2-668-367-12 (1)
Mini HI-FI
Component
System
Operating Instructions
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the rear of the unit. Record these
numbers in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your
Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. ______________ Serial No. ______________
MHC-GX470
MHC-RG590S/RG490S/RG290/
RG190
© 2006 Sony Corporation
Note to CATV system installer:
Music discs encoded with
copyright protection technologies
This reminder is provided to call the CATV
system installer’s attention to Article 820-40
of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper
grounding and, in particular, specifies that
the cable ground shall be connected to the
grounding system of the building, as close to the
point of cable entry as practical.
This product is designed to playback discs that
conform to the Compact Disc (CD) standard.
Recently, various music discs encoded with
copyright protection technologies are marketed
by some record companies. Please be aware
that among those discs, there are some that do
not conform to the CD standard and may not be
playable by this product.
Disposal of Old Electrical &
Electronic Equipment
(Applicable in the European
Union and other European
countries with separate
collection systems)
MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology and
patents licensed from Fraunhofer IIS and
Thomson.
This symbol on the product or on its packaging
indicates that this product shall not be treated
as household waste. Instead it shall be handed
over to the applicable collection point for
the recycling of electrical and electronic
equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed
of correctly, you will help prevent potential
negative consequences for the environment and
human health, which could otherwise be caused
by inappropriate waste handling of this product.
The recycling of materials will help to conserve
natural resources. For more detailed information
about recycling of this product, please contact
your local Civic Office, your household
waste disposal service or the shop where you
purchased the product.
Applicable accessories: Remote commander
U.S.A., Canadian and Australian
models only
ENERGY STAR® is a U.S.
registered mark. As an
ENERGY STAR® partner, Sony
Corporation has determined that
this product meets the ENERGY
STAR® guidelines for energy
efficiency.
Note on DualDiscs
A DualDisc is a two sided disc product which
mates DVD recorded material on one side
with digital audio material on the other side.
However, since the audio material side does not
conform to the Compact Disc (CD) standard,
playback on this product is not guaranteed.
3GB
Table of Contents
Precautions......................................26
4GB
This manual mainly explains operations using
the remote, but the same operations can also be
performed using the buttons on the unit having
the same or similar names.
Guide to parts and
controls
/(power) button (page 10, 21,
24)
Unit
Press to turn on the system.
STANDBY indicator (page 15,
23)
Lights up when the system is turned off.
CD button (page 11)
Press to select the CD function.
TUNER/BAND button (page 12)
Press to select the TUNER function. Press
to select FM or AM reception mode.
Unit: TAPE A/B button (page 13)
Remote: TAPE button (page 13)
Press to select the TAPE function. Press to
select TAPE A or TAPE B.
AUDIO IN button (page 14)
Press to select the AUDIO IN function.
Remote
FUNCTION button
Press to select the function.
SUBWOOFER indicator (MHC-
GX470/RG590S/RG490S only)
(page 14)
Lights up when the subwoofer is turned
on.
SUBWOOFER button (MHC-
GX470/RG590S/RG490S only)
(page 14)
Press to turn on and off the subwoofer.
Continued
5GB
Mexican model:
Playback buttons
Unit: KARAOKE button (page 20)
Press to activate the karaoke mode.
Remote: DISPLAY button (page
15)
Press to change the information on the
display.
(page 11, 12, 13)
Unit: (play/pause) button
Remote: (play) button,
(pause) button
Press to start or pause playback.
(stop) button (page 11, 12, 13)
Press to stop playback.
Other models:
DISPLAY button (page 15)
Press to change the information on the
display.
/(go back/go forward)
button (page 11)
Press to select a track or file.
North American model:
PLAY MODE/TUNING MODE
button (page 11, 12, 13)
Press to select the play mode of a CD,
MP3 or tape. Press to select the tuning
mode.
Unit: TUNING +/– button
(page 12)
Remote: +/– (tuning) button
(page 12)
Press to tune in the desired station.
Other models:
ILLUMINATION button (page 15)
Press to change the illumination pattern
+/– (select folder) button
(page 11)
Press to select a folder on an MP3 disc.
.
around the VOLUME control
/(rewind/fast forward)
button (page 11, 13)
Buttons for synchro recording or
manual recording (page 18)
REC PAUSE/START button,
CD SYNC button
Press to find a point in a track or file.
MULTI JOG dial (/(go
back/go forward), +/– (tuning))
(page 11, 19)
Turn to select a track or file. Turn to
tune in the desired station. (Same as the
/, +/– buttons on the remote)
Press to record on a tape.
PUSH button (page 13)
Press to insert or eject a tape.
PHONES jack
Connect the headphones.
AUDIO IN jack (page 14)
Connect to an audio component.
6GB
Latin American model only:
MIC jack (page 20)
Connect the microphone. Mexican model
comes with 2 microphone jacks.
DISC 1 – 3 button (page 11)
Press to select a disc. Press to switch to the
CD function from other function.
Unit: DISC SKIP/EX-CHANGE
button (page 11)
MIC LEVEL (page 20)
Turn to adjust the microphone volume.
Press to select a disc. Press to exchange a
disc while playing.
Mexican model only:
ECHO LEVEL (page 20)
Turn to adjust the echo level.
Remote: DISC SKIP button
(page 11)
Press to select a disc.
Unit: VOLUME control (page 11,
12, 13, 14)
Remote sensor (page 23)
Turn to adjust the volume.
CLOCK/TIMER SELECT button
(page 21)
CLOCK/TIMER SET button
(page 10, 21)
Press to set the clock and the timers.
Remote: VOLUME +/– button
(page 11, 12, 13, 14)
Press to adjust the volume.
EQ BAND button (page 19)
Press to select the frequency band.
REPEAT/FM MODE button (page
11, 12)
Press to listen to a disc, a single track
or file repeatedly. Press to select the FM
reception mode (monaural or stereo).
ENTER button (page 10, 16, 17,
21)
Press to enter the settings.
Battery compartment lid
(page 10)
Sound buttons (page 14, 19)
Unit: GROOVE button,
SURROUND button
Remote: EQ button
Press to select the sound.
CLEAR button (page 16)
Press to delete a pre-programmed track.
TUNER MEMORY button
(page 17)
Press to preset the radio station.
(open/close) button (page 11)
Press to insert and eject a disc.
PLAY MODE/TUNING MODE
button (page 11, 12, 13)
Press to select the play mode of a CD,
MP3 or tape.
Press to select the tuning mode.
SLEEP button (page 21)
Press to set the Sleep Timer.
7GB
Getting Started
Hooking up the system securely
When carrying this system
1
2
3
Remove all discs to protect the CD mechanism.
Press CD
to select the CD function.
Hold down
on the unit, and press /
on
AM loop antenna
the unit until “STANDBY” appears.
4
After “LOCK” appears, unplug the power cord.
Subwoofer (MHC-GX470/RG590S/
RG490S only)
Place the subwoofer vertically to obtain a
better bass reproduction. Also, position the
subwoofer:
FM lead antenna
(Extend it horizontally.)
– on a solid floor where resonance is unlikely
to occur.
or
– at least a few centimeters away from the
wall.
– away from the center of the room or place a
bookshelf against a wall, to avoid generating
a standing wave.
Brown side for
other regions
White side for North
American model
Solid (Red/)
Subwoofer
Striped (Black/)
Speakers and subwoofer
Attach the supplied speaker pads to the bottom
of the front speakers and subwoofer to prevent
slipping.
Front speaker for all models, Subwoofer for
MHC-GX470/RG490S
Front speaker (right)
Solid (Red/)
Subwoofer for MHC-RG590S
8GB
Antennas
Find a location and an orientation that provide
good reception, and then set up the antenna.
Keep the antennas away from the speaker cords
to avoid picking up noise.
Video (Mexican model only)
To view video from this system,
turn on the TV, and select the
appropriate video input on the TV.
The Mexican model can play back
only NTSC-format CD-G discs.
Speakers and subwoofer
Insert only the stripped portion of
the cord.
Video cable (supplied)
Power
For models with a voltage selector,
set VOLTAGE SELECTOR to the
local power line voltage.
Connect the power cord to a wall
socket. The demonstration appears
in the display.
If the plug does not fit the wall
socket, detach the supplied plug
adaptor (only for models equipped
with an adaptor).
Striped (Black/)
Front speaker (left)
*Saudi Arabian model: 120 – 127 V
Wall socket
Continued
9GB
To use the remote
Slide and remove the battery compartment lid
Setting the clock
, and insert the two supplied R6 (size AA)
batteries, side first, matching the polarities
shown below.
1
Press /(power)
to turn on the
system.
2
Press CLOCK/TIMER SET
.
If the current mode appears on the display,
repeatedly to select
“CLOCK SET” and then press ENTER
press /
.
repeatedly
to set the hour, and then press
3
4
Press /
ENTER
.
Notes
• With normal use, the batteries should last for about six
months.
Use the same procedure to set the
minutes.
• Do not mix an old battery with a new one or mix
different types of batteries.
• If you do not use the remote for a long period of time,
remove the batteries to avoid damage from battery
leakage and corrosion.
When you turn off the system after setting
the clock, the clock display appears instead
of the demonstration display.
The clock settings are lost when you
disconnect the power cord or if a power
failure occurs.
10GB
Other operation
To
Pause playback
Press
Basic Operations
(or on the unit)
. To resume play, press
Playing a CD/CD-G/MP3
disc
CD-G discs are supported only on the Mexican
model.
the button again.
Stop playback
.
Select a folder
on an MP3 disc
.
+/–
Select a track
or file
/(or turn the
1
2
Select the CD function.
MULTI JOG dial on the
Press CD
.
.
unit)
Find a point in
a track or file
(except for CD-
G discs)
Hold down /
during playback, and
Place a disc.
Press
on the unit, and place a disc
release the button at the
desired point.
with the label side up on the disc tray.
Select Repeat
Play
REPEAT
repeatedly
until “REP” or “REP1”
appears.
Select a disc
DISC SKIP (or DISC 1
– 3 on the unit)
mode.
in stop
Switch to CD
function from
other function
To insert additional discs, press DISC SKIP
DISC 1 – 3
on the
to rotate the disc tray.
To close the disc tray, press
unit again.
unit (Automatic Source
Selection).
on the
Exchange other
discs while
playing
EX-CHANGE
unit.
on the
Do not force the disc tray closed with your
finger, as this may damage the unit.
3
4
Start playback.
Press (or on the unit)
.
To change the play mode
Press PLAY MODE
repeatedly while the
Adjust the volume.
Press VOLUME +/– (or turn the VOLUME
control on the unit)
player is stopped. You can select normal play
(“ALL DISCS” for all discs or “1 DISC” for a
disc or “ *” for all MP3 files in the folder on
the disc), shuffle play (“ALL DISCS SHUF” or
.
“1 DISC SHUF” or “
play (“PGM”).
* When playing a CD-DA disc,
SHUF*”), or program
(SHUF) Play
performs the same operation as 1 DISC (SHUF) Play.
Continued
11GB
Notes on Repeat Play
• All tracks or files on a disc are played repeatedly up to
five times.
• You cannot select “REP” and “ALL DISCS SHUF” at
the same time.
• “REP1” indicates that a single track or file is repeated
until you stop it.
Listening to the radio
1
Select “FM” or “AM.”
Press TUNER/BAND
repeatedly.
2
Select the tuning mode.
Notes on playing MP3 discs
• Do not save other types of files or unnecessary folders
on a disc that has MP3 files.
Press TUNING MODE
“AUTO” appears.
repeatedly until
• Folders that have no MP3 files are skipped.
3
4
Tune in the desired station.
• MP3 files are played back in the order that they are
recorded onto the disc.
• The system can only play MP3 files that have a file
extension of “.MP3”.
• If there are files on the disc that have the “.MP3” file
extension, but that are not MP3 files, the unit may
produce noise or may malfunction.
• The maximum number of:
– folders is 150 (including the root folder).
– MP3 files is 255.
– MP3 files and folders that can be contained on a
single disc is 300.
– folder levels (the tree structure of files) is 8.
• Compatibility with all MP3 encoding/writing software,
recording device, and recording media cannot be
guaranteed. Incompatible MP3 discs may produce
noise or interrupted audio or may not play at all.
Press +/– (or TUNING +/– on the unit)
. Scanning stops automatically when a
station is tuned in, and then “TUNED” and
“STEREO” (for stereo programs) appear.
When you tune in a station that provides
RDS services, the station name appears on
the display (European model only).
Adjust the volume.
Press VOLUME +/– (or turn the VOLUME
.
control on the unit)
Notes on playing multisession discs
• If the disc begins with a CD-DA (or MP3) session, it is
recognized as a CD-DA (or MP3) disc, and playback
continues until another session is encountered.
• A disc with a mixed CD format is recognized as a CD-
DA (audio) disc.
To stop automatic scanning
.
Press
To tune in a station with a weak signal
If “TUNED” does not appear and the scanning
Notes on the Mexican model
• You cannot select the graphic channels of CD-Gs or
display CD-G images with fading effects.
• Some functions of the unit, when used during CD-G
disc playback, may cause image distortion in the video
output .
does not stop, press TUNING MODE
repeatedly until “AUTO” and “PRESET”
disappear, and then press +/– (or TUNING
+/– on the unit)
desired station.
repeatedly to tune in the
To reduce static noise on a weak FM
stereo station
Press FM MODE
repeatedly until “MONO”
appears to turn off stereo reception.
12GB
Other operation
To
Pause playback
Playing a tape
Press
(or on the unit)
1
Select a tape deck.
Press TAPE (or TAPE A/B on the unit)
repeatedly.
. To resume play, press
the button again.
Stop playback
.
Rewind or fast
forward
2
Insert a tape.
Press PUSH
.
/
on the unit, and insert
the TYPE I (normal) tape into the cassette
holder with the side you want to play
facing forward. Make sure there is no slack
in the tape to avoid damaging the tape or
Select Relay
Play*
PLAY MODE
repeatedly until “RELAY”
appears.
the tape deck. Press PUSH
on the
* After the playback of the front side of deck A, deck B
plays the front side, and then stops.
unit again to close the cassette holder.
3
4
Start playback.
Press (or on the unit) . Do not
eject the tape during playback or recording,
as this may cause irreparable damage to the
tape and cassette holder.
Adjust the volume.
Press VOLUME +/– (or turn the VOLUME
control on the unit)
.
13GB
Using optional audio
components
Adjusting the sound
To add a sound effect
1
Connect additional audio
component to the AUDIO IN jack
To
Press
Reinforce the
bass and create
a more powerful
sound
GROOVE
repeatedly until “GROOVE”
appears.
on the unit
on the unit using an audio
analog cord (not supplied).
Set the surround
effect
SURROUND
on the unit
2
Turn down the volume.
Press VOLUME – (or turn the VOLUME
control on the unit towards –)
repeatedly until “SURR”
appears.
.
Select the preset
sound effect
EQ
repeatedly. To
3
4
Select the AUDIO IN function.
cancel, press EQ
repeatedly until “EQ OFF”
appears.
Press AUDIO IN
on the unit.
Start playing the connected
component.
To turn on the subwoofer (MHC-GX470/
RG590S/RG490S only)
5
Adjust the volume.
Press VOLUME +/– (or turn the VOLUME
Press SUBWOOFER
on the unit repeatedly
.
control on the unit)
until “SUB ON” appears. The SUBWOOFER
indicator
on the unit lights up. If you later
disconnect the subwoofer, repeat the procedure
until “SUB OFF” appears. The volume of the
subwoofer is linked to the front speakers.
14GB
Notes on the display information
• The following are not displayed;
– total playing time for a CD-DA disc depending on
the play mode.
Changing the display
To
Press
– total playing time for an MP3 disc.
– remaining playing time for an MP3 file.
• The following are not displayed correctly;
– elapsed playing time of an MP3 file encoded using a
VBR (variable bit rate).
– folder and file names that do not follow either the
ISO9660 Level 1, Level 2 or Joliet in the expansion
format.
Change the
illumination
pattern around
the VOLUME
control
ILLUMINATION
the unit repeatedly.
on
1)
Change
information on
the display2)
DISPLAY
when the system is turned
on.
repeatedly
• The following are displayed;
– ID3 tag information for MP3 files when ID3 version
1 and version 2 tags are used. (The Russian model
can display information in Russian characters, but
the characters may not be displayed correctly for
discs created with some encoding/writing software
and some recording device.)
Change Display
mode (See
below.)
DISPLAY
when the system is turned
off.
repeatedly
– up to 30 characters of ID3 tag information using
uppercase letters (A to Z), numbers (0 to 9), and
symbols (˝ $ % ’ ( ) * , – . / < = > @ [ \ ] _ ` { | } ! ?
^).
1)
Except for North American model
2)
For example, you can view CD/CD-G/MP3 disc
information, such as the track or file number or folder
name during normal play, or the total playing time
while the player is stopped.
The system offers the following display modes.
Display mode When the system is
off1),
Demonstration
The clock display is
replaced by lighting and
flashing of the display
window.
Clock
The clock is displayed.
Power Saving
Mode2)
The display is turned off
to conserve power. The
timer and clock continue to
operate.
1)
The STANDBY indicator
when the system is off.
on the unit lights up
2)
When the system is in Power Saving Mode, the
following functions are unavailable:
– setting the clock.
– changing the AM tuning interval (except for
European, Russian, and Saudi Arabian models).
– turning on the system by pressing the function
buttons (for example, CD ).
– changing the CD power manage function.
– resetting the system to factory settings.
15GB
6
7
Repeat steps 3 through 5 to
program additional tracks or files,
up to a total of 25 tracks or files.
Other Operations
Creating your own CD
program
To play your program of tracks or
files, press
.
(Program Play)
The program remains available until
you open the disc tray. To play the same
.
program again, press
Use buttons on the remote to create your own
program.
To cancel Program Play
Press PLAY MODE
repeatedly until
1
2
Press CD
function.
to select the CD
“PGM” disappears while the player is stopped.
To delete the last track or file of the
program
Press PLAY MODE
until “PGM” appears while the
player is stopped.
repeatedly
Press CLEAR
while the player is stopped.
To view the program information, such
as total playing time and the number of
tracks
repeatedly to
3
4
Press DISC SKIP
select a disc.
Press DISPLAY
is stopped.
repeatedly while the player
Press /
repeatedly until
the desired track number appears.
When programming MP3 files, press
+/–
repeatedly to select the desired
folder, and then select the desired file.
Disc tray number Selected track or file number
Total playing time of program
(including selected track or file)
to add the track
or file to the program.
5
Press ENTER
“– –.– –” appears when the total program
time exceeds 100 minutes for a CD, or
when you select an MP3 file.
16GB
6
To call up a preset radio
station, press TUNING MODE
Presetting radio
stations
You can preset your favorite radio stations
and tune them in instantly by selecting the
corresponding preset number.
repeatedly until “PRESET”
appears, and then press +/–
repeatedly to select the desired
preset number.
Use buttons on the remote to preset stations.
1
2
Tune in the desired station (see
“Listening to the radio” (page 12)).
Press TUNER MEMORY
.
Preset number
3
Press +/–
repeatedly to select
your desired preset number.
If another station is already assigned to
the selected preset number, the station is
replaced by the new stations.
.
4
5
Press ENTER
Repeat steps 1 through 4 to store
other stations.
You can preset up to 20 FM and 10 AM
stations. The preset stations are retained for
about half a day even if you disconnect the
power cord or if a power failure occurs.
17GB
2
Prepare the recording source.
Recording onto a tape
(CD Synchro recording/Manual
recording/Sound Mixing)
For CD Synchro Recording:
Press CD
to select the CD function.
Load the disc you want to record, and press
DISC SKIP
disc.
repeatedly to select the
You can record on a TYPE I (normal) tape in
three ways:
When recording a folder from an MP3
disc, press PLAY MODE
on the remote
CD Synchro Recording:
You can record an entire CD onto a tape. The
recording level is adjusted automatically.
repeatedly to select “ ,” and then press
+/–
repeatedly to select the desired
folder.
To record only your favorite CD tracks or
MP3 files in your desired order, perform
steps 2 to 6 of “Creating your own CD
program” (page 16).
Manual Recording:
You can record just the portions you like from
a sound source, including connected audio
components.
For Manual Recording and Sound
Mixing:
Sound Mixing (Latin American model
only):
You can “mix” sounds by playing one of the
components and singing or speaking into a
microphone (not supplied). The mixed sound
can be recorded onto a tape.
Select the desired source to record or mix.
To record only sound from a microphone,
press CD , and do not start playing any
other source in step 4.
Use buttons on the unit to control tape
recording.
3
Set deck B to stand by for
recording.
1
Load a recordable tape into deck
B with the side you want to record
facing forward, and then press
For CD Synchro Recording:
Press CD SYNC
.
For Manual Recording and Sound
Mixing:
TAPE A/B
TAPE B.
repeatedly to select
Press REC PAUSE/START
.
18GB
4
Start recording.
While recording, you cannot listen to other
sources.
Creating your own
sound effect
You can raise or lower the levels of specific
frequency ranges, and then store the setting as
“USER” in the memory.
For CD Synchro Recording:
Press REC PAUSE/START . When the
recording is completed, the CD player and
the tape deck stop automatically.
1
Select the audio emphasis you
want for your basic sound using
EQ, and SURROUND and
For Manual Recording:
Press REC PAUSE/START , and then
start playing the desired recording source.
If there is noise while recording from the
tuner, reposition the appropriate antenna to
reduce the noise.
GROOVE on the unit
.
2
Press EQ BAND
repeatedly to
select a frequency band, and then
For Sound Mixing:
Press REC PAUSE/START , and then
turn the MULTI JOG dial
on the
start playing the desired source and start
singing or speaking into the microphone.
If acoustic feedback (howling) occurs,
reduce the volume, move the microphone
away from the speakers, or change the
direction of the microphone.
unit to adjust the frequency level.
Repeat this for each band you want
to adjust.
Frequency level
Frequency band
To stop recording
.
Press
Notes
• Recording stops if you change to a different function.
3
4
Hold down EQ
until
• When loud sound signals are input, the system
automatically adjusts the recording level to prevent
distortion of the recorded sound signal (Auto Level
Control function).
• You cannot eject the disc during CD Synchro
Recording.
“COMPLETE” appears.
The setting is stored in the memory.
To call up the personal sound
effect, press EQ
“USER” appears.
repeatedly until
To cancel the sound effect
Press EQ
appears.
repeatedly until “EQ OFF”
19GB
For the Mexican model only:
To cancel karaoke mode, in addition to the
Enjoying karaoke
above procedure, press KARAOKE
repeatedly until “ ” disappears.
(Latin American model only)
To adjust the microphone reverb, turn ECHO
LEVEL
to adjust the reverb effect. To
You can sing along by connecting an optional
microphone.
Use buttons on the unit for karaoke.
cancel, turn ECHO LEVEL
to MIN.
To use CD-Gs, turn on your TV, and select the
appropriate video input.
to MIN to turn
down the microphone volume level.
1
2
Turn MIC LEVEL
Note on the Mexican model
You cannot set the SURROUND effect when
“KARAOKE PON” has been selected.
Connect an optional microphone to
the MIC jack
.
The Mexican model has 2 microphone
jacks.
3
For the Mexican model only:
Press KARAOKE
repeatedly to select
“KARAOKE PON” for stereo-recorded
CD, or “MPX L” or “MPX R” for
multiplex CD.
4
5
Start playing the music.
Turn MIC LEVEL
to adjust the
microphone volume.
If acoustic feedback (howling) occurs,
reduce the volume, move the microphone
away from the speakers, or change the
direction of the microphone.
After you have finished, disconnect the
.
microphone from the MIC jack
20GB
3
4
Press /
repeatedly to
Using the Timers
The system offers three timer functions. You
cannot activate both the Play Timer and the
Rec Timer at the same time. If you use either
with the Sleep Timer, the Sleep Timer has
priority.
select “PLAY SET” or “REC SET,”
and then press ENTER
“ON” appears, and the hour indication
flashes.
.
Set the time to start playing or
recording.
repeatedly to set
the hour, and then press ENTER
The minute indication flashes. Use the
procedure above to set the minutes.
Sleep Timer:
Press /
You can fall asleep to music. This function
works even if the clock is not set.
.
Press SLEEP
repeatedly. If you select
“AUTO,” the system automatically turns
off after the current disc or tape stops or in
100 minutes. Do not select “AUTO” during
Synchro Recording of a tape.
5
6
Use the same procedure as in step
4 to set the time to stop playing or
recording.
Play Timer:
You can wake up to CD, tape or tuner at a
preset time.
Select the sound source or prepare
the tape.
Rec Timer:
You can record a preset radio station at a
specified time.
Play Timer
Press /
repeatedly until the
desired sound source appears, and then
press ENTER . The display shows the
Use buttons on the remote to control the Play
Timer and the Rec Timer. Make sure you have
set the clock.
timer settings.
Rec Timer
1
Prepare the sound source.
Load a recordable tape into deck B. The
display shows the timer settings.
Play Timer
Prepare the sound source, and then press
to turn off the system.
7
Press /
VOLUME +/–
to adjust the volume.
The system turns on 15 seconds before the
preset time. If the system is on at the preset
time, the Play Timer and the Rec Timer
will not play or record.
To start from a specific CD track or MP3
file, create your own program (page 16).
Rec Timer
Tune in the preset radio station (page 17).
.
2
Press CLOCK/TIMER SET
Continued
21GB
To activate or check the timer again
Press CLOCK/TIMER SELECT , press
/
repeatedly until “PLAY
SELECT” or “REC SELECT” appears, and
.
then press ENTER
To cancel the timer
Repeat the same procedure as above until
“TIMER OFF” appears, and then press
.
ENTER
To change the setting
Start over from step 1.
Tips
• The Play Timer setting remains as long as the setting is
not canceled manually.
• The volume is reduced to minimum during the Rec
Timer.
• The Rec Timer is canceled automatically after the Rec
Timer has been activated.
22GB
The remote does not function.
• Remove any obstacles between the remote
Others
and the remote sensor
on the unit, and
position the unit away from fluorescent
lights.
• Point the remote at the system’s sensor.
• Move the remote closer to the system.
Troubleshooting
1
Make sure the power cord and speaker
cords are correctly and firmly connected.
2
Find your problem in the checklist below,
and take the indicated corrective action.
If the issue persists, contact your nearest
Sony dealer.
CD/MP3 player
The sound skips, or the disc will not
play.
• Wipe the disc clean, and replace it.
If the STANDBY indicator flashes
Immediately unplug the power cord, and
check the following item.
• If your system has a voltage selector, is the
voltage selector set to the correct voltage?
• Are the + and – speaker cords short-
circuited?
• Are you using only the supplied speakers?
• Move the system to a location away from
vibration (for example, on top of a stable
stand).
• Move the speakers away from the system,
or place them on separate stands. At high
volume, speaker vibration may cause the
sound to skip.
Play does not start from the first track.
• Is anything blocking the ventilation holes
on the back of the system?
• Press PLAY MODE
repeatedly until both
After the STANDBY indicator
stops
“PGM” and “SHUF” disappear to return to
normal play.
flashing, reconnect the power cord, and turn
on the system. If the issue persists, contact
your nearest Sony dealer.
Starting playback takes more time than
usual.
• The following discs take a longer time to
start playback.
General
– a disc recorded with a complicated tree structure.
– a disc recorded in multisession mode.
– a disc that has not been finalized (a disc to which
data can be added).
– a disc that has many folders.
The display starts flashing as soon as
you plug in the power cord even though
you have not turned on the system.
• Press DISPLAY
twice while the system is
off. The demonstration disappears.
Sound comes from one channel, or the
left and right volumes are unbalanced.
• Place the speakers as symmetrically as
possible.
Tuner
Severe hum or noise, or stations cannot
be received. (“TUNED” or “STEREO”
flashes on the display.)
• Connect only the supplied speakers.
• Connect the antenna properly.
Sound lacks bass.
• Find a location and an orientation that
provide good reception, and then set up the
antenna again.
• Connect a commercially available external
antenna.
• Check that the striped (or solid) cord is
connected to the speaker’s – (or +) jack
correctly.
Severe hum or noise.
• Move the system away from sources of
noise.
• Turn off nearby electrical equipment.
• Connect the system to a different wall
socket.
• Install a noise filter (available separately) to
the power cord.
Continued
23GB
Tape deck
To reset the system to factory settings
If the system still does not operate properly,
reset the system to factory settings. You cannot
reset the system to factory settings in Power
Saving Mode. Use buttons on the unit to reset
the system to its factory default settings.
The sound exhibits excessive wow or
flutter or dropout.
• Clean the capstans and pinch rollers. Also,
clean and demagnetize the tape heads. See
“Precautions” for details (page 25).
1
2
Disconnect and reconnect the power
cord, and then turn on the system.
To change the AM tuning interval
The AM tuning interval is factory-preset to 9
kHz (or 10 kHz, for some areas; this function
is not available on the European, Russian and
Saudi Arabian models). You cannot change the
AM tuning interval in Power Saving Mode.
Use buttons on the unit to change the AM
tuning interval.
Press , , and DISC 1
at the
same time.
All user-configured settings, such as preset
radio stations, timer, and the clock, are
deleted.
1
2
Tune in any AM station, and then turn off
the system.
While holding down TUNING – , press
.
/
All the AM preset stations are erased. To
reset the interval to the factory preset, repeat
the procedure.
To improve tuner reception
Turn off CD player power by using the CD
power management function. By default, CD
power is turned on. You cannot change the
setting in Power Saving Mode.
Use buttons on the unit to turn off CD player
power.
1
2
3
Press CD
to select the CD function.
to turn off the system.
Press /
After “STANDBY” stops flashing, press
.
/
while holding down
“CD POWER OFF” appears. With CD
player power turned off, disc access time
is increased. To turn on CD player power,
repeat the procedure until “CD POWER
ON” appears.
24GB
Display examples
Display indicates
Messages
2 (two)
COMPLETE: The preset operation ended
normally.
5 (five)
LOCKED: The disc tray does not open.
Contact your nearest Sony dealer.
6 (six)
NO DISC: There is no disc in the player, or
you have loaded a disc that cannot be played.
8 (eight)
0 (zero)
NO STEP: All of the programmed tracks have
been erased.
A
B
D
G
H
K
M
O
Q
R
S
NO TAB:You cannot record because the
overwrite protection tab has been removed
from the cassette.
NO TAPE: There is no tape in the tape deck.
NOT IN USE:You pressed an invalid button.
OVER:You have reached the end of the disc
while pressing
pause.
during playback or
PUSH SELECT:You tried to set the clock or
timer during timer operation.
PUSH STOP:You pressed PLAY MODE
during playback.
READING: The system is reading information
of the disc. Some buttons are not available.
SET CLOCK:You tried to select the timer
when the clock is not set.
SET TIMER:You tried to select the timer
when the Play Timer or Rec Timer is not set.
Z
STEP FULL:You tried to program more than
! or |
”
26 tracks or files (steps).
TIME NG: The Play Timer or Rec Timer start
and end times are set to the same time.
$
%
,
.
?
@
^
25GB
• Should any solid object or liquid get into
the system, unplug the system, and have
it checked by qualified personnel before
operating it again.
• The AC power cord can be changed only by
a qualified service facility.
Precautions
Discs that this system CAN play
• Audio CD
• CD-G (CD-Graphics) (Mexican model only)
• CD-R/CD-RW (audio data/MP3 files)
On placement
• Do not place the system in an inclined
position or in locations that are extremely
hot, cold, dusty, dirty, or humid or lacking
adequate ventilation, or subject to vibration,
direct sunlight or a bright light.
• Be careful when placing the unit or speakers
on surfaces that have been specially treated
(for example, with wax, oil, polish) as
staining or discoloration of the surface may
result.
• If the system is brought directly from a
cold to a warm location or is placed in a
very damp room, moisture may condense
on the lens inside the CD player, and cause
the system to malfunction. In this situation,
remove the disc, and leave the system turned
on for about an hour until the moisture
evaporates.
Discs that this system CANNOT play
• CD-ROM
• CD-R/CD-RW other than those recorded in
music CD format or MP3 format conforming
to ISO9660 Level 1/Level 2, Joliet or
multisession
• CD-R/CD-RW recorded in multisession that
have not ended by “closing the session”
• CD-R/CD-RW of poor recording quality,
CD-R/CD-RW that have scratches or are
dirty, or CD-R/CD-RW recorded with an
incompatible recording device
• CD-R/CD-RW which is finalized incorrectly
• Discs containing files other than MPEG 1
Audio Layer-3 (MP3) files
• Discs of non-standard shape (for example,
heart, square, star)
• Discs that have adhesive tape, paper, or
sticker attached to them
• Rental or used discs with attached seals
where the glue extends beyond the seal
• Discs that have labels printed using ink that
feels tacky when touched
On heat buildup
• Heat buildup on the unit during operation is
normal and is not cause for alarm.
• Do not touch the cabinet if it has been used
continuously at a high volume because the
cabinet may have become hot.
• Do not obstruct the ventilation holes.
Notes on discs
• Before playing, wipe the disc with a cleaning
cloth from the center out to the edge.
• Do not clean discs with solvents, such as
benzine thinner, or commercially available
cleaners or anti-static spray intended for
vinyl LPs.
• Do not expose discs to direct sunlight or heat
sources such as hot air ducts, nor leave it in a
car parked in direct sunlight.
On the speaker system
This speaker system is not magnetically
shielded, and the picture on nearby TV sets
may become magnetically distorted. In this
situation, turn off the TV, wait 15 to 30
minutes, and turn it back on. If there is no
improvement, move the speakers far away
from the TV.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
On safety
Caution: If you leave a still video image or
on-screen display image displayed on your TV
for an extended period of time via this system,
you risk permanent damage to your TV screen.
Projection TVs are especially susceptible to
this.
• The unit is not disconnected from the
AC power source (mains) as long as it is
connected to the wall socket, even if the unit
itself has been turned off.
• Completely disconnect the power cord
(mains lead) from the wall socket (mains)
if it is not going to be used for an extended
period of time. When unplugging the unit,
always grip the plug. Never pull the cord
itself.
26GB
Cleaning the cabinet
Clean this system 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 thinner, benzine, or
alcohol.
Specifications
Main unit
AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS
POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC
DISTORTION:
(MHC-GX470 The United States model only)
With 6 ohm loads, both channels driven, from
120 – 10,000 Hz; rated 125 watts per channel
minimum RMS power, with no more than 10%
total harmonic distortion from 250 milliwatts to
rated output.
To prevent a tape from being
accidentally recorded over
Break off the cassette’s overwrite protection
tab from side A or B as illustrated.
Break off the
cassette tab
Amplifier section
North American model:
MHC-GX470
Front speaker
Continuous RMS power output
(reference): 125 + 125 watts (6 ohms at
1 kHz, 10% THD)
Total harmonic distortion: less than 0.07%
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, 80 W)
To later reuse the tape for recording, cover the
broken tab with adhesive tape.
About a tape longer than 90 minutes
The use of the tape with more than 90 minutes
of play time is not recommended except for
long, continuous recording or playback.
Subwoofer
Continuous RMS power output
(reference): 150 watts (6 ohms at 80 Hz,
10% THD)
Total harmonic distortion: less than 0.07%
(6 ohms at 80 Hz, 90 W)
European and Russian models:
MHC-RG590S
Front speaker
Cleaning the tape heads
Use dry- or wet-type cleaning cassette
(available separately) after every 10 hours of
use, before you start an important recording, or
after playing an old tape. Failure to clean the
tape heads can cause degraded sound quality or
an inability of the unit to record or play tapes.
For details, refer to the instructions of the
cleaning cassette.
DIN power output (rated): 110 + 110 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output
(reference): 145 + 145 watts (6 ohms at
1 kHz, 10% THD)
Music power output (reference): 290 +
290 watts (6 ohms at 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Subwoofer
Demagnetizing the tape heads
Use a demagnetizing cassette (available
separately) after every 20 to 30 hours of
use. Failure to demagnetize the tape heads
can cause an increase in noise, a loss of
high frequency sound, and an inability to
completely erase tapes. For details, refer to the
instructions of the demagnetizing cassette.
DIN power output (rated): 130 watts
(6 ohms at 80 Hz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output
(reference): 170 watts (6 ohms at 80 Hz,
10% THD)
Music power output (reference): 340 watts
(6 ohms at 80 Hz, 10% THD)
Continued
27GB
MHC-RG490S
MHC-RG290
The following are measured at AC 120, 127, 220,
240 V 50/60 Hz
Front speaker
DIN power output (rated): 95 + 95 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)
DIN power output (rated): 95 + 95 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output
(reference): 125 + 125 watts (6 ohms at
1 kHz, 10% THD)
Continuous RMS power output
(reference): 125 + 125 watts (6 ohms at
1 kHz, 10% THD)
Music power output (reference): 250 +
250 watts (6 ohms at 1 kHz, 10% THD)
MHC-RG190
Subwoofer
The following are measured at AC 120, 127, 220,
240 V 50/60 Hz
DIN power output (rated): 120 watts
(6 ohms at 80 Hz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output
(reference): 150 watts (6 ohms at 80 Hz,
10% THD)
Music power output (reference): 300 watts
(6 ohms at 80 Hz, 10% THD)
DIN power output (rated): 50 + 50 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output
(reference): 65 + 65 watts (6 ohms at
1 kHz, 10% THD)
Inputs:
MHC-RG290
AUDIO IN (stereo mini jack): voltage
250 mV, impedance 47 kilohms
MIC (phone jack) (Latin American
model only): sensitivity 1 mV, impedance
10 kilohms
DIN power output (rated): 90 + 90 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output
(reference): 120 + 120 watts (6 ohms at
1 kHz, 10% THD)
Outputs:
Music power output (reference): 240 +
240 watts (6 ohms at 1 kHz, 10% THD)
MHC-RG190
PHONES (stereo mini jack): accepts
headphones of 8 ohms or more
VIDEO OUT (phono jack) (Mexican
model only): max. output level 1Vp-
p, unbalanced, Sync negative, load
impedance 75 ohms
DIN power output (rated): 40 + 40 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output
(reference): 50 + 50 watts (6 ohms at
1 kHz, 10% THD)
SPEAKER: accepts impedance of 6 to
16 ohms
Music power output (reference): 100 +
100 watts (6 ohms at 1 kHz, 10% THD)
SUBWOOFER OUT (MHC-GX470/
RG590S/RG490S only): accepts
impedance of 6 to 16 ohms
Other models:
MHC-RG490S
Front speaker
CD player section
The following are measured at AC 120, 127, 220,
240 V 50/60 Hz
System: Compact disc and digital audio system
Laser Diode Properties
DIN power output (rated): 95 + 95 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output
(reference): 125 + 125 watts (6 ohms at
1 kHz, 10% THD)
Emission duration: continuous
Laser Output*: Less than 44.6µW
*This output is the value measurement at a
distance of 200mm from the objective lens
surface on the Optical Pick-up Block with 7mm
aperture.
Subwoofer
DIN power output (rated): 120 watts
(6 ohms at 80 Hz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output
(reference): 150 watts (6 ohms at 80 Hz,
10% THD)
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 90 dB
Dynamic range: More than 90 dB
28GB
European and Russian models:
MHC-RG590S
Front speaker SS-RG590EU for MHC-RG590S
Speaker system: 3-way, 3-unit, bass-reflex
type
Tape deck section
Recording system: 4-track 2-channel, stereo
Frequency response: 50 – 13,000 Hz (±3 dB),
using Sony TYPE I cassettes
Wow and flutter: ±0.15% W. Peak (IEC), 0.1% W.
RMS (NAB), ±0.2% W. Peak (DIN)
Speaker units: Subwoofer 13 cm, cone
type, Woofer 13 cm, cone type, Tweeter
5 cm, horn type
Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 220 × 360 ×
240 mm
Tuner section
FM stereo, FM/AM superheterodyne tuner
FM tuner section:
Tuning range
North American model:
87.5 – 108.0 MHz (100 kHz step)
Other models:
Mass: Approx. 3.7 kg net per speaker
Subwoofer SS-WG590SBG for MHC-RG590S
Speaker system: Dual cone type
Speaker units: Woofer 20 cm, cone type,
Passive radiator 25 cm
87.5 – 108.0 MHz (50 kHz step)
Antenna: FM lead antenna
Antenna terminals: 75 ohms unbalanced
Intermediate frequency: 10.7 MHz
AM tuner section:
Tuning range
Pan-American model:
530 – 1,710 kHz (with 10 kHz tuning interval)
531 – 1,710 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)
European, Russian and Saudi Arabian models:
531 – 1,602 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)
Other models:
530 – 1,710 kHz (with 10 kHz tuning interval)
531 – 1,602 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)
Antenna: AM loop antenna, external antenna
terminal
Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 320 × 400 ×
330 mm
Mass: Approx. 7.2 kg
MHC-RG490S
Front speaker SS-RG490 for MHC-RG490S
Speaker system: 3-way, 3-unit, bass-reflex
type
Speaker units: Subwoofer 13 cm, cone
type, Woofer 13 cm, cone type, Tweeter
5 cm, horn type
Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 220 × 360 ×
240 mm
Mass: Approx. 3.7 kg net per speaker
Subwoofer SS-WG490 for MHC-RG490S
Speaker system: Bass-reflex type
Speaker units: Woofer 20 cm, cone type
Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 265 × 325 ×
325 mm
Mass: Approx. 5.8 kg
MHC-RG290
Front speaker SS-RG490 for MHC-RG290
Speaker system: 3-way, 3-unit, bass-reflex
type
Intermediate frequency: 450 kHz
Speaker
North American model:
MHC-GX470
Front speaker SS-RG490S for MHC-GX470
Speaker system: 3-way, 3-unit, bass-reflex
type
Speaker units: Subwoofer 13 cm, cone
type, Woofer 13 cm, cone type, Tweeter
5 cm, horn type
Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 220 × 360 ×
240 mm
Speaker units: Subwoofer 13 cm, cone
type, Woofer 13 cm, cone type, Tweeter
5 cm, horn type
Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 220 × 360 ×
240 mm
Mass: Approx. 3.7 kg net per speaker
Subwoofer SS-WG490S for MHC-GX470
Speaker system: Bass-reflex type
Speaker units: Woofer 20 cm, cone type
Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 265 × 325 ×
325 mm
Mass: Approx. 3.7 kg net per speaker
MHC-RG190
Front speaker SS-RG190 for MHC-RG190
Speaker system: 2-way, 2-unit, bass-reflex
type
Speaker units: Woofer 15 cm, cone type,
Tweeter 5 cm, horn type
Mass: Approx. 5.8 kg
Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 200 × 325 ×
235 mm
Mass: Approx. 2.6 kg net per speaker
Continued
29GB
Other models:
General
MHC-RG490S
Power requirements
Front speaker SS-RG490AV/RG490S/RG490 for
MHC-RG490S
North American model: AC 120 V, 60 Hz
European and Russian models: AC 230 V,
50/60 Hz
Australian model: AC 230 – 240 V,
50/60 Hz
Mexican model: AC 127 V, 60 Hz
Argentine model: AC 220 V, 50/60 Hz
Saudi Arabian model: AC 120 – 127, 220
or 230 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz, Adjustable with
voltage selector
Speaker system: 3-way, 3-unit, bass-reflex
type
Speaker units: Subwoofer 13 cm, cone
type, Woofer 13 cm, cone type, Tweeter
5 cm, horn type
Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 220 × 360 ×
240 mm
Mass: Approx. 3.7 kg net per speaker
Subwoofer SS-WG490S/WG490 for MHC-
RG490S
Other models: AC 120, 220 or 230 – 240 V,
50/60 Hz, Adjustable with voltage selector
Power consumption
Speaker system: Bass-reflex type
Speaker units: Woofer 20 cm, cone type
Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 265 × 325 ×
325 mm
USA model:
MHC-GX470: 240 watts
Canadian model:
MHC-GX470: 320 VA
European and Russian models:
MHC-RG590S: 205 watts
MHC-RG490S: 245 watts
MHC-RG290: 185 watts
MHC-RG190: 100 watts
Mexican model:
MHC-RG490S: 240 watts
MHC-RG290: 200 watts
Other models:
Mass: Approx. 5.8 kg
MHC-RG290
Front speaker SS-RG490AV/RG490S/RG490 for
MHC-RG290
Speaker system: 3-way, 3-unit, bass-reflex
type
Speaker units: Subwoofer 13 cm, cone
type, Woofer 13 cm, cone type, Tweeter
5 cm, horn type
Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 220 × 360 ×
240 mm
MHC-RG490S: 245 watts
MHC-RG290: 200 watts
MHC-RG190: 110 watts
Mass: Approx. 3.7 kg net per speaker
MHC-RG190
Front speaker SS-RG190S/RG190 for MHC-
RG190
Dimensions (w/h/d) (excl. speakers): Approx. 280
× 328 × 412.3 mm
Speaker system: 2-way, 2-unit, bass-reflex
type
Speaker units: Woofer 15 cm, cone type,
Tweeter 5 cm, horn type
Nominal impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 200 × 325 ×
235 mm
Mass: Approx. 2.6 kg net per speaker
30GB
Mass (excl. speakers)
North American model:
MHC-GX470: Approx. 9.4 kg
Canadian model:
MHC-GX470: Approx. 9.4 kg
European and Russian models:
MHC-RG590S: Approx. 9.5 kg
MHC-RG490S: Approx. 9.5 kg
MHC-RG290: Approx. 9.3 kg
MHC-RG190: Approx. 7.5 kg
Other models:
MHC-RG490S: Approx. 9.5 kg
MHC-RG290: Approx. 9.3 kg
MHC-RG190: Approx. 7.5 kg
Supplied accessories: Remote Commander (1),
R6 (Size AA) batteries (2), AM loop antenna (1),
FM lead antenna (1), Video cable (Mexican model
only) (1), Speaker pads MHC-GX470/RG590S/
RG490S (12), MHC-RG290/RG190 (8)
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
• Standby power consumption: 0.5 W
• Halogenated flame retardants are not
used in the certain printed wiring
boards.
• Lead-free solder is used for
soldering certain parts.
• Halogenated flame retardants are not
used in cabinets.
(Except for the United States model)
31GB
Printed on 100% recycled paper
using VOC (Volatile Organic
Compound)-free vegetable oil
based ink
Printed in China
|
