Pioneer SX-980 User manual

AM/FM STEREO RECEIVER
X=9soO
¢
‘
_OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
a |
_|
igen!
| fsxsso is designed to operate from 220V or 240V main.
Eat dt dee oaitlie |
ee ee tie
2
‘aes
oaon
a
Before turning on the power, please confirm the line
voltage setting indicated on the rear of your unit
corresponds to the supply voltage in your area; if not,
change the setting as described in LINE VOLTAGE
SELECTOR SWITCH on page 19.
CONTENTS
Features: eis n 5 5 ea ted, ee a alee eg OS A ae 2
Installation Cautions ................0.000. 3
Connection Diagram ...............00000. 4
Connections
Antenna and Ground Connections ............ 8
Front Panel Facilities
Prior to Switching Power On... ..........04. 13
FM Reception ........... 2.000000 0c eee 13
AM Reception ............0. 0000000 e eae 13
Playing Records .................0200005 14
Using the Microphone .................005 14
Using the AUX jacks ................0000. 14
Effective Operation... .........00 00000 uae 15
Tape Deck Operations ................0005 16
Using PREAMP OUT and POWER AMP IN Jacks .. 17
Specifications
Line Voltage Selector Switch
Conditions Frequently Mistaken for Malfunction . .
peter
a iat eee th Ws dens et ihe

FEATURES
Power Amplifier for a Continuous Power Output
of 80 Watts Per Channel and for Ultra-Stable
Sound Reproduction
@ The adoption of a single-stage differential amplifier with
low-noise dua! transistors, pre-driver stage a current
mirror load and an SEPP circuit provides a bumper
power output of 80 watts + 80 watts( continuous
power output of 80 watts” per channel,
min., at 8 ohms from 20 Hertz to 20,000
Hertz with no more than 0.05% total har-
monic distortion) which is extremely stable. These
features also guarantee a stable operation at all times
from low outputs to high outputs.
@ The power amplifier is configured as a DC power ampli-
fier with the capacitors removed from the NFB circuit
for a flat gain response all the way from the lowest of
the low frequencies up to the audio frequencies. At the
same time, the design is engineered for low distortion
with the incorporation of newly developed power
transistors.
@ The large-sized transformer with its superb regulation
employ two 18,000uF large-capacity electrolytic capaci-
tors in the power supply and permit high sound quality
even at lowest frequencies.
IC-Based FM Tuner with High Selectivity, High S/N
and Low Distortion
® The FM front end incorporates a 1-stage RF circuit that
employs a 4-gang tuning capacitor and a dual-gate
MOS FET for high gain and low noise. This config-
uration excels in ridding the sound of undesirable
interference for impressive statistics: 1.7uV (IHF)
sensitivity, more than 100dB spurious response ratio
and more than 90dB image response ratio.
@ The FM IF amplifier combines three dual-element phase-
linear ceramic filters with two IC’s which contain
quadrature detectors for a high selectivity (80dB) and a
low distortion (MONO: 0.1% at 1kHz).
@ The stereo demodulator employs an NFB-type PLL MPX
IC with a automatic pilot canceller which automatically
cancels out the pilot signals without reducing the
high-end frequency. This means that the leak carrier
level is amply suppressed for a tip-top separation and flat
frequency response in the reproduction frequency band.
AM Tuner Includes Newly Developed !C
The tuned AM RF amplifier circuit incorporates a
newly developed high-sensitivity, low-distortion IC and
2-gang variable capacitor. These contribute to enhanced
imaging and RF interference rejection capabilities. Since
the optimum AGC voltage is supplied to each section,
2
stable reception can be obtained with low spurious inter-
ference and distortion even in high field strength areas.
Precise Record Equalization
e@ A balanced power supply is used in the equalizer ampli-
fier to obtain a maximum allowable input of 200mVrms
(1kHz). Low distortion record playback can thus be
enjoyed even with high output phono cartridges and
music sources containing large peak signals.
@ The equalizer elements which are designed to produce
the RIAA characteristics use high-precision parts to keep
the equalizer deviation between 20Hz — 20kHz down to
+0.2dB for faithful sound reproduction from records.
Other Features
TURNOVER switches: These switches yield variations in
the curves of the tone controls when they are operated in
conjunction with the other bass and treble tone controls.
One is used for the bass and the other for the treble,
thereby allowing plenty of variation in tone control adjust-
ment.
Highly reliable protection circuitry: In order to protect
the speakers and the power transistors, this receiver features
a newly developed protection IC as well as a special muting
circuit that cuts out the noise produced by the on/off
operation of the power switch. Needless to say, these are
very dependable and stable protection circuits. In addition,
there is an inrush current suppressor circuit which sup-
presses surges of current when the power is switched on.
FM 25us switch: The receiver’s front panel is equipped
with a de-emphasis selector switch which is useful when the
receiver is tuned into an FM Dolby station. This facilitates
operation when the receiver is set up for the reception of
an FM Dolby broadcast.
TAPE DUPLICATE switch: This switch allows you to use
two tape decks to edit or duplicate material recorded on
one tape to another. Duplication from an open-reel deck to
a cassette deck, for example, can be performed in a
one-touch operation.
Power meters: Each channel has its own power meter
(0.01W — 160W display range) with a logarithmic com-
pression scale. These meters feature a fast response speed,
and they enable you to read out the power values at an
8-ohm impedance across a power band stretching from
0.01W up to the maximum output of the receiver.
6kHz (high) and 15Hz (low) filter switches: Featured are
a filter for GdB/octave attenuation at frequencies below
15Hz in order to eliminate ultra-low-range noise generated
by warps in the records, and also a 6kHz (6dB/oct attenu-
ation) filter that eliminates high-range noise such as that
produced by scratches on the records and hiss.
*Measured pursuant to Federal Trade Commission's Trade
Regulation rule on Power Output Claims for Amplifiers.

ee FONE KT
-- FOR USE IN UNITED KINGDOM OR AUSTRALIA
CAUTION 240V nected to the terminal which is marked with the |
Mains
supply
voltage
is
factory
adjusted
at
240
letter
L
or
coloured
brown
or
red.
volts. The AC Outlets of this apparatus have been re-
moved from this apparatus in order to comply
WARNING with U.K. Safety Regulation. Ensure that your
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED. equipment is connected correctly—if you are in
IMPORTANT doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in ac- Do not unscrew the bottom plate and cabinet.
: ; No user serviceable parts inside.
d th the foll de: ; :
ree ht Nae. ia sa Always disconnect all the equipment from the
; mains supply when disconnecting the signal
Blue: Neutral leads. The Power cord should be connected last,
make sure that the Power switch is OFF. Be sure
the appliance connector is fully inserted into the
AC inlet.
Unplug the set from the wall socket when it is
not to be used for an extended period of time.
Brown: Live
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of
this apparatus may not correspond with the
coloured markings identifying the terminals in
your plug proceed as follows.
The wire which is coloured green-and-yellow
must be connected to the terminal in the plug FOR YOUR SAFETY
which is marked by the letter E or by the safety 1. Insert this plug only into effectively earthed
earth symbol ~ or coloured green or green-and- three-pin plug-socket outlet.
yellow. 2.If any doubt exists regarding the earthing,
The
wire
which
is
coloured
blue
must
be
con-
consult
a
qualified
electrician.
nected
to
the
terminal
which
is
marked
with
the
3.
Extension
cords,
if
used,
must
be
three-core
letter
N or
coloured
blue
or
black.
correctly
wired.
The wire which is coloured brown must be con-
INSTALLATION CAUTIONS
To
ensure
the
best
sound
quality
and
trouble-free
operation,
avoid
setting
up
the
SX-980
in
any
of
the
locations
described
below.
Location liable to downgrade performance
Resulting trouble
and result in breakdowns 9
1. Locations exposed to direct sunlight, or near heaters. 1. External heat causes the performance of the circuit parts to
deteriorate, and operation becomes unstable.
2. Locations with poor ventilation, or with high humidity or 2. Cause of faulty contact in input/output terminals, and rust.
moisture contents, or dusty locations. High humidity and a high moisture content cause deterioration
in insulation. There is also the danger of current leakage and
heat generation in the circuit parts. Dust or grease in the rotat-
ing parts causes the parts to deteriorate.
3. Locations susceptible to vibration. 3. These locations affect the precision parts adversely.
4. Locations where an AM radio or TV set is being used simulta- 4. Mutual interference can occur from the oscillator circuits used
neously. in these products.
Don’t put anything on the top of the receiver because high power receiver will produce a lot of heat. Also leave sufficient
around the receiver for adequate ventilation.
SL mae ee Na Ta a a |
3

CONNECTION DIAGRAM
FM outdoor antenna T-type FM antenna
AM outdoor antenna
300
ohm
feeder
|
|
= ee be ee
75 ohm connector plug (
Ao)
Turntable
1
Ground
|
Ducne
Se
iane
wa
hee
(PHONO
1)
©)
F
5
r ©) |§ CHOHCHES
4, ese elles) °
© KO) | RF FAGHGHO
Ground
I
Output |
(PHONO 2)
'
Cartridge tape
Xx
Tape deck 1
(TAPE 1)

Pe Pe ee
PRE/POWER AMP LINE VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH
The bridge connecting plugs between PREAMP OUT Refer to page 19.
and POWER AMP IN jacks should always be left in
Position in normal use. If they are disconnected or
removed no sound will come from the speakers.
Always be sure to switch off the power supply before AC INLET
attempting to remove them. Refer to the section Plug the AC power cord into this socket.
“USING THE PREAMP OUT AND POWER AMP IN
JACKS” on page 17.
AC INLET
é lO! MMU ISN
a@p)p
68 ry
Recording/Play
back
cord
= =
“DiNcord)
~~
~~~
™~
Left
Right
Speaker systems
Output (SPEAKERS A)
Tape deck
(TAPE 2)
Left Right
Speaker systems
(SPEAKERS B)
3
|

CONNECTIONS
PRECAUTIONS
e Set the POWER switch to ON only when you
have completed all the connections of the stereo
system. Always set this switch to its bottom
position (OFF) if you want to change the con-
nections.
e All the receiver’s jacks are aligned for easy
connection in two rows: the top row for L (left
channel) and the bottom row for R (right chan-
nel). Always connect L to L and R to R with the
audio component output and input jacks.
@ Make sure that the connections are secure.
Improper connections can generate noise and
cause the sound to be cut off.
SPEAKER SYSTEMS
The receiver is provided with two sets of SPEAK-
ERS output terminals. Use the A set when
connecting only one set of speakers.
Viewed from the front, the R (right channel)
SPEAKERS terminals are on the right and the
L (left channel) SPEAKERS terminals are on the
left. Connect the left channel speaker to the L
terminals and the right channel speaker to the R
terminals. The red L and R SPEAKERS terminals
have a plus polarity and the black terminals have a
minus polarity just like the speaker systems
themselves. When connecting, always connect
minus to minus and plus to plus (Fig. 1).
RIGHT SPEAKER LEFT SPEAKER
SYSTEM SYSTEM .
Fig. 1
NOTE:
If you want to use two sets of speaker systems, make sure
that the impedance of each system is 8 ohms or more.
If the impedance is less than 8 ohms, the protective
circuitry will be actuated when the volume is turned up
and you will not be able to enjoy proper stereo perform-
ance,
Connecting the speaker lead wires to
the SPEAKERS terminals (Fig. 2)
1. Strip about 10mm of the insulation from the
end of the speaker lead wires. If the conductor is
stranded, twist the strands together so that they
do not come into contact with other terminals.
2. Depress the terminal buttons and insert the lead
wires into the terminal holes.
8. Release the buttons and check that the lead
wires are secure.
SPEAKERS terminals
Speaker
system
Fig. 2
NOTES:
1. The high output power of this receiver requires that
the speaker lead wires have an ample current carrying
capacity. Use wires with a high capacity and connect
them securely. If you use low capacity wires and do
not connect them properly, the reproduced sound will
be adversely affected and heat generation or short
circuits may be caused.
2. This receiver delivers a high output power and so make
sure that you use speakers with a high allowable input.
TURNTABLE CONNECTIONS
Connect the output cords of a turntable using a
moving magnet (MM) cartridge to the PHONO 1
input jacks. Connect the ground lead of the turn-
table to the GND terminal on the receiver (Fig. 3).
NOTES:
e In addition to turntables using MM cartridges, there are
others that employ induced magnet (IM), moving iron
(MI) and high-output moving coil (MC) cartridges.
If you intend to use a turntable with a low-output MC
cartridge, always provide a special MC cartridge boost-
ing transformer or head amplifier.

e Connect your second turntable to the PHONO 2 input
Jacks.
e If your turntable is fitted with two tonearms, the
output cords for each of the tonearms should be
connected to the PHONO I and PHONO 2 input jacks.
Fig. 3
TAPE DECK CONNECTIONS
The receiver is provided with two sets of recording
(TAPE REC) output jacks and two sets of play-
back (TAPE PLAY) input jacks. Connect each of
the jacks in the following way using the connecting
cords which come with the tape deck. The upper
row of jacks is for the left channel (L) and the
lower row for the right channel (R) (Fig. 4).
Connections for recording
Connect the recording input jacks (LINE INPUT)
on the tape deck to the TAPE 1 REC jacks on the
receiver.
Connections for playback
Connect the playback output jacks (LINE OUT-
PUT) on the tape deck to the TAPE 1 PLAY jacks
on the receiver.
NOTE:
Connect your second tape deck to the TAPE 2 jacks
(REC, PLAY).
PIONEER
SX-980 Tape deck 1
Recording connections
Connections using the recording/playback
connector (DIN cord)
If your tape deck is equipped with a recording/
playback connector (DIN-type), use the optional
recording/playback cord to connect this connector
with the TAPE 2 REC/PLAY jack on the receiver.
This means that the deck and receiver are now set
up for both recording and playback (Fig. 5).
In such cases, do not connect pin cords (ordinary
pin plug cords) to the TAPE 2 REC and PLAY
jacks.
REC/PLAY jack
REC/PLAY
cord
TAPE 2:
REC PLAY |
®
Tape deck 2
ar
Fig, 5

ANTENNA AND GROUND CONNECTIONS
FM ANTENNA CONNECTIONS
The signals transmitted by an FM broadcasting
station inevitably become weak when received
behind mountains, between buildings and inside
reinforced concrete structures. In weak-signal
areas, signals which are reflected off mountains
and other obstacles in their path may be picked
up by the antenna, which causes a multipath effect.
This adversely affects the sound received. This is
why it is necessary to choose an antenna and an
installation location which are best suited to cope
with the ambient conditions and the strength of
the signals.
Special FM antennas
It is recommended that you use a special FM
antenna in order to obtain input signals which will
allow your receiver to display its capabilities to the
full.
@ When installing your antenna, refer to the
instructions in ‘FM RECEPTION’ on page 13
and determine in which direction the antenna
should point for the best reception, all the while
listening to a broadcast to check the reception.
Mount the antenna securely.
@ In accordance with the application of the
antenna, use a 75-ohm coaxial cable or a 300-
ohm feeder to connect the antenna to the
receiver.
75-ohm coaxial cable: As shown in Fig. 6, connect
the cable to the 752 UNBAL terminal of the
receiver. This cable is used in locations near roads
with a great deal of traffic, and near overhead
high-tension power lines which generate a lot of
noise. It is also used when the antenna and the
receiver are far apart.
300-ohm feeder: As shown in Fig.7, connect the
feeder to the 83002 BAL terminals. Use it when
there is little external noise and when the antenna
and the receiver are not far apart.
NOTE:
Consult your nearest PIONEER dealer concerning the
special FM antenna and the 75-ohm coaxial cable.
T-type antenna
When the broadcasting station is located nearby
and when the FM signals are strong in wooden
frame buildings and others, you can use the
accessory T-type antenna (Fig.7).
As shown in Fig. 7 connect the end of the T-type
antenna to the 300-ohm terminal. Spread the two
arms of the antenna horizontally and while listen-
ing to an FM station, rotate the antenna through
180 degrees and position it for the best reception.
Tape the antenna to a wall or ceiling.
FM outdoor antenna
$X-980
Antenna
terminals
FM outdoor antenna
T-type antenna
300-ohm
feeder

AM ANTENNA CONNECTION
Move the AM bar antenna on the rear panel of the
receiver and find the best reception position, all
the while following the instructions outlined on
page 13 under ‘AM RECEPTION.’
Fig. 8
NOTES:
e The AM bar antenna on the receiver’s rear panel
displays directivity and so some stations may be poorly
received. In such cases, change the installation direc-
tion of the receiver.
e If the receiver is installed right up against a wall in a
reinforced concrete building, the reception may be
adversely affected. Therefore, it is a good idea to erect
an indoor AM antenna.
e If you still cannot obtain good reception even
by moving the AM bar antenna, erect an indoor
AM antenna with a vinyl insulated wire (about
5-6 meters long). As shown in Fig.9, connect
the lead wire to the AM antenna terminal, and
tape it to the wall or ceiling.
e If you live in an area where the reception is poor
even if you erect an indoor AM antenna, use a
tree to erect an outdoor AM antenna with a
vinyl insulated wire (Fig. 9).
AM outdoor antenna
Indoor antenna
(vinyl insulated wire)
SX-980
Antenna
terminals
Fig. 9
PIONEER
GROUNDING
As shown in Figs.6 & 7, connect a ground wire to
the GND terminal on the receiver for maximum
safety and noise reduction. Never make this con-
nection near gas pipes and other potentially
dangerous locations.
FM ANTENNA LOCATION
It is important to choose with care the locations
where you will install your FM antenna for the
stable reception of the signals from FM broadcast-
ing stations and for superior sound reproduction.
Bear in mind the following points and determine
the optimum location (height and direction).
1. The ideal place for the antenna is somewhere
where it can pick up the signals transmitted
from the FM broadcasting station antenna
directly. Locations where these signals cannot be
picked up directly because of obstacles in their
path or because the receiver’s antenna is located
in a low building surounded by higher buildings,
are affected by the multipath effect caused
when signals are reflected off these obstacles
or buildings. In such places, the sound will be
distorted and the separation between the left
and right channels will deteriorate.
Choose a height and a direction for the antenna
where the multipath effect will be minimal.
2. Erect your antenna as far away as possible from
roads so that there is no interference from auto-
mobile ignition noise, and also from high-tension
power lines and neon signs.
38. Keep your antenna at least two meters away
from sheet-metal roofs, concrete buildings and
TV antennas.
Station direction
More than 4 meters
(15 ft.) above ground
Feeder or cable
should not directly
contact other structures.
Keep cabling
as short as possible
Select location away
from traffic noise
and with clear line of sight

-
|
FRONT PANEL FACILITIES
POWER SWITCH POWER METERS
Flip this switch to the ON position to supply power to the These power meters allow you to read out the rated
stereo receiver. There will be a short delay when it is set power level when speakers with a nominal impedance of
to
ON,
because
the
muting
circuit
has
been
actuated
to
8
ohms
are
connected
to
the
receiver’s
speaker
terminals.
suppress the unpleasant noise that is sometimes generated NOTE:
when
the
power
is
switched
on
and
off.
These
values
are
related
to
the
impedance
of
the
speakers and they vary according to the frequency.
In order to find out the exact output level, connect an
PHONES JACK 8-ohm dummy load instead of the speakers.
Plug the headphones into this jack when you want to
listen through your stereo headphones.
Release both SPEAKERS buttons if you want to
listen to the sound through your headphones only. (This
means that both buttons will be released).
FUNCTION INDICATOR
MEMORY MARKERS
These are very convenient for frequent tuning in to the
same broadcasting station.
TREBLE wee
i TRROven
TURNOVER
Lich
F
OLUME,
2
JPL
5
L
BOOHz
é
4 2
2
Y
pahte
:
L
3
3
STERE:
la
a
a
ON
S
,,
ON ON
ON
MONO
ON
LEFT
RuGHT
oo
¢
|
|
SPEAKERS BUTTONS:
Press the button corresponding to the speakers connected
to the SPEAKERS terminals (A or B) on the rear panel.
You can press both of these buttons to listen to sound
from two pairs of speaker systems at the same time.
MUTING SWITCH—————----
Set this switch to the —20dB position to attenuate the
audio output indicated by the VOLUME control by 20dB.
There is no need to adjust the VOLUME control if you
use this switch when turning down the audio output
temporarily and when changing over records or tapes.
For further details, refer to page 15.
BALANCE CONTROL
Use this control to balance the volume of the left and
right channels. First, however, set the MODE switch to ~VOLUME CONTROL
MONO,
and
adjust
so
that
the
sound
appears
to
come
Use
this
control
to
adjust
the
output
level
to
the
speakers
from
somewhere
exactly
between
the
two
speakers.
If
the
and
headphones.
Turn it
clockwise
to
increase
the
output
sound
appears
to
be
jouder
on
the
right,
it
means
that
the
ievel.
No
sound
will
be
heard
if
you
set
it
to
o.
The
scale
volume
of
the
right
channel
is
higher.
Turn
the
BALANCE
is
graduated
in
dB
which
indicate
the
attenuation
when
control
to
the
left
and
adjust.
Conversely,
if
the
sound
the
maximum
output
level
is
OdB.
appears to be louder on the left, it means that the
volume of the left channel is higher. Therefore, turn the
BALANCE control to the right and adjust. After adjust-
ing, return the MODE switch to STEREO.
10