JVC KW-XC777 CD/Cassette Receiver

Introduction

This document provides instructions for the JVC KW-XC777 CD/Cassette Receiver. It covers basic operations, radio, CD, and tape functions, sound adjustments, level meter settings, other main functions, external component operations, CD changer operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Important Safety Notes:

• Do not raise the volume level too much, as this will block outside sounds, making driving dangerous.
• Stop the car before performing any complicated operations.
• Wait until the temperature in the car becomes normal before operating the unit if it has been parked for a long time in hot or cold weather.

Important for Laser Products

Precautions:

• CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT.
• CAUTION: Invisible laser radiation when open and interlock failed or defeated. Avoid direct exposure to beam.
• CAUTION: Do not open the top cover. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Leave all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• CAUTION: This CD player uses invisible laser radiation, however, is equipped with safety switches to prevent radiation emission when unloading CDs. It is dangerous to defeat the safety switches.
• CAUTION: Use of controls, adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

About the demonstration mode (DEMO MODE): When shipped from the factory, “DEMO” is set to “DEMO ON”. The demonstration will start automatically if no sound comes in for 3 minutes. To deactivate: Press and hold SEL for more than 2 seconds, press or 4 to select "DEMO", press to select "DEMO OFF", then press SEL to finish.

CAUTION on Volume Setting: CDs produce very little noise compared with other sources. If the volume level is adjusted for the tuner, the speakers may be damaged by the sudden increase in output level. Lower the volume before playing a CD and adjust as required during playback.

How to reset your unit: Press the reset button on the front panel using a ball-point pen or similar tool. Note: Your preset adjustments will be erased.

Location of the Buttons

Control Panel

The control panel features the following:

• 1 Display window: Shows information.
• 2 CD loading slot: For inserting CDs.
• 3 /ATT (standby/on / attenuator) button: Powers the unit on/off or activates attenuator.
• 4 DISP (display) button: Changes display information.
• 5 Auxiliary input jack: For connecting external audio devices.
• 6 SEL (select) button: Selects items or confirms settings.
• 7 EQ LV (Equalizer/Level) button: Adjusts sound settings.
• 8 +/- buttons: Adjust volume or other settings.
• 9 Reset button: Resets the unit.
• MODE button: Changes operating modes.
• Cassette compartment: For inserting cassettes.
• CD (eject) button: Ejects the CD.
• Source buttons: CD/CH, FM/AM, TAPE/AUX to select input sources.
• PROG K/+10/-10 buttons: Program tracks or skip tracks.
• TAPE (eject) button: Ejects the cassette.
• 4/ buttons: Navigate or adjust settings.
• EX (extra) button: Stores favorite stations or recalls them.
• Number buttons: For selecting tracks, stations, or discs.

Display window Indicators

• 19 Dolby NR indicator: Shows Dolby NR status.
• 20 EQ level indicator/S.BASS level/level meter: Displays equalizer or Super Bass levels.
• 21 Main display: Shows current information.
• 22 Level meter: Visualizes audio levels.
• 23 Play mode indicators: RND (random), RPT (repeat), B.SKIP (blank skip).
• 24 CD indicator: Shows CD source is active.
• 25 TAPE indicator: Shows Tape source is active.
• 26 Text name indicators: DISC, TRACK, STATION for CD Text or station names.
• 27 Source indicators: CD, CD-CH, TAPE, AUX, F1, F2, F3, A to show selected source.
• 28 Tuner reception indicators: MO (monaural), ST (stereo).
• 29 Clock display: Shows the current time.

Remote Controller

The remote controller allows operation from a distance. It has buttons for:

• 1 /ATT button: Functions like the main unit's button.
• 2 BAND button: Changes radio band or tape direction. Selects disc numbers for CD changer.
• 3 PRESET ▼ buttons: Selects preset radio stations or disc numbers.
• 4 +/- buttons: Adjust volume or other settings.
• 5 SCM button: Selects sound mode.
• 6 FUNC button: Selects the source.
• 7 Navigation/Search buttons: Search radio stations, fast-forward/reverse CD tracks, skip tracks, or fast-forward/rewind tapes.

Note: Button 4 does not function for PSM adjustment.

Preparing the Remote Controller

Before using: Aim the controller at the unit's remote sensor, ensuring no obstacles. Avoid strong light on the sensor.

Installing the battery: When the remote's range decreases, replace the battery.

1. Remove the battery holder: Push out using a ball-point pen or similar tool.
2. Place the battery: Insert the lithium coin battery (CR2025) with the + side facing upwards.
3. Return the battery holder: Insert until it clicks.

WARNINGS: Store batteries away from children. Do not recharge, short, disassemble, heat, or dispose of batteries in fire. Avoid contact with metallic materials. Wrap batteries for disposal. Do not poke batteries with sharp tools.

CAUTION: Do not leave the remote controller exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.

Basic Operations

1 Turn on the power: Press /ATT. "HELLO!" appears.

Note on One-Touch Operation: Selecting a source automatically turns the power on.

2 Select the source:

• Press CD/CH to cycle through CD, CD-changer, or external component.
• Press FM/AM to cycle through FM bands (FM1, FM2, FM3) and AM.
• Press TAPE/AUX to cycle through TAPE and AUX input.

Note: CD source requires a CD in the slot. External component requires connection. TAPE source requires a cassette.

3 Adjust the volume: Use the +/- buttons.

4 Adjust the sound: Refer to pages 18-20 for sound adjustments and page 21 for level meter patterns.

To drop the volume in a moment: Press /ATT briefly. Press again to resume.

To turn off the power: Press and hold /ATT for over 1 second. "SEE YOU" appears.

Note: If the unit is turned off via the ignition key, it will turn on automatically when the ignition is turned on next time, resuming the last source if available.

Radio Operations

You can tune to stations using automatic or manual search.

Searching a station automatically (Auto search)

1. Select the band (FM1, FM2, FM3, or AM).
2. Start searching: Press and hold to search higher frequencies or 4 to search lower frequencies. Searching stops when a station is received. Press the same button again to stop searching before a station is received.

Searching a station manually (Manual search)

1. Select the band (FM1, FM2, FM3, or AM).
2. Press and hold or 4 until "M (manual)" flashes.
3. Tune in: Press to tune to higher frequencies or 4 to tune to lower frequencies. The manual mode turns off automatically after 5 seconds of inactivity or when the button is released.

Storing stations in memory

Automatic preset: SSM (Strong-station Sequential Memory)

Preset up to 6 local stations in each FM band (FM1, FM2, FM3).

1. Select the band (FM1, FM2, or FM3).
2. Press MODE repeatedly until "SSM" appears.
3. Press SEL. "--SSM--" appears and disappears when complete. The unit tunes to station 1 automatically.

Manual preset: Preset up to 6 stations per band (FM1, FM2, FM3, AM).

1. Select the band (e.g., FM1).
2. Tune in to the desired station (e.g., 88.3 MHz) using /4.
3. Press and hold the desired number button (e.g., 1) for over 2 seconds. "P1" flashes.
4. Repeat for other stations and preset numbers.

Storing your favorite station into the EX (extra) button

Preset an FM or AM station for one-touch recall, even when the unit is off.

1. Select the band (e.g., FM1).
2. Tune in to the desired station (e.g., 88.3 MHz).
3. Press and hold the EX button until "EX" flashes.

To tune in the favorite station (EX): Press EX. The unit turns on, and your favorite station is tuned in.

Tuning in to a preset station:

1. Select the band (FM1, FM2, FM3, or AM).
2. Select the preset number (1-6) for the station.

Other convenient tuner functions

Scanning broadcast stations: Press SCAN to scan for stations. Press MODE again to stop scanning.

Showing a station name: If a name is assigned, it appears on the display when the station is tuned. The STATION indicator lights up. Press DISP to alternate between the name and frequency.

Selecting FM reception mode: For difficult stereo reception, press MONO to switch between "MONO ON" and "MONO OFF". Monaural mode improves reception.

CD Operations

Playing a CD

1 Insert a disc: Insert the CD into the loading slot. The unit turns on and starts playback automatically.

CD Text: Displays disc title, performer, and track title. See "Playing a CD Text" (page 13).

To stop play and eject the CD: Press CD . The CD ejects. If you change the source, playback stops without ejecting.

Note on One-Touch Operation: Pressing CD/CH with a CD already loaded turns the unit on and starts playback.

Playing a CD Text

Display disc information (title, performer, track title) by pressing DISP repeatedly.

Locating a track or a particular portion on a CD

To fast-forward or reverse: Press and hold to fast-forward, or 4 to reverse.

To go to next/previous tracks: Press briefly to go to the next track's beginning, or 4 briefly to go to the current/previous track's beginning.

To skip 10 tracks: Press +10 to skip forward 10 tracks, or -10 to skip back 10 tracks.

To go to a particular track directly: Press the number button corresponding to the track number (1-6 briefly, 7-12 by holding).

Selecting CD playback modes

To play back tracks repeatedly (Repeat Play): Press MODE until "REPEAT" appears, then press SEL to toggle "REPEAT ON" / "REPEAT OFF". The RPT indicator lights up.

To play back tracks at random (Random Play): Press MODE until "RANDOM" appears, then press SEL to toggle "RANDOM ON" / "RANDOM OFF". The RND indicator lights up.

To play back only intro (Intro scan): Press MODE until "INTRO" appears, then press SEL to toggle "INTRO ON" / "INTRO OFF".

Prohibiting CD ejection

To lock a CD: While pressing CD/CH, press and hold CD for over 2 seconds. "CD HD" flashes.

To unlock: Press and hold CD again while pressing CD/CH. "EJECT OK" flashes.

Tape Operations

Listening to a tape

1 Insert a cassette: Insert into the cassette compartment. Playback starts automatically. Auto Reverse plays the other side when one side ends.

2 Turn Dolby B NR on/off: Press MODE until "DOLBY B" appears, then press SEL to toggle "DOLBY ON" / "DOLBY OFF". The indicator lights up when ON.

3 Select the tape direction: Press the PROG button to change direction (FWD PLAY, REV PLAY).

Note on One-Touch Operation: Pressing TAPE/AUX with a cassette loaded turns the unit on and starts playback.

To stop play and eject the cassette: Press TAPE . Playback stops, and the cassette ejects. Changing source stops playback without ejecting.

To fast-forward and rewind a tape: Press and hold to fast-forward, or 4 to rewind. Press PROG to stop at any position.

Finding the beginning of a tune (Multi Music Scan)

Automatically start playback from the beginning of a specified tune (up to 9 tunes ahead or before).

1. Specify the tune location (ahead or before current tune) using /4.
2. Playback starts automatically when the tune is found.

Notes on Multi Music Scan: May not work correctly with tapes having long quiet passages, short non-recorded sections, high noise, or mismatched Dolby NR settings.

Other convenient tape operations

Skipping blank portions on the tape (Blank Skip): Press MODE until "B.SKIP" appears, then press SEL to toggle "B.SKIP ON" / "B.SKIP OFF". Skips blank portions of 15 seconds or more.

Playing the current tune repeatedly (Repeat Play): Press MODE until "REPEAT" appears, then press SEL to toggle "REPEAT ON" / "REPEAT OFF".

Prohibiting tape ejection

To lock a tape: While pressing TAPE/AUX, press and hold TAPE for over 2 seconds. "TAPE " flashes.

To unlock: Press and hold TAPE again while pressing TAPE/AUX. "EJECT OK" flashes.

Sound Adjustments

Adjusting the sound

Adjust sound characteristics using the SEL button to cycle through items:

• FADER: Adjusts front/rear speaker balance (R06 rear only, F06 front only).
• BAL (Balance): Adjusts left/right speaker balance (L06 left only, R06 right only).
• VOLUME: Adjusts volume level (00 min. to 50 max.).

Note: +/- buttons usually adjust volume directly.

Reinforcing the bass sound: Adjust S.BASS level from "00" to "08".

Selecting preset sound modes

Select a sound adjustment suitable for music genre:

• Press EQ to select "EQ".
• Press SEL to cycle through modes: FLAT, Hard Rock, R & B, POP, JAZZ, Dance Music, Country, Raggae, Classic, USER.

To cancel: Select "FLAT".

Storing a sound mode per source (EQ Link):

1. Press and hold SEL for over 2 seconds.
2. Press or 4 to select "EQ LINK".
3. Press + to select "LINK ON" or - for "LINK OFF".
4. Press SEL to finish.

Note: "LINK ON" stores the mode per source. "LINK OFF" applies the mode to all sources.

Storing your own sound adjustments

Create and store custom sound modes (USER sound mode).

1. Select "EQ".
2. Select sound elements to adjust (LOW FREQ., LOW LEVEL, etc.).
3. Adjust the selected element using +/- or /4.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for other elements.
5. Store the adjustments by pressing SEL.

Level Meter Setting

Select from 7 level meter patterns or a demonstration.

1. Select "L.V. METER" using SEL.
2. Press +/- to cycle through patterns: ALL DEMO, Standard, SideWinder, Full Size, Spin, Double, HIGH WAY, Dolphin, OFF.

Level Meter Patterns:

• ALL DEMO: Demonstrates all patterns.
• Standard: Standard level meter display.
• SideWinder: Horizontal display.
• Full Size: Display on the main unit.
• Spin: Meter spins in the right meter.
• Double: Waves on both meters.
• HIGH WAY: Simulates driving along a highway.
• Dolphin: Dolphin swimming animation.
• OFF: No level meter displayed.

Other Main Functions

Setting the clock

1. Press and hold SEL for over 2 seconds.
2. Press or 4 until "CLOCK HOUR" appears.
3. Adjust the hour using +/-.
4. Press or 4 until "CLOCK MIN" appears.
5. Adjust the minute using +/-.
6. Finish setting by pressing SEL.

Note: Press DISP when the unit is off to briefly show the clock.

Changing general settings (PSM)

Change settings using the PSM control.

1. Press and hold SEL for over 2 seconds.
2. Select a PSM item (e.g., CLOCK DISP, DIMMER, CONTRAST, SCROLL, EXT INPUT, AUX ADJ, DEMO).
3. Adjust the selected item.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for other items.
5. Finish setting by pressing SEL.

PSM Items include:

Assigning names to the sources

Assign names to station frequencies and AUX input. Names appear when the source is selected.

1. Select a source (e.g., FM/AM, TAPE/AUX).
2. Press and hold SEL and DISP simultaneously for over 2 seconds.
3. Select character set (Capital letters, Small letters, Numbers/Symbols).
4. Select characters using +/- and navigate with /4.
5. Repeat steps 3-5 to input the name.
6. Finish when the last character flashes.

To erase input characters: Press and hold DISP for over 1 second.

External Component Operations

Connect two external components: one to the AUX input jack (control panel), the other to the CD changer jack (rear).

Preparations: Refer to the Installation/Connection Manual for details. Before operating the component connected to the CD changer jack, select the external input via EXT INPUT (page 24).

1 Select the external component:

• AUX INPUT: Press TAPE/AUX to select the component connected to the AUX jack.
• LINE INPUT: Press CD/CH to select the component connected to the CD changer jack.

2 Turn on the component and start playback.

3 Adjust the volume.

Note: If the input level is too low, increase it using AUX ADJ (page 24) to avoid sudden loud sounds when changing sources.

CD Changer Operations

Recommended for use with JVC CH-X series CD changers. Consult your JVC car audio dealer for connections. Refer to the CD changer's instructions.

Playing CDs: Select CD-CH. Playback starts from the first track of the first disc. All tracks from all discs play.

Note on One-Touch Operation: Pressing CD/CH turns the unit on and starts playback.

To fast-forward or reverse the track: Press and hold to fast-forward, or 4 to reverse.

To go to next/previous tracks: Press briefly for next track, or 4 briefly for current/previous track.

To go to a particular disc directly: Press the number button corresponding to the disc number (1-6 briefly, 7-12 by holding).

Selecting CD playback modes:

• Repeat Play: Press MODE until "REPEAT", then SEL to toggle REPEAT ON/OFF.
• Random Play: Press MODE until "RANDOM", then SEL to toggle RANDOM ON/OFF.
• Intro scan: Press MODE until "INTRO", then SEL to toggle INTRO ON/OFF.

Maintenance

Handling cassettes

To clean the heads: Use a wet-type head cleaning tape after every 10 hours of use. Symptoms of dirty heads include reduced sound quality, lower sound level, or sound drop-out. Do not play dirty tapes or touch heads with metallic/magnetic tools.

To keep the tape clean: Store tapes in cases after use. Avoid direct sunlight, high humidity, and extreme temperatures.

Ignition key-off release: The unit automatically releases the tape from the head when the ignition key is turned off.

Handling CDs

How to handle CDs: Hold CDs by the edges. Do not touch the recording surface. Insert/remove gently around the center holder.

To keep CDs clean: Wipe with a soft cloth in a straight line from center to edge.

To play new CDs: Rub rough edges with a pencil or ball-point pen if the unit rejects them.

Moisture condensation: If moisture condenses on the lens (e.g., after heater use or high humidity), eject the CD and leave the unit on for a few hours to evaporate moisture.

CAUTIONS: Do not insert 8 cm CDs or unusual shapes. Avoid direct sunlight, heat, high temperature/humidity. Do not use solvents for cleaning.

When playing a CD-R or CD-RW: Ensure they are finalized. Read instructions carefully. Some discs may not play due to disc characteristics, damage, or dirty lens. CD-Rs/RWs are susceptible to heat/humidity. CD-RWs may require longer readout time.

Troubleshooting

Check these points before calling a service center.

About mistracking: May result from rough roads. Stop CD play on rough roads.

Having TROUBLE with operation? Please reset your unit. Refer to "How to reset your unit" page.

Specifications

AUDIO AMPLIFIER SECTION

• Maximum Power Output: Front/Rear: 45 W per channel
• Continuous Power Output (RMS): Front/Rear: 17 W per channel into 4 Ω, 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz (0.8% THD)
• Load Impedance: 4 Ω (4 to 8 Ω allowance)
• Equalizer Control Range: LOW: ±12 dB (50, 80, 120 Hz); MID: ±12 dB (700 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz); HIGH: ±12 dB (8 kHz, 12 kHz)
• Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 70 dB
• Line-In level/Impedance: Auxiliary input jack (3.5 mm stereo mini jack)
• Line-Out Level/Impedance: 2.0 V/20 kΩ load (full scale)
• Output Impedance: 1 kΩ

TUNER SECTION

• Frequency Range: FM: 87.5 MHz to 108.0 MHz; AM: 531 kHz to 1,602 kHz
• FM Tuner: Usable Sensitivity: 11.3 dBf (1.0 µV/75 Ω); 50 dB Quieting Sensitivity: 16.3 dBf (1.8 µV/75 Ω); Alternate Channel Selectivity (400 kHz): 65 dB; Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 15,000 Hz; Stereo Separation: 35 dB; Capture Ratio: 1.5 dB
• AM Tuner: Sensitivity: 20 µV; Selectivity: 35 dB

CD PLAYER SECTION

• Type: Compact disc player
• Signal Detection System: Non-contact optical pickup (semiconductor laser)
• Number of channels: 2 channels (stereo)
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 20,000 Hz
• Dynamic Range: 96 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 98 dB
• Wow and Flutter: Less than measurable limit

CASSETTE DECK SECTION

• Wow and Flutter: 0.1 % (WRMS)
• Fast-Wind Time: 100 sec. (C-60)
• Frequency Response: 30 Hz to 16,000 Hz (Normal tape)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Normal tape): Dolby B NR ON: 65 dB; Dolby B NR OFF: 56 dB
• Stereo Separation: 40 dB

GENERAL

• Power Requirement: Operating Voltage: DC 14.4 V (11 V to 16 V allowance)
• Grounding System: Negative ground
• Allowable Working Temperature: 0°C to +40°C
• Dimensions (W x H x D): Installation Size: 178 mm x 100 mm x 150 mm; Front Panel Size: 170 mm x 96 mm x 20 mm
• Mass: 2.2 kg (excluding accessories)

Design and specifications subject to change without notice.

Installation and Connection

General Precautions: Disconnect the battery's negative terminal before making connections to prevent short circuits. Consult a qualified technician if unsure. The unit operates on 12V DC, negative ground systems. A voltage inverter may be needed for other systems. Replace fuses with specified ratings. If fuses blow frequently, consult a dealer. Noise may occur; connect the unit's rear ground terminal to the car chassis with shorter, thicker cords. If noise persists, consult a dealer. Speaker input should be >45W per channel with 4-8 Ω impedance. Ensure the unit is grounded to the car chassis. The heat sink gets hot; be careful when removing the unit.

Connecting the leads:

1. Power Cord: Connect colored leads sequentially: Black (ground), Yellow (constant 12V battery), Red (accessory terminal), Blue with white stripe (remote out to other equipment), Blue (automatic power antenna, >250mA), Orange with white stripe (illumination/lamp), Others (speakers).
2. Antenna Cord: Connect to the unit's antenna terminal.
3. Wiring Harness: Connect to the unit.

Wiring Diagrams: The manual includes diagrams illustrating connections for power, speakers, antenna, and optional components like CD changers, amplifiers, and external inputs. These diagrams show how to connect the main unit's harness to the car's wiring, speakers, and accessories, including remote turn-on leads for amplifiers and antenna control.

Connecting Optional Equipment:

• CD Changer: Connect using the supplied cord or a specific adapter (e.g., KS-U15K for KD-MK series).
• Amplifier: Connect unit's line-out to amplifier's line-in. Connect speakers to the amplifier, leaving unit's speaker leads unused (cover terminals). Connect the remote lead (blue with white stripe) from the unit to the amplifier's remote lead for control.
• External Component (via AUX): Connect to the AUX input jack.
• External Component (via CD Changer Jack): Connect using Line Input Adaptor KS-U57. Select "LINE INPUT" in EXT INPUT settings.

Grounding: Firmly attach the ground wire to the car's metallic body or chassis, ensuring the connection point is free of paint for proper grounding. Failure to do so may cause damage.