Sony MHC-EC69i Operating Instructions page 2

4
Program the selected track or file.
Playing the iPod
Press  to enter the selected track or file.
5
Repeat steps 3 through 4 to program additional
1
Select the iPod function.
tracks or files, up to a total of 25 tracks or files.
Press FUNCTION +/  repeatedly (or iPod  on
6 To play your program of tracks or files, press 
the unit).
The program remains available until you open the disc
2
Place the iPod.
tray or CD compartment (MHC-EC69i only). To play
the same program again, select the CD function, and
then press  
.
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
3
Start playback.
track number of the program
Press  (or  on the unit)  .
Press DISPLAY  repeatedly.
To control the iPod
You can control your iPod with the following buttons on
Using optional audio components
the remote or unit.
(except for MHC-EC69i)
To Press
Pause playback  (pause) (or  (play/pause)
1
 or  (stop)  Prepare the sound source.
on the unit) .
Connect additional audio component to the PC IN
Scroll up/down the /  . You can scroll up or
iPod menus down the iPod menus much like jack  on the unit using an audio analog cord (not
supplied).
the Click Wheel operations of
the iPod or the drag up-or-down
2
Turn down the volume.
operations of the iPod touch.
Press VOLUME  (or turn the VOLUME control on
Select a track (go back)  / (go
the unit)  .
or chapter of forward)  . To fast-forward
3
Select the PC function.
audiobook/podcast or fast-rewind, hold down the
Press FUNCTION +/ (or FUNCTION on the unit)
button.

repeatedly.
Choose the selected
  / (enter)  . You can
4
item choose the selected item much Start playback.
like the center button on the iPod
Start playback of the connected component.
or the touch operation of the
5
Adjust the volume.
iPod touch.
Press VOLUME +/ (or turn the VOLUME control
Find a point in a Hold down  (rewind)

on the unit) .
 
track or chapter of / (fast forward) during
audiobook/podcast playback, and release the button
at the desired point.
Adjusting the sound
Return to the   /TOOL MENU  / 

previous menu or (return) . You can return to the
select a menu previous menu or select a menu To Press
much like the Menu button on
Generate a more dynamic DSGX
the iPod or the touch operation
sound (Dynamic Sound
of the iPod touch.
Generator X-tra)
Set the sound effect EQ
To use the system as a battery charger
You can use the system as a battery charger for the iPod
To turn on the subwoofer (MHC-EC99i only)
when the system is on.
Press SUBWOOFER ON/OFF 
The charging begins when the iPod is placed on the
"SUBWOOFER" appears. The volume of the subwoofer is
iPod connector. The charging status appears in the iPod
linked to the front speakers.
display. For details, see the user's guide of your iPod.
To stop charging the iPod
Remove the iPod. Changing the display
Notes
 When placing or removing the iPod, handle the iPod in the same
To Press
angle as that of the iPod connector on the unit and do not twist or
Change DISPLAY 
sway the iPod to prevent connector damage.
information on the system is turned on.
 Do not carry the unit with an iPod set on the connector. Doing so
may cause a malfunction.
display*
 When placing or removing the iPod, brace the unit with one hand
Change Display DISPLAY 
and take care not to press the controls of the iPod by mistake.
mode (See below.) system is turned off.
 Before disconnecting the iPod, pause playback.
 
 While playing video, you cannot use  / . You can fast
* For example, you can view CD/MP3 disc information, such as;
rewind (fast forward) by holding down   /  .
 track or file number during normal play.
 To change the volume level, use VOLUME +/ (or VOLUME
 track or file name (" ") during normal play.
control on the unit)  . The volume level does not change even if
 artist name (" ") during normal play.
adjusted on the iPod.
 album or folder name (" ") during normal play.
 This system is designed for iPod only. You cannot connect any other
 total playing time while the player is stopped.
portable audio players.
 To use an iPod, refer to the user's guide of your iPod.
The system offers the following display modes.
 Sony cannot accept responsibility in the event that data recorded to
iPod is lost or damaged when using an iPod with this unit.
Display mode When the system is off,
Power Saving The display is turned off to conserve
Mode 1) power. The timer and clock continue
Creating your own program
to operate.
Clock 2) The clock is displayed.
(Program Play)
1) You cannot set the clock in Power Saving Mode.
Use buttons on the remote to create your own program. The clock display automatically turns to Power Saving Mode after
2)
8 seconds.
1
Select the CD function.
Notes on the display information
Press FUNCTION +/  repeatedly.
 Characters that cannot be displayed appear as "_".
2
Select the play mode.  The following are not displayed;
 total playing time for an MP3 disc.

Press PLAY MODE repeatedly until "PGM"
 remaining playing time for an MP3 file.
appears while the player is stopped.
 The following are not displayed correctly;
3  elapsed playing time of an MP3 file encoded using VBR (variable
Select the desired track or file number.
bit rate).
Press   /  repeatedly until the desired
 folder and file names that do not follow either the ISO9660
track or file number appears.
Level 1, Level 2 or Joliet in the expansion format.
 The following are displayed;
When programming MP3 files, press +  / 
 total playing time for a CD-DA disc during normal play.
repeatedly to select the desired folder, and then select
 remaining playing time for a track.
the desired file.
 ID3 tag information for MP3 files when ID3 version 1 and
version 2 tags are used (ID3 version 2 tag information display has
Selected track or file number
priority when both ID3 version 1 and version 2 tags are used for a
single MP3 file).
 up to 15 characters of ID3 tag information using uppercase letters
(A to Z), numbers (0 to 9), and symbols (˝ $ % ' ( ) * , – . / < = > @
[ \ ] _ ` { | } ! ? ^).
Total playing time of the
selected track or file
Troubleshooting
Using the timers
The system offers two timer functions. If you use both
1
timers, the Sleep Timer has priority. Make sure the power cord and speaker cords are
Use buttons on the remote to use the timer functions. correctly and firmly connected.

.
2
Find your problem in the checklist below, and take
Sleep Timer:
the indicated corrective action.
You can fall asleep to music. This function works even if
If the issue persists, contact your nearest Sony dealer.
the clock is not set.
Press SLEEP  repeatedly. If you select "AUTO, " the
If "PROTECT" appears on the display
system automatically turns off after the current disc stops
or in 100 minutes.
Immediately unplug the power cord, and check the
following items after "PROTECT" disappears.
Play Timer:
 Are the + and  speaker cords short-circuited?
You can wake up to CD, tuner or iPod at a preset time.
 Is anything blocking the ventilation holes on the
Make sure you have set the clock.
back of the system?
1
Prepare the sound source. After you have checked these above items and found
to be all right, reconnect the power cord, and turn on
Prepare the sound source, and then press VOLUME
 the system. If the issue persists, contact your nearest
+/ to adjust the volume.
Sony dealer.
To start from a specific CD track or audio file, create
your own program.
2
Select the timer set mode. General

Press TIMER MENU .
The system does not turn on.
3
Set the play timer.
 Is the power cord plugged in?
Press /  repeatedly to select "PLAY SET," and
then press  .
There is no sound.
"ON TIME" appears, and the hour indication flashes.  Are the + and  speaker cords short-circuited?
4  Are you using only the supplied speakers?
Set the time to start playback.
 Is anything blocking the ventilation holes on the back
Press /  repeatedly to set the hour, and then
of the system?
press  . The minute indication flashes. Use the
procedure above to set the minutes.
Sound comes from one channel, or the left and
"OFF TIME" appears and the hour indication flashes
right volumes are unbalanced.
in the display.
 Place the speakers as symmetrically as possible.
5
Use the same procedure as in step 4 to set the time  Connect only the supplied speakers.
to stop playback.
Severe hum or noise.
6
Select the sound source.
 Move the system away from sources of noise.
Press /  repeatedly until the desired sound
 Connect the system to a different wall outlet.
source appears, and then press  . The display
 Install a noise filter (available separately) to the power
shows the timer settings.
cord.
7
Turn off the system.
The remote does not function.
Press   .
 Remove any obstacles between the remote and the
The system turns on 15 seconds before the preset time.
remote sensor
If the system is on at the preset time, the Play Timer
away from fluorescent lights.
will not play.
 Point the remote at the system's sensor.
Do not operate the system from the time the system
 Move the remote closer to the system.
turns on until the play starts.

on the unit.
CD/MP3 player
To check the setting
1
Press TIMER MENU  .
 The sound skips, or the disc will not play.
.
"SELECT" flashes in the display.
 Wipe the disc clean, and replace it.
2 
Press .  Move the system to a location away from vibration (for
on the unit until example, on top of a stable stand).
3
Press /  repeatedly to select "PLAY SEL," and
 Move the speakers away from the system, or place them

then press .
on separate stands. At high volume, speaker vibration
may cause the sound to skip.
To cancel the timer
Repeat the same procedure as above until "OFF" appears
Play does not start from the first track.
in step 3, and then press  .
 Return to Normal Play by pressing PLAY MODE
repeatedly until both "PGM" and "SHUF" disappear.
To change the setting
Start over from step 1.
Starting playback takes more time than usual.
repeatedly when the
Notes for the iPod user
 The following discs can increase the time it takes to start
 M ake sure the iPod is not playing when using the Play Timer.
playback:
 Th e Play Timer may not be activated depending on the status of the
 a disc recorded with a complicated tree structure.
connected iPod.
repeatedly when the
 a disc recorded in multisession mode.
Tip
 a disc that has not been finalized (a disc to which data
The Play Timer setting remains as long as the setting is not cancelled
manually.
 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. (MHC-EC99i and MHC-EC79i
(Australian and UK models only))
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.
iPod
The remote does not function.
 Update your iPod with the latest software before using
with this system.
There is no sound.
 Make sure the iPod is connected securely.
 Make sure the iPod is playing music.
 Adjust the volume.
The sound is distorted.
 Turn down the volume.
 Set the "EQ" setting of the iPod to "Off " or "Flat. "
The iPod cannot be charged.
 Make sure the iPod is connected securely.
 Make sure the system is turned on. The iPod is charged
only when the system is on.
"OVER CURRENT" appears.
 A problem has been detected with the level of electrical
current from the iPod connector. Turn off the system
and remove the iPod from the iPod connector. Make
sure there is no problem with the iPod. If this display
pattern persists, contact your nearest Sony dealer.
To change the AM tuning interval
The AM tuning interval is factory-preset to 9 kHz or
10 kHz.
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 TUNING +
All the AM preset stations are erased. To reset the
interval to the factory preset, repeat the procedure.
To improve tuner reception
Turn off iPod/CD player power by using the iPod/CD
power management function. By default, iPod/CD power
is turned on.
1
Press FUNCTION +/ repeatedly
the unit) to select the CD function.
 on the unit, and position the unit
2 Press  
to turn off the system.
3
After "STANDBY" stops flashing, press DISPLAY
to display the clock and then press 
holding down  
.
"iPod/CD PWR OFF" appears. With iPod/CD player
power turned off, access time is increased. In addition,
when the TUNER function is selected, power is
not supplied to the iPod, so it is not recognized and
charged even if connected. To turn on iPod/CD player
power, repeat the procedure until "iPod/CD PWR
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    , and  
, CD at the same time.
All user-configured settings, such as preset radio
stations, timer, and the clock, are deleted.
can be added).
When carrying this system
1
Remove a disc to protect the CD mechanism.
2 Press   on the unit to turn off the system and
confirm that "STANDBY" stops flashing.
3
Unplug the power cord.
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. (MHC-EC99i and MHC-EC79i
(Australian and UK models only))
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:
 S peaker cords may be short-circuited.
 Th e 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 On placement
timer operation.  Do not place the system in an inclined position or in

PUSH STOP : You pressed PLAY MODE during locations that are extremely hot, cold, dusty, dirty, or
playback. humid or lacking adequate ventilation, or subject to
vibration, direct sunlight or a bright light.
READING : The system is reading information of the
disc. Some buttons are not available.  Be careful when placing the unit or speakers on
SET CLOCK : You tried to select the timer when the clock surfaces that have been specially treated (for example,
is not set. with wax, oil, polish) as staining or discoloration of the
surface may result.
SET TIMER : You tried to select the timer when the Play
 If the system is brought directly from a cold to a warm
Timer is not set.
location or is placed in a very damp room, moisture
TIME NG : The Play Timer start and end times are set to
may condense on the lens inside the CD player, and
the same time.
cause the system to malfunction. In this situation,
Display examples
remove the disc, and leave the system turned on for
about an hour until the moisture evaporates.
Display indicates
On heat buildup
2 (two)
 Heat buildup on the unit during operation is normal
5 (five)
and is not cause for alarm.
6 (six)  Do not touch the cabinet if it has been used
continuously at a high volume because the cabinet may
8 (eight)
have become hot.
 Do not obstruct the ventilation holes.
0 (zero)
A On the speaker system
This speaker system is not magnetically shielded, and
B
the picture on nearby TV sets may become magnetically
distorted. In this situation, turn off the TV, wait 15 to 30
D
minutes, and turn it back on.
G
If there is no improvement, move the speakers far away
from the TV.
H
Cleaning the cabinet
K
Clean this system with a soft cloth slightly moistened
M
with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type
of abrasive pad, scouring powder, or solvent, such as
O
thinner, benzine, or alcohol.
Q
, press  
.
R
Specifications
S
Z
Main unit
| AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS
POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION:
(MHC-EC99i, MHC-EC79i The United States model only)
"
Low channel
 
(or CD on
With 8 ohm loads, both channels driven, from 120 – 10,000 Hz; rated 60 watts
$
per channel minimum RMS power, with no more than 0.7% total harmonic
distortion from 250 milliwatts to rated output.
%
High channel
With 8 ohm loads, both channels driven, from 2,000 – 13,000 Hz; rated
 ,
60 watts per channel minimum RMS power, with no more than 0.7% total
 harmonic distortion from 250 milliwatts to rated output.
while
.
AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS
POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION:
? (MHC-EC69i The United States model only)
With 6 ohm loads, both channels driven, from 120 – 10,000 Hz; 30 watts
per channel minimum RMS power, with no more than 0.7% total harmonic
@
distortion from 250 milliwatts to rated output.
^
Amplifier section
MHC-EC99i
Front Speaker
RMS output power (reference):
Low channel
Precautions
95 W + 95 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
High channel
95 W + 95 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 8 kHz, 10% THD)
Subwoofer
RMS output power (reference):
Discs that this system CAN play
150 W (at 4 Ω, 80 Hz, 10% THD)
 Audio CD
MHC-EC79i
RMS output power (reference):
 CD-R/CD-RW (audio data/MP3 files)
Low channel
95 W + 95 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Discs that this system CANNOT play
High channel
95 W + 95 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 8 kHz, 10% THD)
 CD-ROM
MHC-EC69i
 CD-R/CD-RW other than those recorded in music CD
RMS output power (reference):
format or MP3 format conforming to ISO9660 Level
50 W + 50 W (per channel at 6 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
1/Level 2, Joliet
Inputs (except for MHC-EC69i)
 CD-R/CD-RW recorded in multisession that have not PC IN (stereo mini jack): Sensitivity 800 mV, impedance 22 kilohms
ended by "closing the session" Outputs
PHONES (stereo mini jack): Accepts headphones with an impedance of 8 Ω
 CD-R/CD-RW of poor recording quality, CD-R/
or more
CD-RW that have scratches or are dirty, or CD-R/CD-
SPEAKER: impedance
RW recorded with an incompatible recording device MHC-EC99i/EC79i: 8 Ω
MHC-EC69i: 6 Ω
 CD-R/CD-RW which is finalized incorrectly
SUBWOOFER OUT (MHC-EC99i only): impedance 4 Ω
 Discs containing files other than MPEG 1 Audio Layer-
CD player section
3 (MP3) files System: Compact disc and digital audio system
Laser Diode Properties
 Discs of non-standard shape (for example, heart,
Emission Duration: Continuous
square, star)
Laser Output*: Less than 44.6µW
* This output is the value measurement at a distance of 200mm from the
 Discs that have adhesive tape, paper, or sticker attached
objective lens surface on the Optical Pick-up Block with 7mm aperture.
to them
Frequency response: 20 Hz  20 kHz
 Rental or used discs with attached seals where the glue Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 90 dB
Dynamic range: More than 88 dB
extends beyond the seal
Tuner section
 Discs that have labels printed using ink that feels tacky
FM stereo, FM/AM superheterodyne tuner
when touched Antenna:
FM lead antenna
AM loop antenna
Notes on discs
FM tuner section:
 Before playing, wipe the disc with a cleaning cloth from
Tuning range
the center out to the edge.
North American model: 87.5  108.0 MHz (100 kHz step)
 Do not clean discs with solvents, such as benzine Other models: 87.5  108.0 MHz (50 kHz step)
Intermediate frequency: 10.7 MHz
thinner, or commercially available cleaners or anti-
AM tuner section:
static spray intended for vinyl LPs.
Tuning range
 Do not expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources North American model:
530  1,710 kHz (with 10 kHz tuning interval)
such as hot air ducts, nor leave it in a car parked in
531  1,710 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)
direct sunlight.
Australian model:
531  1,710 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)
On safety 530  1,710 kHz (with 10 kHz tuning interval)
UK model:
 Completely disconnect the power cord (mains lead)
531  1,602 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)
from the wall outlet (mains) if it is not going to be used
Intermediate frequency: 450 kHz
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.
iPod section
Compatible iPod models:
iPod nano 4th
iPod touch 2nd generation iPod touch 1st
(video)
generation generation
iPod nano 3rd
generation
iPod nano 2nd
(video) iPod classic
generation
(aluminum)
iPod nano 1st
iPod 5th
iPod 4th
generation
generation generation
(video)
(color display)
iPod mini
iPod 4th
generation
Speaker
Front Speaker (SS-EC79) for MHC-EC99i/EC79i
Speaker system: 3-way 3-driver speaker system, Bass reflex
Speaker unit
Subwoofer: 130 mm, cone type
Woofer: 130 mm, cone type
Tweeter: 40 mm, horn type
Rated impedance
High frequency: 8 Ω
Low frequency: 8 Ω
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 220 × 350 × 215 mm
Mass: Approx. 3.2 kg
Front Speaker (SS-EC69i) for MHC-EC69i
Speaker system: 2-way 2-driver speaker system, Bass reflex
Speaker unit
Woofer: 130 mm, cone type
Tweeter: 40 mm, horn type
Rated impedance: 6 Ω
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 190 × 306 × 185 mm
Mass: Approx. 2.0 kg
Subwoofer (SS-WG99i) for MHC-EC99i only
Speaker system: Subwoofer system, Bass reflex
Speaker unit
Subwoofer: 200 mm, cone type
Rated impedance: 4 Ω
Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 280 × 306 × 305 mm
Mass: Approx. 5.3 kg
General
Power requirements:
North American model: AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Australian model: AC 230  240 V, 50/60 Hz
UK model: AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption:
MHC-EC99i
250 W
(0.5 W at the Power Saving Mode)
MHC-EC79i
200 W
(0.5 W at the Power Saving Mode)
MHC-EC69i
80 W
(0.5 W at the Power Saving Mode)
Dimensions (w/h/d) (excl. speakers):
MHC-EC99i
Approx. 200 × 311 × 375 mm
MHC-EC79i (Australian and UK models only)
Approx. 200 × 311 × 375 mm
MHC-EC79i (North American model only)
Approx. 200 × 306 × 375 mm
MHC-EC69i
Approx. 200 × 306 × 305 mm
Mass (excl. speakers):
MHC-EC99i
Approx. 6.2 kg
MHC-EC79i (Australian and UK models only)
Approx. 6.0 kg
MHC-EC79i (North American model only)
Approx. 5.7 kg
MHC-EC69i
Approx. 3.8 kg
Supplied accessories: Remote Commander (1), R6 (Size AA) batteries (2)
(except for MHC-EC69i), FM lead/AM loop antenna (1), Speaker pads MHC-
EC99i (8) and for SS-WG99i (Subwoofer) (4)/MHC-EC79i (8)/EC69i (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.