Sony STR-DB790 Car Stereo Manual

The Sony STR-DB790 is a high-performance car stereo receiver featuring AM/FM tuner, CD player with MP3/WMA playback, front auxiliary input, detachable faceplate security, 52W x 4 high power output, MOSFET power amplifier, Bass Engine sound optimization, customizable audio settings, and steering wheel remote control compatibility. 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. Playing Media 8. Security Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with detachable faceplate, Remote Control, Wiring harness, Mounting sleeve, User manual.

Feature	Description
AM/FM Tuner	30 station presets (18 FM, 12 AM) with seek/scan
CD Player	Plays CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA formats
Power Output	52W x 4 MOSFET amplifier
Bass Engine	5-band equalizer, bass boost, loudness
Front AUX Input	3.5mm jack for portable audio devices
Detachable Faceplate	Security feature to prevent theft
Display	Multi-color fluorescent display
Steering Wheel Control	Compatible with Sony remote adapters
Audio Settings	Fader, balance, subwoofer level control
Power Requirements	12V DC, negative ground

Installation

Ensure vehicle is parked with ignition off. Disconnect negative battery terminal before installation.

Remove existing stereo: Use removal tools to extract old unit.
Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors (red-ignition, yellow-battery, black-ground).
Connect antenna: Plug antenna cable into rear port.
Mount sleeve: Insert into dashboard opening.
Secure unit: Slide stereo into sleeve until it clicks.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

WARNING! Incorrect wiring may damage unit or vehicle electrical system. Consult professional if unsure.

First-Time Setup

After installation, configure basic settings.

Power on: Turn ignition to ACC or ON position.
Set clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use tuning knob.
Program radio stations: Tune to station, press and hold preset button.
Adjust audio: Use BASS ENGINE menu for equalizer settings.
Security: Set PIN code for faceplate protection.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Make adjustments only when vehicle is stationary.

Specifications

Power Output: 52W x 4 (MOSFET).
Tuner: FM 87.5-108 MHz, AM 530-1710 kHz.
CD Formats: CD-DA, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA.
Signal-to-Noise: 100 dB (CD), 75 dB (FM).
Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 20 kHz.
Inputs: Front AUX (3.5mm).
Preamp Outputs: Front/Rear/Subwoofer (2V).
Power Supply: 12V DC (10.8-16V range).
Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 160mm (D).

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE, BAND, AUDIO, MENU, EJECT, Number buttons.

Remote: POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, MUTE, Number buttons, Navigation arrows.

Audio Settings: BASS ENGINE (5-band EQ: 60Hz, 250Hz, 1kHz, 3kHz, 10kHz), Bass Boost (0-10), Loudness (On/Off), Fader/Balance. Radio: Manual tuning, Seek, Scan, Preset memory. CD: Repeat (Track/All), Random, Intro Scan. System: Clock, Display dimmer, Beep tone, PIN setup.

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: Front 3.5mm jack for smartphones/MP3 players. Preamp Outputs: Connect to external amplifiers.

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
AUX: Plug 3.5mm cable from device to front input.
Preamp: Use RCA cables to connect to amplifier inputs.
Select source: Press SOURCE until "AUX" appears on display.

Tip: Use quality cables to minimize interference and ensure secure connections.

Playing Media

Supports CDs, MP3/WMA files on CD-R/RW.

Insert disc: Press EJECT, place disc label side up.
Play: Press SOURCE to select CD mode; playback starts automatically.
Track navigation: Use SEEK buttons or number keys.
MP3/WMA: Folders are recognized as albums; use navigation to browse.
Repeat/Random: Press RPT or RDM during playback.
Eject: Press EJECT button; remove disc when tray opens.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregular shaped discs. Avoid extreme temperatures.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when parked to deter theft. PIN Protection: Set 4-digit code in menu (default 0000). If code forgotten, contact Sony service.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Keep faceplate in protective case when detached.

CAUTION! Avoid moisture and extreme heat. Never insert objects into CD slot.

Regulatory Information

FCC ID: AK8STRDB790. Complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. This device may not cause harmful interference and must accept any interference received. Copyright © Sony Corporation. For support, visit www.sony.com/electronics/support or contact 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check connections; verify 12V at yellow/red wires; replace fuse.
No sound	Mute/speakers	Check MUTE; verify speaker connections; adjust volume.
CD won't play	Disc/format	Ensure disc is clean; check format compatibility; try different disc.
Poor radio reception	Antenna	Ensure antenna connected; extend antenna fully; check for obstructions.
Faceplate not attaching	Dirt/alignment	Clean contacts; align properly and push until click.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset unit.

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