3-864-512-51(1) FM Stereo FM-AM Receiver Operating Instructions GB C1 C2 STR-V55ES 1998 by Sony Corporation
WARNING Precautions To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. On safety Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet, unplug the receiver and have it checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further. On power sources • Before operating the receiver, check that the operating voltage is identical with your local power supply. The operating voltage is indicated on the nameplate at the rear of the receiver.
About This Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS The instructions in this manual are for model STR-V55ES. Check your model number by looking at the upper right corner of the front panel. Hooking Up the Components 4 Conventions • The instructions in this manual describe the controls on the receiver. You can also use the controls on the supplied remote if they have the same or similar names as those on the receiver.
Hooking Up the Components This chapter describes how to connect various audio and video components to the receiver. Be sure to read the sections for the components you have before you actually connect them to the receiver.
Antenna Hookups Hooking Up the Components AM loop antenna (supplied) FM wire antenna (supplied) DIGITAL ANTENNA TV/LD DVD VIDEO 2 VIDEO 1 MONITOR S-LINK AC OUTLET CTRL A1 PRE OUT DVD IN COAXIAL FRONT FM 75Ω COAXIAL S-VIDEO IN VIDEO S-VIDEO S-VIDEO S-VIDEO IN IN OUT VIDEO VIDEO VIDEO S-VIDEO S-VIDEO IN OUT VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO IN AUDIO IN AUDIO OUT S-VIDEO OUT VIDEO REAR WOOFER CENTER L DVD y TV/LD IN OPT R AUDIO OUT AUDIO IN AUDIO IN SPEAKERS L B FRONT A REAR CENTER CD IN OPT
Audio Component Hookups Required cords Hooking Up the Components MD/DAT deck Audio cords (not supplied) INPUT OUTPUT LINE LINE When connecting a cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks on the components.
Video Component Hookups Required cords TV tuner or LD player VIDEO OUT When connecting a cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks on the components.
Digital Component Hookups Hooking Up the Components Connect the digital output jacks of your DVD player and TV tuner (etc.) to the receiver’s digital input jacks to bring the multi channel surround sound of a movie theater into your home. To enjoy full effect of multi channel surround sound, five speakers (two front speakers, two rear speakers, and a center speaker) and a subwoofer are required.
Connect the digital output jack of your MD or DAT deck to the receiver’s digital input jack and connect the digital input jack of your MD or DAT deck to the receiver’s digital output jack. These connections allow you to make digital recordings of CDs and TV broadcasts. Required cords Black Black Audio cords (not supplied) When connecting a cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks on the components.
Other Hookups Required cords Hooking Up the Components CONTROL A1 connecting cord (not supplied) Black Black AC power cord S-LINK CTRL A1 DIGITAL ANTENNA TV/LD DVD VIDEO 2 VIDEO 1 MONITOR S-LINK AC OUTLET* AC OUTLET CTRL A1 PRE OUT DVD IN COAXIAL FRONT FM 75Ω COAXIAL S-VIDEO IN VIDEO S-VIDEO S-VIDEO S-VIDEO IN IN OUT VIDEO VIDEO VIDEO S-VIDEO S-VIDEO IN OUT VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO IN AUDIO IN AUDIO OUT S-VIDEO OUT VIDEO REAR WOOFER CENTER L DVD y TV/LD IN OPT R AUDIO OUT AUDIO IN AU
S-LINK CONTROL A1 hookup Note If you make CONTROL A1 connections from the receiver to an MD deck that is also connected to a computer, do not operate the receiver while using the “Sony MD Editor” software. This may cause a malfunction. • If you have a Sony CD changer with a COMMAND MODE selector If your CD changer’s COMMAND MODE selector can be set to CD 1, CD 2, or CD 3, be sure to set the command mode to “CD 1” and connect the changer to the CD jacks on the receiver.
Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System SET UP SOUND FIELD ON/OFF MASTER VOLUME SUR EQ DISPLAY INDEX BASS BOOST VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2 MEMORY FM MODE – VIDEO 3 TUNING + DIMMER DVD SLEEP TV/LD INPUT MODE EQUALIZER TAPE SOUND FIELD GENRE MODE OFF A CD CURSOR MODE TUNER SET UP PRESET TUNING – SHIFT MULTI CHANNEL DECODING BALANCE • 0 b MODE L• + VIDEO 3 INPUT PHONO V v B PHONES MD/DAT B SPEAKERS A+B SOUND FIELD ON/OFF 10 FUNCTION MUTING •R BASS BOOST FM/AM S-VIDEO VID
Speaker System Hookup Required cords Speaker cords (not supplied) One for each front, rear, and center speaker (+) (+) Rear speaker (R) Rear speaker (L) Active woofer (–) INPUT } Monaural audio cord (not supplied) AUDIO IN ] ] } One for an active woofer Black Black DIGITAL ANTENNA TV/LD DVD VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2 IMPEDANCE SELECTOR MONITOR S-LINK AC OUTLET CTRL A1 PRE OUT DVD IN COAXIAL FRONT FM 75Ω COAXIAL S-VIDEO IN VIDEO S-VIDEO S-VIDEO S-VIDEO IN IN OUT VIDEO VIDEO VIDEO S-VIDEO S-VI
Speaker System Hookup Selecting the impedance Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System Set the IMPEDANCE SELECTOR for the speakers as indicated in the table below. Check the instruction manual of your speakers if you’re not sure of the impedance. (This information is usually printed on a label on the back of the speaker.) Multi-Channel Surround Setup For the best possible surround sound all speakers should be the same distance from the listening position (A).
Depending on the shape of your room (etc.), you may wish to place the rear speakers behind you instead of on the side walls. One advantage of this placement is that you can use a pair of large floor standing speakers matching your front speakers. A A 45° C C 90° 20° Note If you place the rear speakers behind you, be sure to check the speaker location setting in the SPEAKER SETUP menu when using sound fields from the VIRTUAL 3D genre (see pages 16 and 28~29 for details).
Multi-Channel Surround Setup z About speaker sizes (LARGE and SMALL) Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System Internally, the LARGE and SMALL settings for each speaker determine whether or not the internal sound processor will cut the bass signal from that channel. When the bass is cut from a channel, the bass redirection circuitry sends the corresponding bass frequencies to the sub woofer or other “LARGE” speaker.
Specifying the speaker distances 1 Press SET UP to display “SPEAKER DISTANCE”. 2 Press the cursor buttons (V or v) to select the parameter you want to adjust. 3 Press the cursor buttons (B or b) to select setting you desire. The setting is entered automatically. 4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have set all of the parameters described below. 5 Press SET UP to exit the set up mode. p Front speaker distance (FRONT) Initial setting : 5.
Multi-Channel Surround Setup Adjusting the speaker volume Use the remote while seated in your listening position to adjust the volume of each speaker. Note Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System This unit incorporates a new test tone with a frequency centered at 800 Hz for easier speaker volume adjustment. 1 Press 1/u to turn on the receiver. 2 Press TEST TONE on the supplied remote. You will hear the test tone from each speaker in sequence.
Before You Use Your Receiver Before turning on the receiver Checking the connections After connecting all of your components to the receiver, do the following to verify that the connections were made correctly. 1/u FUNCTION MASTER VOLUME Clearing the receiver’s memory Before you use your receiver for the first time or when you want to clear the receiver’s memory, do the following.
Before You Use Your Receiver There’s no sound from a specific component. / Check that the component is connected correctly to the audio input jacks for that component. / Check that the cord(s) used for the connection is (are) fully inserted into the jacks on both the receiver and the component. Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System No sound is heard from one of the front speakers. / Check that the BALANCE control is set at center position (see “6 BALANCE control” on page 23).
Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System 21GB
Location of Parts and Basic Operations This chapter provides information about the locations and functions of the buttons and controls on the front panel. It also explains basic operations. Front Panel Parts Description 1 1/u switch Press to turn the receiver on and off. • Before you turn on the receiver, make sure that you have turned the MASTER VOLUME control to the leftmost position to avoid damaging you speakers. 2 FUNCTION control Rotate to select the component you want to use.
1 4 5 MASTER VOLUME SUR EQ DISPLAY VIDEO 2 VIDEO 1 MEMORY FM MODE – VIDEO 3 TUNING + DIMMER DVD SLEEP TV/LD INPUT MODE EQUALIZER TAPE MD/DAT SOUND FIELD GENRE MODE OFF A CD CURSOR MODE TUNER SET UP – SHIFT 0 MODE L• + VIDEO 3 INPUT • 10 FUNCTION MUTING •R BASS BOOST MULTI CHANNEL DECODING FM/AM PHONES S-VIDEO 8 VIDEO L AUDIO R 73 3 INPUT MODE button Press to select the input mode for your digital components (DVD, TV/LD, CD, and MD/DAT).
Front Panel Parts Description 9 0 !™ !¶ !• !ª !¡ MASTER VOLUME SUR EQ DISPLAY VIDEO 2 VIDEO 1 MEMORY FM MODE – VIDEO 3 TUNING + DIMMER DVD SLEEP TV/LD INPUT MODE TAPE EQUALIZER SOUND FIELD GENRE MODE A PRESET TUNING Location of Parts and Basic Operations – TUNER SET UP SHIFT MULTI CHANNEL DECODING PHONO BALANCE • V 0 b MODE L• + VIDEO 3 INPUT 10 FUNCTION MUTING •R BASS BOOST FM/AM PHONES S-VIDEO !§ VIDEO L AUDIO R !∞ 9 DISPLAY button Press repeatedly to change t
!¢ BASS BOOST button Press to increase the bass of the front speakers. The BASS BOOST indicator lights up when the function is turned on. z When you want to enjoy high quality sound !∞ The following buttons operate the built-in tuner. For details, see “Receiving Broadcasts” starting from page 37. When cursor mode is You can SURROUND Change the various surround parameters (effect level, wall type, etc.
Enjoying Surround Sound You can take advantage of surround sound simply by selecting one of the receiver’s pre-programmed sound modes. They bring the exciting and powerful sound of movie theaters and concert halls into your home. You can also customize the sound modes to obtain the sound you desire by changing the various surround parameters. The sound modes are divided by type into four basic groups called “genres”. The following is a basic explanation of each genre.
Brief descriptions of buttons used to enjoy surround sound CURSOR MODE button: Press repeatedly to light up the SUR or EQ indicators to customize a sound field. Cursor buttons (V/v/B/b): After pressing the CURSOR MODE button or SET UP button, use these buttons to make the actual setting. GENRE button: Press to select the desired sound field group (genre). SOUND FIELD ON/OFF button: Turns the sound field on or off. MODE button: Press to select the specific sound field from the selected genre.
Selecting a Sound Field Sound field Effect Notes GENRE : CINEMA Enjoying Surround Sound NORMAL SURROUND Software with multi channel surround audio signals is played according to the way it was recorded. Software with 2 channel audio signals, is decoded with Dolby Pro Logic to create surround effects. CINEMA STUDIO A Reproduces the sound characteristics of the Sony Pictures Entertainment “Cary Grant Theater” cinema production studio.
Sound field Effect Notes GENRE : VIRTUAL 3D (continued) VIRTUAL MULTI DIMENSION Uses 3D sound imaging to create an array of virtual rear speakers positioned higher than the listener from a single pair of actual rear speakers. This mode creates 5 sets of virtual speakers surrounding the listener at approximately a 30° angle of elevation. L C R SIDE* LS RS LS VIRTUAL THEATER A Adds the 3D sound imaging of VIRTUAL MULTI DIMENSION to CINEMA STUDIO A.
Selecting a Sound Field Sound field Effect Notes GENRE : VIRTUAL 3D (continued) VIRTUAL SEMI-THEATER B VIRTUAL SEMI-THEATER C Adds the 3D sound imaging of VIRTUAL SEMI-MULTI DIMENSION to CINEMA STUDIO B. Reproduces the sound characteristics of the “Kim Novak Theater” and creates 5 sets of virtual speakers surrounding the listener at a 30° angle of elevation from the sound of the front speakers without using actual rear speakers.
Understanding the Multi-Channel Surround Displays 1 2 3 4 OPTICAL COAXIAL a DIGITAL L C R AC-3RF MPEGDTSDUAL PRO LOGIC LS S RS !™ !¡ 5 6 L.F.E. S.WOOFER STEREO RDS MEMORY D.RANGE EQ MONO TA NEWS INFO 0 1 OPTICAL Lights up when the source signal is a digital signal being input through the OPTICAL terminal. 3 a DIGITAL This indicator lights when the sound field is on and the unit is decoding signals recorded in the Dolby Digital (AC-3) format.
Understanding the Multi-Channel Surround Displays Playback channel display The display shows which channels are being played back and which speakers are being used. The letters (L, C, R, etc.) light to show the channels being played back. The boxes around the letters light to show which speakers are being used. The display varies depending on the number of speakers connected. See the “Speaker Setup and Playback Channel Display” column in the table below.
Customizing Sound Fields By adjusting the surround parameters and the equalization of the front and center speakers, you can customize the sound fields to suit your particular listening situation. Once you customize a sound field, the changes are stored in memory indefinitely (unless the receiver is unplugged for about one week). You can change a customized sound field any time by making new adjustments to the parameters. See the table on page 36 for the parameters available in each sound field.
Customizing Sound Fields DYNAMIC RANGE COMPRESSOR (D. RANGE COMP) Initial setting : OFF Lets you compress the dynamic range of the sound track. This may be useful when you want to watch movies at low volumes late at night. • OFF reproduces the sound track with no compression. • STD reproduces the sound track with the dynamic range intended by the recording engineer. • 0.1 ~ 0.9 allow you to compress the dynamic range in small steps to achieve the sound you desire.
Front speaker bass adjustment (Level/Frequency) 1Use V/v to select the level (dB) or frequency (Hz). 2 Use B/b to adjust. Repeat until you achieve the sound you desire. BASS MID TREBLE Level (dB) Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz) • The level can be adjusted ±10 dB in 1 dB steps. • The frequency can be adjusted from 100 Hz to 1.0 kHz in 21 steps. Front speaker treble adjustment (Level/ Frequency) Adjust as described in “Front speaker bass adjustment”.
Customizing Sound Fields Adjustable parameters for each sound field Sound field GENRE MODE Off — — r r On CINEMA NORMAL SURROUND r r r r r r r Enjoying Surround Sound VIRTUAL 3D MUSIC etc. A.F.D. 36GB EFFECT WALL REVERB LFE D.RANGE REAR REAR CENTER WOOFER LEVEL TYPE TIME MIX COMP BAL.
Receiving Broadcasts You can tune in stations on this receiver in the following ways: This chapter describes how to receive FM or AM broadcasts and how to preset selected stations. Automatic Tuning If you don’t know the frequency of the station you want, you can let the receiver scan all available stations in your area (see page 39). Direct Tuning You can enter a frequency of the station you want directly by using the numeric buttons on the supplied remote (see page 38).
Brief descriptions of buttons used to receive broadcasts PRESET TUNING +/– buttons: Press to scan all preset radio stations. TUNING +/– buttons: Press to scan all available radio stations. FM MODE button: If “STEREO” flashes in the display and the FM stereo reception is poor, press this button to improve the sound. You will not be able to enjoy stereo effect but the sound will be less distorted.
Automatic Tuning Preset Tuning For details on the buttons used in this section, see “Brief descriptions of buttons used to receive broadcasts” on page 38. For details on the buttons used in this section, see “Brief descriptions of buttons used to receive broadcasts” on page 38. 1 Rotate FUNCTION to select the tuner. The last received station is tuned in. Before tuning to preset stations, be sure to preset them by performing steps on “Presetting radio stations” below.
Preset Tuning Tuning to preset stations You can tune the preset stations either of the following two ways. Scanning the preset stations 1 Rotate FUNCTION to select the tuner. The last received station is tuned in. 2 Press PRESET TUNING + or PRESET TUNING – repeatedly to select the preset station you want. Each time you press the button, the receiver tunes in one preset station at a time, in the corresponding order and direction as follows: nA1˜A2˜...˜A0˜B1˜B2˜...˜B0N nC0˜...
Other Operations SLEEP FUNCTION MASTER VOLUME SUR EQ DISPLAY VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2 MEMORY FM MODE – VIDEO 3 TUNING + DVD DIMMER SLEEP TV/LD INPUT MODE EQUALIZER TAPE SOUND FIELD GENRE MODE A MD/DAT CD CURSOR MODE SET UP PRESET TUNING – SHIFT PHONES BALANCE • 0 MODE L• + VIDEO 3 INPUT PHONO b v B A+B TUNER V B SPEAKERS OFF SOUND FIELD ON/OFF INDEX BASS BOOST MULTI CHANNEL DECODING 10 FUNCTION MUTING •R BASS BOOST FM/AM S-VIDEO VIDEO L AUDIO R CURSOR MODE Cursor but
Indexing Preset Stations and Program Sources You can enter a name of up to 8 characters for preset stations (station index) and program sources. These index names (for example, “VHS”) appear in the receiver’s display when a station or program source is selected. Note that no more than one name can be entered for each preset station or program source. This function is useful for distinguishing components of the same kind. For example, two VCRs can be specified as “VHS” and “8MM,” respectively.
Using the Sleep Timer Recording on a video tape You can record from a VCR, a TV, or an LD player using the receiver. You can also add audio from a variety of audio sources when editing a video tape. See your VCR or LD player’s instruction manual if you need help. 1 Select the program source to be recorded. 2 Prepare the component for playing. For example, insert the laser disc you want to record into the LD player. 3 Insert a blank video tape into the VCR (VIDEO 1 or VIDEO 2) for recording.
Additional Information Troubleshooting If you experience any of the following difficulties while using the receiver, use this troubleshooting guide to help you remedy the problem. Also, see “Checking the connections” on page 19 to verify that the connections are correct. Should any problem persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer. There’s no sound or only a very low-level sound is heard. / Check that the speakers and components are connected securely.
No sound or only a very low-level sound is heard from the rear speakers. / Make sure the sound field function is on (press SOUND FIELD ON/OFF). / Select a sound field from the CINEMA or VIRTUAL 3D genres (except MONO MOVIE and STEREO MOVIE) (see page 28). / Adjust the speaker volume (see page 18). / Make sure the rear speaker size parameter is set to either SMALL or LARGE (see page 15). Recording cannot be done. / Check that the components are connected correctly.
Specifications Amplifier section POWER OUTPUT Stereo mode (8 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN) 120 W + 120 W (4 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN) 100 W + 100 W Surround mode (8 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN) Front: 120 W + 120 W Centera): 120W Reara): 120 W + 120 W (4 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN) Front: 100 W + 100 W Centera): 100W Reara): 100 W + 100 W a) Depending on the sound field settings and the source, there may be no sound output. Inputs (Analog) PHONO: Sensitivity: 2.5 mV Impedance: 50 kilohms S/Nb): 75 dB (A, 2.
FM tuner section Tuning range 87.5 - 108.0 MHz Antenna terminals 75 ohms, unbalanced AM tuner section Tuning range 531 - 1602 kHz (with 9-kHz tuning scale) Antenna Sensitivity Mono: 18.3 dBf, 2.2 µV/75 ohms Stereo: 38.3 dBf, 22.5 µV/75 ohms S/N Mono: 76 dB Stereo: 70 dB Harmonic distortion at 1 kHz Mono: 0.3% Stereo: 0.
Glossary Surround sound Sound that consists of three elements: direct sound, early reflected sound (early reflections) and reverberative sound (reverberation). The acoustics of the surrounding space affect the way these three sound elements are heard. Surround sound combines these sound elements in such a way that you actually can sense the size of the venue, as well as its type.
Tables of Settings Using the CURSOR MODE and SET UP buttons You can make various settings using the CURSOR MODE, SET UP, and cursor buttons. The tables below show each of the settings that these buttons can make.
Tables of Settings Using the CURSOR MODE and SET UP buttons Press SET UP repeatedly to display Press V or v to select Then B or b to select See page SPEAKER SETUP FRONT SPEAKER LARGE or SMALL 15 CENTER SPEAKER LARGE, SMALL, or NO REAR SPEAKER LARGE, SMALL, or NO REAER SPEAKER POSITION SIDE, MIDDLE, or BEHIND REAR SPEAKER HEIGHT LOW or HIGH SUB WOOFER YES or NO FRONT SPEAKER between 1.0 meters (3 feet) and 12.0 meters (40 feet) (in 0.
Index A Speakers adjusting speaker volume 18 connection 13 front speakers (A/B) 23 impedance 14 placement 14 Station index. See Indexing Supplied accessories 4 Surround sound 14~18, 26~36 I, J, K AC-3. See Dolby Digital (AC-3) Adjusting brightness of the display 43 equalizer 34 speaker volumes 18 surround parameters 33 Automatic tuning 39 Indexing preset stations 42 program sources 42 L, M, N, O Labeling.
