Pioneer RX-731 - User Manual

This document describes the Pioneer Stereo Double Cassette Deck Receiver RX-731(S)/RX-730(S)/RX-1320(S) and Stereo Turntable PL-203AZ/PL-223AZ/PL-223Z. The PL-223Z model is not sold in the U.S.A., and PL-203AZ/PL-223AZ are not sold in Canada.

General Information

The receiver is designed for optimal sound quality and ease of use. It features a backup function that retains settings for several days even if the power cord is unplugged. The unit is controlled by an internal microprocessor, and if switches fail to respond, disconnecting and reconnecting the AC power after 5 seconds can reset it.

Amplifier Section

The amplifier delivers a continuous average power output of 125 watts per channel at 8 ohms from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, with no more than 0.09% total harmonic distortion.

Input Sensitivity/Impedance:

PHONO MM: 2.5 mV/47 kΩ
CD, VIDEO/AUX: 150 mV/47 kΩ

Frequency Response:

PHONO MM: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz ±2 dB
CD, VIDEO/AUX: 20 Hz to 50,000 Hz ±3 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF, short circuited, A network):

PHONO MM: 72 dB
CD, VIDEO/AUX: 90 dB

Graphic Equalizer:

Frequency bands: 100 Hz, 330 Hz, 1 kHz, 3.3 kHz, 10 kHz
Adjustment range: ±8 dB

Controls and Indicators:

POWER STANDBY/ON switch: Turns the unit on or off. In standby, a minute flow of power maintains operational readiness, and the tuner display shows only the time.
MULTI-ROOM REMOTE indicator: Blinks when receiving signals from the Multi-room remote control unit.
PHONES jack: Standard plug-type jack for headphones.
SPEAKERS A/B switches: Selects speaker systems A or B. Both A and B can be on, but if only one speaker terminal is connected, only that selector should be on.
VOLUME control/indicator: Adjusts volume. Can be controlled by the remote.
BALANCE control: Adjusts the balance between left and right channels.
FUNCTION switches/indicators: Selects input sources (CD, PHONO, TUNER, TAPE, VIDEO/AUX).
GRAPHIC EQUALIZER controls: Five slide controls for adjusting specific frequency bands (100 Hz, 330 Hz, 1 kHz, 3.3 kHz, 10 kHz). These controls function during playback and recording, but not when copying tapes from Deck I to Deck II.
SPECTRUM ANALYZER display: Visualizes the audio spectrum.

FM Tuner Section

Frequency Range: 87.5 MHz to 108 MHz Usable Sensitivity: 14.2 dBf, IHF (1.4 µV/75 ohms) 50 dB Quieting Sensitivity: Mono: 20 dBf (2.7 µV/75 ohms); Stereo: 38 dBf (43.6 µV/75 ohms) Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF, 85 dBf Input): Mono: 70 dB; Stereo: 67 dB Stereo Separation: 43 dB (1 kHz) Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 15 kHz ±18 dB Antenna Input: 75 ohms unbalanced

Controls and Indicators:

Display section: Shows TUNED, STEREO, MONO, DECK II, SLEEP indicators, frequency, time, and recording time.
STATION CALL switches: Used to recall and preset up to 24 FM/AM stations.
Time switches: Used for clock adjustment.
FM MONO switch: Forces monaural reception for weak FM stereo signals. This setting is memorized with the station frequency.
MEMORY switch: Used to memorize stations.
BAND selector switch (FM/AM): Selects between FM and AM bands.
-, + switches: Used for tuning stations and adjusting the clock.

Usage Features:

Auto Tuning: Automatically searches for broadcasting stations.
Presetting Stations: Up to 24 FM/AM stations can be preset. The FM MONO setting is also recorded with the preset station frequency.
Last Station Memory: The last station received on either band is memorized even if power is turned off.

AM Tuner Section

Frequency Range: 530 kHz to 1,700 kHz Sensitivity (IHF, Loop antenna): 385 µV/m Antenna: Loop Antenna

Cassette Deck Section

Systems: 4 track, 2-channel stereo Heads: Recording/playback head x 1, Playback head x 1, Erasing head x 1 Motor: DC servo 2 speed motor x 2 Wow and Flutter: 0.09% (WRMS) Fast Winding Time: Approximately 95 seconds (C-60 tape)

Frequency Response (-20 dB recording):

Normal tape: 35 Hz to 14,000 Hz ± 6 dB
CrO2: 35 Hz to 15,000 Hz ± 6 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:

Dolby NR OFF: 50 dB
Dolby B type NR ON: More than 10 dB (at 5 kHz)

Controls and Indicators:

Automatic tape selector function: Automatically detects tape type (NORMAL/CrO2/METAL for Deck I, NORMAL/CrO2 for Deck II).
DECK II COUNTER and reset switch: 3-digit display for tape travel on Deck II.
Indicators: Show tape direction, recording status (blinking for PAUSE, solid for recording, flashing for copying).
Deck I Operation switches: EJECT, PLAY (FWD/REV), STOP, FAST FORWARD, REWIND.
DOLBY NR switch:* Activates Dolby B noise reduction for playback of Dolby B recorded tapes.
COPY MODE switches: Selects normal speed or high-speed (double-speed) copying.
REV (REVERSE) MODE switch: Selects playback mode (Relay Play, Rec Play) and recording mode (Rec).
DECK II switches: REC (sets to recording standby), PAUSE (temporarily stops tape travel).
MIC jack (Multi-voltage model only): For microphone input.
MIC MIXING level control (Multi-voltage model only): Adjusts the balance between microphone and program source.

Usage Features:

Auto Stop Mechanism: Automatically stops when the end of tape is reached.
Auto Reverse Function: Uses rotary recording/playback heads for two-way recording and playback. Tape-end detection activates auto-reverse.
Tape Copying: Copies contents from Deck I to Deck II at normal or high speed. Graphic equalizer controls do not affect tape copying.
Relay Playback: Plays both tape sides, alternating between Deck I and Deck II for up to 6 cycles.
MIC Mixing: Combines microphone input with a program source.

Turntable [PL-203AZ/PL-223AZ/PL-223Z]

Motor, Platter:

Motor Type: DC servo motor
Drive Method: Belt drive
Speed: 33-1/3, 45 RPM
Speed Variation: 0.07% WRMS (JIS), ±0.10% WTD Peak (DIN)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 68 dB (DIN-B)
Platter: 295 mm dia., aluminum die-cast

Tonearm:

Type: Static balance straight pipe arm

Installed Cartridge:

Type: MM type
Replacement stylus: PN-240
Stylus: 0.6 mil diamond
Output voltage: 2.5 mV (1kHz, 5cm/s, Lat. peak)
Tracking Force: 1.5-2.5 g (optimum 2.0 g)
Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 30,000 Hz
Load Resistance: 47 kΩ
Cartridge Weight: 4 g

Controls and Features:

EP adaptor: For playing 45 rpm singles.
Platter spindle, Platter mat, Platter: Components for record playback.
SPEED switch: Selects 33-1/3 or 45 rpm.
ARM ELEVATION switch: Raises/lowers the tonearm for manual play, suspending play, or changing tracks.
STOP switch: Stops playback.
Cartridge, Tonearm, Arm rest: Essential tonearm components.
Dust cover (PL-223Z): Protects the turntable.

Usage Features:

Initial Turntable Set-up: Involves attaching the belt, placing the platter, and removing tonearm restraints.
Record Play: Manual operation for placing the tonearm and adjusting volume/tone.

Remote Control Unit

The remote control unit operates within approximately 7 meters and a 30-degree angle from the receiver's remote sensor window. Strong fluorescent light can affect performance. It uses two "AAA" dry cell batteries.

Keys:

POWER key: Turns the unit on/off.
VOLUME key: Adjusts sound volume. With SHIFT key, adjusts TV volume.
FUNCTION selector keys: Selects V/AUX, TUNER, PHONO. With SHIFT key, selects VCR1, VCR2, VDP.
SUR (surround) key: Selects surround mode.
DECK I operation keys: Forward/reverse playback, fast forward/rewind, stop.
DECK II operation keys: Forward/reverse playback, fast forward/rewind, stop, REC (recording standby), PAUSE.
TUNER/TV keys: STATION (+/- for station change), TUNING, BAND. With SHIFT key, CHANNEL (+/- for TV channel change), SLEEP (sets sleep timer).
CD/VDP operation keys: CD playback, DISC selection, stop, pause, track search, program. With SHIFT key, VDP playback, DISC SIDE, scan, pause, display on/off, DELAY TIME.

Connections

Line Voltage Selector Switches: Located on the rear panel, these must be set to the correct voltage for the region (e.g., 120V, 220V, 240V).
Channel Step Switch: Located on the rear panel (multi-voltage models only), sets FM reception step (100 kHz or 50 kHz) and AM step (10 kHz or 9 kHz).
Antenna Connections:
- AM Loop Antenna: Supplied, connects to AM terminals. Should be placed away from metallic objects and radio frequency generating devices.
- External AM Antenna: Vinyl-coated wire (5-6 meters) for improved reception.
- FM T-type Antenna: Supplied, connects to FM terminals. Should be stretched out fully.
- External FM Antenna: 300-ohm feeder wire or 75-ohm coaxial cable for weak signals or noisy reception. Coaxial cable is recommended for noise reduction.
Input/Output Cords: Connect turntable to TURNTABLE jacks, other stereo components to input/output jacks. White terminal for left, red for right.
Speaker Cords: Connect to SPEAKERS terminals. Speaker systems should have an impedance from 8Ω to 16Ω. Ensure secure connections and prevent shorting.
Power Cord: Plug into household electrical outlets. For U.S. and Canadian models, ensure proper polarity (wide blade into ground side slot).
Adaptor Terminals: For Australian and Multi-voltage models, for connecting components like dynamic expanders.
BEAT CUT switch: Minimizes beat noise during AM broadcast recording or tape copying while an AM broadcast is received.
AC OUTLET SWITCHED 200W MAX (U.S., Canadian, Multi-voltage models): Supplies power to connected equipment, turned on/off by the unit's POWER switch. Total power consumption should not exceed 200W. Avoid connecting high-power appliances.
Connecting AV Surround Processing Amplifier VSP-333: For U.S., Canadian, and multi-voltage models. Connects to the unit's AC OUTLET. Ensure power is OFF before connecting and set selecting switch before turning power ON.
Connecting Multi-Room Remote In Terminal: For the optional Multi-Room Remote control unit MR-100.

Maintenance

Cleaning the Head Section: Regularly clean heads, capstan, and pinch roller with a cleaning swab and fluid to prevent sound quality deterioration.
Demagnetizing the Head: Regularly demagnetize the head with a head demagnetizer (sold separately) to prevent noise and treble loss during recording/playback. Ensure the unit's POWER switch is in standby position.
Replacing the Stylus: Replace the stylus gently when worn or damaged (service life 800-1,000 hours). Use Pioneer "PN-240" replacement stylus.
Maintenance of External Surfaces: Wipe with a polishing cloth or soft dry cloth. For very dirty surfaces, use a soft cloth dipped in neutral cleanser diluted with water. Avoid furniture wax, benzine, insecticides, or other volatile liquids.

Troubleshooting

The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues across the amplifier, cassette tape deck, tuner, and turntable sections, as well as for the remote control unit. It covers symptoms, causes, and remedies, such as:

No sound from speakers (volume down, incorrect speaker connections, VSP-333 switch setting).
Tape deck not working (tape loaded incorrectly).
Recording not possible (tape loaded in Deck I, dirty heads, erasure prevention tab removed).
High frequency sounds not reproduced (Dolby NR system on for non-Dolby tape, dirty heads).
Noise picked up during recording (TV on/too close, BEAT CUT switch setting).
AM/FM reception issues (antenna not connected, incorrect band selected, weak radio waves).
Turntable not working (drive belt not attached).
No sound from turntable (PHONO function not selected).
Static/scratching noise from turntable (dirty/warped/scratched record).
Remote control not working (dead battery, control cord not connected, fluorescent light interference).