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MDX-CA680X
3-227-351-11 (1)
Operating Instructions
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom of the unit.
Record these numbers in the space provided below.
Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. MDX-CA680X Serial No.
MDX-CA680X
For installation and connections, see the supplied installation/connections manual.
© 2001 Sony Corporation
3-227-351-11 (1)
US
FM
/
AM
MiniDisc Player
2
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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.
Welcome !
Thank you for purchasing this Sony MiniDisc
Player. You can enjoy its various features even
more with:
• Optional CD/MD units (both changers and
players)*
1
.
• MDLP (MiniDisc Long Play) playback.
• CD TEXT information (displayed when a CD
TEXT disc*
2
is played on a connected optional
CD unit with the CD TEXT function).
• Optional controller accessories
Rotary commander RM-X4S
Card remote commander RM-X114
*1 This unit works with Sony products only.
*2 A CD TEXT disc is an audio CD that includes
information such as the disc name, artist name,
and track names. This information is recorded on
the disc.
3
US02TOC-U.fm masterpage:Right
MDX-CA680X
3-227-351-11 (1)
Table of Contents
Location of controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Notes on MDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Getting Started
Resetting the unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Detaching the front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
MD Player
CD/MD Unit (optional)
Playing a disc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Display items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Playing tracks repeatedly
— Repeat Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Playing tracks in random order
— Shuffle Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Labeling a CD
— Disc Memo*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Locating a disc by name
— List-up* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Selecting specific tracks for playback
— Bank*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
* Functions available with optional CD/MD unit
Radio
Storing stations automatically
— Best Tuning Memory (BTM). . . . . . . 13
Receiving the stored stations. . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Storing only the desired stations . . . . . . . . . 14
Storing station names
— Station Memo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Tuning in a station through a list
— List-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Other Functions
Using the rotary commander. . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Adjusting the sound characteristics . . . . . . 17
Quickly attenuating the sound . . . . . . . . . . 17
Changing the sound and display settings
— Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Selecting the sound position
— My Best sound Position (MBP) . . . . 19
Boosting the bass sound
— D-bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
TV/Video (optional)
Watching the TV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Watching a video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Storing TV channels automatically. . . . . . . 20
Storing only the desired TV channels. . . . . 21
Storing the TV channel names . . . . . . . . . . 21
Displaying the information stored
on a disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Watching the TV or video while listening
to a CD or MD
— Simultaneous Play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Additional Information
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Removing the unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Error displays/Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4
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Location of controls
Refer to the pages listed for details.
: During Playback : During radio reception
: During TV reception : During menu mode
a Volume control dial
b MBP button 19
c Z (eject) button (located on the front side
of the unit, behind the front panel) 9, 23
d SOURCE (Power on/Radio/CD/MD/TV)
button 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 20, 22, 23
e Display window
f Receptor for the card remote
commander
g MENU button 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
18, 20, 22
h DISPLAY (display mode change)
button 9, 11, 15
i SCROLL button 9
j OPEN button 7, 9
k LIST button
11
15
21, 22
l D-BASS button 19
m RESET button (located on the front side of
the unit, behind the front panel) 7
n Number buttons
(3) REP 10
(6) SHUF 10
13, 14
21
o MODE button
9, 11
13, 14
20
p SOUND button 17, 19
q OFF (Stop/Power off) button* 7, 9, 23
r ENTER button
11
15
8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20,
22, 23
* Warning when installing in a car without
an ACC (accessory) position on the
ignition switch
After turning off the ignition, be sure to press
(OFF) on the unit for 2 seconds to turn off the
clock display.
Otherwise, the clock display does not turn off
and this causes battery drain.
CD/MD
RADIO
TV
MENU
MDX-CA680X
1
2
3
4
5
6
O
FF
D
S
MENU
LIST
SOUND
ENTER
MBP
SOURCE
REP
SHUF
MODE
D–BASS
D
I
S
C
/
P
R
E
S
E
T
SEEKSEEK
DISPLAY
O
PE
N
S
C
R
O
L
L
CD/MD
RADIO
TV
CD/MD
RADIO
TV
CD/MD
RADIO
TV
CD/MD
RADIO
MENU
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MDX-CA680X
3-227-351-11 (1)
s DISC/PRESET buttons (+/–)
9, 11
13, 15
20, 22
8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18,
t SEEK buttons (–/+)
9
13, 14
21
8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 18, 22
The corresponding buttons of the card
remote commander control the same
functions as those on this unit.
a DSPL button
b MENU button
c SOURCE button
d SEEK (</,) buttons
e SOUND button
f OFF button
g VOL (+/–) buttons
h MODE button
i LIST button
j DISC/PRESET(M/m) buttons
k ENTER button
l ATT button
Note
If the unit is turned off by pressing (OFF) for 2
seconds, it cannot be operated with the card remote
commander unless (SOURCE) on the unit is pressed,
or a disc is inserted to activate the unit first.
Tip
Refer to “Replacing the lithium battery” for details on
how to replace the batteries (page 24).
O
FF
D
S
MENU
LIST
SOUND
ENTER
D
I
S
C
/
P
R
E
S
E
T
SEEKSEEK
DISPLAY
O
P
E
N
S
C
RO
LL
(SEEK)
(–): to select
leftwards/.
(SEEK)
(+): to select
rightwards/>
(DISC/PRESET)
(+): to select upwards
In menu mode, the currently selectable button (s)
of these four are indicated with a “ M” in the display.
(DISC/PRESET)
(–): to select downwards
CD/MD
RADIO
TV
MENU
CD/MD
RADIO
TV
MENU
Card remote commander RM-X114
(optional)
DISC
–
ATTOFF
DSPL MODE
SOURCE
DISC
+
VOL
+
–
PRESET
+
SEEK
+
SEEK
–
PRESET –
SOUND
E
N
TE
R
MENU
LIST
6
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Precautions
• If your car was parked in direct sunlight, allow
the unit to cool off before operating it.
• Power antennas will extend automatically
while the unit is operating.
• Do not use the CUSTOM FILE feature while
driving, or perform any other function which
could divert your attention from the road.
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
condensation may occur inside the lenses and
display of the unit. Should this occur, the unit
will not operate properly. In such a case, remove
the disc and wait for about an hour until the
moisture has evaporated.
To maintain high sound quality
Be careful not to splash juice or other soft drinks
onto the unit or discs.
Notes on MDs
• Do not open the shutter of the cartridge
to expose the MD. Close immediately if
the shutter opens.
• Never touch the surface of the disc inside.
• Do not subject the discs to heat/high
temperature. Avoid leaving them in parked cars
or on dashboards/rear trays.
Notes on attaching labels
To avoid MDs becoming stuck in the unit;
– Attach the label in a suitable position.
– Remove old labels before putting new ones on.
– Replace labels that are peeling away.
Cleaning
Wipe the surface of the cartridge from time to
time with a soft, dry cloth.
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MDX-CA680X
3-227-351-11 (1)
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 stored contents.
Detaching the front panel
You can detach the front panel of this unit to
protect the unit from being stolen.
Caution alarm
If you turn the ignition switch to the OFF
position without removing the front panel, the
caution alarm will beep for a few seconds.
If you connect an optional amplifier and do not
use the built-in amplifier, the beep sound will be
deactivated.
1 Press (OFF)*.
MD/CD playback or radio reception stops
(the key illumination and display remain on).
* If your car has no ACC position on the ignition
switch, be sure to turn the unit off by pressing
(OFF) for 2 seconds to avoid car battery drain.
2 Press ( OPEN), then slide the front
panel to the right, and gently pull out
the left end of the front panel.
Notes
• 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.
• Do not drop or put excessive pressure on the front
panel and its display window.
• Do not subject the front panel to heat/high
temperature or moisture. Avoid leaving it in parked
cars or on dashboards/rear trays.
Tip
When carrying the front panel with you, use the
supplied front panel case.
RESET button
continue to next page t
1
2
8
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Attaching the front panel
Place hole A of the front panel onto the spindle
B on the unit, then lightly push the left side in.
Press (SOURCE) (or insert an MD) to operate
the unit.
Note
Do not put anything on the inner surface of the front
panel.
Setting the clock
The clock uses a 12-hour digital indication.
Example: To set the clock to 10:08
1 Press (MENU), then press either side
of (DISC/PRESET) repeatedly until
“CLOCK” appears.
1Press (ENTER).
The hour indication flashes.
2Press either side of (DISC/PRESET)
to set the hour.
3Press the (+) side of (SEEK) .
The minute indication flashes.
4Press either side of (DISC/PRESET)
to set the minute.
2 Press (ENTER).
The clock starts. After the clock setting is
completed, the display returns to normal play
mode.
Tip
When D.INFO mode is set to ON, the time is always
displayed (page 18).
x
A
B
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MDX-CA680X
3-227-351-11 (1)
MD Player
CD/MD Unit (optional)
In addition to playing an MD with this unit, you
can also control external CD/MD units.
Note
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 disc
(With this unit)
1 Press (OPEN) and insert the disc
(labeled side up).
2 Close the front panel.
Playback starts automatically.
If a disc is already inserted, press (SOURCE)
repeatedly until “MD” appears to start playback.
Notes
• When the last track on the disc is over, playback
restarts from the first track of the disc.
• With optional unit connected, playback of the same
source will continue on to the optional CD/MD unit.
(With optional unit)
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select
“CD” or “MD.”
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly until the
desired unit appears.
Playback starts.
Display items
When the disc/track changes, any prerecorded
title*
1
of the new disc/track is automatically
displayed (if the Auto Scroll function is set to
“ON,” names exceeding 8 characters will be
scrolled (page 18)).
*1 “NO NAME” indicates there is no Disc Memo (page
10) or prerecorded name to display.
*2 Only for CD TEXT discs with the artist name.
To Press
Stop playback (OFF)
Eject the disc (OPEN) then Z
Skip tracks
–Automatic
Music Sensor
(SEEK) (./>)
[once for each track]
Fast-forward/
reverse
–Manual Search
(SEEK) (m/M)
[hold to desired point]
To Press
Skip discs
– Disc selection
(DISC/PRESET) (+/–)
To Press
Switch display
item
(DISPLAY)
Scroll display item (SCROLL)
continue to next page t
Displayable items
• Music source
• Clock
• Function
Displayable items
•
Disc name*
1
/artist name*
2
• Track title*
1
MDLP display
LP2: LP2 playback
LP4: LP4 playback
10
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Notes
• Some characters cannot be displayed.
• For some CD TEXT discs with very many
characters, information may not scroll.
• This unit cannot display the artist name for each
track of a CD TEXT disc.
Tip
When Auto scroll is set to OFF and the disc/track
name is changed, the disc/track name does not scroll.
Playing tracks repeatedly
— Repeat Play
The disc in the main unit will repeat a track or
the entire disc when it reaches the end. For repeat
play, you can select:
• REP-1 — to repeat a track.
• REP-2* — to repeat a disc.
* Available only when one or more optional CD/MD
units are connected.
During playback, press (3) (REP)
repeatedly until the desired setting
appears in the display.
Repeat Play starts.
To return to normal play mode, select “REP-
OFF.”
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*
1
— to play the tracks in the current
optional CD (MD) unit in random order.
• SHUF-ALL*
2
— to play all the tracks in all the
connected CD (MD) units (including this unit)
in random order.
*1 Available only when one or more optional CD (MD)
units are connected.
*2 Available only when one or more optional MD units,
or two or more optional CD units are connected.
During playback, press (6) (SHUF)
repeatedly until the desired setting
appears in the display.
Shuffle Play starts.
To return to normal play mode, select “SHUF-
OFF.”
Note
“SHUF-ALL” will not shuffle tracks between CD units
and MD units.
Labeling a CD
— Disc Memo (For a CD unit with the
CUSTOM FILE function)
You can label each disc with a custom name
(Disc Memo). You can enter up to 8 characters
for a disc. If you label a CD, you can locate the
disc by name (page 11).
Caution
Do not use the CUSTOM FILE feature while
driving, or perform any other function which
could divert your attention from the road.
1 Start playing the disc you want to
label.
2 Press (MENU), then press either side
of (DISC/PRESET) repeatedly until
“NAMEEDIT” appears.
3 Press (ENTER).
The unit will repeat the disc during the
labeling procedure.
4 Enter the characters.
1Press the (+)*
1
side of
(DISC/PRESET) repeatedly to select
the desired character.
A t B t C ... t 0 t 1 t 2 ... t +
t – t
*
... t _*
2
t A
*1 For reverse order, press the (–) side of
(DISC/PRESET).
*2 (blank space)
2Press the (+) side of (SEEK) after
locating the desired character.
If you press the (–) side of (SEEK), you
can move back to the left.
3Repeat steps 1 and 2 to enter the
entire name.
5 To return to normal CD play mode,
press (ENTER).
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MDX-CA680X
3-227-351-11 (1)
Tips
• Simply overwrite or enter “_” to correct or erase a
name.
• There is another way to start labeling a CD: Press
(LIST) for 2 seconds instead of performing steps 2
and 3. You can also complete the operation by
pressing (LIST) for 2 seconds instead of step 5.
• You can label CDs on a unit without the CUSTOM
FILE function if that unit is connected along with a
CD unit that has the function. The Disc Memo will be
stored in the memory of the CD unit with the
CUSTOM FILE function.
Note
REP-1/shuffle play is suspended until the Name Edit is
complete.
Viewing the Disc Memo
As a display item, the Disc Memo always takes
priority over any original CD TEXT information.
Tip
To find out about other items that can be displayed,
see page 9.
Erasing the Disc Memo
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select
“CD.”
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
CD unit storing the Disc Memo.
3 Press (MENU), then press either side
of (DISC/PRESET) repeatedly until
“NAME DEL” appears.
4 Press (ENTER).
The stored names will appear in order from
the earliest entered.
5 Press either side of (DISC/PRESET)
repeatedly to select the disc name you
want to erase.
The stored names will appear from the
earliest ones entered.
6 Press (ENTER) for 2 seconds.
The name is erased.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 if you want to erase
other names.
7 Press (MENU) twice.
The unit returns to normal CD play mode.
Notes
• When the Disc Memo for a CD TEXT disc is erased,
the original CD TEXT information is displayed.
• If you cannot find the Disc Memo you want to erase,
try selecting a different CD unit in step 2.
Locating a disc by name
— List-up (For a CD unit with the CD TEXT/
CUSTOM FILE function, or an MD unit)
You can use this function for discs that have been
assigned custom names*
1
or for CD TEXT
discs*
2
.
*1 Locating a disc by its custom name: when you
assign a name for a CD (page 10) or an MD.
*2 Locating discs by the CD TEXT information: when
you play a CD TEXT disc on a CD unit with the CD
TEXT function.
1 Press (LIST).
The name assigned to the current disc appears
in the display.
2 Press either side of (DISC/PRESET)
repeatedly until you find the desired
disc.
3 Press (ENTER) to play the disc.
Notes
• Some letters cannot be displayed (exception: Disc
Memo).
• If the TV tuner XT-40V is connected, the list appears
on the TV monitor instead of the display on the unit.
To Press
View (DISPLAY) during CD/CD
TEXT disc playback
12
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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 you want to
label.
2 Press (MENU), then press either side
of (DISC/PRESET) repeatedly until
“BANK SEL” appears.
3 Press (ENTER).
4 Label the tracks.
1 Press either side of (SEEK)
repeatedly to select the track you
want to label.
2 Press (ENTER) repeatedly to select
“PLAY” or “SKIP.”
5 Repeat step 4 to set “PLAY” or “SKIP”
for all the tracks.
6 Press (MENU) twice.
The unit returns to normal CD play mode.
Notes
• You can set “PLAY” and “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 (MENU), then
press either side of (DISC/PRESET)
repeatedly until “BANK-ON,” “BANK-
INV,” or “BANK-OFF” appears.
2 Press the (+) side of (SEEK) repeatedly
until the desired setting appears.
3 Press (ENTER).
Playback starts from the track following the
current one.
To return to normal play mode, select “BANK-
OFF” in step 2.
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MDX-CA680X
3-227-351-11 (1)
Radio
The unit can store up to 6 stations per band
(FM1, FM2, FM3, AM1, and AM2).
Caution
When tuning in stations while driving, use Best
Tuning Memory to prevent accidents.
Storing stations
automatically
— Best Tuning Memory (BTM)
The unit selects the stations with the strongest
signals within the selected band, and stores them
in the order of their frequency.
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select
the radio.
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
band.
3 Press (MENU), then press either side
of (DISC/PRESET) repeatedly until
“BTM” appears.
4 Press (ENTER).
A beep sounds when the setting is stored.
Notes
• If only a few stations can be received due to weak
signals, some number buttons will retain their former
settings.
• When a number is indicated in the display, the unit
starts storing stations from the one currently
displayed.
Receiving the stored stations
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select
the radio.
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
band.
3 Press the number button ((1) to (6))
on which the desired station is stored.
Tip
Press either side of (DISC/PRESET) to receive the
stations in the order they are stored in the memory
(Preset Search function).
If preset tuning does not work
Press either side of (SEEK) to search
for the station (automatic tuning).
Scanning stops when the unit receives a
station. Repeat until the desired station is
received.
Tips
• If automatic tuning stops too frequently, turn on the
Local Seek to limit seek to stations with stronger
signals (see “Changing the sound and display
settings” on page 18).
• If you know the frequency of the station you want to
listen to, press and hold either side of (SEEK) to
locate the approximate frequency, then press
(SEEK) repeatedly to fine adjust to the desired
frequency (manual tuning).
If FM stereo reception is poor
Select monaural reception mode.
(see “Changing the sound and display
settings” on page 18).
The sound improves, but becomes monaural
(“ST” disappears).
Note
If interference occurs, this unit will automatically
narrow the reception frequency to eliminate noise (IF
AUTO function). In such cases, some FM stereo
broadcasts may become monaural while in the stereo
reception mode.
Tip
To always hear FM stereo broadcasts in stereo, you
can change the IF Auto setting and widen the
frequency signal reception (see “Changing the sound
and display settings” on page 18). Note that some
interference may occur in this setting.
14
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Storing only the desired
stations
You can manually preset the desired stations on
any chosen number button.
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select
the radio.
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
band.
3 Press either side of (SEEK) to tune in
the station that you want to store.
4 Press the desired number button ((1)
to (6)) for 2 seconds 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.
Storing 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 using up to 8 characters for a
station.
Storing the station names
1 Tune in a station whose name you
want to store.
2 Press (MENU), then press either side
of (DISC/PRESET) repeatedly until
“NAMEEDIT” appears.
3 Press (ENTER).
4 Enter the characters.
1Press the (+)*
1
side of
(DISC/PRESET) repeatedly to select
the desired character.
A t B t C ... t 0 t 1 t 2 ... t +
t – t
*
... t _*
2
t A
*1 For reverse order, press the (–) side of
(DISC/PRESET).
*2 (blank space)
2Press the (+) side of (SEEK) after
locating the desired character.
If you press the (–) side of (SEEK), you
can move back to the left.
3Repeat steps 1 and 2 to enter the
entire name.
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5
Press (ENTER).
Tips
• Simply overwrite or enter “_” to correct or erase a
name.
• There is another way to start storing station names:
Press (LIST) for 2 seconds instead of performing
steps 2 and 3. You can also complete the operation
by pressing (LIST) for 2 seconds instead of step 5.
Displaying the station name
Switch the display item to frequency or station
name*.
* If the station name is not stored, “NO NAME”
appears in the display for one second.
Erasing the station name
1 During radio reception, press (MENU),
then press either side of
(DISC/PRESET) repeatedly until “NAME
DEL” appears.
2 Press (ENTER).
3 Press either side of (DISC/PRESET)
repeatedly to select the station whose
name you want to erase.
4 Press (ENTER) for 2 seconds.
The name is erased.
Repeat steps 3 to 4 if you want to erase other
names.
5 Press (MENU) twice.
The unit returns to normal radio reception
mode.
Note
If you have already erased all of the station names,
“NO DATA” appears in step 4.
Tuning in a station through a
list
— List-up
1 During radio reception, press (LIST)
momentarily.
The frequency or the name assigned to the
current station appears in the display.
2 Press either side of (DISC/PRESET)
repeatedly until you find the desired
station.
If no name is assigned to the selected station,
the frequency appears in the display.
3 Press (ENTER) to tune in the desired
station.
Note
If the TV tuner XT-40V is connected, the list appears
on the TV monitor instead of the display on the unit.
To Press
Switch display
item
(DISPLAY) during radio
reception
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Other Functions
You can also control the unit (and optional CD/
MD units) with a rotary commander
(optional).
Using the rotary commander
First, attach the appropriate label depending on
how you want to mount the rotary commander.
The rotary commander works by pressing
buttons and/or rotating controls.
By pressing buttons
*1 Only if the corresponding optional equipment is
connected.
*2 If your car has no ACC (accessory) position on the
ignition key switch, be sure to press (OFF) for 2
seconds to turn off the clock indication after turning
off the ignition.
By rotating the control
Rotate and release to:
– Skip tracks.
– Tune in stations automatically.
Rotate, hold, and release to:
– Fast-forward/reverse a track.
– Find a station manually.
By pushing in and rotating the control
Push in and rotate the control to:
– Receive preset stations.
– Change the disc*.
* When an optional CD/MD unit is connected.
Press To
(SOURCE)
Change source
(radio/CD*
1
/MD/TV*
1
)
(MODE)
Change operation
(radio band/CD*
1
unit/
MD*
1
unit/TV band*
1
)
(ATT)
Attenuate sound
(OFF)*
2
Stop playback or radio
reception
(SOUND)
Adjust the sound menu
(DSPL)
Change the display item
SOUND
DSPL
MODE
SOUND
DSPL
MODE
OFF
Rotate the VOL control
to adjust the volume.
(SOURCE)
(SOUND)
(ATT)
(MODE)
(DSPL)
(OFF)
SEEK/AMS
control
PRESET/DISC
control
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Changing the operative direction
The operative direction of controls is factory-set
as shown 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 2 seconds while
pushing the VOL control.
Tip
You can also change the operative direction of these
controls with the unit (see “Changing the sound and
display settings” on page 18).
Adjusting the sound
characteristics
You can adjust the bass, treble, balance, and
fader.
The bass and treble levels can be stored
independently for each source.
1 Select the item you want to adjust by
pressing (SOUND) repeatedly.
Each time you press (SOUND), the item
changes as follows:
BAS (bass) t TRE (treble) t BAL (left-
right)
t FAD (front-rear)
2 Adjust the selected item by pressing
either side of (SEEK).
When adjusting with the rotary commander,
press (SOUND) and rotate the VOL control.
Note
Adjust within 3 seconds after selecting the item.
Quickly attenuating the
sound
(With the rotary commander or the card
remote commander)
Press (ATT) on the rotary commander
or card remote commander.
After “AT T- ON ” momentarily appears, the
“AT T” appears in the display.
To restore the previous volume level, press
(ATT) again.
Tip
When the interface cable of a car telephone is
connected to the ATT lead, the unit decreases the
volume automatically when a telephone call comes in
(Telephone ATT function).
To increase
To decrease
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Changing the sound and
display settings
— Menu
The following items can be set:
SET (Set Up)
• CLOCK (page 8)
• BEEP — to turn the beeps on or off.
• RM (Rotary Commander) — to change the
operative direction of the controls of the rotary
commander.
– Select “NORM” to use the rotary commander
as the factory-set position.
– Select “REV” when you mount the rotary
commander on the right side of the steering
column.
DSPL (Display)
• D.INFO (Dual Information) — to display the
clock and the play mode at the same time (on).
• M.DSPL (Motion Display) — to select the
Motion Display mode from “1,” “2,” and
“OFF.”
– Select “1” to show decoration lines in the
display and activate Demo display.
– Select “2” to show decoration lines in the
display and deactivate Demo display.
– Select “OFF” to deactivate the Motion
Display.
• A.SCRL (Auto Scroll)
– Select “ON” to scroll all automatically
displayed names exceeding 8 characters.
– When Auto scroll is set to off and the disc/
track name is changed, the disc/track name
does not scroll.
P/M (Play Mode)
• LOCAL-ON/OFF (Local seek mode) (page 13)
– Select “ON” to only tune into stations with
stronger signals.
• MONO-ON/OFF (Monaural mode) (page 13)
– Select “ON” to hear FM stereo broadcast in
monaural. Select “OFF” to return to normal
mode.
• IF AUTO/WIDE (page 13)
1 Press (MENU).
To set A.SCRL, press (MENU) during CD/
MD Playback.
2 Press either side of (DISC/PRESET)
repeatedly until the desired item
appears.
3 Press the (+) side of (SEEK) to select
the desired setting (Example: ON or
OFF).
4 Press (ENTER).
After the mode setting is completed, the
display returns to normal play mode.
Note
The displayed item will differ depending on the source.
Tip
You can easily switch among categories (“SET,”
“DSPL,” “P/M,” and “EDIT”) by pressing either side of
(DISC/PRESET) for 2 seconds.
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MDX-CA680X
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Selecting the sound position
— My Best sound Position (MBP)
When you drive without passengers, you can
enjoy the most comfortable sound environment
with “My Best sound Position.”
“My Best sound Position” has two presets, which
adjust the sound level of balance and fader. You
can select one very easily with the MBP button.
Press (MBP) repeatedly for the desired
listening position.
The mode of “My Best sound Position” is
shown in the display in order of the table.
After one second, the display goes back to the
normal playback mode.
If you want to adjust the sound level of
balance and fader more precisely, you can do
it using the (SOUND) button (see “Adjusting
the sound characteristics” on page 17).
Notes
• When the BAL (balance) or FAD (fader) in “Adjusting
the sound characteristics” (page 17) is adjusted, the
MBP setting returns to OFF.
• When MBP is set to OFF, the BAL and FAD setting is
activated.
Boosting the bass sound
— D-bass
You can enjoy a clear and powerful bass sound.
The D-bass function boosts the low frequency
signal and high 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 button.
Adjusting the bass curve
Press ( D -BASS) repeatedly to select
the desired bass curve.
As the D-BASS number increases so does the
effect.
Note
The bass sound may distort at same volume. If the
bass sound distorts, select less effective bass curve.
Display
window
Balance Level Fader Level
Right Left Front Rear
MBP-A
– 4dB 0 0 – 4dB
MBP-B
0 – 4dB 0 – 4dB
MBP-OFF
0000
0dB
D.BASS-3
D.BASS-2
D.BASS-1
D.BASS-3
D.BASS-2
D.BASS-1
Frequency (Hz)
Level
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TV/Video (optional)
You can control an optional TV tuner and TV
monitor with this unit.
Watching the TV
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly until “TV”
or “AUX” appears.
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
desired TV band.
TV1
t TV2 t AUX t TV1
Watching a video
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly until “TV”
or “AUX” appears.
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select
“AUX.”
Play the video.
Note
The indication automatically switches to “VIDEO 1”
soon after “AUX” is displayed.
Storing TV channels
automatically
The unit selects the TV channels with the
strongest signals and assigns them to number
buttons in order of their frequency.
Caution
If tuning in a station while driving, use AUTO
MEM (Automatic Memory) to prevent accidents.
1 Select “TV” (see “Watching the TV” on
page 20).
2 Press (MENU), then press either side
of (DISC/PRESET) repeatedly until
“AUTO MEM” appears.
3 Press (ENTER).
The unit assigns TV channels to the number
buttons in order of their frequency.
A beep sounds when the setting is stored.
Notes
• The unit does not assign TV channels with weak
signals. If only a few TV channels with strong signals
can be received, some number buttons will remain
empty.
• When a preset number is indicated on the display,
the unit starts assigning TV channels to buttons from
the one currently displayed.
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MDX-CA680X
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Storing only the desired TV
channels
You can assign up to 12 channels (6 each for
TV1 and TV2) to the number buttons in the order
of your choice.
1 Select “TV” (see “Watching the TV” on
page 20).
2 Press either side of (SEEK) to tune in
the TV channel you want to assign to
each number button.
3 Press and hold the desired number
button ((1) to (6)) until you hear a
small beep.
The number button indication and “MEM”
appear in the display.
Note
If you try to assign another channel to the same
number button, the previously assigned channel will
be erased.
Storing the TV channel
names
Follow the steps in “Storing station
names” (page 14).
Displaying the TV or radio station
names
Press (LIST) during TV or radio
reception.
Example: When receiving the FM1 band
1 Preset numbers
2 Stored station names
3 Frequencies*
* If the name of a station is not assigned to number
buttons, the frequency of that station will be
displayed instead.
To turn off the list display on the TV monitor,
press (LIST).
Notes
• It may take a few moments before all indications
appear in the display.
• The current TV channel does not appear during list
display.
• The contents of preset memory cannot be listed
when the unit is in Simultaneous Play mode (page
22).
FM
1
2
3
4
5
6
W
W
W
C
B
K
1
1
B
T
0
0
S
U
2
S
WR K I
S
1
S
L
1
.9
.7
1
2
3
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masterpage:Left
Displaying the information
stored on a disc
Press (LIST) during CD/MD playback.
Example: When CD unit 1 is selected
1 Disc numbers
2 Stored titles
3 No disc is loaded*
1
4 No stored titles*
2
5 TOC information has not yet been identified*
3
*1 A blank space displayed next to a disc number
represents an empty slot in the disc magazine.
*2 If a title is not registered, “******” is displayed.
*3 If the disc information has not yet been read by the
unit, “?” is displayed.
To turn off the list display on the TV monitor,
press (LIST).
Notes
• It may take a few moments before all indications
appear in the display.
• The current TV channel does not appear during list
display.
• The contents of preset memory cannot be listed
when the unit is in the Simultaneous Play mode
(page 22).
• If the source is an MD, the stored track names will
also be displayed.
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 (MENU), then press either side
of (DISC/PRESET) repeatedly until
“SIMUL-SEL” appears.
2 Press (ENTER).
3 Press the (–) side of (SEEK).
4 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select
“CD” or “MD.”
5 Press the (+) side of (SEEK).
1
2
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
*
?
?
*****
******
3
4
5
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MDX-CA680X
3-227-351-11 (1)
6
Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select a
“TV” or “AUX (video).”
7 Press (ENTER).
Simultaneous Play starts.
If you are already watching the TV or video and
want to listen to a CD or MD as well, follow the
same steps.
Returning to normal mode
To cancel the CD or MD, select “– – –”
in step 3.
To cancel the TV or video, select
“– – –” in step 5.
Note
If you press (OFF) or Z (eject) on a CD/MD unit while
the unit is in Simultaneous Play mode, Simultaneous
Play is canceled.
Additional Information
Maintenance
Fuse replacement
When replacing the fuse, be sure to use one
matching the amperage rating stated 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, detach the
front panel (page 7) and clean the connectors
with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Do not
apply too much force. Otherwise, the connectors
may be damaged.
continue to next page t
Fuse (10 A)
Main unit
Back of the front panel
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Notes
• For safety, turn off the ignition before cleaning the
connectors, and remove the key from the ignition
switch.
• Never touch the connectors directly with your fingers
or with any metal device.
Replacing the lithium battery
Under normal conditions, batteries will last
approximately 1 year. (The service life may be
shorter, depending on the conditions of use.)
When the battery becomes weak, the range of the
card remote commander becomes shorter.
Replace the battery with a new CR2025 lithium
battery.
Notes on lithium battery
• Keep the lithium battery out of the reach of
children. Should the battery be swallowed,
immediately consult a doctor.
• Wipe the battery with a dry cloth to assure a
good contact.
• Be sure to observe the correct polarity when
installing the battery.
• Do not hold the battery with metallic tweezers,
otherwise a short-circuit may occur.
Removing the unit
1 Remove the front cover
1Detach the front panel (page 7).
2Press the clip inside the front cover
with a thin screwdriver.
3Repeat step 2 for the other side.
2 Remove the unit
1Use a thin screwdriver to push in
the clip on the left side of the unit,
then pull out the left side of the unit
until the catch clears the mounting.
2Repeat step 1 for the right side.
3Slide the unit out of its mounting.
WARNING
Battery may explode if mistreated.
Do not recharge, disassemble, or dispose of
in fire.
x
+ side up
4mm
(
3
/16 in.)
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MDX-CA680X
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Specifications
AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS
POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION
23 watts per channel minimum continuous average power into 4 ohms,
4 channels driven from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than 5% total
harmonic distortion.
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 µW*
* 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/450 kHz
Usable sensitivity 8 dBf
Selectivity 75 dB at 400 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio 66 dB (stereo),
72 dB (mono)
Harmonic distortion at 1 kHz
0.6 % (stereo),
0.3 % (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 50 W
× 4 (at 4 ohms)
General
Outputs Audio outputs (front/rear)
Power antenna relay control
lead
Power amplifier control lead
Inputs Telephone ATT control lead
BUS control input
connector
BUS audio input connector
Remote controller input
connector
Antenna input connector
Tone controls Bass ±10 dB at 100 Hz
Treble ±10 dB at 15 kHz
Power requirements 12 V DC car battery
(negative ground)
Dimensions Approx. 178
× 50 × 177 mm
(7
1
/8 × 2 × 7 in.)
(w/h/d)
Mounting dimensions Approx. 182
× 53 × 161 mm
(7
1
/4 × 2
1
/8 × 6
3
/8 in.)
(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
Card remote commander
RM-X114
BUS cable (supplied with
an RCA pin cord)
RC-61 (1 m), RC-62 (2 m)
Optional equipment CD changer (10 discs)
CDX-848X,
CDX-747X, CDX-646
CD changer (6 discs)
CDX-T68X, CDX-T67
MD changer (6 discs)
MDX-65
Source selector
XA-C30
TV tuner
XT-40V, etc.
Note
This unit cannot be connected to a digital preamplifier
or an equalizer.
US and foreign patents licensed from Dolby
laboratories.
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
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Troubleshooting
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
No sound.
• Rotate the volume control dial clockwise to
adjust the volume.
• Cancel the ATT function.
• Set the fader control to the center position for
a 2-speaker system.
The message “LP” appears in the display.
MDLP tracks cannot be played back.
An optional MD unit does not conform to
MDLP playback.
t Use this unit to playback the MDLP tracks.
The contents of the memory have been
erased.
• The RESET button has been pressed.
t Store again into the memory.
• The power cord or battery has been
disconnected.
• The power connecting cord is not connected
properly.
No beep sound.
• The beep sound is cancelled (page 18).
• An optional power amplifier is connected
and you are not using the built-in amplifier.
Indications disappear from/do not appear in
the display.
• The clock display disappears if you press
(OFF) for 2 seconds.
t Press (OFF) again for 2 seconds to
display the clock.
• Remove the front panel and clean the
connectors. See “Cleaning the connectors”
(page 23) for details.
Stored stations and correct time are erased.
The fuse has blown.
Makes noise when the ignition key is in the
ON, ACC, or OFF position.
The leads are not matched correctly with the
car’s accessory power connector.
No power is being supplied to the unit.
• Check the connection. If everything is in
order, check the fuse.
• The car does not have an ACC position.
t Press (SOURCE) (or insert a disc) to turn
on the unit.
The power is continuously supplied to the
unit.
The car does not have an ACC position.
The power antenna does not extend.
The power antenna does not have a relay box.
The operation buttons do not function.
Press the RESET button.
Cannot turn off the “--------” indication.
You entered the name edit mode.
t Press (LIST) for 2 seconds.
CD/MD playback
A disc cannot be loaded.
• Another MD/CD is already loaded.
• The MD/CD is forcibly inserted upside down
or in the wrong way.
Playback does not begin.
• Defective MD or dirty CD.
• CD-R that is not finalized.
• You tried to playback a CD-R not designed
for audio use.
• Some CD-Rs may not play due to its
recording equipment or the disc condition.
A disc is automatically ejected.
The ambient temperature exceeds 50°C
(122°F).
The sound skips from vibration.
• The unit is installed at an angle of more than
20°.
• The unit is not installed in a sturdy part of
the car.
The sound skips.
Dirty or defective disc.
Radio reception
Preset tuning is not possible.
• Store the correct frequency in the memory.
• The broadcast signal is too weak.
The stations cannot be received.
The sound is hampered by noises.
• Connect a power antenna control lead (blue)
or accessory power supply lead (red) to the
power supply lead of a car’s antenna booster.
(Only when your car has built-in FM/AM
antenna in the rear/side glass.)
• Check the connection of the car antenna.
• The auto antenna will not go up.
t Check the connection of the power
antenna control lead.
• Check the frequency.
Automatic tuning is not possible.
• The local seek mode is set to “ON.”
t Set the local seek mode to “OFF.” (page
18)
• The broadcast signal is too weak.
t Perform manual tuning.
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Error displays/Messages
*1 When an error occurs during playback of a MD or
CD, the disc number of the MD or CD does not
appear in the display.
*2 The disc number of the disc causing the error
appears in the display.
If these solutions do not help improve the
situation, consult your nearest Sony dealer.
* TOC = Table of Contents
The “ST” indication flashes.
• Tune in the frequency accurately.
• The broadcast signal is too weak.
t Set to the monaural reception mode (page
18).
A program broadcast in stereo is heard in
monaural.
The unit is in monaural reception mode.
t Cancel monaural reception mode (page
18).
Interference occurs during FM reception.
The wide mode is selected.
t Set the IF mode to “IF AUTO” (page 18).
Error displays
(For this unit and optional CD/MD changers)
The following indications will flash for about 5
seconds, and an alarm sound will be heard.
BLANK*
1
No tracks have been recorded on an MD.*
2
t Play an MD with recorded tracks on it.
ERROR*
1
• A CD is dirty or inserted upside down.*
2
t Clean or insert the CD correctly.
• A CD/MD cannot play because of some
problem.*
2
t Insert another CD/MD.
HI TEMP
The ambient temperature is more than 50°C
(122°F).
t Wait until the temperature goes down
below 50°C (122°F).
NO DISC
No disc is inserted in the CD/MD unit.
t Insert discs in the CD/MD unit.
NO MAG
The disc magazine is not inserted in the CD/
MD unit.
t Insert the magazine in the CD/MD unit.
NOTREADY
The lid of the MD unit is open or the MDs are
not inserted properly.
t Close the lid or insert the MDs properly.
RESET
The CD/MD unit cannot be operated because
of some problem.
t Press the RESET button on the unit.
Messages
L.SEEK +/–
The Local Seek mode is on during automatic
tuning (page 13).
NOT READ
The unit is reading the TOC* information.
**
WAIT
**
The unit is reading the TOC* information.
“” or “”
You have reached the beginning or the end of
the disc and you cannot go any further.
MDX-CA680X
3-227-351-11 (1)
US04BCO-U.fm
Sony Corporation Printed in Thailand
masterpage:None
