Sony XDR-S50 Radio User Manual

The Sony XDR-S50 is a compact digital AM/FM radio with advanced tuner technology, featuring a large LCD display, 30 station presets (20 FM, 10 AM), digital tuning with auto/manual seek, bass boost for enhanced sound, a built-in speaker, headphone jack for private listening, and a snooze/sleep timer function. Powered by AC adapter or optional batteries for portability. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Advanced Tuning Features 8. Accessibility Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with LCD display, AC power adapter, built-in telescopic antenna, Headphone jack, DC IN jack.

FeatureDescription
LCD DisplayShows frequency, time, preset number, and battery status
Telescopic AntennaFor FM reception; extends and rotates for optimal signal
Headphone Jack (3.5mm)For private audio listening
DC IN JackFor connection to the supplied AC power adapter
Battery CompartmentHolds optional batteries (e.g., 4 x AA) for portable use
POWER ButtonTurns the radio on/off
BASS BOOST ButtonEnhances low-frequency sound
TUNING / SELECT KnobFor manual tuning and menu navigation
PRESET ButtonsFor storing and recalling favorite stations
SLEEP / SNOOZE ButtonSets sleep timer or activates snooze alarm

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a stable, flat surface.

  1. Connect Power: Plug the AC adapter into the DC IN jack on the radio, then into a wall outlet.
  2. Extend Antenna: Fully extend and adjust the telescopic antenna for best FM reception.
  3. For AM Reception: Rotate the entire radio for optimal AM signal; no external AM antenna is required.
  4. Insert Batteries (Optional): Open the battery compartment and install batteries if using portably.

WARNING! Use only the supplied AC adapter. Do not place near heat sources or in direct sunlight.

First-Time Setup

Power on the radio; the display will light up.

  1. Select Band: Press the BAND button to toggle between FM and AM.
  2. Auto Tune Stations: Press and hold the TUNING knob to activate auto-seek; it will stop on the next strong station.
  3. Set Time: Press the CLOCK button, then use the TUNING knob to set the correct time.
  4. Store Presets: Tune to a desired station, press and hold a PRESET button (1-10) until the display confirms.

CAUTION! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block the speaker grille.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, BAND, TUNING/SELECT knob, BASS BOOST, SLEEP/SNOOZE. Top/Side: PRESET buttons 1-10, Headphone jack.

Menu Navigation: Press MENU/SET, then use TUNING knob to select options (e.g., Auto Power Off, Display Contrast).

Tuning: AUTO SEEK (press and hold TUNING) or MANUAL (turn knob). Audio: BASS BOOST toggles enhanced bass. Clock: Set via CLOCK button. Sleep Timer: Press SLEEP repeatedly to set duration (15, 30, 45, 60, 90 min, OFF).

Connecting Devices

Headphones: Plug into 3.5mm jack for private listening. External Antenna (optional): For weak FM signals, connect a wire to the telescopic antenna base.

  1. Ensure the radio is powered off before connecting headphones.
  2. For best FM reception, fully extend the telescopic antenna and orient it vertically.
  3. If using an external antenna, disconnect the telescopic antenna first.

Tip: Use quality headphones for optimal stereo sound in FM mode.

Advanced Tuning Features

Supports manual and automatic tuning with station memory.

  1. Manual Tune: Turn the TUNING knob slowly to find stations.
  2. Auto Seek: Press and hold TUNING to seek the next strong station.
  3. Recall Preset: Briefly press a numbered PRESET button.
  4. Direct Frequency Entry: Not supported; use tuning knob or seek.
  5. Bass Boost: Press BASS BOOST to enhance low frequencies (indicator lights).
  6. Sleep Timer: Press SLEEP to set countdown; radio turns off automatically.
  7. Snooze: During alarm, press SLEEP for 9 more minutes of sleep.

WARNING! Do not force the tuning knob. Keep the headphone jack clean and free of debris.

Accessibility Features

Large, backlit display for easy reading in low light. Tactile buttons with clear labels. Headphone output for private listening.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug AC adapter before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the cabinet and display. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Never immerse the radio in water. Avoid getting moisture into controls or jacks.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that it does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Sony Corporation. For support, visit www.sony.com/audio or contact Sony Customer Support at 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower sourceCheck AC adapter connection; replace batteries if used; ensure POWER is pressed.
Poor FM receptionAntenna positionFully extend and adjust telescopic antenna; move radio location.
No sound from speakerVolume/Mute/HeadphonesTurn up volume; ensure BASS BOOST is not causing distortion; unplug headphones.
Presets lostBattery/AC power lossPresets are retained for a short time without power; reprogram if lost.
Display is dim or blankBacklight settings/batteryAdjust display contrast in MENU; replace weak batteries.

Reset: There is no user-accessible hard reset. Disconnect all power for 5 minutes to reset microcomputer.

Service: 1-800-222-7669; www.sony.com/audio

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