Sony TC-TX373 User Manual

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3-867-730-11(1)
Stereo Cassette Deck
Operating Instructions
TC-TX373
©1999 by Sony Corporation
Page 2
This system is equipped with the Dolby* B-type noise reduction system.
* Dolby noise reduction manufactured under license
from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. “DOLBY” and the double-D symbol ; are
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
2
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The TC-TX373 tape deck is designed only for the DHC­MD373/333 component system
Here are some of the features you can use with this tape deck when connected with the DHC-MD373/333 Mini Hi-Fi component system (see page 4).
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Hooking up the system ..............................4
Auto Power On/Off
The tape deck power is tied with the DHC-MD373/333 component system (see page 11).
CD Synchro Recording
You can easily record a CD onto a tape (see page
10). However, you cannot perform Fade Synchro recording with the DHC-MD373 (see page 11).
One Touch Play (DHC-MD333 only)
Pressing H or h on the tape deck when the tape deck is off automatically turns on the tape deck and the DHC-MD333, and starts playing a tape if a cassette is inserted (see page 10).
Automatic Source Selection
You can switch from another source to the tape deck and start playing a tape just by pressing H or h on the tape deck (see page 10).
Timer
You can wake up to music or record a radio programme at a preset time. For details, refer to “Waking up to music” and “Timer recording radio programmes” in the DHC-MD373/333 component system Instruction Manual.
Remote Control
You can operate the tape deck using the remote supplied with the DHC-MD373/333.
Operations
Playing a tape ............................................ 7
Recording a CD
— CD Synchro Recording ............... 10
Recording manually ................................ 12
Additional Information
Precautions .............................................. 13
Troubleshooting ...................................... 15
Specifications ............................ Back cover
3
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Getting Started

Hooking up the system

Complete steps 1 to 3, 5 to 7 below to hook up your system (DHC-MD373) using the supplied cords.
TC-TX373 rear panel
Mains lead
Audio connecting cords (supplied)
AU BUS connecting cable
System cable adapter (supplied)
DHC-MD373 rear panel
Complete steps 4 to 7 below to hook up your system (DHC-MD333) using the supplied cords.
TC-TX373 rear panel
Audio connecting cords (supplied)
AU BUS connecting cable
DHC-MD333 rear panel
4
Mains lead
Page 5
Connection to the DHC-MD373
1 (DHC-MD373 only)
Firmly connect the AU BUS connecting cable to the system cable adapter.
3 (DHC-MD373 only)
Firmly connect the system cable adapter to the tape control jack on the DHC-MD373.
TC-TX373
A
B
2 (DHC-MD373 only)
Peel away the seal paper from the back of the system cable adapter and secure the adapter to the DHC-MD373.
Position the adapter so that it does not interfere with the audio connecting cords.
A
B
Adapter
TC-TX373
A
Insert the connector firmly all the way.
TC-TX373
B
DHC-MD373
Note
The system cable adapter is used to connect the AU BUS connecting cable for exchanging signals between the tape deck and the DHC-MD373. If you do not connect the system cable adapter and the AU BUS connecting cable firmly, the tape deck and DHC-MD373 may not operate correctly.
continued
Position the adapter so that it does not cover the ventilation slits.
DHC-MD373
5
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Hooking up the system (continued)
Connection to the DHC-MD333
4 (DHC-MD333 only)
Firmly connect the AU BUS connecting cable to the AU BUS jack on the DHC-MD333.
5 Connect A to A, and B to B using
the audio connecting cords. Insert the plugs into jacks of the same colour.
The two audio connecting cords are the same, so you can connect A or B using either cord.
TC-TX373 rear panel
TAPE
L
IN OUT
R
AB
A
B
A
TC-TX373
B
DHC-MD333
Insert the connector firmly all the way.
Note
The AU BUS connecting cable is used for exchanging signals between the tape deck and the DHC-MD333. If you do not connect the cable firmly, the tape deck and DHC-MD333 may not operate correctly.
B
A
DHC-MD373 rear panel TC-TX373 rear panel
TAPE
L
IN OUT
R
AB
A
B
DHC-MD333 rear panel
L : sound flow
* A l A
The sound signals of the CD, MD and TUNER flow through the DHC-MD373/333 to the tape deck when you record to tape.
** B l B
The sound signal of the tape deck flows to the DHC-MD373/333 when you play a tape.
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How to insert the plugs
Insert the plugs firmly into the jacks.

Operations

Playing a tape

Not firmly inserted
Insert to here.
6 For models with a voltage selector, set
VOLTAGE SELECTOR to the position of your local power line voltage.
VOLTAGE SELECTOR
110-120V
220-240V
7 Connect the mains lead to a mains after
you complete all the connections.
If the plug on this tape deck does not fit your mains, detach the supplied adapter from the plug (only for models equipped with an adapter).
You can use any type of tape, TYPE I (normal), TYPE II (CrO2) or TYPE IV (metal), since the tape deck automatically detects the tape type (ATS1)).
1)
ATS: Automatic Tape Selection.
Tape deck TC-TX373
24SA
DOLBY NR
2)
This tape deck is equipped with the Dolby B-type noise reduction system.
The remote supplied with the DHC-MD373
2)
Cassette
3
indicator
h
`/1
x
m/M
1
If there is no sound or the tape does not record at first operation
Make sure the plugs are inserted into the jacks firmly.
• If the plugs are not inserted into both the A jacks firmly, you may not be able to record the sound of the CD, MD and TUNER onto a tape.
• If the plugs are not inserted into both the B jacks firmly, you may not be able to listen to the sound of the tape deck.
The plugs of the audio connecting cords may be tight. Insert the plugs at the point shown in “How to insert the plugs” in step 5.
m
TAPE
M
m
.
H
X
X
M
>
H
x
x
VOLUME
continued
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Playing a tape (continued)
The remote supplied with the DHC-MD333
1
FUNCTION
TAPEh/H
TAPEm/M
1 Press `/1 (power) on the
DHC-MD373/333 to turn on the DHC-MD373/333 component system.
The tape deck turns on automatically.
TAPEx TAPEX
VOLUME
3 Set DIRECTION to g to play one
side. Set it to s
3)
to play both sides.
4 Press H.
Press h to play the bottom side. FUNCTION switches to “TAPE”
automatically, then the tape starts playing.
3)
The tape deck stops automatically after repeating the sequence five times.
To play a tape using the DHC-MD373 component system
Do the following operation in step 4. 1 Press TAPE so that “TAPE” appears in the
display.
2 Press H on the remote.
To play the bottom side, press H again.
To play a tape using the DHC-MD333 component system
Do the following operation in step 4. 1 Press FUNCTION until “TAPE” appears in the
display.
2 Press TAPEH on the remote.
To play the bottom side, press TAPEh on the remote.
2 Insert a recorded tape.
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With the side you want to play facing up
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Other operations
When using the DHC-MD373
You can also operate the tape deck using the remote supplied with the DHC-MD373.
To Do this
Stop playing Press x. Pause Press S (or X on the remote).
Fast-forward Press x, then M for the top
Rewind Press x, then m for the top
Find the succeeding track (AMS*)
Find the preceding track (AMS*)
Remove the cassette Press A on the tape deck. Adjust the volume Turn VOLUME (or press
Press again to resume playing.
side. Press x, then m for the bottom side.
side. Press x, then M for the bottom side.
Press M for the top side during playback. Press m for the bottom side during playback.
Press m for the top side during playback. Press M for the bottom side during playback.
VOLUME +/– on the remote).
When using the DHC-MD333
Symbols in parentheses indicate the buttons on the remote supplied with the DHC-MD333.
To Do this
Stop playing Press x (or TAPEx). Pause Press S (or TAPEX).
Fast-forward Press x, then M (or
Rewind Press x, then m (or
Find the succeeding track (AMS*)
Find the preceding track (AMS*)
Remove the cassette Press A on the tape deck. Adjust the volume Turn VOLUME (or press
Press again to resume playing.
TAPEM) for the top side. Press x, then m (or TAPEm) for the bottom side.
TAPEm) for the top side. Press x, then M (or TAPEM) for the bottom side.
Press M (or TAPEM) for the top side during playback. Press m (or TAPEm) for the bottom side during playback.
Press m (or TAPEm) for the top side during playback. Press M (or TAPEM) for the bottom side during playback.
VOLUME +/–).
* The Automatic Music Sensor (AMS) feature detects
a blank space of more than four seconds between tracks to locate tracks quickly.
continued
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Playing a tape (continued)
Tips
• When you press `/1 (power) on the tape deck, only the tape deck turns on. Press `/1 (power) on the DHC-MD373/333 to turn on the DHC-MD373/333 component system.
• The cassette indicator lights up in red when a cassette is inserted and goes off when no cassette is inserted.
• Pressing H or h when the tape deck is off automatically turns on the tape deck and starts playing a tape if there is a cassette inserted (One Touch Play) (DHC-MD333 only).
• Inserting the tape when the power is off automatically turns on the tape deck only. Press `/1 (power) on the DHC-MD373/333 to turn on the DHC-MD373/333 component system.
• You can switch from another source to the tape deck just by pressing H or h (Automatic Source Selection).
• To start playing automatically from the beginning of the tape after fast winding (Auto Play), press H while holding down m (for the top side) or press h while holding down M (for the bottom side).
• To listen to a tape recorded with the Dolby noise reduction system, set DOLBY NR to ON.
• Using the timer function on the DHC-MD373/333, you can wake up to music at a preset time. For details, refer to “Wake up to music” in the DHC­MD373/333 component system Instruction Manual. When you set the Wake-up timer, DOLBY NR must be set on the tape deck.
Note
The AMS feature may not work in the following cases:
— the blank space between tracks is four seconds
or less.
— the sound source recorded on the right channel
is different from that on the left channel as with a KARAOKE tape.
— low volume or low sound continues for a long
time.
— the TV is too close to the tape deck.
Recording a CD
— CD Synchro Recording
The CD SYNC button lets you record from a CD to a tape easily. You can use TYPE I (normal) or TYPE II (CrO2) tape, since the tape deck automatically detects the tape type.
Tape deck TC-TX373
26
DOLBY NR* Cassette
* This tape deck is equipped with the Dolby B-type
noise reduction system.
The remote supplied with the DHC-MD373
4
indicator
`/1
5
H
h
x
1
M
m
.
>
H
X
x
x
10
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The remote supplied with the DHC-MD333
1
TAPEx
1 Press `/1 (power) on the
DHC-MD373/333 to turn on the DHC-MD373/333 component system.
The tape deck turns on automatically.
2 Insert a blank tape.
With the side you want to record on facing up
3 Place a CD on the disc tray of the
DHC-MD373/333.
4 Set DIRECTION to g to record on
one side. Set it to s to record on both sides.
If you select both sides recording and the tape reaches the end of the top side part-way through a track, the entire track is recorded again from the beginning of the bottom side.
5 Press CD SYNC on the tape deck.
The tape deck stands by for recording and the CD player stands by for playback. The indicators on the CD SYNC, zREC, H (for the top side) and S buttons light up.
If you want to record starting from the bottom side, press h (for the bottom side) so the indicator on the h button lights up.
6 Press S on the tape deck.
Recording starts. If the tape reaches the end of the top side part-way through a track, the tape rewinds and the track is recorded again from its start. After that, recording starts with that track from the beginning of the bottom side during both sides recording, or recording stops during one side recording.
To stop recording
Press x on the tape deck, x on the DHC-MD373 remote or TAPEx on the DHC-MD333 remote.
Tips
• When you press `/1 (power) on the tape deck, only the tape deck turns on. Press `/1 (power) on the DHC-MD373/333 to turn on the DHC-MD373/333 component system.
• Inserting the tape when the power is off automatically turns on the tape deck only. Press `/1 (power) on the DHC-MD373/333 to turn on the DHC-MD373/333 component system before recording.
• The cassette indicator lights up in red when a cassette is inserted and goes off when no cassette is inserted.
• When you want to reduce the hiss noise in low-level high-frequency signals, set DOLBY NR to ON before step 5.
• If the tape reaches the end of the top side during both sides recording, the fadeout feature prevents the track from ending abruptly at the end of the tape (Fade Synchro) (DHC-MD333 only). The track is recorded again from the beginning of the bottom side.
Notes
• You cannot listen to other sources while recording.
• When you record on both sides, be sure to start from the top side. If you start from the bottom side, recording stops at the end of the bottom side.
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1
3
TAPEx TAPEX

Recording manually

With manual recording, you can record just the songs you like from a CD, or start recording from the middle of the tape. You can also record a radio programme or MD.
Tape deck TC-TX373
The remote supplied with the DHC-MD333
26
DOLBY NR*
* This tape deck is equipped with the Dolby B-type
noise reduction system.
The remote supplied with the DHC-MD373
4
H
h
5
`/1
x
1
M
m
.
>
H
X
x
X
x
3
1 Press `/1 (power) on the
DHC-MD373/333 to turn on the DHC-MD373/333 component system.
The tape deck turns on automatically.
2 Insert a blank tape.
With the side you want to record on facing up
3 Press FUNCTION on the
DHC-MD373/333 until “CD”, “MD” or “TUNER” appears.
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4 Set DIRECTION to g to record on
one side. Set it to s to record on both sides.
Page 13

Additional Information

5 Press zREC on the tape deck.
The tape deck stands by for recording. The indicators on the zREC, H (for the top side) and S buttons light up.
If you want to record starting from the bottom side, press h (for the bottom side) so the indicator on the h button lights up.
6 Press S on the tape deck.
Recording starts. You can also start recording by pressing the
H or h button that is lit.
7 Start playing on the source component.
To Press
Stop recording x (or x on the DHC-MD373
remote or TAPEx on the DHC-MD333 remote).
Pause recording S (or X on the DHC-MD373
remote or TAPEX on the DHC-MD333 remote).
Tips
• The cassette indicator lights up in red when a cassette is inserted and goes off when no cassette is inserted.
• When you want to reduce the hiss noise in low-level high-frequency signals, set DOLBY NR to ON before step 5.
• Using the timer function on the DHC-MD373/333, you can record radio programmes at a preset time. For details, refer to “Timer recording radio programmes” in the DHC-MD373/333 component system Instruction Manual. When you set the timer recording, DOLBY NR and DIRECTION mode must be set on the tape deck.

Precautions

On operating voltage (for models with a voltage selector)
Before operating the tape deck, check that the operating voltage of your tape deck is identical with the voltage of your local power supply.
On safety
• The unit is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet (mains), even if the unit itself has been turned off.
• Unplug the tape deck from the wall outlet (mains) if it is not to be used for an extended period of time. To disconnect the cord (mains lead), pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord itself.
• Should any solid object or liquid fall into the component, unplug the tape deck and have it checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.
• The AC power cord (mains lead) must be changed only at a qualified service shop.
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 unit in an inclined position.
• Do not place the unit in locations where it is: — Extremely hot or cold — Dusty or dirty — Very humid — Subject to vibration — Subject to direct sunlight
Before placing a cassette in the tape deck
Take up any slack in the tape. Otherwise, the tape may get entangled in the parts of the tape deck and become damaged.
When using a tape longer than 90 minutes
The tape is very elastic. Do not change the tape operations such as play, stop, and fast-winding frequently. The tape may get entangled in the tape deck.
continued
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Precautions (continued)
To save a tape permanently
To prevent a tape from being accidentally recorded over, break off the cassette tab from side A or B as illustrated.
Detector slots
Tab of side B Tab of side A
Side A
Break off the cassette tab of side A
If you later want to reuse the tape for recording, cover the broken tab with adhesive tape. However, be careful not to cover the detector slots which allow the tape player to automatically detect the type of tape.
Cleaning the tape heads
Clean the tape heads after every 10 hours of use. When the tape heads become dirty
— the sound is distorted — there is a decrease in sound level — the sound drops out — the tape does not erase completely
— the tape does not record. Be sure to clean the tape heads before you start an important recording or after playing an old tape. Use a separately sold dry-type or wet-type cleaning cassette. For details, refer to the instructions of the cleaning cassette.
Demagnetising the tape heads
Demagnetise the tape heads and the metal parts that has contact with the tape after every 20 to 30 hours of use with a separately sold demagnetising cassette. For details, refer to the instructions of the demagnetising cassette.
Cleaning the cabinet
Use a soft cloth slightly moistened with mild detergent solution. Never use strong solvents, such as thinner or benzene, since they may damage the finish.
If you have any questions or problems concerning your tape deck, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.
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Detector slots
Page 15

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problem using this tape deck, use the following checklist.
First, check that the mains lead is connected firmly and the speakers are connected correctly and firmly.
Should any problem persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer.
The operation buttons on the tape deck do not work.
• Press any of the operation buttons after S stops flashing. (The buttons on the tape deck do not work for about two seconds after the tape deck turns on.)
• No cassette is inserted. Insert a cassette.
The tape does not play or record.
• There is slack in the tape. Take up any slack in the tape.
• The heads are dirty. Clean them.
• Make sure the audio connecting cords are connected correctly (see page 6).
The tape does not record.
• No cassette is inserted. Insert a cassette.
• The tab has been removed from the cassette. Cover the broken tab with adhesive tape (see page 14).
• The tape has wound to the end.
The tape does not record or play, or there is a decrease in sound level.
• The heads are dirty. Clean them.
• The record/playback heads are magnetised. Demagnetise them.
The tape does not erase completely.
• The record/playback heads are magnetised. Demagnetise them.
There is excessive wow or flutter, or the sound drops out.
• The capstans in the tape deck are dirty. Clean them using a cleaning cassette.
Noise increases or the high frequencies are erased.
• The record/playback heads are magnetised. Demagnetise them (see page 14).
• Move the tape deck away from the TV or VCR.
The sound is distorted.
• Set DOLBY NR to the same setting in which the tape was recorded.
• Move the tape deck away from the TV or VCR.
There is no sound.
• The mains lead is disconnected from the mains.
• Make sure the audio connecting cords are connected correctly (see page 6).
The remote supplied with the DHC-MD373/ 333 does not function.
• Press FUNCTION on the DHC-MD373/333 to switch the FUNCTION to “TAPE”.
• Make sure the system cable adapter/AU BUS connecting cable is connected correctly (see page 5 or 6).
Automatic Source Selection or One Touch Play (DHC-MD333 only) does not work.
• Make sure the AU BUS connecting cable is connected correctly (see page 6).
The functions tied with the DHC-MD373/333, such as CD Synchro Recording, do not work.
• Make sure the system cable adapter/AU BUS connecting cable is connected correctly (see page 5 or 6).
The inserted tape will not eject.
`/1 (power) of the tape deck is OFF. Press `/1 (power) to turn on the tape deck, then press A.
The cassette indicator flashes.
• Press `/1 (power) to turn off the tape deck, then press `/1 (power) again to turn on the tape deck.
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Specifications

Recording system 4-track 2-channel stereo Frequency response (DOLBY NR OFF)
Wow and flutter ±0.13% W. Peak (IEC)
Input TAPE IN (phono jacks):
Output TAPE OUT (phono jacks):
General
Power requirements European countries model:
Other models: 110 – 120 V or 220 – 240 V AC,
Power consumption 12 W Dimensions Approx. 215 × 60 × 230 mm
Mass Approx. 2.5 kg Supplied accessories: Audio connecting cords (2)
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
50 – 14,000 Hz ( ±3 dB), using Sony TYPE I cassettes 50 – 15,000 Hz ( ±3 dB), using Sony TYPE II cassettes
0.07% W. RMS (NAB) ±0.2% W. Peak (DIN)
impedance 47 kilohms
voltage 550 mV impedance 47 kilohms
220 – 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz
50/60 Hz Adjustable with the voltage selector
(w/h/d) incl. projecting parts and controls
System cable adapter (1)
Sony Corporation Printed in China
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