1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the operation and maintenance of your Jensen CD-550 Portable Stereo Compact Disc Cassette Recorder with AM/FM Radio. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the unit to ensure proper function and to maximize your listening experience. Keep this manual for future reference.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Always follow basic safety precautions when using electrical appliances to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.
- Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
- Do not block any ventilation openings.
- Ensure the power source matches the unit's requirements.
- Avoid placing the unit near heat sources.
- Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
3. Product Overview
The Jensen CD-550 is a versatile portable stereo system featuring a top-loading CD player, an auto-stop cassette deck, and an AM/FM stereo radio. It includes a foldable carrying handle for portability and an auxiliary input for connecting external audio devices.
Front View and Controls
This image displays the front of the Jensen CD-550 unit. Visible controls include the CD player buttons (Play/Pause, Stop, Skip/Search Forward, Skip/Search Back), Program (PROG), Repeat, and the green LED CD track display. The cassette deck compartment is located below the CD controls, and the speakers are on either side.
Top View and CD Compartment
This image shows the top of the Jensen CD-550, highlighting the top-loading CD compartment. The foldable carrying handle is also visible, making the unit easy to transport. The main control panel is located at the front of the top surface.
Side View with Tuning Dial
This side view of the Jensen CD-550 illustrates the rotary tuning dial for the AM/FM radio. The telescopic antenna is also visible, which can be extended for improved radio reception.
Side View with Volume and Function Controls
This image shows the other side of the unit, featuring the rotary volume control and the function switch. The function switch allows selection between CD/AUX, OFF/TAPE, FM, and AM modes. The auxiliary input jack and stereo headphone jack are also located on this side.
4. Powering the Unit
AC Power Operation
Connect the supplied AC power cord to the AC input jack on the back of the unit and then to a standard AC outlet (120V ~ 60Hz). Ensure the voltage matches your local power supply. The unit will automatically switch to AC power when connected.
Battery Operation
For portable use, the CD-550 can operate on 6 x 'C' (UM-2) size batteries (not included). Open the battery compartment cover on the bottom of the unit. Insert the batteries, observing the correct polarity (+ and -) as indicated inside the compartment. Close the cover securely. When operating on batteries, disconnect the AC power cord.
5. CD Player Operation
- Power On: Set the FUNCTION switch to the 'CD/AUX' position.
- Load CD: Open the CD compartment door by gently lifting it. Place a CD (or CD-R/RW) with the label side facing up onto the center spindle. Close the CD compartment door.
- Play CD: Press the PLAY/PAUSE button. The CD will begin playing from the first track, and the green LED display will show the current track number.
- Pause/Resume: Press the PLAY/PAUSE button to pause playback. Press it again to resume.
- Stop: Press the STOP button to stop playback.
- Skip Tracks: Press the SKIP/SEARCH FORWARD (►►) or SKIP/SEARCH BACK (◄◄) buttons to skip to the next or previous track.
- Search: Press and hold the SKIP/SEARCH FORWARD (►►) or SKIP/SEARCH BACK (◄◄) buttons during playback to fast-forward or fast-reverse through the current track.
- Repeat Play: Press the REPEAT button once to repeat the current track. Press it again to repeat all tracks on the CD. Press a third time to cancel repeat mode.
- Program Play:
a. In STOP mode, press the PROG button.
b. The LED display will show '01' and flash.
c. Use the SKIP/SEARCH FORWARD (►►) or SKIP/SEARCH BACK (◄◄) buttons to select the desired track.
d. Press PROG again to confirm the track. The display will show '02' and flash.
e. Repeat steps c and d to program up to 20 tracks.
f. Press PLAY/PAUSE to start programmed playback.
6. Cassette Recorder Operation
Playback
- Power On: Set the FUNCTION switch to the 'OFF/TAPE' position.
- Load Cassette: Press the STOP/EJECT button to open the cassette compartment door. Insert a cassette tape with the open edge facing upwards. Close the door.
- Play: Press the PLAY button. The tape will begin to play.
- Fast Forward/Rewind: Press the FAST FORWARD (FF) or REWIND (REW) buttons. Press PLAY to resume playback or STOP/EJECT to stop.
- Stop/Eject: Press the STOP/EJECT button to stop playback or to open the cassette door.
One-Touch Recording
The CD-550 features one-touch recording from the CD player or AM/FM radio to a cassette tape.
- Prepare Source:
a. For CD recording: Set the FUNCTION switch to 'CD/AUX'. Load a CD and select the desired track or start playback.
b. For Radio recording: Set the FUNCTION switch to 'FM' or 'AM'. Tune to the desired radio station. - Load Cassette: Insert a blank, recordable cassette tape into the cassette compartment.
- Start Recording: Press the RECORD button (red button) on the cassette deck. The PLAY button will also engage automatically, and recording will begin.
- Stop Recording: Press the STOP/EJECT button to end the recording.
Note: The unit features an auto-stop cassette deck, which will automatically stop playback or recording when the tape reaches its end.
7. AM/FM Radio Operation
- Power On: Set the FUNCTION switch to 'FM' or 'AM'.
- Tune Station: Rotate the TUNING dial (located on the side of the unit) to select your desired radio station.
- Adjust Antenna: For FM reception, extend the telescopic antenna and adjust its position for optimal clarity. For AM reception, the unit has a built-in antenna; rotate the entire unit for best reception.
- FM Stereo Indicator: The 'FM ST' indicator light will illuminate when an FM stereo broadcast is received.
8. Auxiliary Input
The CD-550 includes an auxiliary input jack for connecting external audio devices such as an iPod, MP3 player, or other digital audio players.
- Connect Device: Use a 3.5mm audio cable (not included) to connect your external audio device to the AUX IN jack on the side of the CD-550.
- Select Source: Set the FUNCTION switch to the 'CD/AUX' position.
- Play Audio: Start playback on your external audio device. The audio will be routed through the CD-550's speakers.
- Adjust Volume: Control the volume using the VOLUME knob on the CD-550 and/or the volume control on your external device.
9. Maintenance and Care
- Cleaning: Wipe the unit with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- CD Lens Care: If the CD player experiences reading errors, use a commercially available CD lens cleaner to clean the lens.
- Cassette Head Cleaning: Periodically clean the cassette deck's heads, capstan, and pinch roller with a cotton swab lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
- Battery Replacement: Replace all batteries with new ones when the unit's performance diminishes or when the power indicator light dims. Remove batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period.
- Storage: Store the unit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
10. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power | AC cord not connected; Batteries depleted or incorrectly inserted. | Ensure AC cord is firmly plugged in. Replace batteries or check polarity. |
| CD does not play / skips | CD is dirty or scratched; CD inserted incorrectly; CD lens is dirty. | Clean or replace CD. Insert CD with label side up. Clean CD lens. |
| Cassette tape does not play / poor sound | Tape inserted incorrectly; Tape heads are dirty; Tape is damaged. | Insert tape correctly. Clean tape heads. Try a different tape. |
| Poor radio reception | Antenna not extended/adjusted; Unit position. | Extend and adjust FM telescopic antenna. Rotate unit for AM reception. |
| No sound from AUX input | Function switch not set to AUX; External device volume too low; Cable not connected. | Set FUNCTION to 'CD/AUX'. Increase volume on external device. Check audio cable connection. |
11. Specifications
- Power Source: AC 120V ~ 60Hz or 6 x 'C' (UM-2) batteries (not included)
- CD Player: Top-loading, CD-R/RW compatible, Green LED track display, Skip/Search, Repeat, Programmable Memory
- Cassette Deck: Auto Stop, Soft Eject Door, One-Touch Recording
- Radio: AM/FM Stereo Receiver, FM Stereo Indicator, Rotary Telescopic Antenna
- Inputs: Auxiliary Input Jack (3.5mm)
- Outputs: Stereo Headphone Jack (3.5mm)
- Dimensions (L x W x H): Approximately 10.75 x 10 x 6.13 inches
- Weight: Approximately 3.5 pounds
- Manufacturer: Jensen
12. Warranty and Support
Your Jensen CD-550 comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included in the product packaging for specific terms and conditions. For technical support, replacement parts, or service inquiries, please contact Jensen customer service through their official website or the contact information provided with your product documentation.
The product package typically includes the unit and this instruction manual.
