Other Operations

Creating your own CD program (Program Play)
Use buttons on the remote to create your own program.1Press FUNCTION +/repeatedly to select the CD function.2Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until “PGM” appears while the player is stopped.3Press /repeatedly until the desired track number appears.

When programming MP3 files, press +/repeatedly to select the desired folder, and then select the desired file.

Selected track or file numberTotal playing time of the selected track4Press to add the track or file to the program.

5Repeat steps 3 through 5 to program additional tracks or files, up to a total of 25 tracks or files.

6To play your program of tracks or files, press .The program remains available until you open the disc

tray. To play the same program again, select the CD function, and then press .

To cancel Program PlayPress PLAY MODE repeatedly until “PGM” disappears while the player is stopped.To delete the last track or file of the programPress CLEAR while the player is stopped.To view program information, such as total track number of the programPress DISPLAY repeatedly.

Presetting radio stations

You can preset your favorite radio stations and tune them in instantly by selecting the corresponding preset number.

1Tune in the desired station (See “Listening to the radio”).2Press TUNER MEMORY .Preset number

3Press +/(or TUNING +/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.

4Press .5Repeat 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.

6To call up a preset radio station, press TUNING MODE repeatedly until “PRESET” appears, and then press +/(or TUNING +/on the unit) repeatedly to select the desired preset number.

Using the timers

The system offers two timer functions. If you use both timers, the Sleep Timer has priority.

Use buttons on the remote to use the timer functions.Sleep Timer:You can fall asleep to music. This function works even if the clock is not set.

Press SLEEP repeatedly. If you select “AUTO,” the system automatically turns off after the current disc stops or in 100 minutes.

Play Timer:

You can wake up to CD or tuner at a preset time. Make sure you have set the clock.

1Prepare the sound source.Press VOLUME +/to adjust the volume.To start from a specific CD track or MP3 file, create your own CD program.2Press TIMER MENU .3Press /repeatedly to select “PLAY SET,” then press .“ON TIME” appears, and the hour indication flashes.4Set the time to start playback.Press /repeatedly to set the hour, then press

.

The minute indication flashes. Use the procedure above to set the minutes.5Use the same procedure as in step 4 to set the time to stop playback.6Select the sound source.Press /repeatedly until the sound source youwant appears, and then press . The display shows the timer settings.7Press 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 again1Press TIMER MENU .“SELECT” flashes in the display.2Press .3Press /repeatedly to select “PLAY SEL,” then press .To cancel the timer

Repeat the same procedure as above until “OFF” appears in step 3, and then press .

To change the settingStart over from step 1.TipThe Play Timer setting remains as long as the setting is not canceled manually.

Troubleshooting

1Make sure the power cord and speaker cords are correctly and firmly connected.

2Find your problem in the checklist below, and take the indicated corrective action.

If the issue persists, contact your nearest Sony dealer.
If “PROTECT” appears on the display

Immediately unplug the power cord, and check the following items after “PROTECT” disappears.

Are the + and speaker cords short-circuited?Is anything blocking the ventilation holes on the top or back of the system?

After you have checked these above items and found to be all right, 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?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 top or 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 “ST” 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.
To change the AM tuning interval
The AM tuning interval is factory-preset to 9 kHz or 10 kHz.Use buttons on the unit to change the AM tuning interval.1Tune in any AM station, and then turn off the system.2Press DISPLAY to display the clock.3While holding down TUNING + , press .

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.

1Press FUNCTION +/(or FUNCTION on the unit) repeatedly to select the CD function.

2Press to turn off the system.

3After “STANDBY” stops flashing, press DISPLAY to display the clock, and then press while holding down .

“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.1Disconnect and reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the system.2Press , 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 programmed tracks have been erased.

OVER : You have reached the end of the disc while pressing during playback or pause.

PUSH STOP : You pressed PLAY MODE during playback.

PROTECT : The following causes can be considered: Speaker cords may be short-circuited.

The ventilation holes may be blocked.

See “If “PROTECT” appears on the display” to check what to do if this message appears.

READING : The system is reading information from the disc. Some buttons are not available.

TIME NG : The Play Timer start and end times are set to the same time.

Precautions

Discs that this system CAN playAudio CDCD-R/CD-RW (audio data/MP3 files)Discs that this system CANNOT playCD-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 incorrectlyDiscs containing files other than MPEG 1 Audio Layer‑3 (MP3) filesDiscs 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

Discs that have labels printed using ink that feels tacky when touchedNotes 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.

AC power cord must be changed only at a qualified service shop.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.

Specifications

Main unit

AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS

POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION: (MHC-EC98Pi, MHC-EC78Pi 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-EC68Pi The United States model only)

With 6 ohm loads, both channels driven, from 120 – 10,000 Hz; 40 watts per channel minimum RMS power, with no more than 0.7% total harmonic distortion from 250 milliwatts to rated output.

Amplifier sectionMHC-EC98Pi

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 4 Ω, 80 Hz, 10% THD)

MHC-EC78Pi

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)

MHC-EC68Pi

RMS output power (reference):

70 W + 70 W (per channel at 6 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)

Inputs

AUDIO IN (stereo mini jack): Sensitivity 800 mV, impedance 22 kilohms

Outputs

PHONES (stereo mini jack): Accepts headphones with an impedance of 8 Ω or more

SPEAKER: impedance

MHC-EC98Pi/EC78Pi: 8 Ω

MHC-EC68Pi: 6 Ω

SUBWOOFER OUT (MHC-EC98Pi only): impedance 4 Ω

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

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)

Australian model: 87.5 108.0 MHz (50 kHz step)

Intermediate frequency: 10.7 MHz

AM tuner section:

Tuning range

North American model:

530 1,710 kHz (with 10 kHz tuning interval)

531 1,710 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval) Australian model:

531 1,710 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)

530 1,710 kHz (with 10 kHz tuning interval) Intermediate frequency: 450 kHz

SpeakerFront Speaker (SS-EC78) for MHC-EC98Pi/EC78Pi

Speaker system: 3 way 3 Drivers speaker system, Bass reflex Speaker unit

Subwoofer: 13 cm, cone type

Woofer: 13 cm, cone type

Tweeter: 4 cm, horn type Rated impedance

High frequency: 8 ohms

Low frequency: 8 ohms

Dimensions (Approx.): 220 × 350 × 220 mm (w/h/d)

Mass (Approx.): 3.5 kg

Front Speaker (SS-EC68i/SS-EC68iS) for MHC-EC68Pi

Speaker system: 2 way 2 Drivers speaker system, Bass reflex Speaker unit

Woofer: 16 cm, cone type

Tweeter: 4 cm, horn type Rated impedance: 6 ohms

Dimensions (Approx.): 220 × 306 × 195 mm (w/h/d)

Mass (Approx.): 2.3 kg

Subwoofer (SS-WG98) for MHC-EC98Pi only

Speaker system: Subwoofer speaker system, Bass reflex

Speaker unit

Subwoofer: 20 cm, cone type

Rated impedance: 4 ohms

Dimensions (Approx.): 280 × 306 × 310 mm (w/h/d)

Mass (Approx.): 5.6 kg

GeneralPower requirements:

North American model: AC 120 V, 60 Hz

Australian model: AC 230 240 V, 50/60 Hz

Power consumption:

MHC-EC98Pi

USA model: 270 W

Canadian model: 350 VA

MHC-EC78Pi

USA model: 210 W

Canadian model: 270 VA

MHC-EC68Pi

110 W

Dimensions (w/h/d) (excl. speakers):

MHC-EC98Pi

Approx. 200 × 306 × 430 mm

MHC-EC78Pi/EC68Pi

Approx. 200 × 306 × 415 mm

Mass (excl. speakers):

MHC-EC98Pi

Approx. 6.9 kg

MHC-EC78Pi

Approx. 5.8 kg

MHC-EC68Pi

Approx. 4.7 kg

Supplied accessories: Remote Commander (1)/R6 (Size AA) batteries (2)/FM lead/AM loop antenna (1)/Speaker pads MHC-EC98Pi (8) and for SS-WG98 (Subwoofer) (4), MHC-EC78Pi/EC68Pi (8)/TDM-iP10 (M) (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 and Canada models)