Sony STR-DE515 User manual

SONY.
FM Stereo
FIVI-AM Receiver
Operating
instructions
ees
EN
€@R'D:‘SEON
STR-DE515
STR-DE415
STR-DE315
Printed by: Schaltungsdienst Lange Berlin (Germany)

DEN.
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.
Do not install the appliance in a confined
space, such as a bookcase or build-in
cabinet.
SaaS ea ae
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 any
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 unit is not disconnected from the
AC power source (mains) as long as it
is connected to the wall outlet, even if
the unit 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 wall outlet. To
disconnect the mains lead, grasp the
plug itself; never pull the cord.
¢ AC power cord must be changed only
at the qualified service shop.
¢ The mains switch is located on the
front exterior.
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. 3
On cleaning
¢ Clean the cabinet, panel and controls
with a soft cloth slightly moistened
witha 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 receiver, please
consult your nearest Sony dealer.

About This Manual
The instructions in this manual are for
models STR-DE515/DE415 and
STR-DE315. Check your model number
by looking at the upper right corner of
the front panel. In this manual, the STR-
DE515 is the model used for illustration
purposes. Any difference in operation is
clearly indicated in the text, for
example, “STR-DE515 only”.
Type of differences
Model
DE515 DE415 DE315
MIX AUDIO
OUT
WOOFER e
5.1/DVD e
RM - P301 e e
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 26.
The “Remote Button Descriptions”
section on page 25 provides an
overview of the remote buttons.
The following icons are used in this
manual:
Indicates that you can use only
yt, the remote to do the task.
" Indicates hints and tips for
making the task easier.
This receiver has the Dolby Surround
system.
Manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
“DOLBY”, “PRO LOGIC” and the -
double-D symbol are trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Getting Started
Unpacking 4
Hookup Overview 4
Aerial Hookups 5
Audio Component Hookups 5
Speaker System Hookups 6
Video Component Hookups 7
AC Hookups 8
Before You Use Your Receiver 8
Storing FM Stations Automatically in Alphabetical Order
(“Auto-betical”) 8
Receiver Operations
Selecting a Component 9
Receiving Broadcasts 12
Presetting Radio Stations 13
Using the Radio Data System (RDS) 14
Recording 16
Using Surround Sound
Choosing a Surround Mode 17
Getting the Most Out of Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound 18
Additional Information
Troubleshooting 20
Specifications 21
Glossary 22
Index 23
Rear Panel Descriptions 24
Remote Button Descriptions 25
Quick Reference Guide 26
3k

QEN
Getting Started
Unpacking
Check that you received the following items with the
receiver:
e FM wire aerial (1)
¢ AM loop aerial (1)
¢ Remote controller (remote) (1)
e Size AA (R6) batteries (2)
* Scart adaptor (1)
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.
LEZ
cer 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
* 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.
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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 24.
Wireless rear Wireless rear
speaker (L)
speaker (R)
DVD player/AC-3
decoder (STR-
DE515 only)
Video Component
Hookups (7)
Wireless rear
transmitter
(STR-DE515
Antenna Hookups (5)
Speaker AM/FM antenna
System
Hookups (6)
Center
speaker
ape/MD deck
Turntable
Audio Component
Hookups (5)
Before you get started
¢ Turn off the power to all components before making
any connections.
¢ Do not connect the mains lead 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.

Getting Started
Seen
Aerial Hookups
Overview
. This section describes how to connect AM and FM
aerials 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
©
COO oO}
a
What aerials will | need?
© FM wire aerial
(supplied) (1)
Hookups
FM wire aerial Receiver AM loop aerial
After connecting
the wire aerial,
keep it as
horizontal] as
possible.
°C If you have poor FM reception
Connect one end of a 75-ohm coaxial cable (not
supplied) to an FM outdoor aerial and connect the other
end to the FM 75Q. COAXIAL terminal on the back of
this unit.
Receiver
¢ If you have poor AM reception
Connect a 6 to 15-meter (20 to 50 ft.) insulated wire (not
supplied) to the AM aerial terminal in addition to the
AM loop aerial. 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 »h ground terminal. If you’ve connected an
outdoor aerial, be sure to connect the ground for
lightning protection.
Receiver
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.
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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.
PHONO TAPE/MD
What cords will | need?
Audio cords (not supplied) (1 for each CD player or
turntable; 2 for each tape deck or MD deck)
White (L)
Red (R)
(continued)
5iN

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Getting Started
Hookups
The arrow = indicates signal flow.
CD player Receiver CD player
Turntable —_ Receiver Turntable
e If your turntable has an earth lead
To prevent hum, connect the earth lead to the * ground
terminal on the receiver.
Tape deck or MD deck
Receiver
QO a POO
Poicumeocy
Where do | go next?
Tape deck or MD deck
Go on to the next section to connect the speakers.
Speaker System Hookups
Overview
This section describes how to connect your speakers to
the receiver. Although front (left and right) speakers
are required, centre and rear speakers are optional.
Adding centre and rear speakers will enhance the
surround effects. Connecting an active woofer will
increase bass response (for STR-DE515 only).
For specific locations of the terminals, see the
illustration below.
WOOFER MIX AUDIO OUT
(STR-DE515 only) (STR-DE415 only) FRONT SPEAKERS A
SURROUND
SPEAKERS REAR
SURROUND
SPEAKER CENTER
For optimum surround sound effect, place your
speakers as shown below.
Rear speaker
60 - 90 cm
5 45°
a GO oo
What cords will | need?
Speaker cord (not supplied) (1 for each speaker)
~ a ss
-) -)
Twist the stripped ends of the cord about 15 mm (2/3 inch).
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
Receiver
(R) (t)
+
Rear and centre speakers
Rear speaker
(R) Receiver
Rear speaker
Centre speaker _—(L)
Note (except STR-DE515)
Be sure to connect the both rear speakers (L and R).
No sound is heard if only one speaker is connected.
Active woofer (STR-DE515/DE415 only)
STR-DE515 STR-DE415 s
Receiver Active woofer Receiver Active woofer
Wireless rear Speaker (STR-DE515 only)
e When using an optional Sony Wireless Speaker System,
connect the trsnsmitter to the WIRELESS REAR SPEAKER
connector.

Getting Started
“
Note
* Do not connect any other component.
¢ Wireless rear speaker does not function under stereo
mode, DOLBY (3 CH LOGIC) and C. STUDIO A / B 3 CH
LOGIC) mode.
Selecting the speaker system
To drive the speakers, select the speaker system as
follows:
To drive Depress SPEAKERS button
Speaker system A (connected A
to the FRONT SPEAKERS A
terminals)
Speaker system B (connected B
to the FRONT SPEAKERS B
terminals)
Both speaker systems A and A+B
B (series connection)
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 programmes or video
tapes, go on to the next section.
[ad SS Ee |
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.
TV/LD WOOFER
VIDEO
Hookups
The arrow => indicates signal flow.
You can listen to the sound from VCR or TV/LD by
connecting the audio signal from VCR or TV/LD to
the receiver.
Receiver
VIDEO AUDIO IN
To VTR audio input ==>
To TV audio input
TV/LD
Scart adaptor
(supplied)
|
To TV
"© Use the function buttons (TV/LD, CD, TAPE/MD etc)
to select the VIDEO AUDIO OUT signal. You can record
this audio signal by connecting a recording component
such as a cassette deck (to the VIDEO AUDIO OUT
jack).
DVD player/AC-3 decoder (STR-DE515 only)
¢ Yau 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.)
PRE OUT
Receiver
Where do | go next?
Go on to the next section to connect the mains lead and
complete your home theatre system.
7

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Getting Started
a EE Sea ee
AC Hookups
Connecting the mains lead
Connect the mains lead 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 (except for
the U.K. model), 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
to a wall outlet
Caution
Make sure that the power consumption of the component
connected to the receiver’s AC outlet does not exceed 100
waits. Do not connect high-wattage electrical home
appliances such as electric irons, fans, or TVs to this outlet.
Where do | 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.
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Before You Use Your Receiver
Before you 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 centre position.
Storing FM Stations
Automatically in Alphabetical
Order (“Auto-betical”)
With “Auto-betical select” you can automatically store
up to 30 FM and FM RDS stations in alphabetical order
without redundancy. Additionally, “Auto-betical
select” only stores the stations with the clearest signals.
If you want to store FM or AM (MW) stations one by
one, see “Presetting Radio Stations” on page 13.
FM RDS stations are stored first, in alphabetical order
by their Station Name, followed by regular FM stations
in order of frequency. (For more details on RDS, see
page 14.)
1 Press POWER to turn off the receiver.
2 Hold down MEMORY and press POWER to turn
the receiver on.
“ AUTOBETICAL SELECT” appears and the
receiver scans and stores all the FM and FM RDS
stations in the broadcast area.
“FINISH” appears when the receiver has finished
storing the FM and FM RDS stations.
To stop Auto-betical before storing all the stations
Press POWER to turn the receiver off.
Notes
¢ Stations currently stored in the preset memory are shifted
to the rear (toward CO) and may be erased, depending on
the number of stations received by Auto-betical select.
¢ If you move the aerial after storing stations using Auto-
betical select, the stored settings may no longer be valid. If
this happens, store the stations again.
¢ If you move to another area, repeat this procedure to store
stations in your new area.

Receiver operations
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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.
POWER MASTER VOLUME
Function buttons
1 Press 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
Records PHONO
Radio programmes TUNER
Compact discs (CD) CD
Audio tapes or MiniDiscs TAPE/MD
(MD)
TV programmes or Laser discs TV/LD
Video tapes VIDEO
DVD player/AC-3 decoder 5.1/DVD
(STR-DES15 only)
3 Turn onthe component, for example, a CD player,
and then start playing.
To tune in radio stations on this receiver, see
“Receiving Broadcasts” on page 12.
‘ 4 Turn MASTER VOLUME to adjust the volume.
To adjust the volume of the TV’s speakers, use the
volume control on the TV.
To Do this
Mute the sound Press MUTING on the remote.
Press again to restore the
sound
Reinforce the bass Press BASS BOOST to turn on
the BASS BOOST indicator.
Adjust the balance Turn the BALANCE control
left or right.
Adjust the tone quality Adjust the BASS and TREBLE
controls.
Key When you listen with headphones
Connect the headphones to the PHONES jack and set
the SPEAKERS buttons to OFF.
“GF 5.1/DVD mode (STR-DE515 only)
When you are listening to 5.1/DVD mode, BASS,
TREBLE, BASE BOOST and SURROUND do not
function.
Watching/listening to video programmes
When you watch/listening to TV or video
programmes, 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/listening to TV programmes, turn on the TV, TV
tuner and the receiver and press TV/LD on the receiver.
To watch videos or laser discs, do the following:
1 Press a function button to select the component
(for example, VIDEO).
2 Turnon the TV and set the TV’s video input to
match your video component.
3 Turnonthe component (VCR or LD player), and
start playback.
Using the remote
The remote lets you operate the receiver and the Sony
components that are connected to it.
TV CONTROL SYSTEM OFF
SYSTEM
CONTROL/
FUNCTION
(continued) gf”

Receiver Operations
1 Press one of the SYSTEM CONTROL/FUNCTION Operating one component while using
buttons to select the component you want to use. another (B ackground Operation)
The SYSTEM CONTROL/FUNCTION buttons on
the remote are factory-set as follows: You can temporality operate other components while
listening to or watching a programme.
To listen to Press
O :
Records PHONO Numeric buttons O
Radio programmes TUNER Oo
=)
Compact discs (CD) cD 4
Audio tapes or MiniDiscs TAPE/MD _
(MD) (INITIAL-TAPE B MODE) w
TV programmes TV BACKGROUND =
VHS Video tapes VIDEO
(VTR-3 mode) 1 Hold down BACKGROUND.
V
ree ele EP end EHONO 2 Press both the corresponding numeric button of
the component you're going to use (see the table
below) and one of the following buttons at the
If you want to change the factory setting of a same time; VISUAL POWER, TV/VIDEO, CH
button, see page 11. PRESET +/-, ANT TV/VTR, D.SKIP, >, ~«, i,
The receiver and the selected component turn on. <</PP, 44 /P>i, II @.
If the component does not turn on
Example:To i i
Press the power switch on the component. P pias pecording Orr atape deel winle
listening to a CD
While holding down BACKGROUND,
press 4 (or 5) and press @ at the same
time.
2 Start playing.
Refer to “Remote Button Descriptions” on page 25
for details.
The numeric buttons are assigned to select the
To turn off the components fonctions aa tallows
Press SYSTEM OFF. You can turn off the video and audio
components connected to the SWITCHED AC OUTLET at
the came Hie, Numeric button Operates
1 CD player
Key If you use a Sony TV
When you press TV to watch a TV programme, the TV ‘ DEY ae
turns on and switches to the TV input. The TV also 3 MD deck
turns on when you press VIDEO and switches to the
appropriate video input. 4 Tape deck A
If the TV does not switch to the appropriate input
automatically, press TV/VIDEO. 5 Tape deck B
; 6 LD player
“( When you watch TV without using the receiver (only ————
for Sony TVs) 7 VCR (remote control mode VTR 1*)
Press TV CONTROL to set the remote to operate only a Se go Oo oa
8 VCR VTR 2*
the TV. When you press this button, the TV turns on peste aaa ad ak
and switches to the TV input. If the TV does not switch 9 VCR (remote control mode VTR 3*)
to the TV input automatically, press TV/ VIDEO.
0 TV
Note ENTER DVD
Some Sony TVs can not be controlled by this remote.
1 of”
*
Sony VCRs are operated with a VTR 1, 2 or 3 setting.
These correspond to Beta, 8mm and VHS respectively.