DHC-EX77MD/MD77

SERVICE MANUAL
DHC-EX77MD/MD77 are composed of following models. As for the service manual, it is issued for each component model, then, please refer to it.
AEP Model UK Model E Model
COMPONENTS MODEL NAME FOR DHC-EX77MD/MD77
SET COMPONENT AMPLIFIER TUNER CD PLAYER MINIDISC DECK SPEAKER SYSTEM DHC-EX77MD AEP UK DHC-MD77 SP HK
TA-EX77 ST-EX77 CDP-EX77 MDS-EX77 SS-MD77

SPECIFICATIONS

General Power requirements Europian model: 220 230V AC, 50/60Hz Other models: 220 240V AC, 50/60Hz Power consumption 125W Amplifier section Dimensions (w/h/d) incl. projecting parts and controls: Approx. 280 122.mm Mass Approx. 5.3 kg CD player section Dimensions (w/h/d) incl. projecting parts and controls: Approx. 280 122.mm Mass Approx. 3.7 kg MD deck section Dimensions (w/h/d) incl. projecting parts and controls: Approx. 288 mm Mass Approx. 2.3 kg Tuner section Dimensions (w/h/d) incl. projecting parts and controls: Approx. 288 mm Mass Approx. 1.6 kg Speaker system Dimensions (w/h/d) incl. projecting parts and controls: Approx. 250 mm (SS-MD77) Mass Approx. 5.5 kg net per speaker (SS-MD77) For dimensions and mass of the SS-EX77 speaker system, refer to the speaker's manual. Supplied accessories: Remote (1) RM-EX77 (Europe) RM-SE77 (Other countries) Sony SUM-3 (NS) batteries (2) AM loop antenna (1) FM lead antenna (1) Flat cord (1) Audio cords (4) Optical cable (1) Speaker cords (2)
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. Abbreviation SP : Singapore HK : Hong Kong
MINI Hi-Fi COMPONENT SYSTEM

MICROFILM

Items marked * are not stocked since they are seldom required for routine service. Some delay should be anticipated when ordering these items. Abbreviation SP : Singapore HK : Hong Kong

PARTS LIST NOTE:

Part. No.

Description

ACCESSORIES & PACKING MATERIALS ******************************** 1-473-898-11 1-475-161-11 1-501-594-11 1-501-659-41 1-501-721-11 1-558-271-11 1-769-170-21 1-775-512-21 1-775-924-11 3-860-163-11 3-860-163-21 3-860-163-31 3-860-163-41 3-860-163-51 4-981-643-01 COMMANDER, STANDARD (RM-SE77) (DHC-MD77) COMMANDER, STANDARD (RM-EX77) (DHC-EX77MD) ANTENNA (FM) (DHC-EX77MD) ANTENNA (FM) (DHC-MD77) ANTENNA (LOOP) CORD, CONNECTION (1m) (AUDIO) CORD (WITH CONNECTOR) (7P) (TA-ST-MDS-CDP) CORD, SPEAKER CONNECTION (2.5m) (FOR SPEAKER) CORD, LIGHT PLUG MANUAL, INSTRUCTION (ENGLISH, SPANISH) MANUAL, INSTRUCTION (FRENCH, DUTCH) (AEP, SP, HK) MANUAL, INSTRUCTION (GERMAN, ITALIAN) (AEP) MANUAL, INSTRUCTION (SWEDISH, PORTUGUESE) (AEP) MANUAL, INSTRUCTION (CHINESE) (SP, HK) COVER, BATTERY (FOR RM-EX77/SE77)

4-992-237-01 CAP (PJ)

Sony Corporation

9-960-923-11

Home A&V Products Company
97D050473-1 Printed in Japan 1997. 4 Published by General Engineering Dept. (Shibaura)

http://getMANUAL.com

Checking your model number
Before you read this manual, check your model number by looking at the front of the amplifier. Any differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, DHC-MD77 only. Each model number consists of the following components:
DHC-MD77/EX77MD CD Player Tuner MD Deck Tape Deck Integrated Stereo Amplifier Speaker System Optional Tape Deck CDP-EX77 ST-EX77 MDS-EX77 TA-EX77 SS-MD77/EX77 TC-TX77 DHC-EX770MD CDP-EX770 ST-EX770 MDS-EX770 TA-EX770 SS-EX880 TC-TX770 MHC-EX66 CDP-EX77 ST-EX77 TC-EX66 TA-EX66 SS-MD77/EX77 MHC-EX660 CDP-EX770 ST-EX770 TC-EX660 TA-EX660 SS-EX880
Step 1: Hooking up the system
For DHC-MD77/EX77MD/EX770MD
Perform the following procedure 1 to 6 to hook up your system using the supplied cords and accessories. To complete the setup, do steps 2 and 3 also.

FM lead antenna

AM loop antenna

Right speaker Tuner

DHC-MD77/EX77MD/ EX770MD rear panel

Left speaker

Amplifier

MD deck

CD player
1 Connect the flat cord to the SYSTEM
CONTROL connectors on each component with the same color until it clicks.

To disconnect

3 Connect the CD player and the MD
deck, using the optical cable.
Note Take the caps off the OPTICAL connectors before connecting the optical cable. Keep them for future use.
2 Connect the audio cords to the jacks
with the same Roman numerals ( , , , ).
Connect the amplifier to the tuner, CD player and MD deck, using the audio cords (you have four). Match the color of the plugs and the jacks.

4 Connect the speakers.

Connect the speaker cords to the SPEAKER jacks of the same color. Keep the speaker cords away from the antennas to prevent noise.
Pull the lever toward you after connecting the speaker cords.

Black* ()

Insert the plugs firmly, pushing them in all the way.

Red* ()

Insert this portion.
* The color of your speaker cords might be different. See the manual provided with your speaker system for details.

continued

Step 1: Hooking up the system (continued)
Inserting two R6 (size AA) batteries into the remote
5 Connect the FM/AM antennas.
Set up the AM loop antenna, then connect it.

] } ] }

For DHC-EX77MD/EX770MD
AM loop antenna Extend the FM lead antenna horizontally.

FM 75 AM

With normal use, the batteries should last for about six months. When the remote no longer operates the system, replace both batteries with new ones.

Turn MULTI CONTROLLER and select the preset number you want while it is flashing.

3,5 MANUAL 1

Preset number

The station is stored.

Repeat steps 1 to 6 to store other stations.
Press TUNER/BAND repeatedly until the band you want appears in the display.
Each time you press the button, the band changes as follows: European model: FM n MW n LW Other models: FM n AM
To tune in a station with a weak signal
For European model Press TUNING MODE repeatedly until TUNING appears in step 2, then turn MULTI CONTROLLER to tune in the desired station. For other models Press MANUAL in step 2, then turn MULTI CONTROLLER to tune in the desired station.
To change the preset number

Start over from step 1.

To change the AM tuning interval (except for European model)
The AM tuning interval is factory-preset to 9 kHz. To change the AM tuning interval, tune in any AM station first, then turn off the power. While holding down the ENTER/ NEXT button, turn the power back on. When you change the interval, all the preset stations will be erased. To reset the interval, repeat the same procedure. Tip
The preset stations are retained for a week even if you pull off the power cord or if a power interruption occurs.
Connecting the optional TC-TX77/TX770 tape deck
(DHC-MD77/EX77MD/EX770MD only)
You can use the optional TC-TX77/TX770 tape deck, which is designed for use with the DHCMD77/EX77MD/EX770MD. Perform the following procedure 1 to 3 to connect the TC-TX77/TX770 to your system using the cords supplied on the TC-TX77/TX770. Note
The TAPE IN/OUT and VIDEO IN/OUT jacks on the DHC-MD77/EX77MD/EX770MD are equipped with a cap to prevent incorrect connections. Remove the cap before making connections, and keep it for future use. You can divide the cap into two parts. If you do not use the VIDEO jacks, leave them capped.

To TAPE IN

TC-TX77/ TX770 rear panel

To TAPE OUT

DHC-MD77/ EX77MD/ EX770MD rear panel

: Signal flow

1 Connect the audio bus cable to the
AU BUS connectors on each component until it clicks.
Connecting optional AV components
To enhance your system, you can connect optional components using audio cords (sold separately). Refer to the instructions of each component. Before making connections, take the cap off the jacks to be used, and keep it for future use.
2 Connect the audio cords.

Connecting a TV/VCR

Make sure to match the color of the plugs and the jacks. For DHC-MD77/EX77MD/EX770MD Connect a TV/VCR to VIDEO1, VIDEO2 (DHC-MD77) or VIDEO2/AUX (DHCEX77MD/EX770MD) on the amplifier. Set MODE SELECTOR to ANALOG REC when you connect a TV/VCR to VIDEO2 (DHC-MD77) or VIDEO2/AUX (DHCEX77MD/EX770MD).

Track number Music calendar

Disc tray number

Playing time

CONTINUE

SELECTOR

To Stop play Pause

Do this Press p. Press (or P on the remote). Press again to resume play. Turn SELECTOR clockwise (to go forward) or counterclockwise (to go back) and release it when you locate the desired track (or press + or = on the remote). Turn and hold SELECTOR to locate other discs.

EX-CHANGE DISC SKIP

Select a track

P D.SKIP

Find a point in Press ) or 0 during play a track and release it at the desired point.

VOL (+/)

Playing a CD (continued)
To Select a CD Play only the CD you have selected Play all CDs Remove or exchange the CD Exchange the CD during play Adjust the volume Do this Press DISC button or DISC SKIP (or D.SKIP on the remote). Press CONTINUE repeatedly until 1 DISC appears. Press CONTINUE repeatedly until ALL DISCS appears. Press OPEN/CLOSE.
Recording a CD on an MD (DHC-MD77/EX77MD/

EX770MD only)

CD Synchro Recording
You can make a digital recording of a CD on an MD, marking track numbers in the same sequence as the original CD. In addition, you can record a program of favorite tracks (see page 38), record only the first track on each CD (Hit Parade, see page 40), and edit an MD after recording (see pages 45 to 51). POWER
Press EX-CHANGE. Press again to close the disc tray. Turn VOLUME (or press VOL or on the remote).
Pressing when the power is off automatically turns the power on and starts CD playback if there is a CD on the tray (One Touch Play). You can switch from another source to the CD player and start playing a CD just by pressing or the DISC buttons* (Automatic Source Selection). * Pressing the DISC buttons works as the Automatic Source Selection feature while normal play or 1 DISC SHUFFLE is appearing in the display. If there is no CD in the player, NO DISC appears. When the disc tray is selected or the CD loaded on the tray is playing, the DISC button for the tray is lit green.

D.SKIP

Insert a recordable MD.
Press on the MD deck (or P on the remote).
Recording starts. The CD player stops and the MD deck pauses automatically when the recording is completed. If there is no remaining recording time on the MD, the MD deck stops.
With the arrow pointing toward the deck With the label side up, sliding the tab rightward
To stop recording Press OPEN/CLOSE and place a CD on the disc tray.

The disc tray opens.

Press p on the MD deck.
While TOC lights up or is flashing
Do not move the deck or pull out the power cord to ensure the complete recording. The deck is currently updating the Table Of Contents (TOC). Tips

* You cannot repeat a single track during Shuffle Play and Program Play.

To cancel Repeat Play

Press REPEAT repeatedly until REPEAT or REPEAT 1 disappears.
Playing the CD tracks in random order

Shuffle Play

You can play all the tracks on one CD or all CDs in random order. CONTINUE
Programming the CD tracks

Program Play

You can make a program of up to 32 tracks from all the CDs in the order you want them to be played. You can also record the program you made. TIME CLEAR

DISC 1 3

Place a CD (CDs) on the disc tray.

Press SHUFFLE.

SHUFFLE appears. Each time you press the button, the display changes as follows: ALL DISCS
(All the CDs play in random order.)

1 DISC

(A single CD whose DISC button lights green plays in random order.)
The sound source automatically switches to the CD player. J appears, then all the tracks play in random order.
Turn FUNCTION until the CD indicator lights up, then place a CD (CDs) on the disc tray. Press PROGRAM.

PROGRAM appears.

To cancel Shuffle Play

Press CONTINUE.

Press one of the DISC buttons to select a CD.

To select a desired CD

Press DISC button while 1 DISC is appearing in the display. Tips
You can start Shuffle Play during normal play by pressing SHUFFLE. To skip a track, turn SELECTOR clockwise (or press + on the remote).
Programming the CD tracks (continued)
To program the entire CD as one step of the program, skip step 4. When you want to record the program, see Recording the favorite CD tracks on an MD (see page 38) or Recording the favorite CD tracks on a tape (see page 54). The program you made remains after the Program Play has finished. To play the same program again, press . However, when you make a recording with the Hit Parade feature, the program is erased. The total playing time is not displayed when you select a track whose number is 21 or over, or the total program time exceeds 100 minutes.
Turn SELECTOR until the desired track number appears.

Selected track

Press ENTER.
The track is programmed. The last programmed track appears, followed by the total playing time. If you have made a mistake, press CLEAR.
To program additional tracks, repeat steps 3 to 5.
Skip step 3 if you select a track from the same disc.
All the tracks play in the order you selected.
To check the total number of the programmed tracks
Press TIME in stop mode. Step appears, followed by the total number of the programmed tracks.
To Cancel Program Play Clear a track from the end (in stop mode) Add a track to the program (in stop mode) Clear the entire program Do this Press CONTINUE. Press CLEAR.

Do steps 3 to 5 in Programming the CD tracks. Press p once in stop mode.

Looping part of a CD

With the loop function, you can repeat part of a CD during playback. This lets you create original recordings.
The difference between NORMAL and RHYTHM
The original track can be looped in two ways, NORMAL and RHYTHM. Original Hey, Come on everybody! NORMAL
Normal play resumes from the point the loop started.

Loop length

Hey, C C C Cmon everybody!

Press LOOP

Release LOOP
Place a CD (CDs) on the disc tray. Press LOOP repeatedly in pause or stop mode to select NORMAL or RHYTHM 1 5.
Each time you press the button, the display changes as follows: NORMAL 1* RHYTHM 5 NORMAL 5 RHYTHM 1*
RHYTHM Normal play resumes from the point the loop ends. n Hey, C C C nme on ev n

erybody!

: Unheard portion overlapped by the loop. You can choose the loop length from the five levels with the range from 0.25 to one second.
* See The difference between NORMAL and RHYTHM for details.
Press one of the DISC buttons, then start playing. Press and hold LOOP at the point you want to start the Loop function, and release the button to resume normal play.
The MD Deck (DHC-MD77/ EX77MD/EX770MD only)

Using the MD display

You can check the remaining time of the current track or that of the MD.
Checking the remaining time of an MD
Press DISPLAY/CHARACTER in stop mode.
n Total playing time and the track numbers on the MD Remaining recordable time on the MD (only for a recordable MD) Disc title on the MD
Checking the remaining time of a track

DISPLAY/CHARACTER

Tracks numbered 1 to 25 appear in the Music Calendar Display. If the track numbers exceed 25, appears to the right of number 25. The music calendar showing the track numbers appears within a grid if the MD is a premastered disc, or without a grid if the MD is a recordable disc.
Press DISPLAY/CHARACTER during play.
The correct remaining time may not be displayed due to the MDs system limitations.
n Playing time and the track number on the current track Remaining time and the track number on the current track Track title on the current track*

Track number Portion to be erased. 2

Erasing all tracks

You can erase the disc title, all recorded tracks and their titles at once.

Original tracks

Divide track A into three parts.*

The track is renumbered.

While the deck is stopped, press EDIT/NO repeatedly until All Erase ? appears. Press ENTER/YES.
All Erase ?? appears. To cancel the Erase Function at this time, press p.

2 A- a Ab

3 A- c

DIVIDE

(page 48)

Erase track A-b.

2 A- a A- c

(page 45)

Complete appears for a few seconds and all recorded tracks and their titles are erased.
Combine tracks A-a and A-c. 2 3

COMBINE

(page 49)

A(a + c)

* The tracks are renumbered.
You can undo a track erasion. See Undoing the last edit on page 51.

Moving recorded tracks

Move Function
By using the Move Function, you can change the order of any track on the disc. When you move tracks, the tracks are automatically renumbered. Example: Moving track C to position 2.
Track number Original tracks Move track C to the second position. 3 4
Turn SELECTOR until the new track position appears.
To cancel the Move Function at this time, press p.
The original track number

The new track position

Complete appears for a few seconds.

2 B 2 A

C 3 C B 4
Turn SELECTOR until the track number you want to move appears. Press EDIT/NO repeatedly until Move ? appears. Press ENTER/YES.

Dividing recorded tracks

Divide Function
You can use this function to add track numbers to multiple tracks that are recorded as one track. This function also lets you mark track numbers after the recording ends. The total number of tracks increases by one and all the tracks following the divided ones are renumbered. Example: Dividing track 2 into tracks B and C.
Track number Original tracks
Rehearsal and Position ok? appear alternately and the portion to be divided is played repeatedly. To shift the position to be divided: 1 Press EDIT/NO. 2 While monitoring the sound, turn SELECTOR to the starting point to be divided. You can check the display and shift the point between 128 and +127 (01 is about 0.06 seconds). To cancel the Divide Function at this time, press p.

Turn FUNCTION to select the sound source to be recorded.
When you record from the radio, tune in the desired radio station. When you record the sound of a TV or VCR, select VIDEO 1 or VIDEO 2/ AUX (or VIDEO 2 for DHC-MD77). See page 13 for details.
Press DIRECTION repeatedly to select the side you want to record on.
To Stop recording Pause recording
Press p on the tape deck. P on the tape deck.
Pressing SYSTEM POWER on the DHC-MD77/ EX77MD/EX770MD automatically turns on the TC-TX77/TX770 deck if you connect them to each other using the audio bus cable. If you want to record from the reverse side, press in step 4 so that PLAY P {REC} (for reverse side) appears. When you want to reduce the hiss noise in lowlevel high-frequency signals, press DOLBY NR repeatedly to select B or C before step 4. You cannot switch DOLBY NR during recording. If you press RESET, the counter display returns to 00 00.
Press r REC on the tape deck.
The tape deck stands by for recording. PLAY P {REC} (for front side) appears.
Start playing the source to be recorded. Turn REC LEVEL to adjust the recording level.
While monitoring the sound at the highest level, adjust the recording level so that it falls within the range illustrated below.
When using a TYPE-I (normal) or TYPE-II (CrO2) tape
When using a TYPE-IV (metal) tape
Stop playing the source. Press P or on the tape deck.
Recording the favorite CD tracks on a tape
You can select your favorite CD tracks with the Program Play feature, then record the program on a tape using the CD Synchro Recording feature.

Recording on a tape

See Recording on a tape manually for details.
10 Press CD SYNC on the tape deck.

Adjusting the sound

You can adjust the bass/treble, mute the sound or listen to the source directly. DBFB SOURCE DIRECT 20dB MUTING
11 Press P on the tape deck.
Pressing SYSTEM POWER on the DHC-MD77/ EX77MD/EX770MD automatically turns on the TC-TX77/TX770 deck if you connect them to each other using the audio bus cable. If you want to record from the reverse side, press in step 10 so that PLAY P {REC} (for reverse side) appears. When you record on both sides, be sure to start from the front side. If you start from the reverse side, recording stops at the end of the reverse side even though you select a. When you want to reduce the hiss noise in lowlevel high-frequency signals, press DOLBY NR repeatedly to select B or C before step 9. You cannot switch DOLBY NR during recording. If the tape reaches the end of its front side while dual-sided recording, the fadeout feature works so that a track is not abruptly cut off at the end of the tape (Fade Synchro). The track will be recorded again from the beginning on the reverse side. The Fade Synchro feature works during one-side recording, too. You cannot perform CD Synchro Recording by pressing the CD SYNC buttons on both the tape deck and the MD deck at the same time. Use the CD Synchro Recording feature for a tape and record on an MD manually. This method is recommended since on the MD deck, you can erase the overlapping track recorded using the Fade Synchro feature just by specifying its track number (Erase Function).

(European model only)

To check the RDS information
Each time you press DISPLAY, the display changes as follows:
n Station name Frequency Program type Radio text
What is the Radio Data System?
Radio Data System (RDS) is a broadcasting service that allows radio stations to send additional information along with the regular program signal. This tuner offers convenient RDS features, such as monitoring traffic, news, or information programs and locating a station by program type (PTY). RDS is available only on FM stations*.
RDS may not work properly if the station you are tuned to is not transmitting the RDS signal properly or if the signal strength is weak. * Not all FM stations provide RDS service, nor do they provide the same types of services. If you are not familiar with the RDS system, check with your local radio stations for details on RDS services in your area.
No PTY Data appears when the receiving station does not broadcast the program type you selected. No Text Data appears when the receiving station does not broadcast the radio text data. PTY Alarm flashes when there is an emergency announcement by governmental authorities.
Monitoring traffic, news, or information programs (EON)
Enhanced Other Networks (EON) allows the tuner to automatically switch to a station broadcasting traffic, news, or other information. After the program ends, the tuner switches back to the station you were listening to (or the function you were using).

Receiving RDS broadcasts

Simply select a station from the FM band.
When you tune in a station that provides RDS services, the station name appears in the display.
Press EON to select the desired EON program.
Each time you press EON, the display changes as follows:
n TA (Traffic Announcement) NEWS INFO (Information) (No display)
The tuner enters the EON standby mode. No TA service, No News or No Info appears if there is no station that broadcasts the program you selected. When a station starts broadcasting the program you selected, the tuner switches to the station and an indication (TA, NEWS or INFO) flashes. If you select TA, NOW TA Service appears when the station broadcasts the traffic announcement. After the program ends, the unit switches back to the station you were listening to (or the function you were using).
Locating a station by program type (PTY)
You can locate a station you want by selecting a program type. The system tunes in the type of programs currently being broadcast from the RDS stations stored in the tuners preset memory.

To stop monitoring

Press EON once. Tip
You can receive the incoming RDS information while the system power is turned off. After selecting the desired EON program (TA, NEWS or INFO), press SYSTEM POWER to turn off the system (EON Wait? and Push EON KEY appear alternately). Within six seconds, press EON so that EON WAITING appears. Every time the tuner receives an EON program, the system automatically turns on and returns to the standby mode when the program is finished.

To check the remaining time

Press SLEEP once.

To change the time to turn off
Select the time you want by pressing SLEEP.
To cancel the Sleep Timer operation
Press SLEEP repeatedly until OFF appears.

Press TIMER SET.

Select timer appears.
Press DAILY (for the same time every day).
The indicator lights up and the hour indication flashes.
Waking up to music (continued)

To change the setting

To check the setting Set the time to start playback.
Turn MULTI CONTROLLER to set the hour, then press ENTER/NEXT. The minute indication starts flashing. Press DAILY to turn on the indicator. If the indicator is already lit, press the button once to turn off the indicator, then press it again. The start time, followed by the stop time and the sound source appears, then the original display appears.
To cancel the timer operation
Turn MULTI CONTROLLER to set the minute, then press ENTER/NEXT. OFF appears and the hour indication flashes again. Press DAILY to turn off the indicator. Tip (for DHC-MD77/EX77MD/EX770MD)
When you connect the optional TC-TX77/TX770 deck to the system with the audio bus cable (see page 12), you can activate the wake-up timer with the tape deck.
Set the time to stop playback following the procedure in step 4. Turn MULTI CONTROLLER until the sound source you want appears.
The indications change as follows: CD PLAY n TUNER n TAPE PLAY n MD PLAY
Do not operate the system from the time the power turns on until the playback starts (about 40 seconds). If OFF TIME NG ! appears, the timer-on and -off settings are the same. Change the time to turn off.
The start time, followed by the stop time and the sound source appears, then the original display appears.
Adjust the volume and turn off the power.
Timer-recording radio programs
To timer-record, you must preset the radio station (see page 10) and set the clock (see page 9) beforehand. For DHC-MD77/EX77MD/EX770MD
Tune in the preset radio station (see page 24). Press TIMER SET.

Press REC.

Set the time to start recording.
Turn MULTI CONTROLLER to set the hour, then press ENTER/NEXT. The minute indication starts flashing.

Turn MULTI CONTROLLER to set the minute, then press ENTER/NEXT. OFF appears and the hour indication flashes again.
Set the time to stop recording following the procedure in step 4. For DHC-MD77/EX77MD/ EX770MD: Turn MULTI CONTROLLER and select TUNER to MD. For MHC-EX66/EX660: Turn MULTI CONTROLLER and select TUNER to TAPE.

8 4,5,6 4,5,7

The start time, followed by the stop time, the recording source and the preset number appears, then the original display appears.
Timer-recording radio programs (continued)

Precautions

On operating voltage
Before operating the system, check that the operating voltage of your system is identical with the voltage of your local power supply.
For DHC-MD77/EX77MD/ EX770MD: Insert a recordable MD. For MHC-EX66/EX660: Insert a blank tape.

On safety

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. Unplug the system from the wall outlet (mains) if it is not to be used for an extended period of time. To disconnect the cord (mains lead), pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord itself. Should any solid object or liquid fall into the component, unplug the stereo system and have the component checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further. The AC power cord must be changed only at the qualified service shop.

Turn off the power.

To check the setting
Press REC to turn on the indicator. If the indicator is already lit, press the button once to turn off the indicator, then press it again. The start time, followed by the stop time and the preset number appears, then the original display appears.

On placement

Place the stereo system in a location with adequate ventilation to prevent heat build-up in the stereo system. Do not place the system in an inclined position. Do not place the system in locations where it is; Extremely hot or cold Dusty or dirty Very humid Vibrating Subject to direct sunlight.
Press REC to turn off the indicator. Tip (for DHC-MD77/EX77MD/EX770MD)
When you connect the optional TC-TX77/TX770 deck to the system with the audio bus cable (see page 12), you can activate the timer-recording with the tape deck.

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problem using this stereo system, use the following check list. First, check that the power cord is connected firmly and the speakers are connected properly and firmly. Should any problem persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Speakers

Sound comes from one channel or unbalanced left and right volume. Check the speaker connection and speaker placement.

CD Player

The CD tray will not close. The CD is not placed properly. The CD will not play. The CD is dirty. The CD is inserted with the label side down. Moisture condensation has built up. Remove the CD and leave the system turned on for about an hour until the moisture evaporates. Play does not start from the first track. The player is in Program or Shuffle Play mode. Press CONTINUE so that SHUFFLE or PROGRAM disappears. OVER is displayed. You have reached the end of the CD. Press 0 (or = on the remote) to return. REPAIR! is displayed. Consult your nearest Sony dealer.

General

There is no sound. Rotate VOLUME clockwise. The headphones are connected. Connect the cords and cables properly. Insert the plugs firmly. There is severe hum or noise. A TV or VCR is placed too close to the stereo system. Move the system away from the TV or VCR. 0:00 (for European model) or 12:00AM (for other models) flashes in the display. A power interruption occurred. Set the clock and timer settings again. The timer does not function. Set the clock correctly. The indicators on the DAILY and REC buttons do not light even if you press them. Set the timer correctly. The remote does not function. There is an obstacle between the remote and the system. The remote is not pointing in the direction of the systems sensor. The batteries have run down. Replace the batteries. There is acoustic feedback. Decrease the volume level. Move the microphone away from the speakers or change the direction of the microphone.

MD Deck

An incompletely inserted MD cannot be pulled out. Insert the MD completely, then press EJECT. The inserted MD is pulled out. Insert the MD with the label side up in the direction of the arrow. The controls do not work. The MD is dirty or scratched (Disc Error appears). Replace the MD with a new one.
The MD will not play. Moisture condensation has built up. Remove the MD and leave the system turned on for several hours until the moisture evaporates. Insert the MD with the label side up in the direction of the arrow. Nothing is recorded on the MD. Recording is not possible. The MD is protected against erasure (Protected appears). Slide the tab to close the slot (see page 67). Connect the sound source properly. A premastered MD is inserted in the deck. Replace the disc with a recordable MD. Replace the disc with a recordable MD that has sufficient time remaining or erase unnecessary tracks. The power cord was unplugged or a power interruption occurred during recording. Start recording over from the beginning. OVER is displayed. You have reached the end of the MD. Press 0 (or = on the remote) to return. OVER appears in the level meter during recording. A strong signal was input during analog recording. When the sound is distorted, reduce the recording level with REC LEVEL, then re-record. Din Unlock is displayed. Connect the optical cable properly.

Tape Deck

(MHC-EX66/EX660 or the optional TC-TX77/TX770 deck only)
The tape tray will not close. Turn the power back on, then close the tray. The tape does not operate even when buttons are pressed. Wait until the P indication stops flashing before pressing any buttons. (Operation is not possible for the first two seconds after the power is turned on.) Insert the tape properly and close the tray completely. The tape will not play or record. There is slack in the tape. The tape heads are dirty. Clean them (see page 68). Recording is not possible. No tape is in the tray. The tab is removed. The tape is wound to the end. There is a decrease in sound level during playback or recording. The tape heads are dirty. The tape heads are magnetized. Demagnetize them (see page 68). Previous recordings cannot be erased completely. The tape heads are magnetized. The sound may drop-out. The capstans or pinch rollers are dirty. There is excessive noise. The tape heads are magnetized. Move the system away from the TV or VCR. The sound is unbalanced. Make sure the Dolby NR setting matches the setting used when the tape was recorded. Move the system away from the TV, VCR or power amplifier.
Troubleshooting (continued)

MD messages

One of the following messages may appear or flash in the display during MD operation.
The remote does not function./Automatic Source Selection or One Touch Play feature does not work (when using the optional TC-TX77/TX770). Check that the audio bus cable is properly connected. Functions linked to the DHC-MD77/ EX77MD/EX770MD, such as CD Synchro Recording, do not work (when using the optional TC-TX77/TX770). Check that the audio bus cable is properly connected.
Auto Cut The MD deck is pausing the recording because silence continued for 30 seconds or more during digital recording. Blank Disc The inserted recordable MD is brand new or all tracks on the MD have been erased. Cannot Copy You cannot make a digital recording (see Guide to the Serial Copy Management System on page 69). Cannot EDIT You tried to edit in Program or Shuffle Play mode. Din Unlock Check that the optical cable is properly connected. Disc Error The inserted MD is damaged or does not contain a TOC. Disc Full There is no time remaining on the disc (see System Limitations of MDs on page 68). Impossible You tried to combine from the first track on an MD, which is not possible. Name Full There is no more space to store track or disc titles. NEW The MD deck stands by for recording on a brand new MD or from the last recorded portion. NO DISC There is no MD in the deck. No Track The inserted MD has a disc title but no tracks.
Severe hum or noise ("TUNED" or "STEREO" flashes in the display). Adjust the antenna. The signal strength is too weak. Connect the outdoor antenna. A stereo FM program cannot be received in stereo. Press ST/MONO (for European model) or STEREO/MONO (for other models) so that STEREO appears.