Harman Kardon DC520 User manual

SECONDARY Transport
Auto Tape Selector
Power Eject Direction Mode
Cont Play Off B C
Dolby NR
Inpu
Dual Auto Reverse
Reset
Sync Rev
PLAY

Harman Kardon DC520
Dual Cassette Deck
Owner’s Manual
Eject
Input Balance Headphones
ut Level PRIMARY Transport
Auto Tape Selector Dual Auto Reverse
REC/PLAY
Reset
Copy
Record
High Speed Copy Rec Mute

Owner’s Manual
DC520 Dual Cassette Deck
Table of Contents
Introduction and Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2
Front Panel Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Front Panel Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–8
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
©1998 Harman Kardon, Incorporated
250 Crossways Park Drive
Woodbury, NY 11797

Introduction and Safety Information
1
*Dolby is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories
Thank you for choosing the Harman
Kardon DC520 dual cassette deck.
The DC520 is an exceptionally well
engineered product that offers high
performance and ease of use.
We ask that you take a few minutes to read
through this Owner’s Manual to
familiarize yourself with the controls and
functions. This brief investment of time
will yield dividends in the form of years of
listening pleasure.
If you have any questions about this
product, its installation or operation,
please contact the retailer or custom
installer who sold you the product. They
are your best source for local information.
Description and Features
■ Dual Mode Copying for high-quality
dubs in either “real time” or at “high
speed.”
■ Auto Tape Sensor automatically
recognizes the type of tape in use and
sets the bias/equalization circuits
accordingly.
■ Dolby* B-type and C-type noise
reduction for recordings that are
virtually free of noise and hiss.
■ Dolby HX Pro provides more accurate
recording of high frequencies without
sacrificing signal to noise ratio or
causing distortion.
■ Sync Reverse Dubbing programs the
record system to compensate for record
and playback tapes of unequal length.
■ Dual Auto Reverse with multiple
playback modes for extended
uninterrupted listening.
■ Buttons and counters separate for each
transport ensures versatility and ease of
use.
Important Safety Information
Verify Line Voltage Before Use
Your DC520 has been designed for use with
220~240 volt AC current. Connection to a
line voltage other than that for which it is
intended can create a safety and fire
hazard, and may damage the unit.
If you have any questions about the
voltage requirements for your specific
model, or about the line voltage in your
area, contact your selling dealer before
plugging the unit into a wall outlet.
Do Not Use Extension Cords
To avoid safety hazards, use only the power
cord supplied with your unit. If a
replacement cord is used, make certain
that it is of similar gauge. We do not
recommend that extension cords be used
with this product. As with all electrical
devices, do not run power cords under rugs
or carpets or place heavy objects on them.
Damaged power cords should be replaced
immediately by an authorized
service station with cords meeting factory
specifications.
Handle The AC Power Cord Gently
When disconnecting the power cord
from an AC outlet, always pull the plug,
never pull the cord. If you do not intend to
use the unit for any considerable length of
time, disconnect the plug from the AC
outlet.
Do Not Open The Cabinet
There are no user serviceable components
inside this product. Opening the cabinet
may present a shock hazard, and any
modification to the product will void your
guarantee. If water or any metal object
such as a paper clip, wire or a
staple accidentally falls inside the unit,
disconnect it from the AC power source
immediately, and consult an authorized
service station.
Installation Location
■ To assure proper operation, and to avoid
the potential for safety hazards, place
the unit on a firm and level
surface. When placing the unit on a
shelf, be certain that the shelf and any
mounting hardware can support the
weight of the product.
■ Make certain that proper space is
provided both above and below the unit
for ventilation. If this product will be
installed in a cabinet or other enclosed
area, make certain that there is
sufficient air movement within the
cabinet.
■ Do not place the unit directly on a
carpeted surface.
■ Avoid installation in extremely hot
or cold locations, or an area that is
exposed to direct sunlight or heating
equipment.
■ Avoid moist or humid locations.
Cleaning
When the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a
clean, soft dry cloth. If necessary, wipe it
with a soft cloth dampened with mild
soapy water, then a fresh cloth with
clean water. Wipe dry immediately with a
dry cloth. NEVER use benzene, thinner,
alcohol or any other volatile cleaning
agent. Do not use abrasive cleaners, as
they may damage the finish of metal parts.
Avoid spraying insecticide near
the unit.
Moving The Unit
Before moving the unit, be certain to
disconnect any interconnection cords with
other components, and make
certain that you disconnect the unit
from the AC outlet.
110-120

Unpacking and Installation
The carton and shipping materials used to
protect your new DC520 during shipment
were specially designed to cushion it from
shock and vibration. We suggest that you
save the carton and packing materials for
use in shipping if you move or should the
unit ever need repair.
To minimize the size of the carton in
storage, you may wish to flatten it. This is
done by carefully slitting the tape seams on
the bottom and collapsing the carton down
to a more two dimensional appearance.
Other cardboard inserts may be stored in
the same manner. Packing materials that
cannot be collapsed should be saved along
with the carton in a plastic bag.
If you do not wish to save the packaging
materials, please note that the carton and
other sections of the shipping protection
are recyclable. Please respect the
environment and discard those materials
at a local recycling center.
When positioning your DC520 in its final
location, make certain that any shelf or
stand is capable of supporting its weight,
and that there is adequate ventilation on
all sides, as well as on the top and bottom.
Do not place CDs, record jackets, owner’s
manuals, or other paper on top of, or
beneath the unit. This will block air flow
and create a potential fire hazard. If the
unit is to be enclosed in a cabinet or rack,
make certain that there is adequate air
circulation, with a means provided for hot
air to exit, and for cool air to be brought in.
Conventions
In order to help you use this manual and
make the proper system connections,
certain conventions appear throughout the
manual.
EXAMPLE – (bold type) indicates a
specific front panel button
EXAMPLE – (OCR type) indicates a
message that is visible in the front panel
display
A– (number in a circle) indicates a
specific front panel control
1– (number in a square) indicates an
indicator in the front panel display
Introduction and Safety Information
2
Declaration of Conformity
We, Harman Kardon Europe A/S
Kongevejen 194B
DK-3460 Birkerød
DENMARK
declare in own responsibility, that the product described
in this owner’s manual is in compliance with technical
standards:
EN 55 013/6.1990
EN 55 022/6.1993
EN 60 065/1994
EN 61 000-3-2/1995
Steen Michaelsen
Harman Kardon Europe A/S
Birkerød. DENMARK. 7/98

Front Panel Controls
3
SECONDARY Transport
Auto Tape Selector
Power Eject Eject
Input Balance Headphones
Direction Mode
Cont Play Off B C
Dolby NR
Input Level
Dual Auto Reverse
Reset
Sync Rev
PLAY PRIMARY Transport
Auto Tape Selector Dual Auto Reverse
REC/PLAY
Reset
Copy
Record
High Speed Copy Rec Mute
APower Switch – Press this switch
once to turn the unit on. Press it again
to turn it off. An indicator around the
switch turns green when the unit is
turned on.
BSecondary Transport – This is
the secondary, playback only,
transport. Use it for tapes that will be
the source material during dubbing
operation.
CRemote Sensor – The remote
sensor behind this area is compatible
with the commands from many Harman
Kardon remote controls. Keep this area
clear if you wish to use the DC520 with
a remote control.
DSecondary Counter Reset –
Press this button to reset the counter
for the secondary transport to “0000”.
ESync Reverse – This button
activates circuitry that compensates
for record and playback tapes of
unequal length.
FInformation Display – This
display provides detail about the
operation of the DC520. See the
separate explanation of each indicator
on page 4.
GCopy Button – Press this button
to activate normal speed dubbing
HPrimary Counter Reset – Press
this button to reset the counter for the
primary transport to “0000”.
IHigh Speed Copy – Press this
button to activate high speed dubbing.
JRecord Mute –Press this button
during recording to momentarily mute
the input and insert blank space.
KPrimary Transport – Insert
tapes here for recording or playback.
This transport should always contain
the record tape during dubbing.
LPrimary Transport Eject –
Press this button to open the primary
transport door.
MPrimary Transport Fast
Forward – Press this button to rapidly
advance the primary tape.
NPrimary Transport Rewind –
Press this button to rewind the primary
tape.
OPrimary Transport Forward
Play – Press this button to play the
primary tape.
PPrimary Transport Reverse
Play – Press this button to play the
primary tape in a reverse direction.
QPrimary Transport Stop –
Press this button to stop the primary
transport.
RPause – Press this button to pause
the transport in use.
SRecord – Press this button to
place the unit in the record ready
mode. Press it simultaneously with a
play button OP to start a recording.
THeadphone Jack – Insert stereo
headphones here for private listening
or record monitoring.
UInput Balance – This control
adjusts the left/right record balance.
VInput Level –This knob controls
the input level during recordings.
WSecondary Transport
Fast Forward – Press this button to
rapidly advance the secondary tape.
XSecondary Transport Rewind
– Press this button to rewind the
secondary tape.
YSecondary Transport
Forward Play – Press this button to
play the secondary tape.
ZSecondary Transport
Reverse Play – Press this button to
play the secondary tape in a reverse
direction.
aSecondary Transport Stop –
Press this button to stop the secondary
transport.
bDolby NR Selector – This switch
selects which type of Dolby Noise
Reduction, if any, is in use.
cDirection Mode Selector –
This switch selects the playback/auto
reverse mode for the tape in use.
dSecondary Transport Eject –
Press this button to open the
secondary transport door.

Front Panel Display
4
Installation & Operation
Installation
Connecting the DC520 to your audio
system is simple. Using standard RCA to
RCA audio interconnect cords, connect the
left and right OUTPUT jacks on the rear
panel to the TAPE INPUTjacks of your
receiver or preamplifier. Connect the
INPUTjacks on the DC520 to the TAPE
OUTPUT jacks of your receiver or
pre-amp.
Connect the power to a non-switched AC
wall output, or to the accessory outlet on
the rear of another audio device in your
system and you are ready to go!
NOTE: When using the accessory outlet on
another product to power the DC520 make
certain that it has the ability to power a
device that draws at least 14 watts of
current in addition to the requirements of
other devices that may be plugged into the
accessory outlets. If you use a “switched”
outlet it is important to remember that the
host product must be turned on in order
for the DC520 to operate.
Single Deck Playback
The DC520 may be used as a conventional
auto reverse audio cassette deck, playing
back tapes from either transport.
1. Check the tape for excessive slack before
use. If necessary, take up the slack by
inserting a pencil into one of the cassette
hubs and rotate the pencil to take up the
slack.
2. Press the EJECTLd button for the
transport you wish to use.
3. Insert the tape with the open edge
facing down.
4. Gently press the door of the cassette
compartment BK closed.
5. Select the appropriate type of Dolby
Noise Reduction, if any, using the DOLBY
NR switch b. This information is
typically displayed on the label of
prerecorded cassettes.
6. If you wish to clear the counter before
playback, press the RESET button next to
the transport you will be using DH.
7. Press the PLAY/5or6button for the
transport that will be used. Play can be in
either the forward direction OY, which
will play that side of the tape facing
outside of the door (may be “A” or “B”
corresponding to the labeling on the
cassette), or reverse PZ to play the
opposite side of the tape. In any case the
tape will run into the direction in which
the arrow of the pressed PLAY button
shows.
8. When the unit is in the play mode, tape
movement may be momentarily stopped
using the PAUSE button R. Press the
Pause button again to resume operation.
1Peak Level Meter – Segments
of this dual horizontal bar will illuminate
to indicate the input level for recording
or the output level on playback. The
meter will “hold” the average constant
level and flash and hold to indicate
momentary peaks.
2Secondary Transport –
Directional Indicators: These indicators
display the movement of the
secondary tape transport.
3Secondary Transport Counter
– This four digit display provides a
relative indication of
the tape position of the secondary
transport.
4Sync Rev – This indicator lights
when the unit is programmed so that
both decks reverse at the same time
during dubbing.
5Secondary Transport Play –
The indicator lights when the
secondary transport is in the Play
mode.
6High Dub – This indicator lights
when the unit is in the high speed
(twice normal time) dub mode.
7Norm Dub – These indicators light
during a dub recording to display the
tape speed.
8Rec – This indicator lights when a
dub or recording is in progress.
9Primary Transport Play – This
indicator lights when the primary
transport is in a playback mode. When
it lights in tandem with the REC
indicator 8, a recording or dub is in
process.
)Primary Transport Counter –
This four digit display provides a
relative indication of the tape position
of the Primary transport.
!Primary Transport
Directional Indicators – These
indicators display the movement of the
Primary tape transport.

5
Operation
9. When the unit is in the play mode it will
continue to run until the unit is manually
stopped Qa, or until the end of the tape
is reached. Using the Auto Reverse system,
playback may continue through the
second side of a tape, or it may run
continuously. For information on Auto
Reverse Functions, see pages 5 – 6.
Recording
To make a recording follow the
instructions listed above for inserting the
tape in the unit. Recordings may only be
made using the Primary Transport on the
right side of the unit.
NOTE: The DC520 will automatically
sense the type of tape in use (conventional,
chromium dioxide or metal) and make
the necessary internal adjustments. No
switch settings are required to indicate the
tape type.
Once a tape has been inserted, follow these
steps to make a recording:
1. Select the type of Dolby Noise Reduction
desired, if any, using the DOLBY NR
switch b.
2. Press the RECORDbuttonSto place
the unit in the “Record Ready” mode and
observe that the LEVEL METER 1will
begin to react to the incoming audio
source. Adjust the INPUT LEVEL
CONTROLVso that the bars on the
INPUT METER briefly reach the red
“0dB” point when normal or chrome tapes
are in use, or the red “+3dB”
mark when metal tapes are used.
3. Adjust the INPUT BALANCE
CONTROLUso that the left/right signal
level inputs appear equal, if required.
4. To start the recording press the 5or
6button OP corresponding to the
direction in which you wish to record.
Recordings may be made in either the
forward direction Owhich will record on
the “outer” side of the tape (see item 7,
page 4), or reverse Pwhich will record on
the opposite side of the tape. If the
direction is changed towards the formerly
selected the corresponding Play button
must be pressed twice or you press the
Pause button 0 R after the first press.
5. To pause the tape transport during a
recording, press PAUSE R. Press the
button again to resume recording.
6. Once a recording is started, it will
continue until the end of the tape, or until
the unit is manually stopped Q. Using the
Auto Reverse system, recordings may
continue through the second side of a tape.
For information on Auto Reverse
Functions, see pages 5 – 6.
NOTE: When the unit is in the RECORD
mode, any material previously recorded on
the tape will be erased.
Record Muting
The REC MUTE feature enables you to
place blank spaces on tapes during
recording. These spaces are useful in
separating different portions of the
program material, and the four-second
space is used to trigger the automatic
program search systems found in many
automotive and home cassette units.
Automatic Muting During a Recording
If you wish to insert a four-second blank
space during a recording, or to end a
recording, press the REC MUTEbutton
J. The RECindicator 8will flash and a
four-second blank space will be placed on
the tape. Once the blank space is recorded
the unit will stop and go into a Pause
mode. Press the PAUSEbutton Rto
restart the recording.
To place a blank space longer than four
seconds, press and hold the REC MUTE
button Jfor the length of time the blank
space is desired. When the button is
released the unit will automatically go into
the Pause mode. Press the PAUSEbutton
Rto resume recording.
Automatic Spacing Insert On a
Stopped Tape
If you wish to insert a four-second blank
space before starting a recording, first press
the RECORDbutton Sto place the unit
in the “Record Ready” mode. Press the
REC MUTEbutton Jand note that the
transport will start and run for four
seconds and then return to the pause
mode.
Automatic Spacing Insert Without
Stopping The Tape
To place a blank space of less than four
seconds on the tape without stopping tape
motion press the REC MUTEJbutton
once. Press the button a second time before
four seconds elapse to place a blank space
on the tape without stopping machine.
Remember that the machine will go into a
pause mode if the Rec Mute button is not
pressed within 31⁄2 seconds.
Auto Reverse Operation
The DC520 features Dual Auto Reverse
operation, allowing a wide range of auto
reverse functions that allow for automated,
continuous playback and recording.
Auto reverse functions are set by the
DIRECTION MODEswitch c. Operation
of the unit will vary according to the
switch setting, if one or both transports is
in use, and if the unit is in playback or
record.
Single Side Playback or Recording
To play or record only one side of a tape,
place the DIRECTION MODEswitch c
in the left position, over the 4icon.
With the switch in this mode, the DC520
will play or record in whichever direction
is selected and then stop at the end of one
side of the tape.
Auto Reverse Playback or Recording
For uninterrupted playback of both sides of
a tape, place the DIRECTION MODEc
switch in the center position, over the 3
icon. With the switch in this mode, the
playback and recording will continue

Operation
6
through the full length of the first side of
the tape. At the end of the first side of the
tape, the unit will automatically switch
directions (only if tape run is in normal
rather than reverse mode) and continue
for the full length of the second side. At the
end of the second side the unit will
automatically stop.
Note: In playback this operation will
function with either transport, depending
on which PLAYbutton OY is pressed to
start operation. Auto reverse recording is
only possible using the Primary Transport.
Continuous Playback
With One Transport
For continuous playback of a tape in either
the Primary Transport or the Secondary
Transport, but not both, place a tape only
in the desired transport. Set the
DIRECTION MODEswitch cin the far
right position, over the 2“Cont Play”
icon.
Press either the forward or reverse play
button on the transport to start the
playback. The unit will play the entire first
side of the cassette and automatically
switch to the second side of the cassette.
When both sides have played through
once, the DC520 will automatically repeat
the process so that each side is played a
total of five times without interruption. At
the conclusion of five cycles the unit will
stop.
Continuous Playback
With Both Transports
For maximum playback time, place a tape
in both the Primary and Secondary
Transports. Set the DIRECTION MODE
cswitch in the far right position, over the
2“Cont Play” icon. Press any of the
FORWARD or REVERSE PLAY buttons
to start the playback.
Once playback is started, the DC520 will
first play the entire first side of the
transport where the PLAY button was
pressed. At the end of the first side, the unit
will automatically play the second side of
the tape. After the first tape has been
played completely through, the unit will
switch to the other transport, and play the
first side, and then the second side of the
tape in that transport.
This cycle will repeat five times, playing
both sides of each cassette in succession.
After five full cycles the unit will stop.
NOTE: Any of the Auto Reverse modes may
be stopped at any time by pressing the
STOPbutton Qa.
Counter Operation
Each transport has a separate tape counter
3) that indicates the motion of the
transport and the relative amount of tape
used. When in the normal or fast forward
mode the numbers will increase. When the
unit is in a reverse mode the numbers will
decrease.
To reset either counter press the
appropriate RESETbutton DH.
Tape Dubbing
The DC520 is capable of both normal and
high speed dubbing for ease in making
cassette copies. The steps for making a dub
are slightly different from those used to
make normal recordings, so please make
note of the following steps:
1. Turn the DC520 on using the POWER
switch A.
2. Open the transport doors by pressing
both EJECTbuttons Ld.
3. Place a blank tape in the Primary
Transport Kand the tape to be copied in
the Secondary Transport B.
4. Press the TRANSPORT REWIND
buttons NX so that both tapes are in
their fully rewound position.
5. Select the auto reverse mode using the
DIRECTION MODEswitch c.
• To dub only one side of a tape, place the
switch in the far left position under the
4icon.
• To dub both sides of a tape, place the
switch in the center position, under the
3icon.
6. Make certain that both transports are in
the forward direction, as indicated by the
6arrow 2! above each tape counter
display. If one transport is in the incorrect
direction briefly press the appropriate
FORWARD PLAYbutton OY and then
immediately press the STOPbutton Qa.
7. Press either the COPYbutton Gor the
HIGH SPEED COPYbutton Ito start
the dubbing process.
• High Speed dubbing runs both
transports at double speed, so that tapes
are copied in half their normal running
time. Note, however, that the High Speed
Mode may produce a slightly lower quality
copy. In addition, the High Speed Mode is
susceptible to interference from the
horizontal scanning frequency of
television sets. If your DC520 is located
close to a TV set you may wish to use the
normal speed Copy Mode.
• “Copy” starts a dub in “real time,”
where the dub takes the same time as the
length of the cassette. This mode will
produce a better quality dub, but without
the time saving of High Speed.
8. When the dubbing is completed, both
transports will stop, based on the setting of
the DIRECTION MODE switch: The copy
will stop if eigther tape comes to the end of
its first side (dub one side selected) or to
the end of its second side (dub both sides
selected).

Operation
7
9. To stop the dubbing at any time, press
either STOPbutton Qa.
Manual Editing During Dubbing
When making dubs in the “Copy”
(Normal Speed) dub mode it is possible to
skip some of the material on original tape.
To pause dubbing material from the
original tape, press the PAUSEbutton R
while the unwanted material is playing.
The Primary Transport (record cassette)
will stop while the Secondary Transport
(playback cassette) will continue to play.
Listen to the output of the DC520 using
either the tape monitor mode on your
audio system or the front panel headphone
jack T. When you wish to resume the
recording, press the PAUSEbutton R
again.
To insert blank space on a dub (copy) tape
instead of unwanted material, press the
REC MUTEbutton J. The Secondary
(playback) Transport will continue to play,
but the Primary (record) Transport will
record four seconds of blank tape and then
go into the pause mode. When you wish to
resume normal dub recording, press the
PAUSEbutton Ror press the REC
MUTE button Jagain before the
transport is set into the pause mode.
NOTES:
• All transport function controls except for
STOP, PAUSEand REC MUTE are
inoperable during dubbing.
• The INPUT LEVEL control is not
operable during dubbing. The DC520 will
automatically set proper audio
levels.
• The DOLBY NR circuits are not used
during dubbing.
• Since the audio quality of any dub is
slightly less than the original tape, it is
recommended that all copies be made
from original tapes, not from other copies.
• During dubbing the RECORD LEVEL
INDICATOR will show the level from the
playback (original) tape in the Secondary
Transport.
Sync Reverse Dubbing
The Sync Reverse Mode allows both
transports to be reversed at exactly the
same time during dubbing operations.
This is particularly convenient when using
tapes with different lengths, as it permits
copies with the same contents as the
original. Follow these steps to start Sync
Reverse dubbing:
1. Prepare the unit for dubbing as
described on page 6. Make certain both
decks are set to the Forward direction by
checking to see that the 6indicator
2! is illuminated for each transport.
2. Place the DIRECTION MODEswitch
cin the center position, over the 3
icon.
3. Press the SYNC REVbutton E. Note
that the SYNC REVindicator 4will
illuminate.
4. Press either the Copy Gor High Speed
Copy Ibutton to start the dub process.
The tapes will follow one of the two
following modes, depending on the
relationship of the length of the original
tape to the copy tape:
• If the original tape (in the Secondary
Transport for playback) is shorter than the
record tape (in the Primary Transport), the
dub will start by recording until the end of
the first side of the original. When the
original tape’s first side has been dubbed
the Secondary (playback) Transport will
stop, while the Primary (Record) Transport
will continue in a “no signal” mode,
recording blank material. When the
Primary Transport cassette reaches the end
of its first side, both tapes will reverse, and
the dub will continue with the second side
of the original being dubbed to the
beginning of the copy tape. The recording
will continue until the playback tape ends.
At that time both transports will stop
simultaneously.
• If the original tape (in the Secondary
Transport for playback) is longer than the
record tape (in the Primary Transport), the
dub will start by recording through the end
of the (recording) tape in the Primary
Transport. At the end of the (recording)
Primary tape, the Primary Transport will
stop, and the Secondary Transport will
continue playback. At the end of the
Secondary cassette, both tapes will reverse
direction and the recording process will
resume. The recording will continue until
the Primary (record) tape ends. At that
time both transports will stop
simultaneously.
NOTE: When playback tape is longer than
the record tape, as described above, some
of the material at the end of each side of
the playback tape will not be recorded on
the dub.
Remote Control Operation
The DC520 features a built in remote
sensor that enables certain functions of the
Primary Transport to be controlled with
the system remote supplied with many
Harman Kardon receivers. The DC520 is
also compatible with the “Harman Kardon
Codes” available in many preprogrammed
remote controls. Consult the instructions
supplied with your receiver or the remote
control for information on functions
available to operate cassette decks.
When using a remote control remember to
point the remote at the DC520’s front
panel sensor C.
Note: With Harman Kardon system remotes
the DC520 will only respond to remote
commands for the transport functions
Pause, Stop, Play Forward / Reverse and
Fast Forward / Rewind. Moreover Power
On/Off is NOT controlled via the remote
system.

Operation
8
Track System: 4 Track, 2 Channel Stereo
Tape Speed: Normal Play/Record: 1
7
⁄ 8 ips (4.76 cm/sec)
High-Speed Copy: 3
3
⁄ 4 ips (9.5 cm/sec)
Wow and Flutter (WRMS): 0.06%
Frequency Response (Overall at –20 dB)
Metal Tape: 25Hz–19kHz
Chrome Tape: 25Hz–18kHz
Normal Tape: 25Hz–17kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio (Overall):
Dolby C on: 79dB
Dolby B on: 69dB
NR Off, 3% THD: 59dB
Fast Wind Time: 110 seconds for C-60
Input Sensitivity/
Input Impedance: 97mV/50K ohms
Line Output: 0.52V for 50K ohm load
Headphone Impedance: 8 ohms
Dimensions (W x H x D): 440 x 147 x 284 mm
17.3 x 5.8 x 11.2 inches
Weight: 4.6 kg. / 10.14 lbs
Power Requirement: 230 VAC / 50Hz
Power Consumption: 14 Watts
Maintenance
Cleaning The Tape Heads
Tape heads should be cleaned periodically
to remove tape particles which gradually
build up on the heads during normal use.
This dirt will impair sound quality and
may cause increased tape head wear. Tape
heads may be cleaned in one of two ways:
1. Use a commercial tape cleaning
cassette. A wide variety of these products is
available from your dealer. Carefully
follow the instructions in the cleaning kit
to avoid damage to your DC520.
2. Remove the cassette from the transport to
be cleaned. Slightly dampen a cotton swab
with isopropyl alcohol or the tape head
cleaning solution available from many
dealers. Gently rub the exposed surfaces of
each head. Use a second moistened swab to
clean other metal surfaces that may be
coated with tape residue such as guide pins.
Be careful to keep the swab away from
rubber rollers unless you are using a
cleaning liquid that is specifically approved
for use on rubber rollers.
Demagnetization
Tape heads and other internal parts will
gradually pick up magnetic fields that may
add noise to your recordings or possibly
cause partial erasure of recorded tapes. To
prevent this problem, tape heads should
periodically be demagnetized using either
of two devices:
1. A battery-powered demagnetizer is
easiest to use. In the shape of a tape
cassette, it simply needs to be inserted into
the transport. Carefully follow the
manufacturer’s instructions to insure
proper results.
2. Hand-held, AC-powered demagnetizers
are more effective as they generate stronger
fields. Consult your dealer for information
on this type of unit and be certain to follow
the instructions carefully. When using this
type of unit be certain to keep it away from
prerecorded tapes when it is turned on, as
it may erase them.
Care of Tapes
1. Store cassettes in their cases, in a
location away from direct sunlight,
excessive heat and high humidity.
2. Avoid placing a tape near a television set
or loudspeaker. Their magnetic fields may
partially erase the material on a recorded
tape.
3. To avoid accidental erasure of the
material on a cassette, remove the two
small square tabs located on the top edges
of the cassette. When these tabs are
removed the tape may not be used for
recording. To record on a tape that has
previously had the protection tabs
removed, carefully cover the small holes
with adhesive tape.
4. Do not use old cassettes whose internal
tape reels no longer move smoothly. If you
hear unusual noises during tape motion it
is wise to discard the tape to prevent jams
or damage to your machine.
Specifications
120VAC @60Hz

9
Troubleshooting
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Dolby and HX Pro are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corp.
PROBLEM
The unit does not turn on when
the power switch is pressed.
No sound is heard when
PLAY is pressed.
The cassette does not record.
Cassette dub does not record.
Newly recorded tapes have
distorted sound.
Sound is intermittend
Playback sound is muffled, distorted
or has reduced high frequencies.
The DC520 is designed for trouble-free operation. However, like any mechanical device it may occasionally malfunction. In most cases
the trouble can be resolved simply by finding the problem from the list below and following the steps outlined. If a problem persists, contact
your dealer or an authorized Harman Kardon Service Center.
CAUSE
• No AC Power.
• Tape may be blank.
• Improper settings at receiver or preamp.
• Interconnect cables connected
to wrong jacks.
• Record protection tabs removed.
• Record Level knob set too low.
• No source signal feeding recorder.
• Interconnect cables connected
to wrong jacks.
• Tapes in wrong transport.
• Input level too high.
• Tape is worn.
• Mismatched Dolby NR modes.
• Tape heads are dirty.
• Tape heads have become
magnetized.
SOLUTION
• Make certain AC power cord is firmly
plugged into a live outlet.
• Check to see if outlet is switch controlled.
• Check to see if level indicators do not move.
This confirms a blank tape.
• Check switch settings at receiver. Make certain
that Tape Monitor or correct input is selected.
• Make certain that the OUTPUT of the DC520 is
connected to the TAPE IN jack of your receiver or
preamp.
• Place tape over record protection holes.
• Increase input level V.
• Check Source Selection on
receiver to make sure the proper source is selected.
• Make certain that the DC520 INPUT jacks are
connected to the TAPE OUT jacks on your receiver
or preamp.
• Make certain that source tape is in Secondary
Transport and blank (record) tape is in Primary
Transport.
• Reduce input level so that record level display peaks
at “0” to “+3”.
• Replace cassette with new, high-quality tape.
• Make certain that Dolby NR mode used for
playback is identical to mode used in recording.
• Clean tape heads.
• Demagnetize tape heads.