Sony STR-DE425 - Fm Stereo/fm-am Receiver User manual

SONY.
FM Stereo
FM-AM Receiver
Operating Instructions
STR-DE425
STR-DE325

ET
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock
hazard, do not expose
the unit to rain or
moisture.
00 NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER BERVICANG TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
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.
A
This symbol is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating
and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
IMPORTANT
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 harmrul
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 bv
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
sWhich the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any change or
modifications not expressly approved in
this manual could void your authority
to operate this equipment.
Note to CATV system installer
This reminder is provided to call the
CATV system installer’s attention to
Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides
guidelines for proper grounding and, in
particular, specifies that the cable
ground shall be connected to the
grounding system of the building, as
close to the point of cable entry as
practical.
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. STR-DE425/STR-DE325
Serial No.
ee aE eee
Precautions
On safety
* Should any solid object or liquid fall
into the cabinet, unplug the receiver
and have it checked by qualified
personnel before operating it anv
further.
On power sources
* Before operating the receiver, check
that the operating voltage is identical
with your local power supply. The
operating voltage is indicated on the
nameplate at the rear of the receiver.
* The receiver is not disconnected from
the AC power source (MAINS) as
long as it is connected to the wall
outlet, even if the receiver itself has
been turned off.
* If you are not going to use the
receiver for a long time, be sure to
disconnect the receiver from the wail
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. (US model only)
* Should the AC power cord need to be
changed, have it done at a qualified
service shop only.
On placement
¢ Place the receiver in a location with
adequate ventilation to prevent heat
build-up and prolong the life of the
receiver.
* Do not place the receiver near heat
sources, or in a place subject to direct
sunlight, excessive dust or
mechanical shock.
* Do not place anything on top of the
cabinet that might block the
ventilation holes and cause
malfunctions.
On operation
* Before connecting other components,
be sure to turn off and unplug the
receiver.
On cleaning
* Clean the cabinet, panel and controls
with a soft cloth slightly moistened
with a mild detergent solution. Do
not use any tvpe of abrasive pad,
scouring powder or solvent such as
alcohol or benzine.

For detailed safety precautions, see the
“IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS” leaflet.
If vou have any question or problem
concerning your receiver, please
consult your nearest Sony dealer.
os i a A a ee ee
About This Manual
The instructions in this manual are for
models STR-DE425 and STR-DE325.
Check your model number by looking
at the upper right corner of the front
panel or lower right corner of the
remote. In this manual, the STR-DE425
is the model used for illustration
purposes, any difference in operation is
clearly indicated in the text, for
example, “STR-DE425 only”.
Type of differences
Model
DE425 = DE325
Feature
MIx AUDIO
QUT :
WOOFER e
5.1/DVD INPLT e
VIDEO
MONITOR
Conventions
The instructions in this manual describe
the controls on the receiver. You can
also use the controls on the remote if
they have the same or similar names as
those on the receiver.
¢ A “Quick Reference Guide” is
supplied on page 23.
* The “Remote Button Descriptions”
section on page 22 provides an
overview of the remote buttons.
¢ The following icons are used in this
manual:
=] Indicates that you can use only
i the remote to do the task.
Indicates hints and tips for
making the task easier.
wt
. fo
This receiver has the Dolby Surround
system. ;
Manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
“Dolby ,” “Pro Logic” and the double-D
symbol 00 are trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Getting Started
Unpacking 4
Hookup Overview 4
Antenna Hookups 5
Audio Component Hookups 5
Speaker System Hookups 6
Video Component Hookups 7
AC Hookups 8
Before You Use Your Receiver 8
Receiver Operations
Selecting a Component 8
Receiving Broadcasts 11
Presetting Radio Stations 12
Recording 13
Using the Sleep Timer 13
Choosing a Surround Mode 14
Getting the Most Out of Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound 15
Additional Information
Troubleshooting 17
Specifications 18
Glossary 19
Index 20
Rear Panel Descriptions 21
Remote Button Descriptions 22
Quick Reference Guide 23

Getting Started
Unpacking
Check that vou received the following items with the
receiver:
¢ FM wire antenna (1)
¢ AM loop antenna (1)
¢ Remote controller (remote) (1)
¢ Size AA (R6) batteries (2)
Inserting batteries into the remote
Insert two size AA (R6) batteries in accordance with
the + and - markings on the battery compartment.
When using the remote, point it at the remote sensor
on the receiver.
‘
ae
When to replace batteries
Under normal use, the batteries should last for about 6
months. When the remote no longer operates the
receiver, replace both batteries with new ones.
Notes - 5
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 don’t use the remote for an extended period of time,
remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from
battery leakage and corrosion.
ee
Hookup Overview
The receiver allows you to connect and control the
following audio/video components. Follow the
hookup procedures for the components that you want
to connect to the receiver on the pages specified. To
learn the locations and names of each jack, see “Rear
Panel Descriptions” on page 21.
DVD player/AC-3
decoder (STR-
DE425 only)
Video Component
Hookups (7)
TV monitor
(STR-DE425
Antenna Hookups (5)
only)
Speaker
AM/FM
antenna
Hookups (6)
DBS (Digital
broadcasting
system)
Tape/MD deck
Audio Component
Hookups (5)
Before you get started
¢ Turn off the power to all components before making
any connections.
Do not connect the AC power cords until all of the
connections are completed. :
Be sure to make connections firmly to avoid hum
and noise. ~ .
When connecting an audio/video cable, be sure to
match the color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks
on the components: Yellow (video) to Yellow; White
(left, audio) to White; and Red (right, audio) to Red.

SSS
ae
Antenna
Hookups
Overview
This section describes how to connect AM and FM
antennas to the receiver. If you want to receive radio
broadcasts with the receiver, complete these
connections first, then go to the following pages.
For specific locations of the terminals, see the
illustration below.
ANTENNA
What antennas will | need?
¢ FM wire antenna
(supplied) (1)
¢ AM loop antenna
(supplied) (1)
Hookups
FM wire antenna Receiver
After connecting | fe)
the wire
antenna, keep it
as horizontal as
possible.
ANTENNA
coy If you have poor FM reception
Connect a 75-ohm coaxial cable (not supplied) to an FM
outdoor antenna.
Receiver
}_—_________]
ANTENNA
Getting Started
ce If you have poor AM reception
Connect a 20 to 50 ft. (6 to 15-meter) insulated wire (not
supplied) to the AM antenna terminal in addition to the
AM loop antenna. Try to extend the wire outdoors and
keep it horizontal.
Connecting a ground wire
To prevent hum, connect a ground wire (not supplied)
to the -+ ground terminal. If you’ve connected an
outdoor antenna, be sure to connect the ground for
lightning protection.
Receiver
hh
SIGNAL GND |
+
to ground
Where do | go next?
If you want to connect other components, go on to the next
section. If you're only planning to use the receiver to listen
to the radio, go to “Speaker System Hookups” on pages 6
and 7.
ee
Audio Component Hookups
Overview
This section describes how to connect your audio
components to the receiver. If you want to use the
receiver as an amplifier, complete these connections.
For specific locations of the jacks, see the illustration
below,
TAPE/MD
What cords will | need?
Audio cords (not supplied) (1 for CD player; 2 for each tape
deck or MD recorder)
White
i
ee
nol
White
(L)
Red
(R)
<u
mee
Rees)
(continued)

Getting Started
Hookups
The arrow <=» indicates signal flow.
CD player
Receiver CD player
oe
Tape deck or MD recorder
Receiver
eo)
e)(S
Tape deck or MD recorder
COVE
CO)
Go on to the next section to connect the speakers.
i
Where do | go next?
Speaker System Hookups
Overview
This section describes how to connect your speakers to
the receiver. Although front (left and right) speakers
are required, center and rear speakers are optional.
Adding center and rear speakers will enhance the
surround effects. Connecting an active woofer will
increase bass response. For specific locations of the
terminals, see the illustration below.
WOOFER
(STR-DE425 only)
MIX AUDIO OUT
(STR-DE325 only) FRONT SPEAKERS A
SURROUND
SPEAKER CENTER
SURROUND
SPEAKERS REAR
For optimum surround sound effect, place vour
speakers as shown below.
Rear speaker
wed BL (Le
60-90 em |
as “yy
a
&
go
=
What cords will | need?
Speaker cord (not supplied) (1 for each speaker)
Twist the stripped ends of the cord about 2/3 inch (15 mm).
Be sure to match the speaker cord to the appropriate
terminal on the components: + to + and - to -. If the cords
are reversed, the sound will be distorted and will lack bass.
Hookups
Front speakers
Front speaker Front speaker
(R) Receiver (L)
+
Rear and center speakers
Rear speaker
Center speaker (L)
Rear speaker
(R) Receiver
SURROUND SPEAKERS.
Note (except STR-DE425)
Be sure to connect the both rear speakers (L and R).
No sound is heard if only one speaker is connected.
Active woofer
STR-DE425 only. STR-DE325 only
Active woofer
Receiver
Receiver Active woofer
Note
* Do not connect any other component.

Getting Started
ce) If you have an additional front speaker system
Connect them to the FRONT SPEAKERS B terminals.
car If your TV monitor uses separate speakers
You can connect one of them to the SURROUND
SPEAKER CENTER terminals for use with Dolby Pro
Logic Surround sound (see page 15). a
Selecting the speaker system
To drive the speakers, select the speaker system as
follows:
To drive
Speaker system A (connected
to the FRONT SPEAKERS A A
terminals)
Speaker system B (connected
to
the
FRONT
SPEAKERS
B
B
terminals)
Both speaker systems A and
B (series connection)
Depress SPEAKERS button
A+B
Notes
* If you want to enjoy the surround sound, be sure to
connect the front speakers to the FRONT SPEAKERS A
terminal.
* No sound is heard when you press SPEAKERS A+B
without connecting speaker system B.
Where do | go next?
To complete your system, go to “AC Hookups” on page 8. If
you want to connect video components to enjoy surround
sound when watching/listening to TV programs or video
tapes, go on to the next section.
Nh ire ni ee Fe = wel
Video Component Hookups
Overview
This section describes how to connect video
components to the receiver. For specific locations of the
jacks, see the illustration below.
5.1/DVD INPUT
(STR-DE425
only)
Tv/DBS
MONITOR
(STR-DE425
only)
What cables will | need?
*
Audio/video
cable
(not
supplied)
(1
for
each
TV
tuner
or
Digital broadcasting system; 2 for the VCR)
Yellow
<q_2
Yellow
White
(L)
CS
White
(L)
Red
(R)
Red
(R)
* Video cable (not supplied) (1 fora TV monitor)
Yellow Yellow
Hookups
The arrow = indicates signal flow.
TV/DBS
TV tuner or Digital
broadcasting system
Receiver
* STR-DE425 only
MONITOR (STR-DE425 only)
TV monitor
Receiver
VCR
Receiver VCR
* STR-DE425 only
DVD player/AC-3 decoder (STR-DE425 only)
e You can play decoded Dolby Digital AC-3
soundtracks through the speakers connected to the
amplifier.
If you have a Dolby Digital AC-3 decoder you can
amplify a decoded Dolby Digital AC-3 soundtrack with
the following connections.
Dolby Digital AC-3
decoder (etc.)
Receiver
5.1OV0 INPUT

Getting Started
Where do | go next?
Go on to the next section to connect the AC power cord and
complete your home theater systent.
AC Hookups
Connecting the AC power cord
Connect the AC power cord from this receiver and
from your audio/video components to a wall outlet.
If you connect other audio components to the
SWITCHED AC OUTLET on the receiver, the receiver
can supply power to the connected components so you
can turn on/off the whole system when you turn on/
off the receiver.
SWITCHED AC OUTLET
(Australia)
SWITCHED AC OUTLET to a wall
(US) . outlet
Caution
Make sure that the power consumption of the component
connected to the receiver's AC outlet does not exceed 120
watts (US model) or 100 watts (Australian model). Do not
connect high-wattage electrical home appliances such as
electric irons, fans, or TVs to this outlet.
Where do I go next?
Before you use the receiver, go to the next section to make
sure that all the controls are set to the appropriate positions.
———EEE— —E———————_—_———————————————
Before You Use Your Receiver
Before vou start using your receiver, make sure that
you have:
¢ Turned MASTER VOLUME to the leftmost
position (0).
¢ Selected the appropriate speaker system. (See
“Selecting the speaker system” on page 7.)
¢ Set BALANCE to the center position.
Turn on the receiver and check the following indicator.
¢ Press MUTING or MUTING on the remote if the
MUTING indicator turns on.
Receiver operations
Selecting a Component
To listen to or watch a connected component, first
select the function on the receiver or with the remote.
Before you begin, make sure you have:
* Connected all components securely and correctly as
indicated on pages 5 to 8.
¢ Turned MASTER VOLUME to the leftmost position
(0) to avoid damaging your speakers.
Function MASTER
buttons MUTING VOLUME
/ (power)
5.1/DVD INPUT BASS
(STR-DE425 only) BOOST
BASS TREBLE BALANCE
1) Press VO (power) to turn on the receiver.
2 Press a function button to select the component
you want to use:
To listen to or watch Press
Radio programs TUNER
Compact discs (CD) CD
Audio tapes or MiniDiscs TAPE/MD
(MD)
TV programs or Digital TV/DBS
broadcasting system
Video tapes VIDEO
DVD player/AC-3 decoder 5.1/DVD INPUT
(STR-DE425 only)
3 Turnon the component, for example, a CD player,
and then start playing. :
To tune in radio stations on this receiver, see
“Receiving Broadcasts” on page 11.
4 Turn MASTER VOLUME to adjust the volume.
To adjust the volume of the TV’s speakers, use the
volume control on the TV.

Receiver Operations
To Do this
Press MUTING or MUTING
on the remote. Press again to
restore the sound
Mute the sound
Reinforce the bass Press BASS BOOST to ten on
the BASS BOOST indicator.
Turn the BALANCE control
left or right.
Adjust the BASS and TREBLE
controls.
Adjust the balance
Adjust the tone quality
¢ When you listen with headphones
Connect the headphones to the PHONES jack and set
the SPEAKERS buttons to OFF.
¢ 5.1 / DVD INPUT mode (STR-DE425 only)
When you are listening to 5.1/DVD INPUT mode,
BASS, TREBLE, BASS BOOST and SURROUND do not
function.
Watching/listening to video programs
When you watch/listen to TV or video programs, we
recommend you play audio portion through the
receiver instead of your TV’s speaker. This lets you
take advantage of the receiver's surround sound
effects, like Dolby Pro Logic Surround and lets you use
the receiver’s remote to control the audio.
Turn off the speakers on your TV before you start so
you can enjoy the surround sound from your receiver.
To watch/listen to TV programs, turn on the TV, TV tuner
and the receiver and press TV/DBS on the receiver.
To watch videos, do the following:
1- Press WIDEO to select the VCR.
2 = Turnon the TV and set the TV's video input to
match your video component.
3 Turnon the VCR, and start playback.
Ss
Using the remote |
(BU
The remote lets you operate the receiver and the Sony
components that are connected to it.
TV CONTROL SYSTEM
STANDBY
SYSTEM
CONTROL/
FUNCTION
1 Press one of the SYSTEM CONTROL/ FUNCTION
buttons to select the component you want to use.
The SYSTEM CONTROL/FUNCTION buttons on
the remote are factory-set as follows:
To listen to or watch Press
Radio programs
TUNER
Compact discs (CD) CD
Audio tapes or TAPE/MD
MiniDises (MD) (INITIAL-TAPE B MODE)
TV programs TV
VHS Video tapes
(VTR-3 mode)
DVD Player, AC-3 CD and PHONO (STR-DE425
decoder only)
If you want to change the factory setting of a
button, see page 10.
The receiver and the selected component turn on.
If the component does not turn on
Press the power switch on the component.
2. Start playing.
Refer to “Remote Button Descriptions” on page 22
for details.
To turn off the components
Press SYSTEM STANDBY. You can turn off the video and
audio components connected to the SWITCHED AC
OUTLET at the same time.
ie If you use a Sony TV
When you press TV to watch a TV program, the TV
turns on and switches to the TV input. The TV also
turns on when you press VIDEO and switches to the
appropriate video input.
If the TV does not switch to the appropriate input
automatically, press TV/ VIDEO.
xe When you watch TV without using the receiver (only
for Sony TVs)
Press TV CONTROL to set the remote to operate onlv
the TV. When vou press this button, the TV turns on
and switches to the TV input. If the TV does not switch
to the TV input automatically, press TV/ VIDEO.
(continued)

10
Receiver Operations
Changing the factory setting of a =
function button
If the factory settings of the FUNCTION buttons
(page 9) don’t match your system components, you can
change them. For example, if you have two CD players
and you don’t have a tape deck or an MD recorder,
you can assign the TAPE/MD button to your second
CD player.
Note that the settings of the TUNER and PHONO
buttons cannot be changed.
SYSTEM
CONTROL/
FUNCTION
Numeric buttons
1 Hold down the SYSTEM CONTROL/FUNCTION
button whose function you want to change
(TAPE/MD, for example).
2 Press the corresponding numeric button of the
component you want to assign to the SYSTEM
CONTROL/FUNCTION button (1 - CD player,
for example).
The numeric buttons are assigned te select the
functions as follows:
sa
Numeric button Operates
1 CD lage
via DAT deck
3 MD deck -
4 - Tape deck A
sy - Sepeaees _
6 / LD layer =
VCR (remote control mode VTR 1*)
“I
8 - VCR (remote control ede VIR 2)
—_ 9 - : VER ean control mode VTR 34)
be - TV - -
S10 OBS
ei Enter “pv D 7 : ; ;
if Sony VCRs are operated with a WTR 1, 2 or 3 setting.
These correspond to Beta, 8mm and VHS respectively.
Now vou can use the TAPE/MD button to control
a second CD plaver.
To reset the setting to the factory setting
Repeat the above procedure.