Sony TC-KA6ES User manual

3-759-737-11(1)
TC-KA6ES
TC-KA3ES
Stereo
Cassette Deck
Operating Instructions EN
Mode d‘emploi F
Manual de instrucciones ES
Manual de Instruções P

2EN
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard,
do not expose the unit to rain
or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not
open the cabinet.
Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.
FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED
STATES
Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing the Sony
Stereo Cassette Deck. Before operating
the unit, please read this manual
thoroughly and retain it for future
reference.
AboutThis Manual
The instructions in this manual are for
models TC-KA6ES and TC-KA3ES.
All illustrations in this manual show the
TC-KA3ES.
Please note the following distinguishing
features of each model:
TC-KA6ES
• Uses an SD head
• Does not have an HX PRO button;
the Dolby HX PRO function is
continuously on
• Is for sale in Europe only
TC-KA3ES
• Uses an LA head
• Has an HX PRO button for turning the
Dolby HX PRO function on and off
• Is for sale in the U.S.A., Canada, and
other non-European countries
Conventions
• Instructions in this manual describe the
controls on the deck.
• The following icons are used in this
manual:
Indicates useful information or
tips that make a task easier.
Indicates a task that
requires use of the remote.
(Canadian model only)
FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT USE THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG
WITH AN EXTENSION CORD,
RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET
UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY
INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE
EXPOSURE.
This symbol is intended to alert the user
to 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.
This symbol is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating
and maintenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying the
appliance.
Owner’s record
The model and serial numbers are located
on the rear of the unit. Record the serial
number in the space provided below.
Refer to these numbers whenever you call
upon your Sony dealer regarding this
product.
Model No. TC-KA3ES
Serial No.

3EN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Recording on a Tape 4
Playing a Tape 6
Getting Started
Unpacking 7
Hooking Up the System 7
Advanced Playback Operations
Locating a Track (AMS/Auto Play/Memory Play) 9
Playing Using a Timer 9
Advanced Recording Operations
Adjusting Bias, Recording Level and Recording Equalizer Calibration 10
Monitoring the Recorded Sound 11
Inserting a Blank Space During Recording (Record Muting) 11
Recording Using a Timer 12
Synchro-Recording With a CD Player (Canadian Model Only) 12
Additional Information
Precautions 13
Notes on Cassette Tapes 13
Cleaning 14
Troubleshooting 15
Specifications 16
Glossary 17
Index 18
EN

a i n
Basic Operations
4EN
Recording on a Tape
1Turn on the amplifier and play the program source you want to
record.
2Set TIMER to OFF and press POWER.
3Press §OPEN/CLOSE and insert a cassette.
See page 7 for hookup
information.
To protect recordings
against accidental erasure
Break out the record-protect
tab(s) (see page 13).
With the side you want to record
facing you
4Press rREC.
The cassette holder closes and the deck becomes ready to record.
”SOURCE” and the tape type (I, II, or IV) appear in the display.
5Turn REC LEVEL to adjust the recording level.
The recording level should
not exceed the recommended
level for the indicated tape
type.
After doing the all
adjustments, stop playing
the program source.
6Press PPAUSE or (.
Recording starts.
For type I or type II tape
For type IV tape
2
6 4
53
OWER
OREC A
IMER
REC EVE
DO B NR
OBC
S
•
REC EQ B AS
REC EVE
MONI OR
HONES EVE
≠AMS ±
0() §
rRPp
AUSE REC MU E REC
O EN C OSE
RESE
M X I ER HX RO CA BRA ON
MEMOR

Basic Operations
Basic Operations
5EN
7Start playing the program source.
To Press
Stop recording p
§OPEN/CLOSE after stopping
recording
Pause PPAUSE. Press the button again to
resume recording.
Take out the cassette
You can check how much
blank remains on the tape
1Locate the end of the
recorded portion on the tape.
2Press RESET to reset the tape
counter to “0.00.”
3Press )to fast-forward the
tape to its end.
The tape counter shows the
approximate amount of
remaining time.
* Dolby noise reduction and HX
Pro headroom extension
manufactured under license from
Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation. HX Pro originated
by Bang & Olufsen.
“DOLBY, “ the double-D symbol
aand “HX PRO” are
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.
Use these buttons (controls) for additional operations
To adjust the recording balance
Turn REC LEVEL so that the L (left channel) and R (right channel) peak level
meters in the display are at the levels you want. For normal settings, keep
the red mark on each control aligned with each other.
tape counter
REC LEVEL
5
4
3
2
1
0
6
7
8
9
10
RL
REC LEVEL
5
4
3
2
1
0
6
7
8
9
10
RL
To increase the left (L) channel
level only, turn the outer control
clockwise.
To increase the right (R) channel
level only, turn the inner control
clockwise.
To record with the Dolby NR* system
Set DOLBY NR to the position you want (B, C, or S) before you start recording.
To record with Dolby HX PRO
Press HX PRO. “HX PRO” appears in the display. The HX PRO button and
indicator are provided on TC-KA3ES only. (For details on HX PRO, see
“Glossary” on page 17.)
If you cannot get satisfying results when recording FM broadcasts
with Dolby NR system
Set MPX FILTER to ON. The filter turns on to make the Dolby NR system
work more effectively. “FILTER” appears in the display. (For details on the
MPX filter, see “Glossary” on page 17.)
MPX FILTER HX PRO
DOLBY NR
REC LEVELRESET
POW R
O FEC PL Y
T MER
REC LEVEL
3
0
+3
DO BY NR
O F BC
S
EC Q
2
0
+2
IAS
REC VEL
4
2
0
6
7
8
9
0
R
MON TOR
–0
0
20
PHONES
0
LE EL
0
≠AMS ±
0()
rRPp
P USE R C MUTE R C
OPE /C OSE
E ET
M X TER HX O CALB ATON
ME ORY

Basic Operations
6EN
Playing a Tape
1Turn on the amplifier and select the tape deck position.
2Set TIMER to OFF and press POWER.
3Press §OPEN/CLOSE and insert a cassette.
With the side you want to play
facing you
See page 7 for hookup
information.
To play a tape recorded
with the Dolby NR system
Set DOLBY NR to the same
position that the tape was
recorded in—B, C, or S.
You can connect the
headphones to PHONES
To adjust the volume, turn
PHONES LEVEL.
4Press (.
The cassette holder closes and the deck starts playing. “TAPE”
and the tape type (I, II, or IV) appear in the display. Adjust the
volume on the amplifier.
To Press
Stop playing p
Pause PPAUSE. Press the button again to
resume play.
Fast-forward or rewind )or 0when the deck is stopped
§OPEN/CLOSE after stopping playingTake out the cassette
2
4
3
POWER
OFFREC PLAY
TIMER
REC LEVEL
DOLBY NR
OFF BC
S
•
REC EQ BIAS
REC LEVEL
MONITOR
PHONES LEVEL
≠AMS ±
0() §
rRPp
PAUSE REC MUTE REC
OPEN CLOSE
RESET
MPX FILTER HX PRO CALIBRATION
MEMORY
Basic Operations

Basic Operations
Getting Started
7EN
TC-KA6ES/KA3ES
Amplifier
Hooking Up the System
This section describes how to hook up the tape deck to
an amplifier. Be sure to turn off the power of each
component before making the connections.
Hookups
When connecting an audio cord, be sure to match the
color-coded cord to the appropriate jacks on the
components: Red (right) to Red and White (left) to
White. Be sure to make connections firmly to avoid
hum and noise.
Connect the tape deck to the amplifier as shown
below.
Unpacking
Check that you have received the following supplied
items:
• Remote commander (remote) RM-J701 (1)*
• Size AA (R6) batteries (2)*
• Audio connecting cord (2)
* Canadian model only
Inserting batteries into the remote (Canadian
model only)
Insert two size AA (R6) batteries, matching the + and –
on the batteries with the markings inside the battery
compartment. When using the remote, point it at the
remote control sensor gon the tape deck.
Tape deck Amplifier
/
/
to LINE OUT
to TAPE INto REC OUT
to LINE IN
to a
wall outlet
to an AC outlet
(or a switched
outlet on the
amplifier when
using a timer)
When to replace batteries
With normal use, the batteries should last for about 6
months. When the remote no longer operates the tape
deck, replace all the batteries.
Notes
• Do not leave the remote near an extremely hot or humid
place.
• Do not drop any foreign object into the remote casing,
particularly when replacing the batteries.
• Do not expose the remote sensor to direct sunlight or
lighting equipment. Doing so may cause a malfunction.
• If you don’t use the remote for an extended period of time,
remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery
leakage and corrosion.
REC OUT IN
Ç
ç
L
R
L
R
LINE
OUTIN
TAPE
L
R
L
R
(Continued)

Getting Started
8EN
To connect your tape deck to another tape deck
Connect both tape decks as shown below.
ç
LINE
L
R
OUTIN
L
R
Ç
L
R
L
R
LINE
OUTIN
Tape deck Another tape deck
Setting the voltage selector (only on models
supplied with a voltage selector)
Check that the voltage selector on the rear panel of the
tape deck is set to the local power line voltage. If not,
set the selector to the correct position using a
screwdriver before connecting the AC power cord to
an AC outlet.
Connecting the AC power cord
Connect the AC power cord to an AC outlet.
The dape deck’s Memory Backup function (page 17)
keeps the various settings in memory even after you
trun off the power as long as AC power cords is
plugged in.
Where do I go next?
Now you’re ready to use your tape deck.
For basic operations, go to pages 4 to 6; for advanced
operations, go to the sections immediately after this one.
220V
240V
120V
VOLTAGE

Advanced Playback Operations
9EN
Locating aTrack (AMS/Auto Play/
Memory Play)
You can locate the following/previous tracks (AMS:
Automatic Music Sensor) or the beginning of a tape
quickly. You can even locate a specific point anywhere
on a tape.
To locate
the beginning of the next
or succeeding tracks
(AMS*)
the beginning of the
current track (AMS*)
the beginning of the
preceding tracks (AMS*)
the beginning of a tape
(auto play)
a particular point on a
tape (memory play)
Press
±as many times as you
want while playing.
For example, to locate 2 tracks
ahead, press twice.
≠once while playing
≠as many times as you
want while playing.
For example, to locate 2 tracks
behind, press three times.
MEMORY repeatedly until
“MEMORY” disappears in the
display. Then press 0
while holding down (.
MEMORY repeatedly until
“MEMORY” appears in the
display. Find the point you
want, and press RESET to
reset the tape counter and to
memorize the point.
To locate the memorized
point, press 0while
holding down (. (Press 0
only to stop at “0.00.”)
Notes
• The AMS function may not work correctly if:
— the blank space between tracks is less than 4 seconds long.
— the signal strength of the left and right channels are very
different.
— there is a passage of low frequencies or very low volume
within a track.
• Since the counter is not a digital clock, it will differ from the
actual elapsed playback or recording time.
Playing Using aTimer
You can start playing a tape at any time you want by
connecting a timer (not supplied). Please also refer to
the instructions of the timer if you need help.
1Insert a cassette.
2Set TIMER on the tape deck to PLAY.
3Set the timer to the time you want.
The tape deck turns off. When the set time comes,
the tape deck turns on and start playing.
4After you have used the timer, set TIMER on the
tape deck to OFF.
* You can use the AMS to locate up to the 30th track after or
before the current track.
You can change the indication on the display (Canadian
model only)
Press DISPLAY on the remote repeatedly to change the
display as follows:
ntape counter only nno display nfull display
RESET MEMORY(0
±≠
OW R
OEC A
MER
EC EVE
3
0
+3
DO B NR
OBC
S
R C Q
2
0
+2
B AS
REC E E
5
2
6
7
8
9
0
R
MONI OR
– 0
0
20
HONES
0
E E
0
≠
)
rRPp
USE R C MU E R C
EN C OSE
ESE
M X I ER HX O CA B A ON
MEM R
MEMOR
TIMER
POWER
O FREC PL Y
T ER
REC LEVEL
–3
0
3
OLBY NR
FF BC
S
REC EQ
–2
0
2
BIAS
REC L VEL
5
4
2
0
6
8
0
R
MON TOR
–0
0
20
PHONES
0
L VEL
0
≠AMS ±
0()
rRPp
AUSE EC MUTE EC
RES T
M X F LT R HX RO CA I RAT ON
M MORY

Advanced Recording Operations
10EN
Adjusting Bias, Recording Level
and Recording Equalizer
Calibration
Since there are many different types of cassettes on the
market, the tape deck automatically sets the
appropriate equalization characteristics and bias
current for each tape type (ATS: Automatic Tape
Selection).
However, you can get better recording results by
adjusting the bias current, recording level and
recording equalizer.
6Adjust REC LEVEL CALIBRATION so that only
appears. Make sure either 9or (does not
appear.
If (appears, turn REC LEVEL CALIBRATION
clockwise.
If 9appears, turn REC LEVEL CALIBRATION
counterclockwise.
7Adjust REC EQUALIZER CALIBRATION so that
both meters reach the recommended level.
Turn REC EQUALIZER CALIBRATION clockwise
to increase both meters.
Turn REC EQUALIZER CALIBRATION
counterclockwise to decrease both meters.
Only appears
Recommended level
Repeat steps 5 to 7 if necessary.
8Press pto stop recording the test tones.
The display returns to normal.
9Rewind the tape and start the actual recording.
You can also adjust the bias, recording level and the
recording equalizer according to your own taste
For details, see page 17.
Notes
• Because the meters use a wider amplitude during tape
calibration, they are more sensitive to slight changes in
signal level.
• When you use metal (type IV) tapes, the frequency response
to adjustments of the bias current is small. Therefore,
adjusting the bias current with the range of this tape deck (a
range of about ±20%) may not be effective.
1Insert the cassette you want to record on.
2Press CALIBRATION.
The display for adjusting the bias, recording level
and recording equalizer appears.
3Press rREC.
4Press PPAUSE or (to record the test tones. (You
can’t hear the test tones.)
After two or three seconds, the meters showing the
level of the test tones appear in the display.
Then adjust, in sequence, the bias, recording level
and recording equalizer.
5Adjust BIAS CALIBRATION so that both meters
indicate equal signal levels.
If the upper meter shows a higher level than the
lower meter, turn the BIAS CALIBRATION
clockwise.
If the lower meter shows a higher level than the
upper meter, turn the BIAS CALIBRATION
counterclockwise.
Equal signal level
REC LEVEL
REC EQ BIASrREC EZPPAUSE
p( CALIBRATION
OWER
MER
REC EVE
3 +3
DO B NR
OBC
S
EC Q
2
0
+2
IAS
REC VE
5
4
2
6
7
8
9
0
R
MONI OR
– 0
0
20
H NES
0
E
0
≠A S ±
0 )
R
USE EC MU E
O EN C OSE
ESE
M X I ER HX O CA B ON
M MOR