Sony MHC-EC79I Manual

MHC-EC99i/EC79i/EC69i.GB.4-131-119-12(1)

Select the iPod function.
Press FUNCTION +/  repeatedly (or iPod  on 

the unit).

Place the iPod.

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

You can control your iPod 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.

Select a track 

or chapter of 

audiobook/podcast

(go back) / (go 

forward) . 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.

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.

You can use the system as a battery charger for the iPod 

when the system is on.

The charging begins when the iPod is placed on the 

iPod connector. The charging status appears in the iPod 

display. For details, see the user’s guide of your iPod.

Remove the iPod.
Notes

 When placing or removing the iPod, handle the iPod in the same 

angle as that of the iPod connector on the unit and do not twist or 

sway the iPod to prevent connector damage.

 Do not carry the unit with an iPod set on the connector. Doing so 

may cause a malfunction.

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

and take care not to press the controls of the iPod by mistake.

 Before disconnecting the iPod, pause playback.

 While playing video, you cannot use  / . You can fast 

rewind (fast forward) by holding down  / .

 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.

 This system is designed for iPod only. You cannot connect any other 

portable audio players.

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

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

iPod is lost or damaged when using an iPod with this unit.

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 disc 

tray or CD compartment (MHC-EC69i only). 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.

Prepare the sound source.
Connect additional audio component to the PC IN 

jack  on the unit using an audio analog cord (not 

supplied).

Turn down the volume.
Press VOLUME  (or turn the VOLUME control on 

the unit) .

Select the PC function.
Press FUNCTION +/ (or FUNCTION on the unit)

 repeatedly.

Start playback.
Start playback of the connected component.

Adjust the volume.
Press VOLUME +/ (or turn the VOLUME control 

on the unit) .

Generate a more dynamic 

sound (Dynamic Sound 

Generator X-tra)

DSGX  on the unit.

Set the sound effect

EQ .

Press SUBWOOFER ON/OFF  on the unit until 

“SUBWOOFER” appears. The volume of the subwoofer is 

linked to the front speakers.

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.

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;

 total playing time for a CD-DA disc during normal play.

 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 or iPod 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 

in 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 on at the preset time, the Play Timer 

will not play. 

Do not operate the system from the time the system 

turns on until the play starts.

Press TIMER MENU .
“SELECT” flashes in 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.
Notes for the iPod user

 Make sure the iPod is not playing when using the Play Timer.

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

connected iPod.

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

manually.

 Update your iPod with the latest software before using 

with this system.

 Make sure the iPod is connected securely.

 Make sure the iPod is playing music.

 Adjust the volume.

 Turn down the volume.

 Set the “EQ” setting of the iPod to “Off” or “Flat.”

 Make sure the iPod is connected securely.

 Make sure the system is turned on. The iPod is charged 

only when the system is on.

 A problem has been detected with the level of electrical 

current from the iPod connector. Turn off the system 

and remove the iPod from the iPod connector. Make 

sure there is no problem with the iPod. If this display 

pattern persists, contact your nearest Sony dealer.

The AM tuning interval is factory-preset to 9 kHz or 

10 kHz.

Use buttons on the unit to change the AM tuning 

interval.

Tune in any AM station, and then turn off the 

system. 

Press DISPLAY  to display the clock.

While holding down TUNING + , press  .

All the AM preset stations are erased. To reset the 

interval to the factory preset, repeat the procedure.

Turn off iPod/CD player power by using the iPod/CD 

power management function. By default, iPod/CD power 

is turned on.

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  .
“iPod/CD PWR OFF” appears. With iPod/CD player 

power turned off, access time is increased. In addition, 

when the TUNER function is selected, power is 

not supplied to the iPod, so it is not recognized and 

charged even if connected. To turn on iPod/CD player 

power, repeat the procedure until “iPod/CD PWR 

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.

Press  , CD , and   at the same time.
All user-configured settings, such as preset radio 

stations, timer, and the clock, are deleted.

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.

CANNOT LOCK : The system cannot be locked after 

you have done the procedure of “When carrying this 

system.”

COMPLETE : The preset operation ended normally.

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

(steps).

LOCKED : The disc tray does not open. Contact your 

nearest Sony dealer. (MHC-EC99i and MHC-EC79i 

(Australian and UK models only))

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 following causes can be considered:

 Speaker cords may be short-circuited. 

 The ventilation holes may be blocked. 

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

what to do if this message appears. 

PUSH SELECT : You tried to set the clock or timer during 

timer operation.

PUSH STOP : You pressed PLAY MODE  during 

playback.

READING : The system is reading information of the 

disc. Some buttons are not available.

SET CLOCK : You tried to select the timer when the clock 

is not set.

SET TIMER : You tried to select the timer when the Play 

Timer is not set.

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 out 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 an hour until the moisture evaporates.

 Heat buildup on the unit during operation is normal 

and is not cause for alarm.

 Do not touch the cabinet if it has been used 

continuously at a high volume because the cabinet may 

have become hot. 

 Do not obstruct the ventilation holes.

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.

AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS

POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION:

(MHC-EC99i, MHC-EC79i The United States model only)

Low channel

With 8 ohm loads, both channels driven, from 120 – 10,000 Hz; rated 60 watts 

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

distortion from 250 milliwatts to rated output.

High channel

With 8 ohm loads, both channels driven, from 2,000 – 13,000 Hz; rated 

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

harmonic distortion from 250 milliwatts to rated output.
AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS

POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION:

(MHC-EC69i The United States model only)

With 6 ohm loads, both channels driven, from 120 – 10,000 Hz; 30 watts 

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

distortion from 250 milliwatts to rated output.
Amplifier section
MHC-EC99i
Front Speaker

RMS output power (reference):

Low channel

95 W + 95 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)

High channel

95 W + 95 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 8 kHz, 10% THD)

Subwoofer

RMS output power (reference):

150 W (at 4 Ω, 80 Hz, 10% THD)

RMS output power (reference):

Low channel

95 W + 95 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)

High channel

95 W + 95 W (per channel at 8 Ω, 8 kHz, 10% THD)

RMS output power (reference):

50 W + 50 W (per channel at 6 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)

PC IN (stereo mini jack): Sensitivity 800 mV, impedance 22 kilohms

PHONES (stereo mini jack): Accepts headphones with an impedance of 8 Ω 

or more

SPEAKER: impedance

MHC-EC99i/EC79i: 8 Ω

MHC-EC69i: 6 Ω

SUBWOOFER OUT (MHC-EC99i only): impedance 4 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  108.0 MHz (100 kHz step)

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

Intermediate frequency: 10.7 MHz

AM tuner section:

Tuning range

North American model:

530  1,710 kHz (with 10 kHz tuning interval)

531  1,710 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)

Australian model:

531  1,710 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)

530  1,710 kHz (with 10 kHz tuning interval)

UK model:

531  1,602 kHz (with 9 kHz tuning interval)

Intermediate frequency: 450 kHz

Compatible iPod models:

iPod touch 2nd 

generation

iPod nano 4th 

generation 

(video)

iPod touch 1st 

generation

iPod nano 3rd 

generation 

(video)

iPod classic

iPod nano 2nd 

generation 

(aluminum)

iPod 5th 

generation 

(video)

iPod nano 1st 

generation

iPod 4th 

generation 

(color display)

iPod 4th 

generation

iPod mini

Speaker system: 3-way 3-driver speaker system, Bass reflex

Speaker unit

Subwoofer: 130 mm, cone type

Woofer: 130 mm, cone type

Tweeter: 40 mm, horn type

Rated impedance

High frequency: 8 Ω

Low frequency: 8 Ω

Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 220 × 350 × 215 mm

Mass: Approx. 3.2 kg
Front Speaker (SS-EC69i) for MHC-EC69i

Speaker system: 2-way 2-driver speaker system, Bass reflex

Speaker unit

Woofer: 130 mm, cone type

Tweeter: 40 mm, horn type

Rated impedance: 6 Ω

Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 190 × 306 × 185 mm

Mass: Approx. 2.0 kg
Subwoofer (SS-WG99i) for MHC-EC99i only

Speaker system: Subwoofer system, Bass reflex

Speaker unit

Subwoofer: 200 mm, cone type

Rated impedance: 4 Ω

Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 280 × 306 × 305 mm

Mass: Approx. 5.3 kg
General
Power requirements:

North American model: AC 120 V, 60 Hz

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

UK model: AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz

250 W

(0.5 W at the Power Saving Mode)

200 W

(0.5 W at the Power Saving Mode)

80 W

(0.5 W at the Power Saving Mode)

Approx. 200 × 311 × 375 mm

Approx. 200 × 311 × 375 mm

Approx. 200 × 306 × 375 mm

Approx. 200 × 306 × 305 mm

Approx. 6.2 kg

Approx. 6.0 kg

Approx. 5.7 kg

Approx. 3.8 kg

Supplied accessories: Remote Commander (1), R6 (Size AA) batteries (2) 

(except for MHC-EC69i), FM lead/AM loop antenna (1), Speaker pads MHC-

EC99i (8) and for SS-WG99i (Subwoofer) (4)/MHC-EC79i (8)/EC69i (8)
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

 Standby power consumption: 0.5 W

 Halogenated flame retardants are not used in the certain printed 

wiring boards.

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 the 

following items after “PROTECT” disappears.

 Are the + and  speaker cords short-circuited?

 Is anything blocking the ventilation holes on the 

back of the system?

After you have checked these above items 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?

 Are the + and  speaker cords short-circuited?

 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.

 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.

 Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony 

service facility. (MHC-EC99i and MHC-EC79i 

(Australian and UK models only))

 Connect the antenna properly.

 Find a location and an orientation that provide good 

reception, and then set up the antenna again.

 Keep the antennas away from the speaker cords and the 

power cord to avoid picking up noise.

 Turn off nearby electrical equipment.