections.
For specific locations of the jacks, see the illustration
below.

T

CD

What cords will I need?

Audio cords (not supplied) (1 for CD player; 2 for each tape
deck or MD recorder)

White (L)<=

Red (R) ‘

White (L)

Red (R)

(continued)

Getting Started

Hookups

The arrow =

CD player

Tape deck or MD recorder

^ indicates signal flow.

Receiver CD player

Receiver Tape deck or MD recorder

Where do I go next?

Go on to the next section to connect the speakers.

For optimum surround sound effect, place vour
speakers as shown below.

Rear speaker

45°

What cords will I need?

Speaker cord (not supplied) (1 for each speaker)

( + )

(-)

Twist the stripped ends of the cord 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.

(+)
(-)

Hookups

Front speakers

Front speaker

(R)

Receiver

Front speaker

(U

Speaker System Hookups

Overview

This section describes how to connect your speakers to
the receiver. Although front (left and right) speakers
are required, center and rear speakers are optional.
Adding center and rear speakers will enhance the
surround effects. Connecting an active woofer will
increase bass response. For specific locations of fhe
terminals, see the illustration below.

WOOFER MIX AUDIO OUT
(STR-DE425 only) (STR-DE325 only) FRONT SPEAKERS A

Rear and center speakers

Rear speaker

(R)

Note (except STR-DE425)

Be sure to connect the both rear speakers (L and R-).
\'o sound is heard if only one speaker is connected.

Active woofer STR-DE425 only

Receiver Active woofer

Receiver Center speaker (L)

STR-DE325 only

Receiver Active woofer

Rear speaker

Note

• Do not connect any other ct)mponent.

Getting Started

If you have an additional front speaker system

Connect them to the FRONT SI’EAKHKS B terminals.

If your TV monitor uses separate speakers

You can connect one ot them to the SURROUND
SPEAKER CENTER terminals for use with Dolby Pro
Logic Surround sound (see page 15).

Selecting the speaker system

To drive the speakers, select the speaker system as
follovcs:

To drive Depress SPEAKERS button

Speaker system A (connected
to the FRONT SPEAKERS A
terminals)

Speaker system B (connected
to the FRÖNT SPEAKERS B
terminals)

Both speaker systems A and
B (series connection)

Notes

• If you want to en)oy the surround sound, be sure to
connect the front speakers to the FRONT SPEAKERS A
terminal.

• No sound is heard when you press SPEAKERS A+B
without connecting speaker system B.

A

B

Aa-B

Where do I go next?

To complete your system, go to "AC Hookups" on page 8. If
you want to connect video components to enjoy surround
sound when watching/Hstening to TV programs or video
tapes, go on to the next section.

• Video cable (not supplied) U for a TV monitor)

Yellow «HiSZN Yellow

Hookups

The arrow =!^ indicates signal flow.

TV/DBS

Receiver

MONITOR (STR-DE425 only)

Receiver

VCR

Receiver

VIDEO

VIDEO OUT VIDEO IN

TV tuner or Digital

broadcasting system

TV monitor

OUTPUT

VIDEO

VCR

INPUT
VIDEO

Video Component Hookups

Overview

This section describes how to connect \’ideo
components to the receiver. For specific locations of the
jacks, see the illustration below.

5.1/DVD INPUT

What cables will I need?

• Audio/video cable (not supplied) (1 tor each TV tuner or
Digital broadcasting system; 2 tor the \‘CR)

Yellow

White (L)

Red (R)

Yellow
White (L)
Red (R)

r®@- ■© @1

fm AUDIO OUT AUDIO IN

* STR-DE425 only

DVD player/AC-3 decoder (STR-DE425 only)

Q You can play decoded Dolby Digital AC-3

soundtracks through the speakers connected to the amplifier.

If you have a Dolby Digital AC-3 decoder you can
amplify a decoded Dolby Digital AC-3 soundtrack with
the following connections.

Receiver

AUDIO AUDIO

Dolby Digital AC-3

decoder (etc.)

Getting Started

Where do I go next?

Go ou to the next section to eonneet the /AC power coni and
complete your home theater system.

AC Hookups

Connecting the AC power cord

Receiver operations

Selecting a Component

To listen to or watch a connected component, first
select the function on the receiver or with the remote.
Before you begin, make sure you have:

• Connected all components securely and correctly as
indicated on pages 5 to 8.

• Turned MASTER VOLUME to the leftmost position
(0) to avoid damaging your speakers.

Connect the AC power cord from this receiver and
from your audio/video components to a wall outlet.
If you connect other audio components to the
SWITCHED AC OUTLET on the receiver, the receiver
can supply power to the connected components so you
can turn on/off the whole system when you turn on/
off the receiver.

SWITCHED AC OUTLET
(Australia)

Caution

Make sure that the power consumption of the component
connected to the receiver's AC outlet does not exceed 120
watts (US model) or 100 watts (Australian model). Do not
connect high-wattage electrical home appliances such as
electric irons, fans, or TVs to this outlet.

Where do I go next?

Before you use the receiver, go to the next section to make

sure that all the controls are set to the appropriate positions.

Function MASTER

I/C) (power)

buttons MUTING VOLUME

1 Press l/Ci) (power) to turn on the receiver.

2 Press a function button to select the component

you want to use:

To listen to or watch

Radio programs

Compact discs (CD)

Audio tapes or MiniDiscs
(MD)

TV programs or Digital
broadcasting system

Video tapes

DVD player/AC-3 decoder

Press

TUNER

CD

TAPE/MD

TV/DBS

VIDEO

5.1/DVD INPUT
(STR-DE425 only)

Before You Use Your Receiver

Turn on the component, for example, a CD player,
and then start playing.

Before vou start using your receiver, make sure that
you have:

To tune in- radio stations on this receiver, see

"Receiving Broadcasts" on page 11.

• Turned MASTER VOLUME to the leftmost
position (0).

• Selected the appropriate speaker system. (See

"Selecting the speaker system" on page 7.)

Turn MASTER VOLUME to adjust the volume.
To adjust the volume of the TV's speakers, use the

volume control on the TV.

• Set BALANCE to the center position.

Turn on the receiver and check the following indicator.

• Press MUTING or MUTING on the remote if the
MUTING indicator turns on.

8

Receiver Operations

To

Mute the SLHind

Reinforce the bass

Adjust the balance

Adjust the tone quality

■Q' When you listen with headphones

Connect the headphones to the PHONES jack and set
the SPEAKERS buttons to OFF.

■(j' 5.1 / DVD INPUT mode (STR-DE425 only)

When you are listening to 5.1/DVD INPUT mode,
BASS, TREBLE, BASS BOOST and SURROUND do not
function.

Do this

Press MUTING or MUTING
on the remote. Press again to
restore the sound

Press BASS BOOST to ti*r-n on
the BASS BOOST indicator.

Turn the BALANCE control
left or right.

Adjust the BASS and TREBLE
controls.

Watching/listening to video programs

When you watch/listen to TV or video programs, we
recommend you play audio portion through the
receiver instead of your TV's speaker. This lets you
take advantage of the receiver's surround sound
effects, like Dolby Pro Logic Surround and lets you use
the receiver's remote to control the audio.
Turn off the speakers on your TV before you start so
you can enjoy the surround sound from your receiver.

To watch/listen to TV programs, turn on the TV, TV tuner

and the receiver and press TV/DBS on the receiver.

To watch videos, do the following:

1- Press VIDEO to select the VCR.
2 Turn on the TV and set the TV's video input to

match your video component.

1 Press one of the SYSTEM CONTROL/FUNCTION

buttons to select the component you want to use.
The S^'STEM CONTROL/FUNCTION buttons on
the remote are factorv-set as follows:

To listen to or watch Press

Radio programs

Compact discs tCD)

Audio tapes or
MmiDiscs (MD)

TV programs

VHS Video tapes
(VTR-3 model

DVD Player. AC-3
decoder

TUNER
CD

TAPE/MD
(INITIAL-TAPE B MODE)

TV

VIDEO

CD and PHONO (STR-DE425
only)

If you want to change the factory setting of a
button, see page 10,
The receiver and the selected component turn on.

If the component does not turn on

Press the power switch on the component.

2 Start plaving.

Refer to "Remote Button Descriptions" on page 22

for details.

To turn off the components

Press SYSTEM ST.ANDBY. You can turn off the video and
audio components connected to the SWITCHED AC
OUTLET at the same time.

If you use a Sony TV

When you press TV to watch a TV program, the TV
turns on and stvitches to the TV input. The TV also
turns on when you press VIDEO and switches to the
appropriate video input.
If the TV does not switch to the appropriate input
automaticallv, press TV/VIDEO.

3 Turn on the VCR, and start playback.

Using the remote

The remote lets you operate the receiver and the Sony
components that are connected to it.

TV CONTROL

SYSTEM
STANDBY

SYSTEM
CONTROL/
FUNCTION

When you watch TV without using the receiver (only for Sony TVs)

Press TV CO-NTROL to set the remote to operate onlv
the TV. When vou press this button, the TV turns on
and switches to the TV input. If the TV does not switch
to the TV input automatically, press TV/VIDEO.

(continued)

Receiver Operations

Changing the factory setting of a function button LlI

If the hictor\' settings of the FUNCTION buttons
(page 9) don't match your system components, vou can
change them. For example, if vou have two CD players
and vou don't have a tape deck or an MD recorder,
you can assign the TAPE/MD button to your second
CD player.

Note that the settings of the TUNER and PFIONO
buttons cannot be changed.

■ SYSTEM
CONTROL/
FUNCTION

Numeric buttons

1 Hold down the SYSTEM CONTROL/FUNCTION

button whose function you want to change
(TAPE/MD, for example).

Now vou can use the TAPF/MD button to control

a second CD plaver.

To reset the setting to the factory setting

IC'poat tlio above procedure.

2 Press the corresponding numeric button of the

component you want to assign to the SYSTEM
CONTROL/FUNCTION button (1 - CD player,
for example).

The numeric buttons are assigned to select the
functions as follows;

Numeric button

1

2 -

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0

>10

Operates

CD player

DAT deck

MD deck

Tape deck A

Tape deck B

LD player

VCR {remote control mode VTR ] *)

VCR (remote control mode VTR

VCR (remote control mode VTR 3*)

TV

DBS

2* ')

10

Enter

Sony VCRs are operated with a VTR 1, 2 or 3 setting.
These correspond to Beta, Hmm and \’HS respectivelv.

DVD

Receiving Broadcasts

Receiver Operations

To receive other stations

Repeat Steps 3 to 5,

This receiver lets vou enter a station's frequency
directly by using the numeric buttons (direct tuning). If
you don't know the frequency of the station ygu want,
see "Receiving broadcasts by scanning stations
(automatic tuning)" on this page.

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• Connected an FM/AM antenna to the receiver as
indicated on page 5.

• Selected the appropriate speaker system. (See

"Selecting the speaker system" on page 7.)

1/6

TUNING +/- FM FM/AM

MODE

DIRECT

MASTER

TUNER

1 Press l/C!) (power) to turn on the receiver.
2 Press TUNER.

The last received station is tuned in.

3 Press FM/AM to select FM or AM stations.

'O' If the STEREO indicator remains off

Press FM MODE when an FM stereo broadcast is
received.

'Q' If an FM stereo program is distorted

The STEREO indicator flashes. Press FM MODE to
change to monaural (MONO). You will not have the
stereo effect but the distortion will be reduced. To
return to stereo mode, press this button again,

Y If you cannot tune in a station and the entered

numbers are flashing

Make sure you've entered the right frequencv. If not,
press DIRECT TUNING and re-enter the frequency you
want.
If the entered numbers still flash, the frequency is not
used in your area.

'Q' To watch FM simulcast TV programs

Make sure that you tune in the simulcast program both
on the TV (or the VCR) and on the receiver.

'Q' If you enter a frequency not covered by the tuning

interval

The entered value is automaticalh rounded up or down
to the closest covered value.

Tuning intervals for direct tuning are:
FM: 50 kHz intervals
AM: 9 kHz/10 kHz intervals (US model)

9 kHz intervals (Australian model)

4 Press DIRECT TUNING.

5 Press the numeric buttons to enter the frequency.

Example 1: FM 102.50 MHz Example 2: AM 1350 kHz

(You don't have to enter

/h

the last "0.")

v_.y

6 When you tune in AM stations, adjust the

direction of the AM loop antenna for optimum

reception.

Receiving broadcasts by scanning stations

(automatic tuning)

If you don't know the frequency of the radio station

you want, you can have the receiver scan all the

receivable stations to locate the one vou want.

1 Press TUNER.

The last received station is tuned in.

2 Press FM/AM to select F.M or .AM.
3 Press TUNING + or -.

Press the + button for a higher station number;
press the - button for a lower one. When vou tune
past either end of the band, the receiver
automatically jumps to the opposite end. Every
time a station is recei\'ed, the receiver stops
scanning. To continue scanning, press the button
again.

11

Receiver Operations

Presetting Radio Stations

To change a preset station

Preset <1 new station on the number vou want to change.

^ oil'll most likely want to preset the receu er with the
radio stations you listen to often so that you don't have
to tune in the station every time.jjdie receiver can store
a total of 30 FM or AM stations. You can store the
stations on preset numbers combining 3 characters (A,
B, C) and numbers (0 - 9). For example, you can store a
station as preset number Al, B6 or C9, etc.

PRESET TUNING Numeric buttons

a

;l 1

MEMORY SHIFT

S3 CZI—1 O

TUNER

c 0

0

QOP

1 Press TUNER.

The last received station is tuned in.

2 Tune in the station you want.

If you are not familiar with how to tune in a
station, see "Receiving Broadcasts" on the
previous page.

3 Press MEMORY.

"MEMORY" appears for a few' seconds.

Do steps 4 and 5 before "MEMORY" goes out.

Note

If the AC power cord is disconnected for about one week,
the preset stations will be cleared from the receix er's
memory, and vou will have to preset the stations again.

Tuning preset stations (preset tuning)

You can tune directly to a preset station bv entering its
preset number. If vou don't know' w'hich stations are
preset on which numbers, you can tune bv scanning
the preset stations.

1 Press TUNER.

The last received station is tuned in.

2 Press SHIFT to select a character (A, B or C), then

press the number.
For example, select A and then press 7 to tune m
the station preset as A7.

You can tune by scanning the preset stations

First press TUNER and then press PRESET TUNING *
or - to select the station you want. Each time you press
the buttons, the preset numbers change as follows:

• A2-

■ Al

•C0<

■ AO ■

• B1

■ C2 •

• BO •

• Cl-

12

4 Press SFFIFT to select a character (A, B or C).

Each time you press SFilET, the letter "A," "B" or

"C" appears in the display.

If "MEMORY" disappears, start again from step 3.

5 While MEMORY is displayed, press the number

you want to use (0 to 9).

6 Repeat Steps 2 to 5 to preset other stations.

Recording

This recen er makes it easy to record to and from the
components connected to the receiver. You don't have
to connect pla\ back and recording compoiients
directly: once \ ou select a program source on the
receu er, vou can record and edit as you normally
would using the controls on each component.
Before you begin, make sure you'v'e connected all
components properly.

Function buttons

Audio signal flow
Video signal flow (STR-DE425 only)

Recording on an audio tape or MiniDisc

Receiver Operations

Recording on a video tape

You can record TV program or digital broadcasting

system using the receiver. You can also add audio from
a variety of audio sources when editing a video tape.
See your VCR's instruction manual if vou need help.

1 Press TV/DBS to select the program source.

2 Set the component to be ready for pla\ ing.

For example, turn on the TV and TV tuner.

3 Insert a blank video tape into the VCR for

recording.

4 Start recording on the VCR.

'Q' You can replace audio while editing a video tape

At the point VOU want to start adding ditterent sound,
press another function button (for example, CD) and
start playback. The sound from the selected component
will be recorded over the original audio.

To resume recording the original sound, press the
TV/DBS function button.

Note

You cannot record the audio and video signal during

5.1/DVD INPUT mode (STR-DE425 onlv).

You can record on a cassette tape or MiniDisc using the
receiver. See the instruction mgnual of your tape deck
or MD recorder if you need help.

1 Press one of the function buttons to select the

program source.

2 Set the component to be ready for playing.

For e.xample, insert a CD into the CD player.

3 Insert a blank tape or disc into the recording deck

and adjust the recording level, if necessary.

4 Start recording on the recording deck and then

start placing the component.

Using the Sleep Timer

You can set the amplifier to turn off automatically at a

time you specify.

SLEEP

Press SLEEP while the power is on.

Each time you press SLEEP, the time changes as shown

below.

f 2:00:00 — 1:30:00 — 1:00:00 — 0:30:00 — OFF-

The dispiav dims after vou specifv the time.

'Q'You can check the time remaining before the

amplifier turns off

lYess SLEEP. The remaining time appears in the

display.

13

Using Surround Sound

Choosing a Surround Mode

You can take advantage of surround sound simplv bv
selecting one of the pre-programmed surround modes
according to the type of music ytru to play.

SURROUND
EFFECT/DELAY

o

o ™

o

O 0 0 o o

S-

i 1

SURROUND
ON/OFF

1 Press SURROUND ON/OFF to turn on the

surround sound.
One of the SUR (surround) MODE indicators
lights up in the display.

2 Press SURROUND MODE repeatedly until the

indicator for the surround mode you want lights
up.
Select the appropriate surround mode as follows:

Select To

PRO LOGIC*

C. STUDIO

HALL

Decode programs processed with Dolby
Surround and create the atmosphere of a
movie theater.

Add the acoustic reflections of a cinema
studio to decoded Dolby Surround signals.

Reproduce the acoustics of a rectangular
concert hall. Ideal for soft, acoustic sounds.

SURROUND SURROUND

MODE ON/OFF

1:

TB ©-

o o o

----------

SET

-UP

SURROUND
MODE

1 ~ r

■Q' When you use the remote

Each time \'ou press SURKOLNO MODH, siimninel
mode changes as tollows:

STR-nF,42.S only

• PRO LOGIC* — C. STUDIO A —C. STUDIO B

HALL

STR-DE325 only

PRO LOGIC* — C. STUDIOr.HALL

□

* “DOLBY" appears in the displav.

To turn off surround sound

Press SURROUND ON/OFF.

'Q' You can find Dolby Surround-encoded software by

looking at the packaging

However, some videos and laser discs may use Dolby
Surround sound even if it's not indicated on the

package.

Note

Make sure to select speaker A with the SPEAKERS A button,
otherwise, you can't obtain the surround effect.

Adjusting the Effect Level (for C. STUDIO and HALL only)

You can make the surround sound more prominenf by
increasing the EEFECT level. This control lets you
adjust the "presence" of the surround effect in six steps

(1-6).

1 Start playing a programme source.

2 Press SURROUND EFFECT/DEL.AY or EFFECT/

DELAY on the remote to select the level you
prefer.
The effect level ("EFFECT f' ... "EFFECT 6")
appears on the display.

14

* "DOLBY" appears in the display.

Note

Changing the effect level may not produce major variations

in the surround ettect when used with certain playback
sources.

Getting the Most Out of Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound

To obtain the best possible Dolby Pro Logic Surround
sound, first select the center mode accordih^to the
speaker system you have. Then, adjust each speaker
volume and delay time.

Note that you must have at least one additional pair of
speakers and/or one center speaker to do the following
adjustments.

SURROUND

Using Surround Sound

Selecting the center mode

The receiver offers you four center modes: Phantom, 3
Channel Logic, Normal, and Wide. Each mode is
designed for a different speaker configuration. Select

the mode that best suits vour speaker's system

configuration:

1 Press SURROUND ON/OFF to turn on surround

sound.

2 Press SURROUND MODE repeatedly to select the

Dolby surround sound field (PRO LOGIC or
C. STUDIO mode).

3 Press SET-UP repeatedly until the set-up you

want appears in the display. Select the set-up as
follows:

REAR LEVEL +/-

SET-UP

SURROUND
MODE

TEST TONE

CENTER
LEVEL +/-

If you have Select

Front and rear
speakers, no
center speaker

Front and center
speakers, no rear
speaker

Front and rear
speakers, and a
small center
speaker

Front and rear
speakers, and a
large center
speaker

PHANTOM The sound of the

3 CH LOGIC The sound of the rear
(3 Channel
Logic)

NORMAL

WIDE

So that

center channel is
output from the front
speakers.

channel is output
from the front
speakers.

The bass sound of the
center channel is
output from the front
speakers(because a
small speaker cannot
produce enough
bass).

For "complete"
Dolby Pro Logic
Surround sound.

(continued)

15

Using Surround Sound

Adjusting the speaker volume |

The test tone feature lets vou set the volume of your
speakers to the same level. (If all of your speakers have
equal performance, vou don't have to adjust the
speaker volume.)

Using the controls on the remote lets you test the

speaker connection and adjust the volume level from

your listening position.

1 Press TEST TONE on the remote.

You will hear the test tone from each speaker
sequentially.

2 Adjust the volume level so that the test tone from

each speaker is at the same level from your
listening position.

• To adjust the level of center speaker, press
CENTER LEVEL + or - on the remote.

• To adjust the level of rear speakers, press
REAR LEVEL + or - on fhe remote.

3 Press TEST TONE on the remote to turn off the

test tone.

Adjusting the delay time

You can make the surrtrund sound more effective by
delaying the output from the rear speakers (delay
time). You can select from three delay times, S (15 mS),
M (20 mS), and L (30 mS). For example, if you've
placed the rear speakers in a large room or apart from
vour listening position, set the delay time shorter.

1 Start playing a program source encoded with

Dolby Surround sound.

2 Press EFFECT/DELAY on the remote or

SURROUND EFFECT/DELAY on the receiver
repeatedly to choose the delay time parameter.
The current delay time appears in the display,
such as "DELAY S," "DELAY M" or "DELAY L."

Note

Select the PRO LOGIC mode when you adjust the delay time
using SURROUND EFFECT/DELAY on the receiver.

■Q' You can adjust all speakers at one time

Adjust MASTER VOL on the remote or MASTER
VOLUME on the receiver.

y' You can also adjust the volume level with the

controls on the receiver'

After pressing TEST TONE on the remote, press REAR
LEVEL + or - and CENTER LEVEL + or - to adjust the
level of the rear and center speakers respectively.
During 5.1/DVD INPUT (STR-DE425 only) test tone
mode, CENTER LEVEL and REAR LEVEL cannot be
adjusted.

You can increase the output level of the rear speakers

The adjustment range of the rear speakers is preset from

-15 to +10, but you can shift the range up 5 levmls (-10

to +15). Hold down SURROUND MODE on the
receiver while turning on the power until "GAIN UP'
appears on the displav.
The values for the rear level remain fixed at -15 to +10
in the display, but you will be able to hear the
difference in the actual output level.

To reset the rear level adjustment range, repeat this
procedure to displav "NOR.MAL".

16

■m

Additional Information

Troubleshooting

If you experience any of the following difficulties while
using the receiver, use this troubleshooting guide to
help you remedy the problem. Should any problem
persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

There's no sound or only a very low-level sound is heard.

"f- Check that the speakers and components are

connected securely.

^ Make sure you select the correct component

on the receiver.

^ Make sure you set the SPEAKERS selector

correctly, (see page 7)
Press MUTING or MUTING on the remote if
MUTING LED is "ON".
The protective device on the receiver has been
activated because of a short circuit.
("PROTECT" flashes.) Turn off the receiver,
eliminate the short-circuit problem and turn
on the power again.

The left and right sounds are unbalanced or reversed.

^ Check that the speakers and components are

connected correctly and securely.
Adjust the BALANCE control.

Severe hum or noise is heard.

^ Check that the speakers and components are

connected securely.

^ Check that the connecting cords are away

from a transformer or motor, and at least 10
feet (3 meters) away from a TV set or
fluorescent light.

^ Place your TV away from the audio

components.

^ Make sure you connect a ground wire to the

antenna ground terminal.

^ The plugs and jacks are dirty. Wipe them

with a cloth slightly moistened with alcohol.

No sound is heard from the center speaker.

^ Select the appropriate center mode (see page

15).

^ Adjust the speaker volume appropriately (see

page 16).

No sound or only a very low-level sound is heard from

the rear speakers.

^ Select the appropriate center mode (see page

15).

^ Adjust the speaker volume appropriately (see

page 16).
Make sure you turn on the sound field
surround mode function.

Radio stations cannot be tuned in.

^ Check that the antennas are connected

securely. Adjust the antennas and connect an
outdoor antenna if necessary.

^ The signal strength of the stations is too weak

(when you tune in with automatic tuning).
Use direct tuning.

^ Make sure you set the tuning interval

correctly (when you tune in AM stations with
automatic tuning) (see pages 11 and 18).

^ No stations have been preset or the preset

stations have been cleared (when you tune in
with scanning preset stations). Preset the
stations (see page 12).

Surround effect cannot be obtained.

Make sure you turn on the sound field
function.

^ Make sure that the front speakers are

connected to the SPEAKERS A terminal.
Make sure that SPEAKERS A and B buttons
are depressed when two sets of front speakers
are used.

No picture or an unclear picture is seen on the TV screen.

Select the appropriate function on the
receiver.

^ Place your TV away from the audio

components.

Recording cannot be made.

^ Check that the components are connected

correctly.
You cannot record audio from a program
source connected to 5.1/DVD INPUT jacks
(STR-DE425 only).

The remote does not function.

Point the remote at the remote sensor H on
the receiver.

^ Remove the obstacles in the path of the

remote and the receiver.

^ Replace both batteries in the remote with new

ones if they are weak.

^ Make sure you select the correct function on

the remote.
Pressing TV CONTROL sets the remote to
operate the TV only. In this case, press one of
the SYSTEM CONTROL FUNCTION buttons
before operating the receiver (etc ).

17

Additional Information

Specifications

Audio power specifications (USA only)

POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL
HARMONIC DISTORTION

With 8-ohm load, both
channels driven, from 20 ­20,000 Hz, rated 100 watts
(STR-DE425/DE325) per
channel minimum RMS
power, with no more than

0.09 % total harmonic
distortion from 250
milliwatts to rated output.

Amplifier section

stereo mode
(Australia only)

Surround mode (8 ohms at 1 kHz, THD

US model:

Australia model;

5.1/DVD INPUT*
mode

(8 ohms at 20 Hz - 20 kHz

loss than 0.09% total

harmonic distortion)
lOOW + lOOW (STR-DE425)
SOW + SOW (STR-DE325)

0.8 %)

Front;

STR-DE425: 100 W/ch

STR-DE325: 100%V7ch
Center; (Pro Logic Mode)

STR-DE425: 100 W

STR-DE325: 100 W
Rear:

STR-DE425: 50 W/ch

STR-DE325: 100 W

Front:

STR-DE425; 100 W/ch

STR-DE325; 80 W/ch
Center: (Pro Logic Mode)

STR-DE425: 100 W

STR-DE325: SOW
Rear:

5TR-DE425: 50 W/ch

STR-DE325: 80 W

(8 ohms at 1 kHz, THD

0.8"o)
Front: 100 W/ch
Center: , lOOW
Rear: 50 W/ch

Dynamic power
output
(For US only)

Frequency
response

Inputs

___________________________

CD, 200 mV

5.1/DVD

INPUT* 50 82 dB

TAPE/MD, 150 mV
TV/

DBS, VIDEO

Outputs

Muting

BASS BOOST

TONE

FM tuner section

Tuning range 87.5 - 108.0 MHz

Antenna terminals 75 ohms, unbalanced

Sensitivity

Usable sensitivity

S/N

Harmonic

distortion at 1 kHz

Separation

8 ohn\s:

SriCDF425:

DO W + 150 W

STR--Di;325:

145 W + 145 W

4 ifhms:

STR DE425:

200 W 200 W

STR-DE325:

190 W + 190 W

TV/DBS, CD, TAPE/

MD, VIDEO, 5.1/DVD
INPUT^
10 Hz-50 kH/±ldB

Sensitivity Impedance S/N

TAPE/MD REC OUT:

Voltage: 150 mV,

Impedance: 10 kilohms

VIDEO AUDIO OUT:

Voltage: 150 mV,

Impedance: 10 kilohms
WOOFER/MIX AUDIO
OUT:

Voltage: 2 V

Impedance: 10 kilohms

PHONES: Accepts low

and high impedance

headphones

Full mute

-t-lOdBat 70 Hz

±8 dB at 100 Hz and

10 kHz

Mono: 18-3 dBf, 4.5 ¡í\’

lL2dBf, 2 ifV (IHF)

Mono: 76 dB
Stereo: 70 dB

Motue 0.3".,
Stt'reo: 0.5

45 dii at 1 kHz

(weighting

network,

input level)

kilohms 82 dB**

(A, 150 mV)

78 IHF

Frequency
response

Selectivity

AM tuner section

Tuning range

Antenna

Usable sensitivity 50 dB/m (at 1,000 kHz or

S/N

Harmonic
distortion

Selectivity

*** You can change the AM tuning interval

between 9 kHz and 10 kHz. .After tuning
in an\' AM station, turn off the receiver.

Hold down the PRESET -f button and

press the l/Ci) (power) button. All preset
stations will be erased when vou change
the interval. To reset the interval, repeat
the procedure-

video section {STR-DE425 only)

Inputs VIDEO, 4 \-/DBS, 5.1/

Outputs

General

System

Power
requirements

Power
consumption

30 Н/ - D kHz dR

Ы1 dB at 400 кН/

US MODEL;

10 kHz inter\ aC*'

530 - 1710 kHz

9 kHz interv al

531 -1710 kHz

AUSTRALIAN MODEL:

531 - 1602 kHz

( 9 kHz interval )

Loop antenna

999 kHz)

54 dB (at 30 m\’ / r

0.5 "u (50 m\’.' m,
400 Hz )

At 9 kHz: .35 dB
At 10 kHz: 40 dB

D\'D iXPLT^:

1 5'p’P " ohms

VIDEO;

1 5'p-p 75 ohms

MONITOR:

1 ^’p-p 75 ohms

Tuner'.ection: PLL

quartz-locked digital
svnthesizer svstem

Preamplifier section;

Low-noise NE tvpe
ee]ualizer

Power amplifier section:

Pure-complementarv
SEPP

US:
120 AC. hO Hz

AUSTRALIA:
240 V AC, 50 Hz

US,
STR-DH425
SrR-DH321^

Л LSTRALIA:
STR-DL425

STR-Df-;7=;

230W

lAI

: :5ow
: ISOW

18

Additional Information

AC outlets US MODEL:

1 switched, total 120 W/1A

Max

AUSTRALIAN MODEL:
1 switched, total 100 W

Dimensions 17 x 5 Vk x 11 V« inches

Mass (Approx.) STR-DE425:

(430 X 148 X 295 mm)

7.7 kg (16 lb 15 oz)

STR-DE325:

7 kg (15 lb 7 oz)

Supplied FM wire antenna (1)
accessories AM loop antenna (1)

Remote controller (remote)

(1)

Size AA (R6) batteries (2)

* 5.1/DVD INPUT is for STR-DE425 only.

Design and specifications are subject to
change without notice.

Glossary

Center mode

Setting of speakers to enhance Dolby Pro
Logic Surround mode. To obtain the best
possible surround sound, select one of the
following four center modes according to
your speaker system.

• NORMAL mode

Select NORMAL mode if you have front
and rear speakers and a small center *
speaker. Since a small speaker cannot

produce enough bass, the bass sound of
the center channel is output from the front
speakers.

Center

speaker (L) speaker (R)

WIDE mode

Select WIDE mode if you have front and

rear speakers and a large center speaker.
With the WIDE mode, you can take full
advantage of Dolby Surround sound.

Front speaker Front

speaker (L) speaker (R)

Center

L> ^ C]

Rear Rear

speaker (L) speaker (R)

PHANTOM mode

Select PHANTOM mode if vou ha\e front
and rear speakers but no center speaker
The sound of the center channel is output
from the front speakers.

Front

speaker (L)

Rear

speaker (L)

3 CH LOGIC mode

Select 3 CH LOGIC mode if you have front
and center speakers but no rear speaker.
The sound of the rear channel is output

from the front speakers to let you
experience some of the surround sound
without using rear speakers.

Front Front

speaker (L) *Pea»cer (r)

Delay time

Time lag between the surround sound output
frpm front speakers and rear speakers. By
adjusting the delay time of the rear speakers,
you can obtain the feeling of presence. Make
the delay time longer when you have placed

. the rear speakers in a small room or close to

your listening position, and make it shorter
when you have placed them in a large room
or apart from your listening position.

Direct tuning

Tuning method to let you directly enter a
station’s frequency using the numeric
buttons. Use this method if you know the
frequency of the station you want.

Dolby Pro Logic Surround

Decoding system of Dolby Surround sound
standardized in TV programs and movies.
Compared with the former Dolby Surround
system, Dolby Pro Logic Surround improves
sound image by using four separate channels:
off-screen audio effects, on-screen dialog,
left-to-right panning, and music. These
channels manipulate the sound to be heard
and enhance the action as it happens on the
screen. To take advantage of Dolby Pro Logic,
you should have at least one pair of rear
speakers and/or one center speaker. You also
need to select the appropriate center mode to
enjoy a full effect.

5.1/DVD INPUT

Jacks used to input the audio signals that are

decoded from the Dolby Digital AC-3 format
audio. The jacks are usually connected with
an AC-3 decoder or a DVD player equipped
with an AC-3 decoder. This connection
enables the amplifier to reproduce 5.1
channel surround sounds.

Front

speaker (R)

,.(C]

Rear

speaker(R)

Preset station

A radio broadcasting station that is stored in
memory of the receiver. Once vou
stations, vou no longer have to tune in the
stations. Each preset station is assigned its
own preset number, which lets you tune
them in quickly

Surround sound

Sound that consists of three elements: direct
sound, early reflected sound (early
reflections) and reverberative sound
(reverberation). The acoustics where you hear
the sound affect the way these three sound
elements are heard. These sound elements are
combined in such a way that you can actually
feel the size and the type of a concert hall.

Types of sound

Early reflections

Direct sound

Transition of sound from rear speakers

Direct sound Early

Level ' reflections Reverberation

Early reflection time

Test tone

Signal given out bv the receiver for adjusting
the speaker volume. The test tone will come
out as follows;

• In a system with a center speaker

(NORMAL/WIDE/3 CH LOGIC modes)

The test tone is output from the front L
(left), center, front R (right), and rear
speakers in succession.

Front (L) Front (R)

In a system without a center s'peaker
(PHANTOM mode)

The-test tonens output from the front and

the rear speakers alternately.

Center

3 CH LOGIC

“ij Rear (L, R) |

NORMAL/WIDE

Rear (L, R) ^

Reverberation

0^»

Time

19

A, B

Adjusting

delay time 16
speaker volume 16

tone 9

volume 8

Antenna hookups 5

Audio component hookups

6

Automatic tuning 11

Center mode 15,19

NORMAL mode 15, 19
PHANTOM mode 15,19
3CH LOGIC mode 15,19
WIDE mode 15,19

Connecting. See Hookups

Delay time 16,19
Direct tuning 11,19
Dolby Digital AC-3 decoder 7
Dolby Pro Logic

Surround 19
getting the most out of 15

Dolby Surround sound 14,19

center mode 16, 19

Dubbing. See Recording

E, F, G

Editing. See Recording

H, I, J, K, L, M

Hookups

AC power cord 8
antennas 5
audio components 5, 6
overview 4
speakers 6, 7
video component 7

N, O

NORMAL mode 15,19

PHANTOM mode 15,19
Preset station 19
Tuning 12
Presetting

radio stations 12

Program source

selecting 8, 9

Quick reference guide 23

Rear panel 5, 6, 7, 8, 21
Receiving broadcasts

directly 11
using preset stations 12

Recording

on a minidisc 13
on a tape 13
on a video tape 13

Remote buttons 9, 10, 22

Scanning

preset stations 12
radio stations 11

Selecting a program source 8

using the remote 9
Sleep Timer 13
Speakers

connection 6, 7

impedance 18

placement 6

selecting speaker system 7
Storing radio stations. See
Presetting
Surround sound 14, 19

Test tone 16, 19
3 CH LOGIC mode 15, 19
Troubleshooting 17
Tuning. See Receiving

broadcasts

u

Unpacking 4

V

Video component hookups 7

W, X, Y, Z

Watching/listening to video

programs 9
WIDE mode 15,19

20

Rear Panel Descriptions

Q] ANTENNA (AM/FM)

ih ground terminal

HI CD

g] TAPE/MD

[5] TV/DBS

H VIDEO

[7] MONITOR

(STR-DE425 only)

[8] 5.1/DVD INPUT (Audio/Video)

(STR-DE425 only)

[9] WOOFER (Audio Out)

(STR-DE425 only)
MIX OUT (Audio Out)

(STR-DE325 only)
ITOl AC power cord
El] SWITCHED AC OUTLET (US)

El SWITCHED AC OUTLET

(Australia)
El ERONT SPEAKERS (A/B)
EH SURROUND SPEAKER

(CENTER)
El SURROUND SPEAKERS

(REAR)

21

Sony Corporation Printed in Malaysia