1999 by Sony Corporation
Operating Instructions
US
FM/AM
MiniDisc Player
MDX-C5970
For installation and connections, see the supplied installation/connections
manual.
Owner's Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom 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. MDX-C5970 Serial No.
2
Welcome !
Thank you for purchasing the Sony MiniDisc
Player. This unit lets you enjoy a variety of
features as well as an optional rotary
commander.
In addition to the MD playback and the radio
operations, you can expand your system by
connecting an optional CD/MD unit*
1
.
When you operate this unit or a connected
optional CD unit with the CD TEXT function,
the CD TEXT information will appear in the
display when you play a CD TEXT disc*
2
.
*
1
You can also connect to a CD changer, an MD
changer, a CD player, or an MD player.
*
2
A CD TEXT disc is an audio CD that includes
information such as the disc name, artist name
and truck names. This information is recorded
on the disc.
Warning
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.
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate
this equipment.
CAUTION
The use of optical instruments with this
product will increase eye hazard.
3
Table of Contents
This Unit Only
Notes on MDs ....................................................... 4
Location of controls ............................................. 5
Getting Started
Resetting the unit ................................................. 6
Detaching the front panel ................................... 6
Setting the clock ................................................... 7
MD Player
Listening to an MD .............................................. 7
Playing a MD in various modes ........................ 9
Radio
Memorizing stations automatically
— Best Tuning Memory (BTM)..................... 9
Memorizing only the desired stations ............ 10
Receiving the memorized stations................... 10
Storing the station names — Station Memo ... 11
Locating a station by name — List-up ............ 11
Other Functions
Labeling the rotary commander ...................... 12
Using the rotary commander ........................... 12
Adjusting the sound characteristics ................ 13
Attenuating the sound ...................................... 13
Changing the sound and display settings ...... 13
Boosting bass sound
— D-bass ........................................................ 14
With Optional Equipment
CD/MD Unit
Playing a CD or MD .......................................... 14
Playing tracks repeatedly
— Repeat Play ............................................... 16
Playing tracks in random order
— Shuffle Play ............................................... 16
Labeling a CD — Disc Memo ........................... 16
Locating a disc by name
— List-up ....................................................... 17
Selecting specific tracks for playback
— Bank ........................................................... 18
TV/Video
Watching the TV ................................................. 19
Watching a video................................................ 19
Memorizing TV channels automatically ........ 19
Memorizing only the desired TV channels .... 19
Storing the TV channel names ......................... 20
Displaying the information stored on discs ... 20
Watching the TV or video while listening to a
CD or MD — Simultaneous Play................ 21
Additional Information
Precautions .......................................................... 21
Maintenance........................................................ 22
Dismounting the unit ........................................ 22
Specifications ...................................................... 23
Troubleshooting guide ...................................... 24
4
Notes on MDs
Since an MD itself is housed in a cartridge, free
from accidental contact with your fingers and
dust etc., it can withstand a certain degree of
the rough handling. However, dirt or dust on
the surface of the cartridge or a warped
cartridge may cause a malfunction quality,
observe the following.
Never touch the surface of the MD itself by
deliberately opening the shutter on the
cartridge.
Do not expose the MD to direct sunlight or
heat sources such as hot air-ducts. Do not leave
it in a car parked in the direct sunlight where
there can a considerable rise in temperature.
Make sure that it is not left on the dashboard
or rear tray of a car etc. where the temperature
can also be excessive.
Notes on mounting labels
Be sure to mount labels on cartridges correctly,
as failing to do so may cause an MD to become
stuck in the unit.
•Mount the label in a suitable position.
•Remove old labels before putting new ones
on.
•Replace labels that are beginning to peel
away from the MD.
Cleaning
Wipe the surface of the MD cartridge from
time to time with a soft dry cloth.
5
Location of controls
Refer to the pages for details.
1 SEEK/AMS (seek/Automatic Music
Sensor/manual search) control
8, 10, 15, 18, 19
2 MODE (band/unit select) 9, 10, 14, 17,
19
3 SOURCE (source select) button
7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21
4 Dial (volume/bass/treble/left-right/
front-rear control) 7, 11, 13, 16, 17
5 SOUND button 13
6 Display window
7 6 (eject) button 7
8 LIST button
Station Memo 11
Disc Memo 16, 17
List-up 11, 17, 20
9 DSPL (display mode change) button
8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17
0 RELEASE (front panel release) button
6, 22
!¡ Reset button (located on the front side
of the unit hidden by the front panel) 6
!™ OFF button 6, 7
!£ SHIFT button
PLAY MODE 9, 10, 18, 19
REP 9, 16
SET UP 7, 8, 13, 14, 15
SHUF 9, 16
!¢ During radio reception:
Number buttons 9, 10
During CD/MD playback:
Direct disc selection buttons 15
During TV reception:
Number buttons 19
!∞ D-BASS control 14
D - BASS
OFF
1
2
3
RELEASE
SEEK/AMS
SOUND
MODE
SOURCE
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9110
OFF
SHIFT
DSPL
D
LIST
DSPL
MDX-C5970
6
Attaching the front panel
Attach part a of the front panel to part b of
the unit as illustrated and push the left side
into position until it clicks.
Notes
• Be sure not to attach the front panel upside
down.
• Do not press the front panel too hard against the
unit when attaching it.
• Do not press too hard or put excessive pressure
on the display window of the front panel.
• Do not expose the front panel to direct sunlight
or heat sources such as hot air ducts, and do not
leave it in a humid place. Never leave it on the
dashboard of a car parked in direct sunlight or
where there may be a considerable rise in
temperature.
Caution alarm
If you turn the ignition key switch to the OFF
position without removing the front panel, the
caution alarm will beep for a few seconds.
a
b
Reset button
(OFF)
(RELEASE)
Getting Started
Resetting the unit
Before operating the unit for the first time or
after replacing the car battery, you must reset
the unit.
Remove the front panel and press the reset
button with a pointed object, such as a ball-
point pen.
Note
Pressing the reset button will erase the clock
setting and some memorized functions.
Detaching the front panel
You can detach the front panel of this unit to
prevent the unit from being stolen.
1 Press (OFF).
2 Press (RELEASE), then slide the front
panel a little to the left, and pull it off
towards you.
Notes
• Be sure not to drop the panel when detaching it
from the unit.
• If you detach the panel while the unit is still
turned on, the power will turn off automatically
to prevent the speakers from being damaged.
• When carrying the front panel with you, use the
supplied front panel case.
7
Setting the clock
The clock has a 12-hour digital indication.
Example: Set the clock to 10:08
1 Press (SHIFT), then press (2) (SET UP)
repeatedly until “Clock” appears.
1 Press (4) (n).
The hour indication flashes.
2 Set the hour.
3 Press (4) (n).
The minutes indication flashes.
4 Set the minutes.
2 Press (SHIFT).
The clock starts.
3 Press (SHIFT).
When the mode setting is complete, the
normal playback mode appears.
to go backward
to go forward
to go forward
to go backward
MD Player
Listening to an MD
Simply insert the MD.
Playback starts automatically.
If an MD is already inserted, press (SOURCE)
repeatedly until “MD” appears.
The title of the MD* and the track title will be
displayed on the display window, then the
playing time will appear.
* Only if these titles are prerecorded on the MD.
Tip
If the name of the MD is too long, you can scroll it
across the display window by pressing (SHIFT),
then (1) (N) while the disc name or track name is
displayed.
When the last track on the MD is
over
The track number indication will return to “1,”
and the playback will restart from the first
track of the MD.
To Press
Stop playback (OFF)
Eject the MD 6
Labeled side up
Elapsed playing time
Track number
MD indication
8
Changing the displayed items
Each time you press (DSPL), the item changes
as follows:
$
Elapsed playback time
$
Disc name*
1
$
Track name*
2
$
Clock
*
1
If there is no prerecorded title for a disc “NO
D.Name” will appear on the display.
*
2
If a track title is not prerecorded, “NO T.Name”
will be displayed.
After you select the desired items, the display
will automatically change to the Motion
Display mode after a few seconds. In the
Motion Display mode, all the above items are
scrolled in the display one by one in order.
Tip
The Motion Display mode can be turned off. (See
“Changing the sound and display settings” on
page 13.)
Automatically scrolling a disc name
— Auto Scroll
If the disc name or track name on an MD
exceeds 10 characters and the Auto Scroll
function is on, information automatically
scrolls across the display as follows:
• The disc name appears when the disc has
changed (if the disc name is selected).
• The track name appears when the track has
changed (if the track name is selected).
• The disc or track name appears depending on
the setting when you press (SOURCE) to select
an MD.
If you press (DSPL) to change the display
item, the disc or track name of the MD is
scrolled automatically whether you set the
function on or off.
1 During playback, press (SHIFT).
2 Press (2) (SET UP) repeatedly until
“A.Scrl” appears.
3 Press (4) (n) to select “A.Scrl on”.
4 Press (SHIFT).
To cancel Auto Scroll, select “A.Scrl off” in
step 2 above.
Locating a specific track
— Automatic Music Sensor (AMS)
During playback, push the SEEK/AMS
control up or down and release for each
track you want to skip.
Locating a specific point in a track
— Manual Search
During playback, push the SEEK/AMS
control up or down and hold. Release
when you have found the desired point.
Note
If “
” or “ ” appears in the
display, that means you have reached the
beginning or the end of the disc and you cannot
go any further.
To search forward
To locate succeeding tracks
To locate preceding tracks
To search backward
SEEK/AMS
SEEK/AMS
9
Playing a MD in various
modes
You can play MDs in various modes:
•Repeat (Repeat Play) repeats the current
track.
•Shuf (Shuffle Play) plays all the tracks in
random order.
Playing tracks repeatedly
— Repeat Play
1 During playback, press (SHIFT).
Every time you press (SHIFT), only the
items you can select light up.
2 Press (6) (REP) repeatedly until ”Repeat
1“ appears.
Repeat Play starts.
3 Press (SHIFT).
To return to the normal playback mode, select
“Repeat off” in step 2 above.
Playing tracks in random order
— Shuffle Play
1 During playback, press (SHIFT).
2 Press (7) (SHUF) repeatedly until
”Shuf 1“ appears.
Shuffle Play starts.
3 Press (SHIFT).
To return to the normal playback mode, select
“Shuf off” in step 2 above.
1
SHIFT
234567
SET UP
REP SHUF
Radio
Memorizing stations
automatically
— Best Tuning Memory (BTM)
The unit selects the stations with the strongest
signals and memorizes them in the order of
their frequencies. You can store up to 10
stations on each band (FM1, FM2 and AM).
Caution
When tuning in a station while driving, use
Best Tuning Memory to prevent accidents.
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select the
tuner.
Each time you press (SOURCE), the source
changes as follows:
z TUNER z CD* z MD z TV*
* If the corresponding optional equipment is
not connected, this item will not appear.
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
band.
Each time you press (MODE), the band
changes as follows:
z FM1 z FM2 z AM
3 Press (SHIFT), then press (3) (PLAY
MODE) repeatedly until ”B.T.M“ appears.
4 Press (4) (n).
The unit stores stations in the order of their
frequencies on the number buttons.
A beep sounds and the setting is stored.
5 Press (SHIFT).
Notes
• The unit does not store stations with weak
signals. If only a few stations are received, some
number buttons will retain their former setting.
• When a number is indicated in the display, the
unit starts storing stations from the one currently
displayed.
• If an MD is not in the unit, only the tuner band
appears even if you press (SOURCE).
10
Memorizing only the
desired stations
You can preset up to 20 FM stations (10 each
for FM1 and 2), up to 10 AM stations in the
order of your choice.
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select the
tuner.
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
band.
3 Push the SEEK/AMS control up or down
to tune in the station you want to store
on the number button.
4 Press and hold the desired number
button ((1) to (10)) until ”MEM“
appears.
The number button indication appears in
the display.
Note
If you try to store another station on the same
number button, the previously stored station will
be erased.
Receiving the memorized
stations
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select the
tuner.
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
band.
3 Press the number button ((1) to (10)) on
which the desired station is stored.
If you cannot tune in a preset
station
Push and release the SEEK/AMS control
up or down to search for the station
(automatic tuning).
Scanning stops when the unit receives a
station. Push the SEEK/AMS control up or
down repeatedly until the desired station is
received.
Note
If the automatic tuning stops too frequently, press
(SHIFT), then press (3) (PLAY MODE) repeatedly
until “Local” (local seek mode) is displayed. Then
press (4) (n) to select “Local on”. Press (SHIFT).
Only the stations with relatively strong signals will
be tuned in.
Tip
If you know the frequency of the station you want
to listen to, push the SEEK/AMS control up or
down and hold until the desired frequency
appears (manual tuning).
If FM stereo reception is poor
— Monaural Mode
1 During radio reception, press (SHIFT),
then press (3) (PLAY MODE) repeatedly
until “Mono” appears.
2 Press (4) (n) repeatedly until
“Mono on“ appears.
The sound improves, but becomes
monaural (“ST” disappears).
3 Press (SHIFT).
To go back to the normal mode, select “Mono
off” in step 2 above.
Changing the displayed items
Each time you press (DSPL), the item changes
as follows:
Frequency ˜ Clock
After you select the desired items, the display
will automatically change to the Motion
Display mode after a few seconds. In the
Motion Display mode, all the above items are
scrolled in the display one by one in order.
Tip
The Motion Display mode can be turned off. (See
“Changing the sound and display settings” on
page 13.)
11
Storing the station names
— Station Memo
You can assign a name to each radio station
and store it in memory. The name of the
station currently tuned in appears in the
display. You can assign a name of up to eight
characters for a station.
Storing the station names
1 Tune in a station whose name you want
to store.
2 Press (LIST) for two seconds.
3 Enter the characters.
1 Rotate the dial clockwise to select the
desired characters.
(A n B n C n ··· Z n 0 n 1 n 2 n
··· 9 n + n – n * n / n \ n > n <
n . n _ )
If you rotate the dial counterclockwise,
the characters appear in the reverse
order.
If you want to put a blank space
between characters, select “_” (under-
bar).
2 Press (4) (n) after locating the
desired character.
The flashing cursor moves to the next
space.
If you press (1) (N), the flashing cursor
moves to the left.
3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 to enter the
entire name.
4 To return to the normal radio reception,
press (LIST) for two seconds.
Tip
To erase or correct a name, enter “_” (under-bar)
for each character.
Displaying the station name
Press (DSPL) during radio reception.
Each time you press (DSPL), the item
changes as follows:
z Station name* z Frequency
Clock Z
* If the station name of a station is not stored,
“NO Name” appears in the display for one
second.
Erasing the station name
1 Tune in any station and press (LIST) for
two seconds.
2 Press (DSPL) for two seconds.
3 Rotate the dial to select the name that
you want to erase.
4 Press (5) (ENTER) for two seconds.
The name is erased.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 if you want to erase
other names.
5 Press (LIST) for two seconds.
The unit returns to the normal radio
reception mode.
Locating a station by
name
— List-up
1 Press (LIST) momentarily.
The name assigned to the station currently
playing appears in the display.
2 Press (LIST) repeatedly until you find the
desired station.
3 Press (5) (ENTER) to tune in the desired
station.
Note
Once the station name or frequency has been
displayed for five seconds, the display goes back to
its normal mode. To turn off the display, press
(DSPL).
12
Press (LIST) to display the
memorized names.
Press (SOUND) to adjust the
volume and sound menu.
Rotate the VOL control to
adjust the volume.
Press (ATT) to
attenuate the
sound.
Press (OFF) to turn
off the unit.
OFF
(SOURCE)
(MODE)
Other Functions
You can also control this unit with an optional
rotary commander.
Labeling the rotary
commander
Depending on how you mount the rotary
commander, attach the appropriate label as
shown in the illustration below.
Using the rotary
commander
The rotary commander works by pressing
buttons and/or rotating controls.
You can control the optional CD or MD unit
with the rotary commander.
By pressing the button (the
SOURCE and MODE buttons)
Every time you press (SOURCE), the
source changes as follows:
Tuner n CD* n MD n TV*
Pressing (MODE) changes the operation
in the following ways:
• Tuner : FM1 n FM2 n AM
• CD unit* : CD1 n CD2 n …
• MD unit : MD1 n MD2 n …
• TV/Video*: TV n Video1 n Video2
* If the corresponding optional equipment is not
connected, this item will not appear.
SOUND
LIST
MODE
SOUND
LIST
MODE
By rotating the control (the SEEK/
AMS control)
Rotate the control and release it to:
•Locate a specific track on a disc. Rotate
and hold the control until you locate the
specific point in a track, then release it to
start playback.
•Tune in the stations automatically. Rotate
and hold the control to find a specific
station.
By pressing in and rotating the
control (the PRESET/DISC control)
Push in and rotate the control to:
•Receive the stations memorized on the
number buttons.
•Change the disc.
Other operations
13
Changing the operative direction
The operative direction of controls is factory-
set as in the illustration below.
If you need to mount the rotary commander on
the right hand side of the steering column, you
can reverse the operative direction.
Press (SOUND) for two seconds while
pushing the VOL control.
Tip
You can also change the operative direction of
these controls with the unit.
Adjusting the sound
characteristics
You can adjust the bass, treble, balance and
fader.
Each source can store the bass and treble levels
independently.
1 Select the item you want to adjust by
pressing (SOUND) repeatedly.
VOL (volume) n BAS (bass) n
TRE (treble) n BAL (left-right) n
FAD (front-rear)
2 Adjust the selected item by rotating the
dial.
Adjust within three seconds after selecting
the item. (After three seconds, the dial
functions reverts to volume control.)
To increase
To decrease
Attenuating the sound
Press (ATT) on the optional rotary
commander.
“ATT on” flashes momentarily.
To restore the previous volume level, press
(ATT) again.
Tip
The unit decreases the volume automatically when
a telephone call comes in (Telephone-ATT
function).
Changing the sound and
display settings
You can set:
•Clock (page 7).
•
D.Info (dual information) – to display the
clock and the play mode at the same time (on)
or to display the information alternately (off).
•Dimmer – to change the brightness of the
display.
— Select “Auto” to dim the display only
when you turn the lights on.
— Select “on” to dim the display.
— Select “off” to deactivate Dimmer.
•Contrast – to adjust the contrast if the
indications in the display are not
recognizable because of the unit's installed
position.
•Beep – to turn the beep tones on or off.
•RM (Rotary Commander) – to change the
operative direction of the controls of the
optional rotary commander.
— Select “norm” to use the optional rotary
commander as the factory-set position.
— Select “rev” when you mount the rotary
commander on the right of the steering
column.
•M.dspl (Motion display) – to turn the motion
display 1, 2, or off.
•A.Scrl (Auto Scroll) (page 8, 15).
1 Press (SHIFT).
2 Press (2) (SET UP) repeatedly until the
desired setting mode appears.
Each time you press (2) (SET UP), the item
changes as follows:
Clock n D.Info* n Dimmer n Contrast n
Beep n RM n M.dspl n A.Scrl*
* When no MD or CD is playing, this item will not
appear.
continue to next page n
14
Note
The displayed item will differ depending on
the source.
3 Press (4) (n) to select the desired
setting (Example: on or off).
For the “Contrast” setting, pressing (4)
(n) makes the contrast higher, and
pressing (1) (N) makes the contrast lower.
4 Press (SHIFT).
After the mode setting is complete, the
display returns to normal playback mode.
Boosting bass sound
— D-bass
You can enjoy a clear and powerful bass
sound. The D-bass function boosts the low
frequency signal with a sharper curve than
conventional bass boost.
You can hear the bass line more clearly even
while the vocal volume remains the same. You
can emphasize and adjust the bass sound
easily with the D-BASS control.
Adjusting the bass curve
Turn the D-BASS control to adjust the
bass level (1, 2 or 3).
“D-BASS”* appears in the display.
To cancel, turn the dial to the OFF position.
Note
If the bass sound becomes distorted, adjust the D-
BASS control or volume.
Level
Frequency (Hz)
0dB
D-BASS 3
D-BASS 2
D-BASS 1
With Optional Equipment
CD/MD Unit
This unit can control a maximum of seven
external CD/MD units in this configuration:
CD unit – maximum of five
MD unit – maximum of five
Any combination up to seven will work.
If you connect an optional CD unit with the
CD TEXT function, the CD TEXT information
will appear in the display when you play a CD
TEXT disc.
Playing a CD or MD
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select CD
or MD.
2 Press (MODE) until the desired unit
appears.
CD/MD playback starts.
When a CD or MD unit is connected, all the
tracks play from the beginning.
Changing the displayed items
Each time you press (DSPL) during CD, CD
TEXT, or MD playback, the item changes as
follows:
$
Track number/
Elapsed playback time
$
Disc name*
1
/Artist name*
2
$
Track name*
3
$
Clock
*
1
If you have not labeled the disc or if there is no
disc name prerecorded on the MD, “NO
D.Name” appears in the display.
*
2
If you play a CD TEXT disc, the artist name
appears in the display after the disc name. (Only
for CD TEXT discs with the artist name.)
*
3
If the track name of an MD is not prerecorded,
“NO T.Name” appears in the display.
Tip
If the name of the MD is too long, you can scroll it
across the display window by pressing (SHIFT),
then (1) (N).
15
You can label CD and CD TEXT discs with a
personalized name using the disc memo
function. Refer to “Labeling a CD” (page 16).
However, if you use personalized labels, they
will always take priority over the original CD
TEXT information when such information is
displayed.
Tip
If you want to display the original CD TEXT
information after labeling the CD TEXT disc with a
personalized name, press (SHIFT), then (4) (n).
After you select the desired items, the display
will automatically change to the Motion
Display mode after a few seconds. In the
Motion Display mode, all the above items are
scrolled in the display one by one in order.
Tip
The Motion Display mode can be turned off. (See
“Changing the sound and display settings” on
page 13.)
Automatically scrolling a disc name
— Auto Scroll
If the disc name, artist name, or track name on
a CD TEXT disc or MD exceeds 10 characters
and the Auto Scroll function is on, information
automatically scrolls across the display as
follows:
• The disc name appears when the disc has
changed (if the disc name is selected).
• The track name appears when the track has
changed (if the track name is selected).
• The disc or track name appears depending on
the setting when you press (SOURCE) to select
an MD.
If you press (DSPL) to change the display
item, the disc or track name of the MD or CD
TEXT disc is scrolled automatically whether
you set the function on or off.
1 During playback, Press (SHIFT).
2 Press (2) (SET UP) repeatedly until
“A.Scrl” appears.
3 Press (4) (n) to select “A.Scrl on”.
4 Press (SHIFT).
To cancel Auto Scroll, select “A.Scrl off” in
step 3 above.
Note
For some CD TEXT discs with very many characters,
the following cases may happen:
— Some of the characters are not displayed.
— Auto Scroll does not work.
Tip
To manually scroll the long name of an MD or CD
TEXT disc after activating the Auto Scroll function,
press (SHIFT), then (1) (N) (manual scroll).
Locating a specific track
— Automatic Music Sensor (AMS)
During playback, push the SEEK/AMS
control up or down and release for each
track you want to skip.
Locating a specific point in a track
— Manual Search
During playback, push the SEEK/AMS
control up or down and hold. Release
when you have found the desired point.
Locating a disc by disc number
— Direct Disc Selection
Press the number button that
corresponds with the desired disc
number.
The desired disc in the current unit begins
playback.
To search forward
To search backward
SEEK/AMS
To locate succeeding
tracks
To locate preceding
tracks
SEEK/AMS
16
Playing tracks repeatedly
— Repeat Play
You can select:
•Repeat 1 – to repeat a track.
•Repeat 2 – to repeat a disc.
1 During playback, press (SHIFT).
2 Press (6) (REP) repeatedly until the
desired setting appears.
z Repeat 1 z Repeat 2
z Repeat off
Repeat Play starts.
3 Press (SHIFT).
To return to the normal playback mode, select
“Repeat off” in step 2 above.
Playing tracks in random
order
— Shuffle Play
You can select:
•Shuf 1 – to play the tracks on the current
disc in random order.
•Shuf 2 – to play the tracks in the current unit
in random order.
•Shuf All – to play all the tracks in all units in
random order.
1 During playback, press (SHIFT).
2 Press (7) (SHUF) repeatedly until the
desired setting appears.
z Shuf 1 z Shuf 2
Shuf off Z Shuf All* Z
Shuffle Play starts.
* “Shuf All” is available for CD/MD changer only.
3 Press (SHIFT).
To return to the normal playback mode, select
“Shuf off” in step 2 above.
Labeling a CD — Disc Memo
(For a CD unit with the custom file function)
You can label each disc with a personalized
name. You can enter up to eight characters for
a disc. If you label a CD, you can locate the
disc by name (page 17) and select the specific
tracks for playback (page 18).
1 Play the CD and press (LIST) for two
seconds.
2 Enter the characters.
1 Rotate the dial clockwise to select the
desired characters.
(A n B n C n ··· Z n 0 n 1 n 2 n
··· 9 n + n – n * n / n \ n > n <
n . n _ )
If you rotate the dial counterclockwise,
the characters will appear in reverse
order.
If you want to put a blank space
between characters, select “_” (under-
bar).
2 Press (4) (n) after locating the
desired character.
The flashing cursor moves to the next
space.
If you press (1) (N), the flashing cursor
moves to the left.
3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 to enter the
entire name.
3 To return to normal CD playback mode,
press (LIST) for two seconds.
Tip
To erase or correct a name, enter “_” (under-bar)
for each character.
17
Displaying the disc memo
Press (DSPL) during CD or CD TEXT disc
playback.
Each time you press (DSPL) during CD or
CD TEXT disc playback, the item changes
as follows:
$
Track number/
Elapsed playback time
$
Disc memo name
$
Track name*
$
Clock
* If you connect an optional CD unit with the
CD TEXT function, the CD TEXT information
will appear in the display when you play a
CD TEXT disc.
Erasing the disc memo
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select CD.
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the CD
unit.
3 Press (LIST) for two seconds.
4 Press (DSPL) for two seconds.
5 Rotate the dial to select the name you
want to erase.
6 Press (5) (ENTER) for two seconds.
The name is erased.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 if you want to erase
other names.
7 Press (LIST) for two seconds.
The unit returns to normal CD playback
mode.
Note
When a personalized label is erased, the original
CD TEXT information will appear in the display.
Locating a disc by name
— List-up (For a CD unit with the custom
file function or an MD unit)
You can use this function for discs that have
been assigned a custom name. For more
information on disc names, refer to “Labeling a
CD” (page 16).
1 Press (LIST).
The name assigned to the current disc
appears in the display.
When you assign a disc memo label to a
CD TEXT disc, it takes priority over the
original CD TEXT information.
2 Press (LIST) repeatedly until you find the
desired disc.
3 Press (5) (ENTER) to play the disc.
Notes
• After a disc name has been displayed for five
seconds, the display returns to normal playback
mode. To turn off the display, press (DSPL).
• The track names are not displayed during MD or
CD TEXT disc playback.
• If there are no discs in the magazine, “NO Disc”
appears in the display.
• If a disc has not been assigned a custom file,
“********” appears in the display.
• If the disc information has not been read by the
unit, “?” appears in the display. To load a disc,
first press the number button, then choose the
disc that has not been loaded.
• There are also some letters which cannot be
displayed (during MD or CD TEXT disc playback).
18
Selecting specific tracks
for playback
— Bank (For a CD unit with the custom file
function)
If you label the disc, you can set the unit to
skip or play the tracks of your choice.
1 Start playing the disc and press (SHIFT),
then press (3) (PLAY MODE) for two
seconds.
Bank edit mode
Note
If you have not labeled the disc, the bank edit
mode does not appear. To go back to normal
playback mode, press (SHIFT).
2 Push the SEEK/AMS control up or down
to select the track number you want to
skip and press (5) (ENTER).
The indication changes from “Play” to
“Skip.” To return the indication to “Play,”
press (5) (ENTER) again.
3 Repeat step 2 to set “Play” or “Skip” for
all the tracks.
4 Press (3) (PLAY MODE) for two seconds.
The unit returns to normal CD playback
mode.
5 Press (SHIFT).
Notes
• You can set “Play” or “Skip” for up to 24 tracks.
• You cannot set “Skip” for all the tracks on a CD.
Playing specific tracks only
You can select:
•Bank on – to play the tracks with the “Play”
setting.
•Bank inv (Inverse) – to play the tracks with
the “Skip” setting.
1 During playback, press (SHIFT), then
press (3) (PLAY MODE) repeatedly until
“Bank” appears.
2 Press (4) (n) to repeatedly until the
desired setting appears.
z Bank on z Bank inv z Bank off
Playback starts from the track following the
current one.
3 Press (SHIFT).
To return to normal playing mode, select
“Bank off“ in step 2 above.
19
TV/Video
You can connect an optional TV tuner and TV
monitor to this unit.
Watching the TV
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly until “TV”
appears.
2 Push the SEEK/AMS control up or down
to select the desired TV band.
Watching a video
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly until
“TV” appears.
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select
“Video 1.”
Playback the video.
Note
“Video 2” appears if the VIDEO 2 terminal of the
TV monitor is selected.
Memorizing TV channels
automatically
The unit selects the TV channels with the
strongest signals and memorizes them in the
order of their frequency.
Caution
When tuning in a station while driving, use
Best Tuning Memory to prevent accidents.
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly until “TV”
appears.
2 Press (SHIFT), then press (3) (PLAY
MODE) repeatedly until “Auto mem”
appears.
3 Press (4) (n).
The unit stores TV channels in the order of
their frequencies on the number buttons.
A beep sound when the setting is stored.
4 Press (SHIFT).
Notes
• The unit does not store TV channels with weak
signals. If only a few TV channels can be
received, some number buttons will remain
empty.
• When a preset number is indicated in the display,
the unit starts storing TV channels from the one
currently displayed.
Memorizing only the
desired TV channels
You can store up to 10 channels on the number
buttons in the order of your choice.
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly until “TV”
appears.
2 Push the SEEK/AMS control up or down
to tune in the TV channel you want to
store on each number button.
3 Keep the desired number button ((1) to
(10)) pressed until you hear a beep
sound.
The number button indication appears in
the display.
Note
If you try to store another channel on the same
number button, the previously stored channel will
be erased.
20
Storing the TV channel
names
Follow the steps in “Storing the station
names” (page 11).
Displaying the TV or radio station
names
Press (LIST) during TV or radio
reception.
Example: When receiving the FM1 band
1 Preset number
2 Stored station names
3 Frequencies*
* If the name of a station is not stored, the
frequency of that station will be displayed
instead.
Notes
• It may take some time before all indications
appear in the display.
• The TV channel does not appear during list
display.
• The contents of the preset memory cannot be
listed when the unit is in simultaneous play
mode (page 21).
Turning off the display
During radio reception, press (LIST)
again.
During TV reception, the list display on the
TV monitor will automatically turn off after
a few seconds.
1
2
3
Displaying the
information stored on
discs
Press (LIST) during CD/MD playback.
Example: When CD unit 1 is selected.
1 Disc numbers
2 Titles stored as custom files
3 No disc is loaded*
1
4 No stored titles*
2
5 TOC information has not been identified
yet*
3
*
1
A blank space is displayed next to a disc number
represents empty slots in the disc magazine.
*
2
If a title is not registered in the custom file,
“******” is displayed.
*
3
If the disc information has not been read yet,
“?” is displayed.
Notes
• It may take some time until all indications appear
in the display.
• The TV channel does not appear during list
display.
• The contents of the preset memory cannot be
listed when the unit is in the simultaneous play
mode.
Turning off the display
Press (LIST) again.
5
4
3
2
1
FM
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
1 0
8
W
W
W
W
W
C
B
K
E
R
B
T
V
F
S
U
M
S
WR K I
S
1
S
L
D
W
W
P
Y
L
NY
J
01 .9
02 .7
1
1
CD 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
1 0
8
S
M
B
L
C
C
O
A
I
H
H
Z
C
S
O
U
A
H
Z
P
B
R
T
I
E
T
N
RT
*
?
?
*****
******
21
Watching the TV or video
while listening to a CD or
MD
— Simultaneous Play
The simultaneous play function does not work
while you are listening to the radio.
1 Press (SOURCE) for two seconds.
2 Press (1) (N).
3 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select a CD
or MD.
4 Press (4) (n).
5 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select a TV
or video.
6 Press (SOURCE) for two seconds.
Simultaneous Play starts.
If you are already watching the TV or video
and want to begin listening to a CD or MD as
well follow the same above steps except press
(4) (n) in step 2 and press (1) (N) in step 4.
Returning to normal mode
To cancel the CD or MD, follow the steps
above and select “– –” in step 3.
To cancel the TV or video, follow the
steps above and select “– –” in step 5.
Note
If you press the EJECT button on a CD/MD unit
while the unit is in simultaneous play mode,
Simultaneous Play is canceled.
Additional
Information
Precautions
• If your car was parked in direct sunlight
resulting in a considerable rise in
temperature inside the car, allow the unit to
cool off before operating it.
• If no power is being supplied to the unit,
check the connections first. If everything is in
order, check the fuse.
• If no sound comes from the speakers of
two-speaker systems, set the fader control to
the center position.
•If your car is equipped with a power aerial,
it will extend automatically while the unit is
operating.
•Connecting this unit may cause some car
battery wear when your car has no ACC
(accessory) position on the ignition key
switch.
If you have any questions or problems
concerning your unit that are not covered in
this manual, please consult your nearest Sony
dealer.
Moisture Condensation
On a rainy day or in a very damp area,
moisture may condense on the lenses inside
the MD player. Should this occur, the unit will
not operate properly. In this case, remove the
disc and wait for about an hour until the
moisture evaporates.
22
Release key
(supplied)
Dismounting the unit
µ
µ
µ
µ
Press the clip inside the front cover with a thin
screwdriver, and lever the front cover free.
Pull the unit out while the
release key is inserted.
Fuse (10 A)
Maintenance
Fuse replacement
When replacing the fuse, be sure to use one
matching the amperage rating started on the
original fuse. If the fuse blows, check the
power connection and replace the fuse. If the
fuse blows again after replacement, there may
be an internal malfunction. In such a case,
consult your nearest Sony dealer.
Warning
Never use a fuse with an amperage rating
exceeding the one supplied with the unit as
this could damage the unit.
Cleaning the connectors
The unit may not function properly if the
connectors between the unit and the front
panel are not clean. In order to prevent this,
open the front panel by pressing (RELEASE),
then detach it and clean the connectors with a
cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Do not apply
too much force. Otherwise, the connectors may
be damaged.
Main unit
Back of the front panel
Notes
•For safety, turn off the engine before cleaning
the connectors and remove the key from the
ignition switch.
•Never touch the connectors directly with
your fingers or any metal device.
23
Specifications
AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS
POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION
17 watts per channel minimum continuous average power into
4 ohms, 4 channels driven from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more
than 1% total harmonic distortion.
Other specifications
MD player section
Signal-to-noise ratio 90 dB
Frequency response 10 – 20,000 Hz
Wow and flutter Below measurable limit
Laser Diode Properties
Material GaAlAs
Wavelength 780 nm
Emission Duration Continuous
Laser output power Less than 44.6 W*
* This output is the value measured at a distance
of 200 mm from the objective lens surface on the
Optical Pick-up Block.
Tuner section
FM
Tuning range 87.5 – 107.9 MHz
Antenna terminal External antenna connector
Intermediate frequency 10.7 MHz
Usable sensitivity 9 dBf
Selectivity 75 dB at 400 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio 65 dB (stereo),
68 dB (mono)
Harmonic distortion at 1 kHz
0.7 % (stereo),
0.4 % (mono)
Separation 35 dB at 1 kHz
Frequency response 30 – 15,000 Hz
AM
Tuning range 530 – 1,710 kHz
Antenna terminal External antenna connector
Intermediate frequency 10.7 MHz/450 kHz
Sensitivity 30 µV
Power amplifier section
Outputs Speaker outputs
(sure seal connectors)
Speaker impedance 4 – 8 ohms
Maximum power output 35 W × 4 (at 4 ohms)
General
Outputs Line outputs (2)
Power antenna relay
control lead
Power amplifier control
lead
Telephone ATT control
lead
Illumination control lead
Tone controls Bass ±8 dB at 100 Hz
Treble ±8 dB at 10 kHz
Power requirements 12 V DC car battery
(negative ground)
Dimensions Approx. 178 × 50 × 184 mm
(7
1
/8 × 2 × 7
1
/4)
(w/h/d)
Mounting dimensions Approx. 182 × 53 × 162 mm
(7
1
/4 × 2
1
/8 × 6
1
/2)
(w/h/d)
Mass Approx. 1.2 kg (2 lb 10 oz)
Supplied accessories Parts for installation and
connections (1 set)
Front panel case (1)
Optional accessories Rotary commander
RM-X4S
BUS cable (supplied with
an RCA pin cord)
RC-61 (1 m), RC-62 (2 m)
Optional equipment CD changer (10 discs)
CDX-828, CDX-727
MD changer (6 discs)
MDX-65
Other CD/MD changers
with the Sony-BUS system
Source selector
XA-C30
TV tuner
XT-40V, etc
U.S. and foreign patents licensed from Dolby
laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
24
Troubleshooting guide
The following checklist will help you remedy problems you may encounter with your unit.
Before going through the checklist below, check the connection and operating procedures.
General
Problem
No sound.
The contents of the memory
have been erased.
Indications do not appear in the
display.
No beep sound.
Cause/Solution
•Cancel the ATT function.
•Set the fader control to the center position for two-speaker
systems.
•Rotate the dial in a clockwise direction to adjust the volume.
• The power cord or battery has been disconnected.
• The reset button has been pressed.
n Store again into the memory.
Remove the front panel and clean the connectors. See
“Cleaning the connectors” (page 22) for details.
The beep sound is canceled (page 13).
Problem
Preset tuning is not possible.
Automatic tuning is not
possible.
The “ST” indication flashes.
Cause/Solution
• Store the correct frequency in the memory.
• The broadcast signal is too weak.
The broadcast signal is too weak.
n Use manual tuning.
•Tune in the frequency precisely.
•The broadcast signal is too weak.
n Set to the MONO mode (page 10).
Radio reception
CD/MD playback
Cause/Solution
•Another MD is already loaded.
•The MD is forcibly inserted upside down or in the wrong way.
Defective MD or dirty CD.
The ambient temperature exceeds 50°C.
Press 6 for two seconds.
Press the reset button.
• The unit is installed at an angle of more than 20°.
• The unit is not installed in a sturdy part of the car.
Problem
A disc cannot be loaded.
Playback does not begin.
A disc is automatically ejected.
MD will not eject.
The operation buttons do not
function.
The sound skips due to
vibration.
25
Solution
Insert the disc magazine with discs
into the CD/MD unit.
Insert discs in the CD/MD unit.
Insert another CD/MD.
Clean or insert the CD correctly.
Insert another MD.
Play an MD with tracks recorded
on it.
Press the reset button of the this unit.
Close the lid or inserted the MDs
properly.
Error displays (when optional CD/MD unit is connected)
The following indications will flash for about five seconds, and an alarm sound will be heard.
Display
NO Mag
NO Disc
NG Discs
Error
Blank
Push Reset
Not Ready
Cause
The disc magazine is not inserted in
the CD/MD unit.
No disc is inserted in the CD/MD
unit.
A CD/MD cannot play because of
some problem.
A CD is dirty or inserted upside
down.*
2
An MD does not play because of
some problem.*
2
No tracks have been recorded on an
MD.*
2
The CD/MD unit cannot be operated
because of some problem.
The lid of the MD unit is open or MDs
are not inserted properly.
*
1
*
1
When an error occurs during playback of an MD or CD, the disc number of the MD or CD does not
appear in the display.
*
2
The disc number causing the error appears in the display.
If the above-mentioned solutions do not help improve the situation, consult your nearest Sony
dealer.
*
1
Sony Corporation Printed in Japan
*I-3-865-831-11*(2)
