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4-562-022-

12(1)

Personal Audio System

Operating Instructions

©2014 Sony Corporation     Printed in China

ZS-PS50

*

 

 

 and VOL + 

 have a tactile dot.

Do not install the appliance in a confined space, 
such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.
Excessive sound pressure from earphones and 
headphones can cause hearing loss.
Do not expose the batteries (battery pack or 
batteries installed) to excessive heat such as 
sunshine, fire or the like for a long time.

The nameplate is located on the bottom exterior.

Basic Operations

Before using the unit

To turn the power on or off

Press OPERATE 

. You can also turn on the power 

of this unit using the direct power-on function 
(below).
In this manual, operations are mainly explained 
using the direct power-on function.

To use the direct power-on function

Press CD 

, USB 

, FM/AM 

, AUDIO IN 

 or 

FAVORITE RADIO STATIONS (1-3) 

 while the unit is 

turned off. The power turns on with the relevant 
function selected.

To adjust the volume

Press VOL + or 

 

.

To listen through headphones

Connect headphones to the 

 (headphones) jack 

.

Audio CD

(Total number of tracks and total playing time 
appear in order.)

Total number of tracks

Total playing time

MP3/WMA disc

Total number 
of folders*

1

Total number 
of files

Press 

 

 to start playback.

Playing time*

2, 3

*

1

  If MP3/WMA files are present only in the root directory, 

“001” appears on the display.

*

2

 If the playing time is longer than 100 minutes, “--:--” 

appears on the display.

*

3

 By pressing DISPLAY 

, playback screen changes 

between showing the playing time, the function name, 
and the current track number (or showing the current 
folder and file number).

Other operations

To

Do this

Pause playback

Press 

 

. To return to 

playback, press the button 
again.

Stop playback

Press 

 

. When you press 

 

 after playback is stopped, 

playback starts from the point 
where you stopped playback 
(Resume Play).

Select a folder 
on an MP3/WMA 
disc

Press   + or 

 

.

Select a track/
file

Press 

 or 

 

. You can 

skip tracks/files one by one.

Find a point in a 
track/file

Hold down 

 or 

 

 

during playback, and release the 
button at the desired point. 
When locating a point while 
paused, press 

 

 to start 

playback after the desired point 
is found.

Tip

To cancel the Resume Play, press 

 

 while the CD is 

stopped. 

Note

Resume Play is cancelled in the following cases:

 When you open the CD compartment.

 When you turn off the power.

Example of folder structure and playing order

The playing order of the folders and files is as 
follows. However, the playing order may differ from 
the original order on the disc, depending on the 
recording method used.

Folder
MP3/WMA file

Notes on MP3/WMA discs

  When a disc is loaded, the unit reads all the files on that 

disc. During this time, “READ” is flashing. If there are many 
folders or non-MP3/WMA files on the disc, it may take a 
long time for play to begin or for the next MP3/WMA file 
to start to play.

  We recommend that non-MP3/WMA files or unnecessary 

folders are excluded when creating MP3/WMA discs.

  During playback, audio files other than MP3 and WMA 

files are skipped even if those files are included in a folder.

  The audio formats supported by this unit are as follows:

 

MP3: File extension “.mp3”

 

WMA: File extension “.wma”

  Note that even if the file name has the correct file 

extension but the actual file was created in a different 
audio format, this unit may produce noise or may 
malfunction.

  MP3 PRO format is not supported.

  WMA files encoded in WMA DRM, WMA Lossless and 

WMA PRO formats cannot be played back.

  This unit cannot play audio files on a disc in the following 

cases:

 

When the total number of audio files exceeds 999.

 

When the total number of folders on a single disc 
exceeds 256 (including the “ROOT” folder).

 

When the directory level (folder depths) exceeds 8 
(including the “ROOT” folder).

Playing a music disc

Press CD 

 to turn on the CD function.

Press PUSH OPEN/CLOSE 

 

, place a disc in 

the CD compartment and then close the 
compartment cover.

Label side up

The disc is loaded and the disc information 
appears on the display. 

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not 
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

To reduce the risk of fire, do not cover the ventilation 
opening of the appliance with newspapers, 
tablecloths, curtains, etc. Do not expose the 
appliance to naked flame sources (for example, 
lighted candles).
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not 
expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing, and 
do not place objects filled with liquids, such as 
vases, on the apparatus.
As the main plug is used to disconnect the unit from 
the mains, connect the unit to an easily accessible 
AC outlet. Should you notice an abnormality in the 
unit, disconnect the main plug from the AC outlet 
immediately.
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.

Power Sources

Connect the AC power cord 

, or insert six R14 (size C) batteries (not supplied) into the battery compartment 

.

To a wall outlet

To AC IN

AC power cord (supplied)

Rear

Notes

  When using the radio on batteries and the battery power drops to a certain level, the OPR/BATT indicator 

 dims or power of 

the radio may go off during playback. If this happens, replace all the batteries with new ones. Even after the OPR/BATT indicator 

 becomes dim, you can use the radio function for some time, although you cannot use the CD player. Before you replace the 

batteries, be sure to remove any CD and disconnect any USB devices or optional components from the unit.

  To use the unit on batteries, disconnect the AC power cord from the unit and the wall outlet.

  In standby mode with the AC power cord connected, “STANDBY” lights up on the display.

To use the power-management function (European models only)

This unit is equipped with an automatic standby function. With this function, the unit enters standby mode 
automatically after about 15 minutes if there is no operation or audio signal output. 
To turn standby mode on or off, press VOL 

 

 while holding down TUNE + 

. Each time you press the buttons, 

“STANDBY” flashes for 2 seconds and “ON” or “OFF” appears on the display.

Notes

  The displayed content starts flashing on the display about 2 minutes before entering standby mode.

  The automatic standby function is not available with the FM/AM function.

Listening to music on a USB device

You can listen to audio files stored on a USB device 
(a digital music player or USB storage media).
Audio files in MP3, WMA and AAC formats* can be 
played on this unit.

*  Files with copyright protection (Digital Rights 

Management) cannot be played on this unit.

Compatible USB devices

Compatibility requirements for the USB devices are 
as follows. Before using a device with this unit, 
check that it meets the requirements.

  Compliance with USB 2.0 (Full Speed)

  Supports Mass Storage mode*

*  Mass Storage mode is a mode that allows a USB device to 

become accessible to a host device, enabling file 
transfers. Most USB devices support Mass Storage mode.

Connect the USB device to the 

 (USB) port 

.

Press USB 

 to turn on the USB function.

Total number of folders

Press 

 

 to start playback.

Playing time*

1, 2

*

1

  If the playing time is longer than 100 minutes, “--:--” 

appears on the display.

*

2

 By pressing DISPLAY 

, playback screen changes 

between showing the playing time, the function name, 
and the current folder and file number.

Other operations

To

Do this

Pause playback

Press 

 

. To return to 

playback, press the button 
again*.

Stop playback

Press 

 

. When you press 

 

 after playback is stopped, 

playback starts from the point 
where you stopped playback 
(Resume Play).

Select a folder

Press   + or 

 

.

Select a file

Press 

 or 

 

. You can 

skip files one by one.
To skip files continuously, hold 
down 

 or 

 

 and 

release the button at the desired 
file.

Find a point in a 
file

Hold down 

 or 

 

 

during playback, and release the 
button at the desired point. 
When locating a point while 
paused, press 

 

 to start 

playback after the desired point 
is found.

*  When playing a VBR MP3/WMA/AAC file, playback may 

restart from a different point.

Note

When removing a USB device, hold down 

 

 until 

“no DEV” appears, and then turn off the unit or switch to 
other functions beforehand. Removing the USB device 
without performing these steps may corrupt the data on the 
USB device or damage the device itself.

Example of folder structure and playing order

The playing order of the folders and files is as 
follows. However, the playing order may differ from 
the original order on the USB device, depending on 
the recording method used.

Folder

USB device

MP3/WMA/AAC file

Notes on the USB device

  It may take a long time before playback starts when:

 the folder structure is complex.

 the USB device is close to capacity.

  When a USB device is connected, the unit reads all the 

files on the device. If there are many folders or files on the 
device, it may take a long time for the unit to finish 
reading them.

  Do not connect a USB device to the unit through a USB 

hub.

  With some connected USB devices, after an operation is 

performed, there may be a delay before it is performed by 
this unit.

  This unit may not support all the functions provided with 

a connected USB device.

  Do not save non-MP3/WMA/AAC files or unnecessary 

folders to a USB device that contains MP3/WMA/AAC files.

  During playback, audio files other than MP3, WMA and 

AAC files are skipped even if those files are included in a 
folder.

  The audio formats supported by this unit are as follows:

 MP3: file extension “.mp3”

 WMA: file extension “.wma”

 AAC: file extension “.m4a,” “.3gp” and “.mp4”

  Note that even if the file name has the correct file 

extension but the actual file was created in a different 
audio format, this unit may produce noise or may 
malfunction.

  MP3 PRO format is not supported.

  WMA files encoded in WMA DRM, WMA Lossless and 

WMA PRO formats cannot be played back.

  AAC files encoded in copyright-protected AAC format 

cannot be played back.

  This unit supports the AAC-LC (AAC Low Complexity) 

profile.

  This unit cannot play audio files on a USB device in the 

following cases:

 When the total number of audio files in a single folder 

exceeds 999.

 When the total number of audio files on a single USB 

device exceeds 5,000.

 When the total number of folders on a single USB 

device exceeds 256 (including the “ROOT” folder).

 When the directory level (folder depths) exceeds 8 

(including the “ROOT” folder).

  These numbers may vary depending on the file and folder 

structure.

  Compatibility with all encoding/writing software is not 

guaranteed. If audio files on the USB device were 
originally encoded with incompatible software, those files 
may produce noise or interrupted sound, or may not be 
played back at all.

Listening to the radio

Press FM/AM 

 repeatedly to turn on the 

radio function and select the “FM” or “AM” 
band.

Hold down TUNE + or 

 

 until the frequency 

digits begin to change on the display.

The unit automatically scans the radio 
frequencies and stops when it finds a clear 
station.
If you cannot tune to a station using automatic 
tuning mode, press TUNE + or 

 

 repeatedly to 

change the frequency step by step.
When an FM stereo broadcast is received, “ST” 
lights up on the display.

Note

The unit of frequency of tuned stations is MHz for the FM 
band and kHz for the AM band.

To change the FM/AM tuning interval

(This function is only available on models for some 
countries/regions. See the radio section in 
“Specifications.”)
The FM/AM tuning interval can be changed if 
necessary using the following procedure.

Press FM/AM 

 repeatedly to select a band.

Hold down ENTER 

 until “FM-xx” or “AM-xx” 

flashes on the display.

Hold down FM/AM 

 until the current tuning 

step appears.

Press 

 or 

 

 to select the desired 

tuning step.

“FM 50K” (for 50 kHz interval) or “FM 100K” (for 
100 kHz interval) in the FM band, and “AM 9K” (for 
9 kHz interval) or “AM 10K” (for 10 kHz interval) in 
the AM band can be selected.

Press ENTER 

.

Changing the tuning interval erases all the FM/AM 
preset stations stored in the unit. Reset your preset 
stations after changing the tuning interval.

To improve radio reception

Use the radio in a place where 
radio signals can be easily 
received such as near a window. 
Also, adjust the antenna (FM) or 
reorient the unit itself (AM) for 
good reception.

Adjust the antenna to 
improve FM reception. If the 
stereo FM reception is noisy, 
press FM MODE 

 repeatedly 

until “Mono” appears on the 
display. You will lose the 
stereo effect, but the 
reception will be improved.

Reorient the unit 
itself to improve AM 
reception. (A ferrite 
bar antenna is built 
in the unit.)

If the reception problem still persists, try changing 
the installation location.
Avoid places such as the following:

Between 
buildings

Nearby 
mobile 
phones, 
electrical 
appliances

On steel desks 
or tables

Presetting stations to FAVORITE 
RADIO STATIONS

You can preset up to three favorite stations to 
FAVORITE RADIO STATIONS (1-3) buttons. Assign one 
FM or AM program for each button.

Press FM/AM 

 repeatedly to turn on the 

radio function and select the band “FM” or 
“AM.”

Tune to the station you want to preset.

Press and hold the desired FAVORITE RADIO 
STATIONS (–SET) (1-3) button 

 until you hear 

a beep.

The tuned station is preset to the selected button 
of FAVORITE RADIO STATIONS (1-3) and the same 
number as that of the button will light up on the 
display.

(Example: Presetting FM 87.50 MHz to number 

)

To change the preset station

Repeat steps 1 to 3.
The preset station on the button will be replaced by 
the new one.

Listening to preset stations with 
FAVORITE RADIO STATIONS

Press the desired FAVORITE RADIO STATIONS (1-3) 
button 

.

Note

To prevent the preset from being changed by mistake, do 
not hold down the button. If doing so, the preset on the 
button will be replaced by the currently tuned station.

For customers in Europe

Notice for customers: the following 
information is only applicable to 
equipment sold in countries applying EU 
directives

This product has been manufactured by or on behalf 
of Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 
108-0075 Japan. Inquiries related to product 
compliance based on European Union legislation 
shall be addressed to the authorized representative, 
Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 
70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or 
guarantee matters, please refer to the addresses 
provided in the separate service or guarantee 
documents.

Disposal of waste batteries and electrical 
and electronic equipment (applicable in 
the European Union and other European 
countries with separate collection 
systems)

   This symbol on the product, the battery 

or on the packaging indicates that the 
product and the battery shall not be 
treated as household waste. On certain 
batteries this symbol might be used in 
combination with a chemical symbol. 

The chemical symbols for mercury (Hg) or lead (Pb) 
are added if the battery contains more than 
0.0005% mercury or 0.004% lead. By ensuring these 
products and batteries are disposed of correctly, you 
will help prevent potentially negative consequences 
for the environment and human health which could 
otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste 
handling. The recycling of the materials will help to 
conserve natural resources.
In case of products that for safety, performance or 
data integrity reasons require a permanent 
connection with an incorporated battery, this battery 
should be replaced by qualified service staff only. To 
ensure that the battery and the electrical and 
electronic equipment will be treated properly, hand 
over these products at end-of-life to the applicable 
collection point for the recycling of electrical and 
electronic equipment. For all other batteries, please 
view the section on how to remove the battery from 
the product safely. Hand the battery over to the 
applicable collection point for the recycling of waste 
batteries. For more detailed information about 
recycling of this product or battery, please contact 
your local Civic Office, your household waste 
disposal service or the shop where you purchased 
the product or battery.

Personal Audio System is designed to be used 
for playing back music sources on CDs or USB 
devices and listening to radio stations.

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