TA-E1 - Receiver SONY - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL TA-E1 SONY

Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.

For the customers in United States

CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (FOR BACK), NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INIDE, REFER SERVING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL,

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modification not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Owner's Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the rear 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. TA-E1

Serial No. ____

For the customers in Canada CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

АЯ46

Precautions

On safety

Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet, unplug the preamplifier and have it checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.

On power sources

• Before operating the preamplifier, check that the operating voltage is identical with your local power supply. The operating voltage is indicated on the nameplate at the rear of the preamplifier.
• The unit is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the unit itself has been turned off.
• If you are not going to use the preamplifier for a long time, be sure to disconnect the preamplifier from the wall outlet. To disconnect the AC power cord, grasp the plug itself; never pull the cord.
• AC power cord must be changed only at the qualified service shop.

On placement

• Place the preamplifier in a location with adequate ventilation to prevent heat buildup and prolong the life of the preamplifier.
• Do not place the preamplifier near heat sources, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust or mechanical shock.
• Do not place anything on top of the cabinet that might block the ventilation holes and cause malfunctions.

On operation

Before connecting other components, be sure to turn off and unplug the preamplifier.

On cleaning

Clean the cabinet, panel and controls with a soft cloth slightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent such as alcohol or benzine.

If you have any question or problem concerning your preamplifier, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

About This Manual

The instructions in this manual are for model TA-E1. Check your model number by looking at the front panel. In this manual, the European model is used for illustration purposes unless stated otherwise. Any difference in operation is clearly indicated in the text, for example, "USA/Canada only."

Conventions

• The instructions in this manual describe the controls on the preamplifier.
• The following icon is used in this manual: 🎨 Indicates hints and tips for making the task easier.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Hooking Up the Components 4

Unpacking 4

Connections to a Power Amplifier (Unbalanced) 5

Connections to a Power Amplifier (Balanced) 6

Connections to Audio Components 7

Power Hookup 8

Location of Parts and Basic Operations 10

Front Panel Parts Description 10

Rear Panel Parts Description 12

Other Operations 13

Recording 13

Additional Information 14

Troubleshooting 14

Specifications 15

Hooking Up the Components

This chapter describes how to connect an amplifier as well as various audio components to the preamplifier. Be sure to read the sections for the components you have before you actually connect them to the preamplifier.

Unpacking

Check that you received the following items with the unit:

• Audio cord (1)
• AC power cord (1)
• AC power plug adapter (3 to 2 prong polarized type) (1) (USA/Canada only)

Before you get started

• Turn off the power to all components before making any connections.
• Do not connect the AC power cords until all of the connections are completed.
• Be sure to make connections firmly to avoid hum and noise.
• When connecting an audio cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks on the components: white (left) to white; and red (right) to red.

Power Amplifier Hookup (Unbalanced Connections)

Connect the preamplifier's PRE OUT jacks to your power amplifier's UNBALANCED input jacks (Sony TA-N1, etc.). For details, see the operating instructions supplied with your power amplifier.

Required cords

Audio cords (1 cord is supplied)

When connecting a cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks on the components.

TA-E1 CONNECTION ASSIGNMENT SACDO LINE BALANCED LINE RECT OUTX OUTIN TAPE2:MD TAPE1:DAT PREOUT R L BALANCED OUT SOUND $500.00 $500.00 (-) SOUND $500.00 (+) TA-N1, etc. SPEAKERS R -A- L + -R- -B- -L + IMPORANCE USE 4-16Ω A-B USE 8-16Ω INPUT L NEW OUTPUT TA-36223 OUTPUT FOR ASSIGNMENT R 2 IMPORATE 1 INPUT SECTOR B SALANCED L

Power Amplifier Hookup (Balanced Connections)

Connect the preamplifier's BALANCED OUT jacks to your power amplifier's BALANCED input jacks (Sony TA-N1, etc.). For details, see the operating instructions supplied with your power amplifier.

Required cords

Balanced cords (not supplied)

When connecting a cord, be sure to insert the plugs firmly in the jacks. If the plugs are not connected firmly, noise may be produced.

To the preamplifier To the power amplifier

Note

The pin assignment of the BALANCED output jacks on the preamplifier is 1:GROUND, 2:HOT, and 3:COLD. When connections are made to an amplifier with a pin assignment of 1:GROUND, 2:COLD, and 3:HOT, reverse the polarities (⊕ and ⊖) of the speaker cables. For details, refer to the instructions supplied with the preamplifier.

IN OUT 1: GROUND 2: HOT (+) 3: COLD (−)

TA-E1

TA-N1, etc. SPEAKERS INPUT CONNECTION ASSIGNMENT TA-N1, etc.

Audio Component Hookups

Connect the analog line outputs of your audio components (SACD player, CD player, MD deck, DAT deck, tape deck, etc.) to the analog line jacks on this unit. If you have a component with balanced output capability, that component can be connected to the BALANCED LINE jacks on this unit.

Note

When making connections to a CD player (etc.) that has both balanced and unbalanced output capability, make connections to either the CD input jacks or to the BALANCED LINE jacks, but not both. Making connections to both inputs may lessen the quality of the audio output, or audio may not be output at all.

Required cords

Audio cords (not supplied)

When connecting a cord, be sure to match the color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks on the components.

Balanced cords (not supplied)

When connecting a balanced cord, be sure to insert the plugs firmly in the jacks. If the plugs are not connected firmly, noise may be produced.

To the source component To the preamplifier

graph TD
    A["CD Player"] --> B["OUTPUT L"]
    C["Super Audio CD Player"] --> D["OUTPUT L"]
    B --> E["TA-E1"]
    D --> E
    E --> F["TA-E1 Connection Assignment"]
    F --> G["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> H["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> I["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> J["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> K["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> L["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> M["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> N["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> O["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> P["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> Q["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> R["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> S["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> T["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> U["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> V["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> W["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> X["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> Y["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> Z["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AA["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AB["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AC["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AD["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AE["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AF["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AG["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AH["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AI["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AJ["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AK["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AL["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AM["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AN["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AO["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AP["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AQ["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AR["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AS["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AT["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AU["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AV["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AW["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AX["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AY["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> AZ["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BA["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BB["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BC["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BD["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BE["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BF["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BG["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BH["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BI["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BJ["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BK["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BL["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BM["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BN["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BO["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BP["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BQ["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BR["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BS["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BT["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BU["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BV["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BW["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BX["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BY["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> BZ["OUTPUT L"]
    F --> CA["OUTPUT L"]

Power Hookup

Before connecting the AC power cord of this preamplifier to a wall outlet:

- Make sure that the power switch on the preamplifier is in the off position.

Connect the supplied power cord to the AC IN terminal on this unit.

Line drawing of a plug with internal connector (no text or symbols)

Connecting to the power outlet

(European model only)

Connect the supplied power cord to a wall outlet.

Line drawing of a plug with a circular component inserted, showing internal wiring (no text or symbols)

(USA/Canadian model only)

The supplied power cord has a 3-pronged grounded plug. If you are using a 3-pronged grounded outlet, the plug can be inserted directly into the outlet. However, if the socket is a 2-pronged grounded outlet, use the supplied AC power plug adapter or a commercially available AC power plug adapter.

3-pronged grounded outlet

Illustration of a plug with a screwdriver inserted into a socket (no text or symbols)

2-pronged polarized outlet

- When using a grounded outlet (the inlets are different sizes) Use the supplied AC power plug adapter.

3 to 2 prong polarized AC power plug adapter N pole

If noise (hum) is produced

Noise may be caused by an electrical potential difference on the ground circuit*. In this case, use the supplied AC power plug adapter and be careful not to connect the ground lead to anything.

* Although the ground of the domestic outlet is normally a safety ground, a slight electrical potential difference may be produced, depending on the outlet. Therefore, use of the supplied 3-pronged power cord may lessen the quality of the audio signal or may produce humming noise.

Note

We recommend that you connect this unit directly to a wall outlet. If you must use a multi-outlet tap, or extension cord, be sure to use one capable of handling high current (at least 10 A) or one designed for office use.

Location of Parts and Basic Operations

This chapter provides information about the locations and functions of the buttons and controls on the front and the various jacks on the rear panel. It also explains basic operations.

Front Panel Parts Description

1 ① (power) switch

Press to turn the preamplifier on and off.

- Before you turn on the preamplifier, make sure that you have turned the VOLUME control to the leftmost position to avoid damaging your speakers.

2 Power indicator

Lights red for 12 seconds when preamplifier is turned on, and then lights green.

3 INPUT SELECTOR control

Turn to select the component you want to use.

To select Turn to light

DAT deck, tape deck 1 DAT/TAPE 1

MD deck MD/TAPE 2

BALANCED LINE BALANCED LINE

SACD player SACD

CD player CD

LINE 1 LINE 1

LINE 2 LINE 2

After selecting the component, turn on the component you selected and play the program source.

2 3 7 4 6 5 INPUT SELECTOR SACD BALANCED LINE CD MD/TAPE 2 LINE 1 DAT/TAPE 1 LINE 2 TAPE MONITOR TAPE TAPE DIRECT 0 0 0 VOLUME 0 6 7 8 1 9 0 10 1

4 TAPE MONITOR button

Press to turn the tape monitor on and off. The indicator lights when the tape monitor is on and goes out when the tape monitor is turned off.

5 TAPE MONITOR input select button

When the TAPE MONITOR (4) is on, press to select the input from the TAPE 1 or TAPE 2 input jacks. The indicator lights to show which input is selected.

6 DIRECT button

Press to select the input connected to the DIRECT input jacks. The indicator lights, and the source component connected to the DIRECT input jacks takes priority over the source component selected with the INPUT SELECTOR control (3).

Press the DIRECT button again to return to the source selected with the INPUT SELECTOR control.

7 VOLUME control

After turning on the component you selected, turn to adjust the volume.

Rear Panel Parts Description

1 5 6 7 8 9 4 3 2 R 2 1 SACDOLINE BALANCED L BRECT TAPE2/MD TAPE1/DA PRECUT R L BALANCED OUT * CONNECTION ASSIGNMENT 1 OFFUND 2 OUT-1 3 OUT-1 4 OUT-1 **

1 LINE 1/2 input jacks

Connect to the analog audio output jacks of your audio components (see page 7).

2 CD input jacks

Connect to the audio output jacks of your CD player (see page 7).

3 SACD input jacks

Connect to the audio output jacks of your SACD player (see page 7).

4 BALANCED LINE input jacks

Connect to the BALANCED OUT jacks of an audio component that is capable of balanced output (XLR type) (see page 7).

5 DIRECT input jacks

Connect to the analog audio output jacks of your audio components. When a component is connected to these jacks, pressing the DIRECT button to select the component causes the indicator on the front panel to light.

When the DIRECT button is pressed, the component connected to these jacks takes priority over the component selected with the INPUT SELECTOR control.

6 TAPE 2/MD, TAPE 1/DAT IN/OUT jacks

Use to connect the input and output jacks of your DAT deck, MD deck, tape player (etc.) (page 7).

7 PRE OUT jacks

Connect to your power amplifier(s) (see page 5).

8 BALANCED OUT jacks

Connect to your power amplifier(s) using balanced cords (see page 6).

* : Displays the pin polarity of the BALANCED LINE jacks.
**: Displays the pin polarity of the BALANCED OUT jacks.

9 AC IN terminal

Connect the supplied power cord to the AC IN terminal and then to the wall outlet to supply power to the unit (see page 8).

Other Operations

This chapter describes the operation necessary to record the output of the components connected to this unit on your DAT deck, MD deck, or tape deck (etc.).

Recording

Your preamplifier makes it easy to record to and from the components connected to it. You don't have to connect the playback and recording components directly to each other: once you select a program source on the preamplifier, you can record and edit as you normally would using the controls on each component.

Before you begin, make sure you've connected all components properly.

Recording on an audio tape or MiniDisc

You can record on a cassette tape or MiniDisc using the preamplifier. See the instruction manual of your tape deck or MD deck if you need help.

1 Turn INPUT SELECTOR to select the component to be recorded.
For example, select CD.

2 Prepare the component for playing.

For example, insert a CD into the CD player.

3 Insert a blank tape or MD into the recording deck and adjust the recording level, if necessary.

4 Start recording on the recording deck, then start playback on the playback component.

You can check what is being recorded (tape monitor) When using a 3-head tape deck, it is possible to check the signal that is actually being recorded. For example, if the tape deck connected to the DAT/TAPE 1 input jacks is being used to make a recording, press TAPE MONITOR to turn the tape monitor on (the indicator lights) and then TAPE 1/TAPE 2 until the indicator above TAPE 1 lights.

Notes

• You cannot record a digital audio signal using a component connected to the analog TAPE 1/DAT OUT jacks or TAPE 2/MD OUT jacks. To record a digital audio signal, connect the digital output of the source component directly to the digital input of the recording deck.
• Sound adjustments do not affect the signal output from the TAPE1/DAT OUT or TAPE 2/MD OUT jacks.

Additional Information

Troubleshooting

If you experience any of the following difficulties while using the preamplifier, use this troubleshooting guide to help you remedy the problem. Should any problem persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

There's no sound or only a very low-level sound is heard.

→ Check that all components are connected securely.
→ Make sure that you've selected the correct component on the preamplifier.

The left and right sounds are unbalanced or reversed.

→ Check that all components are connected correctly and securely.

Severe hum or noise is heard.

→ Check that all components are connected securely.
→ Check that the connecting cords are away from a transformer or motor, and at least 3 meters (10 feet) away from a TV set or fluorescent light.
→ Move your TV away from the audio components.
→ The plugs and jacks are dirty. Wipe them with a cloth slightly moistened with alcohol.

Recording cannot be done.

→ Check that the components are connected correctly.
→ Select the source component by rotating the INPUT SELECTOR control.

Specifications

Audio section

Harmonic distortion

Less than 0.005%

(at 2 V, THD)

Frequency response

5 Hz \~ 300 kHz

(0 \~ -1 dB)

Signal-to-noise ratio

More than 115 dB

(Input shorted, A-Fil)

Inputs
Input Sensitivity Impedance

LINE 1 250 mV 20 kΩ

LINE 2 250 mV 20 kΩ

CD 250 mV 20 kΩ

SACD 250 mV 20 kΩ

BALANCED

250 mV 40 kΩ

LINE

DAT/TAPE 1 250 mV 20 kΩ

MD/TAPE 2 250 mV 20 kΩ

Outputs

Output Voltage Impedance

PRE OUT 2 V 47 Ω

BALANCED 2 V 220 Ω

OUT

General

Power requirements

USA and Canadian

models :

120 V AC, 60Hz

European models :

230 V AC, 50/60Hz

Power consumption

18 W

including projecting

parts and controls

Mass (Approx.)

21.5 kg (47 lb. 06 oz.)

Supplied accessories

See page 4.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

AVERTISSEMENT

TA-N1, etc. SPEAKERS INPUT CONNECTION ASSIGNMENT R R SACD LINE BALANCED LINDRECT TAPE2/MD TAPE1/DAT PRE OUT BALANCED OUT + R - -A- +B- IMPEDANCE USE 4-100 A+B USE 6-100 R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Line drawing of a plug with a connector inserted into a socket (no text or symbols)

Line drawing of a plug with a circular component and two arrows pointing to it (no text or symbols)

Line drawing of a hand inserting a plug into a wall socket (no text or symbols)

8 Prises BALANCED OUT