Marantz 5220 Cassette Deck Manual

The Marantz 5220 is a high-quality stereo cassette deck featuring 3-head design, Dolby B/C noise reduction, bias and EQ calibration, metal tape capability, peak level meters, auto-reverse playback, manual recording level controls, and professional-grade transport mechanisms. 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 to Audio System 7. Recording and Playback 8. Maintenance Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 3-head design, Dolby noise reduction, bias calibration, peak level meters, auto-reverse mechanism, manual recording controls.

Feature	Description
3-Head Design	Separate record and playback heads for superior sound quality
Dolby B/C NR	Professional noise reduction systems
Bias Calibration	Adjustable bias for optimal tape performance
Peak Level Meters	LED meters for accurate level monitoring
Auto Reverse	Automatic side switching for continuous playback
Metal Tape Capability	Supports Type I, II, and IV tape formulations
Manual Recording Level	Precise control over recording levels
EQ Selection	120μs and 70μs equalization settings
Timer Operation	Compatible with external timer units
Headphone Output	For private monitoring

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface.

Connect to amplifier: Use RCA cables to connect OUTPUT to amplifier TAPE IN.
Connect for recording: Connect INPUT from amplifier TAPE OUT or source component.
Connect power: Plug into AC power outlet.
Connect headphones: Use front panel headphone jack for monitoring.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block ventilation openings. Keep away from heat sources.

First-Time Setup

Power on deck; perform initial calibration.

Select tape type: Set TAPE SELECTOR to match cassette type (Normal, CrO₂, Metal).
Set Dolby NR: Choose Dolby B, C, or OFF according to source material.
Calibrate bias: Use calibration tape and bias control for optimal frequency response.
Set recording levels: Adjust input levels using peak meters as reference.

CAUTION! Handle cassettes carefully; avoid touching tape surfaces.

Specifications

Heads: 3-head design (erase, record, playback)
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±3dB) with metal tape
Signal-to-Noise: 72dB with Dolby C
Wow & Flutter: 0.04% (WRMS)
Inputs: Line IN (RCA), Mic IN (front)
Outputs: Line OUT (RCA), Headphone (front)
Tape Compatibility: Type I, II, IV
Dolby Systems: B and C noise reduction
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz
Dimensions: 17.3" W × 5.1" H × 12.6" D

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, EJECT, PLAY, STOP, RECORD, PAUSE, FF, REW, DOLBY NR, TAPE SELECT, METER SELECT, BIAS control, REC LEVEL controls.

Rear Panel: LINE IN/OUT, AC power cord.

Recording: Manual level controls, bias adjustment, Dolby NR selection. Playback: Auto-reverse, tape type detection, headphone monitoring. Calibration: Bias fine-tuning, meter calibration, input sensitivity.

Connecting to Audio System

LINE IN/OUT: Standard RCA connections to amplifier.

Turn off all components before connecting.
Connect LINE OUT to amplifier TAPE IN jacks.
Connect LINE IN from amplifier TAPE OUT or source component.
Ensure proper cable routing to avoid interference.

Tip: Use high-quality shielded cables for best audio performance.

Recording and Playback

Supports standard and metal cassettes with auto-reverse capability.

Insert cassette: Press EJECT, load cassette label side out.
Recording: Press RECORD + PLAY simultaneously; adjust levels with REC LEVEL controls.
Playback: Press PLAY; use FF/REW for track navigation.
Auto-reverse: Deck automatically reverses at tape end.
Dubbing: Connect source to LINE IN for recording from external sources.
Monitoring: Use headphones or amplifier monitoring during recording.
Pause: Use PAUSE for temporary stops during recording/playback.
Timer recording: Compatible with external timer units.

WARNING! Do not leave cassettes in deck when not in use. Avoid recording over valuable tapes.

Maintenance Features

Auto tape type detection, demagnetization recommendation, head cleaning reminder. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and tape preservation.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs for head cleaning. Clean pinch rollers and capstan regularly.

CAUTION! Use only approved cleaning solutions. Never use abrasive materials on heads.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound during playback	Connections/tape	Check amplifier connections; ensure tape is recorded
Poor recording quality	Bias/Dolby settings	Recalibrate bias; check Dolby settings match source
Tape won't play	Cassette/mechanism	Ensure cassette is properly inserted; check for mechanism obstruction
Auto-reverse not working	Sensor/tape	Clean sensors; ensure tape has clear leader
Uneven recording levels	Level controls/heads	Recalibrate recording levels; clean heads

Service: Contact authorized Marantz service center for professional repair.