3-862-095-12(1)
Getting Started
FM Stereo
FM-AM Receiver
Operating Instructions
STR-SE581
STR-SE381
© 1998 by Sony Corporation
1
Getting Started
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
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.
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 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 change or modifications 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 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-SE581/STR-SE381
Serial No. _______________________
Precautions
On safety
•Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet, unplug the receiver and have it checked by qualified personnel 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 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 only one way. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, contact your dealer.
•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 slightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent such as alcohol or benzine.
2
Getting Started
For detailed safety precautions, see the “IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS” leaflet.
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-SE581 and STR-SE381. 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-SE581 is the model used for illustration purposes, any difference in operation is clearly indicated in the text, for example, “STR-SE581 only”.
Type of differences
Model |
SE581 |
SE381 |
Feature |
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WOOFER |
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5.1/DVD INPUT |
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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.
This receiver has the Dolby Pro Logic Surround system.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. “Dolby ,” “Pro Logic” and the double-D symbol aare trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Getting Started
Unpacking 4
Hookup Overview 4
Antenna Hookups 5
Audio/Video Component Hookups 5
Speaker System Hookups 6
AC Hookups 8
Before You Use Your Receiver 8
Receiver Operations
Selecting a Component 9
Receiving Broadcasts 11
Presetting Radio Stations 12
Recording 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
3
Getting Started
Unpacking
Check that you received the following 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 g on the receiver.
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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 Descriptions” on page 21.
Audio/Video Component
Hookups (5)
TV tuner
DBS (Digital broadcasting system)
VCR
Speaker
CD player
System Hookups (6)
Tape/MD deck
Front speaker
(L)Turntable
DVD player/AC-3 decoder (STRSE581 only)
Antenna Hookups (5)
AM/FM antenna
Front speaker
(R)
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woofer |
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SE581 |
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Before you get started
•Turn off the 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.
4
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 receiver, 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 |
• AM loop antenna |
(supplied) (1) |
(supplied) (1) |
Hookups
FM wire antenna |
Receiver |
AM loop antenna |
After connecting |
ANTENNA |
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the wire |
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antenna, keep it |
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as horizontal as |
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possible. |
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If you have poor FM reception
Connect a 75-ohm coaxial cable (not supplied) to an FM outdoor antenna. Pull back the mesh portion surrounding the inner cable and connect it to the earth terminal (right side). Connect the inner cable to the FM terminal (left side).
Receiver
ANTENNA
If you have poor AM reception
Connect a 20 to 50 ft. (6 to 15-meter) insulated wire (not supplied) to the AM antenna terminal in addition to the AM loop antenna. Try to extend the wire outdoors and keep it horizontal.
Connecting a ground wire
To prevent hum, connect a ground wire (not supplied) to the y ground terminal. If you’ve connected an outdoor antenna, be sure to connect the ground for lightning protection.
Receiver
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.
Audio/Video Component
Hookups
Overview
This section describes how to connect your audio, and video (audio signal only) 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.
5.1/DVD INPUT
y (STR-SE581 only) TV/DBS
PHONO CD TAPE/MD VIDEO
What cords will I need?
Audio cords (not supplied) (1 for each CD player, turntable, TV or DBS; 2 for each tape deck, MD recorder or VCR).
White (L) |
White (L) |
Red (R) |
Red (R) |
(continued)
5
Getting Started
Hookups
The arrow çindicates signal flow.
CD player |
Receiver |
CD player |
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CD |
OUTPUT |
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IN |
LINE |
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L |
L |
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R |
R |
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Turntable |
Receiver |
Turntable |
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PHONO |
OUTPUT |
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IN |
LINE |
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L |
L |
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R |
R |
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•If your turntable has an earth lead
To prevent hum, connect the earth lead to the yground terminal on the receiver.
Tape deck or MD recorder
Receiver |
Tape deck or MD recorder |
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TAPE/MD |
OUTPUT |
INPUT |
REC OUT IN |
LINE |
LINE |
L |
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L |
R |
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R |
TV/DBS
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TV tuner or Digital |
Receiver |
broadcasting system |
TV/DBS |
OUTPUT |
AUDIO IN |
AUDIO |
L |
L |
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R |
R |
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VCR
Receiver |
VCR |
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VIDEO |
OUTPUT |
INPUT |
AUDIO OUT AUDIO IN |
AUDIO |
AUDIO |
L |
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R |
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R |
DVD player/AC-3 decoder (STR-SE581 only)
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.
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Dolby Digital AC-3 |
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Receiver |
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decoder (etc.) |
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5.1/DVD INPUT |
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PRE OUT |
FRONT REAR |
CENTER |
CENTER |
REAR FRONT |
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WOOFER |
WOOFER |
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Where do I go next?
Go on to the next section to connect the speakers.
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 (STR-SE581 only). For specific locations of the terminals, see the illustration below.
WOOFER (STR-SE581 only) |
FRONT SPEAKERS A |
SURROUND |
SURROUND |
SPEAKERS REAR |
SPEAKER CENTER |
6
For optimum surround sound effect, place your speakers as shown below.
Rear speaker
60 - 90 cm
45°
What cords will I need?
Speaker cord (not supplied) (1 for each speaker)
(+) |
(+) |
(–) |
(–) |
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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 |
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Front speaker |
(R) |
Receiver |
(L) |
FRONT |
SPEAKERS |
R |
L |
A |
A |
B |
B |
Rear and center speakers
Rear speaker |
Rear speaker |
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(R) |
Receiver Center speaker |
(L) |
SURROUND SPEAKERS
R REAR L |
CENTER |
Note (except STR-SE581)
Be sure to connect the both rear speakers (L and R). No sound is heard if only one speaker is connected.
Active woofer (STR-SE581 only)
Receiver |
Active woofer |
WOOFER |
INPUT |
AUDIO OUT |
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Note
• Do not connect any other component.
Getting Started
If you have an additional front speaker system
Connect them to the FRONT SPEAKERS B terminals.
If your TV monitor uses separate speakers
You can connect one of 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 follows:
To drive |
Depress SPEAKERS button |
Speaker system A (connected |
A |
to the FRONT SPEAKERS A |
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terminals) |
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Speaker system B (connected |
B |
to the FRONT SPEAKERS B |
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terminals) |
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Both speaker systems A and |
A+B |
B (series connection) |
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Notes
•If you want to enjoy 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.
Where do I go next?
Go on to the next section to connect the AC power cord.
7
Getting Started
AC Hookups
Connecting the AC power cord
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
to a wall outlet
Caution
Make sure that the power consumption of the component connected to the receiver’s AC outlet does not exceed 120 watts. Do not connect high-wattage electrical home appliances such as electric irons, fans, or TVs to this outlet.
Note
If you connect a SONY CDP-CX681 CD player (200 disc changer) to the SWITCHED AC OUTLET on the receiver, you can turn on the whole system using the remote. To do this, press and hold down the CD button until both the receiver and the compact disc player are on.
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.
Before You Use Your Receiver
Before you start using your receiver, make sure that you have:
•Turned MASTER VOLUME to the leftmost position
(0).
•Selected the appropriate speaker system. (See “Selecting the speaker system” on page 7.)
•Set BALANCE to the center position.
8
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