1
Mini Hi-Fi
Component
System
©1998 by Sony Corporation
Operating Instructions
3-862-439-12(1)
MHC-GRX3 / R300
MHC-R500 / RX55
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the rear panel. Record the serial
number in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your
Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. Serial No.
2
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.
Do not install the appliance in a confined space,
such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.
Laser component in this product is capable of
emitting radiation exceeding the limit for Class 1.
This caution label is located inside the unit.
This appliance is classified
as a CLASS 1 LASER
product. The CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
MARKING is located on
the rear exterior.
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
technician for help.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications
not expressly approved in this manual could void
your authority to operate this equipment.
Note on CATV system installer:
This reminder is provided to call CATV system
installer’s attention to Article 820–40 of the NEC that
provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in
particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be
connected to the grounding system of the building,
as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
NOTICE 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.
(MHC-R500/RX55 only)
NOTICE FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN THE
U.S.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.
This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION
The use of optical instruments with this product will
increase eye hazard.
3
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Step 1: Hooking up the system............ 4
Step 2: Setting the time ......................... 6
Step 3: Presetting radio stations .......... 7
Connecting optional AV components ..
9
Connecting outdoor antennas ............ 10
Basic Operations
Playing a CD ......................................... 11
Recording a CD .................................... 13
Listening to the radio........................... 14
Recording from the radio .................... 15
Playing a tape........................................ 16
Recording from a tape ......................... 18
The CD Player
Using the CD display........................... 19
Playing the CD tracks repeatedly ...... 20
Playing the CD tracks in random
order ................................................ 21
Programming the CD tracks ............... 22
The Tape Deck
Recording on a tape manually ........... 24
Recording CDs by specifying the
track order ...................................... 25
Sound Adjustment
Adjusting the sound ............................ 27
Selecting the audio emphasis ............. 27
Activating the surround effect ........... 28
Other Features
Falling asleep to music ........................ 29
Waking up to music ............................. 29
Timer-recording radio programs ....... 31
Additional Information
Precautions ............................................ 33
Troubleshooting ................................... 34
Specifications ........................................ 37
Index....................................................... 39
4
Step 1: Hooking up the system
Do the following procedure 1 to 5 to hook up your system using the supplied cords and
accessories.
Getting Started
1
Connect the speakers.
Connect the speaker cords to the
SPEAKER jacks of the same color.
Keep the speaker cords away from the
antennas to prevent noise.
Note
The type of supplied speakers varies according to
the model you purchased (see “Specifications” on
page 38).
Insert only the stripped portion.
Black (’)
Red (‘)
AM loop antenna
FM antenna
Left speakerRight speaker
5
4
1
2
3
+
–
R L
5
AM
FM
(75 )
2
Connect the FM/AM antennas.
Set up the AM loop antenna, then
connect it.
Jack type A
Jack type B
3
Set VOLTAGE SELECTOR to
position of your local power line
voltage (for models with a voltage
selector).
4
Connect the power cord to a wall
outlet.
The demonstration appears in the
display.
If the plug on this unit does not fit your
wall outlet, attach the supplied plug
adaptor (for Asian model).
5
Deactivate the demonstration mode
by pressing DISPLAY/DEMO when
the system power is turned off.
The demonstration mode is also
deactivated when you set the time.
Inserting two size AAA (R03)
batteries into the remote
Tip
With normal use, the batteries should last for about
six months. When the remote no longer operates
the system, replace both batteries with new ones.
Note
If you do not use the remote for a long period of
time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage
from battery leakage.
Extend the FM lead
antenna horizontally.
AM loop
antenna
Extend the FM lead
antenna horizontally.
AM loop
antenna
AM
FM
(75 )
VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
110-120V
220-240V
6
2 Turn the jog dial to set the hour.
3 Press ENTER/NEXT.
The minute indication flashes.
4 Turn the jog dial to set the minute.
5 Press ENTER/NEXT.
The clock starts working.
To change the preset time
You can also change the time while the power
is on.
1 Press CLOCK/TIMER SET.
2 Turn the jog dial until “SET CLOCK”
appears, then press ENTER/NEXT.
3 Repeat steps 2 to 5 in “Setting the time”.
Tips
•If you’ve made a mistake, start over from step 1.
•Setting the time deactivates the demonstration
mode.
If you want to display the demonstration mode,
press DISPLAY/DEMO when the power is off.
Step 2: Setting the
time
You must set the time before using the timer
functions.
You can set the time while the power is off.
For European models, the clock is on a
24-hour system.
For other models, the clock is on a 12-hour
(AM/PM) system.
The 24-hour system model is used for
illustration purpose.
1 Press CLOCK/TIMER SET.
The hour indication flashes.
DISPLAY/DEMO 3,51
2,4
7
22
5
4
31
1 Press TUNER/BAND repeatedly
until the band you want appears in
the display.
Every time you press this button, the
band changes as follows:
2 band model:
FM ˜ AM
3 band model:
FM n MW n LW
n
Step 3: Presetting
radio stations
You can preset the following number of
stations:
– 2 band model: 20 for FM, 10 for AM
– 3 band model: 20 for FM, 10 for MW, and
10 for LW
The band you can select depends on the kind
of tuner built into your system.
Confirm the bands by pressing TUNER/
BAND repeatedly.
2
Press and hold + or – until the
frequency indication starts to change
automatically, then release it.
Scanning stops when the system tunes in
a station. “TUNED” and “STEREO” (for
a stereo program) appear.
3 Press REPEAT/MEMORY.
A preset number appears in the display.
4 Turn the jog dial to select the preset
number you want.
5 Press ENTER/NEXT.
The station is stored.
6 Repeat steps 1 to 5 to store other
stations.
continued
Preset number
ALL DISCS
TUNED
STEREO
VOLUME
MHz
ALL DISCS
TUNED
STEREO
VOLUME
MHz
1/u
(power)
8
To tune in a station with a weak
signal
When the desired station is skipped during
automatic tuning, press + or – repeatedly in
step 2 to tune in the station manually.
To change the preset number
Start over from step 1.
To change the AM tuning interval
(for models with the AM TUNING STEP
switch on the rear panel)
The AM tuning interval is factory-preset to
9 kHz (10 kHz in some areas). To change the
AM tuning interval, turn off the power and
set the AM TUNING STEP switch on the rear
panel to 10 kHz (or 9 kHz). Then turn the
power back on. When you change the
interval, all the preset stations will be erased.
Tip
The preset stations are retained for half a day even if
you unplug the power cord or if a power failure
occurs.
Step 3: Presetting radio stations
(continued)
9
Connecting an MD deck for analog
recording
Make sure to match the color of the plugs and
the connectors. To listen to the sound of the
connected MD deck, press FUNCTION
repeatedly until “MD” appears.
To the output
of the MD deck
To the input of
the MD deck
Connecting optional
AV components
To enhance your system, you can connect
optional components. Refer to the
instructions of each component.
Connecting audio
components
Select one of the following two connections,
depending on the equipment to be connected
and method of connecting.
Connecting an MD deck for digital
recording
You can record from CD into the MD deck
digitally by connecting an optical cable (not
supplied).
To the DIGITAL IN connector
of the MD deck
10
AM antenna
Connect a 6- to 15- meter (20- to 50- feet)
insulated wire to the AM antenna terminal.
Leave the supplied AM loop antenna
connected.
Jack type A
Jack type B
Important
If you connect an outdoor antenna, ground
from GND y terminal below the SPEAKER
jacks with the screw clamp. To prevent a gas
explosion, do not connect the ground wire to
a gas pipe.
Connecting outdoor
antennas
Connect the outdoor antenna to improve the
reception.
FM antenna
Connect the optional FM outdoor antenna.
You can also use the TV antenna instead.
Jack type A
Jack type B
IEC standard socket
connector
(not supplied)
Screw clamp
Screw clamp
Ground wire
(not supplied)
Insulated wire
(not supplied)
Screw clamp
Insulated wire
(not supplied)
75-ohm coaxial cable
(not supplied)
Ground wire
(not supplied)
Ground wire
(not supplied)
Screw clamp
Ground wire
(not supplied)
AM
FM
(75 )
GND
AM
GND
FM
(75 )
AM
GND
FM
(75 )
AM
GND
FM
(75 )
Basic Operations
11
Playing a CD
— Normal play
1 Press 6 and place up to two CDs on
the disc tray.
If a disc is not placed properly, it will not
be recognized.
To insert a third disc, press DISC SKIP
to rotate the disc tray.
2 Press one of the DISC 1 – 3 buttons.
The disc tray closes and play starts.
If you press CD (P (or CD ( on the
remote) when the disc tray is closed,
play starts from the CD loaded on the
tray whose button is lit green.
continued
Basic Operations
You can play up to three CDs in a row.
With the label
side up. When
you play a single
CD, place it on
the inner circle
of the tray.
Disc tray number
Playing timeTrack number
ALL DISCS
VOLUME
Jog dial
1/u
(power)
21CD (P
p
0
)
VOLUME
PLAY MODE
DISC SKIP
= +
(P p
0(
(
)
CD (
P
p
=/+
0/)
VOL +/–
DISC SKIP
1/u
(power)
12
To Do this
Stop play Press p.
Pause Press CD (P (or P on the
remote). Press again to resume
play.
Go to the next During play or pause, turn the
track or go jog dial clockwise (to go
back to the forward) or counterclockwise
start of the (to go back). (Or press + (to
current track go forward) or = (to go
back) on the remote.)
Find a point in Press and hold down ) or
a track 0 during play and release it
at the desired point.
Select a CD Press DISC SKIP.
in stop mode
Play only the Press PLAY MODE repeatedly
CD you have until “1 DISC” appears.
selected
Play all CDs Press PLAY MODE repeatedly
until “ALL DISCS” appears.
Remove the CD Press 6 in stop mode.
Exchange other Press 6.
CDs while
playing
Adjust the Turn VOLUME (or press
volume VOL +/– on the remote).
Tips
•Pressing CD (P when the power is off
automatically turns the power on and starts CD
playback if there is a CD in the tray (One Touch
Play).
•You can switch from another source to the CD
player and start playing a CD just by pressing
CD (P or the DISC 1 – 3 buttons (Automatic
Source Selection).
•If there is no CD in the player, “CD NO DISC”
appears in the display.
•When a disc tray holding a CD is selected (or
playing), the DISC 1 – 3 button for that tray lights
green. When all disc trays are empty, the DISC
1 – 3 buttons all light green.
Playing a CD (continued)
Basic Operations
13
The CD SYNC button lets you record from a
CD to a tape easily. You can use a TYPE I
(normal) tape.
1 Press § and insert a blank tape into
deck B.
Recording a CD
— CD Synchro Recording
With the side
you want to
record facing
forward
2 Press 6 and place a CD.
Then press again to close the disc tray.
If the indicator for the tray you want to
record is not lit green, press DISC SKIP
repeatedly so that it lights green.
3 Press CD SYNC.
Deck B stands by for recording and the
CD player stands by for playback. The
indicator on TAPE B ( (for front side)
lights up.
4 Press EDIT/DIRECTION repeatedly
to select A to record on one side.
Select ß (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.
5 Press P PAUSE.
Recording starts.
To stop recording
Press p.
Tips
•If you want to record from the reverse side, press
TAPE B 9 to light its indicator after pressing CD
SYNC in step 3.
•When you record on both sides, be sure to start
from the front side. If you start from the reverse
side, recording stops at the end of the reverse side.
Note
You cannot listen to other sources while recording.
With the label
side up. When
you play a single
CD, place it on
the inner circle
of the tray.
1/u
(power)
TAPE B 9 DISC SKIP
p
1
2
3
4
5
14
Turn counter-
clockwise
(or press =
on the remote)
for lower preset
numbers.
Turn clockwise
(or press +
on the remote)
for higher
preset numbers.
ALL1DISCS
TUNED
STEREO
VOLUME
MHz
Listening to the radio
–– Preset Tuning
Preset radio stations in the tuner’s memory
first (see “Step 3: Presetting radio stations”).
Preset number
Frequency
n
1 Press TUNER/BAND repeatedly
until the band you want appears in
the display.
The bands you can receive vary
depending on the model you purchased.
Be sure to check which bands you can
receive.
Every time you press the button, the
band changes as follows:
2 band model:
FM ˜ AM
3 band model:
FM n MW n LW
2 Turn the jog dial (or press = or
+ on the remote) to tune in the
desired preset station.
To Do this
Turn off the radio Press 1/u (power).
Adjust the volume Turn VOLUME (or press
VOL +/– on the remote).
2
1
STEREO/
MONO
+
–
VOLUME
1/u
(power)
1/u (power)
= +
(
(
(
Pp
0)
VOL +/–
2
1
Basic Operations
15
Recording from the
radio
You can record the radio program on a tape
by calling up a preset station. You can use a
TYPE I (normal) tape.
1 Press TUNER/BAND to select the
band you want.
2 Turn the jog dial to tune in a preset
station.
continued
Turn clockwise
(or press +
on the remote)
for higher
preset numbers.
Turn counter-
clockwise (or
press =
on the remote)
for lower preset
numbers.
To listen to non-preset radio
stations
Automatic tuning
Press and hold + or – in step 2 until the
frequency indication starts to change, then
release it.
Manual tuning
Press + or – repeatedly in step 2 to tune in the
station.
Tips
• Pressing TUNER/BAND when the power is off
automatically turns the power on and tunes in the
last received station (One Touch Play).
• You can switch from another source to the radio
just by pressing TUNER/BAND (Automatic
Source Selection).
• When an FM program is noisy, press
STEREO/MONO so that “MONO” appears in the
display. There will be no stereo effect, but the
reception will improve. Press the button again to
restore the stereo effect.
• To improve broadcast reception, reorient the
supplied antennas.
Preset number Frequency
ALL1DISCS
TUNED
STEREO
VOLUME
MHz
1/u
(power)
–
+
TAPE B 9
1
4
52
3
6
p
16
Playing a tape
You can use a TYPE I (normal) tape. To select
either deck A or B, press DECK A ( or
DECK B ( on the remote.
3 Press § and insert a blank tape into
deck B.
4 Press r REC.
Deck B stands by for recording.
5 Press EDIT/DIRECTION repeatedly
to select A to record on one side.
Select ß (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.
6 Press P PAUSE.
Recording starts.
To stop recording
Press p.
Tips
•If you want to record from the reverse side, press
TAPE B 9 to light its indicator after pressing
r REC in step 4.
•When you record on both sides, be sure to start
from the front side. If you start from the reverse
side, recording stops at the end of the reverse side.
•To record non-preset stations, use + and – in step 2
to tune in the desired station.
•If noise is heard while recording from the radio,
move the respective antenna to reduce the noise.
With the side
you want to
record facing
forward
Recording from the radio
(continued)
Jog dial
1/u
(power)
pP PAUSE
0
) VOLUME
1
2
1
3
= +
(P p
(
(0)
VOL +/–
3
P
p
0/)
3
=/+
1/u
(power)
Basic Operations
17
1 Press § and insert a recorded tape
in deck A or B.
2 Press EDIT/DIRECTION repeatedly
to select A to play one side. Select
ß* to play both sides.
To play both decks in succession, select
RELAY (relay play).**
3 Press TAPE A ( or TAPE B (
(DECK A ( or DECK B ( on the
remote).
Press TAPE A 9 or TAPE B 9 to play
the reverse side. (Press DECK A ( or
DECK B ( again on the remote to play
the reverse side.)
The tape starts playing.
* The deck stops automatically after repeating the
sequence five times.
**Relay play always follows the following sequence:
Deck B (front side), Deck B (reverse side),
Deck A (front side), Deck A (reverse side).
With the side
you want to
play facing
forward
To Do this
Stop play Press p.
Pause Press P PAUSE. Press
again to resume play.
Fast-forward Press ).
Rewind Press 0.
Remove the cassette Press §.
Adjust the volume Turn VOLUME (or press
VOL +/– on the remote).
Tips
•Pressing TAPE A (or TAPE B) ( or 9 when the
power is off automatically turns the power on and
starts tape playback if there is a tape in the deck
(One Touch Play).
•You can switch from another source to the tape
deck just by pressing TAPE A (or TAPE B) ( or
9 (Automatic Source Selection).
Searching for the start of the current
or the next track (AMS*)
During play, turn the jog dial to the same direction
as the 9 or ( indicator to go forward. “TAPE A
(or TAPE B) >>> +1” appears. Turn to the opposite
direction to go back. “TAPE A (or TAPE B) <<< –1”
appears. (Or press = or + on the remote.)
* Automatic Music Sensor
Note
The AMS function may not operate correctly under
the following circumstances:
– When the unrecorded space between songs is less
than 4 seconds long.
– If completely different information is recorded on
the left and right channels.
– When there are continuous sections of extremely
low level or low frequency sound (like those of a
baritone sax).
– When the unit is placed near a television. (In this
case, move the unit farther away from the
television or turn off the television.)
18
Recording from a
tape
3 Press EDIT/DIRECTION repeatedly
to select A to record on one side.
Select ß (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.
4 Press P PAUSE.
Recording starts.
5 Press TAPE A (.
Press TAPE A 9 to play the reverse
side. The tape starts playing.
To stop recording
Press p.
Tips
•When you record on both sides, be sure to start
from the front side. If you record from the reverse
side, recording stops at the end of the reverse side.
•If you set EDIT/DIRECTION to ß when the
tapes you use have different lengths, the tape in
each deck reverses independently. If you select
RELAY, the tapes in both decks reverse together.
You can use a TYPE I (normal) tape.
1 Press § and insert a recorded tape
in deck A and a blank tape in deck
B.
2 Press r REC.
Deck B stands by for recording.
The indicator on TAPE B ( (for front
side) lights up.
With the side
you want to
play/record
facing forward
52
1
3
14
p
1/u
(power)
19
Using the CD display
You can check the remaining time of the
current track.
/ Press DISPLAY/DEMO during
playback.
Each time you press the button during
normal playback, the display changes as
follows:
The CD Player
Tip
The total playing time and the number of tracks on a
CD are displayed in stop mode.
If you press DISPLAY/DEMO in stop mode, the
clock display appears for about 10 seconds, then the
display returns to the previous indication.
n Playing time on the current track
µ
Remaining time on the current track
µ
Disc number of the current track and
“PLAY”
µ
Clock display (for about 10 seconds)
µ
Effect name or “FLAT”
DISPLAY/DEMO
20
Playing the CD tracks
repeatedly
–– Repeat Play
This function lets you repeat a single CD or
all CDs in normal play, Shuffle Play and
Program Play.
/ Press REPEAT/MEMORY during
playback until “REPEAT” appears
in the display.
Repeat Play starts. Do the following
procedure to change the repeat mode.
To cancel Repeat Play
Press REPEAT/MEMORY so that “REPEAT”
or “REPEAT 1” disappears from the display.
To repeat Press
All the tracks on PLAY MODE repeatedly
the current CD until “1 DISC” appears
in the display.
All the tracks on PLAY MODE repeatedly
all CDs until “ALL DISCS” appears
in the display.
Only one track REPEAT/MEMORY
repeatedly until “REPEAT
1” appears in the display
while playing the track you
want to repeat.
PLAY MODE REPEAT/MEMORY
21
Playing the CD tracks
in random order
–– Shuffle Play
You can play all the tracks on one CD or all
the CDs in random order.
1 Press FUNCTION repeatedly until
“CD” appears in the display, then
place CDs on the disc tray.
2 Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until
“1 DISC SHUFFLE” or “ALL DISCS
SHUFFLE” appears in the display.
“ALL DISCS” shuffles all the CDs in the
player. “1 DISC” shuffles the CD whose
DISC indicator is green.
3 Press CD (P.
“J” appears and then all the tracks play
in random order.
To cancel Shuffle Play
Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until
“SHUFFLE” or “PROGRAM” disappears
from the display. The tracks continue playing
in their original order.
To select a desired CD
Press DISC 1 – 3.
Tips
•You can start Shuffle Play during normal play by
pressing PLAY MODE repeatedly to select
“SHUFFLE”.
•To skip a track, turn the jog dial clockwise (or
press + on the remote).
Jog dial
DISC 1 – 3
3
1
2
22
1 Press FUNCTION repeatedly until
“CD” appears in the display, then
place CDs on the disc tray.
2 Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until
“PROGRAM” appears in the
display.
3 Press one of the DISC 1 – 3 buttons
or DISC SKIP repeatedly to select a
CD.
4 Turn the jog dial until the desired
track appears in the display.
5 Press ENTER/NEXT.
The track is programmed and the
program step number appears.
Programming the CD
tracks
–– Program Play
You can make a program of up to 32 tracks
from all the CDs in the order you want them
to be played.
Disc number
Track number
The last programmed track
Total playing time
(including selected track)
Program step number
PROGRAM
DISC
VOLUME
PROGRAM
DISC
STEP
VOLUME
1
31
2
3
457
p
=+
(P p
(
(0)
CHECK
CLEAR
p
7
1
3
23
To Press
Check the CHECK on the remote
program repeatedly. After the last
track, “CHECK END”
appears.
Clear a track from CLEAR on the remote in
the end stop mode.
Clear a specific CHECK on the remote
track repeatedly until the
number of the track to be
erased appears, then press
CLEAR.
Add a track to the 1 Press one of the DISC
program 1 – 3 buttons or DISC
SKIP to select a CD.
2 Select the track by
turning the jog dial.
3 Press ENTER/NEXT.
Clear the entire p once in stop mode or
program twice while playing.
Tips
•The program you made remains in the CD player
even after it has been played back. Press CD (P
to play the same program again.
• If the total playing time does not appear during
programming, this means:
– you have programmed a track number
which exceeds 20, or
– the total playing time has exceeded 100 minutes.
•“FULL” appears when you try to program over 32
tracks.
6 To program additional tracks,
repeat steps 3 to 5.
Skip step 3 to select tracks from the same
disc.
7 Press CD (P (or CD ( on the
remote).
All the tracks play in the order you
selected.
To cancel Program Play
Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until
“PROGRAM” or “SHUFFLE” disappears
from the display.
24
Recording on a tape
manually
4 Press EDIT/DIRECTION repeatedly
to select A to record on one side.
Select ß (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.
5 Press P PAUSE.
Recording starts.
6 Start playing the source to be
recorded.
To Press
Stop recording p.
Pause recording P PAUSE.
Tips
•If you want to record from the reverse side, press
TAPE B 9 to light its indicator after pressing
r REC in step 3.
•During recording pause mode (after pressing
r REC in step 3 and before pressing P PAUSE in
step 5), you can use the jog dial to select tracks.
You can record from CD, tape, or radio as
you like. For example, you can record just the
songs you want or record from the middle of
the tape.
1 Insert a blank tape into deck B.
2 Press FUNCTION repeatedly until
the source you want to record (e.g.,
CD) appears.
3 Press r REC.
Deck B stands by for recording.
The indicator on TAPE B ( (for front
side) lights up.
The Tape Deck
Jog dial
TAPE B 9
p
23
4
1
5
25
Recording CDs by
specifying the
track order
— Program Edit
You can record tracks from all the CDs in the
order you want. When programming, make
sure the playing times for each side do not
exceed the length of one side of the tape.
1 Follow steps 1 to 6 in
“Programming the CD tracks” (see
page 22).
2 Press § and insert a blank tape into
deck B.
3 Press CD SYNC.
Deck B stands by for recording and the
CD player stands by for playback.
The indicator on TAPE B ( (for front
side) lights up.
4 Press EDIT/DIRECTION repeatedly
to select A to record on one side.
Select ß (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.
5 Press P PAUSE.
Recording starts.
To stop recording
Press p.
To cancel Program Edit
Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until
“PROGRAM” or “SHUFFLE” disappears
from the display.
continued
5
4
2
3
PLAY MODE
p
26
Selecting tape length
automatically
—Tape Select Edit
You can check the most suitable tape length
for recording a CD. Note that you cannot use
Tape Select Edit for discs containing over 20
tracks.
1 Place a CD on the disc tray.
If the indicator for the tray you want to
record is not lit green, press DISC SKIP
repeatedly so that it lights green.
2 Press FUNCTION repeatedly until
“CD” appears in the display.
3 Press EDIT/DIRECTION once so
that “EDIT” flashes.
The required tape length for the
currently selected CD appears, followed
by the total playing time for sides A and
B respectively.
Recording CDs by specifying the
track order (continued)
Note
You cannot use this function after programming.
In order to use this function, you must first erase the
program (see “Clear the entire program” in the table
on page 23).
1
23
DISC SKIP
27
You can reinforce the bass and listen with
headphones.
To reinforce bass (DBFB)
Press DBFB*.
Every time you press the button, the DBFB
level display changes as follows:
* DBFB = Dynamic Bass Feedback
To listen through the headphones
Connect the headphones to PHONES jack.
No sound will come from the speakers.
Adjusting the sound
Sound Adjustment
n DBFB NORMAL (DBFB )
µ
DBFB HIGH (DBFB )
µ
DBFB OFF (off)
Selecting the audio
emphasis
The audio emphasis menu lets you select the
sound characteristic according to the sound
you are listening to.
/ Press FILE SELECT repeatedly until
the effect (ROCK, POP, JAZZ or
DANCE) you desire appears in the
display.
To cancel the effect
Press FILE SELECT repeatedly until “FLAT”
appears in the display.
Tip
“SUR ” appears if you select an effect with a
surround effect.
PHONES
DBFB
FILE SELECT
28
Activating the
surround effect
You can enjoy the surround effect.
/ Press SURROUND so that “SUR
” appears in the display.
Note
When you choose other sound effects, the surround
effects will be canceled.
nSURROUND ON (SUR )
µ
SURROUND OFF (off)
SURROUND
29
Other Features
Falling asleep to
music
— Sleep Timer
You can let the system turn off at the preset
time, so you can sleep to the music. You can
preset the time to be turned off by 10
minutes.
/ Press SLEEP.
Every time you press the button, the
minute display (the turn-off time)
changes as follows:
AUTO n 90min n 80min n 70min
n
…
n 10min n OFF n AUTO
…
When you choose AUTO
The power turns off when the current CD or
tape finishes playback (for up to 100
minutes).
To check the remaining time
Press SLEEP once.
To change the time to turn off
Select the time you want by pressing SLEEP.
To cancel the Sleep Timer function
Press SLEEP repeatedly until “OFF” appears.
Waking up to music
— Wake-up Timer
You can wake up to music at a preset time
every day. Make sure you have set the clock
(see “Step 2: Setting the time”).
The 24-hour system model is used for
illustration purpose.
1 Prepare the music source you want
to play.
• CD: Place a CD. To start from a
specific track, make a program (see
“Programming the CD tracks”).
• Tape: Insert a tape with the side you
want to play facing forward.
• Radio: Tune in the preset station you
want (see “Step 3: Presetting radio
stations”).
2 Turn VOLUME to adjust the
volume.
continued
= +
(P p
0)
SLEEP
2
3
4,5,6,89
5,6,7
TIMER
SELECT
30
8 Press ENTER/NEXT.
The type of timer (“DAILY”) appears,
followed by the start time, the stop time
and the music source, then the original
display appears.
9 Turn off the power.
To check the setting
Press TIMER SELECT repeatedly until
“DAILY” appears.
To change the setting, start over from step 1.
To cancel the timer operation
Press TIMER SELECT repeatedly until
“TIMER OFF” appears.
Tips
•The power turns on 15 seconds before the preset
time.
•You cannot set the timer if the timer on and off
times are the same.
• When you set the Sleep Timer, the Wake-up Timer
will not turn on the system until the Sleep Timer
turns it off.
•You cannot activate the Wake-up Timer and
Timer-recording at the same time.
3 Press CLOCK/TIMER SET.
“SET DAILY” appears.
4 Press ENTER/NEXT.
“ON” appears and the hour digits flash
in the display.
5 Set the time to start playback.
Turn the jog dial to set the hour, then
press ENTER/NEXT.
The minute indication starts flashing.
Turn the jog dial to set the minute, then
press ENTER/NEXT.
“OFF” appears and the hour indication
flashes again.
6 Set the time to stop playback
following the above procedure.
7 Turn the jog dial until the music
source you want appears.
The indications change as follows:
n
TUNER
˜
CD PLAY
˜
TAPE PLAY
N
Waking up to music (continued)
ALL1DISCS
DAILY
VOLUME
ALL DISCS
DAILY
VOLUME
ALL DISCS
DAILY
VOLUME
31
To timer-record, you must preset the radio
station (see “Step 3: Presetting radio
stations”) and set the clock (see “Step 2:
Setting the time”) beforehand.
Timer-recording radio
programs
1 Tune in the preset radio station (see
“Listening to the radio”).
2 Press CLOCK/TIMER SET.
“SET DAILY” appears.
3 Turn the jog dial until “SET REC”
appears.
4 Press ENTER/NEXT.
“ON” appears and the hour digits flash
in the display.
5 Set the time to start recording.
Turn the jog dial to set the hour, then
press ENTER/NEXT.
The minute indication starts flashing.
Turn the jog dial to set the minute, then
press ENTER/NEXT.
“OFF” appears and the hour indication
flashes again.
6 Set the time to stop recording
following the above procedure.
The type of timer (“REC”) appears,
followed by the start time, the stop time
and the preset station number, then the
original display appears.
7 Insert a blank tape into deck B.
8 Turn off the power.
When the recording starts, the volume
level is set to the minimum.
continued
2
3,5,68
4,5,6 7
TIMER SELECT
ALL1DISCS
DAILY
VOLUME
ALL DISCS
REC
VOLUME
ALL DISCS
REC
VOLUME
32
To check the setting
Press TIMER SELECT repeatedly until
“REC” appears.
To change the setting, start over from step 1.
To cancel the timer operation
Press TIMER SELECT repeatedly until
“TIMER OFF” appears.
Tips
•If the power is on at the preset time, the recording
will not be made.
•You cannot set the timer if the timer on and off
times are the same.
• When you set the Sleep Timer, the Timer-
recording will not turn on the system until the
Sleep Timer turns it off.
•You cannot activate the Timer-recording and
Wake-up Timer at the same time.
Timer-recording radio programs
(continued)
33
Notes on CDs
•Before playing, clean the CD with a cleaning cloth.
Wipe the CD from the center out.
•Do not use solvents such as benzene, thinner,
commercially available cleaners or anti-static
spray intended for vinyl LPs.
•Do not expose the CD to direct sunlight or heat
sources such as hot air ducts, nor leave it in a car
parked in direct sunlight.
Cleaning the cabinet
Use a soft cloth slightly moistened with mild
detergent solution.
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.
If you later want to reuse the tape for recording,
cover the broken tab with adhesive tape.
continued
Precautions
On operating voltage
Before operating the system, check that the
operating voltage of your system 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, even if the unit itself has been turned
off.
• Unplug the system 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 stereo system and have
the component checked by qualified personnel
before operating it any further.
• The AC power cord must be changed only at the
qualified service shop.
On placement
• Place the stereo system in a location with adequate
ventilation to prevent heat build-up in the stereo
system.
• 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
— Vibrating
— Subject to direct sunlight
On operation
• If the stereo system is brought directly from a cold
to a warm location , or is placed in a very damp
room, moisture may condense on the lens inside
the CD player. Should this occur, the system will
not operate properly. Remove the CD and leave
the system turned on for about an hour until the
moisture evaporates.
• When you move the system, take out any discs.
If you have any questions or problems concerning
your stereo system, please consult your nearest
Sony dealer.
Additional Information
Tab of side B Tab of side A
Side A
Break off the
cassette tab of
side A
34
Troubleshooting
If you run into any problem using this stereo
system, use the following check list.
First, check that the power cord is connected
firmly and the speakers are connected
correctly and firmly.
Should any problem persist, consult your
nearest Sony dealer.
General
The display starts flashing as soon as you
plug in the power cord even though you
haven’t turned on the power
(demonstration mode).
•Press DISPLAY/DEMO when the power
is turned off.
The demonstration mode appears
automatically the first time you plug in
the power cord. If there is a power outage
lasting longer than half a day, redo the
following:
— Clock setting (see “Step 2: Setting the
time”)
— Preset stations (see “Step 3: Presetting
radio stations”)
— Timer settings (see “Waking up to
music” and “Timer recording radio
programs”)
There is no sound.
•Turn VOLUME clockwise.
•The headphones are connected.
•Insert only the stripped portion of the
speaker cord into the SPEAKER jack.
Inserting the vinyl portion of the speaker
cord will obstruct the speaker
connections.
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 etc.
frequently. The tape may get entangled in the tape
deck.
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
Make sure to clean the tape heads before you start
an important recording or after playing an old tape.
Use separately sold dry-type or wet-type cleaning
cassette. For details, refer to the instructions of the
cleaning cassette.
Demagnetizing the tape heads
Demagnetize the tape heads and the metal parts that
have contact with the tape every 20 to 30 hours of
use with a separately sold demagnetizing cassette.
For details, refer to the instructions of the
demagnetizing cassette.
Precautions (continued)
35
There is severe hum or noise.
•A TV or VCR is placed too close to the
stereo system. Move the stereo system
away from the TV or VCR.
“0:00” (or “12:00AM”) flashes in the
display.
•A power failure occurred. Set the clock
and timer settings again.
The timer does not function.
•Set the clock correctly.
“DAILY” and “REC” do not appear when
you press the TIMER SELECT button.
•Set the timer correctly.
•Set the clock.
The remote does not function.
•There is an obstacle between the remote
and the system.
•The remote is not pointing in the
direction of the system’s sensor.
•The batteries have run down. Replace the
batteries.
There is acoustic feedback.
•Decrease the volume level.
The color irregularity on a TV screen
persists.
•Place the speakers farther away from the
TV set.
Speakers
Sound comes from one channel or
unbalanced left and right volume.
•Check the speaker connection and
speaker placement.
CD Player
The CD tray does not close.
•The CD is not placed properly.
The CD will not play.
•The CD is not lying flat in the disc tray.
•The CD is dirty.
•The CD is inserted label side down.
•Moisture condensation has built up.
Remove the CD and leave the system
turned on for about an hour until the
moisture evaporates.
Play does not start from the first track.
•The player is in Program or Shuffle Play
mode. Press PLAY MODE repeatedly
until “PROGRAM” or “SHUFFLE”
disappears.
“OVER” is displayed.
•You have reached the end of the CD.
Press and hold 0 to return.
continued
36
Tape Deck
The tape does not record.
•No tape in the cassette holder.
•The tab has been removed from the
cassette (see “To save a tape
permanently” on page 33).
•The tape has reeled to the end.
The tape does not record nor play or there
is a decrease in sound level.
•The heads are dirty. Clean them (see
“Cleaning the tape heads” on page 34).
•The record/playback heads are
magnetized. Demagnetize them (see
“Demagnetizing the tape heads” on
page 34).
The tape does not erase completely.
•The record/playback heads are
magnetized. Demagnetize them (see
“Demagnetizing the tape heads” on
page 34).
There is excessive wow or flutter, or the
sound drops out.
•The capstans or pinch rollers are dirty.
Clean them (see “Cleaning the tape
heads” on page 34).
Noise increases or the high frequencies are
erased.
•The record/playback heads are
magnetized. Demagnetize them (see
“Demagnetizing the tape heads” on
page 34).
Tuner
Severe hum or noise (“TUNED” or
“STEREO” flashes in the display).
•Adjust the antenna.
•The signal strength is too weak. Connect
the external antenna.
A stereo FM program cannot be received in
stereo.
•Press STEREO/MONO so that “STEREO”
appears.
If other troubles not described
above occur, reset the system as
follows:
1 Unplug the power cord.
2 Plug the power cord back in.
Troubleshooting (continued)
37
Inputs
MD IN (phono jacks): voltage 450 mV,
impedance 47 kilohms
Outputs
MD OUT (phono jacks):
voltage 250 mV
impedance 1 kilohm
PHONES (stereo phone jack):
accepts headphones of
8 ohms or more.
SPEAKER: accepts impedance of 6 to
16 ohms
CD player section
System Compact disc and digital
audio system
Laser Semiconductor laser
(λ = 780 nm)
Emission duration:
continuous
Laser output Max. 44.6
µ
W*
* This output is the value
measured at a distance of
200 mm from the
objective lens surface on
the Optical Pick-up Block
with 7 mm aperture.
Frequency response 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)
Wavelength 780 – 790 nm
DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL)
(Square optical connector jack, rear panel)
Wavelength 600 nm
Output Level –18 dBm
Tape deck section
Recording system 4-track 2-channel stereo
Frequency response 40 – 13,000 Hz (±3 dB),
using Sony TYPE I
cassette
Wow and flutter ±0.15% W.Peak (IEC)
0.1% W.RMS (NAB)
±0.2% W.Peak (DIN)
AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS:
(U.S.A. model only)
POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL
HARMONIC DISTORTION:
with 6 ohm loads both channels driven, from
70-20,000 Hz; rated 35 watts per channel
minimum RMS power, with no more than
0.9% total harmonic distortion from
250 milliwatts to rated output.
Amplifier section
North American model
Continuous RMS power output
50 watts + 50 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz,
10% THD)
European model
DIN power output (Rated)
40 watts + 40 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output (Reference)
50 watts + 50 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz,
10% THD)
Music power output (Reference)
85 watts + 85 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz,
10% THD)
Other models
The following measured at AC 110, 220 V 60 Hz;
DIN power output (Rated)
35 watts + 35 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output (Reference)
45 watts + 45 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz,
10% THD)
The following measured at AC 120, 240 V 60 Hz;
DIN power output (Rated)
40 watts + 40 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output (Reference)
50 watts + 50 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz,
10% THD)
Peak music power output (Reference)
600 watts
Specifications
continued
38
Tuner section
FM stereo, FM/AM superheterodyne tuner
FM tuner section
Tuning range 87.5 – 108.0 MHz
Antenna FM lead antenna
Antenna terminals 75 ohm unbalanced
Intermediate frequency 10.7 MHz
AM tuner section
Tuning range
European model:
MW: 531 – 1,602 kHz
(with MW tuning interval
set at 9 kHz)
LW: 153 – 279 kHz
(with LW tuning interval
set at 3 kHz)
Other models:
AM: 531 – 1,602 kHz
(with AM tuning interval
set at 9 kHz)
530 – 1,710 kHz
(with AM tuning interval
set at 10 kHz)
Antenna AM loop antenna
Antenna terminals External antenna terminal
Intermediate frequency 450 kHz
Speaker
North American model
Speaker system 2-way, bass-reflex type
Speaker units
Woofer: 13 cm, cone type
Tweeter: 2 cm, PIEZO type
Nominal impedance 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 220 x 320 x 221
mm
(8
3
/
4
x 12
5
/
8
x 8
3
/
4
in)
Mass Approx. 3.2 kg (7 lb 1 oz.)
net per speaker
European model
Speaker system 2-way, bass-reflex type
Speaker units
Woofer: 15 cm, cone type
Tweeter: 5 cm, cone type
Nominal impedance 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 220 x 320 x 270
mm
(8
3
/
4
x 12
5
/
8
x 10
3
/
4
in)
Mass Approx. 3.8 kg (8 lb 6 oz.)
net per speaker
Specifications (continued) Other models
Speaker system 2-way, bass-reflex type
Speaker units
Woofer: 17 cm, cone type
Tweeter: 5 cm, cone type
Nominal impedance 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 220 x 320 x 243
mm
(8
3
/
4
x 12
5
/
8
x 9
5
/
8
in)
Mass Approx. 3.5 kg (7 lb 11
oz.) net per speaker
General
Power requirements
European model: 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz
North American model:
120 V AC, 60 Hz
Mexican model: 120 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Australian and South African models:
220 – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Other models: 110 – 120 V or 220 – 240 V
AC, 50/60 Hz (adjustable
with voltage selector)
Power consumption 100 watts
Dimensions (w/h/d) incl. projecting parts and
controls Approx. 280 x 320 x 400
mm
(11
1
/
8
x 12
5
/
8
x 15
3
/
4
in)
Mass Approx. 9.5 kg
(20 lb 15 oz.)
Supplied accessories: AM loop antenna (1)
Remote (1)
RM-SG7 (for MHC-
GRX3/RX55)
RM-SG7B (for MHC-
R300/R500)
FM lead antenna (1)
Plug adaptor (for Asian
model) (1)
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
39
Index
N
Normal Play 11
O
One Touch Play 12, 15, 17
P, Q
Playing
a CD 11
a preset radio station 14
a tape 16
tracks in random order
(Shuffle Play) 21
tracks in the desired
order (Program Play) 22
tracks repeatedly
(Repeat Play) 20
Precautions 33
Presetting radio stations 7
Preset tuning 14
Program Edit 25
Program Play 22
Protecting recordings 33
R
Radio stations
presetting 7
tuning in 14
Recording
a CD 13
a radio program 15
a tape 18
CD by specifying the
track order 25
selecting tape length
automatically 26
timer recording 31
Repeat Play 20
Resetting the system 36
S
Saving recordings 33
Selecting the audio emphasis
27
Setting the time 6
Shuffle Play 21
Sleep Timer 29
Sound adjustment 27
Speakers 4
Surround 28
T, U, V
Tape Select Edit 26
Timer
falling asleep to music
29
timer recording 31
waking up to music 29
Troubleshooting 34
Tuner 14, 15
Tuning interval 8, 38
W, X, Y, Z
Wake-up timer 29
A
Adjusting
the sound 27
the volume 12, 14, 17
Antennas 5, 10
Automatic Source Selection
12, 15, 17
B
Batteries 5
C
CD player 11, 13, 19
CD Synchro Recording 13
Clock setting 6
Connecting. See Hooking up
D
Display 6, 7, 11, 19
E, F, G
Edit 25, 26
H, I, J, K, L, M
Hooking up
optional components 9
the antennas 5, 10
the power 5
the system 4
40
Sony Corporation Printed in China
