Owner’s Record The model and serial numbers are located on the rear of the unit. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. Serial No.
Page 2
WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. To prevent fire, do not cover the ventilation of the apparatus with newspapers, table-cloths, curtains, etc. And don’t place lighted candles on the apparatus. To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.
® is a U.S. registered NERGY mark. As an E NERGY Sony Corporation has determined that this product meets the E guidelines for energy efficiency. About This Manual • The instructions in this manual are for model STR-DE698. Check your model number by looking at the lower right corner of the front panel.
Table of Contents Getting Started 1: Check how to hookup your components... 5 1a: Connecting components with digital audio output jacks ... 7 1b: Connecting components with multi channel output jacks... 10 1c: Connecting components with only analog audio jacks ... 12 2: Connecting the antennas ...
Getting Started 1: Check how to hookup your components Steps 1a through 1c beginning on page 7 describe how to hook up your components to this receiver. Before you begin, refer to “Connectable components” below for the pages which describe how to connect each component.
Required cords The hookup diagrams on the subsequent pages assume the use of the following optional connection cords (A to H) (not supplied). A Audio cord White (L) Red (R) B Audio/video cord Yellow (video) White (L/audio) Red (R/audio) C Video cord Yellow D S-video cord E Optical digital cord...
1a: Connecting components with digital audio output jacks Hooking up a DVD player, TV monitor or satellite tuner For details on the required cords (A 1 Connect the audio jacks. OUTPUT DIGITAL COAXIAL DIGITAL OPTICAL VIDEO 2 TAPE TAPE SA-CD/ SA-CD/ COAXIAL OUTPUT...
Page 8
2 Connect the video jacks. The following illustration shows how to connect a TV or satellite tuner and a DVD player with COMPONENT VIDEO (Y, P video input jacks allows you to enjoy higher quality video. DIGITAL OPTICAL VIDEO 2 TAPE TAPE SA-CD/...
Page 9
Hooking up an MD/Tape deck or a Super Audio CD/CD player For details on the required cords (A MD/Tape deck DIGITAL OPTICAL DIGITAL OPTICAL VIDEO 2 TAPE TAPE SA-CD/ SA-CD/ COAXIAL DIGITAL OUTPUT DIGITAL OPTICAL COAXIAL Super Audio CD/ CD player All the digital audio jacks are compatible with 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and 96 kHz sampling frequencies.
1b: Connecting components with multi channel output jacks 1 Connect the audio jacks. If your DVD or Super Audio CD player is equipped with multi channel output jacks, you can connect it to this receiver’s MULTI CH IN jacks to enjoy the multi channel sound. Alternatively, the multi channel input jacks can be used to connect an external multi channel decoder.
Page 11
2 Connect the video jacks. The following illustration shows how to connect a DVD player with COMPONENT VIDEO (Y, P /B-Y, P /R-Y) output jacks. Connecting a TV with component video input jacks allows you to enjoy higher quality video. DVD player OUTPUT OUTPUT...
1c: Connecting components with only analog audio jacks Hooking up audio components For details on the required cords (A CD player, MD/Tape deck, etc. Note If you have an individual audio component (except PHONO), connect the LINE OUT jacks on the CD player, tape deck or MD deck to the AUX IN jacks on the receiver so that you can listen to stereo sources in surround sound.
Page 13
Hooking up video components If you connect your TV to the MONITOR jacks, you can watch the video from the selected input (page 23). For details on the required cords (A DIGITAL OPTICAL VIDEO 2 TAPE TAPE SA-CD/ To the VIDEO 3 SA-CD/ IN/PORTABLE COAXIAL...
2: Connecting the antennas Connect the supplied AM loop antenna and FM wire antenna. OPTICAL VIDEO 2 TAPE TAPE SA-CD/ SA-CD/ COAXIAL The shape of the connector varies depending on the area code. Notes • To prevent noise pickup, keep the AM loop antenna away from the receiver and other components. •...
3: Connecting speakers Connect your speakers to the receiver. This receiver allows you to use a 7.1 channel speaker system. To fully enjoy theater-like multi channel surround sound requires five speakers (two front speakers, a center speaker, and two surround speakers) and a sub woofer (5.1 channel). You can enjoy high fidelity reproduction of DVD software recorded in the Surround EX format if you connect one additional surround back speaker (6.1 channel) or two surround back speakers (7.1 channel) (see “Selecting the surround back decoding mode”...
Page 16
Required cords A Speaker cords (not supplied) (–) Front speaker (Right) INPUT AUDIO Sub woofer * If you have an additional front speaker system, connect them to the SPEAKERS FRONT B terminals. You can select the front speakers you want to use with the SPEAKERS (OFF/A/B/A+B) button. For details, see “Selecting the speaker system”...
4: Connecting the AC power cord Setting the voltage selector If your receiver has a voltage selector on the rear panel, check that the voltage selector is set to the local power supply voltage. If not, use a screwdriver to set the selector to the correct position before connecting the AC power cord to a wall outlet.
Performing initial setup operations Before using the receiver for the first time, initialize the receiver by performing the following procedure. This procedure can also be used to return settings you have made to their factory defaults. Use the buttons on the receiver for the operation. Press ?/1 to turn off the receiver.
Page 19
x SP. PAT. X –X (Speaker setup pattern) When you select “EASY SET”, select the speaker setup pattern. Turn the –/+ jog dial to select the speaker setup pattern and press ENTER to enter the selection. Check your speaker pattern using the supplied “Easy Setup Guide”.
Page 20
XXXXXX (Surround back speaker selection) • DUAL If you connect two surround back speakers, select “DUAL”. The sound will be output to a maximum of 7.1 channels. • SINGLE If you connect only one surround back speaker, select “SINGLE”. The sound will be output to a maximum of 6.1 channels.
DIST. X.X m (XX ft.) (Surround speaker distance) Initial setting: 3.0 m (10 ft.) Lets you set the distance from your listening position to the surround speakers. Surround speaker distance should be set from a distance equal to the front speaker distance (A on page 20) to a distance 4.5 meters (15 feet) closer to your listening position (C on page 20).
Surround speaker position is designed specifically for implementation of the Cinema Studio EX modes. For other sound fields, speaker position is not so critical. Those sound fields were designed under the premise that the surround speakers would be located behind the listening position, but presentation remains fairly consistent even with the surround speakers positioned at a rather wide angle.
Amplifier Operation Selecting the component Press input buttons to select the input. To select the Press VIDEO 1 Satellite tuner VIDEO 2 Camcorder or video game VIDEO 3 DVD player MD or tape deck MD/TAPE Super Audio CD or SA-CD/CD CD player Built-in tuner (FM/AM) TUNER FM/AM...
Listening to multi channel sound — MULTI CH IN You can select the audio directly from the components connected to the MULTI CH IN jacks. This enables you to enjoy high quality analog inputs such as DVD or Super Audio CD. When MULTI CH IN is selected, the equalizer and sound field cannot be used.
Direct tuning You can enter the frequency of the station you want directly. Use the remote for the operation. Press TUNER repeatedly to select the FM or AM band. The last received station is tuned in. You can also use TUNER FM/AM on the receiver.
Presetting radio stations You can preset up to 30 FM or AM stations. Then you can easily tune in the stations you often listen to. Presetting radio stations Press TUNER FM/AM repeatedly to select the FM or AM band. The last received station is tuned in. Tune in the station that you want to preset using automatic tuning (page 24) or direct tuning (page 25).
Using the Radio Data System (RDS) (Models of area code CEL, CEK only) This receiver also allows you to use RDS (Radio Data System), which enables radio stations to send additional information along with the regular program signal. You can also display RDS information.
Program type Description indication RELIGION Programs of religious content PHONE IN Programs where members of the public express their views by phone or in a public forum TRAVEL Programs about travel. Not for announcements that are located by TP/TA LEISURE Programs on recreational activities such as gardening, fishing, cooking, etc.
About the indications in the display SP A DIGITAL EX SP B SLEEP OPT COAX SL S SR SBL SB A SW: Lights up when sub woofer selection is set to “YES” (page 19) and the audio signal is output from the SUB WOOFER jack. B LFE: Lights up when the disc being played back contains the LFE (Low Frequency Effect) channel and the LFE channel signal is...
Page 30
N Playback channel indicators: The letters (L, C, R, etc.) indicate the channels being played back. The boxes around the letters vary to show how the receiver downmixes the source sound (based on the speakers settings). L (Front Left), R (Front Right), C (Center (monaural)), SL (Surround Left), SR (Surround Right), S (Surround (monaural or the surround components obtained by Pro...
Enjoying Surround Sound Using only the front speakers In this mode, the receiver outputs the sound from the front left/right speakers only. There is no sound from the sub woofer. Listening to 2 channel stereo sources (2CH STEREO) Standard 2 channel stereo sources completely bypass the sound field processing and multi channel surround formats are downmixed to 2 channel.
Page 32
Decoding the input audio signal automatically In this mode, the receiver automatically detects the type of audio signal being input (Dolby Digital, DTS, standard 2 channel stereo, etc.) and performs the proper decoding if necessary. This mode presents the sound as it was recorded/ encoded, without adding any surround effects.
Sound fields with marks use DCS technology. DCS is the concept name of the surround technology for home theater developed by Sony. DCS uses the DSP (Digital Signal Processor) technology to reproduce the sound characteristics of an actual cinema cutting studio in Hollywood.
Page 34
Selecting a sound field for music Press MUSIC repeatedly to select the sound field you want. The selected sound field appears in the display. Sound field HALL JAZZ CLUB LIVE CONCERT x HALL Reproduces the acoustics of a classical concert hall. x JAZZ (JAZZ CLUB) Reproduces the acoustics of a jazz club.
Selecting the surround back decoding mode — SURR BACK DECODING This function lets you select the decoding mode for the surround back signals of the multi channel input stream. By decoding the surround back signal of DVD software (etc.) recorded in Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, etc.
Page 36
How to select the surround back decoding mode You can select the surround back decoding mode you want according to the input stream. When you select “SB AUTO” When the input stream contains the 6.1 channel decode flag decode the surround back signal. Input stream Dolby Digital 5.1 Dolby Digital EX...
Advanced Adjustments and Settings Assigning the component video input — COMPONENT VIDEO INPUT ASSIGN You can assign a component video input for another visual input. Press MAIN MENU repeatedly to select “ CUSTOM ”. Press repeatedly to select “COMP. V. A.”. Press ENTER.
Customizing sound fields By adjusting the LEVEL menu, you can customize the sound fields to suit your particular listening situation. Note on the displayed items The setup items you can adjust in each menu vary depending on the sound field. Certain setup parameters may be dimmed in the display.
x EFCT. XXX (Effect level) Initial setting: STD Lets you adjust the “presence” of the surround effect in 3 levels – MIN (minimum effect), STD (standard effect) and MAX (maximum effect). Note This parameter is valid only when you use a sound field selected with the MOVIE or MUSIC buttons.
Advanced settings Using the CUSTOMIZE menu to adjust the receiver You can adjust various receiver settings using the CUSTOMIZE menu. Press MAIN MENU repeatedly to select “ CUSTOM ”. Press repeatedly to select the parameter you want to adjust. For details, see “CUSTOMIZE menu parameters”...
Page 41
x COL. XXXX (Color system) (Models of area code E2/E3, AR only) Lets you select the color system. Depending on the TV to be connected, you may be required to select either PAL or NTSC of the receiver. • PAL •...
Other Operations Naming preset stations and inputs You can enter a name of up to 8 characters for preset stations and inputs selected with input buttons, and display it in the receiver’s display. Use the buttons on the receiver for the operation. To index a preset station Press TUNER FM/AM repeatedly to select the FM or AM band, then tune in...
Using the Sleep Timer You can set the receiver to turn off automatically at a specified time. Use the remote for the operation. Press ALT to light up the button. Press SLEEP while the power is on. Each time you press SLEEP, the display changes cyclically as follows: 2-00-00 t 1-30-00 t 1-00-00 t 0-30-00 t OFF...
Recording Before you begin, make sure you have connected all components properly. Recording on an audio tape or MiniDisc You can record on a cassette tape or MiniDisc using the receiver. See the operating instructions of your cassette deck or MD deck if you need help.
Operations Using the Remote RM-AAP001 You can use the remote RM-AAP001 to operate the components in your system. Before you use your remote Inserting batteries into the remote Insert R6 (size-AA) batteries with the + and – properly oriented in the battery compartment. When using the remote, point it at the remote sensor on the receiver.
Page 46
The tables below show the settings of each button. Remote Operations Button A.F.D. 7 Receiver ALT wd Remote ANGLE DVD player/ Blu-ray disc recorder ANT 9 VCR/ Satellite tuner AUDIO TV/VCR/ Satellite tuner/ DVD player/ Blu-ray disc recorder/ Hard disc recorder/PSX AUX e;...
Page 47
SUBTITLE DVD player Changes the subtitles. SYSTEM Receiver/ Turns off the receiver STANDBY TV/VCR/ and other Sony audio/ (Press AV Satellite tuner/ video components. ?/1 ed and CD player/ ?/1 ef at VCD player/ the same LD player/...
Page 48
Remote Operations Button 1-9 7 and Receiver 0/10 8 CD player/ VCD player/ DVD player/ LD player/ MD deck/ DAT deck/ Tape deck TV/VCR/ Satellite tuner/ Blu-ray disc recorder/ Hard disc recorder/PSX 2CH 7 Receiver >10/11 8 TV/VCR/ Satellite tuner/ CD player/ VCD player/ LD player/...
Page 49
Remote Operations Function Button x wa VCR/ Stops playback. CD player/ VCD player/ LD player/ DVD player/ MD deck/ DAT deck/ Tape deck/ Blu-ray disc recorder/ Hard disc recorder/PSX O qa Satellite tuner/ Returns to the VCD player/ previous menu or LD player/ exits the menu.
Furthermore, you can also program the remote for Sony components that the remote is unable to control. Note that the remote can only control components that accept infrared wireless control signals.
Page 51
Use the numeric codes in the tables below to control non-Sony components and also Sony components that the remote is normally unable to control. Since the remote signal that a...
Page 52
729, 730, 737, 738, 739, 729, 730, 731 722, 729, 730, 731, 741, 742, 743, 744, 745 717, 720, 746 748, 749 751, 752 747, 755, 756 enter the code for AIWA, enter the code for Sony instead. Code(s) 401, 402, 403 406, 408...
Page 53
To control a TV Maker Code(s) SONY 501, 502 DAEWOO 504, 505, 506, 507, 515, FISHER GOLDSTAR 503, 511, 512, 515, 534, GRUNDIG 517, 534 HITACHI 513, 514, 515, 544 ITT/NOKIA 521, 522 MAGNAVOX 503, 518, 544 MITSUBISHI/MGA 503, 519, 544...
Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent such as alcohol or benzine. If you have any question or problem concerning your receiver, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.
Troubleshooting If you experience any of the following difficulties while using the receiver, use this troubleshooting guide to help you remedy the problem. There is no sound or only a very low-level sound no matter which component is selected. • Check that the speakers and components are connected securely and correctly.
Page 56
The surround effect cannot be obtained. • Make sure the sound field function is on (press MOVIE or MUSIC). • Sound fields do not function for the signals with a sampling frequency of more than 48 kHz. Dolby Digital or DTS multi channel sound is not reproduced.
Specifications AUDIO POWER SPECIFICATIONS POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION: (Models of area code U only) With 8 ohm loads, both channels driven, from 20 – 20,000 Hz; rated 90 watts per channel minimum RMS power, with no more than 0.09% total harmonic distortion from 250 milliwatts to rated output.
Page 59
Models of area code AR Rated Power Output at Stereo Mode (8 ohms 20 Hz – 20 kHz, THD 0.09%) 80 W + 80 W 70 W + 70 W (8 ohms 1 kHz, THD 0.7%) 100 W + 100 W 90 W + 90 W (8 ohms 1 kHz, THD 10%) 120 W + 120 W...
Page 60
FM tuner section Tuning range 87.5 - 108.0 MHz Antenna FM wire antenna Antenna terminals Intermediate frequency 10.7 MHz Sensitivity Mono: 18.3 dBf, 2.2 µV/75 ohms Stereo: 38.3 dBf, 22.5 µV/75 ohms Useable sensitivity 11.2 dBf, 1 µV/75 ohms Mono: 76 dB Stereo: 70 dB...
List of button locations and reference pages How to use this page Use this page to find the location of buttons that are mentioned in the text. Main unit ALPHABETICAL ORDER A - H A.F.D. (button/indicator) qa (32, AUX wa (23) DIMMER 4 (28) DISPLAY 3 (27, 28, 56) Display 7 (29)