JVC RX-308BK RX-309TN Stereo Receiver
Thank you for purchasing the JVC RX-309TN receiver. This manual provides basic information to install and use your receiver, covering everything from turning on the power to basic troubleshooting.
Features
- Monitor recording quality
- Surround feature with two or four speakers
- Remote control
- Preset radio stations
- Easy to use
About This Manual
This manual explains how to install and use your receiver. Conventions used include capital letters for controls and connection points (e.g., POWER button, AUDIO jacks), capital letters in quotes for display messages (e.g., "TUNED"), and labels like IMPORTANT! and NOTE: for instructions and helpful information. CAUTION! is used for warnings to avoid electric shock or damage.
Safety Precautions
General Safety: Do not alter the design or circuitry of the product. Use only manufacturer-approved replacement parts. Service should be performed by qualified personnel only. Many parts have special safety characteristics that may not be evident from visual inspection. Replacement parts must have the same safety characteristics. Ensure original lead routing and dress are observed after servicing to prevent hazards.
Leakage Current Check: After re-assembly, perform an isolation check on exposed metal parts to ensure safety. Do not use a line isolation transformer. Measure leakage current from exposed metal parts to a known good earth ground. It must not exceed 0.5mA AC (r.m.s.). An alternate method using an AC voltmeter, resistor, and capacitor is also described. Ensure all measurements do not exceed 0.75 V AC (r.m.s.).
Warning: This equipment is designed to meet international safety standards. It is the repairer's responsibility to ensure these standards are maintained. Repairs must comply with safety standards, and safety-critical components must be replaced with approved parts. Check the mains voltage selector setting for local voltage.
Installation
This section covers connecting the receiver to other stereo equipment and speakers, and connecting the power supply.
Cautions
- Before installing, ensure hands are dry, all component power is off, and installation instructions for all components are read.
- Install the receiver in a level, moisture-protected location. Maintain a temperature between 23° and 104° F (-5° and 40° C). Ensure good ventilation to prevent overheating.
- Do not handle the power cord with wet hands. Do not pull the cord to unplug; grasp the plug. Do not plug in the power cord until all components are connected.
- Do not insert metal objects into the receiver. Do not disassemble or remove covers. Do not expose to rain or moisture.
Connecting Stereo Components
Connect stereo components using RCA PIN plugs. Connect output jacks to IN (PLAY) and input jacks to OUT (REC). Ensure left channels connect to left jacks and right channels to right jacks for correct stereophonic imaging. For turntables with low-output cartridges (MC type), use a commercial head amplifier or step-up transformer.
COMPU LINK-3 Connections
COMPU LINK-3 SYNCHRO jacks connect the receiver to other JVC audio components for convenient listening and recording. Cables provided with JVC components should be connected to the COMPU LINK-3 SYNCHRO jacks on each component and then to the receiver. COMPU LINK-3 is an upgraded version of COMPU LINK-1; slight imperfections may occur with older systems, such as unreliable Automatic Power ON/OFF.
Other Audio Connections
Use the socket on the back of the receiver to connect the power supply of audio components. Pressing the POWER switch on the remote can turn the receiver and all connected components on or off simultaneously. In the US, AC outlets have a 150-watt capacity. Do not connect components exceeding this capacity.
Connecting Speakers
Up to four speakers (two sets) can be connected. Connecting four speakers enables the built-in Surround feature. Connect speakers to the SPEAKERS terminals using the supplied wire. Open terminals, insert speaker wire, and close terminals to clamp. Use speakers with an impedance of 8 ohms.
Connecting an AM Antenna
An AM loop antenna is supplied. Connect its wire to the AM LOOP terminals. For better AM reception, an outdoor antenna (16 to 40 feet long) can be connected to the AM EXT terminal. Do not disconnect the loop antenna when installing an outdoor antenna. Ensure no uninsulated antenna wire touches the rear panel.
Connecting an FM Antenna
A temporary FM antenna is supplied. For better reception, consider a 300-ohm feeder-cable or 75-ohm coaxial-cable antenna. Before connecting a new FM antenna, disconnect any other FM antenna. For the supplied antenna, loosen caps on the 300/75-ohm and 300-ohm terminals, insert wires, and tighten caps. For a 75-ohm coaxial cable, unscrew the cap and bracket, insert the cable, ensure the shield braid contacts the bracket and the center conductor contacts the terminal, then tighten screws. Ensure antenna conductors do not touch other terminals.
Connecting the Power Supply
After all connections are made, insert the power cord into an outlet. The POWER STANDBY indicator lights when the power supply is connected. A small amount of power (5 watts) is consumed even when off. Unplug the cord to shut off power completely. Handle the power cord with care, do not pull it, and always grasp the plug. Do not plug in until all connections are correct. Memory settings are retained for 2-3 days if power is disconnected.
Inserting Batteries into the Remote Control
The remote control requires two AAA batteries. To insert, slide open the battery cover on the back, insert batteries observing polarity (+ to +, - to -), and slide the cover back. Replace batteries if range or effectiveness decreases. Use only the correct battery type and replace both at the same time. Do not expose batteries to heat or flame.
Operation Outline
Basic Operation Reference
- Turn on the power: Push the POWER switch. The display lights. Pushing it again turns off power and lights the STANDBY light.
- Select speakers: Use the SPEAKERS switch to choose between speaker sets. For headphones, use the PHONES jack.
- Choose an audio source: Press SOURCE selector buttons on the receiver or select components on the remote control.
- Operate the audio source: Refer to the component's manual. JVC components connected via COMPU LINK can be operated with the receiver's remote.
- Adjust volume and tone: Use the MASTER VOLUME control or the remote's VOLUME buttons. Refer to page 16 for details.
Selecting the Audio Source
Listening
Press a SOURCE button on the receiver or remote control to select:
- CD: Listen to the CD player.
- PHONO: Listen to a record.
- TAPE 1: Listen to the tape deck connected to TAPE 1 jacks.
- VIDEO SOUND/TAPE 2: Listen to the tape deck connected to TAPE 2 jacks.
- FM: Listen to an FM broadcast.
- AM: Listen to an AM broadcast.
The TAPE 2 button also functions for monitoring recording quality.
Recording
The currently playing source is automatically selected for recording. Volume and tone adjustments do not affect recording. When recording from TAPE 2 to TAPE 1, press the VIDEO SOUND/TAPE 2 button and another button other than TAPE 1.
Monitoring
The Monitor feature allows comparison of source sound quality with recording quality. To use it while recording to TAPE 2, press the TAPE 2 button. The "TAPE 2 MONITOR" light indicates you are hearing the cassette deck's sound. Pressing TAPE 2 again returns to the original source sound. If the cassette deck has three heads, recording can be heard simultaneously.
Receiving an AM/FM Broadcast
Tuning
Select AM or FM using the AM/FM button. Use the TUNING buttons to tune to the desired frequency. Pressing the right button increases frequency, left decreases. Tapping changes frequency in 10 kHz (AM) or 0.1 MHz (FM) steps. Manual tuning involves holding the TUNING button to change frequency quickly. Automatic tuning scans frequencies until a station is found.
When a station is tuned, the "TUNED" light appears. Presets can be recalled using TUNER buttons (see page 14). If the "TUNED" light does not appear, adjust the antenna.
Selecting an FM Reception Mode
Press the FM MODE-MUTE switch. The "MUTE-AUTO" light indicates stereo or monaural reception based on the broadcast. The "STEREO" light appears for stereo broadcasts. This mode suppresses static between stations. If "MUTE-AUTO" light disappears, monaural sound is heard, useful for noisy stereo broadcasts. Automatic tuning may mute weak signals; select monaural mode in such cases.
Presetting Tuned Frequencies
Up to 40 stations can be preset by assigning channel numbers (1-40). Use TUNER buttons (1-10) or +10 key and other buttons (11-40) for manual presetting. For example, to choose 17, press +10 then 7. Remote control preset buttons (+/-) can also be used after selecting AM/FM.
Manual Presetting: Tune to a station, press MEMORY (the "MEMORY" light appears), enter a channel number (1-40) within 5 seconds, and presetting is complete when the light disappears and the number is displayed.
Automatic Presetting: Select AM or FM, tune to the lowest frequency, press AUTO MEMORY (the "MEMORY" light flashes). Enter a channel number (1-40) for the first tuned station; scanning assigns subsequent channel numbers. You must enter the channel number while "MEMORY" flashes. If you don't want to preset a station, press AUTO MEMORY within 4 seconds. Scanning continues until another station is tuned, the tuning range limit is reached, or all 40 channels are assigned. To stop scanning, press TUNING.
Adjusting the Volume and Tone
Adjusting the Volume
Use the MASTER VOLUME control to adjust speaker and headphone volume. Rotating right increases volume. The remote's VOLUME buttons (+/-) also adjust volume. Listening to loud sound may damage hearing, especially with headphones. Press FADE MUTING on the remote to quickly decrease volume.
Selecting the Speakers
Push SPEAKER buttons 1 or 2 to activate speaker pairs. Pressing again deactivates them. If only one speaker set is connected, pressing both buttons will produce no sound.
Listening to Headphones
Insert headphone plug into the PHONES jack. To listen only through headphones, deactivate all speakers by pressing SPEAKER buttons 1 and 2. Turn volume down before plugging in headphones, then gradually increase.
Adjusting the Left-Right Balance
Use the BALANCE control to adjust the balance between left and right channels. Rotating right increases right-channel volume; rotating left increases left-channel volume. This affects both speakers and headphones.
Adjusting the Tone
Use the BASS control for low pitches and TREBLE control for high pitches. Turn controls right for intensified pitch. Set both to FLAT for normal listening.
Enjoying the Surround Sound Effect
With four speakers placed in corners, the Surround feature creates a movie-theater effect. Press the SURROUND button; the indicator lights. Press again to deactivate. The Surround feature has no effect on monaural sources. Two speaker sets are recommended for ideal surround effect, but it can be used with one set.
Operating Audio Components
COMPU LINK Remote Control System
The COMPU LINK remote control system allows operation of the receiver and JVC components. Control signals for JVC audio components are preset in the remote. Connecting COMPU LINK SYNCHRO-3 jacks enables four functions. You can control components via the receiver's REMOTE SENSOR. Point the remote directly at the sensor. When you press play on a component, it starts immediately. Selecting a new source on the receiver or remote starts the new source, while the previous source continues playing briefly.
Synchronized Recording
Synchronized recording starts tape deck recording when a CD or record begins playing. To use it, put a tape in the deck and a disc/record in the player/turntable. Press REC and PAUSE on the tape deck simultaneously. Then press PLAY on the CD player or turntable. The tape deck records as the disc plays and stops 4 seconds after the disc ends. During synchronized recording, only CD or PHONO buttons are active. If the CD player is in PROGRAM mode, a 4-second mute is recorded between tracks. If any component's power is shut off during recording, the system will not operate properly.
Automatic Power ON/OFF
The CD player and cassette deck turn on and off with the receiver. This function is part of COMPU LINK-3 (Enhanced COMPU LINK).
Using the Remote Control
Connect the COMPU LINK jack to operate audio components with the receiver's remote. Note that the VCR does not work with this system; aim the remote at the VCR for VCR operation. Select a source using SOURCE SELECT buttons on the remote, then use the buttons below to operate it. IMPORTANT! If you select a source directly on the receiver, the remote will not operate it. Pressing TAPE 2 does not change the remote's operation mode; press TAPE 1 first to operate the cassette deck.
Turntable Operations: Play, Stop.
CD Player Operations: Play, Skip previous/next track, Stop, Temporary stop, Fast backward/forward during play.
Cassette Deck Operations: Playback, Skip previous/next tune, Stop operation, Temporary stop/playback, Fast wind tape (left/right), Start recording (with ), Record standby (with ).
Operating the Component Not Currently Selected
Use the CONTROL section buttons on the remote to operate one component while listening to another (e.g., recording from CD). The CONTROL buttons allow operation of the new component without affecting the currently playing one.
VCR Operations: Play, Skip previous/next tune, Stop, Temporary stop/freeze, Rewind video tape, Fast wind video tape, Start recording (with ), Record standby (with ). Aim the remote at the VCR. VCR and TV can be turned on/off with POWER buttons.
Cassette Deck: Pressing TAPE 1 in the CONTROL section offers the same functions as in the SOURCE SELECT section.
CD Player-Changer: After pressing the CD DISC button in CONTROL, select the disk number using 1-6, P.
Troubleshooting
Use this chart to solve everyday operational problems. Contact your JVC service center if a problem persists.
| PROBLEM | POSSIBLE CAUSE | SOLUTION |
|---|---|---|
| Display window does not light up | Power cord not plugged in | Plug power cord into AC socket. |
| No sound from speakers | Speaker wires not connected | Check speaker wiring and reconnect if necessary. |
| SPEAKERS buttons not set correctly | Push the SPEAKERS buttons in or out as desired. | |
| Incorrect SOURCE button was pressed | Select the correct audio source. | |
| Sound from one speaker only | Speaker wires not connected properly | Check speaker wiring and reconnect if necessary. |
| Balance control is set to one extreme | Adjust BALANCE control so that both speakers have sound. | |
| Continuous hiss or buzzing during FM reception | Incoming signal is too weak | Adjust antenna. |
| Station is too far away | Select a new station. | |
| Incorrect antenna used | Check with your dealer to be sure you have the correct antenna. | |
| Occasional cracking noise during FM reception | Antenna not connected properly | Check connections. |
| Ignition noise from automobiles | Move the antenna farther from automobile traffic. | |
| Howling during record playing | Turntable too close to speaker | Move speakers away from turntable. |
| Remote control does not work | There is an obstruction in front of the REMOTE SENSOR on the receiver | Remove the obstruction. |
| Batteries are weak | Replace batteries. |
Specifications
Receiver
Output Power
100 watts per channel, min. RMS, both channels driven into 8 ohms from 40 Hz to 20 kHz, with no more than 0.08% total harmonic distortion.
Total Harmonic Distortion (8 ohms, 1 kHz)
0.08%* at 90 watts output.
Intermodulation Distortion
0.08% at 90 watts output.
Frequency Response (8 ohms)
- PHONO: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±1 dB)
- CD/TAPE 1/TAPE 2: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±1 dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio ('66 IHF/'78 IHF)
- PHONO: 70 dB/78 dB (REC OUT)
- CD/TAPE 1/TAPE 2: 91 dB/80 dB
RIAA Phono Equalization
±1 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz).
Input Sensitivity / Impedance (1 kHz)
- PHONO: 2.5 mV/47 k ohms
- CD/TAPE 1/TAPE 2: 200 mV/47 k ohms
Output Level
- TAPE 1/TAPE 2: 200 mV
Tone Control Range
BASS (at 100 Hz) ±8 dB, TREBLE (at 10 kHz) ±8 dB.
FM Tuner (IHF)
Tuning Range
87.5 MHz to 108.0 MHz.
Usable Sensitivity
10.8 dBf (0.95 µV / 75 ohms).
50 dB Quieting Sensitivity
- Monaural: 16.3 dBf (1.8 µV / 75 ohms)
- Stereo: 38.3 dBf (22.5 µV / 75 ohms)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A weighted)
- Monaural: 80 dB at 85 dBf
- Stereo: 73 dB at 85 dBf
Total Harmonic Distortion
- Monaural: 0.15% at 1 kHz
- Stereo: 0.2% at 1 kHz
Stereo Separation at REC OUT
40 dB at 1 kHz.
AM Tuner
Capture Ratio
1.5 dB (10 mV / 300 ohms).
Alternate Channel Selectivity
60 dB (±400 kHz).
Frequency Response
30 Hz to 15 kHz: (+0.5 dB, -3 dB).
Tuning Range
530 kHz to 1,710 kHz.
Usable Sensitivity
- Loop antenna: 300 µV/m at 1,000 kHz
- External antenna: 30 µV at 1,000 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
50 dB (100mV / m, at 1,000 kHz).
Selectivity
25 dB (±10 kHz).
General
Power Requirements
AC 120V, 60 Hz.
Power Consumption
220 watts, 310 VA.
Dimensions (W x H x D)
17-3/16 x 5 x 13-7/16 inches (435 x 126 x 341 mm).
Weight
17.7 lbs (8.0 kg).
*Measured by JVC Audio Analysis System.
Designs and specifications subject to change without notice.
For Universal AMPLIFIER SECTION
Output power
70 watts per channel, min. RMS, both channels driven into 8 ohms at 1kHz with no more than 0.9% total harmonic distortion (IEC268-3/DIN).
Total harmonic distortion (1kHz, 8 ohms)
2x70W, 8 ohms, 40Hz to 20kHz with 0.08% total harmonic distortion.
Intermodulation distortion
0.08% at 70watt output.
For Europe, UK, Australia AMPLIFIER SECTION
Output power
70 watts per channel, min. RMS, both channels driven into 4 ohms at 1kHz with no more than 0.9% total harmonic distortion (IEC268-3/DIN). 50 watts per channel, min. RMS, both channels driven into 8 ohms at 1kHz with no more than 0.9% total harmonic distortion (IEC268-3/DIN).
Total harmonic distortion (1kHz, 8 ohms)
2x45W, 8 ohms, 40Hz to 20kHz with 0.08% total harmonic distortion.
Intermodulation distortion
0.08% at 45watt output.
