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4-576-951-

11

(1)

Personal Audio System

Operating Instructions

©2015 Sony Corporation     Printed in China

ZS-PS55B

*

 

 

 and VOL + 

 have a tactile dot.

The unit is not disconnected from the AC power 

source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall 

outlet, even if the unit itself has been turned off.
Do not install the appliance in a confined space, 

such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.
Excessive sound pressure from earphones and 

headphones can cause hearing loss.
Do not expose the batteries (battery pack or 

batteries installed) to excessive heat such as 

sunshine, fire or the like for a long time.

The nameplate is located on the bottom exterior.

Basic Operations

Before using the unit

To turn the power on or off

Press OPERATE (or POWER) 

. You can also turn on 

the power of this unit using the direct power-on 

function (below).

In this manual, operations are mainly explained 

using the direct power-on function.

To use the direct power-on function

Press CD 

, USB 

, DAB/FM 

, AUDIO IN 

 or 

FAVORITE RADIO STATIONS (1-3) 

 while the unit is 

turned off. The power turns on with the relevant 

function selected.

To adjust the volume

Press VOL + or 

 

.

To listen through headphones

Connect headphones to the 

 (headphones) jack 

.

Playing a music disc

Press CD 

 to turn on the CD function.

Press PUSH OPEN/CLOSE 

 

, place a disc in 

the CD compartment and then close the 
compartment cover.

Label side up

The disc is loaded and the disc information 

appears on the display. 

To

Do this

Find a point in a 

track/file  

(fast forward/

rewind)

Hold down 

 or 

 

 

during playback, and release the 

button at the desired point. 

When locating a point while 

paused, press 

 

 to start 

playback after the desired point 

is found.

*  In program play mode, playback starts from the first 

programmed track/file.

Tip

To cancel the Resume Play, press 

 

 while the CD is 

stopped. 

Note

Resume Play is cancelled in the following cases:

 When you open the CD compartment.

 When you turn off the power.

Example of folder structure and playing order

The playing order of the folders and files is as 

follows. However, the playing order may differ from 

the original order on the disc, depending on the 

recording method used.

Folder
MP3/WMA file

Notes on MP3/WMA discs

  When a disc is loaded, the unit reads all the files on that 

disc. During this time, “READING” is flashing. If there are 

many folders or non-MP3/WMA files on the disc, it may 

take a long time for play to begin or for the next MP3/

WMA file to start to play.

  We recommend that non-MP3/WMA files or unnecessary 

folders are excluded when creating MP3/WMA discs.

  During playback, audio files other than MP3 and WMA 

files are skipped even if those files are included in a folder.

  The audio formats supported by this unit are as follows:

 

MP3: File extension “.mp3”

 

WMA: File extension “.wma”

  Note that even if the file name has the correct file 

extension but the actual file was created in a different 

audio format, this unit may produce noise or may 

malfunction.

  MP3 PRO format is not supported.

  WMA files encoded in WMA DRM, WMA Lossless and 

WMA PRO formats cannot be played back.

  This unit cannot play audio files on a disc in the following 

cases:

 

When the total number of audio files exceeds 999.

 

When the total number of folders on a single disc 

exceeds 256 (including the “ROOT” folder).

 

When the directory level (folder depths) exceeds 8 

(including the “ROOT” folder).

  Folder names can be displayed with up to 32 characters, 

including quotation marks.

  File names can be displayed with up to 32 characters, 

including quotation marks and file extensions.

  Characters and symbols that cannot be displayed by the 

unit will appear as “_”.

  This unit conforms to version 1.0, 1.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 of the 

ID3 tag format for MP3 files and the WMA tag format 

defined by the ASF specification (Advanced Systems 

Format) for WMA files. When a file has the ID3 or WMA tag 

information, the song title, artist name, and album name 

will be displayed. If a file does not have the tag 

information, the unit displays as follows:

 

File name instead of the song title.

 

“NO ARTIST” message instead of the artist name.

 

“NO ALBUM” message instead of the album name.

  ID3 and WMA tag information can be displayed up to 64 

characters.

Audio CD

Total number of tracks

Total playing time

MP3/WMA disc

Total number of folders*

*  If MP3/WMA files are present only in the root directory 

(“ROOT” folder), “1FLDR” appears on the display.

Press 

 

 to start playback.

Track number or MP3/WMA 

file number

Playing time

When you play an MP3/WMA disc, the folder 

name*

1

 and song title are displayed before the 

playing time*

2

 appears.

*

1

  If MP3/WMA files are present only in the root directory, 

“ROOT” appears on the display.

*

2

 If the playing time is longer than 100 minutes, “--:--” 

appears on the display.

Other operations

To

Do this

Pause playback

Press 

 

. To return to 

playback, press the button 

again.

Stop playback

Press 

 

. When you press 

 

 after playback is stopped, 

playback starts from the point 

where you stopped playback 

(Resume Play)*.

Select a folder 

on an MP3/WMA 

disc

Press   + or 

 

.

Select a track/

file

Press 

 or 

 

. You can 

skip tracks/files one by one.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire, do not cover the ventilation 

opening of the appliance with newspapers, 

tablecloths, curtains, etc. Do not expose the 

appliance to naked flame sources (for example, 

lighted candles).
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.
As the main plug is used to disconnect the unit from 

the mains, connect the unit to an easily accessible 

AC outlet. Should you notice an abnormality in the 

unit, disconnect the main plug from the AC outlet 

immediately.

Power Sources

Connect the AC power cord 

, or insert six R14 (size C) batteries (not supplied) into the battery compartment 

.

To a wall outlet

To AC IN

AC power cord (supplied)

Rear

Notes

  When using the radio on batteries and the battery power drops to a certain level, the OPR/BATT indicator 

 dims or power of 

the radio may go off during playback. If this happens, replace all the batteries with new ones. Even after the OPR/BATT indicator 

 becomes dim, you can use the radio function for some time, although you cannot use the CD player. Before you replace the 

batteries, be sure to remove any CD and disconnect any USB devices or optional components from the unit.

  To use the unit on batteries, disconnect the AC power cord from the unit and the wall outlet.

  In standby mode with the AC power cord connected, “STANDBY” appears on the display.

To use the power-management function (European models only)

This unit is equipped with an automatic standby function. With this function, the unit enters standby mode 

automatically after about 15 minutes if there is no operation or audio signal output. 

To turn standby mode on or off, press VOL 

 

 while holding down TUNE + 

. Each time you press the buttons, 

“AUTO STANDBY ON” or “AUTO STANDBY OFF” appears on the display.

Notes

  The displayed content starts flashing on the display about 2 minutes before entering standby mode.

  The automatic standby function is not available with the FM function.

  In the DAB function, if “NOSIGNAL” or “OFF-AIR” remains displayed for 15 minutes, the unit enters standby mode automatically.

Listening to music on a USB device

You can listen to audio files stored on a USB device 

(a digital music player or USB storage media).

Audio files in MP3, WMA and AAC formats* can be 

played on this unit.

*  Files with copyright protection (Digital Rights 

Management) cannot be played on this unit.

Compatible USB devices

Compatibility requirements for the USB devices are 

as follows. Before using a device with this unit, 

check that it meets the requirements.

  Compliance with USB 2.0 (Full Speed)

  Supports Mass Storage mode*

*  Mass Storage mode is a mode that allows a USB device to 

become accessible to a host device, enabling file 

transfers. Most USB devices support Mass Storage mode.

Connect the USB device to the 

 (USB) port 

.

Press USB 

 to turn on the USB function.

The volume label is displayed once, then the total 

number of folders appears on the display.

Total number of folders

Press 

 

 to start playback.

The folder name and song title are displayed, and 

then the file number and playing time appear.

File number

Playing time*

*  If the playing time is longer than 100 minutes, “--:--” 

appears on the display.

Other operations

To

Do this

Pause playback

Press 

 

. To return to 

playback, press the button 

again*

1

.

Stop playback

Press 

 

. When you press 

 

 after playback is stopped, 

playback starts from the point 

where you stopped playback 

(Resume Play)*

2

.

Select a folder

Press   + or 

 

.

Select a file

Press 

 or 

 

. You can 

skip files one by one.

To skip files continuously, hold 

down 

 or 

 

 and 

release the button at the desired 

file.

Find a point in a 

file  

(fast forward/

rewind)

Hold down 

 or 

 

 

during playback, and release the 

button at the desired point. 

When locating a point while 

paused, press 

 

 to start 

playback after the desired point 

is found.

*

1

  When playing a VBR MP3/WMA/AAC file, playback may 

restart from a different point.

*

2

 In program play mode, playback starts from the first 

programmed file.

Note

When removing a USB device, hold down 

 

 until 

“NO DEV” appears, and then turn off the unit or switch to 

other functions beforehand. Removing the USB device 

without performing these steps may corrupt the data on the 

USB device or damage the device itself.

Example of folder structure and playing order

The playing order of the folders and files is as 

follows. However, the playing order may differ from 

the original order on the USB device, depending on 

the recording method used.

Folder

USB device

MP3/WMA/AAC file

Notes on the USB device

  It may take a long time before playback starts when:

 the folder structure is complex.

 the USB device is close to capacity.

  When a USB device is connected, the unit reads all the 

files on the device. If there are many folders or files on the 

device, it may take a long time for the unit to finish 

reading them.

  Do not connect a USB device to the unit through a USB 

hub.

  With some connected USB devices, after an operation is 

performed, there may be a delay before it is performed by 

this unit.

  This unit may not support all the functions provided with 

a connected USB device.

  Do not save non-MP3/WMA/AAC files or unnecessary 

folders to a USB device that contains MP3/WMA/AAC files.

  During playback, audio files other than MP3, WMA and 

AAC files are skipped even if those files are included in a 

folder.

  The audio formats supported by this unit are as follows:

 MP3: file extension “.mp3”

 WMA: file extension “.wma”

 AAC: file extension “.m4a,” “.3gp” and “.mp4”

  Note that even if the file name has the correct file 

extension but the actual file was created in a different 

audio format, this unit may produce noise or may 

malfunction.

  MP3 PRO format is not supported.

  WMA files encoded in WMA DRM, WMA Lossless and 

WMA PRO formats cannot be played back.

  AAC files encoded in copyright-protected AAC format 

cannot be played back.

  This unit supports the AAC-LC (AAC Low Complexity) 

profile.

  This unit cannot play audio files on a USB device in the 

following cases:

 When the total number of audio files in a single folder 

exceeds 999.

 When the total number of audio files on a single USB 

device exceeds 5,000.

 When the total number of folders on a single USB 

device exceeds 256 (including the “ROOT” folder).

 When the directory level (folder depths) exceeds 8 

(including the “ROOT” folder).

  These numbers may vary depending on the file and folder 

structure.

  Compatibility with all encoding/writing software is not 

guaranteed. If audio files on the USB device were 

originally encoded with incompatible software, those files 

may produce noise or interrupted sound, or may not be 

played back at all.

  Folder names can be displayed with up to 32 characters, 

including quotation marks.

  File names can be displayed with up to 32 characters, 

including quotation marks and file extensions.

  Characters and symbols that cannot be displayed by the 

unit will appear as “_”.

  This unit conforms to version 1.0, 1.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 of the 

ID3 tag format for MP3 files, the WMA tag format defined 

by the ASF specification (Advanced Systems Format) for 

WMA files, and the AAC tag format for AAC files. 

When a file has the ID3, WMA or AAC tag information, the 

song title, artist name, and album name will be displayed. 

If a file does not have the tag information, the unit 

displays as follows:

 

File name instead of the song title.

 

“NO ARTIST” message instead of the artist name.

 

“NO ALBUM” message instead of the album name.

  ID3, WMA and AAC tag information can be displayed up to 

64 characters.

Listening to the radio

Press DAB/FM 

 repeatedly to turn on the 

radio function and select the “DAB” or “FM” 
band.

Reception of DAB/DAB+ radio station

When you press DAB/FM 

 for the first time 

after you purchase the unit, DAB auto tune 

starts automatically and creates a list of 

available services. During DAB auto tune, the 

progress indicator flashes on the display. Do 

not press any buttons during DAB auto tune. 

Scanning will be interrupted and the service 

list may not be created properly.

Perform tuning.

For tuning to a DAB/DAB+ station

Press TUNE + or 

 

 repeatedly to tune to the 

desired station.
“SC” flashes on the display when the selected 

primary station has a secondary service. Press 

TUNE + or 

 

 to tune to the secondary service. 

“SC” lights up when a secondary service is 

received.

For tuning to an FM station

Hold down TUNE + or 

 

 until the frequency 

digits begin to change on the display.
The unit automatically scans the radio 

frequencies and stops when it finds a clear 

station.
If you cannot tune to a station using automatic 

tuning mode, press TUNE + or 

 

 repeatedly to 

change the frequency step by step.
When an FM stereo broadcast is received, “ST” 

lights up on the display.

Note

The unit of frequency of tuned stations is MHz.

Notes on DAB/DAB+ stations

  When tuning to a DAB/DAB+ station, it may take a few 

seconds before you hear any sound.

  Primary service is automatically received when secondary 

service ends.

  This tuner does not support data services.

To make low sounds clear for DAB/DAB+ 

reception

The DRC (Dynamic range control) function makes 

low sounds clear even when you turn the volume 

down.

Check that the DAB/DAB+ station you are listening 

to conforms to DRC.

Hold down PLAY/FM MODE 

 until “DRC x” 

appears on the display.

Press TUNE + or 

 

 to select “2,” “1” (default 

setting) or “0.5.”

To turn off the DRC function, select “0.”

Press ENTER 

.

To run the DAB auto tune manually

If you have moved to another area, perform the DAB 

auto tune manually and re-register the contents of 

broadcasts.
Hold down DAB/FM 

 until “INITIAL” and “SCAN?” 

appear alternately on the display, and then press 

ENTER 

.

Scanning begins. Depending on the DAB/DAB+ 

services available in your area, scanning may take a 

few minutes.

When scanning is complete, a list of available 

services is created.

Notes

  If your country or region does not support DAB/DAB+ 

broadcasts, “NOSIGNAL” appears on the display.

  The currently stored list of available services will be 

cleared once the DAB auto tune process has started.

To improve radio reception

Use the radio in a place where 

radio signals can be easily 

received such as near a window. 

Also, adjust the antenna for good 

reception.

Adjust the antenna to 

improve FM reception. If the 

stereo FM reception is noisy, 

press FM MODE 

 repeatedly 

until “MONO” appears on the 

display. You will lose the 

stereo effect, but the 

reception will be improved.

If the reception problem still persists, try changing 

the installation location.

Avoid places such as the following:

Between buildings

Nearby mobile 

phones, electrical 

appliances

On steel desks 

or tables

Presetting stations to FAVORITE 
RADIO STATIONS

You can preset up to three favorite stations to 

FAVORITE RADIO STATIONS (1-3) buttons. Assign one 

DAB or FM program for each button.

Press DAB/FM 

 repeatedly to turn on the 

radio function and select the band “DAB” or 
“FM.”

Tune to the station you want to preset.

Press and hold the desired FAVORITE RADIO 
STATIONS (–SET) (1-3) button 

 until you hear 

a beep.

The tuned station is preset to the selected button 
of FAVORITE RADIO STATIONS (1-3) and the same 
number as that of the button will light up on the 
display.

(Example: Presetting FM 87.50 MHz to number 

)

To change the preset station

Repeat steps 1 to 3.

The preset station on the button will be replaced by 

the new one.

Listening to preset stations with 
FAVORITE RADIO STATIONS

Press the desired FAVORITE RADIO STATIONS (1-3) 

button 

.

Note

To prevent the preset from being changed by mistake, do 

not hold down the button. If doing so, the preset on the 

button will be replaced by the currently tuned station.

For customers in Europe

Notice for customers: the following 
information is only applicable to 
equipment sold in countries applying EU 
directives

This product has been manufactured by or on behalf 

of Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 

108-0075 Japan. Inquiries related to product 

compliance based on European Union legislation 

shall be addressed to the authorized representative, 

Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 

70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or 

guarantee matters, please refer to the addresses 

provided in the separate service or guarantee 

documents.

Disposal of waste batteries and electrical 
and electronic equipment (applicable in 
the European Union and other European 
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 symbols for mercury (Hg) or lead (Pb) 

are added if the battery contains more than 

0.0005% mercury or 0.004% lead. By ensuring these 

products and batteries are disposed of correctly, you 

will help prevent potentially negative consequences 

for the environment and human health which could 

otherwise 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 applicable 

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 

applicable 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.

Personal Audio System is designed to be used 

for playing back music sources on CDs or USB 

devices and listening to radio stations.

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