Digital Surround Headphones

User Manual

MDR-DS6500

©2011 Sony Corporation

Warnings

Caution

Information for Users: EU Directives Compliance

This information applies only to equipment sold in countries applying EU directives.

The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or guarantee matters, please refer to the addresses provided in the separate service list or guarantee card.

The validity of the CE marking is restricted to only those countries where it is legally enforced, mainly in the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA).

Sony Corp. hereby declares that this equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. For details, please access the following URL: http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Information for Users in the Republic of Croatia

Declaration of Conformity

The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0075, Japan. Sony, or its authorized representative Sony Central and Southeast Europe Kft., Representative Office in the Republic of Croatia, declares that this product complies with the essential requirements of the technical regulations established for this product.

Declarations of conformity are available on the website: www.sukladnost-sony.com.hr

Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)

♻ This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

Disposal of Waste Batteries (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)

♻ This symbol on the battery or on the packaging indicates that the battery provided with this product shall not be treated as household waste. On certain batteries this symbol might be used in combination with a chemical symbol. The chemical symbols for mercury (Hg) or lead (Pb) are added if the battery contains more than 0.0005% mercury or 0.004% lead. By ensuring these batteries are disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potentially negative consequences for the environment and human health which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of the battery. The recycling of the materials will help to conserve natural resources.

In case products for safety, performance or data integrity reasons require a permanent connection with an incorporated battery, this battery should be replaced by qualified service staff only.

To ensure that the battery will be treated correctly, hand over the product at the end of its life to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment.

For all other batteries, please view the section on how to remove the battery from the product safely. Hand the battery over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of waste batteries.

For more detailed information about recycling of this product or battery, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

Table of Contents

• Main Features
• Checking Components and Accessories
• Parts and Controls
  • Processor Parts Description
  • Headphone Parts Description
• Charging Headphones
  • Checking Remaining Battery Capacity
• Connecting the Headphone System
  • Connecting Processor to Digital Components
  • Connecting Processor to Analog Components
• Listening to Connected Components
• Replacing Earpads
• Troubleshooting
• Precautions
• Specifications

Main Features

The MDR-DS6500 is a digital surround headphone system that allows you to wirelessly enjoy the surround sound field of BD/DVD players or multi-channel sources.

With these headphones, you can enjoy multi-channel surround sound by simply connecting the digital surround processor with a cable to a BD/DVD player, digital satellite/TV receiver, game console, and other devices.

• 7.1ch VPT (Virtualphones Technology)*¹ reproduces three-dimensional surround sound with multi-channel speakers.
• Large 40 mm drivers provide premium cinema sound quality.
• Wireless transmission allows headphone use anywhere indoors without interference. CD quality sound is achieved through uncompressed digital transmission. (Transmission range: up to approximately 100 m*²)
• Ability to select surround mode. (CINEMA/GAME/VOICE (STEREO))
• Automatic headphone tuning for better signal reception. The system automatically switches to a free channel before signal blocking occurs, without any sound interruption.
• Quick charge function with a secure charging mechanism.
• Long playback time. (approx. 20 hours)
• Supports various media formats. (Max. 7.1-channel sound field achieved with support for Dolby Pro Logic IIx.*³ Supported media formats: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Surround EX, DTS, DTS-ES Matrix, and DTS-ES Discrete)

*¹ "Virtualphones Technology" is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

*² Reception range depends on usage conditions.

*³ The processor of this system includes a Dolby Digital decoder, Dolby Pro Logic IIx decoder, and DTS decoder. This system's processor is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories and Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

Manufactured under license from U.S. Patents: 5,451,942; 5,956,674; 5,974,380; 5,978,762; 6,487,535 and other U.S. and international patents issued and pending. DTS and its associated symbol are registered trademarks, and DTS Digital Surround and DTS logos are trademarks of DTS, Inc. Product contains software. © DTS, Inc. All rights reserved.

Checking Components and Accessories

Before setting up the system, check all components.

• DP-RF6500 Processor (1)
• MDR-RF6500 Wireless Stereo Headphones (1)
• AC Power Adapter (1)
• Optical Digital Connection Cable (rectangular type → rectangular type) (1)

Parts and Controls

Processor Parts Description

1. Contacts
2. Ⓘ (Power/Standby) button
3. Power Indicator: Lights green during RF signal transmission.
4. Decoding Mode Indicators: (See page 20 for details.)
5. COMPRESSION Switch: (See page 19 for details.)
6. EFFECT Switch: (See page 19 for details.) Slide to select sound mode (CINEMA/GAME/VOICE (STEREO)/OFF).
7. INPUT Switch: (See page 18 for details.) Slide to select input source (DIGITAL/ANALOG).
8. DC IN 6V Jack: Connect the supplied AC adapter to this jack. (Use only the supplied AC adapter. Using adapters with different polarity or characteristics may cause device malfunction.)
9. ATT (Sound Attenuation) Switch: Set the switch to "0 dB" if the volume is too low for analog input. This switch should normally be set to "-8 dB" for typical use.
10. LINE IN Jacks: (See page 15 for details.) Connect audio output jacks of audio or video components (sold separately), such as VCRs, TVs, stereo systems, video recorders, etc., to these jacks.
11. DIGITAL IN Jack: (See page 14 for details.) Connect a BD/DVD player, digital satellite/TV receiver, and other digital components (sold separately) to this jack.

Headphone Parts Description

1. Reset button
2. Power Indicator: Lights green when the unit is powered on.
3. POWER button
4. VOL (Volume) Control*: For adjusting volume.
5. Right Housing
6. Earpad
7. Left Housing*
8. Charging Indicator: Lights red during charging.
9. Contacts

* The headphones have a raised dot for easier handling.

Charging Headphones

The headphones are equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Be sure to charge them before first use.

To charge the battery, place the headphones on the processor.

1. Connect the supplied AC adapter to the processor.

   Diagram showing the processor connected to a wall outlet via the AC adapter, with the adapter plugged into the DC IN 6V jack on the processor.

   Notes:

   • Use only the supplied AC adapter. Using AC adapters with different polarity or characteristics may cause device malfunction.
   Diagram showing the polarity of the plug (positive center).
   • Always use only the supplied AC adapter. Even adapters with the same voltage and plug polarity can damage this device due to current capacity or other factors.
   • Connect the AC adapter to an easily accessible outlet. If you notice any abnormalities in the adapter's operation, disconnect it immediately.

2. Place the headphones on the processor so that their contacts align with the processor's contacts, and check if the charging indicator lights up.

   It takes approximately 3 hours for a full battery charge (the charging indicator turns off when charging is complete).

   When placing the headphones on the processor, hold them with both hands so that the right and left housings are in a horizontal position, and then place them vertically on the processor. If the processor and headphone contacts align correctly, a click will be heard, and the charging indicator will light up.

   Charging is completed after 3 hours, and the charging indicator turns off; you can leave the headphones on the processor after charging is complete.

   Diagram showing correct and incorrect placement of headphones on the processor for charging. Correct placement shows the headphones resting vertically on the processor, with contacts aligned. Incorrect placement shows headphones not properly seated.

   Notes:

   • Ensure the headphones are properly seated on the processor.
   • The indicator will not light up if the headphone and processor contacts do not touch each other. In this case, remove the headphones and reposition them on the processor until the indicator lights up.
   • The processor automatically turns off during battery charging.
   • Charge the battery at temperatures between 5 °C and 35 °C. If the headphones are used outside the recommended temperature range, the power indicator will blink, and charging will stop. The battery may not be charged.
   • Do not touch the processor contacts. If the contacts are dirty, charging may not be possible.
   • Charging may not complete if the processor and headphone contacts are dusty. Wipe them with a cotton swab, etc.

   Charging and Usage Times

   Approximate Charging Time	Approximate Usage Time*¹
   3 hours*²	20 hours*³

   *¹ At 1 kHz output, 1 mW + 1 mW

   *² Hours required for a full charge of an empty battery

   *³ The stated time may vary depending on temperature or usage conditions.

Checking Remaining Battery Capacity

To check the battery capacity, press and hold the POWER button for 2 seconds. The battery can still be used if the power indicator on the right housing lights green. Recharge the rechargeable battery if the power indicator dims or blinks, or if the sound becomes distorted or noisy.

Connecting the Headphone System

Before starting, please read "Connecting the Headphone System" (pages 14 to 16) and make the necessary connections.

1. Turn on the component to which the processor is connected.

   Diagram showing a BD/DVD player/digital satellite/TV receiver/game console connected to the processor, with a power button icon on the component.

2. Remove the headphones from the processor.

   The processor automatically turns on. The processor automatically detects the optimal transmission frequency according to the room conditions. Then, the corresponding decoding mode indicator lights up, depending on the audio signal received from the connected audio or video component.

   Signal Transmission System

   This device uses a patented 2.4 GHz frequency transmission system. With this wireless system, you can enjoy uncompressed sound.

3. Put on the headphones.

   Press and hold the POWER button for 2 seconds to turn on the headphones; the power indicator lights green.

   Make sure to place the right and left sides of the headphones on the corresponding ears. Adjust the headphone headband so that they fit your ears.

   The left housing has a raised dot for easier identification of the left headphone.

   Diagram showing how to put on the headphones, indicating the raised dot on the left housing and the power indicator on the right housing.

   Note: Use the headphones within the signal transmission range (page 22).

4. Slide the INPUT switch to select the component you want to listen to.

   Diagram of the processor's INPUT switch with DIGITAL and ANALOG options.

   Switch Position	Selected Audio Source
   DIGITAL	Sound from the component connected to the DIGITAL IN jack.
   ANALOG	Sound from the component connected to the LINE IN jacks.

   Note: To listen to a dual audio channel source (MAIN/SUB), connect to the LINE IN jacks, then select the audio source you want to listen to on the device, TV, or other component.

5. Start playback from the component selected in step 4.

6. Move the switch to select the desired sound mode, EFFECT or COMPRESSION.

   EFFECT Switch

   Diagram of the processor's EFFECT switch with CINEMA, GAME, VOICE (STEREO), and OFF options.

   Switch Position	Sound Mode and Corresponding Sound Source
   OFF	Normal headphone playback.
   VOICE (STEREO)	Reproduces clearer speech.
   GAME	Precisely creates sound spaciousness and provides a clearer sense of direction. Produces powerful and realistic sound for multi-channel video game surround sound. Suitable for video games with multi-channel sound sources.
   CINEMA	Creates a surround sound experience with more natural sound quality (especially in dialogues). Produces high-quality sound as heard in modern cinemas.

   Notes:

   • Headphone volume may vary depending on the input signal and the EFFECT switch setting.
   • The surround sound effect may not work with audio-only sources that do not contain video, such as music CDs.
   • This system simulates an average HRTF*, similar to most people. However, the effect may vary from person to person as HRTF itself varies from individual to individual.

   * Head Related Transfer Function (Influence of the head on the transmission function)

   COMPRESSION Switch

   Diagram of the processor's COMPRESSION switch with ON and OFF options.

   Switch Position	Effect on Playback
   OFF	If the EFFECT switch is selected, the sound mode changes according to the selected effect.
   ON	This function maintains a uniform sound volume. Explosive sounds are attenuated while quiet sounds (dialogue, etc.) are emphasized. Effective for audio signals with a wide dynamic range, such as movies or classical music.

   Compression Process Illustration:

   Diagram illustrating dynamic range compression. It shows an input signal with varying dynamic range (loud explosions, quiet dialogue, background noise) being compressed by the built-in DSP processor to produce an output signal with a more uniform dynamic range, making loud sounds less piercing and quiet sounds more audible. This results in a "penetrating sound" (loud sounds), "good to hear" (dialogue), and "weak to hear" (quiet sounds) before compression, and a more balanced output after compression.

   Decoding Mode Indicators

   The processor automatically recognizes the format of the input audio signal and turns on the corresponding indicator. Change the audio between Dolby Digital, DTS, etc., on the connected equipment (BD/DVD player, digital satellite/TV receiver, etc.).

   • Dolby Digital: Input signal is in Dolby Digital format.
   • Dolby PLIIx: Analog input signal, digital PCM input signal, or Dolby Digital signal processed by DOLBY PRO LOGIC IIx technology. (If the EFFECT switch is set to "OFF" or "VOICE (STEREO)", it is not processed by DOLBY PRO LOGIC IIx technology.)
   • DTS: Input signal is in DTS format.

   Note: If the equipment connected to the DIGITAL IN jack does not reproduce sound (fast forward/rewind, etc.), the decoding mode indicators may not light up correctly.

7. Adjust the volume.

   To increase the volume, turn the VOL (volume) control towards the raised dot, and vice versa.

   Diagram showing the right earcup with the VOL control, indicating the direction to turn for increasing and decreasing volume, and the raised dot.

8. After use, turn off the processor.

   Press the Ⓘ button on the processor to turn off the main power.

9. Place the headphones on the processor for charging.

   Notes:

   • When watching movies, do not excessively boost the volume of quiet scenes. When the sound becomes loud again, it may damage your hearing.
   • If you disconnect the AC adapter from the processor before removing the headphones, you may hear noise.

   Switching Time Between Modes

   When moving the switch on the processor to select modes, the time required to switch from one mode to another may vary. This occurs due to differences in the control performed by the system between modes.

   Automatic Power Off When Headphones are Placed on Processor

   Charging starts automatically.

   If you hear a beep from the headphones

   A repeated beep will be heard from the headphones if they are out of RF signal transmission range or if the processor is not turned on. If you hear a beep, turn on the processor or move closer to it and use the headphones within the RF signal transmission range. If the beep is heard despite the processor being on and you being close to it, the cause is likely interference, e.g., from another wireless device using the 2.4 GHz wireless frequency band or electromagnetic waves emitted by a microwave oven. Try some of the following:

   • Move the processor away from devices that generate electromagnetic waves, e.g., to a location without wireless LAN, wireless devices, or microwave ovens.
   • Point the headphone antenna towards the processor antenna and ensure the signal is not blocked (page 22).
   • Change the processor's placement location or its antenna position, and place it where the sound from the headphones is clear.
   • Do not place the processor in an enclosed cabinet or in the back of an open cabinet.
   • Place the processor in a location without metal and do not place it on metal surfaces.
   • Use the processor and headphones as close to each other as possible.

RF Signal Transmission Area

• The approximate RF signal transmission area from the processor to the headphones is up to 100 m, but it varies depending on existing obstacles (human body, metal, wall, etc.) and reception conditions.
• The antenna of this system is built into the parts indicated by dotted lines in the illustration below.

If there are obstacles between the processor antenna and the headphone antenna, the transmission range may decrease. In such cases, ensure there are no obstacles between the processor antenna and the headphone antenna.

Sound may cut out if you move out of the transmission area or if reception conditions around you worsen during use. Sound may be interrupted due to obstacles, installation wiring, and the placement of the processor and headphones. This phenomenon is due to the characteristics of the RF signal and does not constitute a malfunction.

Notes:

• This system uses the 2.4 GHz frequency band, so its use in the following conditions may affect the transmission area:
  • There is an obstacle between the processor and headphones, such as a human body, metal, or a wall.
  • The processor is located at the bottom of an open cabinet.
  • The location uses wireless LAN, microwave ovens, or generates electromagnetic waves, etc.
  • The location has other wireless devices using the 2.4 GHz frequency band.
• The system and wireless LAN (IEEE802.11b/g) use the same frequency band (2.4 GHz), so using them near a wireless LAN device may cause signal interference, which degrades transmission speed and creates noise and intermittent sound. In such cases, take the following steps:
  • When using the system within 10 meters of a device with built-in wireless LAN function, turn off the wireless LAN function.
• Use the processor and headphones as close to each other as possible.
• Do not place the processor near metal objects, e.g., near a metal table.
• Sound may be interrupted if the system signal is interfered with by an obstacle. This phenomenon is due to the characteristics of the RF signal and does not constitute a malfunction.

If there is no audio signal for about 30 minutes

RF signal transmission from the processor automatically stops if there is no audio signal for approximately 30 minutes. When transmission stops, the processor's POWER indicator blinks green for 30 seconds and then turns off. RF signal transmission may stop if very quiet sound is listened to for about 30 minutes. In this case, increase the volume of the connected AV device within the range where the sound is not distorted and decrease the headphone volume. If noise is heard from the device connected to the AUDIO IN jacks, RF signal transmission may not stop.

If the processor is turned off

The headphones automatically turn off after 5 minutes. If you want to use the system again, turn on the headphones and the processor.

If you move out of the transmission area, the headphones cannot connect to the system and will automatically turn off after 5 minutes.

Note: The processor only works with its own supplied headphones.

Replacing Earpads

The earpads can be replaced. If they become dirty or worn, replace them as described below. Earpads are not commercially available. You can obtain replacement earpads from the store where you purchased these headphones or from your nearest Sony dealer.

1. Remove the old earpad.

   Diagram showing how to pull off an earpad from the headphone housing.

2. Put on the new earpad over the headphone.

   Diagram showing how to stretch and fit a new earpad onto the headphone housing.

Troubleshooting

If a problem occurs while using the headphones, try to resolve it using the following tips. If the problem cannot be resolved, contact your nearest Sony dealer.

Precautions

Safety

• Be careful not to drop the processor or headphones and do not expose them to strong impacts. This may cause damage.
• Do not disassemble or attempt to open any part of the system.

Power Sources and Placement

• If you will not be using the system for a long time, disconnect the AC adapter from the wall outlet. When disconnecting, hold the adapter. Do not pull the cable itself.
• Do not place the system in the following locations:
  • Exposed to direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in any other place exposed to high temperatures.
  • Dusty places.
  • On an unstable or sloping surface.
  • In places exposed to strong vibrations.
  • In a bathroom or other humid places.

Headphones

Be Considerate

When the volume is too high, sound may be heard outside the headphones. Be careful not to turn up the volume too much so as not to disturb others. In noisy places, you may spontaneously increase the volume. However, for safety reasons, we recommend keeping the volume at a level where you can hear sounds around you.

Cleaning

Use a soft cloth slightly dampened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use solvents such as thinner, benzene, or alcohol, as they may damage the surface.

In Case of Damage

• If the device is damaged or a foreign object enters it, immediately turn it off and contact your nearest authorized service center.
• Both the headphones and the processor must be brought in for service.

Specifications

Digital Surround Processor (DP-RF6500)

* Transmission range is based on a rough estimate and may vary depending on the environment and placement of the device.

Wireless Stereo Headphones (MDR-RF6500)

Supplied Accessories

• AC power adapter (6 V) (1)
• Optical digital connection cable (rectangular plug → rectangular plug, 1.5 m) (1)
• Operating Instructions (this manual) (1)
• Connection Guide

Design and technical specifications are subject to change without notice. The manufacturer is not responsible for any printing errors.