JVC MX-J50 Compact Component System

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a JVC product. This manual provides instructions to obtain the best performance from your unit. Please read it carefully and retain it for future reference.

About This Manual

This manual is organized to explain operations using the unit's buttons and the remote control. It highlights important information with specific marks:

• [STOP!]: Warnings and cautions to prevent damage or risk of fire/electric shock, and information not conducive to optimal performance.
• [notes]: Information and helpful hints.

Power Sources: Always pull the plug, not the AC power cord, when unplugging. Do not handle the AC power cord with wet hands.

Moisture Condensation: Condensation may occur inside the unit in humid conditions or when moving from cold to warm environments. If this happens, leave the unit on for a few hours until moisture evaporates, then unplug and replug the AC power cord.

Other Precautions: Should metallic objects or liquid fall into the unit, unplug it and consult your dealer. Unplug the AC power cord if the unit will not be used for an extended period. Do not disassemble the unit as there are no user-serviceable parts inside.

Precautions

Installation: Install in a level, dry, and temperature-controlled location (5°C to 35°C / 41°F to 95°F). Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent heat buildup. Maintain sufficient distance from TVs and other equipment. Avoid locations near heat sources, direct sunlight, excessive dust, or vibration.

Getting Started

Unpacking

Check that all supplied items are present: AM loop antenna (1), FM antenna (1), Remote control (1), Batteries (2).

Putting the Batteries into the Remote Control

Insert two R6P(SUM-3)/AA(15F) batteries, matching polarity (+/-) with the compartment markings. Replace both batteries simultaneously when performance degrades.

Connecting Antennas

FM Antenna: Connect the supplied FM antenna. For better reception, extend it horizontally. If using an outdoor antenna, strip the 75-ohm coaxial cable, exposing the braided mesh (approx. 13/16 inches/20mm), twist it into a conductor, strip the central wire (approx. 7/16 inches/10mm), and insert into the FM terminals.

AM Antenna: Connect the AM loop antenna to the AM LOOP terminals and turn it for best reception. For improved reception, connect a vinyl-covered wire to the AM EXT terminal. Ensure antenna conductors do not touch other terminals or cords and keep antennas away from unit parts and power cords.

Connecting Speakers

Connect a pair of front speakers. Press and hold the speaker terminal clamp, insert the speaker cord (matching polarity: Red to Red, Black to Black), and release the clamp. Use speakers with the same impedance as indicated on the unit.

Connecting Other Equipment

Subwoofer: Connect a powered subwoofer to the SUB WOOFER OUT jack using a monaural audio cord.

Analog/Digital Equipment: Connect audio cords to AUX IN/OUT jacks. Ensure color-coded plugs (white for left, red for right) match jacks. Do not connect equipment while the power is on.

Optical Digital Equipment: Connect an optical digital cord from the equipment's optical digital input to the unit's CD OPTICAL DIGITAL OUTPUT terminal.

Final Connection: Plug in the AC power cord. The unit may start a display demonstration. Press any button to stop it. To manually start the demonstration, press and hold the [DEMO] button for over 2 seconds.

Common Operations

Setting the Clock

Press [PANEL OPEN/CLOSE] to turn on the unit and open the panel. Press [TIMER/CLOCK]. Adjust hour using [TUNING] or [PRESET] buttons and press [SET]. Adjust minute using [TUNING] or [PRESET] buttons and press [SET]. To correct the hour, press [CANCEL] before pressing [SET]. If the power fails, the clock resets to 12:00 AM and needs to be reset.

Turning On the Power and Selecting the Sources

Press a source button (FM/AM, CD, AUX, TAPE) to turn on the unit and open the panel. Press [POWER] to turn the unit on without playing (standby lamp off) or to put it on standby (standby lamp on). Unplug the AC power cord for complete power off.

Adjusting the Volume

Turn the [VOLUME] dial clockwise to increase or counterclockwise to decrease volume. Use [VOLUME +/-] buttons on the remote control. For private listening, connect headphones to the [PHONES] jack. Temporarily mute volume by pressing [FADE MUTING] on the remote.

Reinforcing the Bass Sound (S.A. BASS)

Press the [S.A. BASS] button repeatedly to cycle through "SA-BASS1", "SA-BASS2", or "OFF". "SA-BASS1" and "SA-BASS2" enhance bass. Press the button again to turn it off.

Selecting the Sound Modes

Press the [SOUND MODE] button to select from modes like D.CLUB, HALL, STADIUM (surround) and ROCK, POP, CLASSIC (SEA modes). "MANUAL 1/2/3" allows custom settings.

Creating Your Own Sound Mode (Manual Mode)

Adjust SEA patterns for LOW, MID, HIGH frequencies using [SEA CONTROL] and [TUNING] buttons. Store settings in MANUAL 1, 2, or 3 by pressing [SEA CONTROL] again. The [SOUND MODE] indicator lights up when a mode is active.

Listening to FM and AM Broadcasts

Tuning in a Station

Press [FM/AM] to select the band. Press and hold [TUNING -/+] for over 1 second to auto-search for stations. Briefly pressing [TUNING -/+] tunes step-by-step. The [STEREO] indicator lights up for stereo broadcasts.

Changing FM Reception Mode

Press [FM MODE] on the remote to switch to MONO for clearer reception in noisy FM stereo broadcasts. Press again to restore stereo.

Presetting Stations

You can preset 30 FM and 15 AM stations. Tune to a station, press [SET], select a preset number using [PRESET -/+] buttons, and press [SET] again to store it. Preset stations may be erased after a power failure.

Tuning in a Preset Station

Press [FM/AM], then select the preset number using the unit's [PRESET -/+] buttons or the remote's number buttons.

Playing Back CDs

Loading CDs

Press the disc tray open/close button (e.g., [CD 1]) to open the tray. Place a CD with the label side up. Press the same button again to close the tray. Repeat for up to three CDs. The disc indicator lights up for the selected disc.

Playing Back the Entire Discs (Continuous Play)

Load CDs. Press a disc number button (e.g., [CD 1]) to start playback from the first track of that disc. Playback continues through the loaded discs in sequence. Pressing [CD 6] starts playback if a CD is already loaded.

Basic CD Operations

Stop/Pause: Press [CD 6] to pause playback; press again to resume. Press [7] (stop button) to stop playback.

Exchange CDs: Press the disc tray open/close button for a CD not currently playing to eject it for exchange.

Locating a Particular Point in a Track

During playback, press and hold [TUNING -/+] (or remote's [1 / 4] or [ / ]) for fast reverse or fast forward.

Going to Another Track

Press [PRESET -/+] to skip to the beginning of the current or next track. Use the remote's [1 / 4] or [ / ] buttons. Continuous track changing is possible by holding these buttons.

Direct Track Selection: Use the number buttons on the unit or remote to directly select a track number.

Programming the Playing Order of the Tracks (Program Play)

Arrange track playback order for up to 32 tracks. Load discs. Press [PROGRAM/RANDOM] until "PROGRAM" appears. Select tracks using disc number and track number buttons, then [SET]. Press [CD 6] to start programmed playback. Exit program mode by pressing [PROGRAM/RANDOM] again.

Playing at Random (Random Play)

Press [PROGRAM/RANDOM] until "RANDOM" appears. Press [CD 6] to play tracks in random order. Exit random mode by pressing [PROGRAM/RANDOM] again.

Repeating Tracks or CDs (Repeat Play)

Press [REPEAT] to cycle through "REPEAT ALL", "REPEAT 1CD", "REPEAT 1", or "Canceled". "REPEAT ALL" repeats all tracks, "REPEAT 1CD" repeats one CD, "REPEAT 1" repeats a single track. Press [REPEAT] again to cancel.

Prohibiting Disc Ejection (Tray Lock)

Press and hold the disc tray open/close button [0] for a locked disc. "LOCKED" appears. Press and hold again to unlock. "UNLOCKED" appears.

Playing Back Tapes

Playing Back a Tape

Press [EJECT 0] for the desired deck. Insert cassette with the exposed part down. Close the holder. Press [TAPE 2 3] to start playback. The tape direction indicator shows the direction. Press [TAPE 2 3] to change direction. Press [DECK A/B] to switch between decks. Use [1 / 4] or [ / ] for fast winding. Press [7] (stop button) to stop.

Reverse Mode

Press [REVERSE MODE] to enable automatic tape reversal at the end of each side. The indicator lights up. Press again to cancel.

Locating the beginning of a Song (Music Scan)

During playback, press [TUNING -/+] (or remote's [1 / 4] or [ / ]) in the opposite direction of tape play to find the current song's start, or in the same direction to find the next song's start. Music Scan may not work well with tapes that have continuous sound or noise.

Recording

Recording Tapes on Deck B

Press [EJECT 0] for Deck B. Insert a recordable cassette. Check tape direction. Start playback of the source (FM, AM, CD, AUX). Press [REC START/STOP] on the unit, or [REC PAUSE] then [TAPE 2 3] on the remote, to begin recording. The [REC] indicator lights up. Press [REC START/STOP] or [7] to stop recording.

Stopping Recording Temporarily

Use [REC PAUSE] on the remote to pause recording. Press [TAPE 2 3] to resume.

Recording on Both Sides (Reverse Mode)

Press [REVERSE MODE] before recording to enable recording on both sides of the tape.

Recording an AM Station (Beat Cut)

If beats are heard during AM recording, press [PROGRAM/RANDOM] repeatedly to reduce them (CUT1, CUT2, CUT3).

Dubbing Tapes

Insert source cassette in Deck A and recordable cassette in Deck B. Press [DUBBING] to copy tapes. Press [7] to stop dubbing.

CD Direct Recording

Insert a recordable cassette into Deck B. Load a CD. Press the disc number button and then [7]. Press [CD REC START]. The unit records the CD tracks onto the tape in order. "CD REC FINISHED" appears upon completion.

Auto Edit Recording

This feature records CD tracks to fit the tape length. Place a disc, press [EDIT], select the disc number, and set the tape length using [SET] and [TUNING -/+] buttons. Insert a recordable cassette. Press [REVERSE MODE] if needed. Press [CD REC START] to begin. A 10-second blank is created at the start of each tape side. To stop with a 4-second blank, press [7]. To stop without a blank, press [REC START/STOP]. To cancel, press [PROGRAM/RANDOM] or the disc selection button.

Using the Timers

Using Daily Timer

Set the clock first. Press [TIMER/CLOCK] until "DAILY" appears. Press [TIMER/CLOCK] again to set ON TIME (hour/minute) and OFF TIME (hour/minute). Select the source (TUNER FM/AM, CD, TAPE, AUX) and press [SET]. For CD, select disc and track. For TUNER FM/AM, select preset station. Set volume level. Press [SET] to complete. Press [POWER] to turn off (standby). To turn Daily Timer on/off after setting, cycle through modes with [TIMER/CLOCK] and use [CANCEL] or [SET].

Using Recording Timer

Insert a recordable cassette. Press [TIMER/CLOCK] until "REC" appears. Set ON TIME and OFF TIME. Select the station (TUNER FM/AM) and preset station number. Press [SET] to complete. The [REC] indicator lights up. If the unit is already on when the timer-on time arrives, the Daily Timer will not work.

Using Sleep Timer

While the unit is on, press [SLEEP] to set the time length (10, 20, 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes, or Canceled). The [SLEEP] indicator flashes, then stays lit. Check remaining time by pressing [SLEEP] again. Cancel by pressing [SLEEP] until the indicator goes off.

Timer Priority

Recording Timer has priority over Daily Timer and Sleep Timer. If timers overlap, Recording Timer takes precedence.

Maintenance

Handling Discs

Remove discs by holding the edge. Do not touch the shiny surface or bend the disc. Store discs in their cases. Clean discs with a soft cloth from center to edge. Do not use solvents.

Handling Cassette Tapes

If tape is loose, use a pencil to take up slack. Avoid dusty, hot, humid places, or areas near magnets. Be careful not to touch the tape surface.

Cassette Decks

Clean heads, capstans, and pinch rollers with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol if sound quality is impaired or recording is difficult. Demagnetize heads using a head demagnetizer.

Troubleshooting

Consult the following table for solutions to common problems:

Specifications

Amplifier Section (CA-MXJ50)

• Output Power: 120 watts per channel (RMS, 6 ohms, 1kHz, 10% THD)
• Audio Input Sensitivity/Impedance: AUX: 520 mV/50 kohms
• Digital Output: CD OPTICAL DIGITAL OUTPUT (660 nm wavelength, -21 to -15 dBm output level)
• Speakers/Impedance: 6 - 16 ohms

Tuner

• FM Tuning Range: 87.5 - 108.0 MHz
• AM Tuning Range: 530 - 1,710 kHz

CD Player

• CD Capacity: 3 CDs
• Dynamic Range: 85 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 90 dB
• Wow and Flutter: Immeasurable

Cassette Deck

• Frequency Response: Normal (Type I): 50-14,000 Hz; CrO2 (Type II): 50-14,000 Hz; Metal (Type IV): 50-14,000 Hz (playback only)
• Wow and Flutter: 0.15% (WRMS)

General

• Power Requirement: AC 120 V, 60 Hz
• Power Consumption: 100 watts (operation), 14 watts (standby)
• Dimensions (approx.): 265 x 315 x 341 mm (W/H/D)
• Mass (approx.): 9.4 kg (20.7 lbs)

Speaker Section (SP-MXJ50)

• Type: 4-way bass-reflex, Labyrinth Aeroport System
• Speaker Units: Woofer: 16 cm (6 5/16"); Midrange: 5 cm (2"); Tweeter: 4 cm (1 5/8"); Super Tweeter: 2 cm (13/16")
• Power Handling Capacity: 120 watts
• Impedance: 6 ohms
• Frequency Range: 40 Hz - 28,000 Hz
• Sound Pressure Level: 87 dB/W•m
• Dimensions (approx.): 215 x 315 x 273 mm (W/H/D)
• Mass (approx.): 3.9 kg (8.6 lbs) each

Supplied Accessories

Refer to page 6 for details.

Service and Warranty Information

Locating a JVC Service Center: Call toll-free 1-800-537-5722 or visit http://www.jvcservice.com. Factory service center locations are provided for Fairfield, NJ; Lawrenceville, GA; Honolulu, HI; Davie, FL; Aurora, IL; Houston, TX; and South San Francisco, CA.

Shipping for Service: Pack the unit securely in its original carton or equivalent. Include a letter detailing the problem and a copy of the bill of sale. Print your return address clearly. Send to the appropriate JVC Factory Service Center.

CAUTION: Do not open the cabinet; no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

Accessories: Contact your local JVC dealer or call 1-800-882-2345 for accessories.

Limited Warranty (Audio-1): JVC warrants this product and its parts to be free from defective material and workmanship for 1 year from the original retail purchase date (parts and labor). This warranty is valid in the 50 United States, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. It covers repair or replacement of defective parts at no charge. It does not cover abuse, accident, alteration, misuse, or unauthorized service. Implied warranties are limited to the duration of the express warranty. JVC is not liable for loss of use, inconvenience, or consequential damages.

For Customer Use: Record Model No. and Serial No. (located on the rear, bottom, or side of the cabinet) and purchase date for warranty service.