3-237-562-13 (1)
Compact Disc Changer System Sistema de Cambiador de discos compactos
Operating Instructions Mode demploi Manual de instrucciones

GB FR ES

Owners Record
The model and serial numbers are located at the rear of the CD changer. 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. CDX-555RF Serial No.
For installation and connections, see the supplied installation/connections manual. En ce qui concerne linstallation et les connexions, consulter le manuel dinstallation/connexions fourni. Con respecto a la instalacin y a las conexiones, consulte el manual de instalacin/conexiones suministrado.

CDX-555XRF CDX-555RF

2001 Sony Corporation
For the customers in the USA (CDX-555RF only)

Welcome!

Thank you for purchasing the Sony CD changer system. This unit lets you enjoy CD sound with the changer. The CDX-555XRF/555RF is a compact disc changer system comprised of the wired and wireless remote commanders, the relay box, and the CD changer. The CD changer modulates the audio signal into the RF (Radio Frequency) signal so that it can be received by the existing FM tuner of your car audio. Therefore you will be able to enjoy CD play with your car audio even if it has no input terminals for a compact disc player. Compact and space saving CD changer for vertical, horizontal, suspended, or inclined installation in your car. Supplied wired remote enables you to control the CD changer installed in the trunk room of your car. Repeat play function for playing a track or a disc repeatedly. Shuffle play function for playing tracks of one disc or of all discs in random order. CD TEXT function* for displaying the CD TEXT information on the display of the supplied wired remote. D-BASS function for dynamic bass boot. Supplied wireless remote (RM-X81RF) which can be operated almost like the wired remote (RM-X80RF).
* Only available when playing back a CD TEXT 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 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. You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

CAUTION

The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard.

Table of contents

Getting Started
Resetting the unit.. 4 Preparing the CD changer.. 4 Preparing the wireless remote.. 5 Changing the transmitting frequency.. 6

CD Changer

Listening to a CD.. 6 Playing tracks in random order Shuffle Play.. 7 Playing tracks repeatedly Repeat Play.. 7 Labelling a CD Disc Memo.. 8 Boosting the bass sound D-bass... 9 Changing the output level.. 9

Additional Information

Precautions... 10 Notes on handling discs. 10 Maintenance... 11 Location of controls.. 12 Specifications.. 14 Troubleshooting guide.. 15

2 Getting Started

Resetting the unit

Before operating the unit for the first time or after replacing the car battery, you must reset the unit. Press the reset button with a pointed object, such as a ball-point pen, etc.

Push to unlock the door

Slide open
Note To prevent injury, do not insert your hand in the CD changer. Reset button

Preparing the CD changer

With the arrow side facing up Disc magazine To remove

Tab Z (EJECT)

Labelled surface up
10 discs, one in each tray
Use the supplied disc magazine or the disc magazine XA-250. The disc magazine XA-10B/ XA-350 cannot be used with this unit. If you use any other disc magazine, it may cause a malfunction.
Note You cannot play 8cm (3in.) CDs.
If the disc magazine does not lock properly Take out the disc magazine, press Z, and reinsert it. Use the unit with the door closed completely Otherwise, foreign matter may enter the unit and contaminate the lenses inside the CD changer.
Preparing the wireless remote
Mounting the wireless remote
Use the supplied hook and loop fastener and mount the wireless remote to a suitable location where it will not interfere with your driving.
Hook and loop fastener to where it is going to be mounted
Notes on the disc magazine
Do not leave the disc magazine in locations with high temperature and high humidity, such as on a car dashboard or in the rear window where the disc magazine will be subject to direct sunlight. Do not place more than one disc at a time onto a tray, otherwise the CD changer and the discs may be damaged. Do not drop the disc magazine or subject it to a violent shock.

When the tray comes out

Normally, the trays will not come out of the disc magazine. However, if they are pulled out of the disc magazine, it is easy to re-insert them.
With the cut-away portion of the tray facing you, insert the right corner of the tray in the slot, then push in the left corner until it clicks. Note Do not insert the tray upside down or in the wrong direction.

Changing the transmitting frequency
Because this unit processes CD playback sound through an FM tuner, there may be interference noise during CD playback. In such a case, change the frequency of the modulated RF signal transmitted from the unit. The initial setting is 88.3 MHz.

Listening to a CD

Turn on the FM tuner of your car audio. Tune in the selected transmitting frequency* with the FM tuner of your car audio.
* The frequency of the unit is set to 88.3 MHz at the factory.
Press (SHUF/REP) for two seconds until frequency appears. Press or repeatedly to select the frequency. Each time you press or , the frequency changes as follows: : 88.3 MHz t 89.9 MHz t 89.7 MHz t 89.5 MHz t 89.3 MHz t 89.1 MHz t 88.9 MHz t 88.7 MHz t 88.5 MHz t 88.3 MHz : 88.3 MHz t 88.5 MHz t 88.7 MHz t 88.9 MHz t 89.1 MHz t 89.3 MHz t 89.5 MHz t 89.7 MHz t 89.9 MHz t 88.3 MHz
You can change the frequency. (See Changing the transmitting frequency above.)
Press u. CD playback starts. Adjust the volume with the volume control on your car audio. All the tracks play from the beginning.
Press (SHUF/REP) for two seconds.

Stopping CD play

Press (OFF).
Using on the wireless remote
Press (SHUF) for two seconds until frequency appears. Press or select the frequency. repeatedly to
Press (SHUF) for two seconds.
Notes When CD playback stops, you may hear some noise from the speakers. To prevent this from happening, turn the volume down before stopping CD playback. If you turn off the ignition switch of your car without stopping CD playback, it will automatically resume CD playback from where it was stopped when you turn on the ignition switch again.
Notes When you change the transmitting frequency on the unit, be sure to tune your FM tuner to the newly selected one. Press u on the wired remote before changing the frequency if the power to the unit is turned off.
Locating a specific track Automatic Music Sensor (AMS)
During CD playback, push down either side of (AMS) once for each track you wish to skip.
To locate previous tracks To locate succeeding tracks
Locating a specific point in a track Manual Search
During CD playback, push down and hold either side of (AMS). Release the control when you have found the desired point.
To search backward To search forward
Playing tracks in random order Shuffle Play
You can select: SHUF 1 to play the tracks on the current disc in random order. SHUF 2 to play all the discs in random order. Press (SHUF/REP) repeatedly until the desired setting appears (SHUF 1 or SHUF 2). After five seconds, the shuffle play starts. Each time you press (SHUF/REP), the display changes as follows:

B SHUF 1 B SHUF 2 B REP 1* B REP 2* Cancel (SHUF off) b * These indications do not appear in operation with the wireless remote.
Locating a specific disc Disc Select
During CD playback, press or once for each disc you wish to skip.
To locate succeeding discs
To go back to the normal playback mode, press (SHUF/REP) repeatedly until SHUF or REP disappears.

To locate previous discs

Press (SHUF) repeatedly until the desired setting appears.
Listening to the radio or a tape
Be sure to stop CD playback before you start listening to the radio or a tape.
Note Be sure to stop CD playback, otherwise there may be some interference with radio reception.
Playing tracks repeatedly

Repeat Play

You can select: REP 1 to repeat the track. REP 2 to repeat the disc. Press (SHUF/REP) repeatedly until the desired setting appears (REP 1 or REP 2). After five seconds, the repeat play starts. Each time you press (SHUF/REP), the display changes as follows:
B SHUF 1* B SHUF 2* B REP 1 B REP 2 Cancel (REP off) b * These indications do not appear in operation with the wireless remote.
To go back to the normal playback mode, press (SHUF/REP) repeatedly until REP or SHUF disappears.
Press (REP) repeatedly until the desired setting appears.

Labelling a CD Disc Memo

(CD changer with custom file function)
You can label each disc with a personalised label. Use the wireless remote to enter and erase the characters.

Displaying the disc memo

Press (DSPL-SCRL) during CD playback.
Each time you press (DSPL-SCRL) during CD playback, the display changes as follows:
B Elapsed playback time Track name b B Disc name
Press (DSPL/-EDIT) for two seconds until the first character flashes.
Input the characters. 1 Press NAME or desired characters. to select the
Press (DSPL/-EDIT) to change the display.
Notes If a disc has not been assigned a personalised label, "********" or "NO NAME" will appear on the display. The CD TEXT information appears only when a CD TEXT disc is played back. If you use personalised labels, they will always take priority over the original CD TEXT information when such information is displayed. **WAIT** appears in the display while the system is reading the data. The system shows the CD TEXT information with alphabetic characters, numbers, and symbols. (The lowercase characters contained in the CD TEXT disc are automatically converted to uppercase.)

(A t B t C t. Z t 0 t 1 t 2 t. 9 t + t t * t / t \ t > t < t. t _ t.)
Press NAME to display the available characters. If you press NAME , the characters will appear in reverse order. If you wish to put a blank space after a character, select _ (under-bar).
An alternative method to erase a title You can erase a title by selecting eight _s (under-bar).

Erasing the disc memo

2 Press (ENTER/-DELETE) after locating the desired character. The next character flashes.
Play the CD and press (DSPL/-EDIT) for two seconds. Press (ENTER/-DELETE) for two seconds until DISC NAME indication flashes. Press NAME or to select the title that you wish to erase. Press (ENTER/-DELETE) to make DISC NAME indication and the disc name flash. Press (ENTER/-DELETE) again. The title is erased. Repeat steps 2 through 4 if necessary. Press (DSPL/-EDIT) for two seconds. The unit returns to the normal CD playback mode.
3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 to enter the entire title. Up to eight characters can be entered per disc.
To return to the normal CD playback mode, press (DSPL/-EDIT) for two seconds.

Boosting the bass sound

D-bass
You can enjoy a powerful bass sound. The Dbass function boosts the low frequency signal. You can hear the bass line more clearly even while the vocal volume remains the same. You can emphasize and adjust the bass sound easily with the D-BASS button.

D-BASS 2

Changing the output level
You can select the output level from the unit. Normally the unit is used in the initial output level; change the level if necessary.
Press (SHUF/REP) for two seconds. Press (SHUF/REP) momentarily.

Initial setting

D-BASS 1
Press or repeatedly to select the output level.
To decrease the output level :, To increase the output level :,

Frequency (Hz)

Adjusting the bass curve
Press (D-BASS) repeatedly to select the desired bass curve. As the D-BASS number increases so does the effect.
B D-BASS 1 B D-BASS 2 Cancel (D-BASS off) b Notes Setting the output level from 4 to 5 while using the D-bass function, the amount of bass boost decreases to avoid distortion; however, its not a malfunction. Adjust the volume with your car audio. Selecting D-BASS 2, a distortion may occur depending on your CD. Should this occur, select D-BASS 1 or turn down the output level.

Press (SHUF) for two seconds. Press (SHUF) again momentarily. Press or output level. to select the
Note When you select level 4 or 5, the CD playback sound may be distorted or you may hear some noise. In such a case, select a lower output level on the unit and turn down the overall volume on your car audio.

Precautions

This unit cannot be used with a car audio without FM tuner. If your car was parked in direct sunlight resulting in a considerable rise in temperature inside the car, allow the unit to cool off before operating it. If no power is being supplied to the unit, check the connections first. If everything is in order, check the fuse. Avoid installing the CD changer, wireless remote, and wired remote in places: subject to temperature exceeding 55C (131F). subject to direct sunlight. near heat sources (such as heaters). exposed to rain or moisture. exposed to excessive dust or dirt. subject to excessive vibration. If you have any questions or problems concerning your unit that are not covered in this manual, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Notes on handling discs

A dirty or defective disc may cause sound drop-outs during playback. To enjoy optimum sound, handle the disc as follows. Handle the disc by its edge, and to keep the disc clean, do not touch the unlabelled surface.

This way

Do not stick paper or tape on the disc.

Not this way

Keep your discs in their cases or disc magazines when not in use. Do not expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources such as hot air-ducts. Do not leave discs in a car parked in direct sunlight where there can be a considerable rise in the temperature inside the car.
Before playing, clean the discs with an optional cleaning cloth. Wipe each disc in the direction of the arrows.
Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, commercially available cleaners or antistatic spray intended for analog discs. Discs with special shapes (heart-shaped discs, octagonal discs etc.) cannot be played on this unit. Attempting to do so may damage the unit. Do not use such discs.

Notes on discs

If you use the discs explained below, the sticky residue can cause the disc to stop spinning and may cause malfunction or ruin your discs. Do not use second-hand or rental CDs that have a sticky residue on the surface (for example, from peeled-off stickers or from ink, or glue leaking from under the stickers). There are paste residue. Ink is sticky.

Notes on CD-R/CD-RW discs
You can play CD-Rs (recordable CDs) designed for audio use on this unit. Look for this mark to distinguish CD-Rs for audio use.
This mark denotes that a disc is not for audio use.
Do not use rental CDs with old labels that are beginning to peel off. Stickers that are beginning to peel away, leaving a sticky residue.
Some CD-Rs (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 that is not finalized*. You cannot play CD-RWs (rewritable CDs).
* A process necessary for a recorded CD-R disc to be played on the audio CD player.
Do not use your discs with labels or stickers attached. Labels are attached.

Moisture condensation

On a rainy day or in a very damp area, moisture may condense on the lenses inside the unit, and the unit will not operate properly. In such a case, remove the disc magazine and wait for about an hour until the moisture has evaporated.
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. Damage to other discs in a disc magazine.

Maintenance

Fuse replacement
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

Use the specified amperage fuse. Use of a higher amperage fuse may cause serious damage.

Location of controls

Wired remote (RM-X80RF)
Refer to the pages for details. 1 AMS (Automatic Music Sensor/manual search) control 6, D-BASS indication REP (repeat play) indication 4 SHUF (shuffle play) indication 5 DISC NAME (disc number/disc name) indication The indicated disc number matches the disc number in the disc magazine. 6 TRACK NAME (track number/track name) indication 7 MIN (minute) indication 8 SEC (second) indication 9 DISC (disc select) buttons 6, 7, u (play/pause) button 6 If pressed during CD playback, the CD will pause. If pressed again, CD playback will continue. qa Infrared receptor for the wireless remote qs Play/pause indication Turns around during CD playback and flashes when the pause button is pressed. qd OFF button 6 qf D-BASS button 9 qg DSPL-SCRL (indication change/name scroll) button 8 qh SHUF/REP (shuffle play/repeat play/ control mode set) button 6, 7, 9

Wireless remote (RM-X81RF)

NAME ENTER

EDIT DELETE

DISC +

1 NAME (character select) buttons DSPL/-EDIT (display/name edit) button AMS/MANU (Automatic Music Sensor/ manual search) buttons 4 D-BASS button REP (repeat play) button 7
6 u (play/pause) button ENTER/-DELETE button DISC (disc select) buttons 6, 7, SCRL (scroll) button 0 SHUF (shuffle play) button 6, 7, 9 qa OFF button 6

Installing the battery

Lithium battery life
When the battery becomes weak, you will not be able to operate the unit with the wireless remote. Battery life is approx. six months depending on the conditions of use.

+ side up

Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.
Notes on the lithium battery
Keep the lithium battery out of the reach of children. Should the battery be swallowed, immediately consult a doctor. Wipe the battery with a dry cloth to assure a good contact. Be sure to observe the correct polarity when installing the battery. Do not hold the battery with metallic tweezers, otherwise a short circuit may occur.
Replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 lithium battery. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.

Specifications

CD changer (CDX-555XRF/555RF)
System Transmitting frequency Compact disc digital audio system 88.3 MHz/88.5 MHz/ 88.7 MHz/88.9 MHz/ 89.1 MHz/89.3 MHz/ 89.5 MHz/89.7 MHz/ 89.9 MHz (switchable) Wired remote control (8 pin) RF signal (FM) output Power input (3 pin) 800 mA (at playback) 800 mA (at disc loading / ejecting) 10C to +55C (14F to 131F) Approx. 185 mm (10 3/ 5/3/8 in.) (w/h/d) Approx. 2.1 kg (4 lb. 10 oz.)
Dimensions Approx. 122 36.5 15.5 mm (4 3/ 7/16 5/ 8 in.) (w/h/d) Approx. 255 g (9 oz.)

Input/output terminals

Dimensions Approx. 52 8.mm (2 1/ 16 3/ 9/ 16 in.) (w/h/d) Approx. 30 g (1 oz.) not incl. battery Lithium battery (CR2025)
Current drain Operating temperature Dimensions Mass

Mass Battery

General
Power requirement Supplied accessories Optional accessories 12 V DC car battery (negative ground) Disc magazine (1) Parts for installation and connections (1 set) Disc magazine XA-250

3-237-563-11 (1)

Wired remote
Avoid mounting it where it may: hinder normal driving activities. block the airbag (especially passenger-side) in operations. jeopardize the passengers. be exposed to hot air from the heater. be exposed to direct sunlight. After installing the unit, make sure the unit can be operated by the wired remote.
Mando a distancia almbrico
Evite montarlo donde pueda: estorbar las operaciones normales de conduccin. bloquear el funcionamiento del airbag (especialmente en el lado del acompaante). molestar a los pasajeros. quedar expuesto al aire caliente del calefactor. quedar expuesto a la luz solar directa. Una vez instalada la unidad, compruebe que puede controlarla mediante el mando a distancia almbrico.
Compact Disc Changer System Sistema de Cambiador de discos compactos
Installation/Connections Installation/Connexions Instalacin/Conexiones

Tlcommande fil

Evitez de linstaller dans des endroits o elle pourrait : gner la conduite normale du vhicule ; bloquer le fonctionnement du coussin gonflable (airbag) (surtout ct passager) ; mettre les passagers en danger ; tre expose lair chaud dun chauffage ; tre expose au rayonnement direct du soleil. Aprs avoir install lappareil, assurez-vous que lappareil peut tre contrl au moyen de la tlcommande filaire.
Installing the wired remote
Use the supplied double-sided adhesive tape 4, and mount the wired remote in a suitable location where it will not interfere with your driving.
Instalacin del mando a distancia almbrico
Utilice la cinta 4 adhesiva de doble cara suministrada e instale el mando a distancia almbrico en un lugar adecuado que no interfiera en la conduccin.
Installation de la tlcommande fil
Utilisez la bande double face adhsive fournie 4 pour installer la tlcommande fil dans un endroit qui ne risque pas de gner la conduite.

CDX-555XRF CDX-555RF

Sony Corporation 2001 Printed in Thailand
The back of the wired remote Dos de la tlcommande fil Parte posterior del mando a distancia almbrico
Parts list Liste des composants Lista de componentes
The numbers in the list are keyed to those in the instructions. Les numros de la liste correspondent ceux des instructions. Los nmeros de la lista corresponden a los de las instrucciones.
Installing the wireless remote
Use the supplied hook and loop fastener 5, and mount the wireless remote in a suitable location where it will not interfere with your driving.
Instalacin del mando a distancia inalmbrico
Utilice pasador de gancho y bucle suministradas 5 para montar el mando a distancia inalmbrico en un lugar que no dificulte la conduccin.
Installation de la tlcommande sans fil
Utilisez les bandes Velcro fournies 5 pour installer la tlcommande sans fil dans un endroit qui ne risque pas de gner la conduite.
to the mounting surface vers la surface de montage a la superficle de montaje

Installation

CD changer
Choose the mounting location carefully, observing the following: Do not install the unit where; the ambient temperature exceeds 55C (131F). it will be exposed to direct sunlight or hot air from a heater. it will be exposed to rain, water, or high humidity. it will be exposed to a lot of dust. it will be subject to excessive vibration. The fuel tank should not be damaged by the tapping screws. There should be no wire harnesses or pipelines under the place where you are going to install the unit. The spare tire, tools, or other equipment in or under the trunk should not be interfered with or damaged by the screws or the unit itself.