Sony MHC-EC55 - Manual (Page 2)

MHC-GX99/EC77/EC55.GB.2-899-084-11(1)
Creating your own CD program
(Program Play)
Use buttons on the remote to create your own program.
1 Press CD  to select the CD function.
2 Press PLAY MODE  repeatedly until “PGM” appears
while the player is stopped.
3 Press DISC SKIP  to select a disc.
4 Press / (or / on the unit) 
repeatedly until the desired track number appears.
When programing MP3 files, press +/– 
repeatedly to select the desired folder, and then select
the desired file.
Selected track or file number
Total playing time of the
selected track
5 Press ENTER  to add the track or file to the
program.
6 Repeat steps 3 through 5 to program additional
tracks or files, up to a total of 25 tracks or files.
7 To play your program of tracks or files, press  (or
CD  on the unit) .
The program remains available until you open the disc
tray. To play the same program again, select the CD
function, and press  (or CD  on the unit) .
To cancel Program Play
Press PLAY MODE  repeatedly until “PGM”
disappears while the player is stopped.
To delete the last track or file of the program
Press CLEAR  on the remote while the player is
stopped.
To view program information, such as total
track number of the program
Press DISPLAY  repeatedly.
Presetting radio stations
You can preset your favorite radio stations and tune
them in instantly by selecting the corresponding preset
number.
1 Tune in the desired station (See “Listening to the
radio” ).
2 Press TUNER MEMORY  on the remote.
Preset number
3 Press +/– (or TUNING + or – on the unit) 
repeatedly to select your desired preset number.
If another station is already assigned to the selected
preset number, the station is replaced by the new
stations.
4 Press ENTER  on the remote.
5 Repeat steps 1 through 4 to store other stations.
You can preset up to 20 FM and 10 AM stations. The
preset stations are retained for about half a day even
if you disconnect the power cord or if a power failure
occurs.
6 To call up a preset radio station, press TUNING
MODE  repeatedly until “PRESET” appears, and
then press +/– (or TUNING + or – on the unit) 
repeatedly to select the desired preset number.
Other Operations Recording onto a tape (Except for
North American model)
Use a TYPE I (normal) tape only.
You can record just the portions you like from a sound
source, including connected audio components.
Use buttons on the unit to control tape recording.
1 Insert a recordable tape into the cassette holder
with the side you want to record facing up.
2 Prepare the recording source.
Select the desired source to record.
Place the disc you want to record and press DISC
SKIP/EX-CHANGE  to select a disc.
When recording a folder from an MP3 disc, press
PLAY MODE  repeatedly to select “ ,” and then
press +/–  repeatedly to select the desired
folder.
To record only your favorite CD tracks or MP3 files in
your desired order, perform steps 2 to 5 of “Creating
your own CD program.”
3 Start recording.
Press  (record) , and then start playing the
desired recording source.
The CD starts playing automatically after 10 seconds
have passed.
If there is noise while recording from the tuner,
reposition the appropriate antenna to reduce the
noise.
While recording, you cannot listen to other sources.
To stop recording
Press  .
Tip
We recommend that you press   first, and then press   to
avoid noise being recorded when you stop recording.
Using the timers
The system offers two timer functions. If you use both
timers, the Sleep Timer has priority.
Sleep Timer:
You can fall asleep to music. This function works even if
the clock is not set.
Press SLEEP  on the remote repeatedly. If you select
“AUTO,” the system automatically turns off after the
current disc or tape stops or in 100 minutes.
If the tape deck is still playing or recording at the set
time, the system turns off after the tape deck stops.
Play Timer:
You can wake up to CD or tuner at a preset time.
Use buttons on the remote to control the Play Timer.
Make sure you have set the clock.
1 Prepare the sound source.
Prepare the sound source, and then press VOLUME
+/–  to adjust the volume.
To start from a specific CD track or MP3 file, create
your own CD program.
2 Press CLOCK/TIMER SET .
3 Press /  repeatedly to select “PLAY,” and
then press ENTER .
“ON TIME” appears, and the hour indication flashes.
4 Set the time to start playing.
Press 
/  repeatedly to set the hour, and
then press ENTER .
The minute indication flashes. Use the procedure
above to set the minutes.
5 Use the same procedure as in step 4 to set the time
to stop playing.
6 Select the sound source.
Press /  repeatedly until the desired
sound source appears, and then press ENTER . The
display shows the timer settings.
7 Press   to turn off the system.
If the system is on at the preset time, the Play Timer
will not play.
To activate or check the timer again
Press CLOCK/TIMER SELECT , press /
 repeatedly until “PLAY SEL” appears, and then press
ENTER .
To cancel the timer
Repeat the same procedure as above until “OFF” appears,
and then press ENTER .
To change the setting
Start over from step 1.
Tip
The Play Timer setting remains as long as the setting is not canceled
manually.
Troubleshooting
1 Make sure the power cord and speaker cords are
correctly and firmly connected.
2 Find your problem in the checklist below, and take
the indicated corrective action.
If the issue persists, contact your nearest Sony dealer.
If the STANDBY indicator flashes
Immediately unplug the power cord, and check the
following item.
 If your system has a voltage selector, is the voltage
selector set to the correct voltage?
After the STANDBY indicator  on the unit stops
flashing, reconnect the power cord, and turn on the
system. If the issue persists, contact your nearest Sony
dealer.
General
The system does not turn on.
 Is the power cord plugged in?
 Is the voltage selector set correctly to match the
local power line voltage? Saudi Arabian models also
may not turn on when the voltage selector is set to
NO OPERATION.
There is no sound.
 Are the + and – speaker cords short-circuited?
 Are you using only the supplied speakers?
 Is anything blocking the ventilation holes on the back
of the system?
Sound comes from one channel, or the left and
right volumes are unbalanced.
 Place the speakers as symmetrically as possible.
 Connect only the supplied speakers.
Severe hum or noise.
 Move the system away from sources of noise.
 Connect the system to a different wall socket.
 Install a noise filter (available separately) to the power cord.
The remote does not function.
 Remove any obstacles between the remote and the
remote sensor  on the unit, and position the unit
away from fluorescent lights.
 Point the remote at the system’s sensor.
 Move the remote closer to the system.
CD/MP3 player
The sound skips, or the disc will not play.
 Wipe the disc clean, and replace it.
 Move the system to a location away from vibration (for
example, on top of a stable stand).
 Move the speakers away from the system, or place them
on separate stands. At high volume, speaker vibration
may cause the sound to skip.
Play does not start from the first track.
 Return to Normal Play by pressing PLAY MODE 
repeatedly until both “PGM” and “SHUF” disappear.
Starting playback takes more time than usual.
 The following discs take a longer time to start playback.
 a disc recorded with a complicated tree structure.
 a disc recorded in multisession mode.
 a disc that has not been finalized (a disc to which data
can be added).
 a disc that has many folders.
The disc tray does not open and “LOCKED”
appears.
 Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony
service facility.
Tuner
Severe hum or noise, or stations cannot be
received. (“TUNED” or “STEREO” flashes on the
display.)
 Connect the antenna properly.
 Find a location and an orientation that provide good
reception, and then set up the antenna again.
 Keep the antennas away from the speaker cords and the
power cord to avoid picking up noise.
 Turn off nearby electrical equipment.
Tape deck (Except for North American
model)
The sound exhibits excessive wow or flutter or
dropout.
 Clean the capstans and pinch rollers. Also, clean and
demagnetize the tape heads. See “Precautions” for details.
To change the AM tuning interval
The AM tuning interval is factory-preset to 9 kHz or
10 kHz (for some areas: this function is not available on
the European, Russian and Saudi Arabian models).
Use buttons on the unit to change the AM tuning
interval.
1 Tune in any AM station, and then turn off the
system.
2 Press DISPLAY  to display the clock.
3 While holding down TUNING + , press  (on/
standby) .
All the AM preset stations are erased. To reset the
interval to the factory preset, repeat the procedure.
To improve tuner reception
Turn off CD player power by using the CD power
management function. By default, CD power is turned on.
 Discs that have labels printed using ink that feels tacky
when touched
Notes on discs
 Before playing, wipe the disc with a cleaning cloth from
the center out to the edge.
 Do not clean discs with solvents, such as benzine
thinner, or commercially available cleaners or anti-
static spray intended for vinyl LPs.
 Do not expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources
such as hot air ducts, nor leave it in a car parked in
direct sunlight.
On safety
 The unit is not disconnected from the AC power source
(mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet,
even if the unit itself has been turned off.
 Completely disconnect the power cord (mains lead)
from the wall socket (mains) if it is not going to be used
for an extended period of time. When unplugging the
unit, always grip the plug. Never pull the cord itself.
 Should any solid object or liquid get into the system,
unplug the system, and have it checked by qualified
personnel before operating it again.
 The AC power cord can be changed only by a qualified
service facility.
On placement
 Do not place the system in an inclined position or in
locations that are extremely hot, cold, dusty, dirty, or
humid or lacking adequate ventilation, or subject to
vibration, direct sunlight or a bright light.
 Be careful when placing the unit or speakers on
surfaces that have been specially treated (for example,
with wax, oil, polish) as staining or discoloration of the
surface may result.
 If the system is brought directly from a cold to a warm
location or is placed in a very damp room, moisture
may condense on the lens inside the CD player, and
cause the system to malfunction. In this situation,
remove the disc, and leave the system turned on for
about an hour until the moisture evaporates.
On heat buildup
 Heat buildup on the unit during operation is normal
and is not cause for alarm.
 Do not touch the cabinet if it has been used
continuously at a high volume because the cabinet may
have become hot.
 Do not obstruct the ventilation holes.
On the speaker system
This speaker system is not magnetically shielded, and
the picture on nearby TV sets may become magnetically
distorted. In this situation, turn off the TV, wait 15 to 30
minutes, and turn it back on.
If there is no improvement, move the speakers far away
from the TV.
Cleaning the cabinet
Clean this system with a soft cloth slightly moistened
with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type
of abrasive pad, scouring powder, or solvent, such as
thinner, benzine, or alcohol.
To prevent a tape from being accidentally
recorded over
Break off the cassette’s overwrite protection tab from side
A or B as illustrated.
Break off the cassette
tab
To later reuse the tape for recording, cover the broken tab
with adhesive tape.
About a tape longer than 90 minutes
The use of the tape with more than 90 minutes of play
time is not recommended except for long, continuous
recording or playback.
Cleaning the tape heads
Use dry- or wet-type cleaning cassette (available
separately) after every 10 hours of use, before you start an
important recording, or after playing an old tape. Failure
to clean the tape heads can cause degraded sound quality
or an inability of the unit to record or play tapes. For
details, refer to the instructions of the cleaning cassette.
Demagnetizing the tape heads
Use a demagnetizing cassette (available separately) after
every 20 to 30 hours of use. Failure to demagnetize
the tape heads can cause an increase in noise, a loss of
high frequency sound, and an inability to completely
erase tapes. For details, refer to the instructions of the
demagnetizing cassette.
Specifications
Main unit
AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS
POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION:
(MHC-GX99, MHC-EC77 The United States model only)
Low channel
With 8 ohm loads, both channels driven, from 120 – 10,000 Hz; 60 watts
per channel minimum RMS power, with no more than 0.7% total harmonic
distortion from 250 milliwatts to rated output.
High channel
With 8 ohm loads, both channels driven, from 2,000 – 13,000 Hz; 60 watts
per channel minimum RMS power, with no more than 0.7% total harmonic
distortion from 250 milliwatts to rated output.
AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS
POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION:
(MHC-EC55 The United States model only)
With 6 ohm loads, both channels driven, from 120 – 10,000 Hz; 45 watts
per channel minimum RMS power, with no more than 0.7% total harmonic
distortion from 250 milliwatts to rated output.
Amplifier section
MHC-GX99
Front speaker:
RMS output power (reference):
Low channel
95 W + 95 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
High channel
95 W + 95 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 8 kHz, 10% THD)
Subwoofer: RMS output power (reference):
150 W (at 6 Ω, 80 Hz, 10% THD)
MHC-EC77
North American model:
RMS output power (reference):
Low channel
95 W + 95 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
High channel
95 W + 95 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 8 kHz, 10% THD)
European and Russian models:
Power output (rated):
Low channel
45 W + 45 W (at 8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
High channel
45 W + 45 W (at 8 Ω, 8 kHz, 1% THD)
RMS output power (reference):
Low channel 65 W + 65 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
High channel
65 W + 65 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 8 kHz, 10% THD)
Other models:
The following are measured at AC 120, 127, 220, 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power output (rated):
Low channel
50 W + 50 W (at 8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
High channel
50 W + 50 W (at 8 Ω, 8 kHz, 1% THD)
RMS output power (reference):
Low channel
70 W + 70 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
High channel
70 W + 70 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 8 kHz, 10% THD)
MHC-EC55
North American model:
RMS output power (reference):
65 W+ 65 W (per channel at 6 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
European and Russian models:
Power output (rated): 45 W + 45 W (at 6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
RMS output power (reference):
65 W + 65 W (per channel at 6 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Other models:
The following are measured at AC 120, 127, 220, 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power output (rated): 45 W + 45 W (at 6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
RMS output power (reference):
65 W + 65 W (per channel at 6 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Inputs
AUDIO IN (stereo mini jack): Sensitivity 800 mV, impedance 47 kilohms
Outputs
PHONES (stereo mini jack): Accepts headphones with an impedance of 8 Ω
or more
SPEAKER: Accepts impedance of 6 to 8 Ω
SUBWOOFER OUT (MHC-GX99 only)
CD player section
System: Compact disc and digital audio system
Laser: Semiconductor laser (
 =770 – 810 nm)
Emission duration: continuous
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 90 dB
Dynamic range: More than 88 dB
Tape deck section (Except for North American model)
Recording system: 4-track 2-channel, stereo
Tuner section
FM stereo, FM/AM superheterodyne tuner
Antenna:
FM lead antenna
AM loop antenna
FM tuner section:
Tuning range
North American model: 87.5 – 108.0 MHz (100 kHz step)
Other models: 87.5 – 108.0 MHz (50 kHz step)
Intermediate frequency: 10.7 MHz
AM tuner section:
Tuning range
Pan-American and Australian models:
530 – 1,710 kHz (with 10 kHz tuning interval)
531 – 1,710 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)
European, Russian and Saudi Arabian models:
531 – 1,602 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)
Other models:
530 – 1,610 kHz (with 10 kHz tuning interval)
531 – 1,602 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)
Intermediate frequency: 450 kHz
Speaker
SS-EC77 for MHC-GX99/EC77
Speaker system: 3-way, 3-unit, bass-reflex type
Speaker units
Woofer: 13 cm × 2, cone type Tweeter: 4 cm, horn type
Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 220 Ч 360 Ч 220 mm
Mass: Approx. 3.6 kg net per speaker
Subwoofer SA-WG99 for MHC-GX99 only
Speaker system: bass-reflex type
Speaker units
Woofer: 20 cm, cone type
Nominal impedance: 6 Ω
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 280 Ч 306 Ч 405 mm
Mass: Approx. 8.7 kg
SS-EC55S/SS-EC55 for MHC-EC55
Speaker system: 2-way, 2-unit, bass-reflex type
Speaker units
Woofer: 16 cm, cone type
Tweeter: 4 cm, horn type
Nominal impedance: 6 Ω
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 215 Ч 306 Ч 215 mm
Mass: Approx. 2.8 kg net per speaker
General
Power requirements:
North American model: AC 120 V, 60 Hz
European and Russian models: AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz
Australian model: AC 230 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Mexican model: AC 127 V, 60 Hz
Argentine model: AC 220 V, 50/60 Hz
Korean model: AC 220 V, 60 Hz
Saudi Arabian model: AC 120 – 127, 220 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz, adjustable with
voltage selector
Other models: AC 120, 220 or 230 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz, adjustable with voltage
selector
Power consumption:
MHC-GX99
USA model: 190 W
Canadian model: 245 VA
SA-WG99 (Subwoofer)
USA model: 115 W
Canadian model: 155 VA
MHC-EC77
USA model: 190 W
Canadian model: 245 VA
European and Russian models: 140 W
0.5 W (in Power Saving Mode)
Other models: 150 W
MHC-EC55
USA model: 95 W
Canadian model: 130 VA
European and Russian models: 95 W
0.5 W (in Power Saving Mode)
Other models: 95 W
Dimensions (w/h/d) (excl. speakers):
Approx. 200 Ч 306 Ч 410 mm
Mass (excl. speakers):
MHC-GX99
North American model: Approx. 6.1 kg
MHC-EC77
North American and European models: Approx. 6.1 kg
Other models: Approx. 6.4 kg
MHC-EC55
North American model: Approx. 5.0 kg
Other models: Approx. 5.3 kg
Supplied accessories: Remote Commander (1)/R6 (Size AA) batteries (2)/FM
lead/AM loop antenna (1)/Speaker pads MHC-GX99 (8) and for SA-WG99
(Subwoofer) (4), MHC-EC77/EC55 (8)/Subwoofer cable (MHC-GX99 only)
(1)
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
 Standby power consumption: 0.5 W
 Halogenated flame retardants are not used in the
certain printed wiring boards.
 Halogenated flame retardants are not used in cabinets.
(Except for the United States model)
1 Press CD on the remote (or FUNCTION repeatedly)
 to select the CD function.
2 Press   to turn off the system.
3 After “STANDBY” stops flashing, press DISPLAY 
to display the clock and then press   while
holding down   on the unit.
“CD POWER OFF” appears. With CD player power
turned off, disc access time is increased. To turn on
CD player power, repeat the procedure until “CD
POWER ON” appears.
To reset the system to factory settings
If the system still does not operate properly, reset the
system to factory settings.
Use buttons on the unit to reset the unit to its factory
default settings.
1 Disconnect and reconnect the power cord, and then
turn on the system.
2 Press PLAY MODE , FUNCTION , and   at
the same time.
All user-configured settings, such as preset radio
stations, timer, and the clock, are deleted.
Messages
CANNOT LOCK : The system cannot be locked after
you have done the procedure of “When carrying this
system.”
COMPLETE : The preset operation ended normally.
FULL : You tried to program more than 25 tracks or files
(steps).
LOCKED : The disc tray does not open. Contact your
nearest Sony dealer.
NO DISC : There is no disc in the player, or you have
loaded a disc that cannot be played.
NO STEP : All of the programed tracks have been erased.
NOT USED : You pressed an invalid button.
OVER : You have reached the end of the disc while
pressing   during playback or pause.
PUSH SELECT : You tried to set the clock or timer during
timer operation.
PUSH STOP : You pressed PLAY MODE  during
playback.
READING : The system is reading information from the
disc. Some buttons are not available.
SET CLOCK : You tried to select the timer when the clock
is not set.
SET TIMER : You tried to select the timer when the Play
Timer is not set.
TIME NG : The Play Timer start and end times are set to
the same time.
Display examples
Display indicates
2 (two)
5 (five)
6 (six)
8 (eight)
0 (zero)
A
B
D
G
H
K
M
O
Q
R
S
Z
,
@
Precautions
Discs that this system CAN play
 Audio CD
 CD-R/CD-RW (audio data/MP3 files)
Discs that this system CANNOT play
 CD-ROM
 CD-R/CD-RW other than those recorded in music CD
format or MP3 format conforming to ISO9660 Level
1/Level 2, Joliet
 CD-R/CD-RW recorded in multisession that have not
ended by “closing the session”
 CD-R/CD-RW of poor recording quality, CD-R/
CD-RW that have scratches or are dirty, or CD-R/CD-
RW recorded with an incompatible recording device
 CD-R/CD-RW which is finalized incorrectly
 Discs containing files other than MPEG 1 Audio Layer-
3 (MP3) files
 Discs of non-standard shape (for example, heart,
square, star)
 Discs that have adhesive tape, paper, or sticker attached
to them
 Rental or used discs with attached seals where the glue
extends beyond the seal