Kenwood KX-5550 User manual

STEREO CASSETTE TAPE DECK
KX-5550
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
KENWOOD CORPORATION
B60-1112-00G*E)(K, P, E, T, M, X)[MC]
94/12 1110 987654321 93/12 1110 9876543

Introduction
Your choice of this product indicates that you are a devotee
to excellence in sound reproduction.
We appreciate your patronage and take pride in the long tradi¬
tion of quality components that our company represents.
So that you can get the most out of your unit, we suggest that
you take the time to read through this manual before you hook
up and operate your system. This wiil acquaint you with oper¬
ating features and system-connection considerations so that
your listening pleasure will be enhanced right from the start.
You will notice that in all aspects of planning, engineering,
styling, operating convenience and adaptability we have sought
to anticipate your needs and desires.
Keep this manual handy for future reference.
For your records
Record the serial number, found on the back of the unit, in
the spaces designated on the warranty card, and in the space
provided below. Refer to the model and serial numbers
whenever you call upon your dealer for information or service
on this product.
Model_ Serial Number_
Unpacking
Unpack the unit carefully and make sure that all accessories
are put aside so they will not be lost.
Examine the unit for any possibility of shipping damage. If
your unit is damaged or fails to operate, notify your dealer
immediately. If your unit was shipped to you directly, notify
the shipping company without delay. Only the consignee (the
person or company receiving the unit) can file a claim against
the carrier for shipping damage.
We recommend that you retain the original carton and pack¬
ing materials for use should you transport or ship the unit in
the future.
WARNING NOTICE:
IN MOST CASES IT IS AN INFRINGEMENT OF
COPYRIGHT TO MAKE COPIES OF TAPES OR DISCS
WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE COPYRIGHT OWN¬
ERS. ANYONE WISHING TO COPY COMMERCIALLY
AVAILABLE TAPES OR DISCS SHOULD CONTACT THE
MECHANICAL COPYRIGHT PROTECTION SOCIETY
LIMITED OR THE PERFORMING RIGHTS SOCIETY
LIMITED.
Dolby noise reduction and HX Pro headroom extension manufac¬
tured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpora¬
tion. HX Pro originated by Bang & Olufsen.
“DOLBY”, the double-D symbol DO and "HX PRO” are trade¬
marks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Accessories
Audio cord.2
AC cord.. 1
(Except for some areas.)
(The shape may vary de¬
pending on the destination
area.)
System control cord. 1
AC plug adaptor...1
(Except for some areas.)
For the unit with a European
AC plug in areas other than
Europe.
Contents Caution: Read
Introduction..... 2
A Before applying power... ...... 3
A IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS .. 4
A Before operation. 6
System connections. . ..................... 7
Controls and indicators. 8
Listening to cassette tapes........... 9
the pages marked ^ carefully to ensure safe operation.
DPSS operation......11
How to record. 13
Synchro recording. 16
Recording of CD playback. 18
Timer operation. 2 0
In case of difficulty. 2 2
Specifications. 2 4
2 KX-5550 (En)

Before applying power
*t\ Caution: Read this page carefully to ensure safe operation.
For the U.S.A. and Canada
Important!
Units shipped to the U.S.A. and Canada are designed for
operation on 120 volts AC only.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT USE
THE AC PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR
OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE' BLADES CAN BE FULLY
INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.
For the United Kingdom
Important!
Units shipped to the U.K. are designed for operation on 240
volts AC only.
The mains plug must be removed from the wall socket prior to
any internal examination.
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the
following code:
Blue ....Neutral
Brown... Live
The wires in this mains lead must be connected to the terminals
in the plug as follows:
Wire colour Plug terminal marking
Blue. . N or Black
Brown......L or Red
fuse.
2. !f a 3-pin plug with earthing contact is used, no wire must be
connected to the E terminal.
For Australia and Europe
Important!
Units shipped to Australia are designed for operation on 240 V AC
only.
Units shipped to Europe are designed for operation on 230 V AC only.
For other countries _
Important!
Units shipped to countries other than the above countries are equipped
with an AC voltage selector switch on the rear panel. Refer to the
following paragraph for the proper setting of this switch.
AC voltage selection
This unit operates on 110 -120 or 220 - 240 volts AC. The AC voltage
selector switch on the rear panel is set to the voltage that prevails
in the area to which the unit is shipped. Before connecting the
power cord to your AC outlet make sure that the setting position of
this switch matches your line voltage. If not, it must be set to your
voltage in accordance with the following direction.
Note:-
Our warranty does not cover damage caused by excessive line
voltage due to improper setting of the AC voltage selector switch.
1. Before plugging in this unit, make sure that the position of the AC
Voltage Selector conforms to your line (mains) voltage. If not, it
must be reset. See Figure 1.
2. To reset the selector, slide the stopper plate to the opposite side
with a screwdriver or other pointed tool. See Figure 2.
3. Insert the power cord securely. See Figure 3.
Safety precautions
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
A
1 CAUTION 1 A
'CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE, REFER SER¬
VICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
A
THE LIGHTNING FLASH WITH ARROWHEAD SYMBOL, WITHIN AN EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE,
IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE USER TO THE PRESENCE OF UNINSULATED "DANGEROUS VOL¬
TAGE" WITHIN THE PRODUCT'S ENCLOSURE THAT MAY BE OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE
• TO CONSTITUTE A RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK TO PERSONS.
i
k
THE EXCLAMATION POINT WITHIN AN EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE
USER TO THE PRESENCE OF IMPORTANT OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE (SERVICING) IN¬
STRUCTIONS IN THE LITERATURE ACCOMPANYING THE APPLIANCE.
KX-5550 (ED 3

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS A Caution: Read this page carefully to ensure safe operation.
Please read all of the safety and operating instructions
before operating this unit. For best results, follow all
warnings placed on the unit and adhere to the operating
and use instructions. These safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
1. Power sources - The unit should be connected to a
power supply only of the type described in the
operating instructions oras markedon theappliance.
2. Power-cord protection - Power-supply cords should
be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on
or pinched by items placed upon or against them,
pay particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
unit.
Never pull or stretch
the cord.
3. Grounding or polarization -The precautions should
be taken so that the grounding or polarization means
of this unit Is not defeated.
4. Ventilation - The unit should be situated so that its
location or position does not interfere with its proper
ventilation.
To maintain good ventilation, do not put records or a
table-cloth on the unit. Place the unit at least 10 cm
away from the walls.
Do not use the unit on a bed, sofa, rug or similar
surface that may block the ventilation openings.
5. Water and moisture - The unit should not be used
near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near
a swimming pool, etc.
6. T emperature - The unit may not function properly if
used at extremely low, or freezing temperatures.
The ideal ambient temperature is above +5°C {41 °F).
7. H e a t - The unit should be situated away from heat
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other units {including amplifiers) that produce heat.
8. E l e ctricshock-Careshould betaken so that objects
do not fall and liquid is not spilled into the enclosure
through openings. If a metal object, such as a hair
pin ora needle, comes into contact with the inside of
this unit, a dangerous electric shock may result. For
families with children, never permit children to put
anything, especially metal, inside this unit.
9. Enclosure removal - Never remove the enclosure.
If the internal parts are touched accidentally, a serious
electric shock might occur.
10.Magnetic fields - Keep the unit away from sources
of magnetic fields such as TV sets, speaker systems,
radios, motorized toys or magnetized objects.
11.Cleaning - Do not use volatile solvents such as
alcohol, paint thinner, gasoline, or benzine, etc. to
clean the cabinet. Use a clean dry cloth.
4 KX-5550 CEn)

Caution : Read this page carefully to ensure safe operation.
12.Carts and stands - An appliance and cart
combination should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the
appliance and cart combination to overturn.
13. N o n u s e periods - The power cord of the unit
should be unplugged from the outlet when left un¬
used for a long period of time.
14. A bnormal smell - If an abnormal smell or smoke is
detected, immediately turn the power OFF and pull
out the power cord. Contact your dealer or nearest
service center.
POWER OFF!
17.Outdoor arttenna grounding - If an outside an
tenna is connected to the receiver, be sure the an¬
tenna system is grounded so as to provide some
protection against voltage surges and built up static
charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with respect to
proper grounding of the mast and supporting
structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna
discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location
of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding
electrodes, and requirements for the grounding
electrode. See Figure.
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE
NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
15.Damage requiring service - The unit should be
serviced by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been
damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled
into the unit; or
C. The unit has been exposed to rain; or
D. The unit does not appear to operate normally or
exhibits a marked change in performance; or
E. The unit has been dropped, or the enclosure
damaged.
16.Servicing - The user should not attempt to service
the unit beyond that described in the operating
instructions., All other servicing should be referred to
qualified service personnel.
18. P o wer lines - An outdoor antenna should be lo¬
cated away from power lines.
19. A C outlets - Do not connect other audio equipment
with a power consumption larger than that specified
to the AC outlet on the rear panel. Never connect
other electrical units, such as an iron or toaster, to it
to prevent fire or electric shock.
Notes:
1. item 3 is not required except for grounded or polarized equipment.
2. Item 17 and 18 are not required except for units provided with antenna terminals.
3. Item 17 complies with UL in the U.S.A.
KX-5550 (En) S

Before operation
Notes on cassette tape
Safety tab (accidental erasure prevention tab}
After an important recording has been finished, break the safety tab,
to prevent the recorded contents from being erased or recorded on
accidentally.
To store cassette tapes
Do not store the tapes in a place which is subject to direct sunlight,
or near equipment that generates heat. Keep the cassette tapes away
from any magnetic field.
When there is slack in the tape
In such a case, insert a pencil into the reel hole and wind the r
hub to remove the slack.
Cover with adhesive tape.
1. 120-minute cassette tape
Since a 120-minute cassette tape is very thin, the tape could ad¬
here to the pinch roller or be easily cut. it is recommended that
these tapes not be used with this unit to prevent possible damage.
2. Endless tapes
Do not use an endless tape, as this could damage the mechanism
of the unit.
Cleaning the head section
Head Pinch
j roller
Tape guides
Cleaning the heads and peripheral com¬
ponents
For maintaining the best condition of the deck and
for longer service life, always keep the head (record-
in g/p!ayback/erase), capstan and pinch roller clean.
To clean them, perform the following:
1. Open the cassette holder.
2. Using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, clean the
head (recording/playback/erase), capstan and
pinch roller carefully.
Demagnetizing the head
When the recording/playback head is magnetized, the
sound quality will be deteriorated. In such a case,
demagnetize the head using a commercially availa¬
ble demagnetizer (head eraser).
There are precisely aligned parts around the heads,
including the tape guides.
When cleaning, pay special attention so as not to ap¬
ply shock to them.
Beware of condensation
When water vapor comes into contact with the surface of cold materi¬
al, water drops are produced.
If condensation occurs, correct operation may not be possible, or the
unit may not function correctly.
This is not a malfunction, however, and the unit should be dried. {To
do this, turn the POWER switch ON and leave the unit as it is for several
hours.)
Be specially careful in the following conditions:
• When the unit is brought from a cold place to a warm place, and
there is a large temperature difference.
• When a heater starts operating.
• When the unit is brought from an air-conditioned place to a place
of high temperature with high humidity.
• When there is a large difference between the internal tempera¬
ture of the unit and ambient temperature, or in conditions where
condensation occurs easily.
6 KX-5550 (En)

System connections
Make connection as shown below. When connecting the related system components, refer also to the instruction manuals
of the related components.
Do not plug in the power lead until all connections are completed.
System control connection
When connected to an amplifier or receiver having KENWOOD
SYSTEM CONTROL terminals, system operation such as remote con¬
trol is made possible. For details, refer to the instruction manual of
the amplifier or receiver. In addition, when system control cords are
also connected to the CD player or turntable, other functions such
as synchro recording (see page 161 and CCRS recording (see page
18} become possible,
If your amplifier or receiver is not equipped with the SYSTEM
CONTROL terminals, do not connect anything to any SYSTEM
CONTROL terminal.
Do not connect the unit in any system configuration other than
specified.
X
h Q m°=
O
in
• Be sure to insert the system control cord plugs fully into the
SYSTEM CONTROL terminals.
• If the system control cord and audio cords are not connected
properly, the automatic system governing remote control and sys¬
tem functions will not operate.
Turntable
l \
□ I ---——==rT ZE3 1
CD player
Notes:
1. Connect all cords firmly. If connections are loose there could be
loss of sound or noise produced,
2. When plugging and unplugging connection cords, be sure to first
remove the power cord from the AC outlet. Plugging/unplugging
connection cords without removal of-the power cord can cause
malfunctions or damage to the unit.
KX-5550 (En) 7

Controls and indicators
Recording/playback mode indicator ~
REPEAT A ► B indicator-
- TAPE POSITION indicator
- DOLBY NR indicator
Operation indicators -
MPX FILTER indicator
Tape direction-• REC j CZ5 i nob, i dolby nr mig mpx filter
indicators Wpeat I grqg i m .
r -.---> INDEX I METAL |
> I > I i / I / /'/^SCAN dB 00 30 SO 15 10 7 3 3 S
■ i wav nm outer —;!—! !—! — !—! >{ CC . RS ! ^VJJ? !
MULTI WAY COUNTER- \j~j j~j j~j
INDEX SCAN indicator-
CCRS indicator
PEAK LEVEL METER
(The Dolby level is at - 1 dB.)
AUTO BIAS indicator—
BIAS PRESET indicator
DOLBY NR key
CCRS key
. 1
MPX FILTER key
REC LEVEL knob
(© IZZ!
TIMER switch
REPEAT A ► B key AUTO FADER key
I AUTO BIAS key I
INDEX SCAN key
PHONES jack
REC BALANCE knob
BIAS PRESET key
J

Listening to cassette tapes

Listening to cassette tapes
■ To wind the tape at high speed
■ A/B repeat operation
■ Index scan operation
Index scan plays the first about 10 seconds of every tune
on tape.
Press the INDEX SCAN key.
T
1
Lights up
A/B repeat plays the block between two designated points
repeatedly.
This function is activated during playback.
Tape transport direction indicators
The ► indicators show the direction of tape transport in its play¬
back or recording. The direction selected when the tape was stopped
the last time is maintained even after the power is turned off. When
the tape is started automatically by the automatic play operation, etc.,
the transport starts with the direction shown by the direction Indica¬
tor. If you want to change the transport direction for the next time
the power is turned on, press the play key of the opposite direction
before turning power off.
10 KX-5550 (En)

DPSS operation
The DPSS (Direct Program Search System) enables the following convenient operations according to the instructions of the
operation keys. The DPSS functions are based on the detection of non-recorded spaces of 4 seconds or more between tunes.
1. Skip play:
2. Single-tune repeated
playback:
3. Rewind & Play:
4. Dash & Play:
By specifying a tune located several tunes beyond (or behind) the tune being played, skips
tunes between the current tune and the selected tune and starts playback from the beginning
of the selected tune. Up to 16 tunes can be skipped in Skip Search.
One single tune is played back repeatedly up to 16 times.
Rewinds the tape to the beginning and starts playback from there.
If a non-recorded space of more than 10 seconds is detected during playback, that space will
be skipped by fast forward tape winding.
■ Skip play operation
The example below shows the case in which the direction indicated by the tape transport direction indicator is ► . If the direc¬
tion indicated by the tape direction indicator is ■ <. always press the keys for the opposite directions to those shown in the
illustrations below.
Index scan and DPSS will not function properly
with the following types of tapes.
• Tapes containing spaces of 4 seconds or more, such as conver¬
sations and speeches.
• Tapes containing extremely low levels or non-recorded spaces in
the middle of tunes, such as classical music.
• Tapes containing recording or large noise between tunes.
• Tapes recorded with low recording level.
• Tapes recorded using Cross-fade recording.
MULTI WAY COUNTER display during skip play
The skipping condition is displayed on the MULT! WAY COUNTER
during skip play. The left counter displays pressing times of the I
or | x - [ k ey and the right counter displays object tune number.
The pressing times of the [ jgj] or [frfc [ k ey
(The specified skipping times!
The object tune number
(It decreases every time
a tune is skipped.)
KX-5550 (En) 11

DPSS operation
Rewind & Play operation
■ Dash & Play operation
The Dash & Play skips long non-recorded spaces automat¬
ically as the tape is played.
12 KX-5550 [En)

How to record
Auto-bias adjustment:
Bias preset:
Tapes are available in a wide range from popular models to high-class models, and their charac¬
teristics are not uniform. This unit incorporates the auto-bias adjustment function which al¬
lows to perform recording with optimum bias value for any kind of tape.
The optimum bias value set by the auto-bias function can be stored in memory for each type
of memory (IMormal/Chrome/Metal). The stored bias values can be recalled easily by press¬
ing the BIAS PRESET key.
■ Bias preset operation
To cancel the preset value
Lights up
• Each time this key is pressed, the bias reset mode is turned
between initial bias setting and memorized bias setting.
Recording with Dolby HX Pro
When recording isstrated with this unit, the Doiby HX Pro headroom
extension function automatically operates to provide a recording with
superior high-frequency characteristics.
What is Dolby HX Pro
in ordinary recording using high-frequency biasing, the high-frequency
bias current, which should be constant, is increased with some record¬
ing sources due to the high-frequency component contained in the
music, etc. This increase affects the recording characteristics with
distorted high frequencies and degraded dynamic range and frequency
response.
The Dolby HX Pro circuit detects the high-frequency component con¬
tained in the music source being recorded, and reduces excessive
bias current to make it constant. As a result, the recording charac¬
teristics of high frequencies are drastically improved, and the improved
high-frequency reproduction can also be enjoyed even when the tape
is played on tape decks which are not equipped with circuit.

How to record
The cassette deck incorporates the Dolby HX Pro headroom
extension function and auto-bias function to provide a
recording with superior high-frequency characteristics.
Ordinary recording
Set up the cassette deck.
© Insert a tape.
© Set the tape trans¬
port direction.
(3) Select one-side or
two-side recording.
DIRECTION
\1
HD ..... Two-side recording
..... One-side recording
© Select the Dolby NR mode.
+DOLBY NR 0 DOLBY NR
B3~j
(D When recording tuner sound.
To cancel, press
the MPX FILTER
key again.
2 Select the source to be recorded.
3 Activate the auto-bias setting.
Recording is possible even when the auto-bias setting
is omitted.
To cancel the auto bias function, press the AUTO BIAS
key again.
1^0
The optimum bias is set in about 45 seconds, after which
the deck enters the stop mode.
To cancel the auto-bias adjustment operation in the mid¬
dle, press the stop key.
For the bias preset operation, refer to page 13.
ZJ. Set the recording level.
© Play a music source.
© Enter the record-pause mode.
REC/ARM
Press both keys at
the same time.
© Adjust the recording balance and recording level.
REE BALANCE
• Adjust so that segments around the OdB segment of the peak |
level meter light up at times.
© Stop playing the source.
0 Start recording.
© Play the music source from the beginning.
© Press the ® key.
The deck enters the stop mode automatically when the tape |
has been recorded till the end.
Dolby noise reduction system
The Dolby noise reduction system was developed to reduce the tape hiss noise generated during playback.
The optimum effect of the Dolby NR system is obtained when the same type NR system is used for both recording and playback. If a different
type NR system is used, playback is not performed correctly. Make sure that the same type noise reduction system is used for both recording and
playback.
Dolby B NR
The most popular noise reduction system used in home audio components. Usually, Dolby NR system corresponds to B NR.
Dolby C NR
Dolby C NR offers improved noise reduction performance over that of the Dolby B NR. It features a superior noise reduction effect. Use Dolby
C NR to record or playback with this unit.
It is recommended that tapes recorded with the Dolby NR system be marked "B" or "C", so that they can easily be distinguished.
14 KX-5550 (En)
J

■ To pause recording temporarily
H
rec/ahm
• The [U indicator lights up
MB
PAUSE
B£&£BM
To resume recording j
■
H
■ II
■ To stop recording
■ Zero-stop operation
[Not available with remote control |
Usage of counter
Before starting recording (playback), press the [COUNTER RESET |
key to reset the counter to "0.00”, and writedown the counter reading
when the recording (playback) should be stopped in the middle of
the tape, etc.; this will make it easy to locate the same position when
you want to continue recording (playback) next time.
■ To re-start recording after mistake
A non-recorded space of 4 seconds or more should be
reserved before the position where recording was started.
1
Stop recording and rewind tape.
During recording in
the ► direction:
During recording in
the •< direction:
• The recording is aborted, the tape is rewound to the posi¬
tion where the recording was started, and the deck enters
the Rec pause mode after leaving a non-recorded space of
about 2 seconds from the end of the previous tune.
2 Re-start recording.
© Press the S key twice.
• A non-recorded space of 4 seconds is reserved on tape, then
the tape deck enters the Rec pause mode.
(2) Press the 0 key once.
• Recording starts.
■ How to provide non-recorded
blanks between programs
- - 1
To make a non-recorded blank of 4 seconds in |
stop mode
Press the 0 key
twice in succession.
• After leaving a non-recorded blank of about 4 seconds, the
deck enters the record-pause mode.
To make a non-recorded blank during recording
,—| PASS BEC/4RM .
Press tiie L*J key
once during recording.
>_ (
’ After running to make a non-recorded blank of about 4 se¬
conds from the point where the key is pressed, the deck
enters the record-pause mode.
KX-5550 (En) 15

Synchro recording
By connecting this unit with a KENWOOD CXS type amplifier (receiver! with a SYSTEM CONTROL jack and a KENWOOD turntable
with a SYSTEM CONTROL jack using system control cords, recording on this unit and playback on the turntable can be start-
I S e t the input selector switches of the am¬
plifier for the PHONO source.
2 P lace an analog disc on the turntable.
3 M ake preparations for recording.
(T) Insert a tape.
(f) Set the tape trans¬
port direction.
(3) Select the side(s) to
be recorded onto.
V
i —= 0
. Two-sida recording
.. One-side recording
(4) Select the Dolby NR mode.
DOLBY NR | B | -* DOLBY NR
OFF*-
5]~|
4 A ctivate the auto-bias setting.
Recording is possible even when the auto-bias setting
is omitted.
The optimum bias is set in about 45 seconds, after which
the deck enters the stop mode.
For the bias preset operation, refer to page 13.
0 Adjust the recording level.
(T) Start playing an analog disc.
PLAV/CUT
K
© Enter the record-pause mode.
._REC/ARM
Press both keys at
the same time.
(3) Adjust the recording balance and recording level.
Adjust so that these segments
light at times,
(4) Stop playing the analog disc.
PLAY/CUT
1 The cassette deck returns
to the stop mode.
6 Set the record-pause mode.
7 Start playing the analog disc.
• Recording starts at this moment.
REE/Afllil „
4J
PL.
isc.-
AY/CUT
.n_1
When the turntable has completed the play, I f
the deck stops recording and enters the stop mode.
To stop recording in the middle
Press the [ PLAY/CUT [ key of the turntable.
• If the stop key of the cassette deck is pressed, the cassette
deck enters the stop mode but the turntable does not.
16 KX-5550 (En)

By connecting this unit with a KENWOOD CXS type amplifier (receiver) with a SYSTEM CONTROL jack and a KENWOOD CD
player with a SYSTEM CONTROL jack using system control cords, recording on this unit and playback on the CD player can
be started simultaneously.
■ Synchro recording of CD
<*| Set the input selector switches of the am¬
plifier for the CD source.
2 Place a CD in the CD player.
If your CD player can hold multiple discs, specify the disc
number.
Make preparations for recording.
0 Insert a tape. --
0 Set the tape trans¬
port direction.
0 Select the side(s) to
be recorded onto.
DIRECTION Z
3E
. Two-side recording
. One-side recording
0 Select the Dolby NR mode.
-DOLBY NR [F| - DOLBY NR [c
4 Activate the auto-bias setting.
Recording is possible even when the auto-bias setting
is omitted.
The optimum bias is set in about 45 seconds, after which
the deck enters the stop mode.
Fot the bias preset operation, refer to page 13.
5 Adjust the recording level.
0 Piay a CD.
(_} PWV/PAUSe
0 Set the record-pause mode.
^ PAUSE.KC/ABM
(f ..
Press both keys at
the same time.
0 Adjust the recording balance and recording level.
0 Stop playing the CD.
Adjust so that these segments
light at times.
> The cassette deck returns
to the stop mode.
0 Set the record-pause mode.
PAUSE RjC/ARM
7 Start playing the CD.
Recording starts at this moment.
When the CD player has completed playbackr ^ I
the deck stops recording and enters the stop mode.
To stop in the mid dle
To pause.... Press the I */lfl key of the CD player.
To restart _
recording.. Press the 1 >-/\\ I key of the CD player.
To stop.Press the d key of the CD player.
• If the stop key of the cassette deck is pressed, the cassette deck
enters the stop mode but the CD player does not.

Recording of CD playback
About OCRS (Computer Controlled CD Recording System)
When connected with a KENWOOD CD player provided with " CXS " marking through the system control cord, this unit al¬
lows to used the CCRS (Computer-controlled CD Recording System), which starts recording automatically after setting the
optimum recording level for the CD and tape to be used in recording.
■ CCRS recording
* Set the input selector switches of the am-
• plifier for the CD source.
• When the amplifier is equipped with a REC OUT selector,
set it to CD.
2 Place a CD in the CD player.
3 Set up the cassette deck.
© Insert a tape in deck.
(2) Set the tape trans¬
port direction.
(3) Select one-side or
two-side recording.
DIRECTION
4 P r ess the CCRS key.
• When this unit is connected to KENWOOD DP-R791, press the
SPEED key so that the SPEED indicator goes off.
• When performing CCRS recording with a CD player which can
be loaded multiple compact discs, set the CD player to TRACK
mode, press the disc select key and press the CCRS key.
• The CD player enters the CCRS mode, and the sampled sound
is played back.
• The cassette deck enters the record-pause mode and checks
the sampled sound. Whenever an excessive input level is de¬
tected, it reduces the recording level to an optimum recording
level for that input.
• When the CD level has been sampled, recording starts auto¬
matically.
• If the CD player is not connected to this unit via a synchro cord,
the CCRS recording function will be canceled in about 30
seconds.
How to cancel CCRS
During recording level setting:
Press the Stop key of the CD player or the stop key
of the cassette deck.
During CCRS recording:
Press the Stop key of the CD player, then press the
OPEN/CLOSE key of the CD player.
After completion of CCRS recording:
Press the OPEN/CLOSE key of the CD player.
• After completion of CCRS recording, be sure to cancel the CCRS
and ensure that the CCRS indicator has gone off.
• After recording, the cassette deck and CD player enter the stop
mode automatically.
18 KX-5550 {En)

■ Edited recording of CD
<m Set the input selector switches of the am-
■ plifier for the CD source.
• When the amplifier is equipped with a REC OUT selector,
set it to CD.
2 Place a CD in the CD player.
3 Sat up the cassette deck.
0 Insert a tape in deck.
(2) Set the tape trans¬
port direction.
0 Select one-side or
two-side recording.
ZD.... Two-side recording
-r—.... One-side recording
0 Select the Dolby NR mode.
r+DOLBY NR [b] - ► DOLBY NR
I-OFF*--—-
DIRECTION
4 Start editing.
• For the editing method, read the instruction manual of the
CD player.
0 Press the CCRS key.
• The cassette deck enters the record-pause mode.
• The CD player enters the CCRS mode, and the sound sam¬
pled from the CD is played back.
• If the CD player is not connected to this unit via a synchro
cord, the CD peak search function will be canceled in about
30 seconds.
■ Fade-in/fade-out recording
Fade-in refers to starting recording by gradually increasing
the volume. Fade-out refers to ending recording by gradu¬
ally decreasing the volume when recording it to be ended
in the middle of a tune or when the tape runs out in the
middle of a tune.
Fade-in operation
Adjust the recording level beforehand.
*| Pause recording.
Press at the position where fade-in is to be initiated.
JEC/ARM
2 Press the AUTO FADER key.
The REC LEVEL control knob moves automatically to
the "0" position.
< 33 ^
3 Start fade-in.
then press
Fade-out operation
Press the AUTO FADER key.
The REC LEVEL control knob moves automatically to
the "0" position.
• When the key is pressed again, the control knob returns to
the previous position.
KX-5550 tEn) 19

Timer operations
This unit incorporates a built-in tinier standby function. By
■ Timer playback
Set the power switches of the components
• used in timer playback to ON.
4 Start playback.
2 Insert a cassette tape.
'-dp—
0 Adjust the volume of the amplifier.
fpT
• The type of tape, that is, Normal, Chrome or Metal, is set
automatically.
• Remove the tape slack before insertion.
0 Rewind the tape to the start position.
3 Set the playback condition.
(D Set the tape transport direction.
(2) Select the playback mode.
DIRECTION
(Cy) O.Endless playback.
J fw- 3Z) . S tops after playinng two sides.
r J zz. ..... Stops after playing one side.
(3) Select the Dolby NR mode.
U
• Set according to the tape to be played.
■ y Set the timer so that the tape starts at the
" desired time of the day.
8 Set the TIMER switch to PLAY.
II llll-H
REC OFF PLAY
TIMER
• When the set time comes, tape playback starts automatically.
• Playback stops when the end of tape is reached.'
Note:
The memories (bias preset, etc.) are held for about 3 days even when the power is not supplied. If the timer is set that the power is not ON for
over 3 days, the memories may be erased.
20 KX-5550 (En)