Panasonic SC-AKX520 / SC-AKX320 CD Stereo System

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this Panasonic CD Stereo System. Please read these instructions carefully for optimum performance and safety. Keep this manual for future reference.

This manual covers models SC-AKX520 and SC-AKX320. Features specific to each model are indicated with [AKX520] or [AKX320]. Illustrations may differ from your system.

Safety Precautions

WARNING!

• To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or product damage: Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture, do not place liquid-filled objects on it, use only recommended accessories, do not remove covers, do not attempt self-repair, and keep metal objects from falling inside.

CAUTION!

• To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or product damage: Ensure adequate ventilation, do not block ventilation openings, do not place naked flames on the unit.
• This unit is intended for use in moderate climates.
• Avoid radio interference from mobile telephones by increasing separation.
• This unit uses a laser; use of controls other than specified may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
• Set up on an even surface away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, humidity, and vibration.

AC Mains Lead:

• The mains plug is the disconnecting device; ensure it is easily accessible.
• For three-pin plugs, a 5-ampere fuse is fitted. Replace only with a 5-ampere fuse approved to BS1362. Ensure the fuse cover is refitted if removable.

Battery (Remote Control):

• Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the type recommended by the manufacturer.
• Dispose of batteries according to local regulations.
• Do not heat, expose to flame, or leave in a hot car.
• Do not break open or short-circuit the battery.
• Do not charge alkaline or manganese batteries.
• Do not use if the battery cover has peeled off.
• Remove the battery if the remote control is not used for a long period.

Maintenance

Disconnect the AC mains lead before maintenance. Clean the system with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use alcohol, paint thinner, or benzine. Follow instructions for chemically treated cloths.

Disposal of Old Equipment and Batteries

For EU countries and those with recycling systems: Do not mix electrical/electronic products and batteries with general household waste. Take them to applicable collection points for treatment, recovery, and recycling according to national legislation. This helps save resources and prevent negative environmental effects.

Safety Information for Customers in the EU

Declaration of Conformity (DoC):

Panasonic Corporation declares that this product complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU. Customers can download the original DoC from: http://www.ptc.panasonic.eu. Contact the Authorized Representative: Panasonic Marketing Europe GmbH, Panasonic Testing Centre, Winsbergring 15, 22525 Hamburg, Germany.

Similar declarations are provided in multiple languages including Latvian, Lithuanian, Slovenian, Slovak, Hungarian, Greek, Portuguese, Estonian, Norwegian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Croatian, and Turkish.

Specifications

General:

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 400 mm x 142 mm x 250 mm
• Mass (SA-AKX520/SA-AKX320): 2.5 kg
• Operating temperature range: 0°C to +40°C
• Operating humidity range: 35% to 80% RH (no condensation)

Amplifier Section:

• RMS output power stereo mode:
• [AKX520]: Front Ch (both ch driven) 325 W per channel (3 Ω), 1 kHz, 30% THD. Total RMS stereo mode power: 650 W.
• [AKX320]: Front Ch (both ch driven) 225 W per channel (4 Ω), 1 kHz, 30% THD. Total RMS stereo mode power: 450 W.

Tuner Section:

• FM Frequency range: 87.50 MHz to 108.00 MHz (50 kHz step). Preset memory: 30 stations. Antenna terminals: 75 Ω (unbalanced).
• AM Frequency range: 522 kHz to 1629 kHz (9 kHz step) or 520 kHz to 1630 kHz (10 kHz step). Preset memory: 15 stations.

Disc Section:

• Discs played: CD, CD-R/RW (CD-DA, MP3).
• MPEG file format: MPEG-1 Layer 3, MPEG-2 Layer 3.
• Laser pickup wavelength: 790 nm (CD).

Terminal Section:

• USB Port: USB standard USB 2.0 full speed. Media file format support: MP3 (*.mp3). USB device file system: FAT12, FAT16, FAT32.
• AUX IN: Audio input Pin jack (1 system).
• [AKX520] Microphone Terminal: Mono, 6.3 mm jack (2 system).

Bluetooth® Section:

• Version: Bluetooth® Ver. 4.2. Class: Class 2. Supported profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, SPP. Frequency band: 2.4 GHz band FH-SS. Operating frequency: 2402 MHz to 2480 MHz. Maximum power (EIRP): 10 dBm. Operation distance: 10 m line of sight. Supported codec: SBC.

Speaker Section:

• [SB-AKX440]: Woofer 20 cm cone type x 1, Tweeter 6 cm cone type x 1. Impedance: 3 Ω. Dimensions (W x H x D): 257 mm x 422 mm x 219 mm. Mass: 4.5 kg.
• [SB-AKX220]: Woofer 16 cm cone type x 1, Tweeter 6 cm cone type x 1. Impedance: 4 Ω. Dimensions (W x H x D): 199 mm x 333 mm x 210 mm. Mass: 3.3 kg.

Notes: Specifications are subject to change. Mass and dimensions are approximate. Total harmonic distortion is measured by digital spectrum analyser.

Note on Disc: System can play CD-R/RW with CD-DA or MP3 format. Finalize discs before playback. Some CD-R/RW may not play due to recording conditions.

Note on USB Device: Connection with all USB devices is not guaranteed. Supports USB 2.0 full speed. Supports USB devices up to 32 GB. Only FAT 12/16/32 file system supported.

Note on MP3 File: Files are tracks, folders are albums. Tracks must have the extension “.mp3”. Playback order may vary. Some files may not work due to sector size. System can access up to 255 albums, 999 tracks, 20 sessions on disc. Disc must conform to ISO9660 level 1 or 2. System can access up to 800 albums, 8000 tracks, 999 tracks in one album on USB device.

Sales and Support Information

United Kingdom and Ireland: Customer Communications Centre: UK 0344 844 3899, Ireland 01 289 8333 (Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm). Website for support: www.panasonic.co.uk. Accessories can be ordered via the Customer Communications Centre or online at www.pas-europe.com.

Australia and New Zealand: Customer Care Centre: 132 600. Website for service centre locator: www.panasonic.com.au. Products come with consumer guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law.

Supplied Accessories

1 AC mains lead

1 AM loop antenna

1 FM indoor antenna

[AKX520] 2 Ferrite cores

1 Remote control

1 Remote control battery

[UK/Ireland] 1 Antenna plug adaptor

Note: Use the AC mains lead suitable for your household mains socket.

Preparing the Remote Control

Use alkaline or manganese battery. Install the battery with poles (+ and –) aligned correctly.

Placement of Speakers

The left and right speakers are identical. Use only supplied speakers to avoid damage and sound quality degradation. Keep speakers more than 10 mm from the main unit for ventilation. Place speakers on a flat, safe surface. These speakers are not magnetically shielded; keep them away from TVs, PCs, or other magnetically sensitive equipment. Playing at high levels for extended periods can damage speakers. Decrease volume if sound is distorted or when adjusting sound quality.

CAUTION: Use speakers only with the recommended system. Modifying speakers or wires can cause damage and fire risk. Consult approved personnel for repairs. Do not touch speaker cone surfaces as they may be hot or damaged.

Making the Connections

1. Connect the AM loop antenna. Stand it up until it clicks.
2. Connect the FM indoor antenna. Place it where reception is best.
3. Connect the speakers to the corresponding terminals.
4. Connect the AC mains lead. Use only the supplied lead.
5. For UK/Ireland: Connect the FM outdoor antenna if reception is poor. Keep antenna plug adaptor out of reach of children. Do not use during lightning storms. Disconnect if not in use.
6. Attaching the Ferrite Core ([AKX520]): Open the ferrite core, place speaker cables on one concave surface (approx. 5 cm from the end), coil cables around the core, and close until it clicks. Failure to attach may result in poor radio reception.

Note: Keep antennas away from speaker cables and AC mains lead to avoid noise.

Conserving Power: The system consumes power in standby. Disconnect the power supply if not in use. Some settings may be lost.

About Bluetooth®

Frequency Band: This system uses the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

Certification: Conforms to frequency restrictions; wireless permit not necessary. Tampering with the unit or removing specification indications is punishable by law in some countries.

Restrictions of Use: Wireless transmission and usage with all Bluetooth® devices not guaranteed. All devices must conform to Bluetooth SIG, Inc. standards. Device specifications/settings may affect connection and operation. This system supports Bluetooth® security features, but sufficiency depends on the environment. Transmit data with caution. This system cannot transmit data to a Bluetooth® device.

Range of Use: Maximum range of 10 m. Range can decrease due to environment, obstacles, or interference.

Interference from Other Devices: May cause noise or sound jumps if too close to other 2.4 GHz band devices. May not function properly if radio waves from nearby broadcasting stations are too strong.

Intended Usage: For normal, general use only. Do not use near equipment sensitive to radio frequency interference (e.g., airports, hospitals, laboratories).

Licenses: The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.

Overview of Controls

Controls can be operated via the remote control or the main unit buttons.

Remote Control Functions:

• [A] Standby/on switch [`], [1]
• [B] Decrease display brightness (press again to cancel)
• [C] Select audio source (CD, USB, BLUETOOTH, AUX, AM, FM)
• [D] Basic playback control
• [E] View setup menu
• [F] View content information
• [G] Select or confirm option
• [H] Set sleep timer
• [I] Adjust volume level
• [AKX520] Adjust microphone volume level
• [J] Mute sound (press again to cancel)
• [K] View play menu
• [L] Select sound effects
• [M] Open/close disc tray
• [N] Select MP3 album or track
• [O] DJ function direct buttons
• [P] Disc tray
• [Q] [AKX520] Microphone jack
• [R] Volume or multi control knob
• [S] Remote control sensor (Range: approx. 7 m; Angle: 10° up, 30° down, 30° left/right)
• [T] Display panel
• [U] USB port ( )
• [V] [AKX520] Select Karaoke effects
• [W] Select DJ jukebox
• [X] [AKX520] Select illumination effects

Preparing Media

Disc: Press [x] to open tray, place disc label-up, press again to close.

USB: Decrease volume, connect USB device to USB port. Hold main unit when connecting/disconnecting. Select “USB A” or “USB B”. USB status indicator lights red. Do not use USB extension cables. Maximum USB charging current is 0.5 A.

Bluetooth®: Switch on main unit and Bluetooth® feature of device. Place device near system. Read device instructions.

Using the System

Pairing a Bluetooth® Device: Press [ ]. If “PAIRING” shows, proceed. Alternatively, select “PAIRING” from [PLAY MENU] and press [OK]. Select “SC-AKX520” or “SC-AKX320” from the device’s Bluetooth® menu. Input “0000” or “1234” if prompted for a passkey. Up to 8 devices can be paired; the oldest unused device is replaced when a 9th is paired.

Connecting a Bluetooth® Device: Press [ ]. Select “SC-AKX520” or “SC-AKX320” from the device’s Bluetooth® menu. Start playback on the device.

Multi Connect ([AKX520]): Connect up to 3 devices simultaneously. Switch between devices by starting playback on another connected device.

Disconnecting a Bluetooth® Device: Press [PLAY MENU] to select “DISCONNECT?”, then select “OK? YES” and press [OK]. “BLUETOOTH READY” is shown. To cancel, select “OK? NO”. This function disconnects all devices. A device also disconnects if you select a different source, move out of range, disable Bluetooth®, or switch off the system/device.

Media Playback: Basic playback controls (Play, Stop, Pause, Skip, Search) are available for CD, USB, and Bluetooth®. View available information (MP3 album/track number) by pressing [DISPLAY].

Play Menu: Options for playback modes (e.g., 1-TRACK, 1-ALBUM, RANDOM, REPEAT) are available for CD and USB. For Bluetooth®, Link Mode settings (MODE 1 for connectivity, MODE 2 for sound quality) are available.

Radio: Tune manually or automatically. Preset up to 30 FM and 15 AM stations. Improve sound quality by selecting “MONO” for FM or adjusting “B.PROOF” for AM. Check signal status and RDS data (where available). AM allocation can be set to 10 kHz steps.

Sound Effects: Select from various preset EQs (ROCK, POP, etc.), adjust BASS/MID/TREBLE, SURROUND, D.BASS LEVEL, and D.BASS BEAT.

Illumination Effects ([AKX520]): Change illumination colors or set to AUTO. The dimmer function overrides illumination settings.

DJ Functions:

• DJ Jukebox: Add cross-fade effects between songs. The system automatically enters repeat mode.
• DJ Effect: Add sound effects like PHASER, FILTER, SOUND CHOPPER, ELECTRO ECHO, PITCH SHIFTER, HARMONIZER.

Using a Microphone ([AKX520]): Connect a microphone to the jack. Adjust microphone volume using [–MIC VOL] or [VOLUME/MULTI CONTROL]. Sing along with background music. Prevent howling by moving the microphone away from speakers or lowering volume. Disconnect microphone when not in use.

Karaoke ([AKX520]): Use Karaoke effects like VOCAL CANCEL, ECHO, KEY CONTROL, TEMPO, BGM, MIC EQ. Adjust settings using [KARAOKE] or [SOUND] buttons.

Clock and Timers: Set the 24-hour clock. Use the sleep timer to switch off the system after a set time. The play timer can be set to turn the system on at a specific time with a chosen source.

Using the “Panasonic MAX Juke” app: Download the free Android™ app for additional features like requesting songs from multiple devices. Refer to http://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/audio/app/ for details.

External Equipment: Connect VCRs, DVD players, etc., via AUX input. Ensure equipment is switched off before connecting. Sound distortion may occur with adaptors.

AUX Mode ([AKX520]): Select AUX MODE for Karaoke features.

Others:

• Auto Off: System switches off automatically after 20 minutes of inactivity (does not work during radio or Bluetooth® connection).
• Bluetooth® Standby: System automatically switches on when a Bluetooth® connection is established from a paired device.
• Software Update: Check for updates at http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/.

Troubleshooting

Common Problems: Unit not working (check power, reset), display lights up continuously in standby (disable demo mode), remote control not working (check battery), distorted sound (adjust volume, check for straining/heat), humming sound (keep cables away from other appliances/cords), sound level reduces (protection circuit activated due to high volume).

Disc Issues: Display not shown correctly, playback does not start (check disc insertion, clean/replace disc, condensation), incorrect track count, disc cannot be read (check disc compatibility/finalization), distorted sound.

USB Issues: USB device/contents not read (check compatibility/format/capacity), slow operation (large content/memory size).

Bluetooth® Issues: Pairing failure (check device, range), connection failure (re-pair, check other connections, restart system), no audio (set audio output manually on device), Multi Connect issues (restart app, re-connect), interrupted sound (check range, remove obstacles, reduce interference from other 2.4 GHz devices, use MODE 1).

Radio Issues: Distorted sound (use optional FM outdoor antenna), beat sound (move TV/mobile phones away, adjust AM B.PROOF), low hum during AM (move antenna away from cables).

AUX Issues: Playback image/sound not synchronized (set AUX MODE to MODE 2), Karaoke effect not usable (set AUX MODE to MODE 1).

Main Unit Displays:

• “--:--”: Clock not set or power failure. Set clock.
• “ADJUST CLOCK”: Clock needs setting.
• “ADJUST TIMER”: Play timer needs setting.
• “AUTO OFF”: System will switch off in a minute. Press any button to cancel.
• “DEVICE CONNECTED FULL”: Max 3 Bluetooth® devices connected. Disconnect one to connect another.
• “ERROR”: Incorrect operation.
• “F” / “F”: Protection circuit activated. Disconnect/reconnect AC mains lead. Consult dealer if persists.
• “NO DISC”: No disc inserted.
• “NO PLAY” / “UNSUPPORT”: No supported content on USB. Check content or system may have a problem.
• “NOT SUPPORT MULTI CONNECT”: Cannot establish Bluetooth® connection. Disconnect devices and try again.
• “NOT SUPPORTED”: Set “AUX MODE” to “MODE 1” for Karaoke effect.
• “PLAYERROR”: Unsupported MP3 file played. System skips to next track.
• “REMOTE 1” / “REMOTE 2”: Remote control and main unit use different codes. Change code.
• “TEMP NG”: Temperature protection circuit activated. Let unit cool down, check ventilation.
• “USB A NO DEVICE” / “USB B NO DEVICE”: USB device not connected. Check connection.
• “USB OVER CURRENT ERROR”: USB device drawing too much power. Disconnect, switch off/on. Check cable.
• “VBR”: Cannot show remaining play time for variable bit rate tracks.

Remote Control Code: Change remote control code if other Panasonic equipment responds. Set to “REMOTE 2” by holding [SELECT] and [<] on main unit, then [OK] and [<] on remote. Set to “REMOTE 1” by holding [SELECT] and [ ] on main unit, then [OK] and [ ] on remote.

System Memory Reset: Disconnect AC mains lead. While holding [1] on the main unit, reconnect the AC mains lead. Release [1] when “– – – – – – – – –” is shown. All settings revert to factory defaults.