Other Operations

Creating your own CD program (Program Play)

Use buttons on the remote to create your own program.

1Press CD to select the CD function.

2Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until “PGM” appears while the player is stopped.

3Press DISC SKIP to select a disc.

4Press /(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

5Press ENTER to add the track or file to the program.

6Repeat steps 3 through 5 to program additional tracks or files, up to a total of 25 tracks or files.

7To 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.

1Tune in the desired station (See “Listening to the radio”).

2Press TUNER MEMORY on the remote.

Preset number

3Press +/– (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.

4Press ENTER on the remote.

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 + or – on the unit) repeatedly to select the desired preset number.

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.

1Insert a recordable tape into the cassette holder with the side you want to record facing up.

2Prepare 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.”

3Start 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.

1Prepare 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.

2Press CLOCK/TIMER SET .

3Press /repeatedly to select “PLAY,” and then press ENTER .

“ON TIME” appears, and the hour indication flashes.

4Set 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.

5Use the same procedure as in step 4 to set the time to stop playing.

6Select the sound source.

Press /repeatedly until the desired sound source appears, and then press ENTER . 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 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

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 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.

1Tune in any AM station, and then turn off the system.

2Press DISPLAY to display the clock.

3While 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.

1Press CD on the remote (or FUNCTION 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 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.

1Disconnect and reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the system.

2Press 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/

CDRW 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

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 sectionMHC-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

SpeakerSS-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 × 360 × 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 × 306 × 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 × 306 × 215 mm

Mass: Approx. 2.8 kg net per speaker

GeneralPower 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 × 306 × 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)