4-239-872-12(1)

Mini Hi-Fi
Component
System
Operating Instructions

Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the rear panel of the unit. Record the serial
number in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony
dealer regarding this product.

Model No. Serial No.

MHC-GX40/GX30/GX20
MHC-RG33/RG22
© 2002 Sony Corporation 1
 WARNING
WARNING This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
expose the unit to rain or moisture. designed to provide reasonable protection against
To prevent fire, do not Cover the ventilation of the harmful interference in a residential installation. This
apparatus with news papers, table-cloths, curtains, equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
etc. And don’t place lighted candles on the apparatus. frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place objects accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus. interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause
Do not install the appliance in a confined space, harmful interference to radio or television reception,
such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet. which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
This appliance is classified as interference by one or more of the following
a CLASS 1 LASER product. measures:
This label is located on the – Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
rear exterior.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
Don’t throw away the battery with – Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
general house waste, dispose of it different from that to which the receiver is
correctly as chemical waste. connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications
NOTICE FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN THE
not expressly approved in this manual could void
U.S.A.
your authority to operate this equipment.
Note to CATV system installer:
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system
installer’s attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that
provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in
particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be
connected to the grounding system of the building, as
close to the point of cable entry as practical.
NOTICE FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN
CANADA

CAUTION
This symbol is intended to alert the TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE
user to the presence of uninsulated THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN
“dangerous voltage” within the EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER
product’s enclosure that may be of OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY
sufficient magnitude to constitute a INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.
risk of electric shock to persons. Except for European models
This symbol is intended to alert the ENERGY STAR® is a U.S.
user to the presence of important registered mark.
operating and maintenance As an ENERGY STAR® Partner,
(servicing) instructions in the Sony Corporation has determined
literature accompanying the that this product meets the ENERGY
appliance. STAR® guidelines for energy
CAUTION efficiency.
The use of optical instruments with this product will
increase eye hazard.

2GB
 Table of Contents
List of Button Locations Sound Adjustment
and Reference Pages
Using the sub woofer ........................... 20
Main unit ............................................... 4 Adjusting the sound ............................. 20
Sub woofer ............................................ 5 Selecting the sound effect .................... 20
Remote Control ..................................... 6 Selecting the surround effect ............... 20

Getting Started Display

Hooking up the system .......................... 7 Turning off the display
Inserting two R6 (size AA) batteries — Power Saving Mode ................. 21
into the remote ................................ 9 Using the CD display .......................... 21
Setting the clock .................................. 10
Other Features
CD Enhancing video game sound
Loading a CD ...................................... 10 — Game Sync ............................... 22
Playing a CD — Normal Play/ Mixing video game sound with other
Shuffle Play/Repeat Play ............... 11 sound source — Game Mixing ..... 22
Programing CD tracks Falling asleep to music
— Program Play ............................ 12 — Sleep Timer .............................. 22
Waking up to music — Daily Timer ... 23
Tuner
Optional Components
Presetting radio stations ....................... 13
Listening to the radio — Preset Tuning/ Hooking up video game machine ........ 24
Manual Tuning .............................. 15
Using the Radio Data System Troubleshooting
(RDS)* .......................................... 16
Problems and remedies ........................ 25
Messages ............................................. 26
Tape
Loading a tape ..................................... 16 Additional Information
Playing a tape ...................................... 17
Precautions .......................................... 27
Recording to a tape — CD Synchro
Specifications ...................................... 28
Recording/Recording Manually .... 18
Timer-recording radio programs ......... 19 * European model only

3GB
 List of Button Locations and Reference Pages

Illustration number
How to use this page r
Use this page to find the location of buttons and other TUNER/BAND wh (13 – 15, 18)
parts of the system that are mentioned in the text. R R
Name of button/part Reference page

Main unit
ALPHABETICAL ORDER BUTTON DESCRIPTIONS

A–E G–Z ?/1 (power) 1

Z OPEN/CLOSE qs
AUDIO jacks ws (24) GAME wf (22, 24)
Z (deck B) qg
CD wj (11, 12, 18) GAME EQ ql (20, 24)
M qk
CD SYNC 7 (18) GAME MIXING 4 (22)
. qk
Deck A w; (16, 17) GROOVE 6 (20)
> qk
Deck B qh (16 – 19) MOVIE EQ 5 (20)
X qk
DISC 1 – 3 0 (11, 12) MUSIC EQ 3 (20)
H qk
DISC SKIP/EX-CHANGE qa (10, PHONES jack qf
11) x qk
REC PAUSE/START 8 (18)
Disc tray 9 (10) m qk
TAPE A/B wg (16, 18)
DISPLAY 2 (16, 21) Z (deck A) wa
TUNER/BAND wh (13 – 15, 18)
EFFECT ON/OFF qj (20) VIDEO jack wd (24)
VOLUME control qd

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9

wj 0
wh
qa
wg
qs
wf
wd qd
ws

qf
wa qg
w; qh

ql qk qj

4GB
 Sub woofer

List of Button Locations and Reference Pages

(MHC-GX40 only)
ALPHABETICAL ORDER

A–Z
Indicator 1 (20)
ON/OFF 2 (20)

5GB
 Remote Control
ALPHABETICAL ORDER BUTTON DESCRIPTIONS

A–G O–Z ?/1 (power) 4

M5
CD ql (11, 12, 18) ON/OFF qh (20)
.5
CLEAR w; (12) PLAY MODE wa (11, 12, 17)
>5
CLOCK/TIMER SELECT 2 PRESET +/– 5 (13 – 15)
(19, 23) X5
REPEAT 8 (11)
CLOCK/TIMER SET 3 (10, 19, N5
SLEEP 1 (22)
23) m5
STEREO/MONO 8 (15)
DISPLAY 6 (16, 21) x5
SURROUND qa (20)
D.SKIP 7 (11) TAPE A/B 9 (16, 18)
ENTER qg (10, 12 – 14, 19, 23) TUNER MEMORY qj (13, 14)
EQ +/– qf (20) TUNER/BAND qk (13 – 15, 18)
GAME 0 (22, 24) TUNING +/– 5 (13 – 15)
GROOVE qd (20) VOL +/– qs

12 3 4

5
6
wa
7
w; 8
ql 9
qk q;
qj qa
qh qs
qg qd

qf

6GB
 Getting Started

Hooking up the system

Perform the following procedure 1 to 5 to hook up your system using the supplied cords and
accessories.

Getting Started
FM antenna

AM loop antenna
Sub woofer speaker*

Front speaker (Right) Front speaker (Left)

* MHC-GX40 only

1 Connect the front speakers. 2 Connect the sub woofer speaker.

Connect the speaker cords to the SPEAKER (MHC-GX40 only)
jacks as shown below. Connect the speaker cords to the SUB
WOOFER OUT jack and SUB WOOFER
Insert only the stripped portion
CONTROL jack as shown below.
R
+ L SUB WOOFER OUT jack

–
Red/Solid
(3)

Black/Stripe (#)
SUB WOOFER CONTROL jack

continued

7GB
 Hooking up the system (continued) 4 For models with a voltage selector, set
VOLTAGE SELECTOR to the local
power line voltage.
3 Connect the FM/AM antennas.
Set up the AM loop antenna, then connect
it.
230 - 240V 220V 120V*

* Middle Eastern models: 120 – 127 V

5 Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.

The demonstration appears in the display.
Jack type A When you press ?/1, the system turns on
Extend the FM lead antenna and the demonstration automatically ends.
AM loop antenna horizontally
If the supplied adapter on the plug does not
FM
75 fit your wall outlet, detach it from the plug
(only for models equipped with an adapter).
To connect optional components
AM
See page 24.
To attach the front speaker pads
Attach the supplied front speaker pads to the
Jack type B
Extend the FM lead antenna bottom of the speakers to stabilize the speakers
horizontally and prevent them from slipping.
AM loop antenna
FM
CO75
AX
IAL

AM

Note
Keep the speaker cords away from the antennas to
prevent noise.

8GB
Placing the sub woofer (MHC-GX40
only)
Inserting two R6 (size AA)
Since the human ear cannot detect the direction batteries into the remote
and position where the bass sound being
reproduced by a woofer (below 150 Hz) comes

Getting Started
from, you can place the woofer wherever you
like in your room. To obtain a better bass
reproduction, we recommend you to place the
woofer on a solid floor where the resonance is
unlikely to occur. e
E
E
Notes e
• Always place the woofer vertically, keeping a few
centimeters from away the wall.
• If the woofer is placed in the center of a room, the Tip
bass could be extremely weakened. This is due to With normal use, the batteries should last for about
the influence of the standing wave of the room. If six months. When the remote no longer operates the
this happened, move the woofer away from the system, replace both batteries with new ones.
center of a room or eliminate the cause of the
Note
standing wave, by placing a bookshelf on the wall,
etc. If you do not use the remote for a long period of time,
remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from
battery leakage.
When carrying this system
Perform the following procedure to protect
the CD mechanism.
1 Make sure that all discs are removed
from the system.
2 Press ?/1 to turn off the system.
3 Unplug the power cord.

9GB
 CD
Setting the clock Loading a CD
1 Press ?/1 to turn on the system. 1 Press Z OPEN/CLOSE.
2 Press CLOCK/TIMER SET on the The disc tray opens.
remote.
2 Place a CD with the label side up on the
3 Press . or > on the remote disc tray.
repeatedly to set the hour.
4 Press ENTER on the remote. When you play a CD
The minute indication flashes. single (8 cm CD),
place it on the inner
5 Press . or > on the remote circle of the tray.
repeatedly to set the minute.
6 Press ENTER on the remote. To insert additional discs, press DISC
The clock starts working. SKIP/EX-CHANGE to rotate the disc tray.
To adjust the clock 3 Press Z OPEN/CLOSE to close the disc
1 Press CLOCK/TIMER SET on the remote. tray.

2 Press . or > on the remote to select

“CLOCK SET”, then press ENTER on the
remote.
3 Do the same procedures as step 3 to 6
above.
Note
The clock settings are canceled when you disconnect
the power cord or if a power failure occurs.

10GB
 Other Operations
Playing a CD
To Do this
— Normal Play/Shuffle Play/Repeat Stop play Press x.
Play Pause Press X. Press again to resume
play.
This system lets you play the CD in different
Select a track During play or pause, press >
play modes.
or ..

CD
Disc tray number Find a point During play, press and hold M or
in a track m. Release it when you find the
desired point.
Select a CD in Press DISC 1 – 3 or DISC SKIP/
stop mode EX-CHANGE (or D.SKIP on the
remote).
Disc presence Track number Playing time Switch to CD Press DISC 1 – 3 (Automatic
indicator function from Source Selection).
1 Press CD. another source
Remove a CD Press Z OPEN/CLOSE.
2 Press PLAY MODE on the remote Exchange other Press DISC SKIP/EX-CHANGE.
repeatedly until the mode you want
CDs while
appears in the display.
playing
Select To play Play repeatedly Press REPEAT on the remote
ALL DISCS All CDs in the disc tray (Repeat Play) during play until “REP” or “REP
(Normal Play) continuously. 1” appears.
1DISC The CD you have selected REP*: For all the tracks on the CD
(Normal Play) in original order. up to five times.
REP 1**: For a single track only.
ALL DISCS The tracks on all CDs in To cancel playing repeatedly, press
SHUF random order. REPEAT until “REP” or “REP 1”
(Shuffle Play) disappears.
1DISC SHUF The tracks on the CD you
(Shuffle Play) have selected in random
* You cannot select “REP” and “ALL DISCS
order. SHUF” at the same time.
PGM (Program The tracks on all CDs in the ** When you select “REP 1”, that track is repeated
Play) order you want them to be endlessly until “REP 1” is canceled.
played (see “Programing
Note
CD tracks” on page 12).
The play mode cannot be changed while playing a
disc. To change the play mode, press x first to stop
3 Press H (or N on the remote). playing.

11GB
 6 Program additional discs or tracks.
Programing CD tracks To program Repeat steps
Other discs 3 and 5
— Program Play
Other tracks on the 4 and 5
You can make a program of up to 25 tracks same disc
from all the CDs in the order you want to play Other tracks on other 3 to 5
them. discs

1 Press CD.
7 Press H (or N on the remote).
2 Press PLAY MODE on the remote
repeatedly until “PGM” appears in the
display.
Other Operations
3 Press one of DISC 1 – 3 to select a CD. To Do this
To program all the tracks on a CD at once, Cancel Program Press PLAY MODE on the
proceed to step 5 with “AL” displayed. Play remote repeatedly until “PGM”
and “SHUF” disappear.
4 Press . or > until the desired Clear a track from Press CLEAR on the remote in
track appears in the display. the end stop mode.
Total playing time
Disc tray number (including selected track)
Tips
• The program you made remains after Program Play
finishes. To play the same program again, press CD,
then press H (or N on the remote).
• “--.--” appears when the total CD program time
exceeds 100 minutes, or when you select a CD track
Selected track number whose number is 21 or over.

5 Press ENTER on the remote.

The track is programed. The program step
number appears, followed by the total
playing time.

12GB
 Tuner
Setting presets through
Presetting radio stations automatic tuning
You can preset up to 20 FM stations and 10 1 Press TUNER/BAND repeatedly to
AM stations. You can then tune in any of those select “FM” or “AM”.
stations simply by selecting the corresponding
preset number.
2 Press and hold m or M (or TUNING –
or + on the remote) until the frequency
There are two ways to store the station presets. indication starts to change, then
To Method release it.
Automatically preset Automatic Tuning Preset Scanning stops automatically when the

Tuner
all of the stations that system tunes in a station. “TUNED” and
can be received in “STEREO” (for an FM stereo program)
your area appear.
Manually set the radio Manual Tuning Preset
frequency of your
favourite stations

If “TUNED” does not appear and the

scanning does not stop
Set the frequency of the desired radio
station as described in steps 2 through 6 of
“Setting presets through manual tuning”.
3 Press TUNER MEMORY on the remote.
A preset number appears in the display.
The stations are stored from preset number
1.
Preset number

4 Press . or > (or PRESET – or +

on the remote) repeatedly to select the
desired preset number.
5 Press ENTER on the remote.
6 Repeat steps 1 to 5 to store other
stations.

continued

13GB
 Presetting radio stations (continued) Other Operations
To Do this
Setting presets through Tune in a station Follow the procedure described in
manual tuning with a weak “Setting presets through manual
signal tuning”.
1 Press TUNER/BAND repeatedly to Set another Start over from step 1. After step
select “FM” or “AM”. station to an 3, press . or > (or PRESET
existing preset – or + on the remote) repeatedly to
2 Press m or M (or TUNING – or + on number select the preset number you want
the remote) repeatedly to tune in the to store the other station.
desired station.
3 Press TUNER MEMORY on the remote. To change the AM tuning interval
A preset number appears in the display. (except for the European and Middle
The stations are stored from preset number Eastern models)
1. The AM tuning interval is factory-set to 9 kHz
4 Press . or > (or PRESET – or + (10 kHz in some areas). To change the AM
on the remote) repeatedly to select the tuning interval, tune in any AM station first,
desired preset number. then turn off the system. While holding down
TUNER/BAND, turn the system back on.
5 Press ENTER on the remote. When you change the interval, all the AM
6 Repeat steps 1 to 5 to store other preset stations are erased. To reset the interval,
stations. repeat the same procedure.
Note
You cannot change the AM tuning interval in the
Power Saving Mode.
Tips
• The preset stations are retained for half a day even
if you disconnect the mains lead or if a power
failure occurs.
• To improve broadcast reception, reorient or move
the supplied antenna near a window or outdoors.

14GB
 Listening to non-preset radio
Listening to the radio station
You can listen to a radio station either by — Manual Tuning
selecting a preset station, or by manually tuning
in the station. 1 Press TUNER/BAND repeatedly to
select “FM” or “AM”.
Listening to a preset station
2 Press m or M (or TUNING – or + on
— Preset Tuning the remote) repeatedly to tune in the
desired station.

Tuner
Preset radio stations in the tuner’s memory first Tips
(see “Presetting radio stations” on page 13). • To improve broadcast reception, adjust the supplied
antennas.
1 Press TUNER/BAND repeatedly to • When an FM stereo program has static noise, press
select “FM” or “AM”. STEREO/MONO on the remote repeatedly until
2 Press . or > (or PRESET – or + on “MONO” appears. There will be no stereo effect,
but the reception will improve.
the remote) repeatedly to select the
• Press and hold m or M (or TUNING – or + on
desired preset station. the remote). The frequency indication changes and
Preset number Frequency scanning stops when the system tunes in a station
(Automatic Tuning).
• To record from the radio, see “Recording to a tape”
on page 18 or “Timer-recording radio programs” on
page 19.

15GB
 Tape

Using the Radio Data Loading a tape

System (RDS)
(MHC-RG33/RG22, European model
1 Press TAPE A/B repeatedly to select
deck A or B.
only)
2 Press Z.
What is the Radio Data System? 3 Insert a tape in deck A or B with the
Radio Data System (RDS) is a broadcasting side you want to play/record facing
service that allows radio stations to send forward.
additional information along with the regular
With the side
program signal. This tuner offers convenient you want to
RDS features like station name display and play/record
location of stations by program type. RDS is facing forward.
available only on FM stations.*
Note
RDS may not work properly if the station you tuned
in is not transmitting the RDS signal properly or if the
signal is weak.

* Not all FM stations provide RDS service, nor do

they provide the same types of services. If you are
not familiar with the RDS system, check with your
local radio stations for details on RDS services in
your area.

Receiving RDS broadcasts

Simply select a station from the FM band.
When you tune in a station that provides RDS
services, the station name appears in the
display.
To check the RDS information
Each time you press DISPLAY, the display
changes cyclically as follows:
Station name* t Frequency t Program
type* t Clock display t Effect status
* If the RDS broadcast is not received, the station
name and program type may not appear in the
display.

16GB
 Searching for the beginning of the
Playing a tape current or the next track (AMS)*

You can use TYPE I (normal) tape. To go forward

Press > during playback.
1 Load a tape. “TAPE A (or TAPE B) >>> +1” appears.
To play both decks in succession, press
PLAY MODE on the remote repeatedly To go back
until “RELAY” (Relay Play)* appears in Press . during playback.
the display. “TAPE A (or TAPE B) <<< –1” appears.
2 Press H (or N on the remote). * AMS (Automatic Music Sensor)

The tape starts playing. Note

The AMS function may not operate correctly under
the following circumstances:

Tape
– When the unrecorded space between songs is less
than 4 seconds long.
– When the system is placed near a television.
* After the playback of the front side of deck A,
deck B plays the front side, then stops.

Other Operations
To Do this
Stop play Press x.
Pause Press X. Press again to
resume play.
Fast-forward Press m or M.
or rewind
Remove Press Z.
the cassette

17GB
 Recording to a tape
— CD Synchro Recording/Recording Manually

You can record from a CD, tape (or connected components) or radio. You can use TYPE I (normal)
tapes. The recording level is adjusted automatically.

Steps Recording from a CD Recording from a CD/tape/radio manually

(CD Synchro Recording)

1 Load a recordable tape into deck B.

2 Press CD. Press CD, TAPE A/B or TUNER/BAND.

3 Load the CD you want to record. Load the CD or tape (or other music
source), or tune in the station you want
to record.
4 Press CD SYNC. Press REC PAUSE/START.
Deck B stands by for recording.
“REC” flashes.

5 Press REC PAUSE/START. Press REC PAUSE/START, and then start

Recording starts. playing the desired source to record.

To stop recording Note

Press x. You cannot listen to other sources while recording.

Tip
For recording from the radio:
If noise is heard while recording from the radio, move
the respective antenna to reduce the noise.

18GB
 Timer-recording radio 6 Load a recordable tape into deck B.
programs 7 Press ?/1 to turn off the system.
When the recording starts, the volume level
You can record a preset radio station from a is set to minimum.
specified time.
Other Operations
To timer-record, you must first preset the radio
station (see “Presetting radio stations” on page To Do this
13) and set the clock (see “Setting the clock” Check the Press CLOCK/TIMER SELECT
on page 10). setting on the remote and press . or
> on the remote repeatedly to
1 Tune in the preset radio station (see select “REC SELECT”, then press
“Listening to the radio” on page 15). ENTER on the remote.

Tape
2 Press CLOCK/TIMER SET on the Change the Start over from step 1.
remote. setting
“DAILY SET” appears. Cancel the timer Press CLOCK/TIMER SELECT
on the remote and press . or
3 Press . or > on the remote > on the remote repeatedly to
repeatedly to select “REC SET”, then select “TIMER OFF”, then press
press ENTER on the remote. ENTER on the remote.
“ON” appears and the hour indication
flashes in the display. Notes
4 Set the time to start recording. • If the system is on at the preset time, the recording
will not be made.
Press . or > on the remote
• When you use the Sleep Timer, Timer-recording
repeatedly to set the hour, then press and Daily Timer will not turn on the system until
ENTER on the remote. the Sleep Timer turns it off.
The minute indication starts flashing. • You cannot activate the Daily Timer and Timer-
recording at the same time.
Press . or > on the remote
repeatedly to set the minute, then press
ENTER on the remote.
5 Repeat step 4 to set the time to stop
recording.
The start time appears, followed by the stop
time, the preset radio station to be recorded
(e.g., “TUNER FM 5”), then the original
display appears.

19GB
 Sound Adjustment
To cancel the effect
Using the sub woofer Press EFFECT ON/OFF (or ON/OFF on the
remote).
(MHC-GX40 only)
Sound effect options
You can use the sound of the sub woofer to suit
“SURR” appears if you select an effect with
the sound source.
surround effects.
Press ON/OFF on the sub woofer. MUSIC EQ
The indicator lights up while the sub woofer Effect
turns on.
ROCK Standard music sources
Press the button again to turn off the sub POP
woofer.
MOVIE EQ
Tip
You can use VOLUME (VOL – or + on the remote) Effect
to adjust the volume of the sub woofer linked to the MOVIE Soundtracks and special listening
front speakers. situations

GAME EQ
Adjusting the sound Effect
GAME PlayStation 1, 2 and other video
You can reinforce the bass and create a more game music sources
powerful sound.
Press GROOVE.
“GROOVE” appears in the display and the Selecting the surround
volume switches to power mode.
Press the button again to cancel GROOVE. effect
Press SURROUND on the remote.
Selecting the sound effect “SURR” appears in the display.
Press the button again to cancel SURROUND.
Selecting the effect from the music
menu
Press MUSIC EQ, MOVIE EQ or GAME EQ
(or EQ – or + on the remote*) repeatedly to
select the preset you desire.
The preset name appears in the display.
See the chart “Sound effect options”.
* You can select all of the effects in order.

20GB
 Display

Turning off the display Using the CD display

— Power Saving Mode
Checking the remaining time
Even if the system is off, the system consumes
power to display the clock and to stay Press DISPLAY repeatedly during play.
responsive to commands from the remote. Each time you press the button, the display
Power saving mode reduces the amount of changes cyclically as follows:
power consumed during standby. Elapsed playing time on the current track t
In this mode, the clock is not displayed. Remaining time on the current track t
Remaining time on the current CD t Clock
Press DISPLAY repeatedly while the display (for eight seconds) t Effect status
system is off until the demonstration
display or the clock display disappears.
Checking the total playing
To cancel the Power Saving Mode time

Sound Adjustment/Display
Press DISPLAY while the system is off. Each
time you press the button, the display switches Press DISPLAY repeatedly in stop mode.
cyclically as follows: Each time you press the button, the display
Demonstration display t Clock display* t changes cyclically as follows:
No display (Power Saving Mode)
During normal play mode:
* The clock is displayed only if you set the clock.
Total number of tracks and total playing time
Tip
t Clock display (for eight seconds) t Effect
The timer continues to operate in Power Saving
status
Mode.
During Program Play mode when
there is a program:
The last track number of the program and the
total playing time t Total number of
programed tracks (for five seconds) t Clock
display (for eight seconds) t Effect status

21GB
 Other Features

Enhancing video game Falling asleep to music

sound — Sleep Timer

— Game Sync You can set the system to turn off after a
certain time, so that you can fall asleep to
You need to connect a video game machine music.
(see “Hooking up video game machine” on
Press SLEEP on the remote.
page 24).
Each time you press the button, the minute
Press GAME. display (the turn-off time) changes cyclically as
Tips
follows:
• In the standby mode, the system automatically turns AUTO* t 90 MIN t 80 MIN t 70 MIN
on. t … t 10 MIN t OFF
• The GAME EQ is automatically selected. * The system turns off when the current CD or tape
• These operations cannot be performed in the Power finishes playback (for up to 100 minutes).
Saving Mode.
Other Operations
Mixing video game sound To Press
with other sound source Check the SLEEP on the remote once.
remaining time**
— Game Mixing Change the SLEEP on the remote
time to turn off repeatedly to select the time you
want.
1 Select the desired source sound. Cancel the Sleep SLEEP on the remote
2 Press GAME MIXING. Timer function repeatedly until “SLEEP OFF”
Each time you press the button, the level of the appears.
game sound changes cyclically as follows:
** You cannot check the remaining time when you
MIXING LOW t MIXING MID t select “AUTO”.
MIXING HIGH t MIXING OFF
Tips
• The GAME MIXING indicator lights up while
Game Mixing is activated.
• Once Game Mixing is activated, it will remain
active while the power is on even if the source
sound is changed.
Note
If you start recording while Game Mixing is
activated, Game Mixing is canceled. To record the
mixed sound, press GAME MIXING after step 4 of
“Recording from a CD/tape/radio manually” on page
18, and then press REC PAUSE/START to start the
recording.

22GB
 8 Press ENTER on the remote.
Waking up to music The type of timer (“DAILY”), followed by
the start time, stop time, and the music
— Daily Timer source appear, then the original display
appears.
You can wake up to music at a preset time.
Make sure you have set the clock (see “Setting 9 Press ?/1 to turn off the system.
the clock” on page 10).
Other Operations
1 Prepare the music source you want to
play. To Do this
• CD: Load a CD. To start from a Check the setting Press CLOCK/TIMER
specific track, make a program (see SELECT on the remote and
“Programing CD tracks” on page 12). press . or > on the
• Tape: Load a tape with the side you remote repeatedly to select
“DAILY”, then press ENTER
want to play facing forward.
on the remote.
• Radio: Tune in the preset station you
Change the setting Start over from step 1.
want (see “Listening to the radio” on
page 15). Cancel the timer Press CLOCK/TIMER
SELECT on the remote and

Other Features
2 Adjust the volume. press . or > on the
remote repeatedly to select
3 Press CLOCK/TIMER SET on the “TIMER OFF”, then press
remote. ENTER on the remote.
“DAILY SET” appears.
4 Press ENTER on the remote. Tip
“ON” appears and the hour indication The system turns on 15 seconds before the preset
flashes. time.
Notes
5 Set the time to start playing. • When you use the Sleep Timer, the Daily Timer
Press . or > on the remote will not turn on the system until the Sleep Timer
repeatedly to set the hour, then press turns it off.
ENTER on the remote. • You cannot activate the Daily Timer and Timer-
recording at the same time.
The minute indication flashes.
• If the system is on at the preset time, you cannot
Press . or > on the remote activate the Daily Timer.
repeatedly to set the minute, then press
ENTER on the remote.
6 Repeat step 5 to set the time to stop
playing.
7 Press . or > on the remote
repeatedly until the music source you
want appears.
The indication changes as follows:
t TUNER y CD PLAY T

t TAPE PLAY T

23GB
 Optional Components

Hooking up video game machine

To enhance your system, you can connect optional components. Refer to the operating instructions
provided with each component.

Optional video game machine TV

From the audio and video output of To the video input of a TV

the video game machine

A VIDEO INPUT jack Notes

Use a video cable (not supplied) to connect the • The video game machine image may appear on the
TV screen even if the system is turned off.
video output of the optional video game • See “Selecting the sound effect” on page 20 for
machine to this jack. video game sound effects.
• If you press GAME while the system is off, the
B AUDIO INPUT jacks system turns on, the function switches to GAME,
Use audio cords (not supplied) to connect the and the equalizer also switches to the GAME EQ.
audio output of the optional video game • If you press GAME while the system is on, the
machine to these jacks. You can then output function switches to GAME and the equalizer
automatically switches to the GAME EQ in the
audio through this system.
same manner.
C VIDEO OUT jack
Use a video cable (not supplied) to connect the
video input of TV to this jack.

24GB
 Troubleshooting
There is severe hum or noise.
Problems and remedies • A TV or VCR is placed too close to the system.
Move the system away from the TV or VCR.
If you have any problem using this system, use
The timer does not function.
the following check list.
• Set the clock correctly.
First, check that the power cord is connected
“DAILY” and “REC” do not appear when you
firmly and the speakers are connected correctly
press CLOCK/TIMER SET.
and firmly.
• Set the timer correctly.
Should any problem persist, consult your • Set the clock.
nearest Sony dealer.
The remote does not function.
• There is an obstacle between the remote and the
General system.
• The remote is not pointing in the direction of the
The display starts flashing as soon as you plug
system’s sensor.
in the power cord even though you have not
• The batteries have run down. Replace the
turned on the system (see step 5 of “Hooking up
batteries.
the system” on page 8).
• Press DISPLAY twice while the system is off. There is acoustic feedback.
The demonstration disappears. • Reduce the volume.
“– –:– –” lights in the display. The color irregularity on a TV screen persists.
• A power interruption occurred. Set the clock and • Turn off the TV set once, then turn it on after 15

Optional Components/Troubleshooting
timer settings again. to 30 minutes. If the color irregularity still
persists, place the speakers farther away from the
The clock setting/radio presetting/timer is
TV set.
canceled.
• The power cord is disconnected or a power
failure occurs longer than half a day.
Redo the following: Speakers
— “Setting the clock” on page 10
— “Presetting radio stations” on page 13 Sound comes from one channel or unbalanced
If you have set the timer, also redo “Waking up left and right volume.
to music” on page 23 and “Timer-recording radio • Check the speaker connection and speaker
programs” on page 19. placement.
There is no sound. Sound lacks bass.
• Turn VOLUME clockwise. • Check that the speaker’s + and – jacks are
• The headphones are connected. connected correctly.
• Insert only the stripped portion of the speaker
cord into the SPEAKER jack. Inserting the vinyl
portion of the speaker cord will obstruct the
continued
speaker connections.
• There is no audio output during timer recording.

25GB
 Problems and remedies (continued) Tuner
There is severe hum or noise (“TUNED” or
CD Player “STEREO” flashes in the display).
• Adjust the antenna.
The CD tray does not close. • The signal strength is too weak. Connect the
• The CD is not placed properly. external antenna.
The CD will not play. A stereo FM program cannot be received in
• The CD is not lying flat in the disc tray. stereo.
• The CD is dirty. • Press STEREO/MONO on the remote repeatedly
• The CD is loaded label side down. until “MONO” disappears.
• There is moisture on the CD.
Play does not start from the first track. If other troubles not described above
• The player is in program or shuffle mode. Press occur, reset the system as follows:
PLAY MODE repeatedly until “PGM” or
“SHUF” disappears. 1 Unplug the power cord.
The disc tray does not open and “LOCKED” 2 Plug the power cord back in.
appears. 3 Press x, GROOVE, and ?/1 at the same
• Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized time.
Sony service facility.
4 Press ?/1 to turn on the system.
The system is reset to the factory settings. All
the settings you made are cleared.
Tape Deck
The tape does not record.
• No tape in the cassette holder. Messages
• The tab has been removed from the cassette (see
“To save a tape permanently” on page 27). One of the following messages may appear or
• The tape has reeled to the end. flash in the display during operation.
The tape does not record nor play or there is a NO DISC
decrease in sound level. • There is no CD on the disc tray.
• The heads are dirty (see “Cleaning the tape
OVER
heads” on page 28).
• You have reached the end of the CD.
• The record/playback heads are magnetized (see
“Demagnetizing the tape heads” on page 28). “PROTECT” and “PUSH POWER” appear
The tape does not erase completely. alternately.
• The record/playback heads are magnetized (see • A strong signal was input. Press ?/1 to turn off
“Demagnetizing the tape heads” on page 28). the system, leave the system turned off for a
while, then press ?/1 again to turn on the
There is excessive wow or flutter, or the sound system. If “PROTECT” and “PUSH POWER”
drops out. appear alternately even after the system is turned
• The capstans or pinch rollers are dirty (see on again, press ?/1 to turn off the system and
“Cleaning the tape heads” on page 28). check the speaker cord.

Noise increases or the high frequencies are

erased.
• The record/playback heads are magnetized (see
“Demagnetizing the tape heads” on page 28).

26GB
 Additional Information
On operation
Precautions • If the system is brought directly from a cold to a
warm location, or is placed in a very damp room,
moisture may condense on the lens inside the CD
On operating voltage player. Should this occur, the system will not
Before operating the system, check that the operating operate properly. Remove the CD and leave the
voltage of your system is identical with the voltage of system turned on for about an hour until the
your local power supply. moisture evaporates.
• When you move the system, take out any discs.
On safety
• The unit is not disconnected from the AC power If you have any questions or problems concerning
source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall your stereo system, please consult your nearest Sony
outlet, even if the unit itself has been turned off. dealer.
• Unplug the system from the wall outlet (mains) if it
is not to be used for an extended period of time. To Notes on CDs
disconnect the cord (mains lead), pull it out by the • Before playing, clean the CD with a cleaning cloth.
plug. Never pull the cord itself. Wipe the CD from the center out.
• Should any solid object or liquid fall into the • Do not use solvents.
component, unplug the system and have it checked • Do not expose the CD to direct sunlight or heat
by qualified personnel before operating it any sources.
further.
• The AC power cord must be changed only at a Note on CD-R/CD-RW playback
qualified service shop. Discs recorded on CD-R/CD-RW drives may not be
played back because of scratches, dirt, recording
On placement condition or the drive’s characteristics. Besides, the
• Do not place the system in an inclined position. discs, which are not yet finalized at the end of
• Do not place the system in locations where it is: recording, cannot be played back.
— Extremely hot or cold
Cleaning the cabinet
— Dusty or dirty

Additional Information
— Very humid Use a soft cloth slightly moistened with mild
detergent solution.
— Subject to vibrations
— Subject to direct sunlight. To save a tape permanently
On heat build up To prevent a tape from being accidentally recorded
over, break off the cassette tab from side A or B as
• Although the system heats up during operation, this illustrated. If you later want to reuse the tape for
is not a malfunction. recording, cover the broken tab with adhesive tape.
• Place the system in a location with adequate
ventilation to prevent heat build up in the system.
• If you continuously use this system at a large
volume, the cabinet temperature of the top, side and
bottom rises considerably. To avoid burning
yourself, do not touch the cabinet.
• To prevent a malfunction, do not cover the
ventilation hole for the cooling fan. Tab of side B Tab of side A

Break off the

cassette tab
of side A

continued

27GB
 Precautions (continued)
Specifications
Before placing a cassette in the tape
deck AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS:
Take up any slack in the tape. Otherwise the tape may (MHC-GX40/GX20 USA model only)
get entangled in the parts of the tape deck and become POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL
damaged. HARMONIC DISTORTION:
When using a tape longer than 90 with 6 ohms loads both channels driven, from
minutes 120 – 10,000 Hz; rates 60 watts per channel
The tape is very elastic. Do not change the tape minimum RMS power, with no more than 10%
operations such as play, stop, and fast-winding total harmonic distortion from 250 milliwatts to
frequently. The tape may get entangled in the tape
rated output.
deck.
Total harmonic distortion less than 0.07%
Cleaning the tape heads (6 ohms at 1 kHz, 30 W)
Clean the tape heads after every 10 hours of use.
Be sure to clean the tape heads before you start an Amplifier section
important recording or after playing an old tape. Use North American models:
a separately sold dry-type or wet-type cleaning MHC-GX40
cassette. For details, refer to the instructions of the Front speaker
cleaning cassette. Continuous RMS power output (reference)
60 + 60 watts (6 ohms at
Demagnetizing the tape heads 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Demagnetize the tape heads and the metal parts that Total harmonic distortion less than 0.07%
have contact with the tape every 20 to 30 hours of use (6 ohms at 1 kHz, 30 W)
with a separately sold demagnetizing cassette. For Sub woofer
details, refer to the instructions of the demagnetizing Continuous RMS power output (reference)
cassette. 120 watts (12 ohms at
40 Hz, 10% THD)
Total harmonic distortion less than 0.07%
(12 ohms at 40 Hz, 60 W)
MHC-GX30
Continuous RMS power output (reference)
75 + 75 watts (6 ohms at
1 kHz, 10% THD)
Total harmonic distortion less than 0.07%
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, 40 W)
MHC-GX20
Continuous RMS power output (reference)
60 + 60 watts (6 ohms at
1 kHz, 10% THD)
Total harmonic distortion less than 0.07%
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, 30 W)

28GB
European models: CD player section
MHC-RG33
DIN power output (rated) 60 + 60 watts System Compact disc and digital
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN) audio system
Continuous RMS power output (reference) Laser Semiconductor laser
75 + 75 watts (6 ohms at (λ=780 nm)
1 kHz, 10% THD) Emission duration:
Music power output (reference) continuous
150 + 150 watts (6 ohms Frequency response 2 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)
at 1 kHz, 10% THD) Wavelength 780 – 790 nm
MHC-RG22 Signal-to-noise ratio More than 90 dB
DIN power output (rated) 50 + 50 watts Dynamic range More than 90 dB
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output (reference) Tape deck section
60 + 60 watts (6 ohms at Recording system 4-track 2-channel stereo
1 kHz, 10% THD) Frequency response 50 – 13,000 Hz (±3 dB),
Music power output (reference) using Sony TYPE I
120 + 120 watts (6 ohms cassette
at 1 kHz, 10% THD) Wow and flutter ±0.15% W.Peak (IEC)
0.1% W.RMS (NAB)
Other models: ±0.2% W.Peak (DIN)
MHC-RG33
The following measured at AC 120, 220, 240 V,
Tuner section
50/60 Hz
DIN power output (rated) 60 + 60 watts FM stereo, FM/AM superheterodyne tuner
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN)
Continuous RMS power output (reference) FM tuner section
75 + 75 watts (6 ohms at
1 kHz, 10% THD) Tuning range 87.5 – 108.0 MHz
MHC-RG22 Antenna FM lead antenna
The following measured at AC 120, 127, 220, 240 V Antenna terminals 75 ohms unbalanced
Intermediate frequency 10.7 MHz

Additional Information
50/60 Hz
DIN power output (rated) 50 + 50 watts
(6 ohms at 1 kHz, DIN) AM tuner section
Continuous RMS power output (reference) Tuning range
60 + 60 watts (6 ohms at Pan-American models: 530 – 1,710 kHz (with the
1 kHz, 10% THD) interval set at 10 kHz)
531 – 1,710 kHz (with the
Inputs interval set at 9 kHz)
AUDIO INPUT (phono jack): European and Middle Eastern models:
voltage 450 mV, 531 – 1,602 kHz (with the
impedance 47 kilohms interval set at 9 kHz)
Outputs Other models: 530 – 1,710 kHz (with the
PHONES (stereo mini jack): interval set at 10 kHz)
accepts headphones of 531 – 1,602 kHz (with the
8 ohms or more interval set at 9 kHz)
Front speaker: accepts impedance of 6 to Antenna AM loop antenna
16 ohms Antenna terminals External antenna terminal
Sub woofer speaker (MHC-GX40 only): Intermediate frequency 450 kHz
accepts impedance of 12
to 16 ohms continued

29GB
 Specifications (continued) General
Power requirements
North American models: 120 V AC, 60 Hz
Speaker European models: 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Australian model: 230 – 240 V AC,
North American model:
50/60 Hz
Front speaker SS-RG55 for MHC-GX40
Argentine models: 220 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Speaker system 3-way, 3-unit,
Mexican models: 120 V AC, 60 Hz
bass-reflex type
Middle Eastern models: 120 – 127/220/230 –
Speaker units
240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Woofer: 13 cm, cone type
Adjustable with voltage
Tweeter: 5 cm, cone type
selector
Super tweeter: 2 cm, dome type
Thai model: 220 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Nominal impedance 6 ohms
Other models: 120 V, 220 V or
Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 200 × 325 × 237 mm
230 – 240 V AC,
Mass Approx. 3.6 kg net per
50/60 Hz
speaker
Adjustable with voltage
selector
Sub woofer speaker SS-WG99 for MHC-GX40
Speaker system Passive sub woofer
Power consumption
Speaker units
USA models:
Woofer: 15 cm, cone type
MHC-GX40: 140 watts
Nominal impedance 12 ohms
MHC-GX20: 105 watts
Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 210 × 325 × 239 mm
Canadian models:
Mass Approx. 4.0 kg
MHC-GX40: 140 watts
MHC-GX30: 125 watts
Canadian model:
MHC-GX20: 105 watts
Front speaker SS-RG66A for MHC-GX30
European models:
Speaker system 3-way, 3-unit,
MHC-RG33: 125 watts
bass-reflex type
0.5 watts (at the Power
Speaker units
Saving Mode)
Sub Woofer: 13 cm, cone type
MHC-RG22: 105 watts
Woofer: 13 cm, cone type
0.5 watts (at the Power
Tweeter: 5 cm, cone type Saving Mode)
Nominal impedance 6 ohms Other models:
Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 215 × 356 × 260 mm MHC-RG33: 125 watts
Mass Approx. 4.2 kg net per MHC-RG22: 105 watts
speaker Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 280 × 325 × 412 mm
Other models: Mass
Front speaker SS-RG66A for MHC-RG33 North American models:
Speaker system 3-way, 3-unit, bass-reflex HCD-GX40: Approx. 9.0 kg
type HCD-GX30: Approx. 9.0 kg
Speaker units HCD-GX20: Approx. 8.5 kg
Sub Woofer: 13 cm, cone type European models:
Woofer: 13 cm, cone type HCD-RG33: Approx. 9.0 kg
Tweeter: 5 cm, cone type HCD-RG22: Approx. 8.5 kg
Nominal impedance 6 ohms Other models:
Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 215 × 356 × 260 mm HCD-RG33: Approx. 9.5 kg
Mass Approx. 4.2 kg net per HCD-RG22: Approx. 9.0 kg
speaker
Supplied accessories: Remote Commander (1)
Front speaker SS-RG55 for MHC-GX20/RG22 Batteries (2)
Speaker system 3-way, 3-unit, AM loop antenna (1)
bass-reflex type FM lead antenna (1)
Speaker units Front speaker pads (8)
Woofer: 13 cm, cone type
Tweeter: 5 cm, cone type Design and specifications are subject to change
Super tweeter: 2 cm, dome type without notice.
Nominal impedance 6 ohms
Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 200 × 325 × 237 mm
Mass Approx. 3.6 kg net per
speaker

30GB
Sony Corporation Printed in China