Sony SA-VA29 User manual

3-864-086-12(1)
1998 by Sony Corporation
HomeTheater
ActiveSpeakerSystem
Operating Instructions
SAVA-29

2
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock
hazard, do not expose
the unit to rain or
moisture.
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.
INFORMATION
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 protection against harmful
interference in a residential 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
radio 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.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in
this manual could void your authority
to operate this equipment.
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 them whenever you call upon
your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. SAVA-29
Serial No. .
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.
Precautions
On safety
• Should any solid object or liquid fall
into the cabinet, unplug the speaker
system and have it checked by
qualified personnel before operating
it any further.
On power sources
• AC power cord must be changed only
at the qualified service shop.
• Before operating the speakers, check
that the operating voltage is identical
with your local power supply. The
operating voltage is indicated on the
nameplate on the rear of the speakers.
• The speakers are not disconnected
from the AC power source (mains) as
long as they are connected to the wall
outlet, even if the speakers
themselves have been turned off.
• If you are not going to use the
speakers for a long time, be sure to
disconnect the speakers from the wall
outlet. To disconnect the AC power
cord, grasp the plug itself; never pull
the cord.
• One blade of the plug is wider than
the other for the purpose of safety
and will fit into the wall outlet only
one way. If you are unable to insert
the plug fully into the outlet, contact
your dealer.
On placement
• Do not install the appliance in a
confined space, such as a bookcase or
built-in cabinet.
• Do not place the speakers near heat
sources, or in a place subject to direct
sunlight, excessive dust or
mechanical shock.
• Good ventilation is essential to
prevent internal heat buildup. Place
the speakers in a location with
adequate air circulation, and in a way
that does not block the rear
ventilation holes.
On cleaning
• Clean the cabinet, panel and controls
with a soft cloth slightly moistened
with a mild detergent solution. Do
not use any type of abrasive pad,
scouring powder or solvent such as
alcohol or benzine.
If you have any question or problem
concerning your speaker system, please
consult your nearest Sony dealer.

3
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Getting Started
Unpacking 4
Speaker System Hookups 5
Other Components Hookups 7
5.1-channel Input Hookups 8
Choosing the Best Location 8
Using the Internal Center Speakers 9
Turning the Speaker System On and Off 9
Home Theater Operations
Enjoying Surround Sound 10
Adjusting the Surround Sound 11
Adjusting the Sound 12
Adjusting the Volume with a Sony TV Remote 12
Additional Information
Troubleshooting 13
Specifications 14
Glossary 15
Index Back cover
Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing the Sony
speaker system.
The SAVA-29 is a home theater active
speaker system incorporating a Dolby
Pro Logic decoder, 5.1-channel input
jacks, internal/external center speakers
and sub woofer speakers.
This system is easy to setup and allows
you to enjoy five different types of
surround sound, accommodating a
variety of program sources.
AboutThis Manual
Before operating the unit, please read
this manual thoroughly and retain it for
future reference.
The instructions in this manual describe
the controls on the left speaker. You can
also use the controls on the remote if
they have the same or similar names as
those on the left speaker.
• The following icons are used in this
manual:
ZIndicates that you can use the
remote to do the task.
zIndicates hints and tips for
making the task easier.
This speaker system incorporates the
Dolby Pro Logic Surround System.*
* Manufactured under license from
Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation. DOLBY, the double-D
symbol aand “PRO LOGIC” are
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.

4
Unpacking
Check that you received the following items with your
speaker system:
• External center speaker SS-CN15VA (1)
• Rear speaker SS-SR171 (2)
• Front L/R speaker connecting cord, 3.5 m (1)
• Center speaker connecting cord, 2.5 m (1)
• Rear speaker connecting cord, 10 m (2)
• Audio connecting cord, 1.5 m (1)
• Remote commander (remote) RM-J59 (1)
• Sony size-AA (R6) batteries (2)
• Speaker bases (2)
• Wood screws (8)
• Foot pads (4)
Inserting batteries into the remote
Insert two size-AA (R6) batteries with the terminals
matched to the + and – on the battery compartment.
When using the remote, point it at the remote sensor g
on the front speaker (left).
]
}
]
}
zWhen to replace batteries
Under normal use, the batteries should last for about 6
months. When the remote no longer operates the
speakers, replace both batteries with new ones.
Notes
• Do not leave the remote in an extremely hot or humid
place.
• Do not use a new battery with an old one.
• Do not expose the remote sensor to direct sunlight or
lighting apparatuses. Doing so may cause a malfunction.
• If you do not use the remote for an extended period of
time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from
battery leakage and corrosion.
Installing the speaker bases
Be sure to install the supplied speaker bases before you
use the speakers.
1Use a screw driver to fasten the bases to the
bottom of the speakers with the supplied wood
screws.
2Make sure the bases are securely attached and
stand the speaker upright.
Getting Started
Attaching the supplied foot pads to the
external center speaker
To place the external center speaker on your TV set,
attach the supplied foot pads to the bottom of the
speaker, one in each of the four corners. Make sure
that the speaker stands flat on top of the TV.
Do not place the speaker on top of a TV set which is smaller
than the speaker.
Foot pads

5
SpeakerSystemHookups
This section describes how to connect the speaker system to your TV and VCR.
Getting Started
Insert the stripped wires into the speaker
terminals.
+
–
Ç
EXTERNAL CENTER SPEAKER
+
–
IMPEDANCE
USE 8–16Ω
Be sure to connect matching speaker terminals (e.g., use
the solid-color wire to connect + to +, and use the
striped wire to connect – to –). If the connections are
reversed (+ to –), the sound will lack bass. (Continued)
STEP 1 Connecting the front speakers
R-ch SPEAKER
OUTPUT
ONLY FOR
SAVA-29
R-ch SPEAKER
INPUT
ONLY FOR
SAVA-29
Ç
To disconnect the cord, pull the connector out while
pressing the release tab. Never pull the cord itself.
STEP 2 Connecting the external center
speaker
Use the supplied speaker cord (2.5 m) to connect the
external center speaker.
External center speaker Front speaker (left)
Rear speaker
Front speaker
(right)
TV
VCR
STEP 1
STEP 3
STEP 2
STEP 3
Rear speaker
Front speaker
(left)
Transmitter for Wireless
Rear Speaker* (option)
To wall outlet
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 1
STEP 3
External center speaker
The arrow çindicates signal flow.
* If you use an SA-IF70 Wireless Speaker System
(optional) for the rear speakers, connect the transmitter
supplied with the SA-IF70 system to this connector. For
details, refer to the Operating Instructions provided
with the SA-IF70 system.
Front speaker (right) Front speaker (left)

6
Getting Started
STEP 3 Connecting the rear speakers
Use the supplied speaker cords (10 m) to connect the
left and right rear speakers.
Insert the stripped wires into the speaker
terminals.
+
–
REAR SPEAKER
RL
+
–
+
–
IMPEDANCE 16ΩMIN
Be sure to connect matching speaker terminals (e.g., use
the solid-color wire to connect + to +, and use the
striped wire to connect – to –). If the connections are
reversed (+ to –), the sound will lack bass.
For customers in Canada
Use only the supplied SS-SR171 Rear Speakers for
connection to the REAR SPEAKER terminal.
If you use AUDIO OUT jacks marked VARIABLE
After making the connection as shown above, turn up
the volume on the TV. Use this speaker system‘s
volume control for regular volume adjustment.
Turning down the volume on the TV reduces the
AUDIO OUT signal level and may cause a loss in
sound quality and/or activate the auto-power off
function (see page 9).
For the best possible sound (or if your TV only has a
monaural AUDIO OUT jack, or no AUDIO OUT jacks)
Connect the speaker system directly to your VCR or
cable box.
The following connections suppress noise from the TV
and let you enjoy high-quality sound.
1Connect your VCR or cable box to the 1 IN jacks on
the front speaker (left).
2Connect your TV to the 1 OUT jacks on the front
speaker (left).
Ç
ç
ç
R
L
VIDEO
AUDIO
INPUT
IN
OUT
1
OUTPUT
LR VIDEOAUDIO
RL
Note
Do not connect any component other than your TV to the
1 OUT jacks on the front speaker (left).
Front speaker (left)TV
TV Front speaker (left)
VCR/cable box
right left
STEP 4 Connecting your TV
If the audio and video output terminals on your TV
and VCR are already connected, and your TV has
stereo AUDIO OUT jacks, you can start enjoying
surround sound simply by connecting the speaker
system to your TV as shown below.
Important
If your TV has an on/off switch for its internal speaker, set
this to off, and enjoy the sound from this speaker system. If
not, set the volume on your TV to minimum.
ç
R
L
VIDEO
AUDIO
OUTPUT
IN
OUT
1
RL

7
Getting Started
OtherComponentsHookups
Since this speaker system has an internal amplifier and
preamplifier, you can output signals directly from
components, such as CD players, DVD (2 ch) players,
LD players, etc.
IN
2
R
L
OUT RL
ç
Note
Do not connect an amplified audio source. The combined
amplification from the component and the speaker's internal
amplifier may damage the speakers.
Front speaker (left)
If you have a Sony XBR2series TV or Sony Projection
TV equipped with a speaker switch
(For U.S. and Canadian customers only)
If your Sony XBR2series TV or Projection TV is
compatible with SAVA series speakers, you can use the
TV’s menu and remote control functions to operate this
speaker system.
For details, see the operating instructions supplied
with your TV.
Be sure to connect the 1 IN jacks on the front speaker
(left) to the TV’s FIXED AUDIO OUTPUT jacks if you
make this connection.
1Use an optional CONTROL S cord to connect the
CONTROL S TV IN jack on the front speaker (left)
to the CONTROL S OUT jack on the back of the TV.
CONTROL
S
OUT
CONTROL S
TV IN
ç
2Follow the instructions supplied with your TV to set
it to operate this speaker system.
STEP 5 Connecting the AC power cord
Connect the AC power cord from the front speaker to a
wall outlet. The STANDBY indicator on the front
speaker (left) lights red.
Front speaker (left)
XBR2series TV or
Projection TV
(Sold separately)
CD, DVD, LD, etc.

8
Getting Started
Choosing the Best Location
Front speakers
To obtain high sound quality and a proper sound
image from the front speakers, place the speaker with
the built–in operation panel to the left of your TV and
the other to the right of your TV.
For the best sound image, place the left and right
speakers within 2.5 m (8 ft) of each other and
equidistant from the TV.
Rear speakers
Place the rear speakers so that they face directly across
from each other about 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) above the
listener’s ear.
Caution
Before disconnecting the AC power cord of the front speaker
(left), turn off the system.
2.5 m (8 ft) max
60 - 90 cm
(2 - 3 ft)
5.1-channelInputHookups
This speaker system is equipped with 5.1-channel
input (5.1 CH IN) jacks. By connecting your DVD
player or other digital video source through a multi-
channel decoder (e.g., Dolby Digital (AC-3) decoder,
DTS decoder) to these jacks, you can enjoy theater-
quality Multi-Channel Surround sound in your own
home. Refer to the instruction manual supplied with
your Dolby Digital (AC-3) decoder etc., for details on
the 5.1-channel input hookups.
Audio cords (not supplied)
Two for the 5.1 CH IN FRONT and REAR jacks
White (L) White (L)
Red (R) Red (R)
Monaural audio cords (not supplied)
Two for the 5.1 CH IN CENTER and WOOFER jacks
Black Black
ç
ç
ç
ç
5.1
CH
IN
FRONT
REAR
WOOFER CENTER
RL
R
L
5.1 CH OUTPUT
FRONTREAR
WOOFER
CENTER
Setting the Dolby Digital (AC-3) decoder
Specify the speaker type in the decoder‘s display as
below:
Specify by selecting
front speaker size LARGE
center speaker size LARGE
rear speaker size SMALL
sub woofer selection YES
To enjoy theater-quality Multi-Channel Surround sound
Press INPUT repeatedly on the operation panel until “5.1
CH IN” appears in the display or press INPUT 5.1 on the
remote.
Note
When 5.1-channel input is selected, the PRO LOGIC,
THEATER, HALL, STADIUM and GAME surround modes
do not function.
DVD player
incorporating
Dolby Digital (AC-3)
decoder or Dolby
Digital (AC-3)
decoder etc.

9
Turning the Speaker System On
and Off
Press 1/u on the remote or the front speaker (left).
The front speaker ON(GREEN)/READY indicator
lights green.
Power turns on and off automatically
(Auto power on/off function)
You do not need to turn the speaker system on every
time you use it. Three minutes after the sound source
goes off (when you turn off the TV, or the currently
playing video/laserdisc ends), the speakers turn off
automatically and the ON(GREEN)/READY indicator
turns red.
The speakers turn on by themselves the next time you
turn on the TV or start playback from the VCR.
zIf you press 1/u when the speakers are on
The speakers switch to standby mode (the
ON(GREEN)/READY indicator goes off), and the auto
power on/off function turns off. In this case, press 1/u
again to turn the speakers on.
Note
The auto power on/off function does not function when 5.1-
channel input is selected.
Adjusting the contrast of the display
window
You can dim the display or turn it off, according to
your preference.
Press DIMMER on the remote a few times until the
display mode you want appears.
The display returns to full brightness temporarily
when you press one of the buttons on the remote.
Getting Started
Using the Internal Center
Speakers
Using the built-in center speakers to enjoy
surround sound without the external center
speaker
The SAVA-29 provides a center speaker in each of the
front speakers, enabling you to enjoy Dolby Pro Logic
Surround and Dolby Digital (AC-3) sound without the
external center speaker.
The left and right front speakers are equipped with
center channel tweeters (see below) angled at 30° to
reproduce high-frequency center channel sounds.
Low-frequency center channel sounds are mixed with
the front channel signals and reproduced through the
left and right front full range units.
Use a screwdriver to remove the screw holding the
CENTER SPEAKER button cover in place. Then
depress the CENTER SPEAKER button. This switches
signal output from the EXTERNAL CENTER
SPEAKER terminal to the internal center speakers.
CENTERSPEAKER
o
EXTERNAL
O
INTERNAL
Rear
speakers
Left-channel
speaker/
Center channel
woofer
Internal center channel
tweeters
Sub woofer
Right-channel
speaker/
Center channel
woofer
Sub woofer

10
EnjoyingSurroundSound
You can take advantage of the speaker's surround
sound capability simply by choosing a surround mode
according to the type of program you are watching.
This system is provided with five different surround
modes:
PRO LOGIC (Dolby Pro Logic) surround mode
Reproduces superb theatre-like presence and surround
effects from video software encoded with Dolby
Surround.
THEATER surround mode
Creates a theater-like environment in your living room
by adding the acoustic reflections of a theater to
decoded Dolby Surround signals.
HALL surround mode
Reproduces the acoustics of a rectangular concert hall.
Ideal for soft, acoustic sounds, or for giving an extra
punch to debates and press conferences.
STADIUM surround mode
Provides a sense of presence similar to that of an open-
air stadium. Ideal for maximum enjoyment of
broadcasts of sporting events like football.
GAME surround mode
Obtains maximum audio impact from video game
software.
+
–
+
–
+
–
RL
2 OFF1
+ 5.1 1
2
–
+
–
+
–
Home Theater Operations
MUTING
1/u
THEATER
STADIUM HALL
SUR OFF
MASTER
VOL +/–
PRO LOGIC
1/u STANDBY
indicator
ON(GREEN)/
READY indicator
MASTER
VOL +/–
S.WOOFER
INPUT SURROUNDRemote
Sensor g
1Press 1/u.
The ON/READY indicator lights (green) and the
speakers turn on.
2Press INPUT 1 or 2 on the remote or INPUT on
the operation panel to select the program source.
For example, if you connected your VCR to the 1
IN jacks, select INPUT 1.
The selected program source appears in the
display.
3Start playback on the program source.
4Press either PRO LOGIC, THEATER, HALL,
STADIUM, or GAME on the remote, or
SURROUND on the operation panel a few times,
according to the program you want to enjoy.
You can adjust the sound for each individual
surround mode. (See “Adjusting the Surround
Sound” on page 11 and “Adjusting the Sound” on
page 12.)
To listen without surround effects
Press SUR OFF on the remote, or press
SURROUND on the operation panel a few times
until “SUR OFF” is displayed.
5Press MASTER VOL + or – to adjust the volume.
To mute the sound
Press MUTING on the remote.
To restore the sound, press MUTING again.
Notes
• Some videos and laser discs may include Dolby Pro Logic
Surround sound even if it’s not indicated on the package.
• The surround modes do not function when 5.1-channel
input is selected.
• To enjoy PRO LOGIC surround mode when playing your
DVD, select INPUT 2 on the operation panel or remote.
Program PRO LOGIC THEATER HALL STADIUM GAME SUR OFF
Recent
movies
Concerts,
music
Sports
Old movies,
monaural
TV
programs
Video
games
Education
programs,
news
rr
r
rr
rr r
r
r
r
r
r
GAME
INPUT 1
INPUT 2

11
Home Theater Operations
AdjustingtheSurroundSound
Although this speaker system is factory preset to
provide balanced surround sound without adjustment,
you can adjust the volume of each speaker and the
delay time to accommodate the conditions in your
living room or your individual preference.
+
–
+
–
+
–
RL
2 OFF1
+
–
+
–
Adjusting the speaker volume
The test tone feature lets you adjust the volume of the
sound coming from each speaker to the same level, so
that the surround sound will be even and natural.
Make the following adjustments from your listening
position.
1Select the surround mode you want to adjust.
2Press TEST TONE on the remote.
A test tone is emitted from each speaker in the
following sequence:
When you select PRO LOGIC or THEATER
/Front (L) /Center /Front (R)
Rear ?
When you select HALL, STADIUM or GAME
/Front
Rear ?
3Adjust the volume levels so that the test tone from
each speaker is at the same volume level from
your listening position:
Notes
• Pressing buttons other than MASTER VOL, CENTER+/–,
REAR+/–, or BALANCE L or R cancels the test tone.
• The volume level of the center and rear speakers cannot be
adjusted when the 5.1-channel input is selected. The test
tone is emitted to allow you to check the speaker
placement. To adjust the volume level, use your DVD or
Dolby Digital (AC-3) decoder, etc.
Adjusting the delay time
By adjusting the delay time, you can enhance the
spatial characteristics of the sound to obtain a theater-
like presence regardless of the size of your room. If the
rear speakers are close to your listening position,
choose a longer delay time.
You can adjust the settings individually for PRO
LOGIC, THEATER, HALL, STADIUM, and GAME.
Note
The delay time cannot be adjusted for the PRO LOGIC
(3 STEREO) mode.
1Select the surround mode.
2Playback a program.
3Press DELAY on the remote once to display the
current delay time.
4Press DELAY a few times to choose the delay time
you prefer, either 15, 20, or 30 ms.
The factory setting is 20 ms.
The delay time adjustment for the selected mode
is stored in memory.
Setting the center mode
In PRO LOGIC or THEATER surround mode, you can
choose from 4 different center modes: NORMAL,
WIDE, 3 STEREO, or PHANTOM. For normal use,
select NORMAL or WIDE mode. When you use the
supplied external center speaker, we recommend using
WIDE mode.
To select the mode that you want, follow the procedure
below.
SURROUND CENTER MODE
1Press SURROUND on the front speaker (left) to
choose PRO LOGIC or THEATER.
2Press CENTER MODE on the front speaker (left) a
few times until the center mode you want appears
in the display.
BALANCE L/R
CENTER +/– REAR +/–
TEST TONE
DELAY
To adjust the level press
* You can adjust the center speaker volume level in the
PRO LOGIC and THEATER surround modes only.
4Press TEST TONE on the remote to turn off the
test tone.
The adjustment levels for the selected mode are
stored in memory.
between the right and left
front speakers
of the center speaker*
of the rear speaker
BALANCE L or R
CENTER + or –
REAR + or –

12
Note
When using the internal center speaker, you cannot change
the center mode setting.
Adjusting the Sound Z
Although this speaker system‘s sound quality is pre-
adjusted at the factory, you can change the settings, as
you like, for each surround mode individually. The
adjusted settings remain stored for the respective
surround mode until you change them.
+
–
+
–
+
–
RL
2 OFF1
+
–
+
–
1Playback a program and choose a surround mode.
2Make the following sound adjustments according
to your preference and/or the type of program
you are watching.
Adjusting theVolume with a
SonyTV Remote
Set the VOLUME SYNCHRO switch on the front
speaker (left) to ON. You can then adjust the volume
with the TV remote supplied with your Sony
television. In this case, set the TV internal speakers to
“OFF.”
VOLUME SYNCHRO
ON
OFF
Note
This function only operates with a Sony TV. You cannot
control the volume of this speaker system with a TV remote
from another manufacturer.
In the following cases, set the VOLUME SYNCHRO
switch to OFF
• When your television is made by Sony but you
cannot switch the internal speakers off.
• When you do not wish to adjust the volume of this
speaker system with the TV remote.
If your television is a Sony XBR2or Sony Projection
TV
(For U.S. and Canadian customers only)
If your Sony XBR2series TV or Projection TV is
compatible with the SAVA series speakers, you can
make a setting on the TV so that you can control the
speakers with the TV remote. Set the VOLUME
SYNCHRO switch on the front speaker (left) to OFF.
Set the TV internal speakers to “VA SPEAKER” or
“SAVA SP.” (See the operating instructions supplied
with your model.) Using the supplied TV remote, you
can now adjust the speaker volume, surround mode,
and sub woofer mode.
Home Theater Operations
BASS +/– TREBLE +/–
SUB WOOFER
MODE (1, 2, OFF)
To press
* SUB WOOFER MODE 1 provides powerful bass
sound ideal for movies. SUB WOOFER MODE 2
provides a more subtle effect designed for music.
** Since BALANCE L and R control sound from the
front speakers, they have little effect on DOLBY PRO
LOGIC when the source software has a high
proportion of center-channel sound.
The sound adjustments are stored for the selected
surround mode.
Note
You cannot adjust the bass/treble level and balance when
5.1-channel input is selected. To adjust these parameters,
use your DVD or Dolby Digital (AC-3) decoder, etc.
select the sub woofer
mode
adjust the bass level
adjust the treble level
adjust the balance
SUB WOOFER MODE 1, 2
or OFF*
BASS + or –
TREBLE + or –
BALANCE L or R**
Front speaker (left)
S.WOOFER + or –adjust the sub woofer
level
BALANCE L/R

13
Additional Information
Severe hum or noise is heard.
/Make sure all connecting cords are
placed away from any
transformers or motors and least 3
meters (10 feet) from any
fluorescent lights.
/Connect the speakers to your VCR
or cable box instead of to your TV
(see page 6).
Remote operations cannot be
performed.
/Point the remote towards the
remote sensor gon the front
speaker (left).
/Remove any obstructions between
the remote and this system‘s front
speaker (left).
/Replace the batteries in the
remote.
The volume cannot be controlled with
the TV remote.
/The VOLUME SYNCHRO switch
on the rear panel is set to OFF.
/The speakers are connected to a
TV not manufactured by Sony.
Troubleshooting
If you experience any of the
following difficulties while using
the speakers, use this
troubleshooting guide to help you
remedy the problem. Should any
problem persist, consult your
nearest Sony dealer.
There’s no sound from any of the
speakers.
/Check that components are
connected securely to the
speakers.
/Make sure you selected the correct
input (1, 2 or 5.1 ch).
/Press MUTING to cancel the
muting function.
/Press MASTER VOL + to turn up
the volume.
/If you are using the TV's
VARIABLE AUDIO OUTPUT
terminals, turn up the volume on
the TV to increase the output level.
No sound or only a very low sound
level is heard from the rear speakers.
/Surround sound is turned off.
/Adjust the volume of the rear
speakers (see page 11).
/Check the sound image balance
with TEST TONE (see page 11).
There’s no sound from the center
speaker.
/Make sure you selected the PRO
LOGIC or THEATER surround
mode.
/No center speaker is connected,
but the CENTER SPEAKER button
on the rear panel is set to
EXTERNAL.
/You connected an external center
speaker, but the Dolby Pro Logic
Surround center mode is set to
PHANTOM.
/You connected an external center
speaker, but the CENTER
SPEAKER button on the rear panel
is set to INTERNAL.

14
Additional Information
Speaker section
Type
Front speaker
Center (internal):Bass reflex type
Front: Bass reflex type
Sub woofer: SAW type
Center speaker (external):
Bass reflex type
Rear speaker: Bass reflex type
Speaker unit
Front speaker
Center tweeter (internal):
5cm (2inches) cone
type ×2
Front full-range/Center woofer:
10cm (4inches) cone
type ×2
Sub woofer: 13cm (5 1/8 inches)
cone type ×2
Center speaker (external):
8cm (3 1/4 inches)
cone type ×2
Rear speaker: 8cm (3 1/4 inches)
cone type ×2
General
Power requirement
U.S.A. and Canada:120 V AC, 60 Hz
Other models: 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption
U.S.A.: 90 W
Canada: 100 W
Other models: 110 W
Dimensions
Front speaker: Approx. 270 ×1,045 ×
370 mm (10 3/4 ×41 1/4
×14 5/8 inches) (w/h/
d, including speaker
base)
Center speaker: Approx. 280 ×110 ×
140 mm (11 1/8 ×4 3/8
×5 5/8 inches) (w/h/
d, including grille net)
Rear speaker: Approx. 110 ×160 ×
140 mm (4 3/8 ×6 3/8×
5 1/2inches) (w/h/d,
including grille net)
Mass
Front speaker(L): 17.5 kg (38 lb 9 oz)
Front speaker(R): 14 kg (30 lb 14 oz)
Center speaker: 2 kg (4 lb 7 oz)
Rear speaker (L, R):750 g (1 lb 10 oz) each
Supplied accessories
External center speaker SS-CN15VA (1)
Rear speaker SS-SR171 (2)
Front L/R speaker connecting cord, 3.5 m
(1)
Center speaker connecting cord, 2.5 m (1)
Rear speaker connecting cord, 10 m (2)
Audio connecting cord, 1.5 m (1)
Remote commander (remote) RM-J59 (1)
Sony size-AA (R6) batteries (2)
Speaker bases (2)
Wood screws (8)
Foot pads (4)
Specifications
Audio Power Specifications
For front fullrange speakers: with 8
ohm loads, both channels driven,
from 200 Hz – 20 kHz; rated 20 watts
per channel minimum RMS power,
with no more than 0.8% total
harmonic distortion from 250
milliwatts to rated output.
Amplifier section
Continuous RMS power output
Stereo channel 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.8%
THD
23 W ×2 (Front,
8 ohms) + 24 W (Sub
woofer, 8 ohms)
Surround channel 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.8%
THD
24 W (Center, 8 ohms)
13 W ×2 (Rear,
16 ohms)
TOTAL 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.8%
THD
120 W
Input sensitivity/Impedance
1/2/5.1 CH 575 mV, 45 kohms
CONTROL S
(for U.S. and Canadian customers only)
Only for Sony XBR2
and Sony Projection
TV
Output
1575 mV, 1 kohms
External center 24 W (8 ohms 20 Hz-
20 kHz, 0.8 % THD),
8-16 ohms
Rear speaker Accepts only supplied
SS-SR171
Wireless rear speaker
Accepts only Sony
models
R-ch speaker Accepts only SAVA-
29 R-ch speaker with
supplied exclusive
speaker cord
Tone control
Front/Center Bass: ±10 dB at 100 Hz
Treble: ±10 dB at
10 kHz
Optional
Wireless speaker system SA-IF70
Design and specifications are subject
to change without notice.

15
Glossary
Center mode
Speaker setting to enhance the Dolby Pro
Logic Surround mode. Select one of the
following four center modes according to
your speaker system.
• NORMAL mode
Select NORMAL mode if you connect a
small-sized center speaker to this speaker
system. Since a small speaker cannot
produce enough bass, the bass sound of
the center channel is output from the front
speakers.
The test tone is output as shown on page 11.
• WIDE mode
Select WIDE mode if you connect a center
speaker equivalent to the two front
speakers. With the WIDE mode, you can
take full advantage of Dolby Surround
sound.
The test tone is output as shown on page 11.
• 3 STEREO mode
Select 3 STEREO mode if you do not want
to use the rear speakers to output sound.
The sound of the rear channel is output
from the front speakers to let you
experience some of the surround sound
effect without using rear speakers.
The test tone is output as follows:
/Front (L) /Center /Front (R)
Rear
speaker (L) Rear
speaker (R)
Front
speaker (R)
Front
speaker (L) Small center speaker
Rear
speaker (L) Rear
speaker (R)
Front
speaker (R)
Front
speaker (L) Center
speaker
Center
speaker Front
speaker (R)
Front
speaker (L)
Rear
speaker (L) Rear
speaker (R)
Front
speaker (R)
Front
speaker (L)
• PHANTOM mode
Select PHANTOM mode if you do not
want to use the center speaker to output
sound. The sound of the center channel is
output from the front speakers.
The test tone is output as follows:
/Front (L) + (R) /Rear
Delay time
Time lag between the surround sound output
from the front speakers and that from the rear
speakers. By adjusting the delay time of the
rear speakers, you can obtain the feeling of
presence. Make the delay time longer when
you have placed the rear speakers in a small
room or close to your listening position, and
make it shorter when you have placed them
in a large room or far from your listening
position.
Dolby Pro Logic Surround
As one method of decoding Dolby Surround,
Dolby Pro Logic Surround produces four
channels from two-channel sound.
Compared with the former Dolby Surround
system, Dolby Pro Logic Surround
reproduces left-to-right panning more
naturally and localizes sounds more
precisely. To take full advantage of Dolby
Pro Logic Surround, you should have one
pair of rear speakers and a center speaker.
The rear speakers output monaural sound.
Dolby Surround
Encoding and decoding system for Dolby
Surround sound for consumer use. Dolby
Surround decodes the extra channels in the
Dolby Surround-encoded sound tracks of
movie videos and TV programs and produces
sound effects and echoes that make the action
seem to envelope you.
Dolby Digital (AC-3)
This sound format for movie theaters is more
advanced than Dolby Pro Logic Surround. In
this format, the rear speakers output stereo
sound with an expanded frequency range and
a subwoofer channel for deep bass is
independently provided. This format is also
called “5.1” because the subwoofer channel is
counted as 0.1 channel (since it functions only
when a deep bass effect is needed). All six
channels in this format are recorded
separately to realize superior channel
separation. Furthermore, since all the signals
are processed digitally, less signal
degradation occurs. The name “AC-3” comes
from the fact that it is the third audio coding
method to be developed by the Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Additional Information
5.1-channel input (5.1 CH IN) jacks
These jacks are used to input decoded multi-
channel format audio signals (e.g., Dolby
Digital (AC-3), DTS, etc.), allowing you to
enjoy 5.1 channel surround sound. Use these
jacks to connect a multi-channel decoder or a
DVD player with a built-in multi-channel
decoder.

Index
Index
A, B
Adjusting
bass 12
delay time 11
speaker volume 11
sub woofer level 12
treble 12
volume 10
CCenter mode 11, 15
NORMAL mode 11, 15
PHANTOM mode 11, 15
3 STEREO mode 11, 15
WIDE mode 11, 15
Connecting. See Hookups
CONTROL S TV IN 7
DDelay time 11, 15
Dolby Digital (AC-3) 8, 15
Dolby Pro Logic Surround 10,
15
Dolby Surround sound 15
EExternal center speaker 5
F, G
5.1-channel input 8, 15
HHookups
audio component 7
AC power cord 7
5.1-channel input 8
speakers 5
TV/VCRs 6
I, J, K, L, M
Internal center speakers 9
NNORMAL mode 11, 15
OOther components hookups 7
P, Q
PHANTOM mode 11, 15
RRemote 4, 10, 11, 12
SSpeakers
connection 5
placement 8
Speaker volume 11
Surround sound 10, 11
TTest tone 11
3 STEREO mode 11, 15
Troubleshooting 13
TV/VCR hookups 6
UUnpacking 4
VVOLUME SYNCHRO 12
W, X, Y, Z
WIDE mode 11, 15
Sony Corporation Printed in Malaysia