Sony CDX-FW500 - Fm/am Compact Disc Player User manual

Operating Instructions
Manual de instrucciones
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom of the unit.
Record these numbers in the space provided below.
Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. CDX-FW500 Serial No.
CDX-FW500
For installation and connections, see the supplied installation/connections manual.
Para obtener información sobre la instalación y las conexiones, consulte el manual
de instalación/conexiones suministrado.
3-261-847-21 (1)
US
ES
© 2004 Sony Corporation
FM / AM
Compact Disc
Player

2
Welcome !
Thank you for purchasing this Sony Compact
Disc Player. You can enjoy its various features
even more with:
• Optional CD/MD units (both changers and
players)*1.
• CD TEXT information (displayed when a CD
TEXT disc*2is played).
•Supplied controller accessory
Card remote commander RM-X115
•Optional controller accessory
Rotary commander RM-X4S
*1 This unit works with Sony products only.
*2 A CD TEXT disc is an audio CD that includes
information such as the disc name, artist name,
and track names. This information is recorded on
the disc.
Warning
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
p
rotection against harmful interference in a
r
esidential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to
r
adio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:
–
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
–
Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
–
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
–
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
The use of optical instruments with this produc
t
will increase e
y
e hazard.
CAUTION
The “XM Ready” logo indicates that this product
will control a Sony XM tuner module (sold
separately).
Please see your nearest authorized Sony dealer
for details on the XM tuner module.
For instructions on XM tuner operation, please
refer to the XM tuner module’s included
instruction manual.

3
Table of Contents
Location of controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Notes on discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Getting Started
Resetting the unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Detaching the front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
CD Player
CD/MD Unit (optional)
Playing a disc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Display items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Playing tracks repeatedly
— Repeat Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Playing tracks in random order
— Shuffle Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Labeling a CD
— Disc Memo*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Locating a disc by name
— List-up* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
*Functions available with optional CD/MD unit
Radio
Storing stations automatically
— Best Tuning Memory (BTM) . . . . . . 14
Receiving the stored stations . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Storing only the desired stations. . . . . . . . . 15
Tuning in a station through a list
— List-up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Other Functions
Using the rotary commander. . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Adjusting the sound characteristics . . . . . . 17
Quickly attenuating the sound . . . . . . . . . . 17
Changing the sound and display
settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Setting the equalizer (EQ3). . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Setting the Dynamic Soundstage Organizer
(DSO). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Additional Information
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Removing the unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Error displays/Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

4
Location of controls
Refer to the pages listed for details.
aDSO button 20
bSOURCE (Power on/Radio/CD/MD)
button
To select the source.
cLIST/CAT*1button 12, 13, 15
dReceptor for the card remote
commander
eDisplay window
fZ(eject) button (located on the front side
of the unit, behind the front panel) 10
gOPEN button 8, 10
hEQ3 button 19
iMODE button
To change operation.
jVolume control dial/Select button
Rotate to:
– Adjust the volume.
– Adjust settings.
Press to:
– Select items.
kDSPL (display mode change) button
9, 11, 13, 18
lSENS button 14, 15
mRESET button (located on the front side of
the unit, behind the front panel) 8
nBTM button
oNumber buttons 18
Radio:
To store stations/receive stored stations.
CD/MD:
(3): REP 11
(4): SHUF 12
pOFF (Stop/Power off) button*28, 10
*1 (CAT) is available only when the XM tuner is
connected.
*2 Warning when installing in a car without
an ACC (accessory) position on the
ignition switch
After turning off the ignition, be sure to press
and hold (OFF) on the unit until the display
disappears.
Otherwise, the display does not turn off and this
causes battery drain.
P
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OPEN
6543
BBESHUFREP
21 BTMSENS
EQ3
D
S
P
L
M
O
D
E
CDX-FW500
DSO
SEEK SEEK
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T
C
A
T
OFF

5
qDISC (ALBUM)/PRESET buttons (+/–)
To receive preset stations/change the disc*1,
skip albums*2.
*1 When an optional CD/MD unit is connected.
*2 Available only when an optional CD unit with the
MP3 file control function is connected, and MP3
file is played.
rSEEK buttons (–/+)
To skip tracks/fast-forward, reverse a track/
tune in stations automatically, find a station
manually/select a setting.
The corresponding buttons of the card
remote commander control the same
functions as those on this unit.
aDSPL button
bSOURCE button
cSEEK (–/+) buttons
dOFF button
eVOL (+/–) buttons
fMODE button
gPRESET (DISC/ALBUM) (+/–) buttons
hATT button
Note
If the display disappears by pressing (OFF), it cannot
be operated with the card remote commander unless
(SOURCE) on the unit is pressed, or a disc is inserted
to activate the unit first.
Tip
For details on how to replace the battery, see
“Replacing the lithium battery” on page 21.
SEEK
SEEK
P
U
S
H
D
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S
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E
C
T
S
O
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C
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D
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C
/
P
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S
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T
SENS
EQ3
D
S
P
L
M
O
D
E
DSO
SEEK SEEK
L
I
S
T
C
A
T
(SEEK)
(–): to select
leftwards/
.
(SEEK)
(+): to select
rightwards/
>
(DISC/PRESET)
(+): to select upwards
(DISC/PRESET)
(–): to select downwards
Card remote commander RM-X115
continue to next page t
ATTOFF
DSPL MODE
SOURCE
VOL
+
–
PRESET
+
PRESET
–
SEEK
–
SEEK
+

6
Selecting a disc and album with the
card remote commander
Disc and album can be skipped using the
PRESET (DISC/ALBUM) (+/–) buttons on the
card remote commander.
(With optional unit)
*Available only when an optional CD unit with the
MP3 file control function is connected, and MP3 file
is played.
Skipping tracks continuously
Press once (SEEK) (+) or (SEEK) (–) on the
card remote commander, then press again within
2 seconds and hold.
Precautions
• If your car has been parked in direct sunlight,
allow the unit to cool off before operating it.
• Power antenna will extend automatically while
the unit is operating.
• While driving, do not use the CUSTOM FILE
feature or any other functions which may divert
your attention from the road.
If you have any questions or problems
concerning your unit that are not covered in this
manual, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.
Moisture condensation
On a rainy day or in a very damp area, moisture
condensation may occur inside the lenses and
display of the unit. Should this occur, the unit
will not operate properly. In such a case, remove
the disc and wait for about an hour until the
moisture has evaporated.
To maintain high sound quality
Be careful not to splash juice or other soft drinks
onto the unit or discs.
To Press
Skip discs
–Disc selection + or – [once for each disc] To continuously skip discs,
press once and press again
within 2 seconds (and hold)
either button.
Skip albums*
–Album selection + or – [hold for a moment] and release
To continuously skip
albums, press (and hold)
within 2 seconds of first
releasing the button.

7
Notes on discs
• To keep a disc clean, do not touch its surface.
Handle the disc by its edge.
• Keep your discs in their cases or disc
magazines when not in use.
• Do not subject discs to heat/high temperature.
Avoid leaving them in a parked car or on a
dashboard/rear tray.
• Do not attach labels, or use discs with sticky
ink/residue. Such discs may stop spinning
when used, causing a malfunction, or may ruin
the disc.
• Do not use any discs with labels or stickers
attached.
The following malfunctions may result from
using such discs:
– Inability to eject a disc (due to a label or
sticker peeling off and jamming the eject
mechanism).
– Inability to read audio data correctly (e.g.,
playback skipping, or no playback) due to
heat shrinking of a sticker or label causing a
disc to warp.
• Discs with non-standard shapes (e.g., heart,
square, star) cannot be played on this unit.
Attempting to do so may damage the unit. Do
not use such discs.
• You cannot play 8 cm (3 in) CDs.
• Before playing, clean the discs with a
commercially available cleaning cloth. Wipe
each disc from the center out. Do not use
solvents such as benzine, thinner, commercially
available cleaners, or antistatic spray intended
for analog discs.
Notes on CD-R/CD-RW discs
• You can play CD-Rs (recordable CDs)/CD-
RWs (rewritable CDs) designed for audio use
on this unit.
Look for these marks to distinguish CD-Rs/
CD-RWs for audio use.
These marks denote that a disc is not for audio
use.
• Some CD-Rs/CD-RWs (depending on the
equipment used for its recording or the
condition of the disc) may not play on this unit.
• You cannot play a CD-R/CD-RW that is not
finalized*.
*A process necessary for a recorded CD-R/CD-RW
disc to be played on the audio CD player.

8
Getting Started
Resetting the unit
Before operating the unit for the first time, or
after replacing the car battery or changing the
connections, you must reset the unit.
Remove the front panel and press the RESET
button with a pointed object, such as a ball-point
pen.
Note
Pressing the RESET button will erase the clocksetting
and some stored contents.
Detaching the front panel
You can detach the front panel of this unit to
protect the unit from being stolen.
Caution alarm
If you turn the ignition switch to the OFF
position without removing the front panel, the
caution alarm will beep for a few seconds.
If you connect an optional amplifier and do not
use the built-in amplifier, the beep sound will be
deactivated.
1Press (OFF)*.
CD/MD playback or radio reception stops
(the key illumination and display remain on).
*If your car has no ACC (accessory) position on
the ignition switch, be sure to turn the unit off by
pressing (OFF) until the display disappears to
avoid car battery drain.
2Press (OPEN), then slide the front
panel to the right, and gently pull out
the left end of the front panel.
Notes
•If you detach the panel while the unit is still turned
on, the power will turn off automatically to prevent
the speakers from being damaged.
•Do not drop or put excessive pressure on the front
panel and its display window.
•Do not subject the front panel to heat/high
temperature or moisture. Avoid leaving it in a parked
car or on a dashboard/rear tray.
Tip
When carrying the front panel with you, use the
supplied front panel case.
RESET button
1
2

9
Attaching the front panel
Place hole Aof the front panel onto the spindle
Bon the unit, then lightly push the left side in.
Press (SOURCE) on the unit (or insert a CD) to
operate the unit.
Note
Do not put anything on the inner surface of the front
panel.
Setting the clock
The clock uses a 12-hour digital indication.
Example: To set the clock to 10:08
1Press (DSPL) for 2 seconds.
The hour indication flashes.
1Rotate the volume control dial to set
the hour.
2Press the select button.
The minute indication flashes.
3Rotate the volume control dial to set
the minute.
2Press (DSPL).
The clock starts. After the clock setting is
complete, the display returns to normal play
mode.
x
A
B

10
CD Player
CD/MD Unit (optional)
In addition to playing a CD with this unit, you
can also control external CD (MP3 playable CD)/
MD units. If you connect optional MP3 playable
CD units (eg., MP3 CD changer), you can play
MP3 files; compressed audio files (tracks) with
quality of sound.
Playing a disc
(With this unit)
1Press (OPEN) and insert the disc
(labeled side up).
2Close the front panel.
Playback starts automatically.
If a disc is already inserted, press (SOURCE)
repeatedly until “CD” appears to start playback.
To skip trackscontinuously, press (SEEK) (+) or
(SEEK) (–), then press again within 2 seconds
and hold.
Notes
•While the first/last track on the disc is playing, if
(SEEK) (–) or (SEEK) (+) is pressed, playback skips
to the last/first track of the disc.
•When the last track on the disc is over, playback
restarts from the first track of the disc.
(With optional unit)
1Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select
“CD” or “MD (MS*1).”
2Press (MODE) repeatedly until the
desired unit appears.
Playback starts.
*1 MS: MG Memory Stick System-up Player MGS-X1
*2 Available only when an optional CD unit with the
MP3 file control function is connected, and MP3 file
is played.
Cautions when connecting MGS-X1 and MD unit(s)
This unit recognizes MGS-X1 as an MD unit.
•When you want to play MGS-X1, press (SOURCE) to
select “MS” or “MD.” When “MS” appears in the
source display, MGS-X1 starts to play. When “MD”
appears in the source display, press (MODE) to
select “MS,” to start playback.
•When you want to play an MD unit, press (SOURCE)
to select “MD” or “MS.” If your desired MD unit
appears in the source display, it starts to play. If “MS”
or another MD unit appears in the source display,
press (MODE) to select your desired MD unit, to
start playback.
Notes when connecting MP3 playable CD unit(s)
•If a disc with no MP3 files (tracks) is inserted, “NO
MUSIC” appears in the display and playback of the
next disc starts.
•Before playing a track, this unit reads all track and
album information on the disc. Depending on the
track structure, it may take more than a minute
before playback begins. During this time, “READ” is
displayed. Play will automatically start when reading
is complete.
Note
With an optional unit connected, playback of the same
source will continue on to the optional CD/MD unit.
To Press
Stop playback (OFF)
Eject the disc (OPEN) then Z
Skip tracks
–Automatic
Music Sensor
(SEEK) (–/+)
(./>)
[once for each track]
Fast-forward/
reverse
–Manual Search
(SEEK) (–/+)
(m/M)
[hold to desired point]
To Press
Skip discs
–Disc selection (DISC/PRESET) (+/–) [once for each disc]
Skip albums*2
–Albums selection (DISC/PRESET) (+/–) [hold to desired point]

11
Display items
When the disc/album/track changes, any
prerecorded title*1of the new disc/album/track is
automatically displayed. (If the A.SCRL (Auto
Scroll) function is set to “ON,” names exceeding
8 characters will be scrolled (page 18).)
*1 When pressing (DSPL), “NO NAME” indicates that
there is no Disc Memo (page 12) or no prerecorded
name to display.
*2 Only for CD TEXT discs with the artist name.
*3 Only for MP3 files.
Only track name/artist name/album name in ID3
tag is displayed.
When pressing (DSPL), “NO ID3” indicates that
there is no ID3 tag to display.
Notes
•Some characters cannot be displayed. Characters
and signs which cannot be displayed appear as “ *.”
•For some CD TEXT discs or ID3 tags with very
many characters, information may not scroll.
•This unit cannot display the artist name for each
track of a CD TEXT disc.
Tips
•When the A.SCRL (Auto Scroll) function is set to
“OFF” and the disc/album/track is changed, the disc/
album/track name or ID3 tag does not scroll.
•When an MP3 file is played and the album is
changed, the new album number is displayed.
Playing tracks repeatedly
— Repeat Play
You can select:
• REP-TRACK — to repeat the current track.
• REP-ALBM*1— to repeat the tracks in the
current album.
• REP-DISC*2— to repeat the tracks in the
current disc.
*1 Available only when an optional CD unit with the
MP3 file control function is connected, and MP3 file
is played.
*2 Available only when one or more optional CD/MD
units are connected.
During playback, press (3) (REP)
repeatedly until the desired setting
appears in the display.
Repeat Play starts.
To return to normal play mode, select
“REP-OFF.”
To Press
Switch display item (DSPL)
Displayable items
•Discnumber/Track number/Elapsed
playing time
•Disc name*1/Artist name*2
•Album (folder) name*3
•Track (file) name*1*3
•ID3 tag*3
•Clock
Source

12
Playing tracks in random
order
— Shuffle Play
You can select:
•SHUF-ALBM*
1— to play the tracks in the
current album in random order.
• SHUF-DISC — to play the tracks in the current
disc in random order.
• SHUF-CHGR*2— to play the tracks in the
current optional CD (MD) changer in random
order.
• SHUF-ALL*3— to play all the tracks in all
connected CD (MD) units (including this unit)
in random order.
*1 Available only when an optional CD unit with the
MP3 file control function is connected, and MP3 file
is played.
*2 Available only when one or more optional CD (MD)
changers are connected.
*3 Available only when one or more optional CD units,
or two or more optional MD units are connected.
During playback, press (4) (SHUF)
repeatedly until the desired setting
appears in the display.
Shuffle Play starts.
To return to normal play mode, select
“SHUF-OFF.”
Note
“SHUF-ALL” will not shuffle tracks between CD units
and MD units.
Labeling a CD
— Disc Memo (When connecting a CD unit
with the CUSTOM FILE function)
You can label each disc with a custom name
(Disc Memo). You can enter up to 8 characters
for a disc. If you label a CD, you can locate the
disc by name (page 13).
1Start playing the disc you want to label
in a CD unit with the CUSTOM FILE
function.
2Press (LIST/CAT) for 2 seconds.
The unit will repeat the disc during the
labeling procedure.
3Enter the characters.
1Rotate the volume control dial to
select the desired character.
Ay ByC... y0y1y2...
y+y–y*... y* yA
*(blank space)
2Press the select button after
locating the desired character.
The next character flashes.
3Repeat steps 1and 2to enter the
entire name.
4To return to normal play mode, press
(LIST/CAT) for 2 seconds.
Tips
•Simply overwrite or enter “ ” to correct or erase a
character.
•You can label CDs on a unit without the CUSTOM
FILE function if that unit is connected along with a
CD unit that has the function. The Disc Memo will be
stored in the memory of the CD unit with the
CUSTOM FILE function.
Note
REP-TRACK/SHUF play is suspended until the name
edit is complete.

13
Viewing the Disc Memo
As a display item, the Disc Memo always takes
priority over any original CD TEXT information.
Tip
Other items can be displayed (page 11).
Erasing the Disc Memo
1Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select
“CD.”
2Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
CD unit storing the Disc Memo.
3Press (LIST/CAT) for 2 seconds.
4Press (DSPL) for 2 seconds.
The stored names will appear.
5Rotate the volume control dial to
select the disc name you want to
erase.
6Press the select button for 2 seconds.
The name is erased.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 if you want to erase
other names.
7Press (LIST/CAT) for 2 seconds.
The unit returns to normal play mode.
Notes
•When the Disc Memo for a CD TEXT disc is erased,
the original CD TEXT information is displayed.
•If you cannot find the Disc Memo you want to erase,
try selecting a different CD unit in step 2.
Locating a disc by name
— List-up (For a CD unit with the CD TEXT/
CUSTOM FILE function, or an MD unit)
You can use this function for discs that have been
assigned custom names*1or for CD TEXT
discs*2.
*1 Locating a disc by its custom name: when you
assign a name for a CD (page 12) or an MD.
*2 Locating discs by the CD TEXT information: when
you play a CD TEXT disc on a CD unit with the CD
TEXT function.
1During playback, press (LIST/CAT).
The name assigned to the current disc appears
in the display.
2Press (LIST/CAT) repeatedly until you
find the desired disc.
3Press (SEEK) (+) or (SEEK) (–) to play
the disc.
Notes
•Once a disc name has been displayed for 5
seconds, the display goes back to its normal
playback mode.
•If there are no discs in the magazine, “NO DISC”
appears in the display.
•If a disc has not been assigned a custom file, “NO
NAME” appears in the display.
•The information appears only in upper case. There
are also some letters which cannot be displayed.
To Press
View (DSPL) during CD/CD
TEXT disc playback

14
Radio
The unit can store up to 6 stations per band
(FM1, FM2, FM3, AM1 and AM2).
Caution
When tuning in stations while driving, use Best
Tuning Memory to prevent accidents.
Storing stations
automatically
— Best Tuning Memory (BTM)
The unit selects the stations with the strongest
signals within the selected band, and stores them
in the order of their frequency.
1Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select
the radio.
2Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
band.
3Press (BTM) for 2 seconds.
The unit stores stations in the order of their
frequencies on the number buttons.
A beep sounds when the setting is stored.
Notes
•If only a few stations can be received due to weak
signals, some number buttons will retain their former
settings.
•When a number is indicated in the display, the unit
starts storing stations from the one currently
displayed.
Receiving the stored stations
1Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select
the radio.
2Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
band.
3Press the number button ((1) to (6))
on which the desired station is stored.
If preset tuning does not work
— Automatic tuning/Local Seek Mode
Automatic tuning:
Press (SEEK) (+) or (SEEK) (–) to
search for the station.
Scanning stops when the unit receives a
station. Repeat the operation until the desired
station is received.
Local Seek Mode:
If the automatic tuning stops too
frequently, press (SENS) repeatedly
until “LOCAL-ON” appears.
Only the stations with relatively strong
signals will be tuned in.
To cancel the local seek mode, press (SENS)
twice when receiving FM.
Note
When receiving AM, to cancel the local seek mode,
press (SENS) (“LOCAL-OFF” appears).
Tip
If you know the frequency of the station you want to
listen to, press and hold (SEEK) (+) or (SEEK) (–) to
locate the approximate frequency, then press
(SEEK) (+) or (SEEK) (–) repeatedly to fine adjust to
the desired frequency (manual tuning).

15
If FM stereo reception is poor
— Monaural Mode
During radio reception, press (SENS)
repeatedly until “MONO-ON” appears.
The sound improves, but becomes monaural
(“ST” disappears).
To return to normal radio reception mode, press
(SENS) (“MONO-OFF” appears).
Tip
If FM broadcasts are difficult to hear, set DSO to
“OFF” (page 20).
Storing only the desired
stations
You can manually preset the desired stations on
any chosen number button.
1Press (SOURCE) repeatedly to select
the radio.
2Press (MODE) repeatedly to select the
band.
3Press (SEEK) (+) or (SEEK) (–) to tune
in the station that you want to store.
4Press the desired number button ((1)
to (6)) for 2 seconds until “MEM”
appears.
The number button indication appears in the
display.
Note
If you try to store another station on the same number
button, the previously stored station will be erased.
Tuning in a station through
a list
— List-up
1 During radio reception, press (LIST/CAT) .
The frequency appears in the display.
2Press (LIST/CAT) repeatedly until you
find the desired station.
3Press (SEEK) (+) or (SEEK) (–) to tune
in the desired station.

16
Other Functions
You can also control the unit (and optional CD/
MD units) with a rotary commander (optional).
Using the rotary commander
First, attach the appropriate label depending on
how you want to mount the rotary commander.
The rotary commander works by pressing
buttons and/or rotating controls.
By pressing buttons
By rotating the control
Rotate and release to:
– Skip tracks.
To continuously skip tracks, rotate once
and rotate again within 2 seconds and hold
the control.
– Tune in stations automatically.
Rotate, hold, and release to:
– Fast-forward/reverse a track.
– Find a station manually.
By pushing in and rotating the control
Push in and rotate the control to:
– Receive preset stations.
– Change discs during CD (MD) playback*1.
– Change albums*3.
Press To
(SOURCE) Change the source
(Radio/CD/MD*1)/Power on
(MODE) Change operation
(Radio band/CD unit*1/MD
unit*1)
(ATT) Attenuate the sound
(OFF)*2Stop playback or radio
reception/Power off
(SEL) Adjust and select
(DSPL) Change the display item
SEL
DSPL
MODE
SEL
DSPL
MODE
OFF
Rotate the VOL control
to adjust the volume.
(SOURCE)
(SEL)
(ATT)
(DSPL) (OFF)
(MODE)
SEEK/AMS
control
PRESET/DISC
control

17
When an MP3 file is played, you can select an
album using the rotary commander.
(With optional unit)
*1 Only if the corresponding optional equipment is
connected.
*2 If your car has no ACC (accessory) position on the
ignition key switch, after turning off the ignition, be
sure to press and hold (OFF) until the display
disappears.
*3 Available only when an optional CD unit with the
MP3 file control function is connected, and MP3 file
is played.
Changing the operative direction
The operative direction of controls is factory-set
as shown below.
If you need to mount the rotary commander on
the right hand side of the steering column, you
can reverse the operative direction.
Press (SEL) for 2 seconds while
pushing the VOL control.
Adjusting the sound
characteristics
You can adjust the balance, fader, low pass filter
and subwoofer volume.
1Press the select button repeatedly
until “BAL,” “FAD,” “LPF” or “SUB”
appears.
Each time you press the select button, the
item changes as follows:
LOW*1tMID*1tHI*1t
BAL (left-right) t FAD (front-rear) t
LPF (low pass filter)*2*3t
SUB (subwoofer volume)*2*4
*1 When EQ3 is activated (page 19).
*2 When “SUB” is selected (page 18).
*3 The cut off frequency is adjustable to 78 Hz,
125 Hz or OFF.
*4 The volume level is adjustable between –10
and +10 steps. (Below –10, “ATT” is displayed.)
2Rotate the volume control dial to
adjust the selected item.
Note
Adjust within 3 seconds after selecting the item.
Quickly attenuating the
sound
(With the rotary commander or the card
remote commander)
Press (ATT).
After “ATT-ON” momentarily appears,
“ATT” appears in the display.
To restore the previous volume level, press
(ATT) again.
Tip
When the interface cable of a car telephone is
connected to the ATT lead, the unit decreases the
volume automatically when a telephone call comes in
(Telephone ATT function).
To Do this
Skip discs
–Disc selection Push in and rotate [once for each disc] the control.
To continuously skip discs,
push in and rotate once and
rotate again within 2
seconds (and hold) the
control.
Skip albums*3
–Album selection 1To enter Album selection mode, push in, then rotate
and hold the control.
Within 2 seconds,
proceed to step 2.
2Push in, then rotate
quickly and repeatedly, to
skip albums one by one.
To increase
To decrease

18
Changing the sound and
display settings
The following items can be set:
• REAR/SUB*1— to switch the audio output
REAR or SUB.
– Select “REAR” to output to a power amplifier.
– Select “SUB” to output to a subwoofer.
• A.SCRL (Auto Scroll)*2(page 11).
• M.DSPL (Motion Display) — to turn the
motion display on or off.
– Select “ON” to activate the motion display
(the moving pattern appears in the display).
– Select “OFF” to deactivate the motion display.
•DEMO*
1— to turn the demonstration display
on or off.
– Select “ON” to activate the demonstration
display (The demonstration starts about 10
seconds after the unit is turned off).
– Select “OFF” to deactivate the
demonstration display.
•BEEP*
3— to turn the beeps on or off.
• DIM — to change the brightness of the display.
– Select “ON” to dim the display.
– Select “OFF” to deactivate the Dimmer.
Switching the REAR/SUB*1
Press the select button and then rotate
the volume control dial.
After 3 seconds, the display returns to normal
play mode.
Selecting the desired item
Press the select button and the
desired button simultaneously.
select button + (3): A.SCRL*2
select button + (4): M.DSPL
select button + (4): DEMO*1
select button + (6): BEEP*3
select button + (DSPL): DIM
After the mode setting is complete, the display
returns to normal play mode.
To cancel the item, press the select button and the
desired button simultaneously again.
*1 When the unit is turned off.
*2 When CD or MD is played.
*3 The beep sound is output only when the built-in
amplifier is used.

19
Setting the equalizer (EQ3)
You can select an equalizer curve for 7 music
types (XPLOD, VOCAL, CLUB, JAZZ, NEW
AGE, ROCK, CUSTOM and OFF (equalizer
OFF)).
You can store a different equalizer setting for
each source.
Selecting the equalizer curve
1Press (SOURCE) to select a source
(Radio, CD or MD).
2Press (EQ3) repeatedly to select the
desired equalizer curve.
Each time you press (EQ3), the item
changes.
To cancel the equalizing effect, select “OFF.”
Adjusting the equalizer curve
You can store and adjust the equalizer settings
for different tone ranges.
1Press (SOURCE) to select a source
(Radio, CD or MD).
2Press (EQ3) repeatedly to select the
desired equalizer curve.
3Adjusting the equalizer curve.
1Press the select button repeatedly
to select the desired tone range.
Each time you press the select button, the
tone range changes.
LOW t MID tHI (tBAL tFAD t
LPF t SUB)
2Rotate the volume control dial to
adjust to the desired volume level.
The volume level is adjustable by 1 dB
steps from –10 dB to +10 dB.
3Repeat step 1and 2to adjust the
equalizer curve.
To restore the factory-set equalizer curve,
press the select button for 2 seconds.
Note
When EQ3 is set to “OFF,” you cannot adjust the
equalizer curve settings.

20
Setting the Dynamic
Soundstage Organizer (DSO)
If your speakers are installed into the lower part
of the doors, the sound will come from below
and may not be clear.
The DSO (Dynamic Soundstage Organizer)
function creates a more ambient sound as if there
were speakers above the dashboard (virtual
speakers).
You can store the DSO setting for each source.
DSO mode and image of virtual speakers
*1 DSO-1
*2 DSO-2
*3 DSO-3
*4 DSO-OFF
1Press (SOURCE) to select a source
(Radio, CD or MD).
2Press (DSO) repeatedly until the
desired DSO setting appears.
Each time you press (DSO), the DSO setting
changes.
To cancel the DSO function, select “DSO-
OFF.” After 3 seconds, the display returns to
normal play mode.
Notes
•Depending on the type of car interior or type of
music, DSO may not have a desirable effect.
•If FM broadcasts are difficult to hear, set DSO to
“OFF.”
Additional Information
Maintenance
Fuse replacement
When replacing the fuse, be sure to use one
matching the amperage rating stated on the
original fuse. If the fuse blows, check the power
connection and replace the fuse. If the fuse blows
again after replacement, there may be an internal
malfunction. In such a case, consult your nearest
Sony dealer.
Warning
Never use a fuse with an amperage rating
exceeding the one supplied with the unit as this
could damage the unit.
Cleaning the connectors
The unit may not function properly if the
connectors between the unit and the front panel
are not clean. In order to prevent this, detach the
front panel (page 8) and clean the connectors
with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Do not
apply too much force. Otherwise, the connectors
may be damaged.
Notes
•For safety, turn off the ignition before cleaning the
connectors, and remove the key from the ignition
switch.
•Never touch the connectors directly with your fingers
or with any metal device.
*3
*2
*1
*4
*4
*3
*2
*1
Fuse (10 A)
Main unit
Back of the front panel