User manual NAKAMICHI BX300

NakamichiBX-3t Discrete Deck HeadCassette Manual Owner's I R I 5 K FE L E T T R I C O 5HOTK. DOIIOTOPEN I - CAUTIO TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,DO NOT REMOVE COVER(OR BACK).NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTSINSIDE. REFER SERVICING QUALIFIED TO SERVICE PERSONNEL T h e l i g h t n i n gf l a s hw i t h a r r o w h e a d s y m b o l w i t h i na n e q u i l a t e r atlr i a n g l e i,s , intendedto alert the user of the presence " o l u n i n s u l a t e dd a n g e r o u s o l t a g e " v w i t h i nt h e p r o d u c l ' sc n c l o s u r o ; h a l m a y l b e o f s u f fi c i e n tm a g n i t u d e o c o n s t i t u t e t a risk of electric shock to persons. T h e e x c l a m a t i o n o i n tw i t h i na n p e q u i l a t e r atlr i a n g l ei s i n t e n d e dt o a l e r t lhe user of the presenceof imoortant ( o p e r a t i n g n d m a i n t e n a n c es e r v i c r n g ) a I n s t r u c t i o n sn t h e l i t e r a t u r e i. a c c o m p a n y i n gh e a p p l i a n c e . t Congratulations! You have chosen an excellentcassette deck. The NakamichiBX-300 incorooratesa wealthof originalNakamichi technology, such as the Discrete Three-Head system,a Direct-DriveAsymmetrical, Diffused-Resonance Dual Capstan Transportetc. The deck is designedto deliveroutstanding performance everybasic aspect,while providinga in reasonablechoice of useful features. In orderto take lull advantage this unit'ssuperiorperformance, pleaseread this of manualin its entiretyand retainit for future reference. Thank you. NakamichiCorporation. Please record Model the Number Serial and Number the spaceprovided in below and retain thesenumbers. Model Number Serial and Number located are on the rearpanel the unit. of Model Number: BX-300 Nakamichi Serial Number: CONTENTS Connections Instructions. Salety ., On Cassette Tapes. Controls Features and Operation Special Features Maintenance. TroubleshootinS....... Specifications. OptionalAccessories z 3 !t 4 5 7 n WARNING TO PREVENT FIREOR SHOCK HAZARD, NOT EXPOSE DO THISAPPLIANCE RAINOR TO MOISTURE. generales This equipment and uses radio frequency energyand il not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordancewith the manufaclurer's instructions, may cause interlerenceto radio and televisionreceotion.lt has been type tested and found to comply with the limitsfor a Class B computing devicein accordance with the specifications Suboarl in J ol Part 15 of FCC Rules, whichare designed to providereasonable proteclion againstsuch interference a residential in installation. However, there is no guaranteethat interlerence not occur in a particular will installation. this equipment lf does cause interference radio or televisionreception, to whichcan be determined turningthe by equipmentoff and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interferenceby one or more ol the lollowing measures: - reorient the receiving antenna - relocate this equipment with respectto the receiver - movethis equipmentaway from the receiver - plug this equipment into a ditterenlouuet so that equipmentand receiverare on dilferentbranchcircuits. lf necessary, user should consult the the dealer or an experiencedradio/television technician additional for suggeslions. The user may find the followingbooklet preparedby the Federal Communications Commission helolul: "How to ldentify and ResolveRadio-TV Interterence Problems". This bookletis availablerom the U.S. f Government PrintingOltice, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4. Connections Atter consulting instructions your the for amplifier receiver, the shieldd or use cables with RCA plugs (provided with the deck)to makeconnections shownin the chart. as Takecare not to mix up lelt and right channels. Whilemakingconnections, the powerto the deck and to the amplilier should be switchedofl. Headphones Standardstereo headphones with an impedance 8-150 ohms may be ol jack. connecledto the headphone Microphone Gonnections The BX-300 posseseesonly line Input facilities.When microphonesare to be used for recording, separate a microphone mixerwith a line outputmust be connected this to deck's line inputterminals Nakamichi offersthe optionalMX-100 MicrophoneMixer,which providesthree inputsfor lelt, right and centerblend (L+R) microphones. power the MX-100,the To separatePS-100 PowerSupply is required. Remote Control The optional remoteconlrolunit RM-200 permitsoperationof the deck's tape transport functionsfrom any convenientlocation. Rmoto Terminal RemoteControl Unit RM-200 (ootional) Line Terminals To AC Wall Outlet or Amplilir's AC Oullet To Amplilier's "Rc Oul" Terminals Preamplilier, Amplilier or Recsivgr To Anplilie.'s "TapePlay" (l-R) Terminals Microphone Instructions Safety havebeen The lollowing safetyinstructions includedin compliancewith salety standard regulations. Pleaseread them carefully. '| . Read Instructions-All the salety and operatinginstructionsshould be read beforethe applianceis operated. safetyand 2. Retaininstructions-The operatinginstructionsshould be retained for future reference. on 3. HeedWarnings-All warnings the instructions and in the operating appliance should be adhered. 4. FollowInstruclions-All operatingand use inslructions shouldbe followed. should 5. Waterand Moisture-Theappliance not be used near water-tor example,near kitchensink, laundry a bathtub, washbowl, tub, in a wet basement, near a swimming or pool,etc. 6. Carts and Stands-The applianceshould be used only with a cart or stand that ls recommended the manufacturer. by -The appliance 7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting should be mountedto a wall or ceiling only as recommended the manufacturer. by 8. Ventilation-The appliance shouldbe situatedso that its locationor positiondoes For not interlerewith its proper ventilation. example, the applianceshould not be situatedon a bed, sofa, rug or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; placedin a built-ininstallation, or such as a bookcaseor cabinet that may impedethe llow of air throughthe ventilation openings. 9. Heat-The appliance shouldbe situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,stoves,or other appliances (including amplifiers) which produceheat. 1o.Power shouldbe Sources-The appliance connecledto a power supply only of the instructions type described the operating in or as markedon the appliance. 1 l.Groundingor Polarization-Precautions should be taken so that the groundingor polarization meansof an applianceis not defeated. 12.Power-CordProtection-Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likelyto be walkedon or pinchedby items placed upon or against them,paying particularattentionto cords at plugs, receptacles, convenience and the point where they exit from the appliance. l3.Cleaning-The appliance shouldbe cleaned by only as recommended the manufacturer. 14.NonusePeriods-The power cord of the applianceshould be unpluggedlrom the outlet when left unused for a long period of time. 1S.Object and LiquidEntry-Care shouldbe taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosurethrough openings. 16.Oamage Requiring Service-The appliance should be servicedby qualifiedservice personnelwhen: A. The power-supply cord or the plug has beendamaged; or, B. Objects have fallen,or liquid has been or, spilledinto the appliance; C. The appliancehas been exposedto rain; or, D. The appliancedoes not appear to operatenormallyor exhibitsa marked or, change in performance; E. The appliancehas been dropped,or the enclosuredamaged. lT.Servicing-Theuser shouldnot attemptto service. appliancebeyondthat the describedin the operatinginstruction.All other servicingshould be referredto qualifiedservice personnel. On CassetteTapes Precautions (playing 1. C-120cassettes time one hour per side)containextremely thin tape which breaksor snarlseasily, is subiectto stretching and also sometimes is ot low sensitivity. Therefore,C-.120 for cassettesare not recommended high-tidelity recording. 2. Do not pull out the tape lrom the cassette housing. 3. 8e caretulnot to turn the cassettereels with the fingers, causingtape slackening. 4. Store cassettetapes away from heat,high lields such humidity, dust,and magnetic TV as caused by speakers, sets etc. tab has been removed, cover the tab opening with a piece of adhesivetape. Breakolf lhis lab lo prolect Sidg A lrom accidenlalerasure Ereakoll this tab to Protect Side B lrom accidental erasure. Gassette lnsertion and Removal Cassette Tabs You can protect valuablerecordingsfrom accidentalerasureand re-recordingby completelyremovingthe appropriatetab on the top edge of the casselte.The tab for each side is locatedon the top left-handcorner as you face the side. Use a small screwdriver, and push the tab down to break it olf. Do not leave the brokentab in the recess.lf you wish at a later date to record over a side for which the (1) Insertionof a Cassette 1. Whenthe Eject buttonis pushedin the stop mode,the cassetteholder opens. 2. Insert the cassetteinto the holder with the exposedtape facing down and the label of the desiredside lacing you. 3. Gently push the cassetteholder back into the panel. . For protectionof the tape and tape transport,do not press the Eject button in any modeother than the stop mode. (2) Removalof a Cassette 1. Pressthe Stop button. 2. Whenthe Eject butlon is pushed, the cassetteholder opens. 3. Removethe cassette. Controls and Features Power Switch Rewind Button Fast-Forward Button CounterResetButton qect Eutton Dolby NR Indicators Headphone Jack Cassettelloldel (1) Tape Counter Startingfrom "0000", tape travel is indicatedin the range from "9999" to "-999". To reset the counter indicationto "0000", press the Counter Reset button. (2) Play Button Pressthe section markedwith > to start playbackor to start recordingfrom the record-standby mode.Duringoperation,the indicator lightsup. (3) Stop Button Pressthe section markedwith I to completely stop the tape transportfrom any mode.The indicator lights up. (4) Timer Switch This switch is used for timer-activated recordingor playback.In ordinary operation,it must be set to "Olf". (*p. S) (5) Pitch Control Servesto alter tape speed during playback over a range of approx. *6% (one semitone). (6) Pause Button Pressthe section markedwith 0E to temporarilyinterrupttape travel during recordingor playback.Duringoperation, the indicatorlights up. To start the tape again, press the Play button. (7) Master Fader Buttons These butlons serve to perform fade-in and (-p. 6 ) fade-outduring recordinS. (8) Record Button Simply by pressingthe section markedwithO, the deck enters the record-standbymode (record/pause) and the recordingindicator lights up. When the button is pressedonce moreduringrecording, Rec Mute function the is activatedlor as long as the button is kept depressed.(-tp. 6) (9) Memory Switch With this switch set to "On", the tape stops automatically when the counter indication "0000" is reachedduring rewind or fast-forward. (1O) Auto Repeat Switch By settingthis switchto "On",auto repeat playback is performed.(-p. 0 ) (11) Peak Level Meters Provideexact indicationof peak levels in the rangeof -40 to + 1OdB. (12) Output Level Control Servesto adjustthe line outputand the headphone outputlevel. (13) Input Level Controls Serveto adjust the recordinglevel for left and right channols. (14) Bias Tune Control Servesfor fine adjustmentof the bias current. (-p. 6 ) (15) MPX Filter Switch Usedto suppress the 19-kHzmultiplex carrier signal,which could interfere with properDolby NR operationwhen recordingfrom FM stereo broadcasts. other times,the switch should At be set to "Off". (16) Tape Selector Switches In recording,the correct switch must be selectedlor the tape in use. (*p. 6 ) (1 7) Equalizer Switch Servesto select correct equalization in recordingand playbackfor the tape in use. (-p. 6 ) (18) Monitor Switch For playbackof a tape and for olf-the-taoe monitoring duringrecording, this switch must be set to "Tape".For record level setting etc., the switch must be set to "Source".This switch is also usedduringbias fine adjustment.(-p. 6 ) (19) Dolby NR Switches To use the Dolby NR system,set the upper switch to "On" and select either the B-type or the C-type system with the lower switch. The respecliveindicator lights up. I Dolby NR System This cassettedeck providesa choice betweenthe Dolby B-type and the Dotby C-lype noise reductionsystems.The Dolby B-type NR providesapproximately dB of 10 noisereduction the high frequencies. in The Dolby C-type NR is a further relined system,which achievesa S/N ratio improvement about 20 dB in the range of trom 2 kHz to 8 kHz, where noise is most readilyaudible, For playbackof a tape which was recorded with the B-type NR, set the Dolby NR switch to "B". For playbackof a tape recordedwith Dolby C{ype NR, set the switch to "C". Precautions Before Operation (1) This deck incorporatesa muting circuit which is active for about 4 seconds after the power was switched on, until all circuits have becomestable. (2) lf the power is switched on while the Timer switch is set to "Rec" or "Play", recordingor playback will start automatically. order to prevent In accidentalerasureof a tape, be sure to set the Timer switch to "Off" when the timer function is not desired. (3) lf during playback or recordingthe power' to the deck was switched off by an externaltimer or the like, it may afterwardsnot be possibleto depress the Eject button.Do not apply excessiveforce in such a case. Set the Timer switch of the deck to "Oft", and then switch the power to the deck back on. The cassette can now be removed. (4) This cassettedeck incorporatesa special circuit designdto take up any tape slack when a cassetteis inserted.Upon closing the cassettecompartment switchingon or the power,the left spindle will rotate and the tape counter indicationmay change slightly.This behavioris normaland not a fault with the deck. (5)Voltage Selector AC voltageis factory-setfor the country in which you purchasedyour cassette deck. The voltageselector permits re-settingof mains voltagein case the deck is to be used in a different country. Note: Safety regulationsin certain countries prohibit inclusionof a voltageselector. This feature,therefore,may be absent trom your deck. @um 220 240V^ - t20v Operation Playback (1) Set the Equalizerswitch to the required positionfor the tape in use. (2) Set the Dolby NR switches to the same positionas used for recording. (3) Set the Monitorswitch to "Tape". (4) Press the Play button to start playback. (5) Adjust the desired listeninglevel with the Output Level control. During playback,this deck's Peak Level meters display the level recordedon the tape. Readingsare not affected by turningthe OutputLevelcontrol. With this deck you can go from any mode into any other (for examplefrom playbackto rewind,from rewind to fast-forward, etc.) without havingto press the Stop button. I Record Level Setting For goodrecordings, is essential maintain it to a high signal-to-noise ratio.lf the recordlevel is set too low tape hiss will impairthe playbacksoundquality. it is set too high,the lf tape will be driveninto distortion. Referto the chart belowto set recording levels. r+d8- Recording (1) Set the Tape Selectorswitches and the Equalizer switch to the required positions 'n for the tape ut". 1*0. 6) (2) Select the desired positionof the Dolby NR switches.For recordingfrom FM broadcasts, the MPX Filter switch to set "On". (3) Simplypress the Recordbutton to put the deck into the record-standby(record/ pause)mode. (4) Set the Monitorswitch to "Source" and adjust the recordinglevel with the Rec Levelcontrols while watchingthe indication of the Peak Level meters. (5) Press the Play button to start recording. (6) To check the quality ol the recordingin progress,you can monitorthe playback signal by setting the Monitorswitch to "Tape".In the "Source" position, the input signal belore recordingis heard.For short-terminterruptionof recording,press the Pausebutton to set the deck to the record-standby mode.To resume recording, press the Play button again. | ! 'n ,! | --Metat rape Adjust recordinglevls so that these I l_ , _l{ indicators(approx.+8 dB) tight up I i ,, :{ L :i on signal peaks. l- I \occasionally -Normal.Position, " _! . !_ . t ij Ghrome-PosltionTapeg Ii Adjusl recordinglevetsso that these | !_ ," _! | " (approx.+ 5 dB) tight up incticators I !_ _! | occasionallyon signal peaks. I i ^^- ! i I I r-'" | I t-,"-tl lr_-"rl _ I t _ .-^ " t I t! rl |I L il| dBJ The above valuesshould be used as a general guideline. Actual requirements may vary lo a cerlain degree,dependingon the tape in use and the recordingsource. Timer Recordingor Playback(1) Establish as connections shown in the chart,and switchon the powerto all comoonents. (2) For timer-activated recording, the set recording levelto suit the expected signal. playback, lhe Oulput For timer-activated set controlto the desiredlevel. (3) For timer-activated recording, this set deck'sTimerswilch to "Rec".For timerplayback, the switchto "Play". activated set (4) Set the timerto the desiredoperation time. (S)et tne pre-selected time,the timerwill supply power to the components, and recording playbackwill start or automatically. BX-300 t:1 To AC Outlet Notes: . Be sure to set this deck'sTimerswitch to "Off" when limer recording or playbackis not to be carriedout. . lf the record-protection ol the tabs inserledcassetteare removed, timer-activated recording not possible is and the deck will go into the stop mode. SpecialFeatures 1. Rec Mute By pressingthe Record button once more during recording, the recordingsignal is muted tor as long as the button is kept depressed. When the Monitorswitch is set to "Source", the line and headphone output are not muted, so that it is possibleto continuouslymonitor the inputsignal. 2. Master Fader This feature permitssmoothand easy fades during recordingwithout havingto movethe input level control.By pressingthe "Down" section of the Master Faderbutton,the recordinglevel is graduallyreducedto zero. After the level was reduced by pressing "Down",pressingthe "Up" section will automatically raise it again to the previous setting. You can choose betweentwo fading speeds.lf you keep the button depressed, the fading is comparatively fast. lf you releasethe button immediately after pressing it, the fading is slower. The respectivefading mode is indicatedby the brightnessof the indicators. Note: o The operationof the fader control can be changedfrom "Up" to "Down" or from "Down" to "Up", but it cannot be stopped midway. . The Master Faderis operativeonly in the record and record-standbymodes.When these modesare released, the setting automatically becomes"Up". Repeatplayback will also be performedif the beginning the tape is reachedin of rewind. (2)Auto Repeat Between Tape Counter "OOOO"and Tape End The auto repeat tunction can also be used in conjunctionwith the Memoryswitch. Whn the Auto Repeatswitch and the Memoryswitch are both set to "On", auto repeat will be performedbetweenthe tape counter "0000" indicationand the taoe end. . When the Timer switch is set to "Rec" or "Play",the auto repeat function is inoperative. 3. Auto Repeat Playback (1)Auto Repeat of One Complete Side With the Auto Repeatswitch set to "On", the followingoperatingsequenceis repeatedwhen the tape end is reached during recording,playbackor last-forward: automatic rewind to the tape start * playback from the beginning .- automatic rewind when tape end is reached playback from the beginning ... o Auto Repeat TapeStart g, Recordin Playback, Fast-Forward Rewind Tape End FG servo brushless,slotless,coreless,DD motor (capstan drive)x 1 DC motor (reel drive)x 1 < Mechanism) DC motor (cam drive)x 1 ...... 100,1 2O,12O/22O-24O,22O 24OV AC,5O/60 Hz ot (Accordingto country of sale) ......27W max. 1-718 ips. (4.8 cm/sec.) rO.5% . . . . . . L e s st h a n ! O . O 4 8 o /W T D p e a k o Less than O.O27o/o WTD RMS + .......20H2-20,O0OHz 3dB (recordinglevel - 20 dB, ZX, SX, EXI tape) ...... Dolby C-Type NR on <7Ops, ZXtape> Better than 70 dB (4O0Hz, 3o/o THD, IHF A-WTD RMS) Dolby B-Type NR on <70 ps, ZX tape> Better than 64 dB (400 Hz, 3% THD, tHF A-WTD RMS) (4OOHz, O dB, ZX tape) .. Less than 0.90/0 Lessthan 1.0%(400 Hz,0 dB, sX, EXiltape) . . . . . B e t t e r t h a n 0 d B ( 1 O O z ,+ 1 0 d B ) 6 H .. Better than 36 dB (1 kHz, O dB) ... Betterthan 60 dB (1 kHz,O dB) ......105kHz .50 mV/30 kohms ....... 1.0 V (400 Hz,O dB, outputlevelcontrolat max.)2.2 kohms S mW into I ohms (4O0Hz, 0 dB, output level control at max., . . Appro(. 80 seconds (with C-60 cassette) . 430 (W)x 1OO(H)x 250 (D) millimetres 16- l 5/1 6 (W)x 3-15/1 6 (H)x 9-7lB (D) inches .......5.6k9,12 lb 6 oz OptionalAccessories ZX MetalloyCassetle Tape c-60, c-90 SX II Super FerricobaltCassetteTape c-60,c-90 SXFerricobalt Cassette Tao c-60,c-90 c-60,c-90 EX II FerricrystalCassetteTape PowerSource. Power onsumption... C Tape Speed. Wow-and-Flutter...... FrequencyResponse Signal-to-Noise Ratio. DM-10 Head Demagnetizer Total HarmonicDistortion. Erasure Separation Crosstalk BiasFrequency....... Input (Line) Output(Une). (Headphones) Fast-WindTime. , . Dimensions A p p r o x i m a tW e i g h t. e I . SF-10 Subsonic Filter SP-7 Stereo Headphones Specifications and design are subject to change for further improvement without notice. Noise ReductionSystemmanufacturedunder license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. o The word "DOLBY" and the Double-D-Symbol trademarksof Dolby Laboratories are LicensingCorporation. RM-200 RemoteControl Unit Nakamichi Corporation Tokyo Office ShinjukuDaiichiSeimeiBldg. 2-7-1Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Phone (03) 3424461 T@lex 2324721(NAKAM J) : Nakamichi U.S.A. Corporation 19701 SouthVermontAvenue Torrance,California 90502 Phone: (43) 538-8150 Nakamichi GmbH Stephanienstrasse 4000 Dijsseldorf1 6, Phone: (0211) 359036 0D04450A 0861220W Prinred J.p.n in