Sony HCD-S888 Manual

The Sony HCD-S888 is a high-fidelity compact audio system featuring an AM/FM tuner, 3-disc CD changer, dual cassette deck with auto-reverse, and a powerful stereo amplifier. It includes Dolby noise reduction, digital tuning with preset stations, various sound modes, remote control, and connections for auxiliary audio sources. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with 3-disc CD changer, dual cassette deck, AM/FM tuner, Remote Control, Speaker terminals, Auxiliary input jacks, Headphone jack.

Feature	Description
3-Disc CD Changer	Play up to three CDs continuously or in programmed order
Dual Cassette Deck	Deck A for playback, Deck B for recording with auto-reverse
AM/FM Tuner	Digital tuner with 30 station presets (20 FM, 10 AM)
Dolby B/C NR	Noise reduction for improved cassette recording/playback
Sound Modes	BASS BOOST, SURROUND, various EQ presets
Remote Control	Full-function remote for system operation
Speaker Terminals	For connecting included stereo speakers
Auxiliary Input	For connecting external audio sources (e.g., MP3 player)
Headphone Jack	For private listening
Program Memory	Store and recall custom play sequences for CDs

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Place the main unit on a stable, level surface.

1. Connect Speakers: Match red/black terminals to speaker wire colors; ensure secure connection.
2. Connect Antenna: Attach supplied AM loop antenna and FM wire antenna to their respective terminals.
3. Connect Power: Plug the AC power cord into a standard 120V AC outlet.
4. Connect Auxiliary Devices: Use RCA cables to connect an external source to the AUX IN jacks if desired.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block vents on the rear of the unit. Place away from heat sources and moisture.

First-Time Setup

Power on the system; the display will illuminate.

1. Set Clock: Press CLOCK SET, then use number keys or +/- to set the correct time.
2. Tune Radio: Press TUNER BAND to select AM or FM. Use TUNING +/- to find a station, then press MEMORY and a preset number (1-30) to store it.
3. Test Speakers: Play a CD or radio station to ensure both speakers are functioning correctly.
4. Load Batteries in Remote: Install two AAA batteries, observing correct polarity.

CAUTION! Do not connect speakers while the unit is powered on to avoid damage or shock.

Specifications

• Audio Power Output: 50W total (25W per channel, RMS).
• Tuner Section: AM/FM stereo with digital synthesizer.
• CD Section: 3-disc changer, plays CD, CD-R, CD-RW.
• Cassette Section: Double cassette, auto-reverse on Deck B, Dolby B/C NR.
• Frequency Response: CD: 5Hz–20kHz; Cassette: 30Hz–17kHz (with Dolby C).
• Inputs/Outputs: AUX IN, Headphone jack (3.5mm), Speaker terminals.
• Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 45W.
• Dimensions (Main Unit): Approx. 15.5" W x 11.5" D x 5.5" H.
• Included Accessories: Remote control, AM loop antenna, FM wire antenna, speaker wires.

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, EJECT (CD/Cassette), FUNCTION selector (CD, TUNER, TAPE, AUX), VOLUME, BASS/TREBLE, SOUND MODE.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, OPEN/CLOSE (CD), PLAY/PAUSE, STOP, REC (with TAPE), TUNER BAND, PRESET, MEMORY, DISPLAY, SOUND.

Sound Settings: Adjust BASS and TREBLE with front knobs. Select SOUND MODE (FLAT, ROCK, POP, JAZZ, CUSTOM). Tuner Settings: Manual/Auto tuning, preset memory. CD Settings: Repeat (Track/Disc/All), Random play, Program memory. Cassette Settings: Dolby NR (Off/B/C), Metal tape selection, auto-reverse.

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: Connect external audio source (e.g., smartphone, tablet) using a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable.

1. Turn off the main unit before making connections.
2. Plug the 3.5mm end into your device's headphone jack.
3. Connect the red/white RCA plugs to the AUX IN jacks on the rear panel.
4. Select "AUX" on the FUNCTION selector to play audio from the connected device.

Tip: For best audio quality, set your external device's volume to about 75% and control the final volume with the system's VOLUME knob.

Playing Media

Supports Audio CDs, CD-R/RW, and standard audio cassettes.

1. Playing CDs: Press CD EJECT, load up to three discs into the magazine, close. Press FUNCTION to CD. Use PLAY, SKIP, STOP, OPEN/CLOSE.
2. Playing Cassettes: Insert tape into Deck A (playback). Press PLAY. For auto-reverse on Deck B, ensure tape is fully inserted.
3. Listening to Radio: Select TUNER function. Choose AM/FM band. Tune manually or select a preset (1-30).
4. Programmed Play (CD): Press PROGRAM, then use number keys to select tracks in desired order. Press PLAY to start.
5. Repeat/Random: Press REPEAT or RANDOM during CD playback for different modes.

WARNING! Do not touch the CD lens or cassette heads. Handle discs by edges; keep cassettes away from magnets.

Recording Features

Use Deck B for recording from CD, Tuner, or Aux input.

1. Insert a blank or erasable cassette into Deck B.
2. Select the source you wish to record from (e.g., CD, TUNER).
3. Press RECORD (and PLAY simultaneously on some models) on Deck B to begin recording.
4. Press STOP to end recording. Use PAUSE to temporarily halt.
5. For best results, engage Dolby B or C noise reduction compatible with your tape type.

Note: Recording is not possible from Deck A or from an external source connected to the headphone jack.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug the unit from the AC outlet before cleaning.

Exterior: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use chemical cleaners or aerosols.
CD Lens & Cassette Heads: Use a commercial CD lens cleaning disc or cassette head cleaning tape periodically.
Cassette Deck: Use a cotton swab lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the capstan and pinch roller (visible when no tape is inserted).

CAUTION! Never use liquids directly on the unit. Do not attempt to disassemble the cabinet.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to interference that may cause undesired operation. Copyright © Sony Corporation. Sony and the Sony logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. For product support and information, visit www.sony.com/audio or contact Sony Customer Support at 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord not connected	Ensure AC plug is firmly seated in outlet and unit.
No sound from speakers	Incorrect input/volume	Check FUNCTION selector; increase volume; ensure speakers connected properly.
Remote not working	Batteries/obstruction	Replace batteries; ensure clear path to remote sensor on unit.
CD won't play	Disc dirty/wrong format	Clean disc; ensure it is a standard audio CD (not DVD or MP3 CD unless supported).
Poor radio reception	Antenna placement	Extend FM wire fully; reposition AM loop antenna.
Tape won't record	Tab missing/wrong deck	Ensure record tab on cassette is intact; use Deck B for recording.
Sound is distorted	Input level too high	If using AUX, lower volume on source device.

Reset: Unplug the unit from the AC outlet for 2 minutes, then plug back in to reset the microprocessor.

Service: For service, contact authorized Sony service center. Do not open the unit as it contains no user-serviceable parts.