Kenwood KX-620 User manual

STEREO CASSETTE
TAPE DECK INSTRUCTION MANUAL
the sound approach to quality
L
KENV
COL)

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing our cassette deck. Because we take great
pride in the long tradition of quality components the name KENWOOD
represents, your choice of our product places you in a disiinguished
family of connoisseurs of superb high-fidelity sound reproduction.
SERIAL NUMBER
Record your SERIAL NUMBER on the spaces designated on the
warranty card. You will find the serial number on the back of the unit.
AFTER UNPACKING
After
unpacking,
we
recommend
you
inspect
and
examine
the
unit
for
any
possible
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 you retain the original carton and packing materials
to prevent any damage should you transport or ship your unit in the
future.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 0000. ce ccceceneessseeestenseesssescseeessaeensesesecerstessstcessesesestenensts 2
FEATURES... cece ceccneesneceaecnaeeesessecceesseecatecsseesseesssesssessecssessuessueereeessties 2
NOTES occ ccccecccenecsnaeecsecctsecssreesaeecseesssscasasessssessecesssessuessssccnssesnsevsasersaversts 3
CONTROLS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS 0000... ceccccceececcsecceseensccntevnerseeeas 4
CONNECTING INSTRUCTIONS 000... cccccccccccsscessceneeeeceesecsucvaseeseccesevanersneees 6
CASSETTE TAPE... iecccccccsreccteesseesseeesseesseecseecsetcssseecssesessessseesnisersescnnsees 7
LOADING AND UNLOADING OF CASSETTE TAPE........0...00cccecceceeeeeeeeee 8
HOW TO MAKE PLAYBACK .(..0.. occ cecceescecceecesseesseeesesesseceseeensetenseecnseeseecsns 8
HOW TO MAKE RECORDING ooo cececsecesseesseeeeseceneecseesersceeseeenstesnreecss 9
DOLBY NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM Qu... cccccccccscccsccecsessccesesersreseeeneeeesns 10
MAINTENANCE 0000... ccecencncneeecceeteceeeseecessesseeeseseessseesveserenrneneesecrenens 10
TROUBLE SHOOTING uu... ececesessessecssecssecstecesscsssenecsaecesssesersasensesasesseeatens 11
SPECIFICATIONS... ccc cecccecsesseeseceesssessecseeseeesscsusssesscsscseceessressecausauceseaeeeuseases 12
FEATURES
1.
Front-loading with optimum convenience
Ail
controls
are
neatly
arranged
on
the
front
panel
for
easy
operation.
Designed
to
provide
excellent
performance
when
used
with
any
type
of
Hi-Fi
component
system.
The
tape
deck
can
be
placed
anywhere,
even
on
amplifier,
tuner
or
receiver.
.
Adoption
of
Dolby
Noise
Reduction
System
The
Dolby
N.R.
system
eliminates
undesirable
tape
hiss
noise,
im-
proving
S/N
ratio
in
high
frequency
range
by
about
10
dB.
. Unique tape selector switch
The
tape
selector
switch
functions
to
select
“bias”
in
2
steps
and
“e-
qualization”
in
3
steps
to
ensure
optimum
recording
and
playback
of
various
types
of
tapes,
such
as
normal
tape,
L.H.
tape,
chrome
tape
and
Ferri-chrome
tape.
. Input selector with MIC/DIN attenuator
The
MIC/DIN
attenuator
built
in
the
input
selector
protects
the
head
amplifier
against
saturation
due
to
over-input;
use
the
attenuator
according
to
the
amount
of
MIC/DIN
input.
The
input
selector
allows
the
line
input
to
bypass
the
head
amplifier,
improving
both
S/N
ratio
and
distortion.
. Full auto stop mechanism
In all mode such as recording, playback, fast forward or rewind, the
tape drive mechanism stops automatically as the tape reaches its end.
.
Mirror
and
lamp
in
cassette
compartment
A
mirror
and
lamp
furnished
in
the
cassette
compartment
provide
a
full
view
of
the
tape
running
condition.
. Safety-locked eject mechanism
Model
KX-620
is
provided
with
the
safety-locked
eject
mechanism
for
the
tape
ejection.
When
the
cassette
door
is
closed,
the
mechanism
is
in
effect
and
the
cassette
tape
can
not
be
ejected
by
pressing
the
STOP/EJECT
button.
. Free-to-change motor pulley
The
tape
mechanism
is
driven
by
DC
motor,
so
the
unit
accepts
both
50
Hz
and
60
Hz
power
without
making
any
modification.
DOLBY
is
a
Trade
Mark
of
Dolby
Laboratories,
Inc.

NOTES
CONCERNING
LINE
VOLTAGE
e
To
reset
the
selector,
pull
out
the
selector
plug
and
reinsert
it
firmly
e
Units
shipped
to
the
countries
listed
in
the
table
below
are
designed
to
into
the
AC
voltage
selector
with
your
line
voltage
appearing
in
the
be
operated
with
the
AC
line
voltage
that
is
shown,
which
is
standard
cutout
of
the
selector
plug.
in
those
countries.
e
Be
sure
to
remove
the
AC
plug
when
setting
the
AC
voltage
selector.
e
Our
warranty
does
not
cover
damage
caused
by
excessive
line
Destination
AC
Voltage
voltage
due
to
improper
setting
of
the
AC
voltage
selector.
U.S.A.
;
120V
INSTALLATION
CANADA
120V
e
Install
the
unit
on
a
flat,
vibration-free,
rigid
table
or
stand.
SCANDINAVIA
220V
e
Do
not
place
the
unit
near
a
heat
producing
equipment
such
as
a
ENGLAND
220
~
240V
radiator.
Avoid
direct
sunlight.
e
The
unit
may
not
function
properly
when
used
in
atomosphere
of
AUSTRALIA
220
~
240V
extremely
low
temperature
or
freezing
temperature.
The
ideal
ambi-
}
nent
temperature
is
over
+5°C.
e
These
units
are
therefore
not
equipped
with
an
AC
voltage
selector.
@
Do
not
store
or
use
the
unit
in
a
dusty
location
or
in
a
moist
The
owners
of
such
units
should
disregard
all
reference
to
these
items
atmosphere.
Select
a
location
where
air
is
well
ventilated.
in
this
Instruction
Manual.
e
Keep
the
unit
away
from
a
source
of
magnetic
field
such
as
TV
set,
speaker system, radio or magnetized objects.
AC
VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
.
@
Operate
the
unit
on
rated
power
supply
voltage
(+5%).
e Units shipped to countries not listed in the above table are equipped Irregular power voltage will result in incorrect operation.
with an AC voltage selector on the rear panel that is preset at the .
factory to the voltage generally available in the destination area. TAPE HEADS
Before operating this tape deck, make sure that the position of the AC e Keep the tape heads free from magnetism. Do not bring a
voltage
selector
matches
your
line
voltage.
.
screwdriver
or
any
other
metallic
tool
close
to
the
tape
heads.
The
If
not,
it
must
be
changed
to
the
proper
setting.
head
surfaces
must
be
kent
clean
at
all
times.
Failure
to
observe
these
precautions
will
resuit
in
deterioration
of
sound
quality.
POWER SUPPLY FREQUENCY
@
The
tape
mechanism
is
driven
by
DC
motor,
so
the
unit
accepts
both
SOHz
and
60Hz
power
without
making
any
modification.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT
240V
position
EXPOSE
THIS
APPLIANCE
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
ED
Fig. 1 AC Voitage Selector

CONTROLS
AND
THEIR
FUNCTIONS
- a: Te
CASSETTE door
To open the cassette door, push it up until it locks.
To close, lightly push it once again until it is unlocked (see pige 8).
RECORDING indicator
record mode.
TAPE counter & RESET button
The
tape
counter
drive
is
associated
with
tape
transport
to
enable
you
'o
accurately
jocate
each
point
on
the
tape.
Pushing
the
reset
button
resets
the
counter
indication
to
“000
,
you
do
Mis
normally
when starting the tape from its very end.
a. - remmmmsemasassarest
POWER switch
To
turn
on
the
power,
set
this
switch
to
“ON”;
the
lamps
in
the
-assette
|
»mpartment
and
the
VU
meters
will
light.
To turn off, sc! the switch to “OFF”.
}
”,
| f
This
lamp
glows
red
as
the
record
button
is
pressed,
indicatiiig
that
the
deck
is
in
f
_
f
_—_—
RECORD button
Press this butte:: for recor-
ding. It can not: » pressed if
cassette is improy:erly loaded
or a claw to prevent acciden-
tal erasure is removed.
During record inode, the
record pilot lamp lights up
and the level meters indicate
input levels.
__/S
r
REWIND (<<) button
Pressing this button starts
sending the tape fast to the
left-hand reel. When the tape
reaches the end, the button is
automatically released from
the locked position.
PLAY (>) button
The tape starts running for
playback as this button is
pressed.
For recording, keep pressing
the record button and press
the play button.
In either case, each button is
released from the locked
position and the tape stops
automatically when the tape
reaches the end.
FAST FORWARD (>>) button
Pressing this button starts
sending the tape fast to the
right-hand reel. When the
tape reaches the end, the
button is automatically
released from the locked
position.
PAUSE button
Pressing this button during
recording or playback allows
the tape to stop for a brief
period of time. Pressing the
same button once again
allows the tape to resume
running for recording or
playback.
CAUTION:
Pressing FAST FORWARD or
REWIND button with this
PAUSE button pressed does
not automatically stop the
tape running even when the
tape reaches the end.
STOP,’ JECT button
As yo:: oress this button any
other ‘peration buttons get
releas’ i and the tape stops
runnie::;. Pressing the button
once again ejects the
casse!:? for removal.
Bear '' 's in mind: When the
casse''2 door is closed,
press'g the button does
stop ti > tape running but not
eject : 2 cassette.

VU meter
The VU meter indicates recording level or
output level.
Indication “DL” refers to the upper
limitation of the Dolby level: the Dolby
circuit functions only when the meter
pointer indicates the level below this
indication.
HEADPHONE and MICROPHONE jacks
Connect your headphones into the
headphone jack (upper jack) for sound
monitoring during recording or playback.
The microphone jack is used for connec-
tion of microphone, microphone mixer,
telephone pickup coil, etc.
The microphone should be discontiected
in the case of recording through DIN cord.
al
— f
TAP = selector
Set the selector to appro-
priate position according to
the 'ype of tape to be used.
Refer to “How to make play-
back” on page 8 and “How
to make recording” on
page 9.
Le J
INPUT selector
Use this selector knob to se-
lect recording source. When
recording from microphone
or through DIN (record/play)
cord, set this knob to
“MIC/DIN”; when recording
through the line input, set it to
“line”.
if the input level from
microphone or DIN cord is
too high, set the knob to
“ATT”, as it reduces the input
level.
Note that recording through
DIN cord is not effected if
microphone is left connected
to the tape deck.
RECORD VOLUME knob
These knobs are used to ad-
just record input levels.
The inner (L) and outer (R)
knobs turn simultaneously.
To adjust the L and R
channels individually, turn
ione knob while holding the
other (see page 9).
DOLBY N.R. switch
Set this switch to ON when
playing Dolby encoded tape
or recording a tape in Dolby
mode.
We
Full auto stop mechanism
In approximately 4 seconds after the tape has been
wound up and stopped running in one of the follow-
ing operations — record, play, fast forward and re-
wind — the functional button of the operation
oor cally returns back to its home position
During these 4 seconds, some low hissing noise may
be heard: never worry about this sound — this in-
dicates normal condition.
w

CONNECTING
INSTRUCTIONS
CONNECTION
TO
STEREO
SYSTEM
For
connection,
use
the
supplied
audio
2P
cords
e
To
play
tapes,
connect
the
audio
2P
cords
between
the
“line
out”
of
the
unit
and
the
“tape
play”
terminal
of
your
amplifier
or
receiver.
e@
To
make
recording,
connect
the
audio
2P
cords
between
the
“line
in”
of
the
unit
and
the
“tape
rec”
terminal
of
your
amplifier
or
receiver.
Note:
Make
sure
that
the
white
lead
(Left)
and
red
lead
(Right)
are
correctly
connected.
To use the DIN cord
e
if
your
amplifier
has
DIN
connection
feature,
connect
a
DIN
cord
between
the
unit
and
the
amplifier.
This
connection
permits
both
recording
and
playback
without
making
any
further
connections.
.
When
this
cord
is
connected,
be
sure
to
disconnect
the
audio
2P
cord
and microphone.
RECORDING
WITH
MICROPHONE
®
Use
microphone
of
low
impedance
(600
Q).
The
MIC
jack
may
be
connected
to
the
output
of
a
microphone
mixer
or
telephone
pickup
coil,
instead
of
the
microphone.
For
recording
TV
or
radio
programs,
use
the
“line
in”
or
MIC
jack
ac-
cording
to
the
strength
of
output
level.
@
When
making
monaural
recording
with
only
one
microphone,
connect
it
to
the
left
MIC
jack.
The
sound
is
recorded
on
both
the
left
and
right
channels.
USE OF HEADPHONE
e
Connect
a
stereo
headphone.
This
connection
permits
sound
monitoring
during
recording
or
playback
of
tape.
=
Me
a]
#
KX-620 To AC outlet
Audio 2P cords
(supplied)
Do not connect DIN cord and
DIN cord audio 2P cords simultaneously.
Audio 2P cords
(supplied)
White
22S Oe
INPUT
Amplifier or
receiver
L
Fig.2
Connecting
Procedure
Microphone mixer
oe
a eens
Microphone ,
(60082 )

CASSETTE TAPE
CARE OF CASSETTE TAPE
e Accidental Erase Protection
Your precious recorded tape can be protected against accidental
erasure by breaking off the claws located on the upper edge of
cassette cases (See Fig. 3). Once the claws are removed, the record
button cannot be pressed and thus the tape is protected against
accidental erasure. Shouid you desire to make recording on the
same tape, close the exposed holes in the cassette with a piece of
adhesive tape.
e Exposed Tape or Slack in Tape
When the tape is exposed from tne cartridge or the tape has a slack,
insert a pencil into the reel hub and turn it until the slack is fully taken
up (See Fig. 4).
e Storing of Cassette Tape
Cassette case and tape are easily damaged by heat. Do not expose
the cassette to direct sunlight or leave near heat producing equipment
such as a radiator. Note that damaged cassette tape results in incor-
rect tape transport, causing unusual noise, wow, jumping of sound,
etc.
To protect precious recording, break off claw
S using screwdriver
or similar tool.
Fig.3 Accidental Erase Protection
CASSETTE TAPE RECOMMENDATIONS
A good cassette is constructed with closer tolerances and according
to the universally standardized specifications; the tape runs smoothly and
its magnetic characteristics are uniform throughout its full length. Here
are tips for you to tell a good cassette from a bad one:
1) No abnormal noise issues forth from a good cassette when the deck is
operated on FAST FORWARD or REWIND.
2) The plastic case of a good cassette is not warped: take a good look at
its front and side before you mount it in the holder.
3) Even a good cassette could have a deteriorated (magnetically) tape in
it if it has been left standing under the direct sun or at abnormally high
temperatures —for a long time.
e Cautions on C-120 cassette tape
C-120 cassette tape does demand ideal working conditions — no sag
in the tape, no tape elongation, perfectly clean capstan and pinch
roller.
This tape is so fragile that, if the capstan or pinch roller is even slightly
dirty, it often coils around the capstan or roller to result in tape
breakage.
Consequently,
take
great
care
of
these
conditions,
if
you
would
use
C-120
tape.
Insert pencil into reel hub
and turn until slack is
taken up.
A
re | g
| Gh Unit
ms
Fig.4
Method
of
taking
up
slack
in
tape
J

LOADING AND UNLOADING
OF CASSETTE TAPE
LOADING OF CASSETTE TAPE
1. Push the cassette door up until it locks.
2. Press the stop/eject button to raise the cassette holder.
3. With the tape side you wish to play or record facing upward and the
opening of the cassette toward you, insert the cassette into the
cassette holder as far as it will go. A click sound will be heard.
4. Push the cassette door up once again until it is unlocked. The
cassette door will be closed.
UNLOADING OF CASSETTE TAPE
1. Push the cassette door up until it locks.
2. Press firmly the stop/eject button and the cassette will be ejected.
This button cannot be pressed if the cassette door is closed.
Push cassette door up
until it locks.
Insert cassette and
set it in place.
£ 1
fa }
\
}
4
1
Press stop/eject button
to remove cassette.
( Fig.5 Loading and Unloading of Cassette
HOW TO MAKE PLAYBACK
1. Turn on the power switch. The lamps in the cassette compartment
and the VU meter will light, indicating that the unit is ready for opera-
tion.
2. With the tape side to be played facing upward, firmly insert the
cassette into the cassette holder and set it in place.
3. Set the tape selector to correct “EQ” according to the type of tape to
be played.
For optimum recording and playback, set the tape selector as oultli-
ned in the following page “Types of Tapes and Positions of Tape
Selector”.
Even a chrome tape may not reproduce sufficient high range
frequencies that is recorded through another tape deck of 120 us high
range equalization time constant. In this case, set the tape selector to
“normal” position.
Note: Selection of “BIAS” is not required for playback.
4. To play Dolby encoded tape, set the Dolby switch to ON.
5. Press the play button (>).
The tape will now start playing. Adjust the volume with the volume
control of the amplifier or receiver.
Insert recorded tape cassette
and set it in place.
Set power switch
to ON.
near soos | mere rer eenrorrrerpmtee reat
s eee :
if BIAS. ance
¥ wean '
POWFRON = #888 ~ NORMAL
ie,
=p SET ELT
5)Push play sitondy se equalizer switch
ortem
@:@!
+
o
BYNR
Cas
Set Dolby switch
to appropriate position. to ON or OFF,
whichever is
desired.
Fig.6 Howto play tape
L g play tap J

HOW TO MAKE RECORDING
1. With the tape side to be recorded facing upward, insert the cassette
firmly into the cassette holder, and set it in place.
Check to make sure that the cassette has erasure prevention claws on
the upper edge.
2. Set the tape selector to appropriate position according to the type of
tape to be recorded. Refer to the Table “Types of Tapes and
Positions of Tape Selector”.
. To make recording in Dolby mode, set the Dolby switch to ON.
. Set the input selector to the desired recording source.
. Press the record button until it locks.
. Adjust the recording level with the record volume knob so that the
pointer of the VU meter indicates about OVU peak input.
7. While holding the record button down, press the play button (>). Both
buttons will be locked and the tape will be set in record mode.
To timely start recording, press and lock the pause button in advance,
lock the record button and play button and then release the pause
button.
Ooh W
Insert cassette and
set
it
in
place
knob
for
optimum
record level.
TAPE
cal
.
:
et
RESERVE | % DOLBY NR me
euee
epevenee
=
NOAMAL
*
'
eumee FH
c
BIAS
POWER ON
Power on——
set Dolby switch
to ON or OFF,
whichever is desired.
Set input selector to
appropriate position.
Press record While pressing record @)
button. button down, press
play button until it @ Set tape selector to
locks. appropriate position.
Fig.7 Howto make recording
( Adjust record volume
SETTING OF RECORDING LEVEL
Recording level setting point depends on the type of tape and tape deck to be used. Your
trial-and-error will determine optimum recording level. This model uses OVU = 160
pwb/mm as a reference level which is about 4 dB down below 250 pwb/mm (previous rating)
in playback level. The change in the reference level is based on the idea of effectively uti-
lizing the improved tape characteristics, such as S/N ratio, frequency response and dynamic
range.
Since the recording level is about 4 dB down below the previous level as a whole, it is
possible to make recording of better high frequency response with less clipping effects at
peak inputs, even when the recording level setting is performed in the usual manner.
In addition, S/N ratio is remarkably improved with the adoption of Dolby system that reduces
hissing noise in tape.
It should be noted that if a tape recorded at the level of OVU = 250 pwb/mm is played by
your tape deck, the output level is increased by about 4 dB; in contrast with this, if a tape
recorded by your tape deck is played through another tape deck, the output level is reduced
by about 4 dB.
Types of Tapes and Positions of Tape Selector (example)
MAKER TYPE OF TAPE BIAS EQUALIZATION
NORMAL | CHROME | NORMAL | RESERVE | CHROME
TDK D C-60, C-90 e @
SD C-60, C-90 @ e
M C-60, C-90 e e
MAXELL LN C-60, C-90 e @
UD C-60, C-90 e e
SONY C-60, C-90 e @
HF C-60, C-90 e e
FUJI FL C-30, C-60, C-90 e e
SCOTCH LD C-60, C-90 e e
LH C-60, C-90 e e
BASF LH C-60, C-90 e e
LHS C-60, C-90 e e
AGFA LH C-60, C-90 e e
SHD C-60, C-90 e ®
MAXELL UD-XLI C-60, C-90 e e
SONY DUAD C-60, C-90 e e
FUJI FX C-60, C-90 e e
SCOTCH CLASSIC C-60, C-90 e e
BASF FCR C-60, C-90 @ e
All makers | Chrome tape e e
TDK SA C-60, C-90 @ e
MAXELL UD-XLII C-60, C-90 @ e

DOLBY NOISE REDUCTION
SYSTEM
e The Dolby 'loise Reduction System was developed in the Dolby
Laboratories inc. of England. It is a system to minimize hissing noise
in tape. Most of home use Dolby type tape recorders are equipped
with “B” typ 2 Dolby system as found in your tape deck.
Principle of Dolby System (“B” type)
The Dolby system functions so that it automatically increases
recording le.els of medium and high frequencies which are important
parts of mus'c, when recording signal level is lower than the specified
level, and at tomatically reduces the output level to the normal level
during playt ack. In this way, the tape hissing noise is remarkably
reduced witliout affecting the sound quality.
The Dolby s\ stem used in your tape deck improves S/N ratio by about
9 dB at 1 kilz and about 10 dB at 10 kHz.
Te
|
Capstan
Cotton swab (cleaning stick) /
Record/play
Erase
head
Pinch
roller
In the cassette compartment
Fig.8 Head Cleaning
MAINTENANCE
PERIODICAL CHECK-UP
Generally, machines operated over long periods without proper care and
maintenance may develop trouble due to poor lubrication, wear, deterio-
ration or the like. To ensure a long service life and stable operation,
periodical
check-up
at
an
interval
of
two
years
or
so,
if
possible,
is
recommended even if the equipment is in normal condition. Please have
such a periodical check-up made through the dealer.
LUBRICATION
Since
oil-less
metal
is
used
at
all
moving
contacts
points,
lubrication
will
not
le
necessary
for
about
one
year.
If
any
revolving
parts
are
found
to
be
noisy
or
not
turning
smoothly,
it
is
advisable
to
consult
your
local
deal-
er,
because
some
special
technique
is
needed.
HEAD CLEANING
To. -antape heads (See Fig. 8):
1.
ess
the
stop/eject
button
to
remove
cassette
from
the
cassette
older.
2.
--irn
off
the
power
switch,
then
lower
the
cassette
holder
and
press
‘ve
play
button(>).
3. Clean the surfaces of the erase head, record/play head, pinch roller
and capstan with the supplied cleaning stick (Use after cutting short to
two pieces.) or soft cloth, gauze (moisten the stick with alcohol).
NOTE: When cleaning, be careful not to give any shock or strain to
the precision-adjusted parts such as the tape guide.
CLEANING THE PANEL AND COVER
Clean
the
panel
and
cover
gently
with
dry
cloth
or
silicone
cloth.
In
case
they
are
badly
dirtied,
wipe
them
with
cloth
wetted
in
soapsuds
and
wrung.
Never use thinner, alcohol, benzine or other volatile liquids.