Sony STR-SE501: instruction

STR-DE545

STR-DE445

STR-SE501

GB

RU

PL

4-227-987-74(1)

FM Stereo

FM-AM Receiver

 

2000 Sony Corporation

Operating Instructions

Инструкция по эксплуатации

Instrukcja obsługi

2

GB

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock

hazard, do not expose the

unit to rain or moisture.

To avoid electrical shock,

do not open the cabinet.

Refer servicing to qualified

personnel only.

Do not install the

appliance in a confined

space, such as a bookcase

or built-in cabinet.

Precautions

On safety

Should any solid object or liquid fall into

the cabinet, unplug the receiver and have it

checked by qualified personnel before

operating it any further.

On power sources

• Before operating the receiver, check that

the operating voltage is identical with

your local power supply. The operating

voltage is indicated on the nameplate at

the rear of the receiver.

• The 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.

• If you are not going to use the receiver

for a long time, be sure to disconnect the

receiver from the wall outlet. To

disconnect the AC power cord, grasp the

plug itself; never pull the cord.

• AC power cord must be changed only at

the qualified service shop.

On placement

• Place the receiver in a location with

adequate ventilation to prevent heat

buildup and prolong the life of the

receiver.

• Do not place the receiver near heat

sources, or in a place subject to direct

sunlight, excessive dust or mechanical

shock.

• Do not place anything on top of the

cabinet that might block the ventilation

holes and cause malfunctions.

On operation

Before connecting other components, be

sure to turn off and unplug the receiver.

On cleaning

Clean the cabinet, panel and controls with

a soft cloth slightly moistened with a mild

detergent solution. Do not use any type of

abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent

such as alcohol or benzine.

If you have any question or problem

concerning your receiver, please

consult your nearest Sony dealer.

3

GB

About This Manual

The instructions in this manual are for the STR-DE545,

STR-DE445 and STR-SE501. Check your model number by

looking at the upper right corner of the front panel or

lower right corner of the remote. In this manual, the STR-

DE545 and the remote commander RM-U304 are used for

illustration purposes unless stated otherwise. Any

difference in operation is clearly indicated in the text, for

example, “STR-DE545 only”.

Type of differences

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. For details on the use of the

remote RM-PP404 (STR-DE545 and STR-SE501 only),

refer to the separate operating instructions supplied

with the remote.

• The following icon is used in this manual:

z

Indicates hints and tips for making the task easier.

This receiver incorporates Dolby* Digital and Pro Logic

Surround and the DTS** Digital Surround System.

*

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.

“Dolby”, “AC-3”, “Pro Logic” and the double-D symbol 

a

 are

trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

**

Manufactured under license from Digital Theater Systems, Inc. US

Pat. No. 5,451,942 and other worldwide patents issued and pending.

“DTS” and “DTS Digital Surround” are trademarks of Digital

Theater Systems, Inc. © 1996 Digital Theater Systems, Inc. All

rights reserved.

T

ABLE OF CONTENTS

Hooking Up the Components

4

Unpacking 4

Antenna Hookups 5

Audio Component Hookups 6

Video Component Hookups 7

Digital Component Hookups 8

5.1CH Input Hookups 9

Other Hookups 10

Hooking Up and Setting Up the

Speaker System

12

Speaker System Hookup 13

Performing Initial Setup Operations 15

Multi Channel Surround Setup 16

Before You Use Your Receiver 20

Location of Parts and Basic

Operations

22

Front Panel Parts Descriptions 22

Enjoying Surround Sound

27

Selecting a Sound Field 28

Understanding the Multi-Channel Surround Displays 31

Customizing Sound Fields 33

Receiving Broadcasts

37

Storing FM Stations Automatically 39

Direct Tuning 39

Automatic Tuning 40

Preset Tuning 40

Using the Radio Data System (RDS) 41

Other Operations

44

Naming Preset Stations and Program Sources 45

Recording 45

Using the Sleep Timer 46

Adjustment Using the SET UP Button 47

Additional Information

48

Troubleshooting 48

Specifications 50

Glossary 52

Settings Using SUR, LEVEL, BASS/TREBLE, and

SET UP buttons 53

Remote Button Descriptions (STR-DE445 only) 54

Index 57

Demonstration Mode

The demonstration will activate the first time you turn on the

power. When the demonstration starts, the following message

appears in the display :

“NOW DEMONSTRATION MODE IF YOU FINISH

DEMONSTRATION PLEASE PRESS POWER KEY

WHILE THIS MESSAGE APPEARS IN THE DISPLAY

THANK YOU”

To cancel the demonstration

Press 

1/u

 to turn the receiver off while the above message is

being displayed. The next time you turn the receiver on, the

demonstration will not appear.

To view the demonstration

Hold down SET UP and press 

1/u

 to turn on the power.

Notes

• Running the demonstration will clear the receiver’s

memory. For details on what will be cleared, see “Clearing

the receiver's memory” on page 15.

• There will be no sound when the demonstration mode is

activated.

Feature

Model

CONTROL A1-II

SPEAKERS FRONT B

S-Video

TV/SAT OPTICAL IN

AC OUTLET

DE545

•

•

•

•

•

DE445

SE501

•

•

•

•

•

4

GB

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.

Unpacking

Check that you received the following items with the

receiver:

• FM wire antenna (1)

• AM loop antenna (1)

• R6 (size-AA) batteries (2)

• STR-DE545 and STR-SE501 only

• Remote Commander RM-PP404 (remote) (1)

• Operating instructions of the remote (1)

• Operating instructions of CONTROL A1 II (1)

• STR-DE445 only

• Remote Commander RM-U304 (remote) (1)

Inserting batteries into the remote

Insert R6 (size-AA) batteries with the + and – properly

oriented in the battery compartment. When using the

remote, point it at the remote sensor 

g

 on the receiver.

For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied

with your remote (STR-DE545 and STR-SE501 only).

z

When to replace batteries

Under normal conditions, the batteries should last for about 6

months. When the remote no longer operates the receiver, replace

all batteries with new ones.

Notes

• Do not leave the remote in an extremely hot or humid place.

• Do not use a new battery with an old one.

• Do not expose the remote sensor to direct sunlight or lighting

apparatuses. Doing so may cause a malfunction.

• If you don’t use the remote for an extended period of time,

remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery

leakage and corrosion.

Before you get started

• Turn off the power to all components before making

any connections.

• Do not connect the AC power cords until all of the

connections are completed.

• Be sure to make connections firmly to avoid hum and

noise.

• When connecting an audio/video cord, be sure to

match the color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks on

the components: yellow (video) to yellow; white (left,

audio) to white; and red (right, audio) to red.

]

]

}

}

5

GB

Hooking Up the Components

FM wire antenna

(supplied)

AM loop antenna

(supplied)

Important

If you connect the receiver to an outdoor antenna, ground

it against lightning. To prevent a gas explosion, do not

connect the ground wire to a gas pipe.

Terminals for connecting the antennas

Connect the

To the

AM loop antenna

AM terminals

FM wire antenna

FM 75

Ω

 COAXIAL terminal

Antenna Hookups

Notes on antenna hookups

• To prevent noise pickup, keep the AM loop antenna

away from the receiver and other components.

• Be sure to fully extend the FM wire antenna.

• After connecting the FM wire antenna, keep it as

horizontal as possible.

Ground wire

(not supplied)

To ground

z

If you have poor FM reception

Use a 75-ohm coaxial cable (not supplied) to connect the receiver

to an outdoor FM antenna as shown below.

         Outdoor FM antenna

SWITCHED 120W/1A MAX

AC 120V 60Hz

FRONT

REAR

SUB

WOOFER

AUDIO IN

AUDIO IN

TV/SAT

OPTICAL

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

DVD/LD

REC OUT

IN

AUDIO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO IN

VIDEO OUT

VIDEO IN

VIDEO OUT

S-VIDEO 

OUT

S-VIDEO 

 IN

AUDIO 

OUT

4 

Ω

8 

Ω

CENTER

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

FRONT

REAR

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

CENTER

B    FRONT    A

MD/TAPE

ANTENNA

DIGITAL IN

TV/SAT

5.1 CH INPUT

AUX

CD

DVD/LD

VIDEO

SUB

WOOFER

IMPEDANCE

SELECTOR

SPEAKERS

CTRL

A1 

I I

MONITOR

AC   OUTLET

FM

75

Ω

COAXIAL

AM

ANTENNA

FM

75

Ω

COAXIAL

AM

Receiver

6

GB

Hooking Up the Components

Jacks for connecting audio components

Connect a

To the

CD player

CD jacks

MD deck or Tape deck

MD/TAPE jacks

Required cords

Audio cords (not supplied)

When connecting a cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to

the appropriate jacks on the components.

MD/TAPE deck

CD player

Audio Component Hookups

White (L)

White (L)

Red (R)

Red (R)

IN

OUT

L

R

ç

ç

LINE

L

R

OUTPUT

LINE

LINE

INPUT OUTPUT

MD/TAPE

ANTENNA

DIGITAL IN

TV/SAT

5.1 CH INPUT

AUX

CD

DVD/LD

VIDEO

SUB

WOOFER

IMPEDANCE

SELECTOR

SPEAKERS

CTRL

A1 

I I

MONITOR

AC   OUTLET

FRONT

REAR

SUB

WOOFER

AUDIO IN

AUDIO IN

TV/SAT

OPTICAL

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

DVD/LD

REC OUT

IN

AUDIO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO IN

VIDEO OUT

VIDEO IN

VIDEO OUT

S-VIDEO 

OUT

S-VIDEO 

 IN

AUDIO 

OUT

4 

Ω

8 

Ω

CENTER

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

FRONT

REAR

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

CENTER

B    FRONT    A

FM

75

Ω

COAXIAL

AM

7

GB

Hooking Up the Components

Note on video component hookups

You can connect your TV’s audio output jacks to the TV/

SAT AUDIO IN jacks on the receiver and apply sound

effects to the audio from the TV. In this case, do not

connect the TV’s video output jack to the TV/SAT VIDEO

IN jack on the receiver. If you are connecting a separate

TV tuner (or satellite tuner), connect both the audio and

video output jacks to the receiver as shown above.

z

When using the S-video jacks instead of the video jacks

(STR-DE545 and STR-SE501 only)

Your monitor must also be connected via an S-video jack. S-video

signals are on a separate bus from the video signals and will not

be output through the video jacks.

Jacks for connecting video components

Connect a

To the

TV or Satellite tuner

TV/SAT jacks

VCR

VIDEO jacks

DVD or LD player

DVD/LD jacks

TV monitor

MONITOR VIDEO OUT jack

Required cords

Audio/video cords (not supplied)

When connecting a cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to

the appropriate jacks on the components.

Video cord for connecting a TV monitor (not supplied)

Video Component Hookups

TV or Satellite tuner

DVD or LD player

            Yellow

             Yellow

Yellow (video)

Yellow (video)

White (L/audio)

White (L/audio)

Red (R/audio)

Red (R/audio)

VCR

IN

OUT

VIDEO

OUT

R

VIDEO

IN

AUDIO

OUT

AUDIO

IN

INPUT OUTPUT

L

VIDEO

IN

INPUT

OUT

S-VIDEO

IN

S-VIDEO

R

L

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO

OUT

OUTPUT

R

L

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO

OUT

OUTPUT

ç

ç

MD/TAPE

ANTENNA

DIGITAL IN

TV/SAT

5.1 CH INPUT

AUX

CD

DVD/LD

VIDEO

SUB

WOOFER

IMPEDANCE

SELECTOR

SPEAKERS

CTRL

A1 

I I

MONITOR

AC   OUTLET

FRONT

REAR

SUB

WOOFER

AUDIO IN

AUDIO IN

TV/SAT

OPTICAL

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

DVD/LD

REC OUT

IN

AUDIO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO IN

VIDEO OUT

VIDEO IN

VIDEO OUT

S-VIDEO 

OUT

S-VIDEO 

 IN

AUDIO 

OUT

4 

Ω

8 

Ω

CENTER

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

FRONT

REAR

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

CENTER

B    FRONT    A

FM

75

Ω

COAXIAL

AM

TV monitor

8

GB

Hooking Up the Components

DVD player (etc.)*

Required cords

Optical digital cords (not supplied)

Coaxial digital cord (not supplied)

Audio/video cords (not supplied)

When connecting a cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to

the appropriate jacks on the components.

Connect the digital output jacks of your DVD player and

satellite 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

sub woofer are required. You can also connect an LD

player with an RF OUT jack via an RF demodulator, such

as the Sony MOD-RF1 (not supplied).

Digital Component Hookups

Please note that you cannot connect an LD player’s AC-3 RF OUT jack directly to the receiver’s digital input jacks. You

must first convert the RF signal to either an optical or coaxial digital signal. Connect the LD player to the RF demodulator,

then connect the RF demodulator’s optical or coaxial digital output to the receiver’s OPTICAL or COAXIAL DVD/LD IN

jack. Refer to the instruction manual supplied with your RF Demodulator for details on AC-3 RF hookups.

Example of LD player connected via an RF demodulator

RF demodulator

LD player

Black

                                            Black

Yellow

                                                Yellow

Yellow (video)

Yellow (video)

White (L/audio)

White (L/audio)

Red (R/audio)

Red (R/audio)

Note

When making connections as shown above, be sure to set INPUT MODE (

3

 on page 23) manually. The receiver may not operate correctly

if INPUT MODE is set to “AUTO.”

* When making digital audio connections to a DVD player, connect to either the coaxial OR optical digital jacks, and not

both. It is recommended to make digital audio connections to the coaxial jack.

** STR-DE545 and STR-SE501 only.

Note

The optical and coaxial digital input jacks on the receiver are

compatible with sampling frequencies of 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, and

48 kHz.

DIGITAL

COAXIAL

OUTPUT

VIDEO

OUT

R

AUDIO

OUT

OUTPUT

L

DIGITAL

OPTICAL

OUTPUT

VIDEO

OUT

AUDIO

OUT

OUTPUT

DIGITAL

OPTICAL

OUTPUT

FRONT

REAR

SUB

WOOFER

AUDIO IN

AUDIO IN

TV/SAT

**

**

OPTICAL

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

DVD/LD

REC OUT

IN

AUDIO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO IN

VIDEO OUT

VIDEO IN

VIDEO OUT

S-VIDEO 

OUT

S-VIDEO 

 IN

AUDIO 

OUT

4 

Ω

8 

Ω

CENTER

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

FRONT

REAR

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

SWITCHED 120W/1A MAX

SWITCHED 120W/1A MAX

AC 120V 60Hz

AC 120V 60Hz

L

R

L

R

L

CENTER

B    FRONT    A

FM

75

Ω

COAXIAL

AM

MD/TAPE

ANTENNA

DIGITAL IN

TV/SAT

5.1 CH INPUT

AUX

CD

DVD/LD

VIDEO

SUB

WOOFER

IMPEDANCE

SELECTOR

SPEAKERS

CTRL

A1 

I I

MONITOR

AC   OUTLET

TV or Satellite

tuner

DVD/LD

VIDEO IN

DIGITAL

DVD/LD IN

(COAXIAL)

(OPTICAL)

AC-3 RF

OUT

VIDEO OUT

MULTI CHANNEL DECODING

MASTER VOLUME

DISPLAY

INPUT MODE

VIDEO

MD/TAPE

CD

TUNER

AUX

DVD/LD

TV/SAT 5.1CH INPUT

CINEMA STUDIO

LEVEL

I

–

i

+

SET UP

BASS BOOST

TONE

FM/AM

MUTING

TONE

BASS

BOOST

MEMORY

FM MODE

RDS EON RDS PTY

PRESET/

–   PTY SELECT   +

–   TUNING   +

NAME

ENTER

SUR

BASS/

TREBLE

SOUND FIELD

A. F. D.

A

B

C

2CH

MODE

DIMMER

SPEAKERS

R

 ON 

r

 OFF

A

PHONES

B

? 

/ 

1

SHIFT

DIGITAL

DVD/LD IN

(COAXIAL)

or (OPTICAL)

9

GB

Hooking Up the Components

5.1CH Input Hookups

Required cords

Audio cords (not supplied)

Two for the 5.1CH INPUT FRONT and REAR jacks

Monaural audio cords (not supplied)

Two for the 5.1CH INPUT CENTER and SUB WOOFER jacks

Black

Black

Video cord (not supplied)

One for the DVD/LD VIDEO IN jacks (etc.)

Yellow

Yellow

Note

When using the connections described below, adjust the level of

your surround speakers and subwoofer from the DVD player or

multichannel decoder.

Although this receiver incorporates a multi channel

decoder, it is also equipped with 5.1CH INPUT jacks.

These connections allow you to enjoy multichannel

software encoded in formats other than Dolby Digital

(AC-3) and DTS. If your DVD player is equipped with

5.1CH OUTPUT jacks, you can connect them directly to

the receiver to enjoy the sound of the DVD player’s multi

channel decoder. Alternatively, the 5.1CH INPUT jacks

can be used to connect an external multi channel decoder.

To fully enjoy multi channel surround sound, you will

need five speakers (two front speakers, two rear speakers,

and a center speaker) and a subwoofer. Refer to the

instruction manual supplied with your DVD player, multi

channel decoder, etc., for details on the 5.1 channel input

hookups.

Example of a DVD player hookup using the 5.1CH INPUT jacks

Note

See page 13 for details on speaker system hookup.

DVD player

Front Speaker (L)

Front Speaker (R)

Rear Speaker (L)

Rear Speaker (R)

Center Speaker

Active Woofer

DVD player,

Multichannel decoder, etc.

DVD/LD

VIDEO IN etc.

REAR

CENTER

WOOFER

5.1 CH OUTPUT

FRONT

MD/TAPE

ANTENNA

DIGITAL IN

TV/SAT

5.1 CH INPUT

AUX

CD

DVD/LD

VIDEO

SUB

WOOFER

IMPEDANCE

SELECTOR

SPEAKERS

CTRL

A1 

I I

MONITOR

AC   OUTLET

FRONT

REAR

SUB

WOOFER

AUDIO IN

AUDIO IN

TV/SAT

OPTICAL

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

DVD/LD

REC OUT

IN

AUDIO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO IN

VIDEO OUT

VIDEO IN

VIDEO OUT

S-VIDEO 

OUT

S-VIDEO 

 IN

AUDIO 

OUT

4 

Ω

8 

Ω

CENTER

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

FRONT

REAR

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

CENTER

B    FRONT    A

FM

75

Ω

COAXIAL

AM

5.1 CH INPUT

VIDEO OUT

SUB WOOFER

SPEAKERS

REAR/CENTER

SPEAKERS

FRONT

MULTI CHANNEL DECODING

MASTER VOLUME

DISPLAY

INPUT MODE

VIDEO

MD/TAPE

CD

TUNER

AUX

DVD/LD

TV/SAT 5.1CH INPUT

CINEMA STUDIO

LEVEL

I

–

i

+

SET UP

BASS BOOST

TONE

FM/AM

MUTING

TONE

BASS

BOOST

MEMORY

FM MODE

RDS EON RDS PTY

PRESET/

–   PTY SELECT   +

–   TUNING   +

NAME

ENTER

SUR

BASS/

TREBLE

SOUND FIELD

A. F. D.

A

B

C

2CH

MODE

DIMMER

SPEAKERS

R

 ON 

r

 OFF

A

PHONES

B

? 

/ 

1

SHIFT

White (L)

White (L)

Red (R)

Red (R)

10

GB

Hooking Up the Components

AC power cord

Required cords

Audio cords (not supplied)

When connecting a cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to the

appropriate jacks on the components.

CONTROL A1 connecting cord (not supplied) (STR-DE545 and STR-SE501

only)

    Black

Black

To a wall outlet

Other Hookups

b

LINE

OUTPUT

CONTROL A1

AC OUTLET

FRONT

REAR

SUB

WOOFER

AUDIO IN

AUDIO IN

TV/SAT

OPTICAL

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

DVD/LD

REC OUT

IN

AUDIO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO IN

VIDEO OUT

VIDEO IN

VIDEO OUT

S-VIDEO 

OUT

S-VIDEO 

 IN

AUDIO 

OUT

4 

Ω

8 

Ω

CENTER

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

FRONT

REAR

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

CENTER

B    FRONT    A

FM

75

Ω

COAXIAL

AM

MD/TAPE

ANTENNA

DIGITAL IN

TV/SAT

5.1 CH INPUT

AUX

CD

DVD/LD

VIDEO

SUB

WOOFER

IMPEDANCE

SELECTOR

SPEAKERS

CTRL

A1 

I I

MONITOR

AC   OUTLET

(STR- DE545 and

STR-SE501 only)

White (L)

White (L)

Red (R)

Red (R)

CD player, tape deck,

MD deck, etc.

11

GB

Hooking Up the Components

CONTROL A1   hookup (STR-DE545 and

STR-SE501 only)

• If you have a CONTROL A1   compatible Sony

CD player, tape deck, or MD deck

Use a CONTROL A1 cord (not supplied) to connect the

CONTROL A1   jack on the CD player, tape deck, or

MD deck to the CONTROL A1   jack on the receiver.

Refer to the separate manual “CONTROL-A1   Control

System” and the operating instructions supplied with

your CD player, tape deck, or MD deck for details.

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.

If, however, you have a Sony CD changer with VIDEO

OUT jacks, set the command mode to “CD 2” and

connect the changer to the VIDEO IN jacks on the

receiver.

AUX AUDIO IN hookup

• If you have an individual audio component

(except PHONO)

Use the audio cords to connect the LINE OUT jacks on

the CD player, tape deck, or MD deck to the AUX

AUDIO IN jack on the receiver so that you can listen to

stereo sources in surround sound.

Connecting the AC power cord

Before connecting the AC power cord of this receiver to a

wall outlet:

• Connect the speaker system to the receiver (see page

13).

Connect the AC power cord(s) of your audio/video

components to a wall outlet.

STR-DE545 and STR-SE501 only

If you connect other audio/video components to the AC

OUTLET(s) on the receiver, the receiver will supply power

to the connected component(s), allowing you to turn the

whole system on or off when you turn the receiver on or

off.

Caution

Make sure that the total power consumption of the component(s)

connected to the receiver’s AC OUTLET(s) does not exceed the

wattage stated on the rear panel. Do not connect high-wattage

electrical home appliances such as electric irons, fans, or TVs to

this outlet. (STR-DE545 and STR-SE501 only)

Note

If the AC power cord is disconnected for about two weeks, the

receiver’s entire memory will be cleared and the demonstration

will start.

12

GB

MULTI CHANNEL DECODING

MASTER VOLUME

DISPLAY

INPUT MODE

VIDEO

MD/TAPE

CD

TUNER

AUX

DVD/LD

TV/SAT 5.1CH INPUT

CINEMA STUDIO

LEVEL

I

–

i

+

SET UP

BASS BOOST

TONE

FM/AM

MUTING

TONE

BASS

BOOST

MEMORY

FM MODE

RDS EON RDS PTY

PRESET/

–   PTY SELECT   +

–   TUNING   +

NAME

ENTER

SUR

BASS/

TREBLE

SOUND FIELD

A. F. D.

A

B

C

2CH

MODE

DIMMER

SPEAKERS

R

 ON 

r

 OFF

A

PHONES

B

? 

/ 

1

SHIFT

SET UP

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

This chapter describes how to hook

up your speaker system to the

receiver, how to position each speaker,

and how to set up your speakers to

enjoy multi channel surround sound.

Brief descriptions of buttons and control

used to set up the speaker system

SET UP button:

  Press to enter the setup mode when

specifying speaker types and distances.

Cursor buttons (

/

):

  Use to select parameters after

pressing the SET UP button.

Jog dial:

  Use to adjust the setting of each parameter.

Cursor buttons

Jog dial

13

GB

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

Required cords

Speaker cords (not supplied)

One for each front, rear, and center speaker

Monaural audio cord (not supplied)

One for an active sub woofer

Black

Black

}

]

}

]

}

]

}

]

}

]

INPUT

AUDIO

IN

*FRONT

SPEAKERS B

FRONT

REAR

SUB

WOOFER

AUDIO IN

AUDIO IN

TV/SAT

OPTICAL

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

DVD/LD

REC OUT

IN

AUDIO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO IN

VIDEO IN

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO IN

VIDEO OUT

VIDEO IN

VIDEO OUT

S-VIDEO 

OUT

S-VIDEO 

 IN

AUDIO 

OUT

4 

Ω

8 

Ω

CENTER

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

FRONT

REAR

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

CENTER

B    FRONT    A

FM

75

Ω

COAXIAL

AM

ANTENNA

5.1 CH INPUT

AUX

CD

DIGITAL IN

MD/TAPE

VIDEO

SUB

WOOFER

IMPEDANCE

SELECTOR

MONITOR CTRL

A1 

I I

AC   OUTLET

SPEAKERS

DVD/LD

TV/SAT

Front speaker (R)

Front speaker (L)

Center speaker

Active sub woofer

Rear speaker (R)

Rear speaker (L)

Notes on speaker system hookup

• Twist the stripped ends of the speaker cords about  10

mm (2/3 inch). Be sure to match the speaker cord to the

appropriate terminal on the components: + to + and – to

–. If the cords are reversed, the sound will be distorted

and will lack bass.

• If you use front speakers with low maximum input

rating, adjust the volume carefully to avoid excessive

output on the speakers.

• You can also connect Micro Satellite Speaker (e.g.

SA-VE230) to the receiver. Micro Satellite Speaker is a

5.1 Channel speaker system consisting of two front

speakers, two rear speakers, one center speaker and one

subwoofer.

* STR-DE545 and STR-SE501 only.

Terminals for connecting the speakers

Connect the

To the

Front speakers (8 ohm)

SPEAKERS FRONT A terminals

*Additional pair of front

SPEAKERS FRONT B terminals

speakers (8 ohm)

Rear speakers (8 ohm)

SPEAKERS REAR terminals

Center speaker (8 ohm)

SPEAKERS CENTER terminals

Active sub woofer

SUB WOOFER AUDIO OUT jack

Speaker System Hookup

(+)

(–)

(+)

(–)

14

GB

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

Speaker System Hookup

To avoid short-circuiting the speakers

Short-circuiting of the speakers may damage the receiver.

To prevent this, make sure to take the following

precautions when connecting the speakers.

Make sure the stripped ends of each speaker cord

does not touch another speaker terminal or the

stripped end of another speaker cord.

Examples of poor conditions of the speaker cord

Stripped speaker cord is touching another speaker terminal.

Stripped cords are touching each other due to excessive

removal of insulation.

After connecting all the components, speakers,

and AC power cord, output a test tone to check

that all the speakers are connected correctly. For

details on outputting a test tone, see page 19.

If no sound is heard from a speaker while outputting a

test tone or a test tone is output from a speaker other than

the one whose name is currently displayed on the

receiver, the speaker may be short-circuited. If this

happens, check the speaker connection again.

To avoid damaging your speakers

Make sure that you turn down the volume before you

turn off the receiver. When you turn on the receiver, the

volume remains at the level you turn off the receiver.

15

GB

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

Once you have made speaker connections and have

turned on the power for the first time, clear the receiver’s

memory. After you have done this, set the speaker sizes,

speaker locations and other initial system settings that are

necessary.

Before turning on the receiver

Make sure that you have:

• Selected the appropriate front speakers (see “

7

SPEAKERS selector” on page 23). (STR-DE545 and

STR-SE501 only)

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.

If the Demonstration appears when the power is turned

on, this procedure is not necessary.

1

Turn off the receiver.

2

Hold down 

?

/

1

 for four seconds.

The currently selected function, then the

demonstration message appears in the display and the

items including the following are reset or cleared:

• All preset stations are reset or cleared.

• All sound field parameters are reset to their factory

settings.

• All index names (of preset stations and program

sources) are cleared.

• All adjustments made with the SET UP button are

reset to their factory settings.

• The sound field memorized for each program source

and preset stations are cleared.

Performing Initial Setup Operations

Setting up the receiver

Before you use your receiver for the first time, use the SET

UP button to adjust settings to correspond to your system.

You can set the following items. For details on how to

adjust each setting, see the page in parentheses.

• Set the speaker size (page 16).

• Set the speaker distance (page 18).

• Select the 5.1CH INPUT video signal (page 47).

1/u

MULTI CHANNEL DECODING

MASTER VOLUME

DISPLAY

INPUT MODE

VIDEO

MD/TAPE

CD

TUNER

AUX

DVD/LD

TV/SAT 5.1CH INPUT

CINEMA STUDIO

LEVEL

I

–

i

+

SET UP

BASS BOOST

TONE

FM/AM

MUTING

TONE

BASS

BOOST

SHIFT

MEMORY

FM MODE

RDS EON RDS PTY

PRESET/

–   PTY SELECT   +

–   TUNING   +

NAME

ENTER

SUR

BASS/

TREBLE

SOUND FIELD

A. F. D.

A

B

C

2CH

MODE

DIMMER

SPEAKERS

R

 ON 

r

 OFF

A

PHONES

B

? 

/ 

1

16

GB

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

Multi Channel Surround Setup

Specifying the speaker parameters

1

Press 

?

/

1

 to turn on the receiver.

2

Press SET UP.

3

Press the cursor buttons (

 or 

) to select the

parameter you want to adjust.

4

Turn the jog dial to select the setting you want.

The setting is stored automatically.

5

Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have set all of the

parameters that follow.

z

Normal speaker and Micro Satellite speaker

Choose NORM. SP if you’re using normal speakers and MICRO

SP if you’re using Micro Satellite speakers. If you choose NORM.

SP, you can adjust the speaker size and the sub woofer selection

as mentioned below. However, if you choose MICRO SP, the

speaker size and the sub woofer selection has been configurated

as follows:

Speakers

Front

Center

Rear

Woofer

You cannot change the configuration if you choose MICRO SP.

For STR-SE501, the speaker size and sub woofer selection has

been preset to MICRO SP according to the supplied speaker

system. If you change the speaker system, choose NORM. SP to

adjust the speaker size and sub woofer selection.

p

 Front speaker size (

L

R

)

Initial setting : LARGE (STR-DE545/DE445)

SMALL (STR-SE501)

• If you connect large speakers that will effectively

reproduce bass frequencies, select “LARGE”. Normally,

select “LARGE”.

• If the sound is distorted, or you feel a lack of surround

effects when using multi channel surround sound,

select “SMALL” to activate the bass redirection circuitry

and output the front channel bass frequencies from the

sub woofer.

• When the front speaker is set to “SMALL”, the center

and rear speakers are also automatically set to

“SMALL” (unless previously set to “NO”).

For the best possible surround sound all speakers should

be the same distance from the listening position (

A

).

(However, this unit lets you to place the center speaker up

to 1.5 meters (5 feet) closer (

B

) and the rear speakers up

to 4.5 meters (15 feet) closer (

C

) to the listening position.

The front speakers can be placed from 1.0 to 12.0 meters (3

to 40 feet) from the listening position (

A

).)

You can place the rear speakers either behind you or to

the side, depending on the shape of your room (etc.).

Note

Do not place the center speaker farther away from the listening

position than the front speakers.

When the rear speakers are placed to the side

When the rear speakers are placed behind you

45

°

90

°

20

°

A

A

B

C

C

45

°

90

°

20

°

A

A

B

C

C

Settings

SMALL

SMALL

SMALL

YES

17

GB

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

z

About speaker sizes (LARGE and SMALL)

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.

However, since bass sounds have a certain amount of

directionality it best not to cut them, if possible. Therefore, even

when using small speakers, you can set them to “LARGE” if you

want to output the bass frequencies from that speaker. On the

other hand, if you are using a large speaker, but prefer not to

have bass frequencies output from that speaker, set it to

“SMALL”.

If the overall sound level is lower than you prefer, set all speakers

to “LARGE”. If there is not enough bass, you can use the bass/

treble to boost the bass levels. To adjust the bass/treble, see page

35.

p

 Rear speaker position (REAR PL.)*

Initial setting : BEHIND

This parameter lets you specify the location of your rear

speakers for proper implementation of the Digital Cinema

Sound surround modes in the “VIRTUAL” sound fields.

Refer to the illustration below.

• Select “SIDE” if the location of your rear speakers

corresponds to section 

A

.

• Select “BEHIND” if the location of your rear speakers

corresponds to section 

B

.

This setting only effects the surround modes in the

“VIRTUAL” sound fields.

* These parameters are not available when “Rear speaker

size (REAR)” is set to “NO”.

p

 Center speaker size (

C

 )

Initial setting : LARGE (STR-DE545/DE445)

SMALL (STR-SE501)

• If you connect a large speaker that will effectively

reproduce bass frequencies, select “LARGE”. Normally,

select “LARGE”. However, if the front speakers are set

to “SMALL”, you cannot set the center speaker to

“LARGE”.

• If the sound is distorted, or you feel a lack of surround

effects when using multi channel surround sound,

select “SMALL” to activate the bass redirection circuitry

and output the center channel bass frequencies from the

front speakers (if set to “LARGE”) or sub woofer. *

1

• If you do not connect the center speaker, select “NO”.

The sound of the center channel will be output from the

front speakers.*

2

p

 Rear speaker size (

LS

RS

)

Initial setting : LARGE (STR-DE545/DE445)

SMALL (STR-SE501)

• If you connect large speakers that will effectively

reproduce bass frequencies, select “LARGE”. Normally,

select “LARGE”. However, if the front speakers are set

to “SMALL”, you cannot set the rear speakers to

“LARGE”.

• If the sound is distorted, or you feel a lack of surround

effects when using multi channel surround sound,

select “SMALL” to activate the bass redirection circuitry

and output the rear channel bass frequencies from the

sub woofer or other “LARGE” speakers.

• If you do not connect rear speakers, select “NO”.*

3

z

*1~*3 correspond to the following Dolby Pro Logic modes

*

1

  NORMAL

*

2

  PHANTOM

*

3

  3 STEREO

45

°

90

°

20

°

B

B

A

A

18

GB

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

Multi Channel Surround Setup

p

 Sub woofer selection (SUB WOOFER)

Initial setting : YES

• If you connect a sub woofer, select “YES”.

• If you do not connect a sub woofer, select “NO”. This

activates the bass redirection circuitry and outputs the

LFE signals from other speakers.

• In order to take full advantage of the Dolby Digital

(AC-3) bass redirection circuitry, we recommend that

you set your sub woofer’s cut off frequency as high as

possible.

p

 Front speaker distance (FRONT)

Initial setting : 5.0 meter

Set the distance from your listening position to the front

(left or right) speaker (

A

 on page 16).

• Front speaker distance can be set in 0.1 meter (1 foot)

steps from 1.0 to 12.0 meters (3 to 40 feet).

• If both speakers are not placed an equal distance from

your listening position, set the distance to the closest

speaker.

p

 Center speaker distance (CENTER)

Initial setting : 5.0 meter

Set the distance from your listening position to the center

speaker.

• Center speaker distance can be set in 0.1 meter (1 foot)

steps from a distance equal to the front speaker distance

(

A

 on page 16) to a distance 1.5 meters (5 feet) closer to

your listening position (

B

 on page 16).

• Do not place the center speaker farther away from your

listening position than the front speakers.

p

 Rear speaker distance (REAR)

Initial setting : 3.5 meter

Set the distance from your listening position to the rear

(left or right) speaker.

• Rear speaker distance can be set in 0.1 meter (1 foot)

steps from a distance equal to the front speaker distance

(

A

 on page 16) to a distance 4.5 meters (15 feet) closer

to your listening position (

C

 on page 16).

• Do not place the rear speakers farther away from your

listening position than the front speakers.

• If both speakers are not placed an equal distance from

your listening position, set the distance to the closest

speaker.

p

 Rear speaker height (REAR HGT.)*

Initial setting : LOW

This parameter lets you specify the height of your rear

speakers for proper implementation of the Digital Cinema

Sound surround modes in the “VIRTUAL” sound fields.

Refer to the illustration below.

• Select “LOW” if the location of your rear speakers

corresponds to section 

A

.

• Select “HIGH” if the location of your rear speakers

corresponds to section 

B

.

This setting only affects the surround modes in the

“VIRTUAL” sound fields.

* These parameters are not available when “Rear speaker

size (REAR)“ is set to “NO”.

z

About the rear speaker position (SIDE, and BEHIND)

This setting is designed specifically for implementation of the

Digital Cinema Sound modes in the “VIRTUAL” sound fields.

With the Digital Cinema Sound modes, speaker position is not as

critical as other modes. All of the modes in the “VIRTUAL”

sound fields were designed under the premise that the rear

speaker would be located behind the listening position, but

presentation remains fairly consistent even with the rear speakers

positioned at a rather wide angle. However, if the speakers are

pointing toward the listener from the immediate left and right of

the listening position, the “VIRTUAL” sound fields will not be

effective unless the rear speaker position parameter is set to

“SIDE”.

Nevertheless, each listening environment has many variables,

such as wall reflections, and you may obtain better results using

“BEHIND” if your speakers are located high above the listening

position, even if they are to the immediate left and right.

Therefore, although it may result in a setting contrary to the

“Rear speaker position” explanation, we recommend that you

play back multi channel surround encoded software and listen to

the effect each setting has on your listening environment. Choose

the setting that provides a good sense of spaciousness and that

best succeeds in forming a cohesive space between the surround

sound from the rear speakers and the sound from the front

speakers. If you are not sure which sounds best, select

“BEHIND” and then use the speaker distance parameter and

speaker level adjustments to obtain proper balance.

60

30

A

B

A

B

19

GB

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

Adjusting the speaker volume

Use the remote while seated in your listening position to

adjust the volume of each speaker.

Note

This receiver incorporates a new test tone with a frequency

centered at 800 Hz for easier speaker volume adjustment.

1

Press 

?

/

1

 to turn on the receiver.

2

Press TEST TONE on the supplied remote.

You will hear the test tone from each speaker in

sequence.

3

Adjust the volume level so that the volume of the

test tone from each speaker sounds the same

when you are in your main listening position.

• To adjust the balance of the front right and front left

speakers, use the front balance parameter in the

LEVEL menu (see page 34).

• To adjust the balance of the rear right and rear left

speakers, use the rear balance parameter in the

LEVEL menu (see page 34).

• To adjust the volume level of the center speaker,

press MENU </> to select the center parameter.

Use +/– on the remote to adjust the level.

• To adjust the volume level of the rear speaker, press

MENU </> to select the rear parameter.

Use +/– on the remote to adjust the level.

4

Press TEST TONE on the remote again to turn off

the test tone.

Note

The test tone cannot be output when the receiver is set to 5.1CH

INPUT.

z

You can adjust the volume level of all speakers at the same

time

Rotate MASTER VOLUME on the receiver or press MASTER

VOL +/– on the remote.

z

About speaker distances

This receiver allows you to input the speaker position in terms of

distance. However, it is not possible to set the center speaker

farther away than the front speakers. Also, the center speaker can

not be set more that 1.5 meters (5 feet) closer than the front

speakers.

Likewise, the rear speakers cannot be set farther away from the

listening position than the front speakers. And they can be no

more than 4.5 meters (15 feet) closer.

This is because incorrect speaker placement is not conducive to

enjoy the surround sound.

Please note that, setting the speaker distance closer than the

actual location of the speakers will cause a delay in the output of

the sound from that speaker. In other words, the speaker will

sound like it is farther away.

For example, setting the center speaker distance 1~2 m (3~6 feet)

closer than the actual speaker position will create a fairly realistic

sensation of being “inside” the screen. If you cannot obtain a

satisfactory surround effect because the rear speakers are too

close, setting the rear speaker distance closer (shorter) than the

actual distance will create a larger soundstage. (1 foot

corresponds to a 1 ms difference.)

Adjusting these parameters while listening to the sound often

results in much better surround sound. Give it a try!

20

GB

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

Function buttons

Before turning on the receiver

Make sure that you have:

• Selected the appropriate front speakers (see “

7

SPEAKERS selector” on page 23). (STR-DE545 and

STR-SE501 only)

Checking the connections

After connecting all of your components to the receiver,

do the following to verify that the connections were made

correctly.

1

Press 

?

/

1

 to turn on the receiver.

2

Press a function button to select a component

(program source) that you connected (e.g., CD

player or tape deck).

3

Turn on the component and start playing it.

4

Rotate MASTER VOLUME to turn up the volume.

If you do not obtain normal sound output after

performing this procedure, look for the reason in the

checklist on the following page and take the appropriate

measures to correct the problem.

Before You Use Your

Receiver

Notes

• The front balance, rear balance, center level, and rear level are

shown in the display during adjustment.

• Although these adjustments can also be made via the front

panel using the LEVEL menu (when the test tone is output, the

receiver switches to the LEVEL menu automatically), we

recommend you follow the procedure described above and

adjust the speaker levels from your listening position using the

remote control.

z

When setting the volume levels for each speaker

Let’s assume that you have matched the sound levels of all the

speakers using the test tone. Although this lays the foundation

for high quality surround sound, it may be necessary to make

further adjustments while listening to playback of actual

software. This is because most software contains center and rear

channels recorded at slightly lower levels than the two front

channels.

When you actually play back software recorded in multi channel

surround, you will notice that increasing the center and rear

speaker levels produces a better blend between the front and

center speakers and greater cohesion between the front and rear

speakers. Increasing the level of the center speaker about 1 dB,

and the rear speakers about 1~2 dB is likely to produce better

results.

In other words, in order to create a more cohesive soundstage

with balanced dialog, we recommend that you make some

adjustments while playing your software. Changes of only 1 dB

can make a huge difference in the character of the soundstage.

Multi Channel Surround Setup

MULTI CHANNEL DECODING

MASTER VOLUME

DISPLAY

INPUT MODE

VIDEO

MD/TAPE

CD

TUNER

AUX

DVD/LD

TV/SAT 5.1CH INPUT

CINEMA STUDIO

LEVEL

I

–

i

+

SET UP

BASS BOOST

TONE

FM/AM

MUTING

TONE

BASS

BOOST

SHIFT

MEMORY

FM MODE

RDS EON RDS PTY

PRESET/

–   PTY SELECT   +

–   TUNING   +

NAME

ENTER

SUR

BASS/

TREBLE

SOUND FIELD

A. F. D.

A

B

C

2CH

MODE

DIMMER

SPEAKERS

R

 ON 

r

 OFF

A

PHONES

B

? 

/ 

1

MASTER VOLUME

1/u