Sony STR-GX59ES Car Stereo Manual

The Sony STR-GX59ES is a high-performance car stereo system featuring AM/FM tuner with 18 FM/6 AM presets, cassette tape player with auto-reverse and Dolby B NR, 4-channel amplifier (50W x 4 max), front/rear preamp outputs, bass/treble controls, loudness, fader/balance, detachable faceplate security, and optional CD changer control. Designed for 12V DC vehicle operation. 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 Cassette Tapes 8. Security Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with cassette mechanism, Remote Control (optional), Wiring harness, Antenna input, Front/Rear/Subwoofer preamp outputs, Detachable faceplate.

Feature	Description
AM/FM Tuner	18 FM and 6 AM station presets
Cassette Player	Auto-reverse, Dolby B Noise Reduction
Amplifier	4-channel, 50W x 4 maximum power
Preamp Outputs	Front, Rear, and Subwoofer (non-fading)
Audio Controls	Bass, Treble, Loudness, Fader, Balance
Security	Detachable faceplate with carrying case
CD Changer Control	Compatible with Sony CDX- series changers
Power Input	12V DC, negative ground vehicles only
Illumination	Orange/green switchable display
Clock	Digital clock with timer

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure vehicle is turned off and battery disconnected.

Connect wiring harness: Match colors to vehicle speaker wires (White/White-black=Front Left, etc.).
Connect power: Red to ignition-switched +12V, Yellow to constant +12V (memory), Black to chassis ground.
Connect antenna: Plug vehicle antenna cable into rear antenna jack.
Connect optional amplifiers: Use RCA preamp outputs for external amplification.
Secure unit in dashboard using supplied mounting sleeve and brackets.
Reconnect vehicle battery and test operation.

WARNING! Incorrect wiring can damage unit or vehicle electrical system. Verify polarity and connections.

First-Time Setup

After installation, power on the unit; set basic functions.

Set the clock: Press and hold CLOCK button, use TUNE/SEEK to adjust time.
Program radio presets: Tune to desired station, press and hold a preset button (1-6/1-18).
Adjust audio settings: Set bass, treble, fader, balance to preference.
Set display illumination: Use DIMMER button to switch between orange and green.
Test cassette function: Insert a tape to verify auto-reverse and playback.

CAUTION! Ensure faceplate is securely attached during operation. Remove when leaving vehicle.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 max (20W x 4 RMS).
Tuner Section: FM 87.5-108 MHz, AM 530-1710 kHz.
Cassette Section: Frequency response 30-15,000 Hz (with Dolby).
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 72 dB (Dolby On).
Preamp Outputs: 2V front/rear, 4V subwoofer.
Power Requirement: 12V DC (10.8-16V), negative ground.
Dimensions: DIN size (178mm x 50mm x 160mm).
Operating Temp: 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F).
Compatibility: Sony CDX-T series CD changers.

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE (Tuner/Tape/Aux), BASS/TREBLE knobs, LOUDNESS button, FADER/BALANCE buttons, CLOCK, DIMMER, EJECT, Dolby NR, TAPE DIR (play direction).

Remote (optional): POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, PRESET, TUNE/SEEK, PLAY/FF/REW, Dolby, CLOCK.

Tuner: Manual tuning with TUNE buttons; seek with SEEK; store presets. Tape: Auto-reverse, Dolby B NR, metal/normal tape selector. Audio: Bass (-10 to +10), Treble (-10 to +10), Loudness (On/Off), Fader (Front/Rear), Balance (Left/Right). Display: Clock display, dimmer mode, station frequency.

Connecting Devices

Antenna: Standard motor vehicle antenna plug. External Amplifiers: Use RCA preamp outputs. CD Changer: Connect compatible Sony changer via BUS control cable.

Turn off vehicle ignition before connecting devices.
For CD changer: Connect audio RCA cables and control cable to changer.
Select source: Press SOURCE to cycle through Tuner, Tape, CD (if connected).

Tip: Use high-quality RCA cables for best audio performance with external amps.

Playing Cassette Tapes

Supports standard and metal tapes, auto-reverse playback.

Insert tape: Press EJECT to open slot, insert tape label side up.
Play: Press PLAY or close slot; playback starts automatically.
Reverse: Press TAPE DIR to change playback direction (→ or ←).
Fast Forward/Rewind: Press and hold FF or REW.
Dolby NR: Press Dolby button to reduce tape hiss (for Dolby-encoded tapes).
Eject: Press EJECT to remove tape; unit will power off if left open.
Tape Type: Set switch to METAL for metal/crO2 tapes, NORMAL for standard.

WARNING! Do not force tape insertion. Keep tapes away from heat and magnets.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Press release button, slide faceplate off; store in carrying case. Faceplate must be attached for unit to operate. Code Security (if equipped): Enter 4-digit code if power is disconnected to deter theft.

Care & Cleaning

Clean faceplate with soft, dry cloth only. For tape heads: Use commercial head cleaner cassette periodically.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasives. Never spray cleaner directly onto unit.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with limits for vehicle installation. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Copyright © Sony Corporation. For support, visit www.sony.com/electronics/support or contact Sony Customer Service at 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Blown fuse/wiring	Check vehicle fuse (10-15A); verify power connections (Red/Yellow/Black).
No sound from speakers	Speaker wires/fader	Check speaker connections; adjust fader/balance; ensure faceplate attached.
Poor FM reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna plug fully inserted; check antenna mast.
Tape won't play	Tape damaged/dirty heads	Try another tape; clean heads with cleaner cassette.
Presets lost	Constant power disconnected	Reconnect Yellow wire to constant +12V; reprogram presets.
Unit asks for code	Security activated	Enter 4-digit security code (default 0000 or from card).

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset microprocessor if unit locks up.

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