MHC-EC78/EC68.GB.3-294-661-12(1)
Creating your own CD program
(Program Play)
Use buttons on the remote to create your own program.
1
Press CD
to select the CD function.
2
Press PLAY MODE
repeatedly until “PGM” appears
while the player is stopped.
3
Press DISC SKIP
to select a disc.
4
Press
/
(or
/
on the unit)
repeatedly until the desired track number appears.
When programming MP3 files, press +/–
repeatedly to select the desired folder, and then select
the desired file.
Selected track or file number
Total playing time of the
selected track
5
Press ENTER
to add the track or file to the
program.
6
Repeat steps 3 through 5 to program additional
tracks or files, up to a total of 25 tracks or files.
7
To play your program of tracks or files, press
(or
CD
on the unit)
.
The program remains available until you open the disc
tray. To play the same program again, select the CD
function, and then press
(or CD
on the unit)
.
To cancel Program Play
Press PLAY MODE
repeatedly until “PGM”
disappears while the player is stopped.
To delete the last track or file of the program
Press CLEAR
while the player is stopped.
To view program information, such as total
track number of the program
Press DISPLAY
repeatedly.
Presetting radio stations
You can preset your favourite radio stations and tune
them in instantly by selecting the corresponding preset
number.
1
Tune in the desired station (See “Listening to the
radio”
)
.
2
Press TUNER MEMORY
.
Preset number
3
Press +/– (or /– on the unit)
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
Press ENTER
.
5
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.
6
To call up a preset radio station, press TUNING
MODE
repeatedly until “PRESET” appears, and
then press +/– (or /– on the unit)
repeatedly to select the desired preset number.
Other Operations
Recording onto a tape (Except for the
UK model)
Use a TYPE I (normal) tape only.
You can record just the portions you like from a sound
source, including connected audio components.
Use buttons on the unit to control tape recording.
1
Insert a recordable tape into the cassette holder
with the side you want to record facing up.
2
Prepare the recording source.
Select the desired source to record.
Place the disc you want to record and press DISC
SKIP
to select a disc.
When recording a folder from an MP3 disc, press
PLAY MODE
repeatedly to select “ ,” and then
press +/–
repeatedly to select the desired
folder.
To record only your favourite CD tracks or MP3
files in your desired order, perform steps 2 to 5 of
“Creating your own CD program.”
3
Start recording.
Press
(record)
, and then start playing the
desired recording source.
The CD starts playing automatically after 10 seconds
have passed.
If there is noise while recording from the tuner,
reposition the appropriate antenna to reduce the
noise.
While recording, you cannot listen to other sources.
To stop recording
Press
.
Tip
We recommend that you press
first, and then press
to
avoid noise being recorded when you stop recording.
Using the timers
The system offers two timer functions. If you use both
timers, the Sleep Timer has priority.
Use buttons on the remote to use the timer functions.
Sleep Timer:
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.
If the tape deck is still playing or recording at the set
time, the system turns off after the tape deck stops.
Play Timer:
You can wake up to CD or tuner at a preset time.
Make sure you have set the clock.
1
Prepare the sound source.
Press /– (or turn VOLUME on the unit)
to adjust the volume.
To start from a specific CD track or MP3 file, create
your own CD program.
2
Press CLOCK/TIMER SET
.
3
Press
/
repeatedly to select “PLAY SET,”
then press ENTER
.
“ON TIME” appears, and the hour indication flashes.
4
Set the time to start playback.
Press
/
repeatedly to set the hour, then
press ENTER
.
The minute indication flashes. Use the procedure
above to set the minutes.
5
Use the same procedure as in step 4 to set the time
to stop playback.
6
Select the sound source.
Press
/
repeatedly until the sound source
you want appears, then press ENTER
. The display
shows the timer settings.
7
Press
to turn off the system.
If the system is on at the preset time, the Play Timer
will not play.
To activate or check the timer again
Press CLOCK/TIMER SELECT
, press
/
repeatedly until “PLAY SEL” appears, then press ENTER
.
To cancel the timer
Repeat the same procedure as above until “OFF” appears,
and then press ENTER
.
To change the setting
Start over from step 1.
Tip
The Play Timer setting remains as long as the setting is not cancelled
manually.
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.
If “PROTECT” appears on the display
Immediately unplug the power cord, and check the
following items after “PROTECT” disappears.
If your system has a voltage selector, is the voltage
selector set to the correct voltage?
Are the + and – speaker cords short-circuited?
Is anything blocking the ventilation holes on the top
or back of the system?
After you have checked these above items and found
to be all right, reconnect the power cord, and turn on
the system. If the issue persists, contact your nearest
Sony dealer.
General
The system does not turn on.
Is the power cord plugged in?
Is the voltage selector set correctly to match the local
power line voltage?
There is no sound.
Are the + and – speaker cords short-circuited?
Are you using only the supplied speakers?
Is anything blocking the ventilation holes on the top or
back of the system?
Sound comes from one channel, or the left and
right volumes are unbalanced.
Place the speakers as symmetrically as possible.
Connect only the supplied speakers.
Severe hum or noise.
Move the system away from sources of noise.
Connect the system to a different wall socket.
Install a noise filter (available separately) to the power
cord.
The remote does not function.
Remove any obstacles between the remote 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.
CD/MP3 player
The sound skips, or the disc will not play.
Wipe the disc clean, and replace it.
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.
Return to Normal Play by pressing PLAY MODE
repeatedly until both “PGM” and “SHUF” disappear.
Starting playback takes more time than usual.
The following discs take a longer time to start playback.
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 disc tray does not open and “LOCKED”
appears.
Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony
service facility.
Tuner
Severe hum or noise, or stations cannot be
received. (“TUNED” or “ST” flashes on the
display.)
Connect the antenna properly.
Find a location and an orientation that provide good
reception, and then set up the antenna again.
Keep the antennas away from the speaker cords and the
power cord to avoid picking up noise.
Turn off nearby electrical equipment.
Tape deck (Except for the UK model)
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.
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 and Russian models).
Use buttons on the unit to change the AM tuning
interval.
1
Tune in any AM station, and then turn off the
system.
2
Press DISPLAY
to display the clock.
3
While holding down
, press
.
All the AM preset stations are erased. To reset the
interval to the factory preset, repeat the procedure.
On safety
The unit is not disconnected from the AC power source
(mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet,
even if the unit itself has been turned off.
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.
Should any solid object or liquid get into the system,
unplug the system, and have it checked by qualified
personnel before operating it again.
AC power cord must be changed only at a qualified
service shop.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To prevent a tape from being accidentally
recorded over (Except for the UK model)
Break off the cassette’s overwrite protection tab from side
A or B as illustrated.
Break off the cassette
tab
To later reuse the tape for recording, cover the broken tab
with adhesive tape.
About a tape longer than 90 minutes (Except
for the UK model)
The use of the tape with more than 90 minutes of play
time is not recommended except for long, continuous
recording or playback.
Cleaning the tape heads (Except for the UK
model)
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.
Demagnetizing the tape heads (Except for the
UK model)
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.
Specifications
Amplifier section
MHC-EC78
European and Russian models:
Power output (rated):
Low channel
55 W + 55 W (at 8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
High channel
55 W + 55 W (at 8 Ω, 8 kHz, 1% THD)
RMS output power (reference):
Low channel
75 W + 75 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
High channel
75 W + 75 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 8 kHz, 10% THD)
Other models:
The following are measured at AC 120, 127, 220, 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power output (rated):
Low channel
50 W + 50 W (at 8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
High channel
50 W + 50 W (at 8 Ω, 8 kHz, 1% THD)
RMS output power (reference):
Low channel
70 W + 70 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
High channel
70 W + 70 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 8 kHz, 10% THD)
MHC-EC68
European and Russian models (except for the UK model):
Power output (rated):
50 W + 50 W (at 6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
RMS output power (reference):
70 W + 70 W (per channel at 6 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
The UK model:
Power output (rated):
55 W + 55 W (at 6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
RMS output power (reference):
75 W + 75 W (per channel at 6 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Other models:
The following are measured at AC 120, 127, 220, 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power output (rated):
50 W + 50 W (at 6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
RMS output power (reference):
70 W + 70 W (per channel at 6 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Inputs
AUDIO IN (stereo mini jack): Sensitivity 800 mV, impedance 22 kilohms
Outputs
PHONES (stereo mini jack): Accepts headphones with an impedance of 8 Ω
or more
SPEAKER: impedance
MHC-EC78: 8 Ω
MHC-EC68: 6 Ω
CD player section
System: Compact disc and digital audio system
Laser: Semiconductor laser (
=770 – 810 nm)
Emission duration: continuous
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 90 dB
Dynamic range: More than 88 dB
Tape deck section (except for the UK model)
Recording system: 4-track 2-channel, stereo
Tuner section
FM stereo, FM/AM superheterodyne tuner
Antenna:
FM lead antenna
AM loop antenna
FM tuner section:
Tuning range:
87.5 – 108.0 MHz (50 kHz step)
Intermediate frequency: 10.7 MHz
AM tuner section:
Tuning range
Australian, Pan-American models:
530 – 1,710 kHz (with 10 kHz tuning interval)
531 – 1,710 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)
European and Russian models:
531 – 1,602 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)
Other models:
530 – 1,610 kHz (with 10 kHz tuning interval)
531 – 1,602 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)
Intermediate frequency: 450 kHz
Speaker
SS-EC78/SS-EC78S for MHC-EC78
Speaker system: 3 way 3 Drivers speaker system, Bass reflex
Speaker unit
Subwoofer: 13 cm, cone type
Woofer: 13 cm, cone type
Tweeter: 4 cm, horn type
Rated impedance:
High frequency: 8 ohms
Low frequency: 8 ohms
Dimensions (Approx.): 220 × 350 × 220 mm (w/h/d)
Mass (Approx.): 3.5 kg
SS-EC68/SS-EC68S for MHC-EC68 (except for the UK model)
Speaker system: 2 way 2 Drivers speaker system, Bass reflex
Speaker unit
Woofer: 16 cm, cone type
Tweeter: 4 cm, horn type
Rated impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (Approx.): 220 × 306 × 215 mm (w/h/d)
Mass (Approx.): 2.5 kg
SS-EC68SS for MHC-EC68 (for the UK model)
Speaker system: 2 way 2 Drivers speaker system, Bass reflex
Speaker unit
Woofer: 16 cm, cone type
Tweeter: 4 cm, horn type
Rated impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (Approx.): 220 × 306 × 195 mm (w/h/d)
Mass (Approx.): 2.3 kg
General
Power requirements:
European and Russian models: AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz
Mexican model: AC 127 V, 60 Hz
Argentine model: AC 220 V, 50/60 Hz
Australian model: AC 230 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Other models: AC 120, 220 or 230 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz, adjustable with voltage
selector
Power consumption:
MHC-EC78
European and Russian models: 160 W
0.5 W (in Power Saving Mode)
Mexican model: 160 W
Other models: 150 W
MHC-EC68
European and Russian models (except for the UK model): 100 W
The UK model: 110 W
0.5 W (in Power Saving Mode)
Other models: 100 W
Dimensions (w/h/d) (excl. speakers):
Approx. 200 × 306 × 415 mm
Mass (excl. speakers):
MHC-EC78
European and Russian models: Approx. 6.0 kg
Other models: Approx. 6.3 kg
MHC-EC68
European and Russian models (except for the UK model): Approx. 5.3 kg
The UK model: Approx. 5.0 kg
Other models: Approx. 5.3 kg
Supplied accessories: Remote Commander (1)/R6 (Size AA) batteries (2)/FM
lead/AM loop antenna (1)/Speaker pads (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.
Halogenated flame retardants are not used in cabinets.
To improve tuner reception
Turn off CD player power by using the CD power
management function. By default, CD power is turned on.
1
Press CD on the remote (or FUNCTION repeatedly)
to select the CD function.
2
Press
to turn off the system.
3
After “STANDBY” stops flashing, press DISPLAY
to display the clock and then press
while
holding down
on the unit.
“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.
To reset the system to factory settings
If the system still does not operate properly, reset the
system to factory settings.
Use buttons on the unit to reset the unit to its factory
default settings.
1
Disconnect and reconnect the power cord, and then
turn on the system.
2
Press
, FUNCTION
, and
at the same
time.
All user-configured settings, such as preset radio
stations, timer, and the clock, are deleted.
Messages
CANNOT LOCK :
The system cannot be locked after
you have done the procedure of “When carrying this
system.”
COMPLETE :
The preset operation ended normally.
FULL :
You tried to program more than 25 tracks or files
(steps).
LOCKED :
The disc tray does not open. Contact your
nearest Sony dealer.
NO DISC :
There is no disc in the player, or you have
loaded a disc that cannot be played.
NO STEP :
All of the programmed tracks have been
erased.
OVER :
You have reached the end of the disc while
pressing
during playback or pause.
PROTECT :
The following causes can be considered:
The voltage selector may not be set to the correct
local power line voltage.
Speaker cords may be short-circuited.
The ventilation holes may be blocked.
See “If “PROTECT” appears on the display” to check
what to do if this message appears.
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 from 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 is not set.
TIME NG :
The Play Timer start and end times are set to
the same time.
Precautions
Discs that this system CAN play
Audio CD
CD-R/CD-RW (audio data/MP3 files)
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
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
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.
