Denon DRA-500AE - AM-FM STEREO RECEIVER Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the DENON DRA-500AE AM-FM Stereo Receiver. This remarkable component has been engineered to provide outstanding high fidelity reproduction of your favorite music sources. As this product is provided with an immense array of features, we recommend that before you begin hookup and operation that you review the contents of this manual before proceeding.

Part names and functions

Front panel

1. Power operation button (ON/STANDBY)
2. Power indicator
3. Power switch
4. Headphones jack (PHONES)
5. MODE button
6. SPEAKER buttons
7. PURE DIRECT button
8. DIMMER button
9. TONE DEFEAT button
10. LOUDNESS button
11. STATUS button
12. MENU button
13. TONE CONTROL button
14. SELECT knob
15. CH VOL button
16. ENTER button
17. VOLUME control knob
18. RT button
19. PTY button
20. RDS button
21. Display
22. TUNING buttons
23. PRESET buttons
24. SHIFT button
25. MEMORY button
26. Remote control sensor
27. BAND button
28. INPUT SELECTOR knob

Display

1. Signal channel indicator
   Lights when the preset channel is displayed at .
2. Information display
3. Volume indicator
   This displays the volume level.
4. STEREO indicator
   This lights when an FM stereo broadcast has been received.
5. AUTO indicator
   This lights when the broadcast station is selected in the AUTO tuning mode.
6. TUNED indicator
   This lights when an FM/AM broadcast has been received.
7. RDS indicator
   This lights when an RDS broadcast has been received.

Rear panel

1. AUDIO OUT terminals
2. AUDIO IN terminals
3. Speaker terminals
4. AC outlet
5. Power supply cord
6. DOCK CONTROL jack
7. ANTENNA terminals

Remote conrol unit

CD operating buttons
This button selects the disc, when using a DENON multi-disc CD player.

Connections

Cable indictators

The hookup diagrams on the subsequent pages assume the use of the following optional connection cables (not supplied).

Audio cable	Signal direction
Analog connection (Stereo) Speaker connections

NOTE:

• Do not plug in the power supply cord until all connections have been completed.
• When making connections, also refer to the operating instructions of the other components.
• Be sure to connect the left and right channels properly (left with left, right with right).
• Do not bundle power cords together with speaker cables. Doing so could result in humming or noise.

Speaker connections

Connect the speaker terminals with the speakers making sure that like polarities are matched ( with , with ).

NOTE:
When making connections, take care that none of the individual conductors of the speaker cable come in contact with adjacent terminals, with other speaker cable conductors, or with the rear panel and screws.
NEVER touch the speaker terminals when the power is on. Doing so could result in electric shocks.

Connections the speaker cables

Loosen by turning counterclockwise. Insert the cable. Tighten be turning clockwise. Either tightly twist or terminate the core wires.

Speaker impedance

Speaker	Impedance
A, B	4 ~ 16 Ω/ohms
A+B	8 ~ 16 Ω/ohms

Note on speaker impedance
When using speakers with an impedance below the designated value (for example 4 Ω/ohms), playing for long periods of time with the volume high could cause the temperature to rise, activating the protection circuit. When the protection circuit is activated, the output to the speakers is cut off and the power indicator blinks. If this happens, unplug the power cord, wait for the set to cool off and improve ventilation around the unit. Also check the wiring of the input cables and the speaker cables. After doing this, plug the power cord back in and turn the unit's power back on. If the protection circuit is activated again even though there are no problems with the wiring or the ventilation around the unit, switch off the power and contact a DENON service center.

Connections

When making connections, also refer to the operating instructions of the other components.

Connecting a DVD player

• 
  Connect a non-DVD video disc player (such as a laser disc, VCD/SVCD, or future high definition disc player) to the DVD/VDP terminals in the same way.

Connecting a TV/DBS tuner

Connecting a CD player

Connecting a tape deck or MD recorder

Connecting a tape deck or CD recorder

Connecting the antenna terminals
An FM antenna cable plug can be connected directly.

AM loop antenna assembly

1. Remove the vinyl tie and take out the connection line.
   
2. Bend in the reverse direction.
   
3. Connect to the AM antenna terminals.
   
4. 1. With the antenna on top any stable surface.
      
   2. With the antenna attached to a wall.
      
      Installation hole Mount on wall, etc.

Connection of AM antennas

Push the lever. Insert the conductor. Return the lever.

NOTE:

• Do not connect two FM antennas simultaneously.
• Even if an external AM antenna is used, do not disconnect the AM loop antenna.
• Make sure the AM loop antenna lead terminals do not touch metal parts of the panel.

Connecting the iPod ®

When using an iPod, you must connect the Control Dock for iPod (ASD-1R, sold separately) and the DOCK CONTROL jack on the DRA-500AE with a mini-jack and assign the iPod to any AUDIO terminal(s). The diagram below shows an example of connections for when the iPod is assigned to the CD-R/TAPE1 terminals.

• For instructions on assigning the iPod to a specific terminal, see "Setting the iPod Assignment".
• For instructions on playing the iPod, see "Playing the iPod".
  

• 
  The optional standard Control Dock for iPod is DENON ASD-1R sold separately.

Connecting the power supply cord

AC outlet (wall)
AC 230 V, 50 Hz

AC OUTLET

• SWITCHED (total capacity – 100 W (0.43 A)) The power to the outlet is turned on and off in conjunction with the POWER switch on the main unit, and when the power is switched between on and standby from the remote control unit. No power is supplied from this outlet when this unit's power is at standby. Never connect equipment whose total power consumption exceeds 100 W (0.43 A).

NOTE:

• Insert the plugs securely. Incomplete connections will result in the generation of noise.
• Only use the AC OUTLET for audio equipment. Never use it for hair driers, monitors or other electrical appliances.

Operation

About the button names in this explanation
< >: Buttons on the main unit
[ ]: Buttons on the remote control unit
Button name only:
Buttons on the main unit and remote control unit

Before operating

1. Press < POWER >
   ON: The power indicator lights red.
   OFF: The power turns off and the indicator is off.
2. Press < ON/STANDBY > or [POWER ON] .
   • The power indicator blinks green and the power turns on.

Playing the input source

1. Use INPUT SELECTOR to select the input source you want to play.
2. Start playback on the selected component.
   For operating instructions, refer to the component's manual.
3. Use VOLUME to adjust the volume.
   1. The volume level is displayed on the volume level display.

Turning the sound off temporarily (MUTING)

Press [MUTING].

• 
  Canceling MUTING mode: To cancel the muting mode, either press [MUTING] or adjust the volume.

Listening over headphones
Connect the headphones to < PHONES >.

• No sound is produced from the speakers automatically.

NOTE:

• To prevent hearing loss, be careful not to raise the volume level excessively when using headphones.

Switching the speakers
Press < SPEAKER > to turn the corresponding speaker pair on.

Checking the currently playing program source, etc.
Press STATUS.

• The current program source and various settings are indicated on the display.

Switching the brightness of the display
Press < DIMMER >.
The brightness of the display can be adjusted in three steps. The display can also be turned off.

Selecting the play mode (PURE DIRECT)
This mode reproduces the sound with extremely high quality. The audio signals do not pass through the tone circuits, etc., and the display that could affect the audio signals are turned "OFF".
Press < PURE DIRECT >.

Setting the tone control

• Adjusting the tone

1. Press < TONE CONTROL > to select "BASS" or "TREBLE".
2. Use < SELECT > to set the level.
   Can be adjusted within the range of –10 dB to +10 dB.

• When you do not want to adjust the tone
  Press < TONE DEFEAT > to select "TONE DEFEAT ON".
• When listening with the volume turned low
  Press < LOUDNESS > to select "LOUDNESS ON".

Adjusting the speaker volume

1. Press < CH VOL > to select the speaker. The settable speaker switches each time this button is pressed.
2. Use < SELECT > to adjust the volume. Can be adjusted within the range of –12 dB to +12 dB.

Listening to the radio

Auto preset memory
This unit is equipped with a function for automatically searching for FM broadcast stations and storing them in the preset memory.

1. Press < ON/STANDBY > and set the DRA-500AE's power to the standby mode.
2. Hold < PRESET > and press < ON/STANDBY >.
   • The unit automatically begins searching for FM broadcast stations.

When the first FM broadcast station is found, that station is stored in the preset memory at channel A1. Subsequent stations are automatically stored in order at preset channels A1 to A8, B1 to B8, C1 to C8, D1 to D8, E1 to E8, F1 to F8 and G1 to G8 for a maximum of 56 stations.
Channel A1 is tuned in after the auto preset memory operation is completed.

• 
  If an FM station cannot be preset automatically due to poor reception, use the "Manual tuning" operation to tune in the station, then preset it using the manual "Preset memory" operation.
• To interrupt this function, press < ON/STANDBY >.

Default settings

Auto tuner presets
A1 ~ A8	87.5 / 89.1 / 98.1 / 108.0 / 90.1 / 90.1 / 90.1 / 90.1 MHz
B1 ~ B8	522 / 603 / 999 / 1404 / 1611 kHz, 90.1 / 90.1 / 90.1 MHz
C1 ~ C8	90.1 MHz
D1 ~ D8	90.1 MHz
E1 ~ E8	90.1 MHz
F1 ~ F8	90.1 MHz
G1 ~ G8	90.1 MHz

Auto tuning

1. Use < INPUT SELECTOR > to select "TUNER" or press [TUNER].
2. Press BAND to select "AM" or "FM".
3. Press < MODE > to set the auto tuning mode.
   • The "AUTO" indicator lights.
4. Press < TUNING >.
   • Automatic searching begins.

• 
  If tuning does not stop at the desired station, use to the "Manual tuning" operation.

Manual tuning

1. Use < INPUT SELECTOR > to select "TUNER" or press [TUNER].
2. Press BAND to select "AM" or "FM".
3. Press < MODE > to set the manual tuning mode. Check that the display's "AUTO" indicator turns off.
4. Press < TUNING >.
   The frequency changes continuously when the button is held in.

• 
  When the manual tuning mode is set, FM stereo broadcasts are received in monaural and the "STEREO" indicator turns off.

Preset memory

1. Use the "Auto tuning" or "Manual tuning" operation to tune in the station to be preset in the memory.
2. Press < MEMORY >.
3. Press SHIFT to select the desired memory block (A to G).
4. Press PRESET to select the desired preset channel (1 to 8).
5. Press < MEMORY > again.
   • Store the station in the preset memory.

• 
  To preset other channels, repeat steps 2 to 4. A total of 56 broadcast stations can be preset — 8 stations (channels 1 to 8) in each of blocks A to G.

Recalling preset stations

1. Press SHIFT to select the memory block.
2. Press PRESET to select the desired preset channel.

RDS (Radio Data System)
RDS (works only on the FM band) is a broadcasting service which allows a station to send additional information along with the regular radio program signal. The following three types of RDS information can be received with this unit:

• Program Type (PTY)
  PTY identifies the type of RDS program. The program types and their displays are as follows:

NEWS	News	WEATHER	Weather
AFFAIRS	Current Affairs	FINANCE	Finance
INFO	Information Sports	CHILDREN	Children's programmes
SPORT	Sports	SOCIAL	Social Affairs
EDUCATE	Education	RELIGION	Religion
DRAMA	Drama	PHONE IN	Phone In
CULTURE	Culture	TRAVEL	Travel
SCIENCE	Science	LEISURE	Leisure
VARIED	Varied	JAZZ	Jazz Music
POP M	Pop Music	COUNTRY	Country Music
ROCK M	Rock Music Easy Listening	NATION M	National Music
EASY M	Easy Listening Music	OLDIES	Oldies Music
LIGHT M	Light Classical	FOLK M	Folk Music
CLASSICS	Serious Classical	DOCUMENT	Documentary
OTHER M	Other Music

• Traffic Program (TP)
  TP identifies programs that carry traffic announcements. This allows you to easily find out the latest traffic conditions in your area before leaving home.
• Radio Text (RT)
  RT allows RDS stations to send text messages that appear on the display.

NOTE:

• The operations described below using RDS, PTY and < RT > will not function in areas in which there are no RDS broadcasts.

RDS search
Use this function to automatically tune to FM stations that provide the RDS service.

1. Use < INPUT SELECTOR > to select "TUNER" or press [TUNER].
2. Press RDS until "RDS SEARCH" appears on the display.
3. Press PRESET.
   • The search for RDS stations begins automatically.
     If no RDS stations are found with the above operation, all the reception bands are searched.
     When a broadcast station is found, that station's name appears on the display.
4. To continue searching, repeat step 3.
   If no RDS station is found when all the frequencies have been searched, "NO RDS" is displayed.

PTY search
Use this function to find RDS stations broadcasting a designated program type (PTY). For a description of each program type, refer to "Program Type (PTY)".

1. Use < INPUT SELECTOR > to select "TUNER" or press [TUNER].
2. Press RDS until "PTY SEARCH" appears on the display.
3. Watching the display, press PTY to call out the desired program type.
4. Press PRESET.
   • PTY search begins automatically.
     If there is no station broadcasting the designated program type with the above operation, all the reception bands are searched.
     The station name is displayed on the display after searching stops.
5. To continue searching, repeat step 4.
   If no station broadcasting the designated program type is found when all the frequencies have been searched, "NO PROGRAMME" is displayed.

TP search
Use this function to find RDS stations broadcasting traffic programs (TP stations).

1. Use < INPUT SELECTOR > to select "TUNER" or press [TUNER].
2. Press RDS until "TP SEARCH" appears on the display.
3. Press PRESET.
   • TP search begins automatically.
     If no TP station is found with the above operation, all the reception bands are searched.
     The station name is displayed on the display after searching stops.
4. To continue searching, repeat step 3.
   If no other TP station is found when all the frequencies have been searched, "NO PROGRAMME" is displayed.

RT (Radio Text)
"RT" appears on the display when radio text data is received.

1. Use < INPUT SELECTOR > to select "TUNER" or press [TUNER].
2. Press < RT >.
   While receiving an RDS broadcast station, the text data broadcast from the station is displayed.
   To turn the display off, press < RT > again.
   If no text data is being broadcast, "NO TEXT DATA" is displayed.

Switching RDS information display

1. Use the procedure described at "Auto tuning", "Manual tuning" or "Recalling preset stations" to tune in a frequency with an RDS station.
2. Press STATUS to switch the RDS reception information.
   The display switches as shown below each time STATUS is pressed.

The display switches as shown below each time STATUS is pressed.

1. PS:
   The programme service name and frequency of the station tuned in is displayed.
   
2. PTY:
   The programme type of the tuned in broadcast is displayed.
   
3. Frequency:
   The frequency is displayed.
   
4. CT:
   The current time is displayed.
   

Playing the iPod

The music recorded on the iPod can be played when using a Control Dock for iPod (ASD-1R, sold separately). The iPod can be controlled using the buttons on the main unit and the remote control unit.

iPod is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

With the iPod, non-copyrighted contents and contents that may be legally reproduced or played may be reproduced and played by individuals for their personal use. Violating copyrights is prohibited by law.

Setting the iPod Assignment
It is possible to assign the Control Dock for iPod's (ASD-1R, sold separately) audio and video signals to any input terminals on the DRA- 500AE and play them.

1. Press MENU.
2. Use < SELECT > or press [F F G G] to select the input terminals.
   NONE: This is the factory default setting.
   DVD, AUX, CDR/TAPE, MD/TAPE2, CD: When using a Control Dock for iPod, it is possible to connect with the audio input terminal of the assigned function.
3. Press ENTER.

• 
  The optional standard Control Dock for iPod is DENON ASD-1R sold separately.
• To assign to a different function after a function has already been assigned, switch to a function other than the one that is assigned then repeat the procedure.
• "TUNER" cannot be selected on the iPod Assignment mode.

NOTE:

• DENON will accept no responsibility whatsoever for loss or damage of data on an iPod occurring when the iPod is used connected to the DRA-500AE.
• Some of the functions may not operate, depending on the type of iPod and the software version.

Listening to music

1. Connect the DRA-500AE and iPod using the Control Dock for iPod (ASD-1R)).
2. Assign the input terminal at "Setting the iPod Assignment".
3. Use INPUT SELECTOR to select the function assigned in step 2.
   • Display "Remote iPod" on the main unit's display.
     
   If the screens above are not displayed, the iPod may not be properly connected. Check the connections and settings.
4. Operate using MENU, < SELECT >, [] and ENTER while watching the iPod's screen.

• 
  The optional standard Control Dock for iPod is DENON ASD-1R sold separately.

Listening to music in the Browse mode
The mode switches between the Remote mode and the Browse mode if < MODE > is pressed for at least 2 seconds.

1. Use < SELECT > or press [ to select the music file, then press ENTER or [].
   Press [F F ] to return to the music menu screen.
2. Press ENTER or [].
   • Playback starts.

Pause:
Press ENTER during playback.
Press again to resume.
Manual search:
Press and hold in [] during playback.

• : Fast reverse
• : Fast forward

Track search:
Press [] during playback.

• : Move to beginning of previous track
• : Move to beginning of next track

Stop:
Press ENTER for at least 2 seconds during playback.
Repeat play:
Press < MODE >.
The mode switches as follows each time < MODE > is pressed.

• Repeat One: Single track repeat
• Repeat All: All track repeat

Shuffle play:
Press < MEMORY >.
The mode switches as follows each time < MEMORY > is pressed.

• Shuffle Songs: Single track shuffle
• Shuffle Albums: Album shuffle

In the Remote mode, only < SELECT > , [] and ENTER can be used.

• 
  When STATUS is pressed during playback, the front panel display switches between the title name, artist name and album name.
• Depending on the iPod's software version, it may not be possible to operate the iPod from the DRA-500AE. Use the latest version of the software. Information on the latest version of the software can be obtained on the Apple Computer website.
• With the DRA-500AE it is possible to display folder names and file names on the screen like titles. The DRA-500AE can display up to 64 characters, consisting of numbers, capital letters and small letters. A "?" mark is displayed in place of non-compatible characters.

Viewing still pictures and videos (only for iPods equipped with the slideshow / video function)
Use this procedure to view photo and video data stored on the iPod on a monitor.

1. Press < MODE > for at least 2 seconds to switch from the Browse mode to the Remote mode.
   • "Remote iPod" is displayed on the DRA-500AE's display.
2. Watching the iPod's screen, press [] to select "Photos" or "Video", then press ENTER or [].
   • The iPod's photo and video data are displayed on the monitor.

• 
  To output photo or video data recorded on the iPod to the monitor, the iPod's "TV Out" setting (under "Video Settings") must be set to "ON".
  For details, refer to the iPod's operating instructions.

Disconnecting the iPod
Press < ON/STANDBY > or [POWER OFF] and set the DRA-500AE's power to the standby mode.
The iPod can be disconnected after switching to a function other than the one to which the iPod input is assigned.

Recording the program source (recording the source currently being monitored)

1. Select the input source to be played.
2. Start recording on the CD-R, MD or tape.
   For instructions, refer to the component's operating instructions.

• 
  The AUDIO IN's signal selected with INPUT SELECTOR are output to the CD-R/TAPE1 and MD/TAPE2 terminals.

Simultaneous recording
The signals of the source selected with INPUT SELECTOR are output simultaneously to the CD-R/TAPE1 and MD/TAPE2 terminals. If a total of two CD-R, MD and/or tape are connected and set to the recording mode, the same source can be recorded simultaneously on every decks.

Operation About the memory functions

• Last function memory
  The various settings set when the DRA-500AE's power is switched to standby are stored in the memory. When the power is turned back on, the settings made when the power was switched to standby are recalled.
• Backup memory
  The various settings are stored in the memory for about 1 week, even when the power is turned off or the power cord is unplugged.

Initialization of the microprocessor
If the indication on the display is not normal or if the operation of the unit is not correct, then the microprocessor should be reset by the following procedure.

1. Switch off the unit using < POWER >.
2. Keep both < SPEAKER > (A and B) depressed and turn on the unit by pressing < POWER >.
3. Check that the entire display is flashing at 1-second intervals and release the buttons.
   • The microprocessor will be initialized.

• 
  If step 3 does not work, start over from step 1.
• If the microprocessor has been reset, all the button settings are reset to the default values (the values set upon shipment from the factory).

Troubleshooting

If a problem should arise, first check the following.

1. Are the connections correct?
2. Have you operated the receiver according to the Operating Instructions?
3. Are the speakers and other components operating properly?

If this unit is not operating properly, check the items listed in the table below. Should the problem persist, there may be a malfunction. Disconnect the power immediately and contact your store of purchase.

Symptom	Cause	Measures
Display not lit and sound not produced when POWER switch set to on.	Power supply cord not plugged in securely.	Check the insertion of the power supply cord plug.
Display lit but sound not produced.	Speaker cables not securely connected. INPUT SELECTOR knob position is not appropriate. Volume control set to minimum. MUTING is on.	Connect securely. Switch to the proper position. Turn volume up to suitable level. Switch off MUTING.
This unit does not operate properly when remote control unit is used.	Batteries dead. Remote control unit too far from this unit. Obstacle between this unit and remote control unit. Different button is being pressed. and ends of batteries inserted in reverse.	Replace with new batteries. Move closer. Remove obstacle. Press the proper button. Insert batteries properly.
Power has turned off and the power indicator is blinking red.	The set's internal temperature has risen and the protection circuit has been activated. The core wires of the speaker cables are touching each other or the DRA- 500AE's rear panel, activating the protection circuit. DRA-500AE is malfunctioning.	Put the DRA-500AE in a wellventilated place. Turn off the power, then wait for the set to fully cool off before turning the power back on. Check the connections of all the speaker cables. Turn off the power and contact a DENON customer service center.

Specifications

• Audio section

Power amplifier
Rated output:	75 W + 75 W (8 Ω/ohms, 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz with 0.08% T.H.D.)
Output terminals:	A or B 4 ~ 16 Ω/ohms
	A + B 8 ~ 16 Ω/ohms
Analog
Input sensitivity / input impedance:	200 mV / 47 kΩ/kohms
Frequency response:	10 Hz ~ 100 kHz: +1, –3 dB (TONE DEFEAT ON)
S/N:	98 dB (IHF-A weighted) (TONE DEFEAT ON)

• Tuner section

		[FM]	[AM]
	(note: µV at 75 Ω/ohms, 0 dBf = 1 x 10"W)
Receiving Range:	87.50 MHz ~ 108.00 MHz		522 kHz ~ 1611 kHz
Usable Sensitivity:	1.0 µV (11.2 dBf)		18 µV
50 dB Quieting Sensitivity:	MONO	1.6 µV (15.3 dBf)
	STEREO	23 µV (38.5 dBf)
S/N (IHF-A):	MONO	77 dB (IHF-A weighted)
	STEREO	72 dB (IHF-A weighted)
Total Harmonic Distortion (at 1 kHz):	MONO	0.15 %
	STEREO	0.3 %

• General

Power supply:	AC 230 V, 50 Hz
Power consumption:	235 W 1 W Max (Standby)
Maximum external dimensions:	434 (W) x 147 (H) x 414 (D) mm
Mass:	9 kg

• Remote control unit (RC-1055)

Batteries:	R03/AAA Type (Two batteries)
External dimensions:	49 (W) x 220 (H) x 23 (D) mm
Mass:	115 g (included batteries)

* For purposes of improvement, specifications and design are subject to change without notice.