This document is the operating manual for a Sony Mini Hi-Fi Component System, encompassing models MHC-RXD5/R550 and MHC-GRX30/GRX30J. It provides comprehensive instructions for setup, basic operations, advanced features, and troubleshooting.
Function Description
The Sony Mini Hi-Fi Component System is a versatile audio system designed for playing various media formats and offering a range of sound adjustment and recording capabilities. It integrates a CD player, a tape deck, and a tuner, allowing users to enjoy music from multiple sources. The system supports both normal and advanced playback modes for CDs and tapes, along with radio reception and recording.
Key Components:
- CD Player: Capable of playing up to three CDs in a row, with features like normal play, repeat play (single track, current CD, or all CDs), shuffle play (random order), and program play (user-defined track order). It supports CD TEXT discs, displaying track titles and artist information.
- Tape Deck: Features two decks (A and B) for playback and recording. It supports TYPE I (normal), TYPE II (CrO2), and TYPE IV (metal) tapes. Recording functions include CD Synchro Recording, manual recording from various sources (CD, radio, other tapes), and high-speed dubbing between tapes. The Automatic Music Sensor (AMS) function allows for quick track searching.
- Tuner: Receives FM and AM radio stations. It supports presetting radio stations for quick access and includes Radio Data System (RDS) functionality (for European models) to display station names, program types, and clock information. The PTY (Program Type) search feature allows users to locate stations by genre.
- Amplifier Section: Provides audio amplification for connected speakers. It includes sound adjustment features like Dynamic Bass Feedback (DBFB) for bass reinforcement and GROOVE for a powerful sound experience.
- Microphone Input: Allows for karaoke functions, enabling users to sing along with music from CDs or tapes, with options to adjust microphone level and apply karaoke effects (KARAOKE PON, MPX R, MPX L).
- Timers: Incorporates a Sleep Timer to automatically turn off the system after a set period, and a Daily Timer for scheduled music playback or radio recording at specific times.
- DJ Effects: Includes LOOP and FLASH functions for creative audio manipulation during CD playback, allowing users to repeat or "flash" parts of a song.
Important Technical Specifications
Amplifier Section:
- Power Output (USA models): 60 watts per channel minimum RMS power (6 ohms, 70-20,000 Hz, 0.9% THD).
- Canadian Model: Continuous RMS power output 60 + 60 watts (6 ohms at 1 kHz, 10% THD). Total harmonic distortion less than 0.07% (6 ohms at 1 kHz, 30 W).
- European Model: DIN power output (rated) 60 + 60 watts (6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN). Continuous RMS power output (reference) 80 + 80 watts (6 ohms at 1 kHz, 10% THD). Music power output (reference) 140 + 140 watts (6 ohms at 1 kHz, 10% THD).
- Other Models: DIN power output (rated) 60 + 60 watts (6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN) or 70 + 70 watts (6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN). Continuous RMS power output (reference) 80 + 80 watts (6 ohms at 1 kHz, 10% THD) or 100 + 100 watts (6 ohms at 1 kHz, 10% THD).
- Inputs: MD/VIDEO (AUDIO) IN (phono jacks): voltage 450 mV/250 mV, impedance 47 kilohms. MIX MIC (phone jack): sensitivity 1 mV, impedance 10 kilohms.
- Outputs: MD/VIDEO (AUDIO) OUT (phono jacks): voltage 250 mV, impedance 1 kilohms. PHONES (stereo mini jack): accepts headphones of 8 ohms or more. SPEAKER: accepts impedance of 6 to 16 ohms. SUPER WOOFER (except for European model): voltage 1V, impedance 1 kilohm.
CD Player Section:
- System: Compact disc and digital audio system.
- Laser: Semiconductor laser (λ=780nm), emission duration: continuous. Max. 44.6 μW output (measured at 200 mm from objective lens surface).
- Frequency Response: 2 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB).
- Wavelength: 780-790 nm.
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: More than 90 dB.
- Dynamic Range: More than 90 dB.
- CD OPTICAL DIGITAL OUT: Square optical connector jack, rear panel. Wavelength 660 nm, output level -18 dBm.
Tape Player Section:
- Recording System: 4-track 2-channel stereo.
- Frequency Response (DOLBY NR OFF): 40-13,000 Hz (±3 dB) using Sony TYPE I cassette; 40-14,000 Hz (±3 dB) using Sony TYPE II cassette.
- Wow and Flutter: ±0.15% W.Peak (IEC), 0.1% W.RMS (NAB), ±0.2% W.Peak (DIN).
Tuner Section:
- Type: FM stereo, FM/AM superheterodyne tuner.
- FM Tuner Section: Tuning range 87.5-108.0 MHz. Antenna: FM lead antenna. Antenna terminals: 75 ohm unbalanced. Intermediate frequency: 10.7 MHz.
- AM Tuner Section:
- 2 Band type (North American models): 530-1,710 kHz (10 kHz interval).
- 2 Band type (European models): 531-1,710 kHz (9 kHz interval).
- 3 Band type (Middle Eastern models): MW: 531-1,602 kHz (9 kHz interval); SW: 5.95-17.90 MHz (5 kHz interval).
- Other models: MW: 531-1,602 kHz (9 kHz interval) or 530-1,710 kHz (10 kHz interval); SW: 5.95-17.90 MHz (5 kHz interval).
- Antenna: AM loop antenna. External antenna terminal. Intermediate frequency: 450 kHz.
Speakers (SS-RXD5S/R550 for European models):
- System: 3-way, 3-unit, bass-reflex type.
- Units: Woofer: 17 cm cone type; Tweeter: 5 cm cone type; Super Tweeter: 2 cm dome type.
- Nominal Impedance: 6 ohms.
- Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 220 x 340 x 280 mm (8 5/8 x 13 3/8 x 11 in.).
- Mass: Approx. 4.0 kg net per speaker (8 lb. 10 oz.).
Speakers (SS-RXD5/GRX30/GRX30G/GRX30J for other models):
- System: 3-way, 3-unit, bass-reflex type.
- Units: Woofer: 15 cm cone type; Center Tweeter: 5 cm cone type; Super Tweeter: 2 cm ceramic type.
- Nominal Impedance: 6 ohms.
- Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 220 x 340 x 265 mm (8 5/8 x 13 3/8 x 10 7/16 in.).
- Mass: Approx. 3.8 kg net per speaker (8 lb. 4 oz.).
General:
- Power Requirements: Varies by model (e.g., North American: 120 V AC, 60 Hz; European: 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz).
- Power Consumption: 110-130 watts depending on the model.
- Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 280 x 340 x 380 mm (11 x 13 3/8 x 15 in.).
- Mass: Approx. 9.5 kg (21 lb.).
- Supplied Accessories: AM loop antenna (1), Remote commander (1), Batteries (2), FM lead antenna (1), Front speaker pads (8), Speaker cords (2) (for European model only).
Usage Features
- Easy Setup: Step-by-step instructions for connecting speakers, FM/AM antennas, and power cord. Voltage selector for different regions.
- Demonstration Mode: Automatically starts when the power cord is connected, showcasing system features. Can be deactivated by setting the time or pressing DISPLAY/DEMO (STANDBY).
- Clock Setting: Essential for timer functions, with 24-hour (European) or 12-hour (other models) display.
- Power Saving Mode: Reduces power consumption in standby mode (for European and North American models).
- One Touch Play: Automatically turns on the system and starts playback when a CD or tape play button is pressed while the system is off (not available in Power Saving Mode).
- Automatic Source Selection: Switches to the correct input source when a CD, tape, or tuner button is pressed.
- Jog Dial Control: Used for various functions like setting time, tuning radio stations, selecting CD tracks, and searching tape tracks (AMS).
- Remote Control: Full functionality for operating the system from a distance.
- CD Playback Modes: Normal, Repeat (1 track, 1 disc, all discs), Shuffle (1 disc, all discs), Program (up to 32 tracks).
- CD TEXT Display: Shows track titles and artist names for compatible discs.
- CD Synchro Recording: Simplifies recording from CD to tape with automatic level adjustment.
- Tape Playback Modes: One side, both sides (continuous), relay play (Deck A then Deck B).
- AMS (Automatic Music Sensor): Quickly searches for the beginning of tracks on a tape.
- Radio Presetting: Stores a specified number of FM and AM stations for easy access.
- RDS (Radio Data System): Displays station names, program types, and other broadcast information (European models).
- PTY (Program Type) Search: Locates radio stations based on program categories (e.g., News, Pop, Jazz).
- Sound Adjustment: DBFB for bass boost, GROOVE for powerful sound, and various audio emphasis presets (Rock, Pop, Jazz, Dance, Soul, Action, Romance, Drama, Sports, Flat).
- Surround Effect: Enhances the audio experience with a surround sound option.
- Spectrum Analyzer Display: Visualizes audio levels with different display patterns.
- Karaoke Function: Allows singing along with music using an optional microphone, with vocal cancellation and microphone level control.
- Mixing and Recording Sounds: Records microphone input along with music from other sources.
- Sleep Timer: Sets a duration after which the system automatically turns off.
- Daily Timer: Schedules daily music playback or radio recording.
- Program Edit: Records selected CD tracks onto a tape in a user-defined order.
- Tape Select Edit: Automatically determines the most suitable tape length for recording a CD.
- Optional Component Connectivity: Instructions for connecting MD decks (digital and analog) and VCRs.
- Super Woofer Connection: (Except for European models) Allows connection of an optional super woofer for enhanced bass.
- External Antenna Connection: Instructions for connecting optional FM and AM external antennas for improved reception.
Maintenance Features
- CD Cleaning: Wipe CDs from the center outwards with a soft cloth. Avoid solvents.
- Cabinet Cleaning: Use a soft cloth slightly moistened with mild detergent solution.
- Tape Slack Management: Take up any slack in the tape before use to prevent entanglement.
- Tape Head Cleaning: Clean tape heads every 10 hours of use or before important recordings/after playing old tapes, using a dry-type or wet-type cleaning cassette.
- Tape Head Demagnetization: Demagnetize tape heads and metal parts every 20-30 hours of use with a demagnetizing cassette.
- Tape Protection: Break off cassette tabs to prevent accidental recording over. Use adhesive tape to reuse.
- Moisture Condensation: If moisture condenses on the CD player lens (e.g., moving from cold to warm environment), remove the CD and leave the unit on for about an hour to evaporate moisture.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive section addressing common issues such as no power, no sound, distorted sound, remote control malfunction, and CD/tape playback problems, with solutions and advice on when to contact a Sony dealer.
- System Reset: Instructions for resetting the system to factory settings, clearing all user-defined settings.
- Speaker Pad Attachment: Attach supplied pads to the bottom of speakers for stability and to prevent slipping.
- Battery Replacement: Instructions for replacing AA (R6) batteries in the remote control. Remove batteries if the remote is not used for a long period to prevent leakage.
- CD Mechanism Lock: Instructions for locking the CD mechanism when carrying the system to protect it.