Sony TC-KA3ES User Manual

Stereo

Cassette Deck

3-759-737-21(1)

Operating Instructions

TC-KA6ES

TC-KA3ES

1995 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

A A

CAVnON TO RCDOCE THE »SX Of ELECTS« SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER <OS BACK)
MO USER-SERVICEABLE RART5 NSIOE

REFER SERVICING TO OUAUFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL

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.

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.

Welcome!

Thank you for purchasing the Sony
Stereo Cassette Deck. 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
models TC-KA6ES and TC-KA3ES.
All illustrations in this manual show the
TC-KA3ES.
Please note the following distinguishing
features of each model:

TC-KA6ES

• Uses an SD head

• Does not have an HX PRO button;
the Dolby HX PRO function is
continuously on

• Is for sale in Europe only

TC-KA3ES

• Uses an LA head

• Has an HX PRO button for turning the
Dolby HX PRO function on and off

• Is for sale in the U.S.A., Canada, and
other non-European countries

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.

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 these numbers whenever you call
upon your Sony dealer regarding this
product.

Model No. TC-KA3ES
Serial No

____________

Conventions

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

• The following icons are used in this

manual;

Indicates useful information or

W tips that make a task easier.

Indicates a task that requires use
of the remote.
(Canadian model only)

Table of contents

Recording on a Tape 4 Playing a Tape 6

Getting Started

Unpacking 7
Hooking Up the System 7

Advanced Playback Operations

Locating a Track (AMS/Auto Play/Memory Play) 9
Playing Using a Timer 9

Advanced Recording Operations

Adjusting Bias, Recording Level and Recording Equalizer Calibration 10
Monitoring the Recorded Sound 11
Inserting a Blank Space During Recording (Record Muting) 11
Recording Using a Timer 12
Synchro-Recording With a CD Player (Canadian Model Only) 12

Additional Information

Precautions 13
Notes on Cassette Tapes 13

Cleaning 14
Troubleshooting 15
Specifications 16
Glossary 17

Index 18

Basic Operations

Recording on a Tape

6 4

See page 7 for hookup
information.

'Q' To protect recordings

against accidental erasure

Break out the record-protect
tab(s) (see page 13).

Turn on the amplifier and play the program source you want to

1

record.

Set TIMER to OFF and press POWER.

Press = OPEN/CLOSE and insert a cassette.

With the side you want to record
facing you □

Press # REC.

4

The cassette holder closes and the deck becomes ready to record.
"SOURCE" and the tape type (I, II, or IV) appear in the display.

Turn REC LEVEL to adjust the recording level.

The recording level should
not exceed the recommended
level for the indicated tape
type.

After doing the all
adjustments, stop playing
the program source.

For type I or type II tape

B

Press II PAUSE or ►.

Recording starts.

Start playing the program source.

Basic Operations

To

Stop recording
Pause

Press

■
II PAUSE. Press the button again to

resume recording.

Take out the cassette = OPEN/CLOSE after stopping

recording

Use these buttons (controls) for additional operations

RESET MPX FILTER

I

_______

m

L

naca

EEI

tape counter DOLBY NR

HX PRO REC LEVEL

® <$! ®
«> O ®

To adjust the recording balance

Turn REC LEVEL so that the L (left channel) and R (right channel) peak level
meters in the display are at the levels you want. For normal settings, keep
the red mark on each control aligned with each other.

'Q' You can check how much

blank remains on the tape

1 Locate the end of the

recorded portion on the tape.

2 Press RESET to reset the tape

counter to "0.00."

3 Press ►► to fast-forward the

tape to its end.
The tape counter shows the
approximate amount of
remaining time.

Dolby noise reduction and HX
Pro headroom extension
manufactured under license from

Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation. HX Pro originated
by Bang & Olufsen.

"DOLBY, " the double-D symbol
□□ and "HX PRO" are
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.

To increase the left (L) channel
level only, turn the outer control
clockwise.

To increase the right (R) channel
level only, turn the inner control
clockwise.

To record with the Dolby NR* system

Set DOLBY NR to the position you want (B, C, or S) before you start recording.

To record with Dolby HX PRO

Press HX PRO. "HX PRO" appears in the display. The HX PRO button and
indicator are provided on TC-KA3ES only. (For details on HX PRO, see
"Glossary" on page 17.)

If you cannot get satisfying results when recording FM broadcasts with Dolby NR system

Set MPX FILTER to ON. The filter turns on to make the Dolby NR system
work more effectively. "FILTER" appears in the display. (For details on the
MPX filter, see "Glossary" on page 17.)

■

Basic Operations

Playing a Tape

2 3

See page 7 for hookup information.

Q* To play a tape recorded

with the Dolby NR system

Set DOLBY NR to the same
position that the tape was
recorded in—B, C, or S.

You can connect the headphones to PHONES

To adjust the volume, turn
PHONES LEVEL.

Turn on the amplifier and select the tape deck position.

1

Set TIMER to OFF and press POWER.

Press ►.

The cassette holder closes and the deck starts playing. "TAPE"
and the tape type (1,11, or IV) appear in the display. Adjust the
volume on the amplifier.

To

Stop playing ■

Pause

Fast-forward or rewind
Take out the cassette

Press

II PAUSE. Press the button again to

resume play.
►► or when the deck is stopped
= OPEN/CLOSE after stopping playing

Getting Started

Unpacking

Check that you have received the following supplied
items:

• Remote commander (remote) RM-J701 (])*

• Size AA (R6) batteries (2)*

• Audio connecting cord (2)

‘ Canadian model only

Inserting batteries into the remote (Canadian model only)

Insert two size AA (R6) batteries, matching the + and ­on the batteries with the markings inside the battery
compartment. When using the remote, point it at the
remote control sensor H on the tape deck.

Hooking Up the System

This section describes how to hook up the tape deck to
an amplifier. Be sure to turn off the power of each
component before making the connections.

TC-KA6ES/KA3ES

to LINE IN

to an AC outlet
(or a switched
outlet on the
amplifier when
using a timer)

to TAPE IN

Amplifier

@@ @@©@©©

©@®©

loolooi
loolool (

'Q' When to replace batteries

With normal use, the batteries should last for about 6
months. When the remote no longer operates the tape
deck, replace all the batteries.

Notes

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

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

• Do not expose the remote sensor to direct sunlight or
lighting equipment. 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.

to a
wall outlet

Hookups

When connecting an audio cord, be sure to match the
color-coded cord to the appropriate jacks on the
components: Red (right) to Red and White (left) to
White. Be sure to make connections firmly to avoid
hum and noise.
Connect the tape deck to the amplifier as shown
below.

Tape deck

—

Amplifier

Getting Started

To connect your tape deck to another tape deck

Connect both tape decks as shown below.

Tape deck

LINE LINE

IN OUT

Another tape deck

IN OUT

@tr

Setting the voltage selector (only on models supplied with a voltage selector)

Check that the voltage selector on the rear panel of the
tape deck is set to the local power line voltage. If not,
set the selector to the correct position using a
screwdriver before connecting the AC power cord to
an AC outlet.

Connecting the AC power cord

Connect the AC power cord to an AC outlet.
The tape deck's Memory Backup function (page 17)
keeps the various settings in memory even after you
turn off the power as long as AC power cord is
plugged in.

Where do I go next?

Now you're ready to use your tape deck.
For basic operations, go to pages 4 to 6; for advanced
operations, go to the sections immediately after this one.

8

Advanced Playback Operations

Locating a Track (AMS/Auto Play/ Memory Play)

You can locate the following/previous tracks (AMS:
Automatic Music Sensor) or the beginning of a tape
quickly. You can even locate a specific point anywhere
on a tape.

IKKI OOH

Notes

• The AMS function may not work correctly if:
— the blank space between tracks is less than 4 seconds long.
— the signal strength of the left and right channels are very

different.

— there is a passage of low frequencies or very low volume

within a track.

• Since the counter is not a digital clock, it will differ from the
actual elapsed playback or recording time.

Playing Using a Timer

You can start playing a tape at any time you want by
connecting a timer (not supphed). Please also refer to
the instructions of the timer if you need help.

RESET MEMORY

To locate

the beginning of the next
or succeeding tracks
(AMS*)

the beginning of the
current track (AMS*)

the beginning of the
preceding tracks (AMS*)

the beginning of a tape
(auto play)

a particular point on a
tape (memory play)

Press

>C>11 as many times as you
want while playing.
For example, to locate 2 tracks

ahead, press twice.
KW once while playing

KM as many times as you
want while playing.
For example, to locate 2 tracks
behind, press three times.

MEMORY repeatedly until
"MEMORY" disappears in the
display. Then press
while holding down ►.

MEMORY repeatedly until
"MEMORY" appears in the
display. Find the point you
want, and press RESET to
reset the tape counter and to

memorize the point.
To locate the memorized
point, press while
holding down ►. (Press ◄◄
only to stop at "0.00.")

TIMER

1 Insert a cassette.
2 Set TIMER on the tape deck to PLAY.
3 Set the timer to the time you want.

The tape deck turns off. When the set time comes,
the tape deck turns on and start playing.

4 After you have used the timer, set TIMER on the

tape deck to OFF.

You can use the AMS to locate up to the 30 th track after or
before the current track.

'O' You can change the indication on the display (Canadian

model only) [J]

Press DISPLAY on the remote repeatedly to change the
display as follows:

■ tape counter only —» no display —* full display

Advanced Recording Operations

Adjusting Bias, Recording Level and Recording Equalizer Calibration

Since there are many different types of cassettes on the
market, the tape deck automatically sets the
appropriate equalization characteristics and bias
current for each tape type (ATS: Automatic Tape
Selection).
However, you can get better recording results by
adjusting the bias current, recording level and
recording equalizer.

Adjust REC LEVEL CALIBRATION so that only |
appears. Make sure either or ► does not
appear.
If ► appears, turn REC LEVEL CALIBRATION
clockwise.
If appears, turn REC LEVEL CALIBRATION
counterclockwise.

Only I appears

Adjust REC EQUALIZER CALIBRATION so that
both meters reach the recommended level.
Turn REC EQUALIZER CALIBRATION clockwise
to increase both meters.
Turn REC EQUALIZER CALIBRATION
counterclockwise to decrease both meters.

1

Insert the cassette you want to record on.

2

Press CALIBRATION.
The display for adjusting the bias, recording level
and recording equalizer appears.

3 Press # REC,
4 Press 11 PAUSE or ► to record the test tones. (You

can't hear the test tones.)
After two or three seconds, the meters showing the
level of the test tones appear in the display.
Then adjust, in sequence, the bias, recording level
and recording equalizer.

5 Adjust BIAS CALIBRATION so that both meters

indicate equal signal levels.
If the upper meter shows a higher level than the
lower meter, turn the BIAS CALIBRATION
clockwise.
If the lower meter shows a higher level than the
upper meter, turn the BIAS CALIBRATION
counterclockwise.

Repieat steps 5 to 7 if necessary.

8 Press ■ to stop recording the test tones.

The display returns to normal.

9 Rewind the tape and start the actual recording.

'Q' You can also adjust the bias, recording level and the

recording equalizer according to your own taste

For details, see on page 17.

Notes

• Because the meters use a wider amplitude during tape
calibration, they are more sensitive to slight changes in
signal level.

• When you use metal (type IV) tapes, the frequency response
to adjustments of the bias current is small. Therefore,
adjusting the bias current with the range of this tape deck (a
range of about ±20%) may not be effective.

10

Equal signal level

Advanced Recording Operations

Monitoring the Recorded Sound

You can compare the quality of the recorded sound
with the sound of the program source while recording.

MONITOR

While recording, press MONITOR repeatedly until
"TAPE" appears in the display.
You can monitor the sound being recorded.

To listen to the sound of the program source

Press MONITOR repeatedly until "SOURCE" appears in the
display.

Inserting a Blank Space During Recording (Record Muting)

You can insert a blank space of 4 seconds between each
track. The blank spaces between tracks let you locate
the track easily with the AMS function (see page 9).
Also, use this function to eliminate only unwanted
portions on the tape.

#REC

1

Start recording.

2

Press O REC MUTE once when you want to insert a
blank space.
The REC indicator starts flashing and the tape
moves on without recording any signals.
After 4 seconds, the II PAUSE indicator lights up
and the tape deck is now ready to resume
recording.

3 Press II PAUSE or ►- to resume recording.

'Q' To insert a blank space longer than 4 seconds

Hold down O REC MUTE as long as you want. After 4
seconds, the REC indicator flashes faster.
When you release the O REC MUTE, the II PAUSE
indicator lights up and the tape deck is ready to resume
recording.
Press II PAUSE or ► to restime recording.

To insert a blank space of less than 4 seconds

After pressing O REC MUTE, press II PAUSE at any
time. The deck changes to recording pause. To resume
recording, press • REC instead of

II PAUSE,

11

Advanced Recording Operations

Recording Using a Timer

You can start recording on a tape at any time you want
by connecting a timer (not supplied). Please also refer
to the instructions of the timer if you need help.

1

Insert a cassette.

2

On the amplifier, select the program source you
want to record.

3 On the tape deck, set TIMER to REC.

4 Set the timer to the time you want.

The tape deck turns off. When the set tíme comes,
the tape deck turns on and start recording.

5 After you have used the timer, set TIMER on the

tape deck to OFF.

Note

If the TIMER switch is set to REC, the tape deck will
automatically start recording when you turn on the tap>e deck.

Synchro-Recording With a CD Player (Canadian Model Only) m

By pressing CD SYNCHRO START on the remote
(supplied with the Canadian model only), you can
perform synchro-recording on your tape deck with a
Sony CD player. This function is possible only with
Sony CD players with remote control capability.

a a ±]
a Q a

□ Q r~l

a a a

(STOP/START/STANDBY)

CD SYNCHRO-

1 Insert a CD into the CD player.
2 Insert a cassette into the tape deck.

3 Press CD SYNCHRO STANDBY on the remote. The

CD player changes to play pause and the tape deck
to recording pause.

4 Press CD SYNCHRO START on the remote. The

tape deck starts recording, and then the CD player
starts playing.

To stop Synchro-Recording

Press CD SYNCHRO STOP.

CCSVNCHHO

Q CD Q

CASsetTt oecK

12

To pause Synchro-Recording

Press II for the tape deck and CD player at the same time.
Press both buttons again to resume Synchro-Recording.

You can use the remote of your tape deck to operate the CD player

To start CD play, press II twice; to pause CD play, press

II once; to locate a CD track, press or ►►!.

■

Additional Information

Precautions Notes on Cassette Tapes

On safety

• Do not disassemble the cabinet — this may result in an
electrical shock. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

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

On power sources

• Before operating the tape deck, check that the operating
voltage of the tape deck is identical with your local power
supply. The operating voltage is indicated on the nameplate
at the rear of the tape deck.

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

• If you are not going to use the tape deck for a long time, be
sure to disconnect the tape deck from the wall outlet. To
disconnect the AC power cord (mains lead), grasp the plug
itself; never pull the cord.

• Should the AC power cord (mains lead) need to be changed,
have it done at a qualified service shop only.

On placement

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

• Do not place the tape deck:
— on a soft surface such as a rug that might block the

ventilation holes on the bottom.
— in a location near heat sources.
— in a place subject to direct sunlight.
— in an inclined position.
— in a place subject to excessive dust or mechanical shock.

To protect the recording

Break off the respective tab for side A or B.

To record on a tape having a broken tab

Cover the respective tab hole for side A or B with adhesive
tape.

When you are using a type II or type IV tape, be careful not to
cover the slots that the deck uses to determine the tape type.

Type II

Detector slots Detector slots

Type IV

On cleaning the tape deck

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.

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

For the customers in the U.S.A.

For detailed safety precautions, see the leaflet "IMPORTANT
SAFEGUARDS."

On tapes longer than 90 minutes

We do not recommend the use of tapes longer than 90 minutes
except for a long continuous recording or playback. They are
very thin and tend to be stretched easily.

On handling cassettes

• To prevent the heads and tape path from getting dirty, avoid
touching the tape surface of a cassette.

• Place cassettes away from equipment with magnets, such as
speakers and amplifiers; it may cause tape distortion or erase
the recordings.

• Do not expose cassettes to direct sunlight, extremely cold
temperature or moisture.

13

Additional Information

Cleaning

Inside of the cassette holder

Demagnetizing the heads

After 20 to 30 hours of use, or when you notice a
hissing sound or loss of high frequencies, demagnetize
the heads with a commercially available demagnetizer
for tape decks. Please refer to the instructions of the
demagnetizer.

POWER 60PEN/CL0SE

Cleaning the heads and tape path

Clean the heads and tape path of the tape deck after
every 10 hours of operation to guard against;

• a decrease in sound level

• excessive wow or flutter

• sound dropout

• incomplete erasure
To ensure better recording, we recommend that you
clean the heads and tape path before every recording.

1 Set the volume control on the amplifier to

minimum.

2 With the tape deck fumed off, hold down = OPEN/

CLOSE and press POWER. The holder opens, the

heads rise, and the pinch rollers begin to rotate.

3 Wipe the heads, the pinch rollers, and the capstans

with a cotton swab slightly moistened with alcohol
or a commercially available cleaning fluid for tape
decks.

14

4 When completed, press = OPEN/CLOSE again.

Do not insert a cassette until the cleaned areas are

completely dry.

Troubleshooting

If you've experienced any of the following difficulties
while using the tape deck, use this troubleshooting
guide to help you remedy the problem. Should any
problem persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

The cassette holder does not close.

^ Reinsert the AC power cord, then close the

cassette holder.

Additional Information

There is hum or noise.

^ The tape deck is placed near a TV or VCR. Place

the tape deck away from the TV or VCR.
The tape deck is placed on or under the amplifier.
Place the tape deck away from the amplifier.

There is an unbalanced tone.

Check that the EX3LBY NR control is set to the

position where the tape was recorded.
The tape deck is placed near a TV or VCR. Place
the tape deck away from the TV or VCR.

The function buttons do not work.

^ The tape deck has just been turned on and does

not operate for about 3 seconds. Wait until the II
indicator stops flashing.

^ Check that the cassette is inserted correctly and

the cassette holder is closed completely.

Playback or recording begins when the power is turned on.

“► Set TIMER on the tape deck to OFF.

The tape stops before the tape has been fully rewound.

The tape is slack. Take up the tape slack.
If "MEMORY" is shown in the display, press
MEMORY repeatedly until the indication
disappears.
The cassette shell is bent. Use another cassette.

The tape deck does not play or record.

The tape has reeled to the end.
^ The tape is slack. Take up the tape slack.
^ The record-protect tab has been removed from

the cassette. Cover the slot with tape (page 13).

Clean the heads and tape path and demagnetize

the heads (page 14).

^ Check that the tape deck is properly connected

(page 7).

^ Make sure the amplifier is correctly set.

The AMS function does not work properly.

One of the tracks contains a long pause, a
passage of low frequencies or very low volume,
or a gradual increase or decreace in volume.

^ The space before a track is less than 4 seconds

long. Insert a blank space of 4 seconds using O
REC MUTE button.
The signal strength of the left and right channels

are very different.
^ There is noise in the space before a track.
^ You pressed ►► button immediately before the

next track, or button immediately after the

beginning of the current track,

There is excessive wow, flutter, or a sound dropout.

“► The capstans and pinch rollers are dirty. Clean

them (see page 14).

There is a decrease in sound level or a sound dropout./The tape does not erase completely./Noise increases.

^ The heads and tape path are dirty. Clean them

(see page 14).
The heads are magnetized. Demagnetize them
(see page 14).

15

Additional Information

Specifications

System

Recording system

4-track 2-channel stereo

Wow and flutter
TC-KA6ES TC-KA3ES

±0.05 % W. Peak (lEC) ±0.04% W. Peak (lEC)

0.025 % W. RMS (NAB)
±0.07 % W. Peak (DIN)

0.022% W. RMS (NAB)
±0.065% W. Peak (DIN)

Fast winding time (approx.)

90 sec. (with Sony C-60 cassette)

Bias

AC bias

Heads
Head (x1)

Erasing
Recording
Playing

Motors

TC-KA6ES

S&F
SD
SD

TC-KA3ES

S&F
LA

LA

Capstan motor x 1 (direct drive linear torque BSL
motor)
Reel motor x 1 (DC motor)

Assist (mechanism drive) motor x 1 (IXl motor)

Signal-to-noise ratio (at peak level, weighted, and with Dolby NR off)

Type I tape, Sony Type 1 (NORMAL): 57 dB
Type II tape, Sony Type II (HIGH): 59 dB
Type IV tape, Sony Type IV (METAL): 61 dB

S/N ratio improvement

Dolby NR on

Approximate values

B 5 dB at 1 kHz, 10 dB at 5 kHz

C 15 dB at 500 Hz, 20 dB at 1 kHz

s 10 dB at 100 Hz, 24 dB at 1 kHz

Harmonic distortion

Tape type

Type I tape

TC-KA6ES

TC-KA3ES

0.47«, (160 nWb/m 315 Hz, 3rd H.D.)

Sony Type 1 (NORMAL)
Type IV tape

Sony Type IV (METAL)

Frequency response (Dolby NR off)

Tape type

Type I tape
Sony Type I (NORMAL)

Type II tape
Sony Type II (HIGH)

Type IV tape
Sony Type IV (METAL)

1.5% (250 nWb/m

315 Hz, 3rd H.D.)

TC-KA6ES

20 - 17,000 Hz
(±3 dB, lEC)

20-19,000 Hz
(±3dB, lEC)

20-21,000 Hz
(±3 dB, lEC)

20-16,000 Hz
(±3 dB, -4dB
recording)

1.3% (250 nWb/m
315 Hz, 3rd H.D.)

TC-KA3ES

15 -17,000 Hz

(±3 dB, lEC)
15 - 20,000 Hz

(±3 dB, lEC)
15 - 22,000 Hz

(±3 dB, lEC)

15-16,000 Hz
(±3 dB, ^dB
recording)

Inputs

Line inputs (phono jacks)

Sensitivity: 0.16 V
Input impedance: 47 kilohms

Outputs

Line outputs (phono jacks)

Rated output level : 0.5 V at a load impedance of

47 kilohms

Load impedance : Over 10 kilohms

Headphones (stereo phone jack)

Output level: 0 - 3 mW at a load impedance of

32 ohms

General

Power requirements

Where purchased

Power requirements

U.S.A. and Canada 120 VAC, 60 Hz
Europe
Other countries

220 - 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz
120, 220 or 240 V AC adjustable.

50/60 Hz

Power consumption

30 w

Dimensions (approx.) (w/h/d)

430 X 135 X 360 mm (17x 5 ’/a x 14 ’/r inches)

inch projecting parts and controls

Mass (approx.)

7.6 kg (16 lbs 13 oz)

Supplied accessories

Audio connecting cords (2)
Remote commander RM-J701 (1)*

Sony batteries SUM-3(NS) (2)*

’ Canadian model only

Design and specifications are subject to change without
notice.

16

Glossary

AMS

Automatic Music Sensor. A function that locates the beginning
of a track by detecting a blank space of over 4 seconds between
tracks.

Additional Information

Memory Backup

Function for storing tape deck operating parameters after the

power is turned off. The memorized parameters are:
— linear counter and counter memory parameters
— MPX HLTER, Dolby HX PRO and MONITOR settings.
To reset parameters to their original factory settings, turn on
the tape deck while holding down both RESET and O REC
MUTE.

ATS

Automatic Tape Selection. The tape deck automatically sets the
appropriate equalization characteristics and bias current
according to the tape type inserted in the deck.

Bias calibration

Adjustment for optimum recording. You can get better
recording results with minimum distortion and flat frequency

response by adjusting the bias current to the appropriate level.

Lowering the bias current can boost high-frequency response,
but also cause higher distortion. On the other hand, raising the
bias current can minimize distortion, but also reduce high­frequency response. To balance both the bias current and high­frequency response, it is necessary to adjust the bias current
appropriately.
However, to suit your taste, you can also adjust the bias current
as you want.

Output

level

Dolby HX PRO system

Distortion and noise reduction system. The Dolby HX PRO
system reduces distortion and noise in high-frequency
response while recording. A tape recorded with this system
brings the same high-quality sound even when you play the
tape on the other tape decks..

Dolby NR (noise reduction) system

Noise reduction system for eliminating hissing noise. The
Dolby NR system boosts the low-level signals in high
frequency during recording and restores them during
playback.
There are 4 types in the Dolby NR system: A, B, C and S.
A-type is for professional use (not available on this tape deck),
and B, C and S-types are for consumer use. S-type has the
maximum noise reduction capability, followed by C and B.

Dolby NR

MPX filter

Multiplex filter. A filter for eliminating the f 9-kHz stereo
carrier and the 38-kHz sub-carrier signals that may impair the
Dolby NR system. Usually the tuner has an MPX filter. If you
cannot get a satisfying result when recording FM broadcasts
with Dolby NR system, your tuner does not have a filter or the
filter is not working. In this case, set the MPX FILTER switch
on the tape deck to ON.

Recording equalizer calibration

Adjustment for optimum recording. Use the REC EQ control
to adjust the equalizer to suit your taste. Turning the control
clockwise emphasizes the high and middle frequencies;
turning the control counterclockwise reduces the high and
middle frequencies.

dB

Output

level

Hz

Recording level calibration

Adjustment for optimum recording. Even when you have
adjusted the recording level correctly, the playing level might
turn out to be low depending on the tape used. By adjusting
the recording level calibration, you can compensate for the low
recording level. When you record on a tape with the Dolby NR
system, this function works more effectively.

dB

Output
level

Tape counter

A display element that shows the elapsed recording or playing
time as a digital readout. Since the counter is not a digital clock,
the displayed value will differ slightly from the actual elapsed
recording or playing time. The counter value also includes the
length of the leader tape.

Test tones

15-kHz, 3-kHz and 400-Hz signals produced by the tape deck
when you do the bias, recording equalizer and recording level
calibration.

17

pp

Index

Adjusting

recording balance 5
bias calibration 10
recording equalizer calibration

10

recording level 4
recording level calibration 10
volume 6

AMS 9,17
ATS 10,17
Auto play 9
Automatic Music Sensor. See
AMS
Automatic Tape Selector. See
ATS

B,c

Balance 5
Bias calibration 10,17
Cassette. See Tape
Checking the remaining time 5
Cleaning

cabinet 13
heads and tape path 14

Connecting. See Hookups
Counter. See tape counter

D, E, F, G

Demagnetizing the heads 14
Dolby HX PRO system 5,17
Dolby NR system 5, 6,17

Glossary 17

H, I, J, K

Heads

cleaning 14
demagnetizing 14

Hooking up the system 7
Hookups 7
Insert

batteries into the remote 7
blank space 11
cassette 4,6

P,Q

Playing

a tapie 6
auto play 9
memory play
using a timer,
playing

Precautions 13

Recording

equalizer calibration 10,17
level cahbration 10,17
on a tape 4
using a timer. See Timer

recording
Record muting 11
Remaining time 5

Searching. See Locating
Specifications 16
Synchro-recording 12

Tape

counter 5,9,17
notes 13
path cleaning 14
protect the recording 13

type 4,6,13
Test tones 10,17
Timer

playing 9

recording 12

Troubleshooting 15

U, V, W. X, Y, Z

Unpacking 7

9

See Timer

Names of Controls

Buttons

CALIBRATION 10
CD SYNCHRO STANDBY 12
CD SYNCHRO START 12

CD SYNCHRO STOP 12

HX PRO 5
MEMORY 9
MONITOR n

MPX (multiplex) HLTER 5

RESET 9

IKK / W>il (AMS) 9

/►W CD (CD AMS) 12

t (rewind) 6,9

(play) 4,9,10

■ (fast-forward) 6

^ OPEN/CLOSE 4 - 6

■ (stop) 5,6

II PAUSE 4-6
II CD (CD pause) 12

O REC MUTE (record muting)

11

# REC (recording) 4,10

Switches

DOLBY NR (noise reduction) 5,

6

POWER 4,6,14
TIMER 4, 6,9,12

Controls

BIAS 10,17
PHONES LEVEL 6
REC (recording) EQ (equalizer)
10,17
REC (recording) LEVEL 4
REC (recording) LEVEL (for
calibration) 10,17

Jack

PHONES 6

Others

Cassette holder 4,6

18

Locating

beginning of the tape 9
particular point 9
tracks 9

M, N, O

Memory backup 17
Memory play 9
Monitoring sound 11
MPX filter. See Multiplex filter
Multiplex filter 5,17
Noise reduction 5,17
Notes on cassette tapes. See Tape
notes

SONY

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 techiucian

for help.

TC-KA6ES/ TG-KA3ES

CAUTION

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

©1995 by Sony Corporation Printed in Japan

0-498-129-01