Sony MDR-RF855RK - Wireless Stereo Headphone System Manual

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing, and do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.

To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.

As the main plug of AC power adaptor is used to disconnect the AC power adaptor from the mains, connect it to an easily accessible AC outlet. Should you notice an abnormality in it, disconnect it from the AC outlet immediately.

Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect type.

Do not expose the batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like for a long time.

Do not subject the batteries to extreme low temperature conditions that may result in overheating and thermal runaway.
Do not dismantle, open or shred secondary cells or batteries.
Do not expose cells or batteries to heat or fire. Avoid storage in direct sunlight.
In the event of a cell leaking, do not allow the liquid to come in contact with the skin or eyes. If contact has been made, wash the affected area with copious amounts of water and seek medical advice.

Do not use any charger other than that specifically provided for use with the equipment.

Secondary cells and batteries need to be charged before use. Always use the correct charger and refer to the manufacturer's instructions or equipment manual for proper charging instructions.

After extended periods of storage, it may be necessary to charge and discharge the cells or batteries several times to obtain maximum performance. Dispose of properly.

High volume may affect your hearing.

The nameplate of transmitter is located on the bottom exterior.

The validity of the CE marking is restricted to only those countries where it is legally enforced, mainly in the countries EEA (European Economic Area) and Switzerland.

Hereby, Sony Corporation declares that this equipment is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU.
The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: http://www.compliance.sony.de/
Hereby, Sony Corporation declares that this equipment is in compliance with the UK relevant statutory requirements. The full text of the declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: https://compliance.sony.co.uk

Disposal of waste batteries and electrical and electronic equipment (applicable in the European Union and other countries with separate collection systems)

This symbol on the product, the battery or on the packaging indicates that the product and the battery shall not be treated as household waste. On certain batteries this symbol might be used in combination with a chemical symbol. The chemical symbol for lead (Pb) is added if the battery contains more than 0.004% lead. By ensuring that these products and batteries are disposed of correctly, you will help to prevent potentially negative consequences for the environment and human health which could be caused by inappropriate waste handling. The recycling of the materials will help to conserve natural resources.
In case of products that for safety, performance or data integrity reasons require a permanent connection with an incorporated battery, this battery should be replaced by qualified service staff only. To ensure that the battery and the electrical and electronic equipment will be treated properly, hand over these products at end-of-life to the appropriate collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. For all other batteries, please view the section on how to remove the battery from the product safely. Hand the battery over to the appropriate collection point for the recycling of waste batteries. For more detailed information about recycling of this product or battery, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product or battery.

Notice for customers: the following information is only applicable to equipment sold in countries applying EU directives and/or UK applying relevant statutory requirements

This product has been manufactured by or on behalf of Sony Corporation.
EU and UK Importer: Sony Europe B.V.
Inquiries to the EU Importer or related to product compliance in Europe should be sent to the manufacturer's authorized representative,
Sony Belgium, bijkantoor van Sony Europe B.V., Da Vincilaan 7-D1, 1930 Zaventem, Belgium.
Inquiries to the UK Importer or related to product compliance in the UK should be sent to the manufacturer's authorized representative, Sony Europe B.V., The Heights, Brooklands, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0XW, United Kingdom.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits set out in the EMC regulation using a connection cable shorter than 3 meters.

The unit is not waterproof. If water or foreign objects enter the unit, it may result in fire or electric shock. If water or a foreign object enters the unit, stop use immediately and consult your nearest Sony dealer. In particular, be careful in the following cases.

• When using the unit around a sink, etc.
  Be careful that the unit does not fall into a sink or container filled with water.
• When using the unit in the rain or snow, or in humid locations
• When using the unit while you are sweaty
  If you touch the unit with wet hands, or put the unit in the pocket of a damp article of clothing, the unit may get wet.

Note on static electricity
Static electricity accumulated in the body may cause mild tingling in your ears. To reduce the effect, wear clothes made from natural materials, which suppress the generation of static electricity.

For details on the effect of contact to the human body from the mobile phone or other wireless devices connected to the unit, refer to the instruction manual of the wireless device.

This product (including accessories) has magnet(s) which may interfere with pacemakers, programmable shunt valves for hydrocephalus treatment, or other medical devices. Do not place this product close to persons who use such medical devices. Consult your doctor before using this product if you use any such medical device.

Checking the included items

Features

Thank you for purchasing the Sony MDR-RF855RK Wireless Stereo Headphone System. Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference.
Some features are:

• Wireless headphone system with long battery life and 100 m range
• Hassle-free recharging by placing the headphones on the transmitter
• 40 mm driver units for deep bass response
• Auto power on/off function for longer battery life
• Battery playback time up to 18 hrs with rechargeable batteries or 28 hrs with Sony alkaline batteries

How to use

1. Insert the supplied rechargeable battery BP-HP550-11 into the left housing of the headphones.
   Observe the correct polarity when installing battery.
   
2. Connect the AC adaptor.
   Insert the plug firmly.
3. Charge the headphones.
   
4. Connect the A/V component, following hookup A or B below.
   Insert the plug firmly.
   1. Using the headphone jack of the A/V component
      
   2. Using the audio out (L/R) jacks of the A/V component
      
5. Wearing the headphones.
   
   Before listening
   To reduce the risk of hearing damage, first the volume.
   
6. Start playback pf the A/V component.
   The POWER/GREEN indicator of the transmitter lights up green
   
7. Adjust the volume.
   
8. If you cannot receive a clear audio signal
   First change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector switch on the transmitter, then change the radio frequency to that of the transmitter with the TUNING switch on then change the radio frequency to that of the transmitter with the TUNING switch on the headphones.
   

After use

The headphones automatically turn off when they are taken off (Auto power on/off function).

About auto power on/off function

When you put on the headphones, the headphones' power turns on automatically. Wear the headphones vertically on your head so that auto power on function is properly activated.
The headphones automatically turn off when they are taken off.
Do not pull up the self-adjusting band when not in use, this will consume the battery power.

About sending RF signals

The transmitter starts sending RF signals automatically when it detects an audio signal from the connected component.

Note that;

• Noise may occur depending on the transmitter position and room conditions. It is recommended to place the transmitter in a location that produces the clearest sound.
• If the transmitter is placed on a metallic table, you may hear noise, or the reception range may decrease. Do not place on a metallic table.

If low signal or no signal is input for about 5 minutes

If low signal is input for about 5 minutes, the transmitter turns off automatically*. If the volume of the connected A/V component is too low, the transmitter may also turn off. When low signal is input, the POWER/GREEN indicator of the transmitter flashes green for 5 minutes, then turns off. In this case, raise the volume of the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted, then lower the volume of the headphones.

The transmitter may also turn off if no signal is input for about 5 minutes. The POWER/GREEN indicator of the transmitter flashes green for 5 minutes, then turns off. The transmitter restarts after receiving an audio signal again.

* If signal noise is output from the connected A/V component, the transmitter may not turn off, even when no audio signal is input.

Tips for charging

Charge supplied battery first

The supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery is not charged from the first time you use it. Be sure to charge them before use.

About auto charge function

Placing the headphones on the transmitter automatically turns them off, then charging starts. This eliminates the need for turning on/off every time you wear and take off the headphones.

If CHG/RED indicator does not light up red

• Check if the right and left headphones are rested on the transmitter correctly. Take off the headphones and place them on the transmitter again so that the headphones' contact points meet the transmitter's contact pins.
• Charging may not be completed if the transmitter's contact pin and headphones' contact point are dusty. Wipe them with a cotton bud, etc.

Charging and usage time

Depending on the remaining battery status, it takes approx. 30 minutes to 7 hours to recharge.

1. at 1 kHz, 0.1 mW + 0.1 mW output
2. hours required to fully charge an empty battery
3. Time may vary, depending on the temperature or conditions of use.

To recharge supplied battery after use

Place the headphones on the transmitter after use. The CHG/RED indicator lights up red, then charging starts.
When charging is complete, there is no need to remove the headphones from the transmitter.

Remaining battery

To check the remaining battery charge of the headphones, pull up the self-adjusting band, and check the POWER indicator. The battery is still serviceable when the indicator lights up green. Charge the headphones if the POWER indicator turns off, dims, flashes, or the sound becomes distorted or noisy.

Notes

• Insert the AC adaptor plug firmly.
• Be sure to use the supplied AC adaptor. Using AC adaptors with different plug polarity or other characteristics can cause product failure.
  
• The battery capacity may decrease if the headphones are turned on and placed on the transmitter with the AC adaptor disconnected.
• The transmitter automatically turns off while charging the battery.
• This system is designed to charge only the supplied rechargeable battery BP-HP550-11 for safety. Note that other types of rechargeable battery cannot be charged with this system.
• If dry batteries are installed, they cannot be charged.
• Do not attempt to use the supplied rechargeable battery BPHP550-11 for other components. It is for use with this system only.
• Charge in an environmental temperature of between 5°C and 35°C (between 41°F and 95°F).
• When the battery life reduces to half, this may be the end of battery lifetime. The supplied rechargeable battery BP-HP55011 is not commercially available. You can order the battery from the store where you purchased this system, or at your nearest Sony dealer.

Using the headphones with separately-sold dry batteries

Commercially available (LR03 (size AAA)) dry batteries can also be used to power the headphones. Install two batteries in the same manner as described in step 1 of "How to use."
When dry batteries are installed, the battery charge function is not activated.

Battery life

1. at 1 kHz, 0.1 mW + 0.1 mW output
2. Time may vary, depending on the temperature or conditions of use.

Note
Do not carry a dry battery together with coins or other metallic objects. It can generate heat if the positive and negative terminals of the battery are accidentally come into contact with metallic objects.

Tips for connection

• Do not connect to the AUDIO IN 1 and AUDIO IN 2 jacks at the same time. If you connect two A/V components to both jacks at the same time, both of the audio signals may result in mixed output.
• When you connect the connecting cable directly to an earphone jack (monaural mini jack), the audio signal may not be output through the right channel.

Tips for volume setting

• If you connect the transmitter to the headphone jack of the A/ V component, set the volume of the A/V component as high as possible but not so high that the audio signal becomes distorted.
• When watching videos, be careful not to raise the volume too high in quiet scenes. You may hurt your ears when a loud scene is played.

Tips for better reception

Receiving performance

This system utilizes very high frequency signals in the 800 MHz band so the receiving performance may deteriorate due to the surroundings. The following examples illustrate conditions that may reduce the reception range or cause interference.

• Inside a building with walls containing steel beams
• An area with many steel file cabinets, etc.
• An area with many electrical appliances capable of generating electromagnetic fields
• The transmitter is placed on a metal instrument.
• An area facing a roadway
• Noise or interfering signals exist in the surroundings due to radio transceivers in trucks, etc.
• Noise or interfering signals exist in the surroundings owing to wireless communication systems installed along roadways.

Effective area of the transmitter

The optimum distance is up to approximately 100 m without the system picking up some interference. However, the distance may vary depending on the surroundings and environment.

• If the system picks up some noise within the above mentioned distance, reduce the distance between the transmitter and the headphones, or select another channel.
• When you use the headphones inside the effective area of the transmitter, the transmitter can be placed in any direction from the listener.
• Even within the signal reception area, there are some spots (dead spots) where the RF signal cannot be received. This characteristic is inherent to RF signals, and does not indicate malfunction. By slightly moving the transmitter, location of the dead spot can be changed.

Replacing the earpads

The earpads are replaceable. If the earpads become dirty or worn out, replace them as illustrated below. The earpads are not commercially available. You can order replacements from the store where you purchased this system, or at your nearest Sony dealer.

1. Remove the old earpad by pulling it out of the groove on the housing.
   
2. Place the new earpad on the driver unit.
   Hang the edge of the earpad on one side of the driver unit's groove edge, then turn the edge of earpad around the driver unit as illustrated below.
   When the earpad is securely inserted into the groove, adjust the earpad to the vertical position.
   

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problems using this system, use the following checklist. Should any problem persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

No sound/Low sound

• Check the connection of the A/V component or the AC adaptor.
• Check that the A/V component is turned on.
• If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component using the headphone jack, raise the volume level on the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted.
• Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector on the transmitter, then change the radio frequency to that of the transmitter with the TUNING switch on the headphones.
• Use the headphones near the transmitter, or change the position of the transmitter.
• Charge the supplied rechargeable battery, or replace dry batteries with new ones. If the POWER indicator is still off after charging, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.
• Raise the headphone volume.

Distorted or intermittent sound (sometimes with noise)

• Use the headphones near the transmitter, or change the position of the transmitter.
• Do not place the transmitter on a metallic table.
• If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component using the headphone jack, lower the volume level on the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted.
• Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector on the transmitter, then change the radio frequency to that of the transmitter with the TUNING switch on the headphones.
• Charge the supplied rechargeable battery, or replace dry batteries with new ones. If the POWER indicator is still off after charging, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.

Loud background noise

• If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component using the headphone jack, raise the volume level on the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted.
• Charge the supplied rechargeable battery, or replace dry batteries with new ones. If the POWER indicator is still off after charging, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.
• Do not place the transmitter on a metallic table.
• Use the headphones near the transmitter.

The POWER/GREEN indicator flashes green

• No signal or low signal is input. Start playback of the A/V component, or raise the volume of the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted, otherwise the transmitter will turn off. If no signal or low signal is input for about 5 minutes, the transmitter turns off automatically.

The sound cuts off

• The transmitter turns off if no signal or low signal is input for 5 minutes. If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component using the headphone jack, raise the volume level on the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted.

Battery cannot be charged/CHG/RED indicator flashes red, or does not light up red

• Check that the right/left of the headphones and transmitter correspond, and put the headphones on the transmitter correctly.
• Install the supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery. Dry batteries and rechargeable batteries other than the supplied cannot be charged.
• If the CHG/RED indicator does not light up red even though you put the headphones on the transmitter and wait for a while, it may be the end of battery lifetime. You can order the supplied rechargeable battery BP-HP550-11 from the store where you purchased this system, or at your nearest Sony dealer.
• Charging may not be completed if the transmitter's contact pin and headphones' contact point are dusty. Wipe them with a cotton bud, etc.

Precautions

• When this system is not to be used for a long period of time, disconnect the AC adaptor from the AC outlet holding the plug, and remove the battery from the headphones to avoid damage caused by battery leakage and subsequent corrosion.
• Do not leave this system in a location subject to direct sunlight, heat or moisture.
• You may hear some noise when you disconnect the AC adaptor from the transmitter before taking off the headphones.
• Avoid exposure to temperature extremes, direct sunlight, moisture, sand, dust or mechanical shock.

Notes on headphones

To reduce the risk of hearing damage
Avoid using headphones at high volume. Hearing experts advise against continuous, loud and extended play. If you experience a ringing in your ears, lower the volume or discontinue use.

Caring for others
Keep the volume at a moderate level. This will allow you to hear outside sounds and to be considerate to the people around you.
If you have any questions or problems concerning the system that are not covered in this manual, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.
Be sure to bring the headphones and the transmitter to the Sony dealer when requiring repair work.

Specifications

RF stereo transmitter (TMR-RF855R)

Wireless stereo headphones (MDR-RF855R)