Pioneer A-66X User manual

Operating
Instructions
Thank you for buying this Pioneer product.
Please
read
through
these
operating
instructions
and
then
you
will
know
how
to
operate
your
model
properly.
After
you
have
finished
reading
the
instructions,
put
them
away
in
a
safe
place
for
future
reference.
In accordance with the power and voltage requirements of dif-
fering
areas,
the
following
model
names
are
used
to
designate
models with differing electrical specifications.
Models Line voltage
Hees NE, a.c. 220 volts ~
NEZ
WE, WB, WP | a.c. 220—240 volts ~
al
S,
S/G,
SS
AC
110,
120,
220,
240
volts
(Switchable
voltage)
‘| D, D/G AC 120, 220, 240 volts (Switchable voltage)
R,
R/G
|
AC
110—
120,
220—240
volts
(Switchable
voltage)
KU, KC | AC 120 volts
YP, YB
HB, HP a.c. 240 volts ~
_NOTES:
¢ The model names are stamped on the packing case.
° These operating instructions are prepared on the basis of the HE
model, and they can be used for other models. Although the
design of the power plug and the power outlet shown may differ
from the actual one, the operating procedures are the same.
WARNING: To prevent FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
—
CONTENTS
STEREO AMPLIFIER
A-66
The photograph shows BLACK finished model.
LINE
VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
SWITCH
Only
multi-voltage
models
are
provided
with
this
switch.
U.S.A.,
Canadian,
European,
U.K.,
and
Australian
models
are
not
provided
with
this
switch.
You
will
find
the
line
voltage
selector
switch
on
the
rear
panel.
This
switch
has
positions
for
110
V,
120
V,
220
V
and
240
V
power
sources.
Before
your
model
is
shipped
from
the
factory,
the
switch
is
set
to
the
power
requirements
of
the
destination;
nevertheless,
you
should
check
that
it
is
set
properly
before
plugging
the
power
cord
into
the
AC
outlet.
If
the
voltage
is
not
properly
set
or
if
you
move
to
an
area
where
the
voltage
requirements
differ,
adjust
the
selector
switch
as
follows.
Before
adjusting
disconnect
the
power
cord.
1.
Provide
yourself
with
a
medium
size
flat
tip
screwdriver.
2.
Insert
the
screwdriver
into
the
arrow
on
the
voltage
selector
and:
adjust
so
that
the
tip
of
the
arrow
points
to
the
voltage
value
of
your
area.
VOLTAGE SELECTOR
Medium size screwdriver
IMPORTANT NOTICE [For U.S.A. and
Canadian models]
The serial number for this unit is located on the rear panel.
Please write this serial number on your enclosed warranty card
and keep in a secure area. This is for your security.
TROUBLESHOOTING sy eciessav canes rorruionsanecnens 10
SPECIFICATIONS «o worsi crerieiaavlecsdasianeiagnmngels 11
WPIONEER’

READ INSTRUCTIONS — All the safety and
operating instructions should be read before the
appliance is operated.
RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS — The operating instruc-
tions should be retained for future reference.
HEED WARNING — Ali warnings on the appliance
and in the operating instructions should be adhered
to.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS — All operating and use
instructions should be followed.
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, etc.
LOCATION — The appliance should be installed in a
stable location.
WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING — The appliance
should not be mounted to a wall or ceiling.
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 open-
ings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a
bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of
air through the ventilation openings.
HEAT — The appliance should be situated away from
heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
POWER SOURCES — The appliance should be con-
nected to a power supply only of the type describ-
ed in the operating instructions or as marked on the
appliance.
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 cords
at plugs, convenience receptacies, and the point
where they exit from the appliance.
POLARIZATION — If your purchased product is pro-
vided with a polarized power plug, please read the
following instructions. This product is equipped
with a polarized alternating current line plug (a plug
having one blade wider than the other). This plug
will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a
safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the
plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of the polarized plug.
CLEANING — The appliance should be cleaned only
with a polishing cloth or a soft dry cloth. Never
clean with furniture wax, benzine, insecticides or
other volatile liquids since they may corrode the
cabinet.
IMPORTANT 1
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user of the
presence of uninsulated '‘dangerous voltage” within the
product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
IMPORTANT 2
If the apparatus is fitted with AC mains power outlet(s),
see REAR PANEL FACILITIES for convenient connec-
tion of additional Hi-Fi component(s). Make all connec-
tions to the AC outlet(s) and the signal terminals first.
Connect the plug to the wall socket last, make sure that
the power switch is off. Disconnect the wall plug when
the equipment is not in (regular) use, e.g. when on
vacation.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
POWER LINES — An outdoor antenna should be
located away from power lines.
NONUSE PERIODS — The power cord of the ap-
pliance should be unplugged from the outlet when
left unused for a long period of time.
OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY — Care should be
taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not
spilled into the enclosure through openings.
charges.
OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING — If an
outside antenna is connected to the antenna
terminal, be sure the antenna system is
grounded so as to provide some protection
against voltage surges and built up static
In the U.S.A. section 810 of the Nationa! Elec-
trical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984, pro-
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE — The appliance vides information with respect to proper
should be serviced by Pioneer authorized service
center or qualified service personne! when:
e The power-supply cord or the plug has been
damaged; or
® Qbjects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into
the appliance; or
® The appliance has been exposed to rain; or Fig. A.
e 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.
SERVICING — The user should not attempt to service
the appliance beyond that described in the
operating instructions. For all other servicing, con-
tact the nearest Pioneer authorized service center.
a)
~
<
POWER LINES oe.
GROUND
73 CLAMP
SERVICE
m
b)
ENTRANCE
CONDUCTORS + cE?) STAND-OFF
—T mast f INSULATORS b
Ss
‘ a
if c)
:
4
'
I ANTENNA
LEAD IN WIRE
om |
TO EXTERNAL ANTENNA
TERMINALS OF PRODUCT
a t
| GROUND
e WIRE a,b ANTENNA
71 GROUND DISCHARGE UNIT «
SERVICE ENTRANCE 12 CLAMPS
EQUIPMENT Hf
Py GROUND
a CLAMPS
GND OPTIONAL ANTENNA
GROUNDING ELECTRODE
GROUND
WIRE ab
Demon .
t
'
'
c—
POWER SERVICE
GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM
‘eg interior metal water pipe)
BONDING ut ORIVEN 8 FEET (2 44 mi
JUMPER d iré INTO THE EARTH IF
i} Reais BY
i LOCAL CODES SEE
FIG.A
u
NEC
SECTION
810
21
11)
grounding of the mast and supporting struc-
ture, grounding of the lead-in wire to an anten-
na discharge unit, size of grounding conduc-
tors, location of antenna-discharge unit, con-
nection to grounding electrodes, and re-
quirements for the grounding electrode. See
Use No. 10 AWG (5.3 mm?)
copper, No. 8 AWG (8.4
mm?) aluminum, No. 17
AWG (1.0 mm?) copper-
clad steel, bronze wire, or
larger as ground wire.
Secure antenna lead-in and
ground wires to house with
stand-off insulators spaced
from 4 feet (1.22 meters) to
6 feet (1.83 meters} apart.
Mount antenna discharge
unit as closely as possible to
where lead-in enters house.
Use jumper wire not smaller
than No.6 AWG (13.3 mm?)
copper or equivalent when
separate antenna-ground-
ing electrode is used.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVIC-
ING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
FOR USE IN THE UNITED
KINGDOM
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance
with the following code:
Blue: Neutral
Brown: Live
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle ts
intended to alert the user of the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this ap-
paratus may not correspond with the coloured marking
identifying the terminals in your plug proceed as
follows:
The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to
the terminal which is marked with the letter N or col-
oured black.
The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to
the terminal which is marked with the letter L or col-
oured red.
Equipment sold in the U.K. is not supplied with a
power plug.

CONNECTIONS
OUTPUT
Turntable
OUTPUT OUTPUT
fe
CD player Tuner
CONNECTING SPEAKER WIRES
1. Strip off the vinyl covering and twist the tip of the wire.
Twist the wire core
2.
Loosen
the
knob
and
insert
the
wire
into
the
terminal
hole.
3. Tighten the knob to fix the wire in place.
NOTE:
Do not allow the wire core to protrude and touch other terminals
or wires. If the cores of differing wires touch, damage may be
caused to your components.
* Auxiliary input terminal
Connect the following products.
eCD player, tape deck or tuner
e Video disc player, video cassette
recorder, TV tuner or DBS tuner
OUTPUT OUTPUT
(REC) | { (PLAY) (REC) | | (PLAY)
f UN
Tape deck Tape deck
INPUT
(Oo)
Speaker system A (R)
|
INPUT
Speaker system A (L)
Illustration not
applicable to
U.K. model
Power outlet
ne
INPUT
@e))
Speaker system B (L)
OUTPUT INPUT
INPUT
©e|
Speaker system B (R)
CONNECTING INPUT/OUTPUT CORDS
Connect the white plug to the L (left) side, and the red
plug to the R (right) side. Be sure to push the plugs in
securely.
L side
@. White plug
R side
Red plug

PANEL FACILITIES
REAR PANEL
Turntable ground terminal
VIDEO 1/AUX 1 terminals
VIDEO 2/AUX 2 terminals
AUX 3 terminals
TAPE 2 terminals (REC)
TAPE 1 terminals (PLAY)
TAPE 1 terminals (REC)
TUNER terminals
CD terminals
PHONO terminals
( AC OUTLETS (SWITCHED)
Power supplied through these outlets is turned on and off
by the amplifier’s POWER switch. Total electrical power
consumption of connected equipment should not exceed
100 W.
@) AC OUTLET (UNSWITCHED)
Power flows continually to this outlet, regardless of
whether the amplifier is switched ON or OFF. Electrical
power consumption of the connected equipment should
' not exceed 100 W.
The equipment should be disconnected by removing the
mains plug from the wall socket when not in regular use,
e.g. when on vacation.
NOTE:
Do not connect appliances with high power consumption such as
heaters, irons, or television sets to the AC OUTLETS in order to
avoid overheating or fire risk.
This can cause the amplifier to malfunction.
TAPE 2 terminals (PLAY)
SPEAKERS A terminals (right channel)
SPEAKERS A terminals (left channel!)
SPEAKERS B terminals (left channel)
SPEAKERS B terminals (right channel) —
(3) Power cord
Connect
this
cord
to
a
wall
outlet,
or
the
power
outlet
of an audio timer.
About Speaker Impedance
When speaker systems are connected to only one of the
SPEAKERS
A,
B
terminals,
such
speakers
should
have
rated
impedance
in
the
range
of
6—16
ohms.
When
speakers
are
connected to both the A and B terminals, they should have
a rated impedance in the range of 12—32 ohms.

FRONT PANEL
SPEAKERS
ALANCE
@) POWER switch/indicator
Press
to
turn
power
to
the
unit
ON
and
OFF.
Depressed
position
(ON):
Power
is
supplied
to
the
unit.
Released
position
(OFF):
Power
to
the
unit
is
discon-
nected.
(2) SPEAKERS selector switch
Use to select the speaker systems used for playback.
[OFF]
—No sound is produced from the speaker systems.
Set to this position when using headphones.
[A]
— Sound is produced from the speaker systems con-
nected to the SPEAKERS.A terminals.
[B]
‘ — Sound is produced from the speaker systems con-
nected to the SPEAKERS B terminals.
[A +B]
— Sound is produced from both the speaker systems
connected to the SPEAKERS A and SPEAKERS B
terminals.
(8) BASS tone control
Use to adjust the low-frequency tones. The central ‘‘0’’
position is the flat (normal) position. When turned to the
right, low-frequency tones are emphasized; when turned
to the left, low-frequency tones are de-emphasized,
This function does not operate when the LINE
STRAIGHT switch is in the ON position.
PANEL FACILITIES
(a PHONG SELECTOR 0.2mv/1000
AMC, =MM LRN} 2-5 mvsaKa
@ TREBLE tone control
Use for adjusting the high-frequency tones.
The central ‘‘0’”’ position is the flat (normal) position.
When turned to the right, high-frequency tones are
emphasized; when turned to the left, high-frequency tones
are de-emphasized.
This function does not operate when the LINE
STRAIGHT switch is in the ON position.
(6) TAPE MONITOR switches/indicators
Use this switch to listen to tape playback, or to listen to
the sounds being recorded during tape recording.
[TAPE 1]
— Set to this position to listen to the playback sound of
the tape deck connected to the TAPE 1 PLAY terminals,
or to monitor the sound being recorded on the tape
deck connected to the TAPE 1 REC terminals.
[OFF]
— Leave set in this position when not listening to tape
playback,
[TAPE 2]
— Set to this position to listen to the playback sound of
the tape deck connected to the TAPE 2 PLAY terminals,
or to monitor the sound being recorded on the tape
deck connected to the TAPE 2 REC terminals.
@ PHONO SELECTOR switch
Set in accordance with the type of cartridge used in your
record turntable,

PANEL FACILITIES
[MC]
— Released position; set to this position when using
| an MC (moving coil) cartridge
| [MM]
| — Depressed position; set to this position when using
an MM (moving magnet) cartridge, or an MC (moving
coil) cartridge with high output of 1 mV or more.
@ INPUT switches/indicators
[CD]
— Press when listening to a compact disc playback with
a CD player.
[Tuner]
— Press when listening to AM or FM broadcasts with
a tuner.
[Phono]
— Press when listening to record playback on a turn-
table.
[Video 1/AUX 1]
— Press when listening to programs from a component
connected to the VIDEO 1/AUX 1 terminals.
[Video 2/AUX 2]
— Press when listening to programs from a component
connected to the VIDEO 2/AUX 2 terminals.
[AUX 3]
— Press when listening to programs from a component
connected to the AUX 3 terminals.
VOLUME control
This control is used for controlling the sound volume.
When set to the [%] position, sound volume is turned off;
when set to the [0] position, sound volume is at a maxi-
mum.
(9) PHONES jack
When using headphones, insert their plug into this jack.
SUBSONIC filter switch
Use this switch when playing records with coarse grooves.
[OFF]
— Released position; leave in this position for normal
playback.
[15Hz]
— Depressed position; in this position, frequencies of
15Hz and below are cut, thus eliminating super-low-
frequency noise caused by coarse record grooves, and
thus-helping prevent sound distortion.
() BALANCE control
Should normally be left in the center position. Adjust
balance if the sound is louder from one of the speakers,
If the right side is louder, turn toward the LEFT position
and if the left side is louder, turn toward the RIGHT
position.
d2 LINE STRAIGHT switch /indicator
By using this switch, the input signals from the various
connected peripheral components can be played back
through the amplifier’s modifying (tone) circuit, or
bypassing those circuits.
When the indicator is lighted, the function is ON. Input
signals will bypass the modifying circuits and be played
back with pure, flat-balanced tone.
When set to OFF, input signals will pass through the
modifying circuits before being played back, thus allowing
you to adjust bass and treble tone.
(3) LOUDNESS switch
Use when listening at low volume levels.
[OFF] — Released position: Should normally be left in
this position.
[ON] — Depressed position: Boosts low and high frequen-
cies to give added punch to playback even at low volume.
This function does not operate when the LINE STRAIGHT
switch is in the ON position.

OPERATIONS
BEFORE BEGINNING OPERATIONS
Set the controls and switches as follows:
Set the SPEAKERS selector switch as desired.
Set the VOLUME control to
the normal listening position.
Set the TAPE MONITOR switch to OFF.
Set the BALANCE control to the center position.
Set the SUBSONIC filter switch to OFF.
TO LISTEN TO FM/AM BROADCASTS:
(1) Set the amplifier and tuner POWER switches
to ON.
(2) Press the INPUT switch Tuner.
(3) Operate the tuner to select a broadcast sta-
tion.
(4) Adjust the volume with the unit’s VOLUME
control.
(2)
TUNER
INPUT
| TED
TO LISTEN TO RECORDS:
(1) Set the amplifier and turntable POWER swit-
ches to ON.
(2) Press the INPUT switch Phono.
(3) Set the PHONO SELECTOR switch to match
the type of cartridge used on your turntable.
(4) Operate the turntable to begin record
playback.
(5) Adjust the volume with the unit’s VOLUME
control.
SUBSONIC
filter switch
TURNTABLE (4)
NOTE:
When playing back records with coarse grooves, super-low-fre-
quency noise may cause cross-modulation distortion, resulting in
distorted sound and possible damage to speakers.
In this event, setting the SUBSONIC filter switch to [ON] will
allow you to eliminate super-low-frequency noise (15 Hz and
below).

OPERATIONS
TO LISTEN TO TAPES:
(1) Set the amplifier and tape deck POWER
switches to ON.
(2) Set the TAPE MONITOR switch as desired.
@ To listen to the tape deck connected to TAPE 1 PLAY
terminals: — Set to [TAPE 1].
@ To listen to the tape deck connected to TAPE 2 PLAY
terminals: — Set to [TAPE 2].
(3) Operate the tape deck to begin tape playback.
(4) Adjust the volume with the unit’s VOLUME
control.
(2)
TAPE 2 PLAY
TAPE DECK 1 or 2 (3)
f TAPE 1 PLAY or
(1)
(4)
TO LISTEN TO THE COMPONENT
CONNECTED TO THE CD, VIDEO 1/AUX 1,
VIDEO 2/AUX 2 AND AUX 3 TERMINALS:
(1) Set the POWER switches of the amplifier and
component to be used to ON.
(2) Set the INPUT switches as desired.
@ To listen to a compact disc player: — Press [CD].
@ To listen to a component connected to the VIDEO 1/
AUX 1 terminals: — Press [Video 1/AUX 1].
@ To listen to a component connected to the VIDEO 2/
AUX 2 terminals: — Press [Video 2/AUX 2].
@ To listen to a component connected to the AUX 3
terminals: — Press [AUX 3].
(3) Operate the component to begin playback.
(4) Adjust the volume with the unit’s VOLUME
control.
CD,VIDEO 1/AUX 1,
VIDEO 2/AUX 2 or
i AUX 3 INPUT (2) (4)
(3)
RECORDING TAPES:
@ While listening to AM/FM broadcasts, records, compact
discs, or the component connected to the VIDEO 1/
AUX 1, VIDEO 2/AUX 2 and AUX 3 terminals, you can
record these same sounds on tape merely by setting your
tape deck to the recording mode.
@ Refer to the operating instructions for your tape deck
for proper operating procedures.
Recording Playback
TAPE DECK 1 or 2
TAPE 1 REC
or
TAPE 2 REC
COMPONENTS
VIDEO 1/AUX1,
VIDEO 2/AUX 2
| PHONO,CD,TUNER,
or AUX 3 INPUT
MONITORING SOUND DURING RECORDING
When a three-head tape deck is used for recording, the
sound actually being recorded can be listened to check
the tone and recording levels. This is called ‘monitoring’
the sound, When monitoring a recording, set the tape
monitor switch to match the tape deck being used to
perform the recording.
@ When recording on the tape deck connected to the
TAPE 1 REC terminals: — Set to [TAPE 1].
@ When recording on the tape deck connected to the
TAPE 2 REC terminals: — Set to [TAPE 2].
TAPE MONITOR switch

OPERATIONS
COPYING TAPES:
When two tape decks (or a double cassette deck) are used,
you can record the sounds from one deck onto the other,
Application examples:
@ To make a tape copy with identical contents to the
Original tape.
@ To edit a recording of an FM broadcast in order to cut
out unwanted commercials, recording only desired
material onto another tape.
[When using two tape decks] [ TAPE 1 PLAY | TAPE2 REC
TAPE MONITOR
TAPE 1 switch
Tape can be copied from TAPE DECK 1 to TAPE DECK 2.
(Tape cannot be copied from TAPE DECK 2 to TAPE DECK 1) OUTPUT INPUT
(1)
Load
tapes
for
playback
(pre-recorded
tape)
EA
IIS.
fee
and
recording
(non-recorded
tape)
into
the
(“aes
ccc?
|
respective
tape
decks.
(2) Press the TAPE MONITOR switch TAPE 1.
(3) Operate the tape decks to begin copying.
Set the tape deck with the original (playback) tape to the
playback mode, and set the tape deck with the non-
recorded tape to the recording mode.

TROUBLESHOOTING
Incorrect operations are often mistaken for trouble and malfunctions. If you think that there is something wrong with this
component, check out the points below. Sometimes the trouble may lie in another component. Investigate the other compo-
nents and electrical appliances being used.
If the trouble cannot be rectified even after exercising the checks listed below, ask your nearest PIONEER authorized service
center or your dealer to carry out repair work.
Symptom
No power supplied to unit.
| No sound,
[During tape playback]
[In other cases]
No sound from
one speaker.
Can't record tapes. @ Operation of tape deck is mistaken.
Can't perform tape
copying.
10
Probable Cause
@ Power plug is disconnected from outlet.
@ The component's power plug has been plugged
into another component's power outlet
(e.g. timer, etc.), but power to that unit is
disconnected.
e@ Connecting cords are disconnected from
terminals, or connected incorrectly.
e Terminals or connecting cords’ pin plugs are
dirty.
e The SPEAKERS selector switch is set to the
OFF.
@ TAPE MONITOR switch is set to OFF.
e Mistaken tape operation
e The INPUT switch selected does not
match the component being played back.
@ Operation of other components is mistaken.
e Connecting cords or speaker wires are
disconnected to that side.
e BALANCE control have been adjusted to one
side.
e The TAPE MONITOR switch is set to OFF or
TAPE 2.
e Operation of tape decks is mistaken.
Remedy
@ {insert plug securely in outlet.
@ Turn on power to other component.
e Connect securely.
e@ Clean terminals and plugs.
e Set switch to ON (A or B)
e Set switch to ON (TAPE 1 or TAPE 2).
e Consult the operating instructions for your tape
deck.
e@ Set switches correctly (Phono, Tuner, CD,
Video 1/AUX 1, Video 2/AUX 2, AUX 3).
e@ Consult the operating instructions for the other
components.
e Connect securely.
e Adjust BALANCE control to center position.
@ Consult the operating instructions for the tape deck.
e@ Set switches correctly (TAPE 1).
@ Consult the operating instructions for the tape decks.