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Ayre AX-5 Owner’s Manual Integrated Amplifier
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Ayre AX-5 Owner’s Manual

Jul 23, 2022

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Page 1: Ayre AX-5 Owner’s Manual

Ayre AX-5

Owner’s Manual

Integrated Amplifier

Page 2: Ayre AX-5 Owner’s Manual
Page 3: Ayre AX-5 Owner’s Manual

Table of

Contents

Welcome to Ayre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Connections and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Setup and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Controls and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Optimization and Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Numbers and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

In Case of Trouble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Statement of Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

A Place for Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Page 4: Ayre AX-5 Owner’s Manual

Welcome to

Ayre

To our North Americancustomers, please be sure to

mail your warrantyregistration card and

photocopy of your originalsales receipt within 30 days

in order to extend thewarranty to five years.

Your Ayre AX-5 offers a significant advance in themusical performance of high-fidelity equipment.The warmth and immediacy of a live performanceare apparent from the first listening. Thecombination of superb resolution and a natural,relaxed quality will draw you into the music, timeand time again.

This level of performance has been implementedusing the highest level of workmanship andmaterials. You can be assured that the Ayre AX-5will provide you a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

Quick Start

The Ayre AX-5 is extremely flexible and versatile.However, many of the features are primarily ofinterest to the advanced user.

The information required to get started iscontained in the following three chapters of thismanual.

The remaining chapters cover additionalinformation that may be read at your leisure.

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Connections and

Installation

The Ayre AX-5 is easy to use. The followingguidelines will ensure that the installation goessmoothly.

As shipped from the factory, none ofthe inputs are activated. The desiredinputs are activated by assigning themnames as described in the followingchapter, “Setup and Configuration”.

Location

Do not stack the Ayre AX-5directly with other

components, as this mayrestrict the air flow or inducehum into the audio circuitry.

A good location for your integrated amplifier is inan open-backed cabinet or on a shelf. The AX-5produces a moderate amount of heat duringoperation. Be sure to provide at least three inches(75 mm) of air space above the amplifier.

An adequate supply of air flow willavoid overheating the amplifier.

The infrared beam will alsotravel through glass.

The receiver for the remote control is behind thedisplay lens on the front panel. A line of sight fromthe listening position will ensure maximum range.

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Inputs

When you have a choice, abalanced connection will offerslightly higher sound quality

than a single-endedconnection.

The Ayre AX-5 offers four pairs of balanced inputsand two pairs of single-ended inputs. Balancedconnections are made via three-pin XLR connectors,while single-ended connections are made with RCAconnectors.

In this modern era of diverse source components, ithas become impractical to pre-label the inputs withthe actual name of the source. The rear-panel inputsare labeled “1” through “6”.

Make a written note of which source componentsare connected to which numbered input. Theconnected inputs will be named after AC power isapplied to the AX-5 amplifier, as described in thechapter “Setup and Configuration”.

Loudspeaker Outputs

The heavy-duty outputterminals of the Ayre AX-5work best with speaker cables

equipped with spade lugs.

The Ayre AX-5 drives the loudspeakers withbalanced outputs. Since none of the outputterminals are grounded, connecting any of them toground may result in damage to the amplifier.

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Do not connect the loudspeakeroutputs to any speaker switch-box,accessory, or test equipment that has acommon ground connection.

Tape Outputs

The Ayre AX-5 provides tape outputs, allowingconnection of the selected source component to arecording device or headphone amplifier. The tapeoutputs utilize balanced XLR connectors. Should itbe necessary to connect a tape output to asingle-ended component, high-quality adapters areavailable from your Ayre dealer.

Turn the tape outputs off unless they arecurrently being used. This will completelydisconnect the auxiliary components from theAX-5 (including the ground connection),eliminating the possibility of undesired groundloops or other interference.

Unlike the loudspeaker outputs, the tape outputswill not convert the signal from a single-endedsource to a true balanced signal. Instead, the “hot”signal will be present on pin 2 of the XLR and pins1 and 3 will be grounded. This allows a balancedcomponent connected to the tape outputs tointernally perform the single-ended to balancedconversion without the need for adapters.

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AC Power

The AX-5 may be plugged directly into anunswitched wall outlet. Although proprietary RFI(radio-frequency interference) filtering is built intothe amplifier, in some situations an AC power-linefilter (such as those offered by Ayre) may provideadditional sonic benefits.

Break-In

100 to 500 hours of musicplayed through the system will

ensure full break-in.

Due to the manufacturing processes used for thewires, capacitors, and circuit board materials, abreak-in period is necessary for the amplifier toreach its full sonic potential.

Each input uses a different physical path on theinput circuit board. Therefore a separate break-inperiod is required for each input.

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Setup and

Configuration

Due to the large number of available inputs (six) onthe AX-5, activating only the desired inputs allowsfor simpler operation of the unit.

If no inputs are activated, the amplifierwill automatically enter the setup modewhen AC power is applied. Only the activeinputs will be included in the list of availablesource components.

Activating Inputs (Basic Setup Menu)

The desired inputs are activated simply by namingthem. When AC power is first applied to the unit,the front panel will briefly display “AX5” and “FWX”in sequence, where “FWX” indicates “FirmwareRevision X”, where “X” is a letter from “A” to “Z”.

Assuming that none of the inputs have yet beenconfigured, the unit will then automatically enterthe setup mode and the front panel will display“SET UP” briefly. Then it will display “OFF 1”,(meaning input 1 is “off”) to allow the naming(activation) of the inputs.

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Refer to your notes describing which sourcecomponents are connected to which numberedinput.

Use the right-hand knob to scroll to the desirednumbered input (“OFF 1” through “OFF 6”).

When you have reached the desired input number,use the left-hand knob to scroll through the list ofavailable names (shown at the left). Selecting “OFF”disables that input, while selecting any other namefrom the list will activate (enable) that input.

Select a name describing the source connected to thechosen input, and it will automatically be enteredinto memory. The display will show the name hasbeen assigned to the chosen input.

Repeat the process of naming the remaining desiredinputs. When all of the desired inputs have beennamed, press the left-hand button to exit the basicsetup mode. The front panel will briefly display“EX SU” to indicate that the unit is exiting theset up mode. Then the unit will return to thelow-power consumption mode, indicated by thegreen LED in the right-hand switch.

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Re-Entering Basic Setup Mode

To re-enter the basic setup mode to make changes tothe names of inputs, make sure that the amplifier isin the low-power consumption state (right-handpushbutton lit green—please refer to the chapter“Controls and Operation” for additionalinformation). Then press and hold the left-handbutton for three seconds. The front panel will thendisplay “SET UP” briefly, and then“XXX 1” where“XXX” is the name assigned to input 1.

Advanced users may wish to use additionalsophisticated input configuration options, includingthe creation of custom names for sourcecomponents. Please refer to the chapter“Optimization and Customization” for furtherdetails on using the advanced setup mode.

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Controls and

Operation

Included with the Ayre AX-5 is a remote-controlhandset. Illustrations of the controls on theamplifier are shown to the far left, and the buttonson the remote handset are on the near left.

On/Off (1/0)

The main power switch for the AX-5 is a rocker atthe top center of the rear panel. This switchdisconnects the unit completely from the AC power.

When the amplifier is turned “off” none of theauxiliary functions (e.g., the AyreLink systemcommunication and the tape outputs) are operable.After the unit is turned on, it may take perhaps 30minutes or so to fully warm up and sound its best.

Therefore a low-power consumption mode is alsoincluded. This allows the auxiliary functions tooperate and also minimizes the warm-up time bykeeping power applied to the audio circuitry. Toreduce power consumption when not listening tomusic, bias current is removed from the outputstage.

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Page 13: Ayre AX-5 Owner’s Manual

Volume Control

The volume level may be controlled with either theright-hand knob or the remote-control handset,displaying the volume setting on the front panel.There are 46 individual levels, each with a step sizeof 1.5 dB, allowing for precise selection of thedesired volume setting.

If the volume control is advanced beyond thehighest available level, the front panel will brieflydisplay the message “MAX”.

Mute/Low-Power Consumption

The right-hand button on the AX-5 serves twofunctions—mute, and control of the low-powerconsumption mode.

Mute

A short press of the right-hand button (or thededicated button on the remote handset) provides aneasy way to temporarily turn the volume of the

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AX-5 to “zero” while retaining the current volumesetting in memory. Pressing either button a secondtime restores the volume to the previous level.

When the mute function is activated, all fivedecimal points in the display will light up.

Low-Power Consumption Mode

Press and hold the right-hand front-panel button forthree seconds (or a short press of the “1/0” remotebutton) to enter the low-power consumption mode.The audio and display will shut off, yet the tapeoutput and AyreLink functions remain active. Thismode is indicated by illuminating the green LED inthe right-hand button.

While in low-power consumption mode, the tapeoutput is still active and will respond to changes ofthe input selector.

A long press of the “1/0” remote button willplace all AyreLinked components in your systeminto low-power consumption or standby mode.

Input Select

The desired source component may be selected witheither the left-hand knob or the remote controlhandset, and the assigned name is displayed on thefront panel.

Although there are six total inputs on the AyreAX-5, only the activated (named) inputs will belisted among the available sources. This greatlysimplifies operation of the unit.

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Page 15: Ayre AX-5 Owner’s Manual

Tape Outputs/Basic Setup Mode

The left-hand button on the AX-5 activates twofunctions—the tape outputs and the basic inputsetup mode.

Tape Outputs

The tape outputs may be controlled either by theleft-hand button on the front panel, or from theremote handset. Pressing the button activates thetape outputs, and pressing it a second time will turnthem off. When the tape outputs are activated, thered LED in the front-panel switch is illuminated.

Turn the tape outputs off unless they arecurrently being used. This will completelydisconnect the auxiliary components from theAX-5 (including the ground connection),eliminating the possibility of undesired groundloops or other interference.

Basic Setup Mode

While the AX-5 is in low-power consumption mode(green LED illuminated), pressing and holding theleft-hand front-panel button for three seconds willenter the unit into the basic setup (input namingand activation) mode. Additional basic setupinformation is available in the chapter “Setup andConfiguration”, while advanced setup information isavailable in the chapter “Optimization andCustomization”.

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Display Brightness

The brightness of the front-panel display may becontrolled via the remote control. There are threebrightness levels and a “display off” setting. Eachpress of the remote control button scrolls throughthe four available brightness settings.

A small blue light indicates that the display isturned off. When further commands are received,either from the front-panel buttons or the remotecontrol, the normal display will be activated for afew seconds to confirm the command, and then thedisplay will turn off again.

Changing the display brightness of componentslinked via the AyreLink communication systemwill change the display brightness of all linkedcomponents.

Remote Control

The provided remote control handset will operateboth the Ayre AX-5 amplifier as well as an Ayredisc player. A backlight is also provided to alloweasy operation in a darkened listening room.

Batteries

The remote handset uses four AAA batteries. Theseare accessed by removing the two screws that holdthe black end piece. The battery holder will slideout, and the batteries may be replaced.

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Page 17: Ayre AX-5 Owner’s Manual

Disc Player Configuration

As shipped from the factory, the remote controlhandset is configured to operate the Ayre C-5xeMP

disc player. The button with three horizontal linesoperates the “Audio” function that selects betweenvarious soundtracks on a DVD disc. Please refer theC-5xeMP Owner’s Manual for additional details.

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Page 18: Ayre AX-5 Owner’s Manual

The remote handset may also be easily configuredto operate either the Ayre CX-7eMP CD player,C-5xeMP Stereo Universal player, or DX-5Universal A/V Engine, which each use differentcommand sets. Please refer to the chapter“Optimization and Customization” for details.

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Page 19: Ayre AX-5 Owner’s Manual

Optimization and

Customization

In most audio systems, the AX-5 amplifier onlyrequires that the desired inputs be activated bynaming them. Each source component is clearlyidentified and only the connected inputs aredisplayed in the list of available source components.

This is the basic setup mode. In certain installationsit may be desirable to customize additional settingsfor each input by using the advanced setup mode.

Advanced Setup Mode

The advanced setup mode allows the followingsettings to be independently adjusted for eachinput:

• Custom Name - for creating a custom name forsource components• Gain Offset - for level matching of sourcecomponents• Processor Pass-Through - for integration with asurround-sound processor• AyreLink - for automatic input selection oflinked components• Reset - for resetting all of the inputcustomizations to the factory defaults

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To enter the advanced setup mode, make sure thatthe amplifier is in the low-current consumptionstate (green LED illuminated on the right-handbutton). Then press and hold the left-hand buttonfor three seconds. This enters the unit into the basicsetup mode. The display will briefly show“SET UP” and then display “XXX 1” where“XXX” is the name assigned to input 1.

Use the right-hand knob to select which input(1 - 6) you wish to configure with advanced options.Then briefly press the right-hand button to enterthe advanced menu level. The left-hand knob willselect which setting you wish to configure for thatinput:

• CN - Custom Name• GOS - Gain Offset• PP - Processor Pass-Through• AL - AyreLink• RST - Reset

After you have selected the desired choice, press theright-hand button to enter the selection.

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Custom Name

A custom name (up to 3 characters) may be createdas follows:

1) From the advanced set up menu, rotate theleft-hand knob to scroll to the selection “CN”.

2) Press the right-hand button to enter the nextmenu level. The current name will be displayed,with the selected character designated with adecimal point (cursor) after the character. The lefthand knob selects the cursor position.

3) Use the right-hand knob to select the desiredcharacter. The character set includes A - Z, 0 - 9, ahyphen, and a blank. There are two instances of theblank character, one between each group ofcharacters. The two blanks divide the groups ofcharacters and make it easier to locate a blankcharacter when desired.

4) After creating the desired custom name, press theleft-hand button to back up to the previous level inthe setup menu.

Gain Offset

Source components may have varying output levels.In order to maintain a more constant volume levelwhen changing sources, the Ayre AX-5 allows again offset to be applied to each input.

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The gain offset offers an adjustment from +0 dB to+6 dB in 1.5 dB increments. Therefore the sourcecomponents with lower output levels may beboosted to match the source components withhigher output levels.

Once you have selected the “GOS” menu item withthe left-hand knob, simply select the desired offsetlevel with the right-hand knob.

Changing the gain offset from +0 dB will affect themaximum displayed volume level. If the volumecontrol is advanced beyond the highest availablelevel, the front panel will briefly display themessage “Max”.

Processor Pass-Through

When using the Ayre AX-5 in a surround-soundsystem, it is desirable to use the “ProcessorPass-Through” mode. This allows your two-channelsources to be routed directly through the AX-5,avoiding the sonic degradation of most processors,and at the same time allows the front two channelsof the theater system to integrate seamlessly withyour main two-channel playback system.

If you are using a surround-sound processor, connectthe front left and right outputs of the processor toone of the inputs on the AX-5. When configuringthat input, use the left-hand knob to select the “PP”menu item and the right-hand knob to select “On”.Press the left-hand button to return to the advancedsetup menu.

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The chosen input is now programmed for ProcessorPass-Through operation, disabling the nowredundant volume control of the AX-5. When thatinput is selected, the AX-5 is set to the standardpower amplifier gain (26 dB), and the volume iscontrolled directly from the surround-soundprocessor. The volume indicator of the AX-5 willdisplay “PP” to show that the ProcessorPass-Through mode has been selected for that input.

The gain (“PP”) setting of the ProcessorPass-Through mode will result in anexcessively high sound level with anormal source component. Be sure toleave the “PP” setting to “OF” for allother source components to avoidpossible damage to your loudspeakers.

Selecting an input where the “PP” has been set to“On” will cause the stepper motors to rapidlymove the internal rotary switches to the unitygain setting. This results in an audible “whirring”noise and is completely normal. The “whirring”noise will also be heard when reverting to aninput where the “PP” is set to “OF”.

AyreLink

AyreLink provides for true“one-touch” operation of the

entire music system.

As explained in the chapter “Controls andOperation”, turning on a source componentconnected with AyreLink will automatically turn onall of the linked “downstream” components (i.e.,integrated amplifiers and power amplifiers). Inaddition, the appropriate input on the AX-5 willalso be automatically selected.

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However, in certain extremely rare situations, it ispossible that the AyreLink communication systemwill require adjustments to the configurationsettings. To gain an understanding of thesecircumstances, it is necessary to understand how theAyreLink automatically selects the correct input onthe AX-5.

When any AyreLink source component is turned on,it broadcasts that information to the other linkedcomponents. Part of the transmitted information isan alphabetical code that identifies the source of thebroadcast. For example, an AyreLink equipped CDplayer will transmit the code “C”, a DVD player willtransmit the code “D”, a phono amplifier willtransmit the code “P”, a D/A converter will transmitthe code “Q” and so forth.

When the inputs of the AX-5 are activated bynaming them, many of the common names will havean AyreLink alphabetical code automaticallyassociated with it. For example, the input name“CD” is associated with the AyreLink code “C” bydefault. In this way, when an AyreLink-equippedCD player is turned on, the AX-5 will automaticallyselect the input labeled “CD”.

But if a system were to have more than oneAyreLink-equipped CD player (we’re not sure whythat would be the case, but it is certainly within therealm of possibility), the AX-5 would be unable todistinguish which CD player transmitted thecommand, and would therefore be unable toautomatically select the correct input. Similarly, itis possible that the user wishes to create a customname for the CD player input, for example, “IN3”.

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In this case there is no default AyreLink code thatwould select this input.

To address these issues, the setup menu allows eachnamed input to be associated with an AyreLinkidentification code. Once you have selected the “AL”menu item with the left-hand knob, simply selectthe desired identification code (“A” to “Z”, or “_” for“none”) with the right-hand knob.

Do not assign any single identificationcode to more than one input. Improperoperation may result.

The identification code transmitted by anAyreLink source component will be found in theowner’s manual for that unit.

Reset

It is possible to reset all of the setup modeconfiguration items to their factory defaults byusing the reset function. After entering theadvanced setup mode, turn the left-hand knob to“RST” and turn the right-hand knob to “On”. Pressthe right-hand button to activate the "Reset"function. All inputs will revert to “OFF”, all gainoffsets will be restored to zero, all ProcessorPass-Through settings will be restored to “OF”, andall AyreLink codes will default to “_”, for “none”.The unit will then automatically enter the setupmode so that the desired inputs may be activated.

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Overall Gain

The volume control for the AX-5 amplifiercomprises a 69 dB range. For most audio systemsthis will provide more than enough range, allowingfor low-level late-night listening sessions as well asthe ability to totally immerse yourself in yourfavorite music at high volumes.

If you need to change theoverall gain of your system,

please contact your Ayredealer.

However, it is possible that in some systems thatthe overall gain will need to be adjusted upwards ordownwards to provide the desired range of listeninglevels. For example, if the sensitivity of yourloudspeakers is unusually low, it may be necessaryto increase the system gain. Conversely, if you haveextremely sensitive loudspeakers or sourcecomponents with a very high output level, you maywish to decrease the system gain. Either change iseasily accomplished with the Ayre AX-5, as there isa single resistor per channel that sets the overallgain range. This gain resistor is mounted in aterminal block and can be changed without the needfor soldering.

If you are also using a surround-sound processorin your system, changing the overall gain of theamplifier will require adjusting the gain of theremaining channels of your surround-soundprocessor to match.

Remote Control

As shipped from the factory, the supplied remotecontrol handset is configured to also operate an AyreC-5xeMP universal stereo disc player. It may also be

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easily configured to operate an Ayre CX-7eMP CDplayer (or other disc player that utilizes the RC-5remote control protocol), or also an Ayre DX-5Universal A/V Engine.

To change the remote control handset to operate theCX-7eMP, simply press the number button “7” fivetimes in succession. (Please note that the “Audio”button used to select soundtracks on DVD discs willhave no function in this configuration.) Press thenumber button “8” five times in succession tochange the remote handset to operate the DX-5. Toreturn the remote handset to operate the C-5xeMP

again, press the number button “5” five times insuccession.

To ascertain the current configuration of theremote control handset, press the number button“0” five times in succession. The backlightillumination will flash five times to indicate that it isconfigured to operate the C-5xeMP, seven timesto indicate that it is configured to operate theCX-7eMP, or eight times to indicate that it isconfigured to operate the DX-5.

Trigger Control

A trigger control allows one component to controlthe low-power consumption or the “Standby” stateof another component. If there are no AyreLinksource components available to control the operationof the AX-5 amplifier, it may be convenient to usethe trigger control from a source component.

The trigger signal from a source component willdirectly control the AX-5 amplifier. The AX-5 can

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then in turn control amplifiers linked by theAyreLink communications system. Connect theAyreLink ports of your components in a daisy-chainfashion as described in the chapter “Connections andInstallation” with the AX-5 at one end of the chain.The unused AyreLink port on the amplifier is thenused as a trigger input.

Rear view of AX-5 amplifier. An adapter cable must be fabricated to connect thetrigger output of the control component to theAyreLink port of the AX-5 amplifier. The easiestway to do this is to remove the modular (RJ-11)connector from one end of a two-line telephone linecord. (This is the type of cord that connects thetelephone set to the wall. A two-line cord will havefour gold contacts on each connector.) Then attachthe connector appropriate for the component withthe trigger output. Please refer to the owner’smanual of that source component for details.

The trigger voltage should be between+5 and +12 volts DC for properoperation. The current draw of thetrigger input on the AyreLink port isless than 5 mA.

There are two signaling methods that may be used;level and pulse. The AX-5 automatically senseswhich type of trigger signal is being sent andresponds accordingly.

A positive-going pulse of greater than 250 msec istreated as a level-sensitive trigger. Shorter pulsesare treated as a pulse-sensitive trigger. Theminimum detectable pulse length is 200 µsec.

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During level-sensitive operation, applying a voltageto the trigger input will set the amplifier to the“Operate” mode. When the applied voltage drops tozero, the unit reverts to the low-power consumptionmode.

In the pulse-sensitive mode, a positive-going pulsewill toggle the amplifier between the low-powerconsumption and “Operate” states, duplicating theaction of the right-hand front-panel button when itis held for three seconds.

The front-panel button remains operative whenthe trigger input is used. Therefore, using thefront-panel button will put the amplifier out of“sync” with the trigger control device. Whenused with level-sensitive trigger operation, thenext trigger action will automatically restore“sync”. However when using pulse-sensitivetrigger operation, “sync” can only be restored bypressing the front-panel button a second time.

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Numbers and

Specifications

Power Output 125 watts per channel continuous into 8 ohms250 watts per channel continuous into 4 ohms

Maximum Input Level 8 V rms – unbalanced inputs16 V rms – balanced inputs

Input Impedance 1 MΩ – unbalanced inputs2 MΩ – balanced inputs (1 MΩ per phase)

XLR Input Polarity Pin 1 = GroundPin 2 = Non-inverting (Positive)Pin 3 = Inverting (Negative)

Gain 32 dB (maximum, at volume level of “46”)

Frequency Response DC - 250 kHz

Power Consumption 48 watts in low-current consumption mode230 watts in operating mode, no signal

Dimensions 17-¼" W x 18-¾" D x 4-¾" H44 cm x 48 cm x 12 cm

Weight 46 pounds21 kg

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In Case of

Trouble

The Ayre AX-5 provides comprehensive protectionfor both your amplifier and loudspeakers, includingfaults that may occur in your source components.

Overheating

If the unit is operated at high playback levels withinsufficient ventilation, the internal temperaturemay become too high, triggering the thermalprotection circuitry. In this case the amplifier willmute, the bias current to the output stage will beremoved, the warning LED in the display will glowred, and the front-panel mute/low-powerconsumption button will be inoperative.

The input selector characters will change to read“HOT” as long as the internal temperatureremains too high.

If overheating occurs, be sureto correct the cause before

continuing to use theamplifier.

Once the unit has cooled, the red warning LED willturn off, the green LED will light to return to thelow-power consumption mode, but the “HOT”message will remain so that the error is known. Torestore the unit to the normal operation mode,simply press the right-hand front-panel button.

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Rail Fuses

Four internal power supply fuses protect both theloudspeakers from excessive current and theamplifier from short-circuits. If any of these fusesblows, the amplifier will not operate and thewarning LED in the display will glow red.

The input selector characters will change to read“FUS” when one of the internal fuses blows.

The amplifier must be completely disconnectedfrom the AC power to replace the fuses.

Do not remove the amplifier cover.Hazardous voltages may exist insidethe unit. Please refer fuse replacementto a qualified service technician.

AC Line Voltage

If the AC line voltage drops below 85% of normal(brown-out), the warning LED in the display willglow red and the unit will not operate.

The input selector characters will change to “AC”when the AC line voltage is too low.

When the AC line voltage returns to normal, thered warning LED will go out, the unit will revert tothe green low-operating current mode, but the“HOT” message will remain so that cause of theerror is known. Press the right-hand front-panelbutton to return the unit to the operate mode.

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DC Offset

The Ayre AX-5 incorporates a circuit to detect thepresence of DC at the output terminals which couldbe harmful to the loudspeaker. In this situation, thewarning LED in the display will glow red, the inputwill be muted, the bias will be removed from theoutput stage, and the amplifier will not operate.

The input selector characters will change to read“DC” when excessive DC offset is present.

If the DC offset was coming from a faulty sourcecomponent, when the amplifier input mutes the redwarning LED will go out, the green LED will lightas the unit reverts to the low-operating currentmode, but the “DC” message will remain so thatcause of the error is known.

Disconnect the source component that caused theerror from your system. Then press the right-handfront-panel button to return the unit to the normaloperate mode and select a different sourcecomponent. If the system operates properly in thiscase, take the faulty source component to anauthorized dealer or service center.

If there are any unusual noises comingfrom the loudspeaker, turn therear-panel AC power switch to “Off/0”immediately. Please return the unit toyour authorized dealer or servicecenter.

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Statement of

Warranty

North American Warranty

Your Ayre AX-5 integrated amplifier is warrantedagainst defects in materials and workmanship for aperiod of ninety days from the date of originalpurchase. This ninety-day coverage is automaticupon acceptance of delivery and no registration isrequired.

Additionally you have the option, at no cost, toextend the warranty for a period of five years fromthe date of purchase by returning the completedWarranty Registration Card and a photocopy ofyour original purchase receipt in the enclosedpostage-paid envelope to Ayre within thirty days ofproduct delivery. This optional warranty is onlyavailable within the thirty-day registration period.

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North American Warranty Statement

1. If any defects are found in the materials orworkmanship of this Ayre product within thewarranty period, the unit will be repaired orreplaced by Ayre Acoustics, Inc. (Ayre) or itsauthorized agent.

2. Purchaser must return the product, packed in theoriginal shipping carton, freight prepaid to:

Ayre Acoustics, Inc.2300-B Central AvenueBoulder, Colorado 80301

or to Ayre’s authorized agent. The product must beaccompanied by a written description of the defectand a photocopy of your original purchase receipt.Ayre will not be responsible for any shippingdamage and strongly recommends the purchase ofshipping insurance.

3. Ayre reserves the right to inspect any productthat is the subject of any warranty claim prior torepairing or replacing it. Final determination ofwarranty coverage lies solely with Ayre.

Out-of-warranty claims will be billed for labor,materials, return freight, and insurance as required.Any product for which a warranty claim is acceptedwill be returned to the purchaser and the cost ofshipping and insurance will be factory prepaidwithin the boundaries of the USA. Units to beshipped outside of the USA will be shipped freightcollect only.

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4. Ayre strives to manufacture the finest possibleequipment, and therefore reserves the right to makeimprovements on its products, without necessarilyassuming any obligation to retrofit such changesupon its previously manufactured models.

5. The above warranty is the sole warranty given byAyre, and is in lieu of all other warranties. Allimplied warranties, including warranties ofmerchantability or fitness for any particular purposeshall be strictly limited to the duration of the abovewarranty. Ayre shall have no further obligation ofany kind, whether express or implied. Further, Ayreshall in no event be obligated for any incidental orconsequential damages as a result of any defect orany warranty claim, whether express or implied.

6. Ayre does not authorize any third party,including any dealer or sales representative, toassume any liability of Ayre or make any warrantyfor Ayre. The unit must not have been altered orimproperly serviced. The serial number on the unitmust not have been altered or removed.

7. The remaining period of this warranty is onlytransferable to subsequent purchasers if the productis resold by an authorized Ayre dealer.

International Warranty

Warranty terms outside of North America mayvary. Please contact the authorized Ayre distributorin your country of purchase for the terms ofwarranty and also the service itself.

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A Place for

Notes

Serial Number:

Purchase Date:

Dealer:

Salesperson:

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

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Ayre Acoustics, Inc.2300-B Central Avenue

Boulder, Colorado 80301

www.ayre.com+1-303-442-7300