Do you have a question about the Steepletone BRITANNIA and is the answer not in the manual?
Safety guidelines for handling and using batteries.
Steps and considerations for setting up the audio system.
Guide on how to connect the different parts and speakers.
Detailed explanation of each button on the remote control and its function.
How to tune into FM radio stations using manual and auto methods.
Steps to store, select, and automatically scan FM radio stations.
Guide on how to listen to DAB radio stations.
Step-by-step guide on how to play vinyl records on the turntable.
Instructions for safely removing and reattaching the stylus holder.
Initial steps, play/pause modes, stop, and skip functions for CD playback.
Guidelines for cleaning and maintaining compact discs.
How to connect a USB device and play MP3 files.
Process for converting audio sources like CD, Bluetooth, Tape to MP3 for USB storage.
Guide to wirelessly stream audio from the record player to Bluetooth speakers.
How to play audio from cassette tapes, including continuous play.
Steps for recording from Cassette, Radio, Turntable, CD, and USB to cassette.
Tips and precautions for maintaining cassette tapes and preventing issues.
Overview of the system's capability to record various sources to CD.
Steps for recording from Phono, Aux-in, Tape, Bluetooth, FM/DAB Radio to CD.
Copying tracks or entire albums from an audio CD to CD I.
How to record specific tracks from a CD using the program function.
Connecting external devices and other Hi-Fi systems.
Connecting headphones and an optional subwoofer.
Using X-Bass and manually ejecting the CD drawer.
Information about energy saving features and European directives.
How to install and safely use batteries in the remote control.
The Steepletone Britannia Modular Music System is a comprehensive audio system designed for versatile music playback and recording. Established in 1972, Steepletone aims to provide a high-quality, multi-functional device for music enthusiasts. This modular system comprises a top record player unit with main controls and amplifier, a middle double cassette player/recorder, and a bottom CD player/burner unit, all designed to be stacked for a cohesive setup.
The Britannia system offers a wide array of playback and recording capabilities. It features a turntable for vinyl records, a double cassette deck for tapes, a CD player and burner, a USB port for MP3 playback and encoding, and a DAB+/FM radio tuner. Bluetooth connectivity is also integrated, allowing for wireless audio streaming from external devices and transmission to Bluetooth speakers.
The turntable supports three speeds (33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm) and includes a flip-over stylus with two different needles, one for LP/45rpm records and another for 78rpm records. A 45rpm spindle adaptor is provided for convenience. The unit features an auto-stop function, which can be switched off for longer vinyl records that might stop prematurely. A pitch control knob allows for fine-tuning of the playback speed, which can be visually checked using the strobe calibration dots on the platter. The tone arm has a clip to secure it during transport.
The double cassette deck allows for playback from both Deck 1 and Deck 2. Deck 1 is capable of recording, enabling users to duplicate tapes or record from other sources like radio, turntable, CD, or USB. A "Continuous Play" function allows for sequential playback of two cassettes.
The system includes two CD compartments: CD1 for playback and CD2 for playback and burning. CD1 supports standard audio CDs and MP3 CDs, offering repeat, random, and programmed playback modes. CD2 functions as a CD burner, capable of encoding music from various sources (CD1, Bluetooth, Tape, Vinyl, Aux-in, Tuner) directly to a blank CD-R(W) disc in audio-CD format. It supports both single track and entire CD encoding. The system also allows for finalizing CD-R(W) discs, making them playable on other CD players, and offers options to erase the last track or all tracks from CD-RW discs.
A USB port allows for playback of MP3 files stored on a USB device (up to 32GB). Similar to CD playback, it offers repeat, random, and programmed playback modes. The system can also encode music from CD, Bluetooth, Tape, Vinyl, Aux-in, or Tuner directly to a USB device in MP3 format. Track separation is a key feature during encoding, allowing users to automatically or manually divide recorded music into individual tracks.
The integrated DAB+/FM radio tuner provides access to digital and analog radio stations. It supports both manual and auto-tuning, and users can preset up to 20 FM stations manually or automatically store up to 60 FM stations. A detachable telescopic antenna is included for optimal reception.
The system acts as a Bluetooth receiver, allowing users to stream audio wirelessly from their mobile phones, tablets, or computers. It also features a built-in Bluetooth Transmitter (BTT), enabling the system to stream audio from the record player, CD, or tape wirelessly to an external Bluetooth speaker system within a range of approximately 10 meters.
A 3.5mm AUX-IN jack allows for connection of external audio devices, such as MP3 players or other CD players, for playback through the system's speakers. RCA LINE-OUT sockets are provided for connecting the system to an external Hi-Fi amplifier and speakers.
A 3.5mm headphone jack is available for private listening. When headphones are connected, the sound from the unit's speakers is muted.
An X-Bass button enhances bass sound, providing a richer audio experience.
The Britannia system emphasizes user-friendly operation with clearly labeled buttons and an LCD display that provides essential information. The remote control offers convenient access to most functions, including playback controls, programming, track separation, and volume adjustment.
The unit includes an ErP (Energy-related Products) Stage 2 compliant power-saving feature, which automatically switches the unit off after 15 minutes of inactivity. This feature can be overridden via a switch on the rear panel if continuous operation is preferred.
During recording to CD or USB, users can adjust the recording level to prevent distortion. The track separation feature, available in both auto and manual modes, allows for precise control over how recorded music is divided into individual tracks, especially useful when recording from continuous sources like vinyl or cassettes.
The stylus is a consumable part and will eventually need replacement. A specific replacement stylus (Code ‘SSTY8’) is available from the manufacturer. Instructions are provided for safely removing and refitting the flip-over stylus holder.
A Perspex dust cover is factory-fitted to protect the turntable. Instructions are provided for its removal and re-fitting, should it be necessary.
To prevent tape jamming and entangling, users are advised to check for loose tape layers and take up any slack with a pencil or ballpoint pen before inserting cassettes. It is also recommended to remove cassette tapes from the player after each use.
Guidelines for handling and cleaning compact discs are provided to ensure optimal sound reproduction and longevity. This includes proper removal from cases, wiping with a soft cloth in a straight line, and avoiding detergents or abrasive cleaners.
Instructions are included for re-attaching the turntable drive belt, which may occasionally come off during transportation or rough handling. This involves removing the turntable platter and repositioning the rubber band.
In case of power interruption or issues during CD burning, a manual eject hole is provided to retrieve the CD using a stiff wire.
The system allows for a factory reset, which clears all radio preset stations, useful for troubleshooting or reconfiguring the unit.
The manual stresses the importance of reading all safety and operating instructions, retaining them for future reference, and heeding all warnings. It covers precautions related to water and moisture, ventilation, heat sources, power sources, grounding, power cord protection, cleaning, antenna use, non-use periods, object and liquid entry, and servicing. Battery precautions are also detailed, including proper insertion, disposal, and avoiding mixing old and new batteries.
| FM frequency range | 87.5 – 108 MHz |
|---|---|
| DAB frequency range | 174 – 240 MHz |
| antenna type | External FM Wire Antenna |
| output power per channel | 4W RMS |
|---|---|
| total output power | 20W p.m.p.o. |
| speaker impedance | 4 Ω |
| line-out jack type | RCA (L + R) |
|---|---|
| aux-in jack type | 3.5mm dia. Jack |
| subwoofer jack type | 3.5mm dia. Jack |
| power source | 230V AC Mains |
|---|---|
| frequency | 50Hz |
| remote control batteries | 2 x 'AAA’ /1.5V |