Onkyo K-185X User manual

Features................................................ 2
Important safeguards ........................... 3
Precautions .......................................... 3
System connections ............................. 4
Power connections............................... 6
Control positions and names ............... 7
To play a tape ...................................... 8
Recording .......................................... 10
Making good sound recordings ......... 11
Useful recording functions ................ 12
CD dubbing(System operation) ......... 13
CD/MD synchro recording
(System operation)............................. 16
Handling cassette tapes...................... 17
Cassette deck maintenance ................ 18
Specifications .................................... 18
Troubleshooting guide....................... 19
K-185X
Stereo Cassette Tape D
Instruction Manual

2
Thank youfor your purchase of the ONKYO
K-185X Cassette Tape Deck.
Please read this manual thoroughly before making connections
and plugging in the AC power cord.
Following the instructions in this manual will enable you to
obtain optimum performance and maximum listening enjoyment
from your new K-185X.
Please retain this manual for future reference.
Features
eAdvanced Two-Mode CD Dubbing with Peak Search
When connected to Onkyo's CR-185X/CHR-185X CD
Receiver, one touch of either the Album or Fade buttons not
only starts CD-to-tape dubbing, it searches out the highest
peaks on a CD and sets the ideal recording level. During
Album dubbing, sophisticated circuitry checks the length of
the last song against the remaining tape. If the entire song
won't fit, recording will start from the song's beginning on
side B. With Fade dubbing, the last song will fade out on side
A and start again on side B.
eDolby HX Pro Headroom Extension
Dolby HX Pro extends the dynamic headroom to capture the
wider musical dynamics of CDs and other digital sources. It
provides noticeably cleaner reproduction of those crucial
higher frequencies by improving the tapes's ability to capture
high-level signals without saturation. Another plus is the
tapes you record with Dolby HX Pro can be played back on
decks without Dolby HX Pro, for improved sound perfor-
mance.
eDolby B/C Noise Reduction
You'll have no trouble making life-like, super-quiet record-
ings. Dolby B removes high-frequency hiss, while Dolby C
works over a wider range for cleaner, more faithful dubs.
eAutomatic Recording-Level Control
eOne-Touch CD Synchronized Recording
eAuto Reverse
eRugged Transport System
eFull-Logic Controls
eOne-Touch On and Play
ez(Remote Interactive) System Compatible
• The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magni-
tude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
• The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING
“TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE.”
CAUTION
“TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.”
Dolby noise reduction and HX Pro headroom extension
manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licens-
ing Corporation. HX Pro originated by Bang and Olufsen.
“Dolby,” the double-D symbol and “HX PRO” are trademarks
of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
FOR CANADIAN MODEL:
(POUR LE MODELE CANADIEN)
• For models having a power cord with a polarized plug
CAUTION:TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH
WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
• Sur les modèles dont la fiche est polarisée.
ATTENTION:POUR ÉVITER LES CHOCS
ÉLECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE
DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE
LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQ’AU FOND.
ATTENTION FOR BRITISH MODEL
Replacement and mounting of an AC plug on the power supply
cord of this unit should be performed only by qualified service
personnel.
IMPORTANT
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the
following code:
Blue: Neutral
Brown: Live
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance
may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the
terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal
in the plug which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the
terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter L or coloured
RED.
IMPORTANT
A 5 amp fuse is fitted in this plug. Should the fuse need to be
replaced, please ensure that the replacement fuse has a rating of 5
amps and that it is approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362. Check
for the ASTA mark or the BSI mark on the body of the fuse.
IF THE FITTED MOULDED PLUG IS UNSUITABLE FOR
THE SOCKET OUTLET IN YOUR HOME, THEN THE FUSE
SHOULD BE REMOVED AND THE PLUG CUT OFF AND
DISPOSED OF SAFELY. THERE IS A DANGER OF SEVERE
ELECTRICAL SHOCK IF THE CUT OFF PLUG IS IN-
SERTED INTO ANY 13 AMP SOCKET.
If in any doubt, please consult a qualified electrician.
zcable (1) Audio connection cable (2)
Supplied accessory
Declaration of Conformity
We, ONKYO EUROPE
ELECTRONICS GmbH
INDUSTRIESTRASSE 20
82110 GERMERING,
GERMANY
declare in own responsibility, that the ONKYO product described
in this instruction manual is in compliance with the corresponding
technical standards such as EN55013, EN55020, EN61000-3-2, -3-3
and EN60065
GERMERING, GERMANY
ONKYO EUROPE ELECTRONICS GmbH
K.OTSU
WARNING
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
AVIS

3
1. Warranty Claim
You can find the serial number on the rear panel of the unit. In
case of warranty claim, please report this number.
2. Recording Copyright
Recording of copyrighted material for other than personal use is
illegal without permission of the copyright holder.
3. Deck Location
• Do not use or leave in direct sunlight or in other places
subject to high temperature and humidity. The unit should
also not be left in potentially hot places such as near heating
appliances. Excessive heat and moisture can lead to internal
damage and serious malfunctions (this also applies to cassette
tapes).
The recommended ambient temperature range is 5˚C to 35˚C.
• Avoid damp and dusty places and locations prone to vibra-
tions.
• Be extremely careful with the recording/playback heads.
Clean and demagnetize them regularly, but under no circum-
stances should magnets or other metals be used anywhere
near the heads.
• This unit is extremely sensitive to magnetic fields, so do not
use near large speakers or other devices which generate
magnetic fields.
• Hum may even be induced by magnetic flux leakage from the
power transformer in certain amplifiers. Therefore, this unit
should also be kept clear of the amplifier.
• Do not remove the cabinet case. If any of the internal parts
are handled, there is a considerable danger of electric shock.
4. Cassettes to Avoid:
• Cassettes with poorly formed cases that rattle during rewind
and fast forward.
• Low cost cassettes with no guide roller or pressure pad spring
should never be used for stereo.
• C-120 cassettes — because the tape and the coating are
extremely thin, distortion levels are high. Also, even a slight
stretching of the tape will make it susceptible to being caught
up in the pinch roller and capstan.
• Endless tapes, if used for a long period of time, can overheat.
5. Power
WARNING
BEFORE PLUGGING IN THE UNIT FOR THE FIRST
TIME, READ THE FOLLOWING SECTION CARE-
FULLY.
• The voltage of the available power supply differs according
to country or region. Be sure that the power supply voltage of
the area where this unit will be used meets the required
voltage (e.g., AC230V 50Hz or AC120V 60Hz) written on
the rear panel.
• Voltage Selector (Rear Panel)
Worldwide models are equipped with a voltage selector to
conform with local power supplies. Be sure to set this switch
to match the power supply in your area before plugging in the
unit. Models without a voltage selector can only be used in
areas where the power supply voltage is the same as that of
the unit.
Precautions
Important safeguards
PORTABLE CART WARNING
S3125A
1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should
be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the appliance and in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions — All operating and use instructions should be
followed.
5. Water and Moisture — The appliance 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, and the
like.
6. Carts and Stands — The appliance should be used only with a cart
or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.
6A. An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force, and uneven surface may cause the appliance
and cart combination to overturn.
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting — The appliance should be mounted to a
wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Ventilation – The appliance should be situated so that its location or
position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example,
the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar
surface that may block the ventilation openings; or if placed in a
built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede
the flow of air through the ventilation openings, there should be free
space of at least 20 cm (8 in.) and open up behind the appliance.
9. Heat — The appliance should be situated away from heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
10. Power Sources — The appliance should be connected to a power
supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as
marked on the appliance.
11. Polarization — If the appliance is provided with a polarized plug
having one blade wider than the other, please read the following
information: The polarization of the plug is a safety feature. The
polarized plug will only fit the outlet one way. If the plug does not fit
fully into the outlet, try reversing it. If there is still trouble, the user
should seek the services of a qualified electrician. Under no
circumstances should the user attempt to defeat the polarization of the
plug.
12. 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, paying particular attention to the cords at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the appliance.
13. Cleaning — The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended
by the manufacturer.
14. Nonuse Periods — The power cord of the appliance should be
unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
15. Object and Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that objects do
not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through
openings.
16. Damage Requiring Service — The appliance 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 appliance;
or
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a
marked change in performance; or
E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
17. Servicing — The user should not attempt to service the appliance
beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other
servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

4
Connecting the unit to the Onkyo Separate Collection series; CR-185X(CD receiver), CHR-185X (CD receiver), and
MD-185X (MD recorder).
Refer to the instruction manual of the CR-185X or CHR-185X for more information on connections.
Using this system allows you to use following system functions:
Connecting the Onkyo Separate Collection series
When this unit is properly connected to the CR-185X, CHR-185X and MD-185X, the following functions are available.
Timer function:
Timer Play (weekday): You can play from your selected source at the designated time weekday.
Timer Play (weekend): You can play from your selected source at the designated time weekend.
Timer Record: You can record your favorite programs from the tuner, starting at the designated time.
Sleep Timer: You can set the system to automatically turn off after a certain time, up to a maximum of 90 minutes.
Please see the instruction manual for the CD receiver (CR-185X or CHR-185X) for detailed operating instructions.
CD dubbing function
The CD dubbing function has the following four modes.
• ALBUM CD dubbing
• FADE OUT CD dubbing
• Continuous CD dubbing
• CD dubbing in the middle of a tape
(See page 13 - 16.)
Remote control operation
You can operate the unit using the remote controller that comes with the amplifier. The buttons on the controller have the same function
as those on the unit. (Refer to the instruction manual for the CR-185X or CHR-185X for more details.)
(The functions listed below can be controlled using the remote control of the master unit (Onkyo model only).)
s a : Play
d: Rewind
f: Fast forward
e: Stop
t: Rec/Pause
CD synchro recording, MD synchro recording
You can set up the system so that recording from a CD or MD to a cassette tape will synchronize playback of the CD or MD. (Refer to
page 16 of this instruction manual.)
One-touch play
Pressing the PLAY button of the K-185X automatically selects the "TAPE" input source on the CR-185X/CHR-185X CD receiver
before playing the tape.
System connections

5
• Do not plug in the power cord until all connections have been made.
• On each pair of input or output jacks, the lower jack (marked R) corresponds to the right channel, and the upper jack
(marked L) to the left channel. Also refer to the amplifier's instruction manual for further information on connections.
To AC outlet
AC Outlets (UNSWITCHED)
The power cords of other components may be
plugged into these outlets.
Their maximum capacity is 100 watts.
Connecting to an Amplifier
Connect the tape deck LINE IN jacks to the TAPE REC jacks
on the rear panel of the amplifier and the tape deck LINE
OUT jacks to the amplifier TAPE PLAY jacks.
Also refer to the amplifier's instruction manual for further
information on connections.
Connecting the unit with other devices:
System connections
LR LR
(REC) (PLAY)TAPE
LL
RR
LINE IN LINE OUT
(REC) (PLAY) REMOTE
CONTROL
AC OUTLET
UNSWITCHED
100W MAX.
AC230V 50Hz

6
Power connections
1
2
Switching power on
1. Plug the AC power cord into a wall
outlet.
The STAND-BY indicator will light.
2. Press the STAND-BY/ON button.
The STAND-BY indicator will go out.
• If this unit is plugged into the
amplifier's AC outlet, the amplifier's
AC power cord must be plugged into a
wall outlet and its power switched on
before this unit will operate.
To a wall outlet
STAND-BY
STAND-BY/ON
STAND-BY
STAND-BY/ON

7
Control positions and names
For more information about a button or control, turn to the page number listed in square brackets ([ ]).
7. Fast forward and Rewind buttons
( d , f) [9]
8. REC PAUSE button and indicator
[10]
9. AUTO SPACE button [12]
10. STAND-BY indicator [6]
11. STAND-BY/ON button [6]
1. Cassette holder [8]
2. CD DUBBING buttons and indicator
(ALBUM/FADE) [13,14,15]
3. DOLBY NR button and indicators
[8, 10]
4. REVERSE MODE button and indicator [8,10]
5. EJECT button ( rr
rr
r) [8]
6. Operation buttons
a: Reverse play button and indicator [8]
e: Stop button [9]
s: Forward play button and indicator [8]
FULL AUTO REVERSE
STEREO CASSETTE TAPE DECK EJECT
REVERSE
MODE
DOLBY NR
B
C
CD
DUBBING
ALBUM
FADE
REC
PAUSE
AUTO
SPACE
STAND-BY
STAND-BY/ON
K-185X
12345
67891011

8
To play a tape
A
Listening to a tape
1. Press the EJECT button to open the
cassette holder.
2. Insert a cassette.
• The side of the cassette with the
exposed tape should be facing down-
ward.
3. Set the Dolby NR by pressing the
DOLBY NR button repeatedly until
the proper Dolby NR indicator (B or
C) turns on or off.
• Select the same noise reduction system
that was used when the cassette was
recorded. For instance, tapes recorded
using Dolby B NR should be played
back with Dolby B NR.
4. Press the REVERSE MODE button
if you wish to select the auto reverse
mode.
“ b "turns off: Only one side of the
tape is played back.
“ b "turns on: Both sides of the tape
are played back repeatedly eight
times or until the ebutton is
pressed.
5. Start playback.
• Press the aor sbutton depending
on which side of the cassette you wish
to listen to.
s: Playback starts from the front
side.
a: Playback starts from the reverse
side.
• The auto-stop mechanism will auto-
matically stop the tape (depending on
the tape transport mode) if a tape is
played through to the end.
1
5
4
3
2
EJECT
When this unit is properly connected to the CD reciever CR-185X/CHR-185X, pressing the sbutton swiches input selector of CR-185X/CHR-185X to
“TAPE/MD” automatically.
1
4
3
5
d , f
2
REVERSE
MODE
DOLBY NR
B
C
Note:
To eject the tape in play, be sure to first
press the STOP button to stop the tape
transport before pressing the EJECT button.

9
Stopping playback
Press the ebutton.
The following explanation assumes that the
tape direction is forward ( s).
Fast forward and rewind
To fast forward the tape, press the f
button.
To rewind the tape, press the d
button.
• To stop either fast forward or rewind,
press the ebutton.
Skipping to a song
Make sure the tape is playing before using
this function.
To skip ahead to the next song, press the
fbutton.
Skipping to the beginning of the
current song or a preceding song
Make sure the tape is playing before using
this function.
To skip back to the beginning of the song
being played, press the dbutton.
Note:
The Skip function operates by detecting the
blank space between songs. Therefore, it
may not operate properly under circum-
stances such as the following:
1) The black space is too short.
2) The song is interrupted by narration,
etc.
3) The music level changes, such as a
quiet section immediately followed by
a loud section.
4) There is excessive noise between songs.
AA
AA
A
4 5 6
f
s
A
2 3
d
1 4
s
To play a tape
Automatic tape selection system
This deck detects the type of cassette in the
cassette holder and automatically sets the
bias and equalization to the correct settings.
Tape selection is performed by detecting
the presence or absence of identification
pits on the back of the cassette shell.
Cassettes manufactured before this
identification system was adopted and
bargain cassettes that do not incorporate
these pits cannot be used with this deck.

10
A
Recording
1Procedure for recording
Confirm that the amplifier is set up
correctly for recording. (Refer to the
amplifier’s instruction manual for details.)
1. Insert the cassettes.
Make sure the side to be recorded is
facing outward.
• Recording is not possible on the tape
leaders (the transparent sections you
see at both ends of the tape.)
2. Set the Dolby NR by pressing the
DOLBY NR button repeatedly until
the desired Dolby NR indicator (B or
C) turns on or off.
3. Press the REVERSE MODE button,
if you wish to select the auto reverse
mode.
“ b "turns off: Only one side of the
tape is recorded.
“ b "turns on: Both sides of the tape
are recorded.
If recording starts in the reverse
direction, only side B is recorded.
4. Begin playing the source.
5. Press the REC PAUSE button.
Note:
This deck will not begin recording if you
press the REC PAUSE and sor a
button at the same time. To begin record-
ing, first press the REC PAUSE button to
put the deck into the rec/pause mode, then
press either the sor abutton as
appropriate.
2
3
4
5
• Check to see if one or both of the cassette’s erasure prevention tabs have been removed.
• Confirm that the cassette deck is properly connected to the amplifier.
e
1
2
3
5
6
EJECT
REVERSE
MODE
DOLBY NR
B
C
REC
PAUSE
AUTO
SPACE
FM/AM CD/LINE TAPE/MD
CR-185X CHR-185X
or
INPUT

11
6. Press the sbutton on this unit.
You can also use the CD Synchro
Recording function if this unit is prop-
erly connected to an ONKYO CD player
bearing the zsymbol. (See page 16.)
6
Stopping recording
Press the ebutton.
Interrupting recording briefly
Press the REC PAUSE button.
Making good sound recordings
Dolby Noise Reduction System
Dolby B NR is the system used in most cassette tape decks to
reduce the background noise that is inherent in all cassette tapes.
This deck also features Dolby C NR, an even more effective
noise reduction system, developed by Dolby Laboratories in
response to the demand for even better sound from cassette tapes.
The Dolby HX Pro System
Tape sensitivity is constantly changing as recordings are made
due to the biasing effect of high frequency audio signals. Dolby
HX Pro is a system that compensates for these undesirable
fluctuations during recording. It does not operate during play-
back, so cassettes recorded with Dolby HX Pro can be played
back on decks not equipped with the system.
Note:
Dolby HX Pro operates independently of Dolby B and C NR, and
only during recording.
REC
PAUSE
AUTO
SPACE
Recording

12
Useful recording functions
Inserting blank spaces between
songs when editing tapes
1. Press the REC PAUSE button and
the aor s button to begin
recording.
2. Press the AUTO SPACE button at
any point during recording where
you want to enter a blank space
about five seconds long.
• The play indicator flashes on and off.
• After the blank space has been inserted,
the tape stops automatically and the
deck returns to the rec/pause mode.
3. To continue recording, press the a
or sbutton.
• The AUTO SPACE button works in
both the record and rec/pause modes.
To insert a blank space of less than
five seconds between songs
Press the AUTO SPACE button to return to
the rec/pause mode or press the aor s
button before a five-second period has
elapsed.
To insert a blank space of more than
five seconds between songs
Hold the AUTO SPACE button down for as
long as you want the blank space to be. The
deck will return to the rec/pause mode
immediately when the button is released.
1
2
3
1,3
2
1
REC
PAUSE
AUTO
SPACE
REC
PAUSE
AUTO
SPACE

13
CD dubbing (System operation)
CD dubbing function
When this unit is properly connected to the
CD receiver CR-185X or CHR-185X and
MD-185X, the following operations are
performed.
CD dubbing modes
The CD dubbing function has the following
four modes.
ALBUM CD dubbing:
If side "A" of a tape being used for dubbing
finishes in the middle of a music track, then
the incomplete track is erased and is re-
recorded from the beginning of side "B".
FADE OUT CD dubbing:
Music which has been cut and faded out at
the end of side "A" is recorded from the
beginning on side "B".
Continuous CD dubbing:
Continuous dubbing is the function that
enables super dubbing of several CDs
continuously.
Be sure that there is enough space on the
tape to continue recording.
CD dubbing in the middle of a tape:
This function will not automatically rewind
the tape even if a super dubbing mode is
used.
Operate this function as described below
when dubbing after operating the cassette
deck.
Recording
Recording
Erase
Erase
Side A
12
34
5
3
Side B
12
34
5
3
Recording
Recording
Fade-out
Fade-out
Side A
Side B

14
A
ALBUM and FADE OUT CD
dubbing
1. Insert the cassette.
Make sure the side to be recorded is
facing outward.
2. Set the Dolby NR by pressing the
DOLBY NR button repeatedly until
the desired Dolby NR indicator (B or
C) turns on or off.
3. Press the REVERSE MODE button
if you wish to select the auto reverse
mode.
“ b "turns off: Only one side of the
tape is recorded.
“ b "turns on: Both sides of the tape
are recorded.
4. Place the disc you would like to
record.
If you have stored the desired tracks of
the CD using the CR-185X/CHR-185X
CD receiver's memory feature, you can
perform CD dubbing with the stored
tracks.
5. Press the ALBUM or FADE button.
• The CD player performs peak search,
and the tape is automatically rewound
to the beginning if it is not been
completely rewound, and the recording
level is automatically set to the
optimum level.
• This unit creates a blank space of about
10 seconds and CD dubbing starts.
Notes:
• If the CD player or cassette deck is not
set correctly, you will not be able to use
the CD dubbing functions.
• In some cases, one track of music on a
CD of live or classical music may be
too long to be recorded on one side of a
tape. In this case, do not fade-out or
erase at the end of the tape but keep
recording to the end of the tape.
Stopping CD dubbing
Press the ebutton on the CD player or
this unit.
1
2
3
4
5
Label side
or
EJECT
DOLBY NR
B
C
REVERSE
MODE
CD
DUBBING
ALBUM
FADE
CR-185X/CHR-185X K-185X
CD dubbing (System operation)
CR-185X/CHR-185X
CR-185X
CD TUNER AMPLIFIER
4
1
3
2
5
CD CHANGER TUNER AMPLIFIER
CHR-185X
4

15
CD dubbing (System operation)
Continuous CD dubbing
1. Stop the CD dubbing.
Press the ebutton on the CD player or
this unit.
Note:
After CD dubbing stops, do not operate
this unit. (Otherwise, the continuous
dubbing will be cancelled.)
2. Change the disc.
3. Continue the CD dubbing.
Press the ALBUM or FADE button.
• After the recording level is automati-
cally set to the optimum level, this unit
creates a blank space of about 5
seconds and CD dubbing will continue.
1
or
CD dubbing in the middle of a
tape
1. Follow the procedure mentioned in
steps 1 to 4 of Album CD dubbing on
page 14.
2. Press the REC PAUSE button.
3. Set the tape transport direction.
Press the s(or a) button while
holding down the REC PAUSE button.
4. Press the ALBUM or FADE button.
• After the recording level is automati-
cally set to the optimum level (the tape
is not automatically rewound), the
dubbing operation will begin.
4
2
3
REC
PAUSE
AUTO
SPACE
REC
PAUSE
AUTO
SPACE
CD
DUBBING
ALBUM
FADE
2
3
Label side
CD
DUBBING
ALBUM
FADE
CHR-185X
K-185X
CR-185X
CR-185X/CHR-185X
CR-185X
CD TUNER AMPLIFIER
CD CHANGER TUNER AMPLIFIER
CHR-185X 2
1
2
11
3

16
CD/MD synchro recording
(System operation)
A
1
2
3
4
5
EJECT
REC
PAUSE
AUTO
SPACE
REVERSE
MODE
DOLBY NR
B
C
REC
PAUSE
AUTO
SPACE
Once the K-185X is connected to a CR-185X/CHR-185X or MD-185X, pressing the sbutton of the CD player or MD recorder will
cause recording to start automatically on the K-185X.
1
4
3
5
2
Synchronized recording
1. Insert the cassettes.
Make sure the side to be recorded is
facing outward.
• Recording is not possible on the tape
leaders (the transparent sections you
see at both ends of the tape.)
2. Set the tape transport direction.
Press the s(or a) button while
holding down the REC PAUSE button.
3. Set the Dolby NR by pressing the
DOLBY NR button repeatedly until
the desired Dolby NR indicator (B or
C) turns on or off.
4. Press the REVERSE MODE button
if you wish to select the auto reverse
mode.
“ b "turns off: Only one side of the
tape is recorded.
“ b "turns on: Both sides of the tape
are recorded.
5. Press the REC PAUSE button.
6. Start the CD player or MD recorder.
• Recording starts simultaneously.
• When the CD player is stopped, the
deck creates a blank space of about 5
seconds and enters the rec/pause mode.
• The deck will enter the rec/pause mode
as soon as the playing on the MD
recorder is completed.
Stopping synchronized recording
Press the ebutton on the CD player or
MD recorder.
Interrupting synchronized record-
ing briefly
Press the gbutton on the CD player.
• To continue recording, press the aor
sbutton whose indicator turns on.

17
Handling cassette tapes
Examine cassette tapes carefully before using them with the K-185X.
1. 2.
No! No!
No! No!
Maxell UD1 Maxell UD2 Maxell XS
Metal positionHigh position
Normal position
Erasure prevention
Cassette tapes are constructed with erasure
prevention tabs to prevent accidental
erasure of the tape.
1If you wish to protect a recording from
accidental erasure, break off the tab(s)
on the appropriate side(s). It will no
longer be possible to use the recording
button with such a cassette.
2If at some later date you wish to record
the cassette, simply cover the hole(s)
with small pieces of cellophane tape.
• Be sure not to cover the holes for
detecting high-position tapes.
Loose tape
Loose tape can cause tangling around the
pinch roller and capstan and jam the
mechanism.
Remove any tape slack with a pencil or
similar device as shown in the diagram.
Tapes not recommended
1. C-120 tapes
C-120 tape is thin and therefore easily
broken. There is a possibility that tape
could get caught on the pinch roller or
capstan.
2. Endless tapes
Do not use endless tapes.
Tape storage
• Do not touch the tape surface.
• Do not put thick paper or cardboard
labels in the cassette holder.
• Do not put tapes near magnetic sources
(speakers, amplifiers, TVs, etc.) Your
important recording might be erased or
damaged.
• Do not expose cassettes to direct
sunlight.
Recommended tapes
High position
detection hole
A
AB
A
A
A

18
This deck requires no lubrication.
Head, Pinch Roller and Capstan Cleaning
Playback sound quality can be greatly diminished if magnetic
particles are allowed to accumulate on the recording/playback
head or playback head. Be sure to clean the head periodically,
normally 2 - 3 times a month, to maintain your deck’s original
performance. Dirty heads may cause:
• Poor sound quality (loss of high frequency response)
• Decreased volume
• Skipping
• Incomplete erasure of previous recordings
If the pinch rollers and capstan are dirty, the tape may become
tangled and damaged by wrapping around the pinch roller and
capstan.
To prevent these problems, clean the heads, pinch rollers and
capstans with a cotton swab dipped in cleaning fluid.
Demagnetizing
Residual magnetism builds up in the heads after the cassette deck
has been used for an extended period of time. This buildup
introduces noise and static into tapes and impairs high frequency
response. To prevent this, demagnetize the heads with any
commercially available head eraser once every 50 hours of use.
Refer to the instruction manual of the head eraser for detailed
instructions.
Capstans
Pinch rollers
REC/PB head
Erase head
Cassette deck
maintenance Specifications
Track Format: 4-track, 2-channels
Erasure System: AC erase
Tape Speed: 4.8 cm/sec. (1-7/8 i.p.s.)
Wow and Flutter: 0.07 % (WRMS)
Frequency Response: 20 — 15,000 Hz (Normal)
(30 — 14,000 Hz ±3 dB)
20 — 16,000 Hz (High)
(30 — 15,000 Hz ±3 dB)
20 — 17,000 Hz (Metal)
(30 — 16,000 Hz ±3 dB)
S/N Ratio: Dolby NR off: 58 dB (metal position
tape)
A noise reduction of 10 dB above
5 kHz and 5 dB at 1 kHz is possible
with Dolby B NR.
A noise reduction of 20 dB at 5 kHz
is possible with Dolby C NR.
Input Jacks: Line IN: 2
Input sensitivity: 600 mV
Input impedance: 50 kohms
Outputs: Line OUT: 2
Standard output level: 500 mV
(0 dB)
Optimum load impedance: over
50 kohms
Motors: DC servo motor ×1
Heads: REC/PB: 1
ERASE: 1
Power Supply: AC 230V, 50 Hz
AC 120V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption: 11 watts
Dimensions: 185(W) ×131(H) ×297(D) mm
(7-5/16" ×5-3/16" ×11-11/16")
Weight: 2.9 kg. (6.4 lbs.)
Specifications and external appearance are subject to change
without notice because of product improvements.

19
Troubleshooting guide
The following guide lists problems which do not require professional servicing. If, however, the problem cannot be remedied using this
guide, contact an ONKYO authorized service center for assistance.
• Tape squeal and skipping.
Cause: Dirty heads, pinch rollers or capstan shafts.
Remedy: Clean (see page 18).
Cause: Cassette shell is binding tape or tape is stretched.
Remedy: Change cassette or try correcting with fast
forward and rewind.
• Excessive hum during playback.
Cause: Connecting cables not inserted firmly.
Remedy: Insert plugs firmly.
Cause: External flux leakage from nearby amplifier or TV
set.
Remedy: Move deck away from hum source.
• High frequencies too strong.
Cause: Dolby NR encoded tape played back with NR off.
Remedy: Select the appropriate NR mode using the
DOLBY NR button. (Dolby B, C or S) for the
tape being played back.
Cause: Incorrect equalization.
Remedy: Confirm that cassette has tape type detection
holes.
• No high frequency sounds.
Cause: Tape not encoded with Dolby NR played back with
Dolby B, C or S NR on.
Remedy: Select the appropriate NR mode using the
DOLBY NR button (OFF).
Cause: Heads have become dirty.
Remedy: Clean (see page 18).
• Deck does not operate properly.
Cause: Tape transport control microcomputer has been
exposed to interference from power supply or static
electricity.
Remedy: Unplug deck and plug back in.
• No power.
Cause: Power cord plug is loose.
Remedy: Insert plug properly into outlet.
• Playback but no sound.
Cause: Incorrect connection.
Remedy: Check and connect correctly according to page
4.
Cause: Stereo amplifier input selector switch is set to
incorrect position.
Remedy: Change switch position.
• Tape does not move.
Cause: Slack tape wound around pinch roller.
Remedy: Take up slack with a pencil (see page 17).
• REC PAUSE button does not engage.
Cause: No tape in cassette holder.
Remedy: Insert cassette tape.
Cause: Erasure prevention tab(s) removed.
Remedy: Change cassette or cover tab hole with
cellophane tape.
• Hoarse sound, balance unstable.
Cause: Playback head dirty.
Remedy: Clean head (see page 18).
Cause: Tape is stretched.
Remedy: Replace cassette.
• Excessive noise and tape hiss.
Cause: Head has become magnetized.
Remedy: Demagnetize (see page 18).
Cause: Tape with high noise level.
Remedy: Replace cassette.
• Distorted sound.
Cause: Distortion in tape.
Remedy: Tape is probably bad but confirm by listening to
another.

E
Printed in Japan
D9804-1
SN 29342617
http://www.onkyo.co.jp/
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