STR-SE381

SERVICE MANUAL

US Model

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby Pro Logic and the double-D symbol a are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

SPECIFICATIONS

Audio power specifications POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION With 8-ohm load, both channels driven, from 40 - 20,000 Hz, rated 60 watts per channel minimum RMS power, with no more than 0.5% total harmonic distortion from 250 milliwatts to rated output. Amplifier section
Stereo mode (8 ohms at 40 Hz - 20 kHz less than 0.5% total harmonic distortion) 60 W + 60 W (8 ohms at 1 kHz, THD 0.5%) Front: 60 W/ch Center: (Pro Logic Mode) 60 W Rear: 60 W/ch PHONO: RIAA equalization curve 0.5 dB TV/DBS, CD, TAPE/MD, VIDEO INPUT 10 Hz - 50 kHz 1 dB S/N (weighting network, Sensitivity PHONO (MM) CD TAPE/MD, TV/DBS, VIDEO 400 mV 250 mV 50 Kilohms 82 dB* (A, 150 mV) *78 IHF Impedance input level) 72 dB* (A, 2.5 mV) Outputs TAPE/MD REC OUT: Voltage: 150 mV, Impedance: 10 kilohms VIDEO AUDIO OUT: Voltage: 150 mV, Impedance: 10 kilohms PHONES: Accepts low and high impedance headphones Full mute +10 dB at 70 Hz 8 dB at 100 Hz and 10 kHz

Muting BASS BOOST TONE

FM tuner section
Tuning range Antenna terminals Sensitivity Usable sensitivity S/N Harmonic distortion at 1 kHz Mono: 0.3% Stereo: 0.59% 45 dB at 1 kHz 30 Hz - 15 kHz +0.5 dB dB at 400 kHz 87.5 - 108.0 MHz 75 ohms, unbalanced 300 ohms, balanced Mono: 18.3 dBf, 4.5 V Stereo: 38.3 dBf, 45 V 11.2 dBf, 2 V (IHF) Mono: 76 dB Stereo: 70 dB

Surround mode

Frequency response
Inputs Separation Frequency response Selectivity

2.5 mV

50 Kilohms

AM tuner section

Tuning range Antenna Usable sensitivity S/N Harmonic distortion Selectivity 531 - 1710 kHz Loop antenna 50 dB/m (at 1,000 kHz) 54 dB (at 50 mV/m) 0.5% (50 mV/m, 400 kHz) At 10 kHz: 40 dB

Continued on next page

FM STEREO/FM-AM RECEIVER

MICROFILM

3-3. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM DISPLAY SECTION
See page 6 for Waveforms. See page 25 for IC Pin Functions. See page 27 for IC Block Diagrams.
3-5. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM VOLUME SECTION
See page 7 for KEY Board Wiring Board.
3-7. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM MAIN (1/3) SECTION
See page 27 for IC Block Diagrams.
3-9. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM MAIN (2/3), POWER SECTION
3-10. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM MAIN (3/3), SP SW SECTION
See page 12 for SW Board Wiring Board. See page 27 for IC Block Diagrams.

BPF1 BPF2 CLK

CONTROL NOISE GENERATOR DATA ENABLE 40

NOISE FILTER

NOISE CH
D.GND 2 CLK A B 3 DEC DATA 4 ENABLE 5 IN-FILTER (40kHz) NR-DET 6 VDD

LA2786

VREF DIVIDER OSC 39 OSC1

BALANCE CONTROL

3-12. IC BLOCK DIAGRAMS

LV1016

S-CH DC OUT C-CH DC OUT L-CH DC OUT 38 VCC

VR CONTROL

OSC 23 22

R-CH DC OUT VREF

8 NR-IREF

37 L-OUT

36 R-OUT

ADM-CONT

A + B L+R (6dB) A A B + B-NR L+DELAY OUT-FILTER (7k/5k) + R+DELAY DC-OUT A B VOL/MUTE S-TRIM LR SRAM

DC-CUT

VCA 31 R-BPF1

VLR-1 VLR-2

DUAL T CONTROL

35 S-OUT

VCA 34 C-OUT
VCA CMODE-CAP. C-TRIM DC CUT

L-BPF29 R-BPF2 R-BPF3

L-BPF2

L-BPF3

RECT DC CUT DC CUT L-R RECT L+R RECT
VREF 11 DELAY-OUT INV-PHASE
DC CUT DC CUT R RECT L RECT

S-OUT 12 DC-CUT

VLR-TH LOG DIFF 23 22

VCS-TH VCS-1 VCS-2

LOG DIFF
1 IN OUT IN OUT IN 10 OUT VEE 11 12

LC7822

IN OUT IN OUT 22 IN 21 LEVEL SHIFT 20 OUT 19 VDD

CONTROL

CE 13 DI 14

18 RESET 17 S

SHIFT RESISTOR

16 VSS

PC2581

BIAS CIRCUIT

PROTECTOR REG DRIVE PRE DRIVE PRE DRIVE 10 DRIVE

+ VOUT1

VOUT1

VOUT2

BA6208

SWITCH

MOTOR DRIVE

MOTOR DRIVE REG

+ VOUT2

INPUT 1

OUTPUT 2

OUTPUT1

INPUT 2

VCC2 VEE

Getting Started

3-862-095-12(1)

FM Stereo FM-AM Receiver

Operating Instructions

STR-SE581 STR-SE381

1998 by Sony Corporation

WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
- 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.

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.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any change or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

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 wall outlet. To disconnect the AC power cord, grasp the plug itself; never pull the cord. One blade of the plug is wider than the other for the purpose of safety and will fit into the wall outlet only one way. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, contact your dealer. Should the AC power cord need to be changed, have it done at a qualified service shop only.
Note to CATV system installer
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installers 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.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Owners record

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. 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-SE581/STR-SE381

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 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:

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.

Serial No. _______________________

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 type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent such as alcohol or benzine.
For detailed safety precautions, see the IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS leaflet.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Unpacking 4 Hookup Overview 4 Antenna Hookups 5 Audio/Video Component Hookups 5 Speaker System Hookups 6 AC Hookups 8 Before You Use Your Receiver 8
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-SE581 and STR-SE381. 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-SE581 is the model used for illustration purposes, any difference in operation is clearly indicated in the text, for example, STR-SE581 only.

Receiver Operations

Selecting a Component 9 Receiving Broadcasts 11 Presetting Radio Stations 12 Recording 13 Choosing a Surround Mode 14 Getting the Most Out of Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound 15
Type of differences Model Feature

WOOFER 5.1/DVD INPUT

Additional Information
Troubleshooting 17 Specifications 18 Glossary 19

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 the remote to do the task. Indicates hints and tips for making the task easier. This receiver has the Dolby Pro Logic Surround system. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby , Pro Logic and the double-D symbol a are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Index 20 Rear Panel Descriptions 21 Remote Button Descriptions 22 Quick Reference Guide

Unpacking

Check that you received the following items with the receiver: FM wire antenna (1) AM loop antenna (1) Remote controller (remote) (1) Size AA (R6) batteries (2)

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.
Audio/Video Component Hookups (5) TV tuner DBS (Digital broadcasting system) VCR DVD player/AC-3 decoder (STRSE581 only) Antenna Hookups (5) AM/FM antenna

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 g on the receiver.

] } ] }

Speaker System Hookups (6) Front speaker (L)
CD player Tape/MD deck Turntable

Front speaker (R)

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.
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 dont use the remote for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage and corrosion. Rear speaker (L) Center speaker Active woofer (STRSE581 only) Rear speaker (R)

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.

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

Connecting a ground wire
To prevent hum, connect a ground wire (not supplied) to the y ground terminal. If youve connected an outdoor antenna, be sure to connect the ground for lightning protection.

Receiver

SIGNAL GND to ground

Where do I go next?

If you want to connect other components, go on to the next section. If youre only planning to use the receiver to listen to the radio, go to Speaker System Hookups on pages 6 and 7. What antennas will I need?
FM wire antenna (supplied) (1) AM loop antenna (supplied) (1)

Audio/Video Component Hookups
This section describes how to connect your audio, and video (audio signal only) 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.
5.1/DVD INPUT y (STR-SE581 only) TV/DBS

Hookups

FM wire antenna After connecting the wire antenna, keep it as horizontal as possible.

AM loop antenna

If you have poor FM reception
Connect a 75-ohm coaxial cable (not supplied) to an FM outdoor antenna. Pull back the mesh portion surrounding the inner cable and connect it to the earth terminal (right side). Connect the inner cable to the FM terminal (left side). Receiver

CD TAPE/MD

What cords will I need?
Audio cords (not supplied) (1 for each CD player, turntable, TV or DBS; 2 for each tape deck, MD recorder or VCR). White (L) White (L) Red (R)
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.

Red (R)

(continued)
The arrow indicates signal flow. CD player

CD IN L

DVD player/AC-3 decoder (STR-SE581 only)

CD player

OUTPUT LINE
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. Receiver
FRONT 5.1/DVD INPUT REAR CENTER

Turntable

PHONO IN L
Dolby Digital AC-3 decoder (etc.)
PRE OUT CENTER REAR FRONT

WOOFER

If your turntable has an earth lead
To prevent hum, connect the earth lead to the y ground terminal on the receiver.
Go on to the next section to connect the speakers.

Tape deck or MD recorder

TAPE/MD REC OUT IN L

OUTPUT LINE INPUT LINE L

Speaker System Hookups

TV/DBS

TV/DBS AUDIO IN L
TV tuner or Digital broadcasting system

OUTPUT AUDIO

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 (STR-SE581 only). For specific locations of the terminals, see the illustration below.
WOOFER (STR-SE581 only) FRONT SPEAKERS A
VIDEO AUDIO OUT AUDIO IN L
OUTPUT INPUT AUDIO AUDIO L

SURROUND SPEAKERS REAR

SURROUND SPEAKER CENTER
For optimum surround sound effect, place your speakers as shown below.
Rear speaker 60 - 90 cm 45
If you have an additional front speaker system
Connect them to the FRONT SPEAKERS B terminals.
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).
Selecting the speaker system
To drive the speakers, select the speaker system as follows: What cords will I need?
Speaker cord (not supplied) (1 for each speaker) (+) () (+) ()

To drive

Speaker system A (connected to the FRONT SPEAKERS A terminals) Speaker system B (connected to the FRONT SPEAKERS B terminals) Both speaker systems A and B (series connection)

Depress SPEAKERS button

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.

Front speakers

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.

FRONT SPEAKERS

Front speaker (L)
Go on to the next section to connect the AC power cord.

Rear and center speakers

Rear speaker (R) Rear speaker (L) Center speaker

SURROUND SPEAKERS

R REAR L CENTER

Note (except STR-SE581)

Be sure to connect the both rear speakers (L and R). No sound is heard if only one speaker is connected.
Active woofer (STR-SE581 only)

WOOFER AUDIO OUT

Active woofer
Do not connect any other component.

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

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 center position.

to a wall outlet

Caution
Make sure that the power consumption of the component connected to the receivers AC outlet does not exceed 120 watts. Do not connect high-wattage electrical home appliances such as electric irons, fans, or TVs to this outlet.
If you connect a SONY CDP-CX681 CD player (200 disc changer) to the SWITCHED AC OUTLET on the receiver, you can turn on the whole system using the remote. To do this, press and hold down the CD button until both the receiver and the compact disc player are on.
Before you use the receiver, go to the next section to make sure that all the controls are set to the appropriate positions.

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.
1/u (power) Function buttons 5.1/DVD INPUT BASS BOOST MASTER VOLUME

Mute the sound

Do this
Press MUTING on the remote. Press again to restore the sound Press BASS BOOST to turn on the BASS BOOST indicator. Turn the BALANCE control left or right. Adjust the BASS and TREBLE controls.

Reinforce the bass

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-SE581 only)
BASS TREBLE BALANCE When you are listening to 5.1/DVD INPUT mode, BASS, TREBLE, BASS BOOST and SURROUND do not function.
Press 1/u (power) to turn on the receiver. Press a function button to select the component you want to use: Press

PHONO TUNER CD TAPE/MD

Watching/listening to video programs
When you watch/listening to TV or video programs, we recommend you play audio portion through the receiver instead of your TVs speaker. This lets you take advantage of the receivers surround sound effects, like Dolby Pro Logic Surround and lets you use the receivers 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:

To listen to or watch

Records Radio programs Compact discs (CD) Audio tapes or MiniDiscs (MD) TV programs or Digital broadcasting system Video tapes DVD player/AC-3 decoder
TV/DBS VIDEO 5.1/DVD INPUT (STRSE581 only)
Press VIDEO to select the VCR. Turn on the TV and set the TVs video input to match your video component. Turn on the VCR, and start playback.
Turn on 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. Turn MASTER VOLUME to adjust the volume. To adjust the volume of the TVs speakers, use the volume control on the TV.

Using the remote

The remote lets you operate the receiver and the Sony components that are connected to it.
TV CONTROL SYSTEM STANDBY SYSTEM CONTROL/ FUNCTION
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

Records Radio programs

Changing the factory setting of a function button
If the factory settings of the FUNCTION buttons dont match your system components, you can change them. For example, if you have two CD players and you dont 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.

Press watch

PHONO TUNER
Compact discs (CD) CD Audio tapes or MiniDiscs (MD) TV programs VHS Video tapes (VTR-3 mode) DVD Player/AC-3 decoder TAPE/MD (INITIAL-TAPE B MODE) TV VIDEO CD and PHONO (STR-SE581 only)
SYSTEM CONTROL/ FUNCTION Numeric buttons
If you want to change the factory setting of a button, see the next section. The receiver and the selected component turn on. If the component does not turn on
Press the power switch on the component.
Hold down the SYSTEM CONTROL/FUNCTION button whose function you want to change (TAPE/MD, for example). Press the corresponding numeric button of the component you want to assign to the SYSTEM CONTROL/FUNCTION button (1 - CD player, for example).
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.
The numeric buttons are assigned to select the functions as follows: Numeric button

>10 Enter *

Operates
CD player DAT deck MD deck Tape deck A Tape deck B LD player VCR (remote control mode VTR 1*) VCR (remote control mode VTR 2*) VCR (remote control mode VTR 3*) TV DBS DVD

SET UP
To turn off surround sound

Press SURROUND ON/OFF.

SURROUND ON/OFF

SURROUND MODE

You can find Dolby Surround-encoded software by looking at the packaging
However, some videos and laser discs may use Dolby Surround sound even if its not indicated on the package.
Make sure to select speaker A with the SPEAKERS A button. Otherwise, you cant obtain the surround effect.
Press SURROUND ON/OFF to turn on the surround sound. One of the SUR (surround) MODE indicators lights up in the display. Press Surround MODE repeatedly until the indicator for the surround mode you want lights up. Select the appropriate surround mode as follows: Select

PRO LOGIC*

Adjusting the Effect Level (for C. STUDIO and HALL only)
You can make the surround sound more prominent by increasing the EFFECT level. This control lets you adjust the presence of the surround effect in six steps (1-6).
Decode programs processed with Dolby Surround and create the atmosphere of a movie theater. Add the acoustic reflections of a cinema studio to decoded Dolby Surround signals. Reproduce the acoustics of a rectangular concert hall. Ideal for soft, acoustic sounds.
Start playing a programme source. Press EFFECT/DELAY TIME or EFFECT/DELAY on the remote to select the level you prefer. The effect level (EFFECT 1 EFFECT 6) appears on the display.

C. STUDIO

Changing the effect level may not produce major variations in the surround effect when used with certain playback sources.
* DOLBY appears in the display.
Getting the Most Out of Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound
To obtain the best possible Dolby Pro Logic Surround sound, first select the center mode according to the speaker system you have. Then, adjust each speaker volume and delay time. Note that you must have at least one additional pair of speakers and/or one center speaker to do the following adjustments.
CENTER LEVEL +/ Surround MODE SURROUND ON/OFF
Selecting the center mode
The receiver offers you four center modes: Phantom, 3 Channel Logic, Normal, and Wide. Each mode is designed for a different speaker configuration. Select the mode that best suits your speakers system configuration:

Inputs

Antenna

Sensitivity Impedance

PHONO (MM) CD
S/N (weighting network, input level) 2.5 mV dB** kilohms (A, 2.5 mV)
Usable sensitivity 50 dB/m (at 1,000 kHz) S/N Harmonic distortion Selectivity 54 dB (at 50 mV/m) 0.5 % (50 mV/m, 400 kHz) At 9 kHz: 35 dB At 10 kHz: 40 dB

400 mV

dB** TAPE/MD, TV/DBS, 250 mV kilohms (A, 150 mV) VIDEO, 5.1/ DVD INPUT* ** 78 IHF
Outputs TAPE/MD REC OUT: Voltage: 150 mV, Impedance: 10 kilohms VIDEO AUDIO OUT: Voltage: 150 mV, Impedance: 10 kilohms WOOFER (STR-SE581): Voltage: 2 V, Impedance: 1 kilohm PHONES: Accepts low and high impedance headphones Full mute +10 dB at 70 Hz 8 dB at 100 Hz and 10 kHz
*** You can change the AM tuning interval between 9 kHz and 10 kHz. After tuning in any AM station, turn off the receiver. Hold down the PRESET + button and press the 1/u (power) button. All preset stations will be erased when you change the interval. To reset the interval, repeat the procedure.

General

System Tuner section: PLL quartz-locked digital synthesizer system Preamplifier section: Low-noise NF type equalizer Power amplifier section: Pure-complementary SEPP 120 V AC, 60 Hz

Surround mode

Muting BASS BOOST TONE
Power requirements Power consumption AC outlets

FM tuner section

Tuning range Antenna terminals Sensitivity 87.5 - 108.0 MHz 75 ohms, unbalanced 300 ohms, balanced
STR-SE581: 230 W STR-SE381: 150 W 2 switched, total 120W/1A Max 17 x /8 x /8 inches (430 x 145 x 295 mm) STR-SE581: 16 lb 15 oz (7.7 kg) STR-SE381: 14 lb 5 oz (6.5 kg) FM wire antenna (1) AM loop antenna (1) Remote controller (remote) (1) Size AA (R6) batteries (2)
5.1/DVD INPUT* (8 ohms at 1 kHz, THD 0.8%) mode Front: 100 W/ch Center: 100 W Rear: 50 W/ch
Dimensions Mono: 18.3 dBf, 4.5 V Stereo: 38.3 dBf, 45 V Mass (Approx.) Usable sensitivity 11.2 dBf, 2 V (IHF) S/N Mono: 76 dB Stereo: 70 dB Mono: 0.3 % Stereo: 0.59 % Supplied accessories
Harmonic distortion at 1 kHz Separation Frequency response Selectivity
45 dB at 1 kHz 30 Hz - 15 kHz 2 dB
* 5.1/DVD INPUT is for STR-SE581 only. Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

60 dB at 400 kHz

3 CH LOGIC mode

Surround sound

Sound that consists of three elements: direct sound, early reflected sound (early reflections) and reverberative sound (reverberation). The acoustics where you hear the sound affect the way these three sound elements are heard. These sound elements are combined in such a way that you can actually feel the size and the type of a concert hall.

Glossary

Center mode
Setting of speakers to enhance Dolby Pro Logic Surround mode. To obtain the best possible surround sound, select one of the following four center modes according to your speaker system.
Select 3 CH LOGIC mode if you have front and center speakers but no rear speaker. The sound of the rear channel is output from the front speakers to let you experience some of the surround sound without using rear speakers. Front speaker (L) Center speaker Front speaker (R)

Types of sound

Early reflections Reverberation

NORMAL mode

Select NORMAL mode if you have front and rear speakers and a small center speaker. Since a small speaker cannot produce enough bass, the bass sound of the center channel is output from the front speakers. Front speaker (L) Center speaker

Direct sound

Delay time
Front speaker (R) Time lag between the surround sound output from front speakers and rear speakers. By adjusting the delay time of the rear speakers, you can obtain the feeling of presence. Make the delay time longer when you have placed the rear speakers in a small room or close to your listening position, and make it shorter when you have placed them in a large room or apart from your listening position.
Transition of sound from rear speakers
Direct sound Level Early reflections Reverberation

Rear speaker (L)

Rear speaker (R)

Direct tuning

Tuning method to let you directly enter a stations frequency using the numeric buttons. Use this method if you know the frequency of the station you want.

Early reflection time

WIDE mode
Select WIDE mode if you have front and rear speakers and a large center speaker. With the WIDE mode, you can take full advantage of Dolby Surround sound. Center Front speaker speaker (L) Front speaker (R)

Test tone

Signal given out by the receiver for adjusting the speaker volume. The test tone will come out as follows:

Dolby Pro Logic Surround

Decoding system of Dolby Surround sound standardized in TV programs and movies. Compared with the former Dolby Surround system, Dolby Pro Logic Surround improves sound image by using four separate channels: off-screen audio effects, on-screen dialog, leftto-right panning, and music. These channels manipulate the sound to be heard and enhance the action as it happens on the screen. To take advantage of Dolby Pro Logic, you should have at least one pair of rear speakers and/or one center speaker. You also need to select the appropriate center mode to enjoy a full effect.
In a system with a center speaker (NORMAL/WIDE/3 CH LOGIC modes)
The test tone is output from the front L (left), center, front R (right), and rear speakers in succession. Front (L) Center Front (R)

3 CH LOGIC

PHANTOM mode
Select PHANTOM mode if you have front and rear speakers but no center speaker. The sound of the center channel is output from the front speakers. Front speaker (L) Front speaker (R)

CD player/MD Selects track numbers. recorder/DVD 0 selects track 10. player TV/VIDEO TV/VCR/DBS Selects channel numbers. >10 CD player/ Tape deck/ MD recorder Receiver Selects track numbers over 10. VISUAL 1/u (power) TV/VCR
TV/VCR/ Turns on or off the power. LD Player/DBS/ DVD player Turns on the TV, switches the input to TV, and sets the remote to operate the TV. Selects the channel entry mode, either one or two digit (in Europe only). Changes the position of the small picture.* Swaps the small and the large picture.* Activates the picture-inpicture function.* Jumps back and forth between the previous and current channels. Normally, adjusts the master volume of the receiver. If TV CONTROL was pressed, it adjusts the volume on the TV. Normally, mutes the sound from the receiver. If TV CONTROL was pressed, the sound on the TV itself is muted. Selects output signal from the antenna terminal: TV signal or VCR program.

CH/PRESET +/

Scans and selects preset stations.

TV CONTROL TV

TV/VCR/DBS Selects preset channels. D. SKIP CD player Skips discs (CD player with multi-disc changer only). Select discs (Mega storage CD player only except CDP-C661). Searches tracks (forward or backward). P IN P Tape deck/MD Fastforwards or rewinds. recorder/VCR =/+ JUMP CD player/ MD recorder CD player/ Tape deck/MD recorder/VCR/ DVD player Skips tracks. TV TV -/- TV

POSITION

SWAP CD player/ DVD player
Pauses play or record. (Also starts recording with components in record standby.)

MASTER VOL TV +/

Starts play. CD player/ Tape deck/MD recorder/VCR/ DVD player Stops play. CD player/ Tape deck/MD recorder/VCR/ DVD player Tape deck Starts play on the reverse side. Sets tape decks to the record standby mode. Starts recording when pressed with ( (or 9 on tape deck).

MUTING

ANT TV/VTR VCR

Tape deck

* Only for Sony TVs with the picture-in-picture function
Tape deck/ MD recorder/ VCR

Quick Reference Guide

Receiving Broadcasts Presetting Radio Stations (direct tuning)
Example: Receiving FM 102.50 MHz

Example 1: Playing a CD

Example: Presetting a station as A7

Turn on the CD player.

Tune in the station you want. Select FM.

MEMORY

Start playing.

DIRECT

Example 2: Watching a video tape

Select A.

Display

Turn on the VCR.

Scanning Radio Receiving Preset Stations (automatic tuning) Stations
Example: Scanning FM stations
Using Pre-programmed Sound Fields
Example: Watching the video tape of a Dolby Surroundencoded movie
Example: Receiving the station number A7

Select FM.

TUNING + 7

To continue scanning.

TUNING +

SURROUND

Scanning Preset Stations

Select C.STUDIO

Turn on the VCR. Start playing.

PRESET TUNING +

Sony Corporation

Printed in Malaysia