Harman Kardon HK550VXI Owners Manual - Page 11

manually adjust for a given station. Make sure that they are not equipped with an FM trap, which would remove the FM signal from TV stations received. The best possible indoor antenna is a table top model specially designed for FM reception. There are many brands on the market including some powered designs and models with manual fine-tuning adjustments. Check with your Harman Kardon dealer for advice on which is most appropriate for your needs and budget. Properly set up, an outdoor FM antenna can provide significantly better reception than any indoor design. Options range from simple, omni-directional dipoles to elaborate directional designs with rotators that can give you the best possible reception of any given station. If you are plagued by severe localized noise and multipath interference, you should consider a directional Yagi-style antenna if possible. Consult with your Harman Kardon dealer or with a local radio/television supply shop, since this decision must be made on the basis of your individual area. Just as the cables used to connect your system contribute to its sound quality, the feedlines running from your antenna to your new receiver play an important part in good reception. 300-ohm twin lead-in is inexpensive and has relatively low signal losses (1.25dB per 100 ft. at 100MHz), but if improperly installed, can act as an antenna itself, picking up unwanted signals. It also suffers signal losses when it becomes wet. Twin lead should be routed to avoid gutters, electrical wiring, pipes and other metal objects. 75-ohm coaxial cable is more expensive and has slightly higher signal losses (3.5dB per 100 ft. at 100MHz) but is far less prone to external noise, interference and weather, due to its shielding and design. You will need to use a matching transformer at the antenna end. APPENDIXIII -Troubleshooting Checking these possibilities first may save you time and effort getting your unit serviced. Your Harman Kardon dealer will also be able to answer questions and help you discover the problem. No light from any receiver indicators. 1. Receiver is not plugged into wall socket. 2. Wall socket or extension cord is faulty. Check for poor connections and/or blown fuse. No sound. 1. Speakers are connected to wrong set of speaker terminals. 2. SPEAKER selector knob (HK550Vxi) or buttons (HK440 Vxi) have not been switched to the correct speakers. 3. FUNCTION selector hasn't been switched to the source currently playing. 4. TAPE MONITOR selector is turned to TAPE 1 or TAPE 2 while attempting to listen to CD, PHONO, TUNER, VIDEO or AUX(HK550Vxi ONLY). 5. Speaker wires are touching one another, causing a short circuit, which activates protection circuits within the receiver. No sound from cassette deck when in "PLAY". 1. TAPE MONITOR selector set on wrong position. 2. Cassette deck plugged into wrong set of inputs. 3. Output of cassette deck plugged into OUT instead of IN on back of receiver. Phono sound is extremely faint. 1. Phono output has been plugged into the wrong receiver input. 2. Turntable cartridge is a low output Moving Coil type. A step-up transformer is needed. Phono input has hum mixed with sound. 1. Ground wire from turntable has not been connected to receiver's ground terminal. 2. Cable from turntable is too close to power cords or speaker cables. Speakers lack bass. 1. Polarity of one speaker cable has been reversed. Check connections. Low frequency ringing, oscillating or "howling" especially in phono mode. 1. Too much bass boost is being applied. Switch off LOUDNESS button and/or reduce the amount of BASS tone control boost. 2. Turntable is too close to speakers. 3. Turntable is placed on unstable surface. Warranty and Service If you have followed the suggestions in this manual and are reasonably sure that your stereo receiver requires service, call the Harman Kardon dealer from which you purchased your HK550Vxi or HK440Vxi. It is important that service be carried out only by a designated Harman Kardon Service agent to insure both proper service and to comply with the terms of the HK550Vxi and HK440Vxi Limited Warranty. Remember to keep your sales slip or receipt in a safe place since you will be required to show it for service during the duration of the Limited Warranty.