Sony PHA-1 Manual

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For the customers in the USA
Owner’s Record
The serial number is located at the bottom of the unit.
Record these numbers in the spaces provided below. Refer to them 
whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. PHA-1
Serial No.  
 
 
Information
If you have any questions about this product, you may call:
Sony Customer Information Service Center 1-800-222-7669 or  
http://www.sony.com/
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: PHA-1
Responsible 
Party:
Sony Electronics Inc.
Address:
16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 
92127 USA
Telephone 
No.:
858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is 
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause 
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly 
approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this 
equipment.
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for 
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits 
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful 
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses 
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in 
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to 
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference 
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause 
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be 
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is 
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the 
following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that 
to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
For the customers in Canada
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
For the customers in the USA and Canada
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable.
You can help preserve our environment by returning your 
used rechargeable batteries to the collection and 
recycling location nearest you.
For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, 
call toll free 1-800-822-8837, or visit 
http://www.rbrc.org/ 
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.
Features
 iPod/iPhone/iPad Digital connection 
Direct digital audio data transfer from iPod/iPhone/iPad
 USB Audio 96 kHz/24 bit compatible 
PC jitter-free USB Audio with Asynchronous Transfer Mode over USB. 
USB input accepts up to 96 kHz/24 bit high resolution audio signal
 Selected parts for high quality sound 
Uses high quality parts normally associated with high-end audio 
components (35 μm thick copper for printed circuits, film capacitors, 
etc.) 
Isolated analog and digital circuits to minimize unnecessary internal 
electrical noise
 Custom ICs designed for high sound quality 
High quality DAC: Maximum sampling rate 96 kHz / 24 bit 
quantization 
Operational Amplifier: ultra-low distortion, low noise, high slew rate 
for analog signal 
Headphone Amplifier IC: Current-feedback architecture, high slew 
rate, OCL (output capacitor-less) with Split power supply
 Aluminum case 
Aluminum-shielded case to prevent external interference noise
 Zinc die-cast bumper 
Protects the volume knob and plugs/connectors from external impact
 GAIN select switch 
Allows headphones of a wide range of impedances to be used
 Battery life: Approx. 10 hours for analog mode; Approx. 5 hours for 
iPod/iPhone/iPad digital mode. 
Charging time: Approx. 4.5 hours. No charging during power on 
(operation)
 Compatible with many music players 
Silicone belts (supplied) for convenient fastening of connected music 
player to the unit
Parts and Controls



Input select switch
iPod/iPhone/iPad connecting port
   (USB) port
GAIN select switch
For details, see 
“To set the GAIN according to the headphones” of 
“Listening to Music.”
CHG (charge) indicator
Lights up red while you are charging the unit.
Power/Volume knob
Turns on/off the unit, and adjusts the volume.
Rotate the power/volume knob clockwise to turn on the power; 
rotate it further to increase the volume.
Rotate the power/volume knob counterclockwise to decrease the 
volume; rotate it further until it clicks to turn off the power.
POWER indicator
Lights up green when the power is turned on. When the battery level 
is low, the indicator lights up orange.
AUDIO IN jack
PHONES (headphones) jack
Charging the Unit
The unit contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which should be 
charged before using it for the first time. The CHG (charge) indicator 
lights up red while you are charging the unit. Charging is completed in 
about 4.5 hours, then the indicator turns off automatically.
Turn off the unit.
Connect the unit to your booted computer using the 
micro-USB cable (supplied).
Micro-USB cable (supplied)
This unit
Computer
Notes
  Use only the micro-USB cable (supplied). Do not charge the unit using any other 
USB cable.
  When the unit is connected to the computer for the first time, it may take time to 
recognize the unit.
  If the unit is not used for a long time, the CHG (charge) indicator may take a while to 
light up red when you connect it to your computer. In this case, do not disconnect 
the micro-USB cable from the unit, and wait until the CHG (charge) indicator lights 
up red.
  While the unit is on, the battery is not charged. 
If you turn on the unit while the unit is charging, the charge is interrupted.
  Charge the battery in an ambient temperature of between 5 °C to 35 °C. If you try to 
charge the battery outside this range, the CHG (charge) indicator may flash in red 
and the battery will not charge.
  If the computer enters standby, sleep, or hibernation mode while the unit is 
connected to the computer, the charging will not be completed properly. Check the 
setting of the computer before connecting to the unit. The CHG (charge) indicator 
(red) will turn off automatically when the computer enters standby, sleep, or 
hibernation mode. In this case, charge the unit again.
  Connect the unit directly to a computer, using the micro-USB cable (supplied). 
Charging may not be completed properly by an indirect connection, such as via a 
USB hub.
  When the battery is full, the CHG (charge) indicator may not light up red.
  When charging has finished, the CHG (charge) indicator may flash in red. This is not 
malfunction.
  When storing the unit for a long time, avoid a place subject to high temperatures. 
When storing the unit for more than 1 year, charge the battery every six months to 
prevent over discharge.
To charge the battery from an AC outlet
Use the USB AC adaptor AC-UD20 (optional). For details, refer to the 
Operating Instructions supplied with the USB AC adaptor.
This unit
AC-UD20
Micro-USB cable (supplied)
Connecting to the Audio Device
iPod
For details of compatible models, see 
“Compatible iPod/iPhone/iPad 
models.
In the Operating Instructions, iPod, iPhone, and iPad are collectively 
described as 
“iPod,” except in special cases.
30pin-USB cable (supplied)
This unit
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iPod
Turn on the iPod.
Connect the iPod to the unit, using the 30pin-USB cable 
(supplied).
Set the input select switch to the center position.
Compatible iPod/iPhone/iPad models
You can use the unit with only the following models. Update your iPod, 
iPhone, or iPad to the latest software before use.
 iPod touch (4th generation) 
 iPod touch (3rd generation) 
 iPod touch (2nd generation) 
 iPod nano (6th generation)
 iPod nano (5th generation)
 iPod nano (4th generation)
 iPod nano (3rd generation)
 iPod classic 120GB / 160GB 
(2009)
 iPod classic 160GB (2007)
 iPod classic 80GB
 iPhone 4S
 iPhone 4
 iPhone 3GS
 iPhone 3G
 iPad (3rd generation)
 iPad 2
 iPad
Notes
  If you are listening to music too loudly, the battery may drain even if the unit is 
connected to a computer, or an AC outlet using the recommended USB AC adaptor 
(optional).
  The unit only supports the audio playback function of an iPod.
  You cannot transfer music to your iPod from the unit.
  Do not connect an iPod that is not supported. The unit is not guaranteed to work 
with an iPod that is not supported.
  Sony is not liable for damage/erasure to recorded data caused by using an iPod 
connected to the unit.
  Do not disconnect the iPod while operating. To connect/disconnect the iPod to/
from the unit, stop playback, then turn off the unit to prevent damage to data.
  An iPod will not be charged when connected to the unit.
  If the sound is distorted, set the equalizer to 
“OFF” or “Flat” on your iPod.
  Turn on your iPod touch/iPhone before connecting it to the unit.
  Depending on the iPod, the sound may become loud suddenly when you adjust the 
volume.
  If the battery level of the iPod is too low, charge the iPod.
  Music volume may vary depending on the ring tone of the iPhone and its 
application. Refer to the operating instructions of your iPhone.
  If the iPhone is set to silent mode, the ring tone may not be heard from the 
headphones.
  Refer to the Apple website for details of the operating environment of your iPod.
  If the battery level is too low, the unit may not turn on even when connected to a 
computer, or an AC outlet using the recommended USB AC adaptor (optional). In 
this case, charge the unit. For details, see 
“Charging the unit.”
WALKMAN 
By using the audio cable for 
“WALKMAN” (supplied), the unit can 
amplify the signal directly without the built-in amplifier of the 
“WALKMAN.”
Connect the WALKMAN to the AUDIO IN jack, using the 
audio cable for WALKMAN (supplied).
Audio cable for 
“WALKMAN” (supplied)
This unit
“WALKMAN”
Set the input select switch to AUDIO IN.
Turn on the connected WALKMAN.
Compatible WALKMAN models
The unit supports 
“WALKMAN” models with an WM-PORT (22-pin).
The WM-PORT is a dedicated multi-terminal connector, used to connect 
“WALKMAN” to its accessories.
Notes
  The unit only supports the audio playback function of the 
“WALKMAN.”
  Turn on your 
“WALKMAN” before operating the unit.
  If you connect a 
“WALKMAN” without an WM-PORT, see “Other devices” for details.
  Sony is not liable for damage/erasure to recorded data caused by using a 
“WALKMAN” connected to the unit.
  Some operations may not be possible with the unit, even if you use the supported 
“WALKMAN.”
  The 
“WALKMAN” will not be charged when connected to the unit.
  Depending on the 
“WALKMAN,” Dynamic Normalizer, Equalizer, VPT (Virtualphones 
Technology), DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) or speaker output 
optimizer, etc., may be set to on. If the sound is distorted, set these settings to off.
  Sound is not output from the headphone jack of the 
“WALKMAN” when it is 
connected to the unit.
  You cannot adjust the volume of the 
“WALKMAN” when a “WALKMAN” is connected 
to the unit.
Computer
You can play music files on your computer with the unit.  
For details, see 
“Specifications” overleaf.
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This unit
Micro-USB cable (supplied)
Computer
Start your computer.
Connect your computer to the  
 (USB) port of the unit, 
using the micro-USB cable (supplied).
Set the input select switch to 
 (USB).
Tip
  The unit supports USB 2.0 (USB 2.0 Full Speed) as an audio device.
Notes
  If you are listening to music too loudly, the battery may drain even if the unit is 
connected to a computer, or an AC outlet using the recommended USB AC adaptor 
(optional).
  If you are listening to music loudly with the unit connected to a computer, the 
POWER indicator may flash in red or the sound may be interrupted. This is not a 
malfunction. In this case, turn down the volume.
  When the unit is connected to the computer for the first time, it may take time to 
recognize the unit.
  The unit is not guaranteed to operate via a USB hub or USB cable extension. Use the 
supplied USB cable only.
  Do not disconnect a USB device while operating. To disconnect a USB device from 
the unit, stop playback, then turn off the unit to prevent damage to data.
  Digitally broadcast sound may not be output from a computer’s USB port. In this 
case, connect the AUDIO IN jack of the unit to the analog audio output of the 
computer.
  If the battery level is too low, the unit may not turn on even when connected to a 
computer, or an AC outlet using the recommended USB AC adaptor (optional). In 
this case, charge the unit. For details, see 
“Charging the unit.”
Continued overleaf
PHA-1
Portable Headphone Amplifier
Operating Instructions
4-443-693-41(1)
©2012   Sony Corporation     Printed in China