1. Important Safety Instructions
Please read these instructions carefully before using your Thomson LAD 898 RC Portable CD Player and retain them for future reference. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, or other hazards.
- Power Source: Use only the specified AC adapter or batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries, or different types of batteries.
- Water and Moisture: Do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, or immerse it in water. Keep liquids away from the device.
- Heat: Do not place the unit near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation. Do not block any ventilation openings.
- Cleaning: Unplug the unit from the power outlet before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth only.
- Servicing: Do not attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
- Hearing Protection: Avoid listening at high volume levels for extended periods to prevent hearing damage.
2. Product Overview
The Thomson LAD 898 RC is a portable CD player designed for personal audio playback. It features a compact design and essential controls for convenient use.

Image 1: Front view of the Thomson LAD 898 RC Portable CD Player. The device features a silver body with blue accents, a transparent CD lid, and clearly labeled control buttons on the front panel.
2.1. Components and Controls
- CD Compartment: Top-loading compartment for inserting audio CDs.
- PLAY/PAUSE Button: Starts or pauses CD playback.
- STOP Button: Stops CD playback.
- SKIP/SEARCH Buttons (◀◀ / ▶▶): Skips to the previous/next track. Hold to fast forward/rewind.
- VOLUME Control: Rotary dial or buttons to adjust the audio output level.
- HEADPHONE Jack: 3.5mm stereo output for connecting headphones or external speakers.
- DC IN Jack: For connecting the AC power adapter.
- OPEN Button/Switch: Releases the CD compartment lid.
- MODE/PROG Button: Selects playback modes (e.g., Repeat, Random) or programs tracks.
3. Setup
3.1. Powering the Unit
Your CD player can be powered by either an AC adapter or batteries.
3.1.1. Using the AC Adapter
- Insert the small plug of the supplied AC adapter into the DC IN jack on the unit.
- Plug the AC adapter into a standard wall outlet (100-240V AC, 50/60Hz).
3.1.2. Using Batteries
- Open the battery compartment cover located on the bottom or back of the unit.
- Insert the required number of AA batteries (typically 2x AA, not included) according to the polarity indicators (+ and -) inside the compartment.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
Note: Remove batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.
3.2. Connecting Headphones or External Speakers
Plug your 3.5mm stereo headphones or the audio cable from external speakers into the HEADPHONE jack on the unit.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1. Inserting a CD
- Press the OPEN button/switch to open the CD compartment lid.
- Place a CD with the label side facing up onto the center spindle.
- Gently press the CD until it clicks into place.
- Close the CD compartment lid firmly until it latches.
4.2. Basic Playback
- Press the PLAY/PAUSE (▶/██) button to start playback. The track number and elapsed time will typically be shown on the display (if available).
- To pause playback, press the PLAY/PAUSE (▶/██) button again. Press it once more to resume.
- To stop playback, press the STOP (■) button.
4.3. Skipping Tracks
- Press the SKIP/SEARCH FORWARD (▶▶) button once to skip to the next track.
- Press the SKIP/SEARCH BACKWARD (◀◀) button once to skip to the beginning of the current track. Press it twice quickly to skip to the previous track.
4.4. Fast Forward/Rewind
- Hold down the SKIP/SEARCH FORWARD (▶▶) button to fast forward through the current track.
- Hold down the SKIP/SEARCH BACKWARD (◀◀) button to rewind through the current track.
4.5. Volume Control
Rotate the VOLUME dial (or press the volume buttons) to adjust the listening level to your preference. Start with a low volume and gradually increase it.
4.6. Playback Modes (if applicable)
Press the MODE/PROG button repeatedly to cycle through available playback modes such as:
- Repeat 1: Repeats the current track.
- Repeat All: Repeats all tracks on the CD.
- Random/Shuffle: Plays tracks in a random order.
- Intro: Plays the first few seconds of each track.
5. Maintenance and Care
5.1. Cleaning the Unit
Wipe the exterior of the unit with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents as they may damage the finish. For stubborn stains, a slightly damp cloth may be used, followed by a dry cloth.
5.2. CD Care
- Handle CDs by their edges to avoid fingerprints on the playing surface.
- Keep CDs in their cases when not in use to prevent scratches and dust accumulation.
- Clean dirty CDs with a soft, lint-free cloth, wiping gently from the center outwards. Do not use harsh chemicals.
5.3. Battery Replacement
When the batteries are low, the unit's performance may degrade, or it may stop functioning. Replace all batteries with new ones of the same type, ensuring correct polarity.
6. Troubleshooting
If you experience problems with your CD player, refer to the following common issues and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Unit does not power on. | No power, dead batteries, or AC adapter not connected. | Check AC adapter connection. Replace batteries with new ones. |
| CD does not play. | CD inserted incorrectly, dirty/scratched CD, or lid not closed. | Ensure CD is inserted label-side up. Clean or replace CD. Close lid firmly. |
| Sound skipping or distorted. | Dirty/scratched CD, unit moved during playback, or low batteries. | Clean CD. Place unit on a stable surface. Replace batteries. |
| No sound from headphones. | Headphones not plugged in correctly, or volume too low. | Ensure headphones are fully inserted. Increase volume. Test with different headphones. |
If the problem persists after trying these solutions, please contact customer support.
7. Specifications
- Model: LAD 898 RC
- Power Source: DC 4.5V (AC adapter) or 2 x 1.5V 'AA' batteries
- Supported Disc Formats: CD, CD-R, CD-RW
- Audio Output: 3.5mm stereo headphone jack
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (typical)
- Dimensions: Approximately 140mm x 140mm x 25mm (W x D x H)
- Weight: Approximately 200g (without batteries)
Specifications are subject to change without notice for product improvement.
8. Warranty and Support
This Thomson LAD 898 RC Portable CD Player is covered by a limited warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase for specific terms and conditions, including the warranty period and coverage details.
For technical support, service, or warranty claims, please contact your retailer or visit the official Thomson support website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty validation.
Online Support: www.thomsonconsumer.com/support (Note: This is a placeholder URL. Please refer to your product's actual support information.)





