Sony MHC-EC609IP Manual

MHC-EC609iP.GB.4-409-772-12(1)

Select the iPod function.
Press FUNCTION +/  repeatedly (or iPod/iPhone 

 on the unit).

Place the iPod/iPhone.

Start playback.
Press  (or  on the unit) .

You can control your iPod/iPhone with the following 

buttons on the remote or unit.

Pause playback

 (pause) (or  (play/pause) 

on the unit)  or  (stop) . 

Scroll up/down the 

iPod menus



/ . You can scroll up or 

down the iPod menus much like 

the Click Wheel operations of 

the iPod or the drag up-or-down 

operations of the iPod touch/

iPhone.

Select a track 

or chapter of 

audiobook/podcast



(go back) / (go 

forward)  (or  / 

 on the unit). To fast-forward 

or fast-rewind, hold down the 

button.

Choose the selected 

item

 (enter) . You can choose 

the selected item much like the 

center button on the iPod or 

the touch operation of the iPod 

touch/iPhone.

Find a point in a 

track or chapter of 

audiobook/podcast

Hold down  (rewind) /

 (fast forward)  during 

playback, and release the button 

at the desired point.

Return to the 

previous menu or 

select a menu

TOOL MENU / RETURN 

. You can return to the 

previous menu or select a menu 

much like the Menu button on 

the iPod or the touch operation 

of the iPod touch/iPhone.

You can use the system as a battery charger for the 

iPod/iPhone.

The charging begins when the iPod/iPhone is placed 

on the iPod/iPhone connector . The charging status 

appears on the iPod/iPhone display. For details, see the 

user’s guide of your iPod/iPhone.

Remove the iPod/iPhone.

The charging will stop and the clock is displayed if 

DISPLAY  is pressed in Standby mode.
Notes on charging an iPod/iPhone

 If the display mode is Clock, you cannot charge an iPod/iPhone even 

if the system is off.

 If charging an iPod/iPhone when the system is off, after charging is 

complete the system automatically enters Power Saving mode. 

The maximum charging time while the system is off is about 4 hours. 

However, depending on your iPod/iPhone, the system may continue 

charging even when the iPod/iPhone is fully charged.

 If you press DISPLAY  while charging when the system is off, 

the system stops charging an iPod/iPhone. To restart charging of an 

iPod/iPhone, reconnect the iPod/iPhone when the display mode is 

Power Saving mode.

 When placing or removing the iPod/iPhone, handle the iPod/iPhone 

in the same angle as that of the iPod/iPhone connector on the unit 

and do not twist or sway the iPod/iPhone to prevent connector 

damage.

 Do not carry the unit with an iPod/iPhone set on the connector. 

Doing so may cause a malfunction.

 When placing or removing the iPod/iPhone, brace the unit with one 

hand and take care not to press the controls of the iPod/iPhone by 

mistake.

 Before disconnecting the iPod/iPhone, pause playback.

 “CONNECT” flashes and the buttons on the remote and unit are not 

available while the system is recognizing the iPod/iPhone.

 The buttons on the remote and unit may not function depending on 

your iPod/iPhone.

 While playing video, you cannot use  / . You can fast 

rewind (fast forward) by holding down  /  (or  

/  on the unit).

 When the iPhone is connected to the system and you receive a call 

during playback, playback will pause and you can take an incoming 

call.

 To change the volume level, use VOLUME +/ (or VOLUME 

control on the unit) . The volume level does not change even if 

adjusted on the iPod/iPhone.

 This system is designed for iPod/iPhone only. You cannot connect 

any other portable audio players.

 To use an iPod/iPhone, refer to the user’s guide of your iPod/iPhone.

 Sony cannot accept responsibility in the event that data recorded to 

iPod/iPhone is lost or damaged when using an iPod/iPhone with this 

system.

Use buttons on the remote to create your own program.

Select the CD function.
Press FUNCTION +/  repeatedly.

Select the play mode.
Press PLAY MODE  repeatedly until “PGM” 

appears while the player is stopped.

Select the desired track or file number.
Press  /  repeatedly until the desired 

track or file number appears.

When programming MP3 files, press   + /  

repeatedly to select the desired folder, and then select 

the desired file. 

Selected track or file number

Total playing time of the 

selected track or file

Program the selected track or file.
Press    to enter the selected track or file.

Repeat steps 3 through 4 to program additional 

tracks or files, up to a total of 25 tracks or files.

To play your program of tracks or files, press  .
The program remains available until you open the CD 

compartment. To play the same program again, select 

the CD function, and then press  .

Press PLAY MODE  repeatedly until “PGM” 

disappears while the player is stopped.

Press CLEAR  while the player is stopped.

Press DISPLAY  repeatedly.

Generate a more dynamic 

sound (Dynamic Sound 

Generator X-tra)

DSGX  on the unit.

Set the sound effect

EQ  repeatedly.

Change 

information on 

the display*

DISPLAY  repeatedly when the 

system is turned on.

Change Display 

mode (See below.)

DISPLAY  repeatedly when the 

system is turned off.

* For example, you can view CD/MP3 disc information, such as;

 track or file number during normal play.

 track or file name (“ ”) during normal play.

 artist name (“ ”) during normal play.

 album or folder name (“

”) during normal play.

 total playing time while the player is stopped (CD only).

The system offers the following display modes.
Display mode

Power Saving 

mode

1)

The display is turned off to conserve 

power. The timer and clock continue 

to operate.

Clock

2)

The clock is displayed.

1)

 You cannot set the clock in Power Saving mode.

2)

 The clock display automatically turns to Power Saving mode after 

8 seconds. 

 Characters that cannot be displayed appear as “_”.

 The following are not displayed;

 total playing time for an MP3 disc.

 remaining playing time for an MP3 file.

 The following are not displayed correctly;

 elapsed playing time of an MP3 file encoded using VBR (variable 

bit rate).

 folder and file names that do not follow either the ISO9660 

Level 1, Level 2 or Joliet in the expansion format.

 The following are displayed;

 remaining playing time for a track.

 ID3 tag information for MP3 files when ID3 version 1 and 

version 2 tags are used (ID3 version 2 tag information display has 

priority when both ID3 version 1 and version 2 tags are used for a 

single MP3 file).

 up to 15 characters of ID3 tag information using uppercase letters 

(A to Z), numbers (0 to 9), and symbols (˝ $ % ’ ( ) * , + – . / < = > 

@ [ \ ] _ ` { | } ! ? ^).

The system offers two timer functions. If you use both 

timers, the Sleep Timer has priority. 

Use buttons on the remote to use the timer functions.

You can fall asleep to music. This function works even if 

the clock is not set.

Press SLEEP  repeatedly. If you select “AUTO,” the 

system automatically turns off after the current disc stops 

or in 100 minutes.

You can wake up to CD, tuner, iPod or iPhone at a preset 

time. 

Make sure you have set the clock.

Prepare the sound source.
Prepare the sound source, and then press VOLUME 

+/  to adjust the volume.

To start from a specific CD track or audio file, create 

your own program.

Select the timer set mode.
Press TIMER MENU .

Set the play timer.
Press /  repeatedly to select “PLAY SET,” and 

then press   .

“ON TIME” appears, and the hour indication flashes.

Set the time to start playback.
Press /  repeatedly to set the hour, and then 

press   . The minute indication flashes. Use the 

procedure above to set the minutes. 

“OFF TIME” appears and the hour indication flashes 

on the display.

Use the same procedure as in step 4 to set the time 

to stop playback.

Select the sound source.
Press /  repeatedly until the desired sound 

source appears, and then press   . The display 

shows the timer settings.

Turn off the system.
Press  .

The system turns on 15 seconds before the preset time. 

If the system is already on at the preset time, the Play 

Timer will not be activated. 

Do not operate the system from the time the system 

turns on until the play starts.

Press TIMER MENU .
“SELECT” flashes on the display.

Press   .

Press 

/  repeatedly to select “PLAY SEL,” and 

then press   .

Repeat the same procedure as above until “OFF” appears 

in step 3, and then press   .

Start over from step 1 of “Using the timers.”
Notes for the iPod/iPhone user

 Make sure the iPod/iPhone is not playing when using the Play 

Timer.

 The Play Timer may not be activated depending on the status of the 

connected iPod/iPhone.

The Play Timer setting remains as long as the setting is not cancelled 

manually.

 Make sure the iPod/iPhone is connected securely.

 Make sure the iPod/iPhone is playing music.

 Make sure the iPod/iPhone is updated with the latest 

software. If not, update the iPod/iPhone before using 

with the system.

 Adjust the volume.

 Make sure the iPod/iPhone is connected securely.

 Turn down the volume.

 Set the “EQ” setting of the iPod/iPhone to “Off” or 

“Flat.”

 If the battery of the iPod/iPhone is empty, it may not 

work with this system. In such a case, recharge it with a 

computer, etc. then connect it to the system.

 Quit all running applications on your iPod or iPhone 

before using it with the system. For details, refer to the 

operation manual supplied with the iPod/iPhone.

 Make sure the iPod/iPhone is connected securely.

 Make sure the iPod/iPhone is updated with the latest 

software. If not, update the iPod/iPhone before using 

with the system.

 Because the operation of the system and the iPod/

iPhone are different, you may not operate the iPod/

iPhone using buttons on the remote or unit. In this 

case, use the control buttons on the iPod/iPhone.

 If the battery of the iPod/iPhone is empty, the system 

may not be able to charge it even if you connect it to the 

system. In such a case, recharge it with a computer, etc.

 Make sure the iPod/iPhone is connected securely.

 When charging an iPod/iPhone when the system is off 

(Standby mode), the system may not perform charging 

if the iPod/iPhone is fully charged.

 Adjust the ring volume on the iPhone.

 Make sure the iPod/iPhone is connected securely. 

 Update your iPod/iPhone with the latest software 

before using with this system.

 The buttons on the remote may not functions 

depending on your iPod/iPhone.

 A problem has been detected with the level of electrical 

current from the iPod/iPhone connector. Remove the 

iPod/iPhone from the iPod/iPhone connector. Make 

sure there is no problem with the iPod/iPhone. If this 

display pattern persists, contact your nearest Sony 

dealer.

The AM tuning interval is preset to 9 kHz or 

10 kHz by factory default.

Use buttons on the unit to change the AM tuning 

interval.

Tune to any AM station, and then turn off the 

system. 

Press DISPLAY  to display the clock.

While holding down TUNER/BAND , press  .
All the AM preset stations are erased. To reset the 

interval to the factory preset, repeat the procedure.

Remove the iPod/iPhone from the iPod/iPhone connector 

 when using the iPod/iPhone with the system.

If there is still poor tuner reception, turn off CD player 

power by using the system’s power management function. 

By default, CD power is turned on.

Use buttons on the unit to improve tuner reception.

Press FUNCTION +/ repeatedly  (or CD  on 

the unit) to select the CD function.

Press   to turn off the system.

After “STANDBY” stops flashing, press DISPLAY  

to display the clock and then press   while 

holding down  .
“CD POWER OFF” appears. With CD player power 

turned off, access time is increased. To turn on CD 

player power, repeat the procedure until “CD POWER 

ON” appears.

If the system still does not operate properly, reset the 

system to factory settings.

Use buttons on the unit to reset the unit to its factory 

default settings.

Disconnect and reconnect the power cord, and then 

turn on the system.

Hold down CD , and press   until “RESET” 

appears.
All user-configured settings, such as preset radio 

stations, timer, and the clock, are deleted.

This system is equipped with an automatic standby 

function (European model only). With this function, 

the system enters standby mode automatically in about 

30 minutes when there is no operation and audio signal 

output.

By default, the automatic standby function is turned on.

Use buttons on the unit to turn off the automatic standby 

function.
Hold down   while the system is on, until 

“AUTO.STBY OFF” appears.
To turn on the function, repeat the procedure until 

“AUTO.STBY ON” appears.
Notes

 The message “AUTO.STBY” starts flashing on the display about 2 

minutes before entering standby mode.

 The automatic standby function is not available with the FM/AM 

tuner function.

 The system may not enter standby mode automatically in the 

following cases;

 when an audio signal is detected.

 during playback of audio tracks or files.

 while the preset Play Timer or Sleep Timer is in process.

Remove a disc to protect the CD mechanism.

Press   on the unit to turn off the system and 

confirm that “STANDBY” stops flashing.

Unplug the power cord.

CHARGING : The system is charging the iPod/iPhone 

(when the system is off).

CHILD LOCK : The child lock function has been enabled. 

To disable the child lock, hold down   on the unit 

until “CHILD LOCK OFF” appears on the display.

FULL : You tried to program more than 25 tracks or files 

(steps).

NO DISC : There is no disc in the player, or you have 

loaded a disc that cannot be played.

NO STEP : All of the programmed tracks have been 

erased.

OVER : You have reached the end of the disc while 

pressing   during playback or pause.

PROTECT : The ventilation holes may be blocked.  

See “If “PROTECT” appears on the display” to check 

what to do if this message appears. 

PUSH STOP : You pressed PLAY MODE  during 

playback.

TIME NG : The Play Timer start and end times are set to 

the same time.

2 (two)
5 (five)
6 (six)
8 (eight)
0 (zero)
A
B
D
G
H
K
M
O
Q
R
S
Z
|
”
$
%
,
.
?
@
^

 Audio CD

 CD-R/CD-RW (audio data/MP3 files)

 CD-ROM

 CD-R/CD-RW other than those recorded in music CD 

format or MP3 format conforming to ISO9660 Level 

1/Level 2, Joliet

 CD-R/CD-RW recorded in multisession that have not 

ended by “closing the session”

 CD-R/CD-RW of poor recording quality, CD-R/

CD-RW that have scratches or are dirty, or CD-R/CD-

RW recorded with an incompatible recording device

 CD-R/CD-RW which is finalized incorrectly

 Discs containing files other than MPEG 1 Audio Layer-

3 (MP3) files

 Discs of non-standard shape (for example, heart, 

square, star)

 Discs that have adhesive tape, paper, or sticker attached 

to them

 Rental or used discs with attached seals where the glue 

extends beyond the seal

 Discs that have labels printed using ink that feels tacky 

when touched

 Before playing, wipe the disc with a cleaning cloth from 

the center outward to the edge.

 Do not clean discs with solvents, such as benzine 

thinner, or commercially available cleaners or anti-

static spray intended for vinyl LPs.

 Do not expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources 

such as hot air ducts, nor leave it in a car parked in 

direct sunlight.

 Completely disconnect the power cord (mains lead) 

from the wall outlet (mains) if it is not going to be used 

for an extended period of time. When unplugging the 

unit, always grip the plug. Never pull the cord itself.

 Should any solid object or liquid get into the system, 

unplug the system, and have it checked by qualified 

personnel before operating it again.

 AC power cord must be changed only at a qualified 

service shop.

 Do not place the system in an inclined position or in 

locations that are extremely hot, cold, dusty, dirty, or 

humid or lacking adequate ventilation, or subject to 

vibration, direct sunlight or a bright light.

 Be careful when placing the unit or speakers on 

surfaces that have been specially treated (for example, 

with wax, oil, polish) as staining or discoloration of the 

surface may result.

 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 player, and 

cause the system to malfunction. In this situation, 

remove the disc, and leave the system turned on for 

about half an hour until the moisture evaporates.

This speaker system is not magnetically shielded, and 

the picture on nearby TV sets may become magnetically 

distorted. In this situation, turn off the TV, wait 15 to 30 

minutes, and turn it back on. 

If there is no improvement, move the speakers far away 

from the TV.

Clean this system 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 

thinner, benzine, or alcohol.

Do not use cleaning discs or disc/lens cleaners (including 

wet or spray types). These may cause the apparatus to 

malfunction.

AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS

POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION:

(The United States model only)

With 12 ohm loads, both channels driven, from 80 – 20,000 Hz; rated 28 watts 

per channel minimum RMS power, with no more than 0.7% total harmonic 

distortion from 250 milliwatts to rated output.
Amplifier section

U.S. model:

RMS output power (reference):

50 W (per channel at 12 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)

Argentine model:

RMS output power (rated):

30 W + 30 W (at 12 Ω, 1 kHz, 1% THD)

Other models:

RMS output power (rated):

30 W + 30 W (at 12 Ω, 1 kHz, 1% THD)

RMS output power (reference):

50 W (per channel at 12 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)

SPEAKERS: impedance 12 Ω

System: Compact disc and digital audio system

Laser Diode Properties

Emission Duration: Continuous

Laser Output*: Less than 44.6µW

* This output is the value measurement at a distance of 200mm from the 

objective lens surface on the Optical Pick-up Block with 7mm aperture.

Frequency response: 20 Hz  20 kHz

Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 90 dB

Dynamic range: More than 88 dB
Tuner section

FM stereo, FM/AM superheterodyne tuner

Antenna:

FM lead antenna

AM loop antenna

FM tuner section:

Tuning range

North American model: 87.5 MHz  108.0 MHz (100 kHz step)

Other models: 87.5 MHz  108.0 MHz (50 kHz step)

AM tuner section:

Tuning range

North American and Latin American models:

530 kHz  1,710 kHz (10 kHz step)

531 kHz  1,710 kHz (9 kHz step)

Australian model:

531 kHz  1,710 kHz (9 kHz step)

530 kHz  1,710 kHz (10 kHz step)

European model:

531 kHz  1,602 kHz (9 kHz step)

Speaker system: 2-way speaker system, Bass reflex

Speaker unit

Woofer: 130 mm (5 

1

/

8

 in), cone type

Tweeter: 40 mm (1 

5

/

8

 in), horn type

Rated impedance: 12 Ω

Dimensions (W/H/D): Approx. 192 mm × 302 mm × 195 mm  

(7 

5

/

8

 in ×12 in × 7 

3

/

4

 in)

Mass: Approx. 2.1 kg (4 lb 11 oz)
General
Power requirements:

North American model: AC 120 V, 60 Hz

Australian model: AC 230 V  240 V, 50/60 Hz

European model: AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz

Latin American model (with a voltage selector): AC 120 V, 220 V, 230 V  

240 V, 50/60 Hz

Latin American model (without a voltage selector): AC 220 V, 50/60 Hz

85 W

(0.5 W at the Power Saving mode)

Approx. 202 mm × 302 mm × 335 mm (8 in ×12 in × 13 

1

/

4

 in)

Approx. 3.7 kg (8 lb 3 oz)

Supplied accessories: Remote Commander (1), FM lead/AM loop antenna (1), 

Speaker pads (8)
iPod/iPhone section

Compatible iPod/iPhone models:

 iPod touch 4th generation

 iPod touch 3rd generation

 iPod touch 2nd generation

 iPod nano 6th generation

 iPod nano 5th generation (video camera)

 iPod nano 4th generation (video)

 iPod nano 3rd generation (video)

 iPod classic

 iPhone 4S

 iPhone 4

 iPhone 3GS

 iPhone 3G
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Make sure the power cord and speaker cords are 

correctly and firmly connected.

Find your problem in the checklist below, and take 

the indicated corrective action.
If the issue persists, contact your nearest Sony dealer.

Immediately unplug the power cord, and check if 

anything blocking the ventilation holes on the back of 

the system after “PROTECT” disappears.

After you have checked the ventilation holes and 

found to be all right, reconnect the power cord, and 

turn on the system. If the issue persists, contact your 

nearest Sony dealer.

 Is the power cord plugged in?

 Is the voltage selector set correctly to match the local 

power line voltage? (For models with a voltage selector 

only)

 This is not a malfunction. The system enters standby 

mode automatically in about 30 minutes when there is 

no operation and audio signal output (European model 

only). See “To turn off the automatic standby function.”

 Are you using only the supplied speakers?

 Is anything blocking the ventilation holes on the back 

of the system?

 Place the speakers as symmetrically as possible.

 Connect only the supplied speakers.

 Move the system away from sources of noise.

 Connect the system to a different wall outlet.

 Install a noise filter (available separately) to the power 

cord.

 Remove any obstacles between the remote and the 

remote sensor  on the unit, and position the unit 

away from fluorescent lights.

 Point the remote at the system’s sensor.

 Move the remote closer to the system.

Except  



 The child lock function has been enabled. To disable the 

child lock, hold down   on the unit until “CHILD 

LOCK OFF” appears on the display.

 Wipe the disc clean, and replace it.

 Move the system to a location away from vibration (for 

example, on top of a stable stand).

 Move the speakers away from the system, or place them 

on separate stands. At high volume, speaker vibration 

may cause the sound to skip.

 Return to Normal Play by pressing PLAY MODE  

repeatedly until both “PGM” and “SHUF” disappear.

 The following discs can increase the time it takes to start 

playback:

 a disc recorded with a complicated tree structure.

 a disc recorded in multisession mode.

 a disc that has not been finalized (a disc to which data 

can be added).

 a disc that has many folders.

 Connect the antenna properly.

 Try another place and orientation for better antenna 

reception.

 Keep the antennas away from the speaker cords and the 

power cord to avoid picking up noise.

 Turn off any nearby electrical equipment.