Sony MHC-BX3 User manual

3-868-163-13(2)
Mini Hi-Fi
Component
System
Operating Instructions
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the rear panel. Record the serial
number in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your
Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No.
_______________ Serial No. _______________
MHC-BX3/DX3
©2000 Sony Corporation
1
INFORMATION
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
Do not install the appliance in a confined space,
such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.
This appliance is classified
as a CLASS 1 LASER
product. The CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
MARKING is located on
the rear exterior.
NOTICE FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN THE
U.S.A.
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.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications
not expressly approved in this manual could void
your authority to operate this equipment.
This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION
The use of optical instruments with this product will
increase eye hazard.
2
NOTICE FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN
CANADA
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE
THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN
EXTENSION CORD,
RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE
BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT
BLADE EXPOSURE.
FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN NORTH
AMERICA
ENERGY STAR® is a U.S. registered
mark.
As an ENERGY STAR® partner,
Sony Corporation has determined
that this product meets the
ENERGY STAR® guidelines for
energy efficiency.
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Step 1: Hooking up the system ............ 4
Step 2: Setting the time ......................... 6
Step 3: Presetting radio stations .......... 7
Saving the power in standby mode ..... 9
Basic Operations
Playing a CD ......................................... 10
Recording a CD .................................... 12
Listening to the radio ........................... 13
Recording from the radio .................... 14
Playing a tape ........................................ 15
Recording from a tape ......................... 17
The CD Player
Using the CD display ........................... 18
Playing the CD tracks repeatedly ...... 19
Playing the CD tracks in random order
.......................................................... 20
Programming the CD tracks ............... 21
The Tape Deck
Recording on a tape manually ........... 23
Recording a CD by specifying track
order ................................................ 24
DJ Effects
Sound Adjustment
Adjusting the sound ............................ 27
Selecting the audio emphasis ............. 27
Changing the spectrum analyzer
display ............................................. 28
Selecting surround effect ..................... 29
Adjusting the graphic equalizer ......... 29
Other Features
Using the Radio Data System (RDS)* 31
Singing along: Karaoke ...................... 33
Falling asleep to music ........................ 35
Waking up to music ............................. 36
Timer-recording radio programs ....... 37
Optional components
Connecting audio components .......... 38
Connecting a VCR ................................ 39
Connecting external antennas ............ 40
Additional Information
Precautions ............................................ 41
Troubleshooting ................................... 42
Specifications ........................................ 45
Index ........................................ Back cover
* European model only.
Looping part of a CD ........................... 26
Flashing part of a CD ........................... 26
3
Getting Started
Step 1: Hooking up the system
Follow steps 1 through 4 of the following procedure to hook up your system using the
supplied cords and accessories.
AM loop antenna
FM antenna
2
3
1
4
Front speaker (Right)
Front speaker (Left)
Notes
1 Connect the speakers.
Connect the speaker cords of the front
speakers to the SPEAKER jacks as below.
Insert only the stripped portion.
R
+
L
+
–
Red/Solid
(3)
Black/Stripe
(#)
4
• Keep the speaker cords away from the
antennas to prevent noise.
• The type of speakers supplied vary
according to the model you purchased
(see “Specifications” on page 45).
2 Connect the FM/AM antennas.
3 For models with a voltage selector,
set VOLTAGE SELECTOR to the
local power line voltage.
Set the AM loop antenna up, before
connecting it.
Jack type A
AM loop antenna
VOLTAGE
Extend the FM lead
antenna horizontally.
SELECTOR
230 - 240V
FM
75
120V
220V
AM
4 Connect the power cord to a wall
outlet.
The demonstration appears in the
display. When you press ?/1, the system
turns on and the demonstration
automatically ends.
If the supplied adapter on the plug does
not fit your wall outlet, detach it from
the plug (only for models equipped with
an adapter).
Jack type B
Extend the FM lead
antenna horizontally.
AM loop antenna
FM
CO 75
AX
IAL
To connect optional components
AM
See page 38.
To deactivate the demonstration
When you set the time (“Step 2: Setting the
time” on page 6), the demonstration is
deactivated.
To activate/deactivate the demonstration
again, press DISPLAY once (MHC-DX3) or
twice (MHC-BX3) while the system is off.
continued
5
Step 1: Hooking up the system
(continued)
To attach the front speaker pads
Attach the supplied front speaker pads to the
bottom of the speakers to stabilize the
speakers and prevent them from slipping.
Step 2: Setting the
time
You must set the time before using the timer
functions.
The clock uses a 24-hour system on the
European model, and a 12-hour system on
other models.
The 24-hour system is used for illustration
purposes.
1
Inserting two size AA (R6)
batteries into the remote
2,4
hH
S
l
L
j
J
H
S
s
3,5
s
e
E
e
E
Tip
With normal use, the batteries should last for about
six months. When the remote no longer operates
the system, replace both batteries with new ones.
Note
If you do not use the remote for a long period of
time, remove the batteries to prevent possible
damage from battery leakage.
When carrying this system
Make sure that all discs are removed from the
unit. To protect the CD mechanism, hold
down CD and press ?/1 while the power is
on. “LOCK” appears in the display and the
power is turned off.
6
1
Press CLOCK/TIMER SET.
The hour indication flashes.
2
Press . or > repeatedly to set
the hour.
3
Press ENTER.
The minute indication flashes.
Step 3: Presetting
radio stations
You can preset a total of 30 preset stations (20
for FM and 10 for AM).
?/1
(Power)
4
Press . or > repeatedly to set
the minute.
5
Press ENTER.
2
3
The clock starts working.
Tip
If you make a mistake, start over from step 1.
To change the time
The previous explanation shows how to set
the time while the power is off. To change the
time while the power is on, do the following:
1 Press CLOCK/TIMER SET.
2 Press . or > repeatedly to select SET
CLOCK.
3 Press ENTER.
4 Perform steps 2 through 5 above.
41
Shuttle
Note
The clock settings are canceled when you disconnect
the power cord or if a power failure occurs.
continued
7
Step 3: Presetting radio stations
(continued)
4
Press ENTER.
The station is stored.
1
Press TUNER/BAND repeatedly to
select FM or AM.
2
Press and hold + or – (or TUNING
+/– on the remote) until the
frequency indication starts to
change, then release.
Scanning stops automatically when a
station is tuned in. “TUNED” and
“STEREO” (for a stereo program)
appear.
MHz
STEREO
TUNED
5
Repeat steps 1 through 4 to store
other stations.
To tune in a station with a weak
signal
Press + or – (or TUNING +/– on the remote)
repeatedly in step 2 to tune in the station
manually.
To set another station to an
existing preset number
Start over from step 1. After step 3, turn the
shuttle until it clicks to select the preset
number where you want to store the other
station.
You can preset a new station in the selected
preset number.
3
Press TUNER MEMORY.
A preset number appears in the display.
The stations are stored from preset
number 1.
Preset number
TUNED
8
STEREO
To erase a preset station
1 Press and hold TUNER MEMORY until a
preset number appears in the display.
Saving the power in
standby mode
(MHC-BX3 only)
You can lower the power consumption to a
minimum (Power Saving Mode) and save
energy in the standby mode.
?/1
(Power)
DISPLAY
2 Turn the shuttle until it clicks to select the
preset number you want to erase.
Select “ALL ERASE” when you want to
erase all the preset stations.
3 Press ENTER.
“COMPLETE” appears.
When you erase a preset number, the preset
number decreases by one and all preset
numbers following the erased one are
renumbered.
To change the AM tuning interval
(Except for the European and Middle
Eastern models)
The AM tuning interval is factory-preset to 9 kHz
(10 kHz in some areas). To switch the AM tuning
interval, tune in any AM station first, then turn off
the power. While holding down ENTER, turn the
power back on. When you change the interval, AM
preset stations are erased. To switch back to the
original interval, repeat the same procedure.
Tip
The preset stations are retained for half a day even if
you unplug the power cord or a power failure
occurs.
, Press DISPLAY repeatedly when the
power is off. Every time you press
the button, the system switches as
follows:
t Demonstration t Clock
Power Saving Mode T
The system is turned on/off by pressing
?/1.
Tips
• ?/1 indicator and timer indicator (when the timer
is set) light even in the Power Saving Mode.
• The timer functions in the Power Saving Mode.
Note
You cannot set the time in the Power Saving Mode.
To cancel the Power Saving Mode
Press DISPLAY once to show the
demonstration, twice to show the clock
display.
9
Basic Operations
1
Playing a CD
— Normal Play
Press Z OPEN/CLOSE and place a
CD on the disc tray.
If a disc is not placed properly, it will not
be recognized.
You can play up to three CDs in a row.
DISC SKIP
EX-CHANGE hH
?/1
(Power)
x
1
PLAY
MODE
X
Place with the
label side up.
When you play a
CD single (8 cm
CD), place it on
the inner circle
of the tray.
To insert a second and third disc, press
DISC SKIP EX-CHANGE to rotate the
disc tray.
2
Press one of the DISC 1~3 buttons.
The disc tray closes and playback starts.
If you press hH when CD is selected
as the function and the disc tray is
closed, playback starts from the CD
loaded on the tray whose disc pointer
indicator is lit.
.>
2
Disc pointer
indicator
Track number
Disc presence
indicator
Disc tray number
VOLUME
Shuttle
hH
hH
S
l
L
j
J
H
S
s
S
s
lL
jJ
s
CD
VOL +/–
10
Playing time
To
Do this
Tips
Stop playback
Press x.
Pause
Press X. Press again to resume
playback.
Select a track
During play or pause, press
> (to go forward) or .
(to go back).
Find a point in
a track
Turn the shuttle clockwise
(to go forward) or
counterclockwise (to go
back) until it clicks and hold
(or press and hold down J
or j on the remote).
Release it when you find
the desired point .
• You can switch from another source to the CD
player and start playing a CD just by pressing one
of the DISC 1~3 buttons (Automatic Source
Selection).
• If there is no CD in the player, “CD NO DISC”
appears in the display.
• When a disc tray holding a CD is selected (or the
CD in the disc tray is playing) the disc pointer
indicator lights. When a disc tray holding a CD is
not selected, the disc presence indicator lights, but
the disc pointer indicator does not light. When all
disc trays are empty, both the disc presence
indicator and disc pointer indicator light.
Select a CD
in stop mode
Press a DISC 1~3 button or
DISC SKIP EX-CHANGE (or
D. SKIP on the remote).
Play only the
CD you have
selected
Press PLAY MODE
repeatedly until “CONTINUE
1 DISC” or “SHUFFLE 1
DISC” appears.
Play all CDs
Press PLAY MODE repeatedly
until “CONTINUE ALL
DISCS” or “SHUFFLE ALL
DISCS” appears.
Exchange other
CDs while
playing
Press DISC SKIP
EX-CHANGE.
Adjust the
volume
Turn VOLUME (or press VOL
+/– on the remote).
When a tray has not been read by the unit, the disc
presence indicator may light even though there is no
disc on the tray.
Basic Operations
Remove the CD Press Z OPEN/CLOSE.
Note
11
3
Recording a CD
— CD Synchro Recording
Then press Z OPEN/CLOSE again to
close the disc tray.
When the CD you want to record is not
selected, press DISC SKIP EX-CHANGE
repeatedly to select the CD you want.
The CD SYNC HI-DUB button lets you record
from a CD to a tape easily. You can use TYPE
I (normal) tape.
DISC SKIP
EX-CHANGE
?/1
(Power)
hH
3
5
Press Z OPEN/CLOSE and place a
CD.
Place with the label
side up. When you
play a CD single (8
cm CD), place it on
the inner circle of
the tray.
4
Press CD SYNC HI-DUB.
Deck B stands by for recording and the
CD player stands by for playback. The
indicator on REC PAUSE/START
flashes.
5
Press DIRECTION repeatedly to
select g to record on one side.
Select j (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.
6
Press REC PAUSE/START.
Recording starts.
p
2 6 4 1
To stop recording
Press x.
1
Press A and insert a recordable tape
into deck B.
With the side
you want to
record facing
forward
2
Press CD.
Tips
• If you want to record from the reverse side, press
TAPE A/B repeatedly to select deck B after step 1.
Press hH to start playback of the reverse side,
then press x where you want to start recording.
The reverse indicator of deck B lights (see page
16).
• When you record on both sides, be sure to start
from the front side. If you start from the reverse
side, recording stops at the end of the reverse side.
Note
You cannot listen to other sources while recording.
12
Listening to the radio
1
Press TUNER/BAND repeatedly to
select FM or AM.
2
Turn the shuttle until it clicks (or
press PRESET +/– on the remote) to
tune in the desired preset station.
–– Preset Tuning
Preset radio stations in the tuner's memory
first (see “Step 3: Presetting radio stations” on
page 7).
?/1
(Power)
Turn counterclockwise
STEREO/ (or press PRESET –
MONO on the remote) for
lower preset
numbers.
+/–
M
m
Preset number*
M
m
Turn clockwise
(or press PRESET +
on the remote)
for higher
preset numbers.
Frequency
MHz
TUNED
STEREO
continued
1
hH
S
l
L
j
J
H
S
VOLUME
2
Basic Operations
* When only one station is preset, “ONE
PRESET” appears in the display.
s
TUNING +/–
PRESET +/–
s
TUNER/BAND
VOL +/–
13
Listening to the radio (continued)
To
Do this
Turn off the radio
Press ?/1.
Adjust the volume
Turn VOLUME (or press
VOL +/– on the remote).
To listen to non-preset radio
stations
Use manual or automatic tuning in step 2.
For manual tuning, press + or – (or TUNING
+/– on the remote) repeatedly. For automatic
tuning, press and hold + or – (or TUNING +/
– on the remote).
Recording from the
radio
You can record the radio program on a tape
by calling up a preset station. You can use
TYPE I (normal) tape.
?/1
(Power)
3
5
2 4,6
1
Tips
• You can switch from another source to the radio
just by pressing TUNER/BAND (Automatic
Source Selection).
• When an FM program is noisy, press
STEREO/MONO so that “MONO” appears in the
display. There will be no stereo effect, but the
reception will improve. Press the button again to
restore the stereo effect.
• To improve broadcast reception, adjust the
supplied antennas.
p
1
Press A and insert a recordable tape
into deck B.
With the side
you want to
record facing
forward
2
14
Press TUNER/BAND to select the
band you want.
3
Turn the shuttle until it clicks to
tune in a preset station.
Turn counterclockwise for
lower preset
numbers.
M
m
Preset number
M
m
Turn clockwise
for higher
preset numbers.
Frequency
4
You can use TYPE I (normal) tape. You can
also use ./> to quickly search for songs
you want to hear (AMS* function). To select
either deck A or B, press TAPE A/B
repeatedly.
* AMS (Automatic Music Sensor)
MHz
TUNED
Playing a tape
STEREO
4
?/1
(Power)
3
X
x
Shuttle
Press REC PAUSE/START.
Deck B stands by for recording.
Press DIRECTION repeatedly to
select G to record on one side.
Select j (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.
6
Press REC PAUSE/START.
Basic Operations
5
Recording starts.
To stop recording
Press x.
1
2
Tips
• If you want to record from the reverse side, press
TAPE A/B repeatedly to select deck B after step 1.
Press hH to start playback of the reverse side,
then press x where you want to start recording.
The reverse indicator of deck B lights (see page
16).
• When you record on both sides, be sure to start
from the front side. If you start from the reverse
side, recording stops at the end of the reverse side.
• To record non-preset stations, use + and – in step 3
to tune in the desired station manually.
• If noise is heard while recording from the radio,
move the respective antenna to reduce the noise.
VOLUME
2
.>
hH
hH
S
l
L
j
J
H
S
s
s
lL
jJ
s
TAPE A/B
VOL +/–
continued
15
Playing a tape (continued)
1
Press TAPE A/B.
To select deck A or B, press TAPE A/B
repeatedly.
2
4
Do this
Stop playback
Press x.
Pause
Press X. Press again to
resume playback.
Fast-forward
Turn the shuttle clockwise until
it clicks while playing the front
side or counterclockwise until
it clicks while playing the
reverse side (or press J or
j on the remote).
Rewind
Turn the shuttle
counterclockwise until it
clicks while playing the front
side or clockwise until it
clicks while playing the
reverse side (or press j or
J on the remote).
Press A and insert a recorded tape
in deck A or B.
With the side
you want to
play facing
forward
3
To
Press DIRECTION repeatedly to
select g to play one side. Select
j to play both sides.
Remove the cassette Press A.
Adjust the volume
Turn VOLUME (or press
VOL +/– on the remote).
To play both decks in succession, select
RELAY (Relay Play)*.
Searching for the beginning of a
track (AMS*)
Press hH.
During playback, press . or >
repeatedly for the number of songs you want
to skip forward (or backward).
Press hH again to play the reverse
side. The tape starts playing.
Forward
indicator
The search direction, + (forward) or – (back),
and number of songs being skipped (1~9)
appear in the display.
Example: searching forward 2 songs
* AMS (Automatic Music Sensor)
Tip
When no tapes are inserted, all the indicators light.
When a tape (tapes) is (are) inserted, corresponding
presence and forward/reverse indicators light.
Notes
Reverse
indicator
Tape
presence
indicator
* Relay Play always follows the following sequence:
t Deck A (front side) t Deck A (reverse side)
Deck B (reverse side) T Deck B (front side) T
16
• The deck stops automatically after repeating the
sequence five times.
• The AMS function may not operate correctly
under the following circumstances:
– When the unrecorded space between songs is
less than 4 seconds long.
– If completely different information is recorded
on the left and right channels.
– When there are continuous sections of extremely
low level or low frequency sound (like those of a
baritone sax).
– When the unit is placed near a television. (In this case,
we recommend moving the unit farther away from the
television or turning off the television.)
Recording from a
tape
4
Press DIRECTION repeatedly to
select g to record on one side.
Select j (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.
5
Press REC PAUSE/START.
— High-speed Dubbing
You can use TYPE I (normal) tape.
Dubbing starts.
?/1
(Power)
4
p
To stop dubbing
Press x.
Tips
• When you dub on both sides, start recording from
the front side. If you record from the reverse side,
recording stops at the end of the reverse side.
• If you set DIRECTION to j when the tapes you
use have different lengths, the tape in each deck
reverses independently. If you select RELAY, the
tapes in both decks reverse together.
1 5
3 2
1
Press TAPE A/B.
2
Press A and insert a recorded tape
in deck A and a recordable tape in
deck B.
Basic Operations
2
With the side
you want to
play/record
facing forward
3
Press CD SYNC HI-DUB.
Deck B stands by for recording.
17
The CD Player
Using the CD display
You can check the remaining time of the
current track or the entire CD.
When a CD TEXT disc is loaded, you can
check the information stored on the disc, such
as the disc titles or artist names. When the
unit detects CD TEXT discs, the “CD-TEXT”
indication appears in the display.
?/1
(Power)
, Press DISPLAY.
Each time you press the button during
normal playback or in the stop mode, the
display changes as follows:
During normal playback
t Playing time of the current track
x
Remaining time of the current track
x
Remaining time of current CD (1 DISC
mode) or “--.--” display (ALL DISCS
mode)
x
Title name of the current track*
x
Clock display (for eight seconds)
x
Effect status
In the stop mode
DISPLAY
During Program Play mode when there is a
program
t The last track number of the program
and the total playing time
x
Total number of programmed tracks (for
eight seconds)
x
Title name and the artist name of the
CD*
x
Clock display (for eight seconds)
x
Effect status
In other conditions
t Total number of tracks and total playing
time
x
Title name and the artist name of the
CD*
x
Clock display (for eight seconds)
x
Effect status
* With CD TEXT discs only (certain characters
cannot be displayed). Depending on the disc,
some CD TEXT information may not appear.
18
Playing the CD tracks
repeatedly
–– Repeat Play
This function lets you repeat a single CD or
all CDs in Normal Play, Shuffle Play, and
Program Play.
To cancel Repeat Play
Press REPEAT repeatedly until “REPEAT” or
“REPEAT 1” disappears from the display.
Notes
• If you press PLAY MODE until ”SHUFFLE ALL
DISCS” appears, “REPEAT” is canceled
automatically.
• During Program Play, the program is also
repeated up to five times.
?/1
(Power)
REPEAT
, Press REPEAT during playback
until “REPEAT” appears in the
display.
Repeat Play starts. Do the following
procedure to change the repeat mode.
To repeat
Press
All the tracks on
the current CD
up to five times
PLAY MODE repeatedly
until “CONTINUE 1 DISC”
or “SHUFFLE 1 DISC”
appears in the display.
All the tracks on
all CDs up to five
times
PLAY MODE repeatedly
until “CONTINUE ALL
DISCS” appears in the
display.
Only one track
REPEAT repeatedly until
“REPEAT 1” appears in the
display while playing the
track you want to repeat.
19
Playing the CD tracks
in random order
–– Shuffle Play
To cancel Shuffle Play
Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until
“SHUFFLE” or “PGM” disappears from the
display. The tracks continue playing in their
original order.
To select a desired CD
You can play all the tracks on one CD or all
CDs in random order.
Press DISC 1~3.
?/1
(Power)
Tips
3
DISC 1~3
2
>
1
Shuttle
1
Press CD, then place a CD.
2
Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until
“SHUFFLE 1 DISC” or “SHUFFLE
ALL DISCS” appears in the display.
“SHUFFLE ALL DISCS” shuffles all the
CDs in the player. “SHUFFLE 1 DISC”
shuffles tracks on the CD whose disc
pointer indicator is lit.
3
Press hH.
All the tracks play in random order.
20
• You can start Shuffle Play during Normal Play by
pressing PLAY MODE repeatedly to select
“SHUFFLE”.
• To skip a track, press >.
Programming the CD
tracks
1
Press CD, then place a CD.
2
Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until
“PGM” appears in the display.
3
Press one of the DISC 1~3 buttons to
select a CD.
–– Program Play
You can make a program of up to 32 tracks
from all the CDs in the order you want them
to be played.
?/1
(Power)
4p7 4
To program all the tracks on a CD at
once, proceed to step 5 while “AL”
appears in the display.
2
4
Press . or > until the desired
track appears in the display.
Disc number
Total playing time
(including selected track)
PGM
Track number
5
The track is programmed. The program
step number appears, followed by the
total playing time.
3 1 5
6
To program additional tracks,
repeat steps 3 to 5.
Skip step 3 to select tracks from the
same disc.
7
Press hH.
hH
hH
S
l
L
j
J
H
S
s
s
lL
s
Press ENTER.
CD
CHECK
All the tracks play in the order you
selected.
continued
CLEAR
21
Programming the CD tracks
(continued)
To cancel Program Play
Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until “PGM”
or “SHUFFLE” disappears from the display.
To
Press
Check the
program
CHECK on the remote
repeatedly. After the last
track, “CHECK END”
appears.
Clear a track from
the end
CLEAR on the remote in
stop mode.
Clear a specific
track
CHECK on the remote
repeatedly until the
number of the track to be
erased appears, then press
CLEAR.
Add a track to the
program in stop
mode
1 Select the disc tray with a
DISC 1~3 button.
2 Select the track by
pressing ./>.
3 Press ENTER.
Clear the entire
program
x once in stop mode or
twice during playback.
Tips
• The program you made remains in the system’s
memory even after it has been played back. Press
CD, then press hH to play the same program
again.
• If “--.--” appears instead of the total playing time
during programming, this means:
– you have programmed a track number
which exceeds 20.
– the total playing time has exceeded 100 minutes.
22
The Tape Deck
Recording on a tape
manually
4
Press DIRECTION repeatedly to
select g to record on one side.
Select j (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.
You can record from CD, tape, or radio as
you like. For example, you can record just the
songs you want or record from the middle of
the tape.
5
Press REC PAUSE/START.
?/1
(Power)
x
6
4
Recording starts.
6
Press hH to start playing the
source to be recorded.
To
Press
Stop recording
x.
Pause recording
REC PAUSE/START.
Tips
• If you want to record from the reverse side, press
TAPE A/B repeatedly to select deck B after step 1.
Press hH to start playback of the reverse side,
then press x where you want to start recording.
The reverse indicator of deck B lights (see page
16).
• When recording from a CD, you can use . or
> to select tracks during rec pause mode (after
pressing REC PAUSE/START in step 3 and before
pressing again in step 5).
2 3,5
1
1
Insert a recordable tape into deck B.
2
Press the function button of the
source you want to record (e.g.,
CD).
When you want to record from TAPE A,
press TAPE A/B repeatedly until TAPE
A is selected.
3
Press REC PAUSE/START.
Deck B stands by for recording. The
indicator on REC PAUSE/START
flashes.
23
Recording a CD by
specifying track order
— Program Edit
You can record tracks from all the CDs in the
order you want. When programming, make
sure the playing times for each side do not
exceed the length of one side of the tape.
1
Place a CD and insert a recordable
tape into deck B.
2
Press CD.
3
Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until
“PGM” appears in the display.
4
Press one of the DISC 1~3 buttons to
select a CD.
8 1
5
5 3,11
x 4
?/1
(Power)
To program all the tracks on a CD at
once, proceed to step 6 while “AL”
appears in the display.
5
Press . or > until the desired
track appears in the display.
Disc number
Total playing time
(including selected track)
PGM
Track number
2 6 12 10 1
6
Press ENTER.
The track is programmed. The program
step number appears, followed by the
total playing time.
7
hH
S
l
L
j
J
H
S
s
Skip step 4 to select tracks from the same
disc.
s
CHECK
24
To program additional tracks to be
recorded on side A, repeat steps 4 to
6.
8
Press X to insert a pause at the end
of side A.
“P” appears in the display and the total
playing time resets to “0.00” in the
display.
9
Repeat steps 5 and 6 for tracks from
the same disc or steps 4 to 6 for
tracks from another disc to program
the remaining tracks to be recorded
on side B.
10 Press CD SYNC HI-DUB.
Deck B stands by for recording and the
CD player stands by for playback. The
indicator on REC PAUSE/START
flashes.
11 Press DIRECTION repeatedly to
select g to record on one side.
Select j (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.
Selecting tape length
automatically
—Tape Select Edit
You can check the most suitable tape length
for recording a CD. Note that you cannot use
Tape Select Edit for discs containing over 20
tracks.
1
Place a CD.
2
Press CD.
3
Press EDIT once, so that “EDIT”
flashes.
The required tape length for the
currently selected CD appears, followed
by the total playing time for side A and
side B respectively.
12 Press REC PAUSE/START.
Recording starts.
To stop recording
Press x.
To check the order
Press CHECK on the remote repeatedly. After
the last track, “CHECK END” appears.
To cancel Program Edit
Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until “PGM”
or “SHUFFLE” disappears from the display.
25
DJ Effects
Looping part of a CD
Flashing part of a CD
— Loop
— Flash
With the Loop function, you can repeat part
of a CD during playback. This lets you create
original recordings.
With the Flash function, you can “flash” the
CD sound during playback. This lets you
create original recordings.
hH
S
l
L
j
J
H
S
s
s
hH
S
l
L
j
J
H
S
s
s
MENU +/–
MENU +/–
FLASH
LOOP
, Press and hold LOOP on the remote
during playback at the point you
want to start the Loop function, and
release to resume normal play.
, Press and hold FLASH on the
remote during playback at the point
you want to start the Flash function,
and release to resume normal play.
To adjust the loop length
To adjust the flash length
Press MENU +/– on the remote while
pressing LOOP to select different loop
lengths (LOOP 1~20).
Press MENU +/– on the remote while
pressing FLASH to select different flash
lengths (FLASH 1~20).
To use LOOP and FLASH together
Press and hold both LOOP and FLASH at the
same time.
Note
The loop and flash length cannot be adjusted during
this operation. Adjust the loop and flash lengths
independently beforehand if necessary.
26
Sound Adjustment
Adjusting the sound
You can reinforce the bass, create a more
powerful sound, and listen with headphones.
?/1
(Power)
Selecting the audio
emphasis
The audio emphasis menu lets you select the
sound characteristic according to the type of
music you are listening to.
Selecting the effect from
the music menu
?/1
(Power)
GROOVE
Controller
PHONES
For a powerful sound (GROOVE)
Press GROOVE. The volume switches to
power mode, the equalizer curve changes,
and the GROOVE button lights. Press
GROOVE again to return to the previous
volume.
hH
S
l
L
j
J
H
S
s
s
To listen through the headphones
Connect the headphones to PHONES jack.
No sound will come from the speakers.
ON/OFF
MENU +/–
continued
27
Selecting the audio emphasis
(continued)
, Press b or B on the controller (or
MENU +/– on the remote) to select
the preset you desire.
The preset name appears in the display.
See the chart “Music menu options”.
Changing the
spectrum analyzer
display
You can enjoy changing the display while
listening to the music.
?/1
(Power)
To select USER FILE
Press v on the controller.
To cancel the effect
Press V on the controller or ON/OFF on the
remote repeatedly so that “EFFECT OFF”
appears in the display.
Music menu options
“ SURROUND ” appears if you select an effect
with surround effects.
Effect
For
ROCK
POP
JAZZ
DANCE
SOUL
ORIENTAL
Standard music sources
ACTION
DRAMA
SF
GAME
Soundtracks and special
listening situations
SPECTRUM
USER FILE
See page 29
, Press SPECTRUM.
Tip
Refer to the illustration to use the controller.
Put your finger in the hollow and move in the
direction you want (v/V/b/B).
M
v
<
b
B
V
m
28
,
Every time you press the button, the
display changes as follows:
t SPECTRUM 1
x
SPECTRUM 2
x
SPECTRUM 3
x
IMAGE PATTERN
x
SPECTRUM OFF*
* The display slightly dims.
Selecting surround
effect
Adjusting the graphic
equalizer
You can enjoy surround effect.
You can adjust the sound by raising or
lowering the levels of specific frequency
ranges.
?/1
(Power)
Before operation, first select the audio
emphasis you want for your basic sound.
?/1
(Power)
2,3
SURROUND
, Press SURROUND repeatedly to
select the surround effect you
desire.
Every time you press the button, the
display changes as follows:
SURROUND ON (SURROUND )
Y
SURROUND OFF (off)
Note
1
5
1
Press EQ EDIT.
2
Press b or B on the controller
repeatedly to select a frequency
band.
Frequency band
When you choose other sound effect, the surround
effect will be canceled.
continued
29
Adjusting the graphic equalizer
(continued)
3
Press v or V on the controller to
adjust the level.
Level
4
Repeat steps 2 and 3.
5
Press ENTER when finished.
This setting is automatically stored as
USER FILE.
Tips
• If you want to select the previously adjusted
equalizer settings (USER FILE), press v on the
controller. (When using the remote, press ON/
OFF to activate the equalizer effect and press
MENU +/– repeatedly until “USER FILE” appears
in the display.)
• To use the controller, see page 28.
30
Other Features
Using the Radio Data
System (RDS)
(European model only)
What is the Radio Data System?
Radio Data System (RDS) is a broadcasting
service that allows radio stations to send
additional information along with the regular
program signal. This tuner offers convenient
RDS features like station name display and
location of stations by program type. RDS is
available only on FM stations.*
Note
RDS may not work properly if the station you are
tuned to is not transmitting the RDS signal properly
or if the signal strength is weak.
* Not all FM stations provide RDS service, nor do
they provide the same types of services. If you are
not familiar with the RDS system, check with your
local radio stations for details on RDS services in
your area.
Receiving RDS broadcasts
, Simply select a station from the FM
band. When you tune in a station
that provides RDS services, the
station name appears in the display.
To check the RDS information
Each time you press DISPLAY, the display
changes as follows:
t Station name*
x
Frequency
x
Program type*
x
Clock display
x
Effect status
* If the RDS broadcast is not received, the station
name and program type may not appear in the
display.
Locating a station by
program type (PTY)
You can locate a station you want by selecting
a program type. The unit tunes in the type of
programs currently being broadcast from the
RDS stations stored in the tuner’s preset
memory.
?/1
(Power)
1
3,5
2,4
continued
31
Using the Radio Data System (RDS)
(continued)
DRAMA
Radio plays and serials.
1
Press PTY/DIRECTION while
listening to the radio.
CULTURE
Programs about national or regional
culture, language, and social concerns.
2
Turn the shuttle until it clicks to
select the program type you want.
See the “List of program types”
section below.
3
Press ENTER.
The unit starts searching the preset RDS
stations (“SEARCH” and the selected
program type are shown alternately in
the display).
When the tuner receives a program, the
preset station number flashes.
VARIED
Programs containing celebrity
interviews, panel games, and comedy.
POP M
Popular music programs.
ROCK M
Rock music programs.
EASY M
Easy listening (middle of the road
music).
4
Turn the shuttle until it clicks to
display the preset station number
you desire.
LIGHT M
Classical music, such as instrumental,
vocal, and choral works.
5
Press ENTER while the preset
station number is flashing.
CLASSICS
Performances of major orchestras,
chamber music, opera, etc.
To cancel PTY search
Press PTY/DIRECTION again.
List of program types (PTY)
NEWS
News programs.
AFFAIRS
Topical programs that expand on current
news.
INFO
Programs about consumer affairs,
medical advice.
SPORT
Sports programs.
EDUCATE
Educational programs, such as “how-to”
programs and advice.
32
SCIENCE
Programs about the natural sciences.
OTHER M
Music, such as rhythm and blues and
reggae.
WEATHER
Weather information.
FINANCE
Stock market reports and trading, etc.
CHILDREN
Programs for young.
SOCIAL
Programs about people and the things
that affect them.
RELIGION
Programs of religious contents.
PHONE IN
Programs where members of the public
express their views by phone or in a
public forum.
TRAVEL
Programs about travel. Not for
announcements that are located TP/TA.
LEISURE
Programs on recreational activities such
as gardening, fishing, cooking, etc.
JAZZ
Jazz programs.
COUNTRY
Country music programs.
Singing along:
Karaoke
(MHC-DX3 only)
You can sing along by turning down the
singer’s voice. You need to connect an
optional microphone.
?/1
(Power)
VOLUME
NATION M
Programs featuring the popular music of
the country or region.
OLDIES
Programs featuring oldies music.
FOLK M
Folk Music Programs.
DOCUMENT
Investigative features.
TEST
Test signal for emergency broadcasts.
ALARM
Emergency broadcasts.
Note
”NO PTY” appears when the program type you
select is not currently being broadcast.
1,5 2
3
1
Turn MIC LEVEL to MIN to turn
down the microphone control level.
2
Connect an optional microphone to
MIC.
3
Press KARAOKE PON repeatedly to
obtain the karaoke effect you desire.
Every time you press the button, the
display changes as follows:
KARAOKE PON
y
NONE
Any programming not defined above.
Effect status before entering
KARAOKE PON mode*
* KARAOKE PON is canceled.
The m indicator appears in the display
when the karaoke mode is activated.
continued
33
Singing along: Karaoke
(continued)
4
5
Start playing the music and adjust
the volume.
Mixing and recording
sounds
?/1
(Power)
x
6
4
Adjust the microphone volume by
turning MIC LEVEL.
When you are done
Turn MIC LEVEL to MIN and disconnect the
microphone from MIC, then press KARAOKE
PON repeatedly until “m” disappears.
Notes
• With some songs, vocals may not be canceled
when you select “KARAOKE PON”.
• During KARAOKE PON, equalizer and surround
settings cannot be changed.
• If you press b/B/v/V on the controller (or ON/
OFF or MENU +/– on the remote) or recall a
sound effect, the karaoke mode is canceled.
• The instrumental sound may be reduced as well as
the singer’s voice when the sound is recorded in
monaural.
• The singer’s voice may not be reduced when:
– only a few instruments are playing.
– a duet is being played.
– the source has strong echoes or chorus.
– the singer’s voice deviates from the center.
– the voice on the source is singing in high
soprano or tenor.
2 3,5
1
1
Do the procedure for singing along
(steps 1 through 5 on pages 33 and
34). Then, insert a tape in deck B.
2
Press the function button of the
source you want to record (e.g.,
CD).
When you want to record from TAPE A,
press TAPE A/B repeatedly until TAPE
A is selected.
3
Press REC PAUSE/START.
Deck B stands by for recording. The
indicator on REC PAUSE/START
flashes.
34
4
5
Press DIRECTION repeatedly to
select g to record on one side.
Select j (or RELAY) to record on
both sides.
Press REC PAUSE/START.
Recording starts.
6
Press hH to start playing the
source to be recorded.
Falling asleep to
music
— Sleep Timer
You can set the system to turn off at a preset
time, so you can fall sleep to music. You can
preset the time to be turned off in 10 minutes
increments.
Start singing along with the music.
SLEEP
To stop recording
hH
S
Press x.
l
L
s
Tips
• If acoustic feedback (howling) occurs, move the
microphone away from the speakers or change the
direction of the microphone.
• If you want to record your voice through the
microphone only, you can do so by selecting the
CD function and not playing a CD.
• When high level sound signals are input, the unit
automatically adjusts the recording level to
prevent distortion of the recorded sound signal
(Auto Level Control function).
, Press SLEEP.
Every time you press the button, the
minute display (the turn-off time)
changes as follows:
AUTO t 90 t 80 t 70
t … t 10 t OFF t AUTO …
When you choose “AUTO”
The power turns off when the current CD or
tape finishes playback (for up to 100
minutes).
To check the remaining time
Press SLEEP once.
To change the time to turn off
Press SLEEP repeatedly until the time you
want appears.
To cancel the Sleep Timer function
Press SLEEP repeatedly until “SLEEP OFF”
appears.
35
Waking up to music
4
— Daily Timer
“ON” appears and the hour indication
flashes in the display.
You can wake up to music at a preset time
every day. Make sure you have set the clock
(see “Step 2: Setting the time” on page 6).
3
1
9
CLOCK/TIMER
SELECT
4,5,7
Press l or L repeatedly to
select “DAILY 1 (or 2)”, then press
ENTER.
hH
S
l
L
j
J
H
S
s
4,5,8
5
s
Set the time to start playback.
Press l or L repeatedly to set the
hour, then press ENTER.
The minute indication starts flashing.
2
1
1
Prepare the music source you want
to play.
• CD: Insert a CD. To start from a
specific track, make a program (see
“Programming the CD tracks” on
page 21).
• Tape: Insert a tape with the side you
want to play facing forward.
• Radio: Tune in the preset station you
want (see “Listening to the radio” on
page 13).
2
Adjust the volume.
3
Press CLOCK/TIMER SET.
“SET (DAILY 1)” appears.
36
Press l or L repeatedly to set the
minute, then press ENTER.
The hour indication flashes again.
6
Set the time to stop playback
following the above procedure.
7
Press l or L repeatedly until
the music source you want appears.
The indication changes as follows:
t TUNER y CD PLAY T
t TAPE PLAY T
8
Press ENTER.
The type of timer (DAILY 1 or DAILY 2),
followed by the start time, stop time, and
the music source, appear, then the
original display appears.
9
Turn off the power.
To check the setting
Press CLOCK/TIMER SELECT and press
l or L repeatedly to select the
respective mode (DAILY 1 or DAILY 2), then
press ENTER.
To change the setting, start over from step 1.
To cancel the timer operation
Press CLOCK/TIMER SELECT and press
l or L repeatedly to select “TIMER
OFF”, then press ENTER.
Timer-recording radio
programs
You can record a preset radio station from a
specified time.
To timer-record, you must preset the radio
station (see “Step 3: Presetting radio stations”
on page 7) and set the clock (see “Step 2:
Setting the time” on page 6) beforehand.
2
7
CLOCK/TIMER
SELECT
3,4,5
hH
S
l
L
j
J
H
S
s
3,4,5
s
Tip
The power turns on 15 seconds before the preset
time.
Notes
• You cannot activate DAILY 1 and DAILY 2 Timer
at the same time.
• You cannot set the timer if the starting time and
stopping time are the same.
• When you use the Sleep Timer, Daily Timer will
not turn on the system until the Sleep Timer turns
it off.
• You cannot activate Daily Timer and Timerrecording at the same time.
1
Tune in the preset radio station (see
“Listening to the radio” on page 13).
2
Press CLOCK/TIMER SET.
“SET (DAILY 1)” appears.
3
Press l or L repeatedly to
select “REC”, then press ENTER.
“ON” appears and the hour indication
flashes in the display.
REC
continued
37
Optional components
Timer-recording radio programs
(continued)
4
Connecting audio
components
Set the time to start recording.
Press l or L repeatedly to set the
hour, then press ENTER.
The minute indication starts flashing.
REC
Press l or L repeatedly to set the
minute, then press ENTER.
The hour indication flashes again.
5
Set the time to stop recording
following the above procedure.
The start time, followed by the stop time,
the preset radio station to be recorded
(e.g., “TUNER FM 5”) appear, then the
original display appears.
6
Insert a recordable tape.
7
Turn off the power.
When the recording starts, the volume
level is set to the minimum.
To check the setting
Press CLOCK/TIMER SELECT and press
l or L repeatedly to select “REC”, then
press ENTER.
To change the setting, start over from step 1.
To cancel the timer operation
Press CLOCK/TIMER SELECT and press
l or L repeatedly to select “TIMER
OFF”, then press ENTER.
Notes
38
• If the power is on at the preset time, the recording
will not be made.
• You cannot set the timer if the starting time and
stopping time are the same.
• When you use the Sleep Timer, Timer-recording
will not turn on the system until the Sleep Timer
turns it off.
• You cannot activate Timer-recording and Daily
Timer at the same time.
Select one of the following connections,
depending on the component to be connected
and method of connecting. Refer to the
instructions of each component.
Connecting an MD deck
for digital recording
You can record from CD into the MD deck
digitally by connecting an optional optical
cable.
To the digital input jack of the MD deck
Connecting an MD deck
for listening to music
Make sure to match the color of the plugs and
the connectors. To listen to the sound of the
connected MD deck, press MD (VIDEO).
To the audio output of the
MD deck
Connecting a VCR
By connecting the audio output jacks of your
VCR to the MD/VIDEO (AUDIO) IN jacks
using an optional audio cable, you can enjoy
video playback in powerful stereo sound.
Make sure to match the color of the plugs and
the connectors. To listen to the sound of the
connected VCR, hold down MD (VIDEO) and
press ?/1 when the power is turned off. This
switches the “MD” function to “VIDEO”.
Once you enable the “VIDEO” function, just
press MD (VIDEO).
To the audio output of the video deck
Tip
When you connect a Sony MD deck, you can use the
MD H, S, and s buttons on this unit’s remote to
perform play, pause, and stop operations.
Note
If you cannot select “MD” when you press MD
(VIDEO), press ?/1 while pressing MD (VIDEO)
when the power is turned off. “VIDEO” will be
switched to “MD”. To return to “VIDEO”, do the
same procedure. However, you cannot switch from
MD to VIDEO or from VIDEO to MD when the
system is in the Power Saving Mode (see page 9).
Notes
• You cannot switch from MD to VIDEO or from
VIDEO to MD when the system is in the Power
Saving Mode (see page 9).
• To return to “MD”, press ?/1 while pressing MD
(VIDEO) again when the power is turned off.
• When you connect a VIDEO CD deck, set to
“MD”.
39
Connecting external
antennas
Connect the external antenna to improve the
reception. Refer to the instructions of each
component.
AM antenna
Connect a 6- to 15- meter (20- to 50- feet)
insulated wire to the AM antenna terminal.
Leave the supplied AM loop antenna
connected.
Jack type A
Insulated wire (not supplied)
FM antenna
Connect the optional FM external antenna.
You can also use the TV antenna instead.
FM
75
Jack type A
AM
75-ohm coaxial cable
(not supplied)
Jack type B
Insulated wire (not supplied)
FM
75
AM
FM
CO 75
AX
IAL
AM
Jack type B
IEC standard socket
connector
(not supplied)
FM
CO 75
AX
IAL
AM
40
Additional Information
Precautions
Notes on CDs
Before operating the system, check that the
operating voltage of your system is identical with
the voltage of your local power supply.
• Before playing, clean the CD with a cleaning cloth.
Wipe the CD from the center out.
• Do not use solvents such as benzene, thinner,
commercially available cleaners or anti-static
spray intended for vinyl LPs.
• Do not expose the CD to direct sunlight or heat
sources such as hot air ducts, nor leave it in a car
parked in direct sunlight.
On safety
Cleaning the cabinet
• 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.
• Unplug the system from the wall outlet (mains) if
it is not to be used for an extended period of time.
To disconnect the cord (mains lead), pull it out by
the plug. Never pull the cord itself.
• Should any solid object or liquid fall into the
component, unplug the stereo system and have
the component checked by qualified personnel
before operating it any further.
• The AC power cord must be changed only at a
qualified service shop.
Use a soft cloth slightly moistened with mild
detergent solution.
On placement
Tab of side B
On operating voltage
• Place the stereo system in a location with adequate
ventilation to prevent heat build-up in the stereo
system.
• Do not place the unit in an inclined position.
• Do not place the unit in locations where it is;
— Extremely hot or cold
— Dusty or dirty
— Very humid
— Vibrating
— Subject to direct sunlight.
On operation
• If the stereo 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. Should this occur, the system will
not operate properly. Remove the CD and leave
the system turned on for about an hour until the
moisture evaporates.
• When you move the system, take out any discs.
To save a tape permanently
To prevent a tape from being accidentally recorded
over, break off the cassette tab from side A or B as
illustrated.
Tab of side A
Side A
Break off the
cassette tab
of side A
If you later want to reuse the tape for recording,
cover the broken tab with adhesive tape.
If you have any questions or problems concerning
your stereo system, please consult your nearest
Sony dealer.
continued
41
Precautions (continued)
Before placing a cassette in the
tape deck
Take up any slack in the tape. Otherwise the tape
may get entangled in the parts of the tape deck and
become damaged.
When using a tape longer than 90
minutes
The tape is very elastic. Do not change the tape
operations such as play, stop, and fast-winding (etc.)
frequently. The tape may get entangled in the tape
deck.
Cleaning the tape heads
Clean the tape heads after every 10 hours of use.
When the tape heads become dirty;
— the sound is distorted
— there is a decrease in sound level
— the sound drops out
— the tape does not erase completely
— the tape does not record.
Make sure to clean the tape heads before you start
an important recording or after playing an old tape.
Use separately sold dry-type or wet-type cleaning
cassette. For details, refer to the instructions of the
cleaning cassette.
Demagnetizing the tape heads
Demagnetize the tape heads and the metal parts that
have contact with the tape every 20 to 30 hours of
use with a separately sold demagnetizing cassette.
For details, refer to the instructions of the
demagnetizing cassette.
Troubleshooting
If you run into any problem using this stereo
system, use the following check list.
First, check that the power cord is connected
firmly and the speakers are connected
correctly and firmly.
Should any problem persist, consult your
nearest Sony dealer.
General
The display starts flashing as soon as you
plug in the power cord even though you
haven’t turned on the power
(demonstration mode).
•Press DISPLAY once (MHC-DX3) or
twice (MHC-BX3) when the power is
turned off. The demonstration
disappears.
The demonstration mode appears
automatically the first time you plug in
the power cord or if there is a power
outage lasting longer than half a day.
The clock setting/radio presetting/timer is
canceled.
•The power cord is disconnected or a
power failure occurs longer than half a
day.
Redo the following:
— “Step 2: Setting the time” on page 6
— “Step 3: Presetting radio stations” on
page 7
If you have set the timer, also redo
“Waking up to music” on page 36 and
“Timer-recording radio programs” on
page 37.
There is no sound.
•Turn VOLUME clockwise.
•The headphones are connected.
•Insert only the stripped portion of the
speaker cord into the SPEAKER jack.
Inserting the vinyl portion of the speaker
cord will obstruct the speaker
connections.
•There is no audio output during timer
recording.
42
There is severe hum or noise.
• A TV or VCR is placed too close to the
stereo system. Move the stereo system
away from the TV or VCR.
The sound from the connected source is
distorted.
• If “VIDEO” appears in the display when
you press MD (VIDEO), switch the
display to ”MD” (see ”Note: Connecting
audio components” on page 39).
“0:00” (or “12:00 AM”) flashes in the
display.
• A power interruption occurred. Set the
clock and timer settings again.
The timer does not function.
• Set the clock correctly.
DAILY 1, DAILY 2, and REC do not appear
when you press CLOCK/TIMER SET.
• Set the timer correctly.
• Set the clock.
The remote does not function.
• There is an obstacle between the remote
and the system.
• The remote is not pointing in the
direction of the system’s sensor.
• The batteries have run down. Replace the
batteries.
There is acoustic feedback.
• Decrease the volume level.
• Move the microphone away from the
speakers or change the direction of the
microphone.
The color irregularity on a TV screen
persists.
• Turn off the TV set once, then turn it on
after 15 to 30 minutes. If the color
irregularity still persists, place the
speakers farther away from the TV set.
Speakers
Sound comes from one channel or
unbalanced left and right volume.
•Check the speaker connection and
speaker placement.
Sound lacks bass.
•Check that the speaker’s + and – jacks are
connected correctly.
CD Player
The CD tray does not close.
•The CD is not placed properly.
The CD will not play.
•The CD is not lying flat in the disc tray.
•The CD is dirty.
•The CD is inserted label side down.
•Moisture condensation has built up.
Remove the CD and leave the system
turned on for about an hour until the
moisture evaporates.
Play does not start from the first track.
•The player is in program or shuffle mode.
Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until
“PGM” or “SHUFFLE” disappear.
“OVER” is displayed.
•You have reached the end of the CD.
Turn the shuttle counterclockwise until it
clicks and hold.
continued
“PROTECT” and “PUSH POWER” appear
alternately.
• A strong signal was input. Press ?/1 to
turn off the power, leave the system
turned off for a while, then press ?/1
again to turn on the power. If
“PROTECT” and “PUSH POWER”
appear alternately even after the power is
turned on again, press ?/1 to turn off the
power and check the speaker cord.
43
Troubleshooting (continued)
Tape Deck
The tape does not record.
•No tape in the cassette holder.
•The tab has been removed from the
cassette (see “To save a tape
permanently” on page 41).
•The tape has reeled to the end.
The tape does not record nor play or there
is a decrease in sound level.
•The heads are dirty. Clean them (see
“Cleaning the tape heads” on page 42).
•The record/playback heads are
magnetized. Demagnetize them (see
“Demagnetizing the tape heads” on page
42).
The tape does not erase completely.
•The record/playback heads are
magnetized. Demagnetize them (see
“Demagnetizing the tape heads” on page
42).
There is excessive wow or flutter, or the
sound drops out.
•The capstans or pinch rollers are dirty.
Clean them (see “Cleaning the tape
heads” on page 42).
Noise increases or the high frequencies are
erased.
•The record/playback heads are
magnetized. Demagnetize them (see
“Demagnetizing the tape heads” on page
42).
After pressing hH or A, there is a
mechanical noise, “EJECT” appears in the
display, and the unit enters standby mode
automatically.
• The cassette tape was not inserted
correctly. Eject the tape and turn the
power back on.
44
Tuner
There is severe hum or noise (“TUNED” or
“STEREO” flashes in the display).
•Adjust the antenna.
•The signal strength is too weak. Connect
the external antenna.
A stereo FM program cannot be received in
stereo.
•Press STEREO/MONO so that “STEREO”
appears.
If other troubles not described
above occur, reset the system as
follows:
1 Unplug the power cord.
2 Plug the power cord back in.
3 Press x, ENTER, and ?/1 at the same time.
4 Press ?/1 to turn on the power.
The system is reset to the factory settings. All
the settings you made, such as the preset
stations, clock, and timer are cleared. You
should set them again.
Specifications
AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS:
(MHC-BX3 U.S.A. model only)
POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL
HARMONIC DISTORTION:
with 6 ohm loads both channels driven, from
120-10,000 Hz; rates 75 watts per channel
minimum RMS power, with no more than
10% total harmonic distortion from 250
milliwatts to rated output.
Amplifier section
Canadian model:
MHC-BX3:
Continuous RMS power output (reference)
60 + 60 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz,
10% THD)
Total harmonic distortion less than 0.07%
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, 35 W)
European model:
MHC-BX3:
DIN power output (rated) 45 + 45 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output (reference)
60 + 60 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz,
10% THD)
Music power output (reference)
150 + 150 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz,
10% THD)
Inputs
MD/VIDEO IN:
(phono jacks)
MIC:
(mini jack)
Outputs
PHONES:
(stereo mini jack)
SPEAKER:
MHC-BX3:
MHC-DX3:
voltage 450/250 mV,
impedance 47 kilohms
sensitivity 1 mV,
impedance 10 kilohms
accepts headphones of
8 ohms or more
accepts impedance of 6 to
16 ohms
accepts impedance of 6 to
16 ohms
CD player section
System
Compact disc and digital
audio system
Laser
Semiconductor laser
(λ=780 nm)
Emission duration:
continuous
Laser output
Max. 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
with 7 mm aperture.
Wavelength
780 – 790 nm
Frequency response
2 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)
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
continued
Other model:
MHC-DX3:
The following measured at AC 120, 220, 240 V
50/60 Hz
DIN power output (rated) 75 + 75 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output (reference)
100 + 100 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz,
10% THD)
45
Specifications (continued)
AM tuner section
Tuning range
Pan-American models:
Tape player section
Recording system
Frequency response
Wow and flutter
4-track 2-channel stereo
40 – 13,000 Hz (±3 dB),
using Sony TYPE I
cassette
±0.15% W.Peak (IEC)
0.1% W.RMS (NAB)
±0.2% W.Peak (DIN)
Tuner section
FM stereo, FM/AM superheterodyne tuner
FM tuner section
Tuning range
Antenna
Antenna terminals
Intermediate frequency
87.5 – 108.0 MHz
FM lead antenna
75 ohm unbalanced
10.7 MHz
530 – 1,710 kHz
(with the interval set at
10 kHz)
531 – 1,710 kHz
(with the interval set at
9 kHz)
European and Middle Eastern models:
531 – 1,602 kHz
(with the interval set at
9 kHz)
Other models:
531 – 1,602 kHz
(with the interval set at
9 kHz)
530 – 1,710 kHz
(with the interval set at
10 kHz)
Antenna
AM loop antenna
Antenna terminals
External antenna terminal
Intermediate frequency 450 kHz
Speaker
SS-BX3 for MHC-BX3/SS-DX3 for MHC-DX3/
SS-DX3B for MHC-DX3
Speaker system
2-way, bass-reflex type
Speaker units
Woofer:
15 cm, cone type
Tweeter:
10 cm, cone type
Nominal impedance
6 ohms
Approx. 215 x 325 x 275 mm
Dimensions (w/h/d)
Mass
Approx. 4 kg net per
speaker
46
General
Power requirements
North American model:
European model:
Australian model:
Mexican model:
Other models:
Power consumption
U.S.A. model:
MHC-BX3:
Canadian model:
MHC-BX3:
European model:
MHC-BX3:
Other models:
MHC-DX3:
Dimensions (w/h/d)
MHC-BX3/DX3:
Mass
U.S.A. model:
MHC-BX3:
Canadian model:
MHC-BX3:
European model:
MHC-BX3:
Other models:
MHC-DX3:
Supplied accessories:
120 V AC, 60 Hz
230 V AC, 50/60 Hz
230-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
120 V AC, 60 Hz
120 V, 220 V or 230 - 240
V AC, 50/60 Hz
Adjustable with voltage
selector
140 watts
130 watts
130 watts
170 watts
Approx. 280 x 325 x 403 mm
Approx. 7.8 kg
Approx. 7.8 kg
Approx. 7.9 kg
Approx. 8.9 kg
AM loop antenna (1)
Remote Commander (1)
Batteries (2)
FM lead antenna (1)
Front speaker pads (8)
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
47
K
Index
Karaoke 33
L, M
A
Adjusting
the graphic equalizer 29
the sound 27
the volume 11, 14, 16
Antennas 5, 40
Loop 26
N, O
Normal Play 10
P, Q
B
Batteries 6
C
CD player 10-12, 18-22
CD Synchro Recording 12
Clock setting 6
Connecting 4-6,38-40
D, E
Daily timer 36
Display 18
F, G
Flash 26
R
H, I, J
High-speed Dubbing 17
Hooking up
optional components
38-40
the antennas 5, 40
the power 5
the system 4
48
Sony Corporation
Playing
a CD 10
a preset station 13
a tape 15
tracks in random order
(Shuffle Play) 20
tracks in the desired
order (Program Play) 21
tracks repeatedly
(Repeat Play) 19
Presetting radio stations 7
Preset tuning 13
Program Edit 24
Program Play 21
Protecting recordings 41
PTY 31
Radio Data System 31
Radio stations
presetting 7
tuning in 13
Recording
a CD 12
a radio program 14
timer-recording 37
Repeat Play 19
Resetting the system 44
Printed in Malaysia
S
Saving recordings 41
Selecting the audio emphasis
27
Setting the time 6
Shuffle Play 20
Sleep Timer 35
Sound adjustment 27, 29
Speakers 4
Station name 31
T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
Tape Select Edit 25
Timer
falling asleep to music
35
timer-recording 37
waking up to music 36
Troubleshooting 42-44
Tuner 7, 13, 31-33
Tuning interval 9