Sony ta-ax44 User manual

GENERAL System:
Power Requirements:
Power Consumption:
AC Outlets:
Dimensions:
US Model
Canadian Model
AEP Model
UK Model
E Model
INTEGRATED STEREO AMPLIFIER
SPECIFICATIONS
Preamplifier section: low-noise IC
equalizer amp.; ASP tone control
Power amplifier section: pure-
complementary SEPP OCL power
amplifier with all stages direct coupled
US, Canadian model: 120 V ac, 60 Hz
AEP model: 220 V ac (240 V ac adjustable by
authorized Sony personnel), 50/60 Hz
UK model: 240 V ac (220 V ac adjustable by
authorized Sony personnel), 50/60 Hz
E model: 120, 220 or 240 V ac adjustable,
50160 Hz
US, AEP model: 100 watts
Canadian model: 155 watts
UK model: 270 watts
E model: 100 watts
AEP, UK model: 3 switched, total 100 watts
max.
US, Canadian model:
Two switched (total 100 watts)
One unswitched (100 watts)
E model: 2 switched, total 100 watts max.
1 unswitched, 100 watts max.
Approx. 430 x 80 x 290 mm (w/h/d)
(I 7 x 31/~ x 11 I/~ inches)
including projecting parts and controls
Weight: Approx. 5.6 kg (12 Ibs 6 oz) net
Approx. 6 kg (13 lbs 4 oz) in shipping carton
AMPLIFIER SECTION
POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC
DISTORTION : (US, Canadian model)
With 8 ohm loads, both channels driven,
from 20 - 20,000 Hz; rated 40 watts per chan-
nel minimum RMS power, with no more than
0.008% total harmonic distortion from 250
milliwatts to rated output.
- Continued on page 2 -
SAFETY-RELATED COMPONENT WARNING!!
COMPONENTS IDENTIFIED BY SHADING AND MARK
B
ON THE SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS, EXPLODED
VIEWS AND IN THE PARTS LIST ARE CRITICAL TO
SAFE OPERATION. REPLACE THESE COMPONENTS
WITH SONY PARTS WHOSE PART NUMBERS APPEAR
ATTENTION AU COMPOSANT AYANT RAPPORT AS SHOWN IN THIS MANUAL OR IN SUPPLEMENTS
d. LA ScCURITti!
PUBLISHED BY SONY.
LES COMPOSANTS IDENTIFIES PAR UNE TRAME ET
UNE MARQUE A SUR LES DIAGRAMMES SCHi-
MATIQUES, LES VUES CCLATiES ET LA LISTE DES
PIiCES SONT CRITIQUES POUR LA SliCURITi DE
FONCTIONNEMENT. NE REMPLACER CES COMPO- SONY
SANTS QUE PAR DES PICCES SONY DONT LES NU-
MCROS SONT DONNES DANS CE MANUEL OU DANS
LES SUPPLeMENTS PUBLItiS PAR SONY.
SERVICE MANUAL

Continuous RMS
Power Output
(Lea than 0.688%
THD, both channels
driven simultaneous-
ly)
(AEP, UK, E model):
Power Bandwidth
(IHF):
Dynamic Headroom:
Harmonic Distortion:
Intermodulation (IM)
Distortion
(60Hr: 7kHz=4: 1):
Frequency Response:
Residual Noise:
Damping Factor:
At 20 Hz - 20 kHz
40 + 40 watts (8 ohms)
At 1 kHz
44 + 44 watts (8 ohms)
According to DIN 45500
40 + 40 watts (8 ohms)
5 Hz - 45 kHz
1.8 dB (‘78 IHF)
Less than 0.008% at rated output
Less than 0.008% at rated output
PHONO: AIAA equalization curve f0.5dB
TUNER
DAD/AUX
TAPE 1.2
10Hz-120kHz’;OdB
Less than 35pV (8 ohms, network A)
50 (8 ohms, 1 kHz)
Inputs:
I
Maximum input SIN (wei~hfmg
capability (1 kliz) network, (“put le”e,
I
1
* ‘70 IHF
outputs: RECOUT1,2
Voltage 150 mV
Impedance 4.7 k ohms
SPEAKER A, B
Accepts speakers of 8 - 16 ohms.
HEADPHONES
Accepts low and high impedance head-
phones.
Tone Controls: BASS
+lOdB at 100 Hz (turnover freq. 500 Hz)
TREBLE
?lOdB at 10 kHz (turnover freq. 2 kHz)
Subsonic Filter: 6 dB/octave attenuation below 15 Hz
High Filter: 6 dB/octave attenuation above 9 kHz
Muting: -20dB
1 OdB=0.775V 1
FEATURES
The TA-AX44 integrated stereo amplifier incorporates a number of
technical breakthroughs in circuit design. On its attractive front
panel most of the controls and switches are “touch pad” switches
and the tone, filter and volume settings are shown by fluorescent
displays.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TA-AX44’S CIRCUIT
ASP (Audio Signal Processor) IC in the preamplifier stage
Sony has developed a new audio device, called the Audio Signal
Processor IC, which can digitally control the tone, filter and volume
settings. The ASP IC also permits electronic program source selec
tion. Mechanical controls and switches have been practically
eliminated from the front panel. In combination with a microcom-
puter and a non-volatile memory IC, the ASP IC offers greater flex-
ibility - an Acoustic Function, an ability to store and recall two
sets of tonal adjustments.
Legato linear power amplifier stage
The operation of the power amplifier stage is stable without any
observable distortion up through the higher frequencies. We call
this power amp “Legato Linear” because its switching distortion is
very low and its output waveform smooth.
Simple, straight signal path layout
A heat-pipe cooling system and the ASP IC layout near the input
and output terminals minimize wiring losses and allow low distor-
tion ooeration.
OPERATING VOLTAGE
Before connecting the unit to the power source, check that the
operating voltage of your unit is the same as the local power line
voltage.
The Continental European model (AEP model) operates on 220 V
ac (or 240 V ac adjustable by authorized Sony personnel).
The United Kingdom model (UK model) operates on 240 V ac (or
220 V ac adjustable by authorized Sony personnel).
The model for other countries (E model) operates on either 120,
220 or 240 V ac. The voltage selector is located on the rear
panel. If the selector must be reset, disconnect the ac power
cord and turn the selector with a coin so that the arrow mark
of the selector points to the proper voltage figure.
The US, Canadian model operates on 120 V ac.
Wireless remote control operation
~
Using the optional RM-44 system remote controller, various opera.
tions - power on/off, program selection, acoustic setting selec-
tion, muting on/off and volume adjustment - can be remotely con-
trolled.

PRECAUTIONS
On safety
l Check that the operating voltage of your unit is identical with the
voltage of your local power supply.
l Should any liquid or solid object fall into the cabinet, unplug the
unit and have it checked by qualified personnel before operating It
any further.
l Unplug the unit from the wall outlet if it is not to be used for an
extended period of time. To disconnect the cord, pull it out by
grasping the plug. Never pull the cord itself.
On installation
l Do not install the unit in a location near heat sources such as
radiators or air ducts, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, ex-
cessive dust, mechanical vibration or shock.
l Good air circulation is essential to prevent internal heat build-up
in the unit. Place the unit in the location with adequate air circula-
tion. Do not place the unit on a soft surface, such as a rug that
would block the ventilation holes on the bottom.
l DO not place anything on top of the cabinet. The top ventilation
holes must be unobstructed for the proper operation of the unit and
to prolong the life of its components.
On operation
l Before making program source connections, be sure to turn the
power switch off and unplug the unit.
l Do not attempt to test the protection circuits by blocking the ven-
tilation holes or connecting improper loads.
l When the unit is not used, turn the power off, to conserve energy
and to extend the useful life of your unit.
On cleaning the cabinet
Clean the cabinet, panel and controls with a soft cloth lightly
moistened with mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of
abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent such as alcohol or ben-
zine.
On repacking
Do not throw away the carton and the packing material. It makes an
ideal container to transport the unit in. When shipping the unit for
repair work or to another location, repack it as illustrated on the
carton box.
MODEL IDENTIFICATION
- Specification Label -
[AEP model1
SONX
MODEL NO. TA-AX44
INTEGRATED STEREO AMPLIFIER
AC 220'4% 50/60Hz 100~
q
cl
r------
I
SERIAL NO.
I
L______
MADE IN JAPAN
[US, Canadian model]
SON%
MODEL NO. TA-AX44
INTEGRATED STEREO AMPLIFIER
AC:l20V- f5OHz IOOW '
cl
cl
SERIAL NO.
MADE IN JAPAN
[UK model]
SON%
MODEL NO. TA-AX44
INTEGRATED STEREO AMPLIFIER
AC:210V~50/6OHz 270W
cl
cl
SERIAL NO,
MADE IN JAPAN

LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF CONTROLS
Fluorescent display VOLUME MUTING TAPE COPY TAPE MONITOR
POWER switch
(See below. J
control button switch switch
switches
/
HEADPHONES jack BASS and TREBLE
tone control buttons SUBSONIC filter switch
ACOATIC switches
MEMORY
switch
Fluorescent display section
VOL UME indicator , MUTING indicator
er BALANCE indicator

SPEAKER A and
PHONO inputs TUNER inputs SPEAKER B terminals AC OUTLETSRemote control connector
Ground terminal
CORDER 2 jacks
TAPE inputs and REC OUT (recording output) jacks
DA D/A UX (auxiliary) inputs ORDER 1 jacks TAPE inputs and REC OUT (recording output) jacks
*
The ac
Photo: AEP, UK model
AC outlets
These are used to power other audio components whose power
consumption is less than the wattage indicated below the ac
outlet.
The SWITCHED outlet is controlled by the front panel POWER swit-
ch.
The UNSWITCHED outlet (only on the E model) is not controlled
by the POWER switch.
Do not connect any electrical home appliance such as an electric
iron, fan, TV or other high-wattage equipment to these ac outlets.
The four groups of ac power cord plugs and ac outlets on your
amplifier rear panel are illustrated below
Group A
(E ,nodrI
only)
Group I3
IUS,
Calladl‘l”,
E model)
AC outlet
SWITCHED TOTAL
100 W MAX
SWITCHED TOTAL The wires in this mains lead adaptor are coloured in accor-
100WMAX’
dance with the following code.
UNSWITCHED SWITCHED
100 W MAX
/ TOTAL 100 W
ltlet on the ampllfier can supply ac power to the folIowIng com-
Tuner ST-JX44L. ST-JX-22L
Turntable
PSLX33. PS-LX5
Tape deck
TC-FXSOOR. TC-FX44
For the Customers in the United Kingdom
The mains lead plug of your apparatus is a 3-pin type especially
designed to be connected only to the Sony RM-44 system remote
controller. The remote controller has a receptacle on the rear to
receive this plug to supply mains power to other components of
your audio system.
To connect the apparatus directly to a mains power point in your
house, firmly insert the 3-pin plug into the supplied mains lead
adaptor.
manns lead mains lead adaptor
-CAUTION
Connect the 3.pin plug only to the mains outlet on the com-
ponent mentioned above or to the supplied mains lead adap-
tor.
-Important
Blue : Neutral
Brown : Live
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead adaptor of this
apparatus 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 ter-
minal which is marked with the letter N or coloured black.
The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the
terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured red.
* *Use the plug adaptor to connect the ampllfler to an ac outlet I” the house
However. when makmg power connections among the Sony components. this
adaptor IS not needed

OPERATION
TO GET SOUND
‘4
Adjust the volume.
VOLUME
111111
When the power is turned on, the volume will be automatically reset to m~nrmum, then will be up slowly to the
previous setting.
Press either end of the VOLUME control button when the volume IS adjusted to your preference.
Select the speaker
system used.
A-SPEAKERS-B
To dnve speaker system A. depress A swtch.
To drive speaker system B depress B watch.
To drive both speaker systems depress A and B swtches.
For headphone listening only : keep both switches released
-Important points to remember
l The MONITOR switches have priority over the FUNCTION
switches (PHONO, TUNER and DADIAUX) when they are
engaged at the same time.
l To disengage the MONITOR switch, press the same switch
again.
l The TAPE COPY switch is a push-on/push-off switch, and
does not affect any other FUNCTION or MONITOR switch.
3
Select the program source and start the program.
MONITOR FUNCTION
I
\
For the ‘record program.
For the tuner program.
For auxiliary sources connected to
the DADlAUX jacks.
For the taped program
connected to the TAPE RECORDER 1 TAPE lacks
For the taped program connected to the TAPE RECORDER 2 TAPE lacks.
SOUND ADJUSTMENTS
Stereo balance
The feeling of direction and depth that stereophonrc sound pro-
duces is greatly diminished if the volume levels of the two channels
are not balanced to produce a well-defined stereo image.
Adjust the BALANCE control buttons as necessary. Proper setting
of the BALANCE control will vary with different program sources
because of differences in recording levels. Stereo balance is alS0
affected by the acoustics of the listening room, which itself is
dependent on the shape and size of the room, the locatron of the
room’s furniture, and the carpet and wall coverings.
Tone
Use the tone control buttons to adjust the tone to surt the
characterrstrcs of the listening iddm afld the program SOUrCe
When listening to a program source with high.frequency noise,
press the HI-FILTER switch.
If the woofer cones of the speaker system move a lot when a
warped record is played, press the SUBSONIC filter switch to
reduce the very low-frequency distortion caused by record warp.
The manipulation of the tone control section does not interrupt the
signal path in the amplifier. However, its overuse may adversely af-
fect amplifier tone quality.

TAPE RECORDING AND TAPE COPY
TO RECORD
0 Select the program to be recorded with the FUNCTION switches.
@Start the program and set the tape recorder in the record mode.
Record olaver
The filters, and tone and volume settings have no effect on record-
ing.
Monitoring of a 3.head tape recorder
If your tape recorder has separate record and playback heads, you
can monitor the recording results.
When the tape recorder used for recording is connected to the
TAPE RECORDER 1 REC OUT jacks, press the TAPE 1 switch and
you can monitor the recording results. Press the TAPE 1 switch
again to disengage, and the source sound will be heard. Be sure to
keep the monitor switch of the tape recorder in the TAPE position.
TO COPY
If you have two tape recorders, you can copy a taped program from
tape recorder 1 (connected to TAPE RECORDER 1 TAPE inputs) to
tape recorder 2 (connected to TAPE RECORDER 2 REC OUT out-
puts). Tape copy from tape recorder 2 to tape recorder 1 cannot be
made.
You can copy a tape while listening to a record or a broadcast.
0 Insert the recorded tape into the tape recorder 1 and a blank tape
into the tape recorder 2.
@ Press the TAPE COPY switch.
@ Adjust the recording level of tape recorder 2.
Start the playback of tape recorder 1 and the recording of tape
recorder 2. Copying will begin.
ape deck 1 (for playback) Tape deck 2 (for recording
\ /
To listen to a program while the tape is being copied :
For the playback sound of tape recorder 1 : press the TAPE 1
switch.
For a program source connected to the PHONO, TUNER or
DADlAUX inputs : press the appropriate FUNCTION switch.
REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION WITH AN
OPTIONAL REMOTE CONTROLLER
The optional RM-44 system remote controller controls the following
functions of the amplifier: power on/off, program selection,
acoustic setting selection, muting on/off, and volume adjustment.
This remote controller, with its infrared ray sensor, can control con-
nected components by an infrared ray transmitted from the RM-44C
remote commander supplied with the system remote controller.
For connections and operations, refer to the system remote con-
troller’s instruction manual.
Ampliliel
Tuner
Cassette deck
Turntable
Infrared-ray command RM-44