© 2000 Sony Corporation
Operating Instructions
US
FM/AM
MiniDisc Player
MDX-C6500X
For installation and connections, see the supplied installation/connections manual.
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom of the unit.
Record the serial number in the space provided below.
Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this
product.
Model No. MDX-C6500X Serial No.
3-043-387-11 (1)
2
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 the Sony MiniDisc
Player. This unit lets you enjoy a variety of
features using the following controller
accessories:
Optional accessories
Rotary commander RM-X4S
Card remote commander RM-X91
In addition to the MD playback and radio
operations, you can expand your system by
connecting optional CD/MD units*
1
.
When you operate this unit or a connected
optional CD unit with the CD TEXT function,
the CD TEXT information will appear in the
display when you play a CD TEXT disc*
2
.
*
1
You can connect MD changers, CD changers, MD
players, or CD players.
*
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.
Precautions
• If your car was parked in direct sunlight
resulting in a considerable rise in
temperature inside the car, allow the unit to
cool off before operating it.
• If no power is being supplied to the unit,
check the connections first. If everything is in
order, check the fuse.
•If your car is equipped with a power
antenna, it 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 may condense on the lenses inside
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 quality sound
If you have drink holders near your audio
equipment, be careful not to splash juice or
other soft drinks onto the unit and MD. Sugary
residues on the unit or MD may contaminate
the lenses inside the unit, reduce the sound
quality, or prevent sound reproduction
altogether.
3
Notes on MDs
Since the disc itself is housed in a cartridge,
free from accidental contact with your fingers
and dust, MDs can withstand a certain degree
of the rough handling. However, dirt or dust
on the surface of the cartridge or a warped
cartridge may cause a malfunction. Observe
the following for best results.
Never touch the surface of the disc itself by
deliberately opening the shutter on the
cartridge.
When you eject the MD, the shutter may be
open. In such a case, close the shutter
immediately.
Do not expose the MD to direct sunlight or
heat sources such as hot air-ducts. Do not leave
it in a car parked in direct sunlight where there
can a considerable rise in temperature.
Make sure the MD is not left on the dashboard
or rear tray of a car, etc. where the temperature
can also be excessive.
Notes on attaching labels
Be sure to attach labels on cartridges correctly,
as failing to do so may cause the MD to
become stuck in the unit.
•Attach the label in a suitable position.
•Remove old labels before putting new ones
on.
•Replace labels that are beginning to peel
away from the MD.
Cleaning
Wipe the surface of the cartridge from time to
time with a soft dry cloth.
4
Table of Contents
Location of controls ............................................. 5
Getting Started
Resetting the unit ................................................. 7
Detaching the front panel ................................... 7
Turning the unit on/off ....................................... 8
How to use the menu .......................................... 8
Setting the clock ................................................... 8
MD Player
CD/MD Unit (optional)
Listening to an MD .............................................. 9
Playing tracks repeatedly
— Repeat Play ............................................... 11
Playing tracks in random order
— Shuffle Play ............................................... 11
Labeling a CD
— Disc Memo* .............................................. 12
Locating a disc by name
— List-up* ..................................................... 13
Selecting specific tracks for playback
— Bank* ......................................................... 14
* Functions available with optional CD/MD unit
Radio
Memorizing stations automatically
— Best Tuning Memory (BTM)................... 15
Memorizing only the desired stations ............ 15
Receiving the memorized stations................... 16
Storing the station names
— Station Memo ........................................... 17
Locating a station by name
— List-up ....................................................... 18
Other Functions
Labeling the rotary commander ...................... 18
Using the rotary commander ........................... 19
Adjusting the sound characteristics ................ 20
Attenuating the sound ...................................... 20
Changing the sound and display settings ...... 21
Boosting the bass sound
— D-bass ........................................................ 21
TV/Video (optional)
Watching the TV ................................................. 22
Watching a video................................................ 22
Memorizing TV channels automatically ........ 22
Memorizing only the desired TV channels .... 22
Storing the TV channel names ......................... 23
Displaying the information stored on discs ... 23
Watching the TV or video while listening to a
CD or MD
— Simultaneous Play ................................... 23
Additional Information
Maintenance........................................................ 24
Dismounting the unit ........................................ 25
Specifications ...................................................... 26
Troubleshooting guide ...................................... 27
5
Location of controls
Refer to the pages listed for details.
1 Volume control dial
2 MENU button 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,
17, 21, 22, 24
3 DISC/PRST +/– (cursor up/down) buttons
8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 24
During CD/MD playback:
Disc change 11, 13
During radio reception:
Preset stations select 16, 18
During TV reception:
Band select 22
4
Z (eject) button (located on the front
side of the unit behind the front panel)
9
5 DSPL (display mode change) button
9, 10, 12, 17
6 LIST button 12, 17
List-up 13, 18, 23
7 SOURCE (TUNER/CD/MD/TV) button
8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 22, 24
8 Display window
9 OPEN button 7, 9, 25
q; D-BASS button 21
qa SOUND button 20
qs Reset button (located on the front side
of the unit behind the front panel) 7
qd OFF button* 7, 8, 9
qf SEEK/AMS –/+ (cursor left/right) buttons
8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24
Automatic Music Sensor 10, 14
Manual Search 10
Seek 15, 16, 22
qg ENTER button 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,
17, 18, 21, 22, 24
qh MODE button
During CD or MD playback:
CD/MD unit select 9, 13
During radio reception:
BAND select 15, 16
During TV reception:
Unit select 22
qj Receptor for the card remote
commander
qk Number buttons
During radio reception:
Preset number select 15, 16
During CD/MD playback:
(1) REP 11
(2) SHUF 11
During TV reception:
Preset number select 22
* Warning when installing in a car
without ACC (accessory) position on
the ignition key switch
Be sure to press (OFF) on the unit for two
seconds to turn off the clock display after
turning off the engine.
When you press (OFF) only momentarily,
the clock display does not turn off and this
causes battery wear.
MDX-C6500X
D
I
S
C
+
P
R
S
T
+
-
D
I
S
C
–
P
R
S
T
-
-
LIST
DSPL
OFF
ENTER
MENU
SOUND
1 2 3 4 56
SOURCE
-
SEEK/AMS
REP SHUF
OPEN
D-BASS
MODE
6
Location of controls
Card remote commander RM-X91
Replacing the lithium battery
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.
WARNING
Battery may explode if mistreated.
Do not recharge, disassemble, or dispose of
in fire.
The corresponding buttons of the card
remote commander control the same
functions as those on this unit.
1 OFF button
2 MENU button
3 SOURCE button
4 SEEK/AMS buttons
5 SOUND button
6 DSPL button
7 ATT button
8 LIST button
9 DISC/PRST buttons
q; ENTER button
qa MODE button
qs VOL buttons
OFF
SEEK SEEK
OPEN/CLOSE
MENU LIST
SOUND
ENTER
DISC
DISC
SOURCE
DSPL MODE
VOLATT
x
+ side up
7
Attaching the front panel
Place the hole A in the front panel onto the
spindle B on the unit as illustrated, then push
the left side in.
x
Notes
• Be careful not to attach the front panel upside
down.
• Do not press the front panel too hard against the
unit when attaching it.
• Do not press too hard or put excessive pressure
on the display window of the front panel.
• Do not expose the front panel to direct sunlight
or heat sources such as hot air ducts, and do not
leave it in a humid place. Never leave it on the
dashboard of a car parked in direct sunlight or
where there may be a considerable rise in
temperature.
Caution alarm
If you turn the ignition key switch to the OFF
position without removing the front panel, the
caution alarm will beep for a few seconds.
If you connect an optional power amplifier and
do not use the built-in amplifier, the beep
sound will be deactivated.
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.
Reset button
Note
Pressing the reset button will erase the clock
setting and some memorized functions such as the
station memo.
Detaching the front panel
You can detach the front panel of this unit to
protect the unit from being stolen.
1 Press (OFF).
2 Press (OPEN), then slide the front panel
to the right side, and pull out the left
side of the front panel.
Notes
• Do not put anything on the inner surface of the
front panel.
• Be sure not to drop the panel when detaching it
from the unit.
• If you detach the panel while the unit is still
turned on, the power will turn off automatically
to prevent the speakers from being damaged.
• When carrying the front panel with you, use the
supplied front panel case.
1
2
A
B
8
Turning the unit on/off
Turning on the unit
Press (SOURCE) or insert an MD in the unit.
For details on operation, refer to page 9 (MD/
CD) and page 15 (radio).
Turning off the unit
Press (OFF) to stop MD/CD playback or FM/
AM reception (the key illumination and
display remain on).
Press (OFF) for two seconds to completely
turn off the unit.
Note
If your car has no ACC position on the ignition key
switch, be sure to turn the unit off by pressing
(OFF) for two seconds to avoid car battery wear.
How to use the menu
This unit is operated by selecting items from a
menu.
To select, first enter the menu mode and
choose up/down ((+)/(–) of (DISC/PRST)), or
choose left/right ((–)/(+) of (SEEK/AMS)).
(DISC/PRST)
SOURCE
(SEEK/AMS)
SOURCE
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/PRST) repeatedly until “CLOCK”
appears.
1 Press (ENTER).
The hour indication flashes.
2 Press either side of (DISC/PRST) to set
the hour.
3 Press the (+) side of (SEEK/AMS).
The minute indication flashes.
4 Press either side of (DISC/PRST) to set
the minute.
2 Press (ENTER).
The clock starts.
After the clock setting is completed, the
display returns to normal play mode.
Note
In the initial setting, the clock indication appears
while the unit is turned off.
When the D.INFO mode is set to ON, the time is
always displayed (page 21).
(+): to select upwards
(–): to select downwards
(+): to select
rightwards
(–): to select
leftwards
9
MD Player
CD/MD Unit (optional)
In addition to playing an MD with this unit
alone, you can also control external CD/MD
units.
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.
Listening to an MD
(with this unit only)
1 Press (OPEN) and insert the MD.
Labeled side up
2 Close the front panel.
Playback starts automatically.
If an MD is already inserted, press (SOURCE)
repeatedly until “MD” appears to start
playback.
The title of the MD* and the track title will
appear in the display window, then the
playing time will appear.
MD indication
* Only if these titles are prerecorded on the MD.
Elapsed playing timeTrack number
When the last track on the MD is
over
The track number indication returns to “1,”
and playback restarts from the first track of the
MD.
To Press
Stop playback (OFF)
Eject the MD (OPEN) then Z
Playing a CD or MD
(with an optional CD/MD unit)
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select
“CD” or “MD.”
2 Press (MODE) until the desired unit
appears.
CD/MD playback starts.
All the discs in the current CD/MD unit is
played from the top.
Changing the display item
Each time you press (DSPL) during MD, CD,
or CD TEXT disc playback, the item changes as
follows:
V
Disc number*
1
/Track number/
Elapsed playback time
V
Disc name*
2
/Artist name*
3
V
Track name*
4
*
1
While an optional CD/MD unit is connected.
*
2
If you have not labeled the CD or CD TEXT disc
(“Labeling a CD” on page 12), or if there is no
disc name prerecorded on the MD, “DISC” and
“NO NAME” appear in the display.
*
3
If you play a CD TEXT disc, the artist name
appears in the display after the disc name. (Only
for CD TEXT discs with the artist name.)
*
4
If the track name of a CD TEXT disc or MD is not
prerecorded, “TRACK” and “NO NAME” appear
in the display.
Z
10
After you select the desired item, the display
will automatically change to the Motion
Display mode after a few seconds.
In the Motion Display mode, all the items are
scrolled in the display one by one in order.
Note
If you use personalized labels, they will always
take priority over the original CD TEXT
information when such information is
displayed.
Tip
The Motion Display mode can be turned off. (See
“Changing the sound and display settings” on
page 20.)
Automatically scrolling a disc name
— Auto Scroll
If the disc name, artist name, or track name on
an MD or a CD TEXT disc exceeds eight
characters and the Auto Scroll function is on,
information automatically scrolls across the
display as follows:
• The disc name appears when the disc has
changed (if the disc name is selected as the
display item).
• The track name appears when the track has
changed (if the track name is selected as the
display item).
• The disc or track name appears depending on
the setting when you press (SOURCE) to select
an MD or CD TEXT disc.
If you press (DSPL) to change the display
item, the disc or track name of the MD or CD
TEXT disc is scrolled automatically whether
you set the function on or off.
1 During playback, press (MENU).
2 Press either side of (DISC/PRST)
repeatedly until “A.SCRL-OFF” appears.
3 Press the (+) side of (SEEK/AMS) to select
“A.SCRL-ON.”
4 Press (ENTER).
To cancel Auto Scroll, select “A.SCRL-OFF” in
step 3.
Note
For some CD TEXT discs with very many characters,
the following cases may happen:
— Some of the characters are not displayed.
— Auto Scroll does not work.
Locating a specific track
— Automatic Music Sensor (AMS)
During playback, press either side of
(SEEK/AMS) momentarily for each track
you want to skip.
SOURCE
Locating a specific point in a track
— Manual Search
During playback, press and hold either
side of (SEEK/AMS). Release when you
have found the desired point.
SOURCE
Note
If “
” or “ ” appears in the
display, you have reached the beginning or the
end of the disc and you cannot go any further.
To locate
preceding
tracks
To locate
succeeding
tracks
To search
forward
To search
backward
11
LIST
DSPL
PTY
ENTER
1 2 3 4 56
-
SEEK/AMS
REP SHUF
MODE
LIST
DSPL
PTY
ENTER
1 2 3 4 56
-
SEEK/AMS
REP SHUF
MODE
Locating a disc
— Disc Selection
When an optional CD/MD unit is
connected, press either side of
(DISC/PRST) to select the desired disc.
The desired disc in the current optional
CD/MD unit begins playback.
Playing tracks repeatedly
— Repeat Play
The MD in the main unit will automatically
repeat itself when it reaches the end. As repeat
play, you can select:
•REP-1 – to repeat a track.
•REP-2 – to repeat a disc in the optional CD/
MD unit.
During playback, press (1) (REP)
repeatedly until the desired setting
appears in the display.
B REP-1 B REP-2*
REP-OFF b
* “REP-2” is only available when you connect
one or more optional MD units, or when you
connect two or more optional CD units.
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 – to play the tracks in the current
optional CD/MD unit in random order.
•SHUF-ALL – to play all the tracks in all the
optional CD/MD units in random order.
During playback, press (2) (SHUF)
repeatedly until the desired setting
appears in the display.
B SHUF-1 B SHUF-2* B SHUF-ALL*
SHUF-OFF b
* “SHUF-2” and “SHUF-ALL” are only available
when you connect one or more optional MD
units, or when you connect two or more
optional CD units.
Shuffle Play starts.
To return to normal play mode, select “SHUF-
OFF.”
12
Labeling a CD — Disc Memo
(For a CD unit with the custom file function)
You can label each disc with a personalized
name. You can enter up to eight characters for
a disc. If you label a CD, you can locate the
disc by name (page 13) and select the specific
tracks for playback (page 14).
1 Start playing the disc you want to label.
2 Press (MENU), then press either side of
(DISC/PRST) repeatedly until “NAME
EDIT” appears.
3 Press (ENTER).
Name edit mode
4 Enter the characters.
1 Press the (+) side of (DISC/PRST)
repeatedly to select the desired
characters.
(A t B t C t ··· Z t 0 t 1 t 2 t
··· 9 t + t – t * t / t \ t > t <
t . t _ )
If you press the (–) side of (DISC/PRST)
repeatedly, the characters will appear in
reverse order.
If you want to put a blank space
between characters, select “_” (under-
bar).
2 Press the (+) side of (SEEK/AMS) after
locating the desired character.
The next character flashes.
If you press the (–) side of (SEEK/AMS),
the previous character flashes.
3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 to enter the
entire name.
5 To return to normal CD play mode, press
(ENTER).
Tips
• To erase or correct a name, enter “_” (under-bar)
for each character.
• There is another way to start labeling a CD. Press
(LIST) for two seconds instead of steps 2 and 3.
You can also complete the operation by pressing
(LIST) for two seconds instead of step 5.
Displaying the disc memo
Press (DSPL) during CD or CD TEXT disc
playback.
Each time you press (DSPL) during CD or
CD TEXT disc playback, the item changes
as follows:
V
Disc number*
1
/Track number/
Elapsed playback time
V
Disc memo name
V
Track name*
2
*
1
While an optional CD unit is connected.
*
2
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.
Note
Do not use the Custom file feature while driving,
or perform any other function which could divert
your attention from the road.
13
Erasing the disc memo
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select
“CD.”
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the CD
unit.
3 Press (MENU), then press either side of
(DISC/PRST) repeatedly until “NAME
DEL” appears.
4 Press (ENTER).
5 Press either side of (DISC/PRST)
repeatedly to select the disc name you
want to erase.
6 Press (ENTER) for two 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.
Note
When a personalized label is erased, the original
CD TEXT information will appear in the display.
Locating a disc by name
— List-up (For a CD unit with the custom
file function or an MD unit)
You can use this function for discs that have
been assigned a custom name. For more
information on disc memo names, refer to
“Labeling a CD” (page 12).
1 Press (LIST).
The name assigned to the current disc
appears in the display.
When you assign a disc memo name to a
CD TEXT disc, it takes priority over the
original CD TEXT information.
2 Press either side of (DISC/PRST)
repeatedly until you find the desired
disc.
3 Press (ENTER) to play the disc.
Notes
• After a disc name has been displayed for five
seconds, the display returns to normal play
mode.
• The track names are not displayed during MD or
CD TEXT disc playback.
• If there are no discs in the magazine, “NO DISC”
appears in the display.
• If a disc has not been assigned a custom file,
“********” appears in the display.
• Some letters cannot be displayed during MD or
CD TEXT disc playback.
• If an optional TV system is connected, the disc
memo name appears in the display of the TV
system but not in the unit’s display.
14
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/PRST) repeatedly until “BANK SEL”
appears.
3 Press (ENTER).
Bank edit mode
4 Label the tracks.
1 Press either side of (SEEK/AMS)
repeatedly to select the track you want
to label.
2 Press (ENTER) repeatedly to select
“PLAY.”
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/PRST)
repeatedly until “BANK-ON,” “BANK-
INV,” or “BANK-OFF” appears.
2 Press the (+) side of (SEEK/AMS)
repeatedly until the desired setting
appears.
B BANK-ON B BANK-INV
BANK-OFF b
3 Press (ENTER).
Playback starts from the track following the
current one.
To return to normal play mode, select “BANK-
OFF” in step 2.
15
Memorizing only the
desired stations
You can preset up to 18 FM stations (6 each for
FM1, FM2, and FM3), up to 12 AM stations (6
each for AM1 and AM2) in the order of your
choice.
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select the
tuner.
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
band.
3 Press either side of (SEEK/AMS) to tune
in the station that you want to store on
the number button.
4 Press the desired number button ((1) to
(6)) for two 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.
Radio
Memorizing stations
automatically
— Best Tuning Memory (BTM)
The unit selects the stations with the strongest
signals and memorizes them in the order of
their frequencies. You can store up to 6 stations
on each band (FM1, FM2, FM3, AM1, and
AM2).
Caution
When tuning in stations while driving, use
Best Tuning Memory to prevent accidents.
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select the
tuner.
Each time you press (SOURCE), the source
changes as follows:
B Tuner B CD* B MD B TV*
* If the corresponding optional equipment is
not connected, these items will not appear.
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
band.
Each time you press (MODE), the band
changes as follows:
B FM1 B FM2 B FM3
AM2 b AM1b
3 Press (MENU), then press either side of
(DISC/PRST) repeatedly until “BTM”
appears.
4 Press (ENTER).
The unit stores stations in the order of their
frequencies on the number buttons.
A beep sounds when the setting is stored.
Notes
• The unit does not store stations with weak
signals. If only a few stations can be received,
some number buttons will retain their former
setting.
• When a number is indicated in the display, the
unit starts storing stations from the one currently
displayed.
• If an MD is not in the unit, only the tuner band
appears even if you press (SOURCE).
16
Receiving the memorized
stations
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select the
tuner.
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
band.
3 Press the number button ((1) to (6)) on
which the desired station is stored.
Tip
Press either side of (DISC/PRST) to receive the
stations in the order they are stored in the
memory (Preset Search Function).
If you cannot tune in a preset
station
Press either side of (SEEK/AMS) to search
for the station (automatic tuning).
Scanning stops when the unit receives a
station. Press either side of (SEEK/AMS)
repeatedly until the desired station is
received.
Note
If the automatic tuning stops too frequently, press
(MENU), then press either side of (DISC/PRST)
repeatedly until “LOCAL” (local seek mode) is
displayed. Then press the (+) side of (SEEK/AMS) to
select “LOCAL-ON.” Press (ENTER).
Only the stations with relatively strong signals will
be tuned in.
Tips
• When you select the “LOCAL-ON” setting,
“L.SEEK” appears while the unit is searching for
a station.
• If you know the frequency of the station you
want to listen to, press and hold either side of
(SEEK/AMS) until the desired frequency appears
(manual tuning).
If FM stereo reception is poor
— Monaural Mode
1 During radio reception, press (MENU),
then press either side of (DISC/PRST)
repeatedly until “MONO-OFF” appears.
2 Press the (+) side of (SEEK/AMS) until
“MONO-ON” appears.
The sound improves, but becomes
monaural (“ST” disappears).
3 Press (ENTER).
To return to normal mode, select “MONO-
OFF” in step 2.
Automatical reception frequency
adjustment
— IF AUTO function
If interference occurs, the “IF AUTO” function
of this unit will automatically avoid noise and
narrow the reception frequency. In such cases,
some FM stereo broadcasts may become
monaural. If you would like to hear such
broadcasts in stereo, manually switch to the
“WIDE” setting.
1 During radio reception, press (MENU),
then press either side of (DISC/PRST)
repeatedly until “IF AUTO” appears.
2 Press the (+) side of (SEEK/AMS) until
“WIDE"” appears.
3 Press (ENTER).
Note
When you widen the frequency signal reception
setting (“WIDE” mode), some interference may
occur.
17
Storing the station names
— Station Memo
You can assign a name to each radio station
and store it in memory. The name of the
station currently tuned in appears in the
display. You can assign a name of up to eight
characters for a station.
Storing the station names
1 Tune in a station whose name you want
to store.
2 Press (MENU), then press either side of
(DISC/PRST) repeatedly until “NAME
EDIT” appears.
3 Press (ENTER).
4 Enter the characters.
1 Press the (+) side of (DISC/PRST)
repeatedly to select the desired
characters.
(A t B t C t ··· Z t 0 t 1 t 2 t
··· 9 t + t – t * t / t \ t > t <
t . t _ )
If you press the (–) side of (DISC/PRST)
repeatedly, the characters appear in the
reverse order.
If you want to put a blank space
between characters, select “_” (under-
bar).
2 Press the (+) side of (SEEK/AMS) after
locating the desired character.
The next character flashes.
If you press the (–) side of (SEEK/AMS),
the previous character flashes.
3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 to enter the
entire name.
5 To return to the normal radio reception,
press (ENTER).
Tips
• To erase or correct a name, enter “_” (under-bar)
for each character.
• There is another way to start storing station
names. Press (LIST) for two seconds instead of
steps 2 and 3. You can also complete the
operation by pressing (LIST) for two seconds
instead of step 5.
Displaying the station name
Press (DSPL) during radio reception.
Each time you press (DSPL), the item
changes as follows:
B Station name* B Frequency
* If the station name of a station is not stored,
“NO NAME” appears in the display for one
second.
Erasing the station name
1 Tune in a station whose name you want
to erase.
2 Press (MENU), then press either side of
(DISC/PRST) repeatedly until “NAME
DEL” appears.
3 Press (ENTER).
4 Press (ENTER) for two seconds.
The name is erased.
Repeat steps 1 through 4 if you want to
erase other names.
5 Press (MENU) twice.
The unit returns to the normal radio
reception mode.
Note
When you erase all of the station names, “NO
NAME” appears in step 4.
18
Other Functions
You can also control the unit with a rotary
commander.
Labeling the rotary
commander
Depending on how you mount the rotary
commander, attach the appropriate label as
shown in the illustration below.
SOUND
DSPL
MODE
SOUND
DSPL
MODE
Locating a station by
name — List-up
1 Press (LIST) momentarily.
The name assigned to the station currently
tuned appears in the display.
2 Press either side of (DISC/PRST)
repeatedly until you find the desired
station.
When no name is assigned to the selected
station, the frequency appears in the
display.
3 Press (ENTER) to tune in the desired
station.
Notes
• Once the station name or frequency has been
displayed for five seconds, the display goes back
to its normal mode.
• When you connect a TV tuner, the list-up
indication will not appear in the display of the
unit.
19
By rotating the control
(the SEEK/AMS control)
Rotate the control momentarily and
release it to:
•Locate a specific track on a disc. Rotate
and hold the control until you locate the
specific point in a track, then release it to
start playback.
•Tune in stations automatically. Rotate and
hold the control to find a specific station.
By pushing in and rotating the
control (the PRESET/DISC control)
Push in and rotate the control to:
•Receive the stations memorized on the
number buttons.
•Change the disc.
Using the rotary
commander
The rotary commander works by pressing
buttons and/or rotating controls.
You can also control an optional CD/MD unit
with the rotary commander.
By pressing buttons
(the SOURCE and MODE buttons)
Each time you press (SOURCE), the
source changes as follows:
Tuner t CD* t MD t TV*
* If the corresponding optional equipment is
not connected, these items will not appear.
Pressing (MODE) changes the operation
in the following ways:
• Tuner: FM1 t FM2 t FM3 t AM1 t AM2
• CD unit*: CD1 t CD2 t …
• MD unit*: MD1 t MD2 t …
• TV/Video*: TV1 t TV2 t AUX
* If the corresponding optional equipment is
not connected, these items will not appear.
(SOURCE)
(MODE)
20
Other operations
Tip
If your car has no ACC (accessory) position on the
ignition key switch, be sure to press (OFF) for two
seconds to turn off the clock indication after
turning off the engine.
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 two seconds while
pushing the VOL control.
OFF
Rotate the VOL control to
adjust the volume.
Press (OFF) to
turn off the unit.
Press (ATT) to
attenuate the
sound.
Press (DSPL) to display
the memorized names.
Press (SOUND) to
adjust the volume and
sound menu.
To increase
To decrease
Tip
You can also change the operative direction of
these controls with the unit (see “Changing the
sound and display settings” on page 21).
Adjusting the sound
characteristics
You can adjust the bass, treble, balance, and
fader.
You can store the bass and treble levels
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/AMS).
When adjusting with the rotary
commander, press (SOUND) and rotate the
VOL control.
Note
Adjust within three seconds after selecting the
item.
Attenuating the sound
Press (ATT) on the rotary commander or
card remote commander.
“ATT-ON” flashes momentarily.
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).
21
0dB
D.BASS-3
D.BASS-2
D.BASS-1
D.BASS-3
D.BASS-2
D.BASS-1
3 Press the (+) side of (SEEK/AMS) 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.
Boosting the bass sound
— D-bass
You can enjoy a clear and powerful bass
sound.
The D-bass function boosts the low 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 until the
desired bass level (1, 2, or 3) appears in
the display.
To cancel, select “D.BASS-OFF.”
Note
If the bass sound becomes distorted, select a less
effective setting of “D.BASS” or adjust the volume.
Changing the sound and
display settings
The following items can be set:
SET (setting)
•CLOCK (page 8)
•BEEP — to turn on or off the beeps.
•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.
DIS (display)
•D.INFO (Dual Information) — to display the
clock and the play mode at the same time
(ON).
•M.DSPL (Motion Display) — to turn the
motion display on or off.
•A.SCRL (Auto Scroll) (page 10)
Note
If you connect an optional power amplifier and do
not use the built-in amplifier, the beep sound will
be disabled.
1 Press (MENU).
2 Press either side of (DISC/PRST) repeatedly
until the desired item appears.
Each time you press the (–) side of
(DISC/PRST), the item changes as follows:
CLOCK t BEEP t RMt D.INFO t M.DSPL t
A.SCRL*
* When no CD or MD is playing, this item will
not appear.
Note
The displayed item will differ depending on
the source.
Tip
You can easily switch among categories (“SET”,
“DIS”, “P/M” (play mode), and “EDT” (edit
mode)) by pressing either side of (DISC/PRST)
for two seconds.
Level
Frequency (Hz)
22
TV/Video (optional)
You can connect an optional TV tuner and TV
monitor to this unit.
Watching the TV
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly until “TV”
appears.
2 Press either side of (DISC/PRST)
repeatedly to select the desired TV band.
Watching a video
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly until “TV”
appears.
2 Press (MODE) repeatedly to select
“AUX.”
Play the video.
Notes
• The indication automatically switches to
“VIDEO 1” soon after “AUX” is displayed.
• “VIDEO 2” appears if the VIDEO 2 terminal of
the TV monitor is selected.
Memorizing TV channels
automatically
The unit selects the TV channels with the
strongest signals and memorizes them in the
order of their frequency.
Caution
When tuning in a station while driving, use
Best Tuning Memory to prevent accidents.
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly until “TV”
appears.
2 Press (MENU), then press either side of
(DISC/PRST) until “AUTO MEM” appears.
3 Press (ENTER).
The unit stores TV channels in the order of
their frequencies on the number buttons.
A beep sounds when the setting is stored.
Notes
• The unit does not store TV channels with weak
signals. If only a few TV channels can be
received, some number buttons will remain
empty.
• When a preset number is indicated in the display,
the unit starts storing TV channels from the one
currently displayed.
Memorizing only the
desired TV channels
You can store up to 12 channels (6 each for
TV1 and TV2) on the number buttons in the
order of your choice.
1 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly until “TV”
appears.
2 Press either side of (SEEK/AMS) to tune
in the TV channel you want to store on
each number button.
3 Press and hold the desired number
button ((1) to (6)) until you hear a beep
sound.
The number button indication and “MEM”
appear in the display.
Note
If you try to store another channel on the same
number button, the previously stored channel will
be erased.
23
Storing the TV channel
names
Follow the steps in “Storing the station
names” (page 17).
Displaying the TV or radio station
names
Press (LIST) during TV or radio reception.
Example: When receiving the FM1 band
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 Preset numbers
2 Stored station names
3 Frequencies*
* If the name of a station is not stored, the
frequency of that station will be displayed
instead.
Notes
• It may take some time before all indications
appear in the display.
• The TV channel does not appear during list
display.
• The contents of the preset memory cannot be
listed when the unit is in simultaneous play
mode (page 23).
Turning off the display
During radio reception, press (LIST)
again.
During TV reception, the list display on the
TV monitor will automatically turn off after
a few seconds.
Displaying the
information stored on
discs
Press (LIST) during CD/MD playback.
Example: When CD unit 1 is selected.
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
*
?
?
*****
******
1 Disc numbers
2 Titles stored as custom files
3 No disc is loaded*
1
4 No stored titles*
2
5 TOC information has not been identified yet*
3
*
1
A blank space displayed next to a disc
number represents empty slots in the disc
magazine.
*
2
If a title is not registered in the custom file,
“******” is displayed.
*
3
If the disc information has not yet been read
by the unit, “?” is displayed.
Notes
• It may take some time before all indications
appear in the display.
• The TV channel does not appear during list
display.
• The contents of the preset memory cannot be
listed when the unit is in the simultaneous play
mode.
Turning off the display
Press (LIST) again.
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.
Continue to next page t
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
5
24
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.
Fuse (10 A)
1 Press (MENU), then press either side of
(DISC/PRST) repeatedly until “SML”
appears.
2 Press (ENTER).
3 Press the (–) side of (SEEK/AMS).
4 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select CD
or MD.
5 Press the (+) side of (SEEK/AMS).
6 Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select a TV
or 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 Z (EJECT) on a CD/MD unit while the
unit is in simultaneous play mode, Simultaneous
Play is canceled.
25
Dismounting the unit
1 Press the clip inside the front cover with
a thin screwdriver, and gently pry the
front cover free.
2 Repeat step 1 on the left side.
The front cover is removed.
3 Use 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.
4 Repeat step 3 on the right side.
5 Slide the unit out of the mounting.
Cleaning the connectors
The unit may not function properly if the
connectors between the unit and the front
panel are not clean. In order to prevent this,
open the front panel by pressing (OPEN), then
detach it and clean the connectors with a
cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Do not apply
too much force. Otherwise, the connectors may
be damaged.
Main unit
Back of the front panel
Notes
• For safety, turn off the engine before cleaning
the connectors, and remove the key from the
ignition switch.
• Never touch the connectors directly with your
fingers or with any metal device.
26
Specifications
Other specifications
MD player section
Signal-to-noise ratio 90 dB
Frequency response 10 – 20,000 Hz
Wow and flutter Below measurable limit
Laser Diode Properties
Material GaAlAs
Wavelength 780 nm
Emission Duration Continuous
Laser output power Less than 44.6 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
Power antenna relay
control lead
Power amplifier control
lead
Telephone ATT control
lead
Tone controls Bass ±9 dB at 100 Hz
Treble ±9 dB at 10 kHz
Power requirements 12 V DC car battery
(negative ground)
Dimensions Approx. 178 × 50 × 183 mm
(7
1
/8 × 2 × 7
1
/4 in.)
(w/h/d)
Mounting dimensions Approx. 182 × 53 × 162 mm
(7
1
/4 × 2
1
/8 × 6
1
/2 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-X91
BUS cable (supplied with
an RCA pin cord)
RC-61 (1 m), RC-62 (2 m)
Optional equipment CD changer (10 discs)
CDX-838, CDX-737,
CDX-636
MD changer (6 discs)
MDX-65
Other CD/MD changers
with the Sony-BUS system
Source selector
XA-C30
TV tuner
XT-40V, etc.
U.S. and foreign patents licensed from Dolby
laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS
POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION
19 watts per channel minimum continuous average power into
4 ohms, 4 channels driven from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more
than 1% total harmonic distortion.
27
Troubleshooting guide
Problem
No sound.
The contents of the memory
have been erased.
Indications do not appear in the
display.
No beep sound.
Cause/Solution
•Cancel the ATT function.
•Set the fader control to the center position for two-speaker
system.
•Rotate the dial clockwise to adjust the volume.
•The power cord or battery has been disconnected.
•The reset button has been pressed.
t Store again into the memory.
Remove the front panel and clean the connectors. See
“Cleaning the connectors” (page 25) for details.
•The beep sound is cancelled (page 21).
•If you connect an optional amplifier and do not use the built-
in amplifier, the beep sound will be deactivated.
CD/MD playback
Cause/Solution
•Another MD is already loaded.
•The MD is forcibly inserted upside down or in the wrong
way.
Defective MD or dirty CD.
The ambient temperature exceeds 50°C (122°F).
Press the reset button.
•The unit is installed at an angle of more than 20°.
•The unit is not installed in a sturdy part of the car.
A dirty or defective disc.
You cannot label CDs unless you connect a CD unit with the
custom file function.
t Press (LIST) for two seconds.
Problem
A disc cannot be loaded.
Playback does not begin.
A disc is automatically ejected.
The operation buttons do not
function.
The sound skips due to
vibration.
The sound skips.
Cannot turn off the “--------”
indication.
The following checklist will help you remedy the problems you may encounter with your unit.
Before going through the checklist below, check the connection and operating procedures.
General
28
Error displays (when an optional CD/MD unit is connected)
The following indications will flash for about five seconds, and an alarm sound will be heard.
Solution
Insert the magazine in the CD/MD
unit.
Insert discs in the CD/MD unit.
Insert another CD/MD.
Clean or insert the CD correctly.
Insert another MD.
Play an MD with recorded tracks
on it.
Press the reset button on the unit.
Close the lid or insert the MDs
properly.
Wait until the temperature goes
down below 50°C (122°F).
Display
NO MAG
NO DISC
NG DISCS
ERROR
BLANK
RESET
NO READY
HI TEMP
Cause
The disc magazine is not inserted in
the CD/MD unit.
No disc is inserted in the CD/MD
unit.
A CD/MD cannot play because of
some problem.
A CD is dirty or inserted upside
down.*
2
An MD does not playback because of
some problem.*
2
No tracks have been recorded on an
MD.*
2
The CD/MD unit cannot be operated
because of some problem.
The lid of the MD unit is open or the
MDs are not inserted properly.
The ambient temperature is more than
50°C (122°F).
*
1
*
1
When an error occurs during playback of an MD or CD, the disc number of the MD or CD does not
appear in the display.
*
2
The disc number of the disc causing the error appears in the display.
If the above-mentioned solutions do not help improve the situation, consult your nearest Sony
dealer.
*
1
Sony Corporation Printed in Korea
Radio reception
Cause/Solution
•Store the correct frequency in the memory.
•The broadcast signal is too weak.
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.)
The broadcast signal is too weak.
t Use manual tuning.
•Tune in the frequency accurately.
•The broadcast signal is too weak.
t Set to the MONO mode (page 16).
The WIDE mode is selected.
t Set the IF mode to IF AUTO (page 16).
Problem
Preset tuning is not possible.
The stations cannot be received.
The sound is hampered by
noises.
Automatic tuning is not
possible.
The “ST” indication flashes.
Interference occurs during FM
reception.
