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Ayre KX-5 Owner’s Manual Variable-Gain Line Stage Preamplifier

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  • Ayre KX-5

    Owner’s Manual

    Variable-Gain Line Stage Preamplifier

  • 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

  • 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 KX-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 KX-5will provide you a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

    Quick Start

    The Ayre KX-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.

    2

  • Connections and

    Installation

    The Ayre KX-5 is easy to set up and use. Thefollowing guidelines will ensure that the installationgoes smoothly.

    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

    A good location for your preamplifier is in anopen-backed cabinet or on a shelf. The KX-5produces very little heat. However be sure not toblock the airflow of other components.

    The infrared beam will alsotravel through glass.

    The receiver for the remote control is behind thedisplay lens on the front panel. A direct line of sightfrom the listening position will ensure maximumrange.

    3

  • Inputs

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

    than a single-endedconnection.

    The Ayre KX-5 offers four pairs of balanced inputsand two pairs of single-ended inputs. Balancedconnections are made via three-pin XLR connectors,and single-ended connections use RCA connectors.

    In this era of diverse source components, it is notpossible to pre-label the inputs with the name of thesource. The inputs are 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 KX-5 amplifier, as described in thechapter “Setup and Configuration”.

    Main Outputs

    Both pairs of balanced mainoutputs are wired in paralleland provide identical sound

    quality.

    The KX-5 connects to your power amplifier via themain outputs. Two pairs of XLR outputs provideeasy connection for passive-biamping or with apowered line-level input subwoofer. A pair of RCAoutputs are also provided for legacy equipment.

    4

  • Tape Outputs

    The Ayre KX-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 theKX-5 (including the ground connection),eliminating the possibility of undesired groundloops or other interference.

    Unlike the main outputs, the tape outputs will notconvert the signal from a single-ended source to atrue balanced signal. Instead, the “hot” signal willbe present on pin 2 of the XLR and pins 1 and 3will be grounded. This allows a balanced componentconnected to the tape outputs to internally performthe single-ended to balanced conversion without theneed for adapters.

    AC Power

    The KX-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.

    5

  • AyreLink Ports

    The AyreLink communication system provides aconvenient way to control your audio system. Thereare two AyreLink ports on the rear panel of theKX-5. Each port has four contacts and contains bothan input and an output. Both ports functionidentically and may be used interchangeably.

    AyreLink connections are made with commonlyavailable two-line telephone line cords usingmodular (RJ-11) connectors. (These are the cordsthat connect the telephone set to the wall in manycountries.) They are readily available in differentlengths and various colors at most electronics stores.

    Be sure to use two-line telephonecords to make AyreLink connections.These can be identified by the fourgold contacts on each connector.Single-line cords with only two goldcontacts will not function in thisapplication.

    The linked components may bejoined in any convenient

    order.

    The linked components should be connected indaisy-chain fashion, connecting each component toanother until all of the linked components havebeen connected.

    When connecting the linkedcomponents to form a chain, be carefulnot to connect the two ends of thechain. Closing the chain to form a loopwill cause the AyreLink system not tofunction.

    6

  • Setup and

    Configuration

    Due to the large number of available inputs (six) onthe KX-5, activating only the connected inputsallows for greater ease of operation of your system.

    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 “KX5” 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.

    7

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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 thesystem-sleep mode, indicated by the green LED inthe right-hand switch.

    8

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  • Re-Entering Basic Setup Mode

    You may re-enter the basic setup mode to makechanges to the names of inputs. Make sure that theamplifier is in the system-sleep 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.

    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.

    9

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  • Controls and

    Operation

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

    Off/On (0/1)

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

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

    Therefore a system-sleep mode is also included. Thisallows the auxiliary functions to operate and alsominimizes the warm-up time by keeping powerapplied to the audio circuitry. To reduce powerconsumption when not listening to music, biascurrent is reduced in the output stage of poweramps connected via the AyreLink system.

    10

  • 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, most with a step sizeof 1.5 dB, allowing for precise selection of thedesired volume setting. The lowest 12 positionshave gradually increasing step sizes so that the gaincan be controlled over a very wide range.

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

    Mute/System-Sleep

    The right-hand button on the KX-5 serves twofunctions—mute, and control of the system-sleepfunction.

    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

    11

  • KX-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.

    System-Sleep Mode

    Press and hold the right-hand front-panel button forthree seconds (or a short press of the “1/0” remotebutton) to enter the system-sleep mode. Allconnected AyreLink-equipped components willenter a low power consumption state, yet theAyreLink functions remain active, as do both thetape and main outputs. This mode is indicated byilluminating the green LED in the right-handbutton.

    While in system-sleep mode, the tape output isstill active and will respond to changes of the inputselector. This allows the tape output connectorsto be connected to a headphone amplifier orrecording device.

    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.

    12

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

    Tape Outputs/Basic Setup Mode

    The left-hand button on the KX-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 theKX-5 (including the ground connection),eliminating the possibility of undesired groundloops or other interference.

    Basic Setup Mode

    While the KX-5 is in system-sleep mode (greenLED 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 and

    13

  • Configuration”, while advanced setup information isavailable in the chapter “Optimization andCustomization”.

    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 KX-5 preamplifier as well as an Ayredisc player. A backlight is also provided to alloweasy operation in a darkened listening room.

    14

  • 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.

    15

  • 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.

    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.

    16

  • Optimization and

    Customization

    In most audio systems, the KX-5 preamplifier 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

    17

  • To enter the advanced setup mode, make sure thatthe amplifier is in the system-sleep state (green LEDilluminated on the right-hand button). Then pressand hold the left-hand button for three seconds.This enters the unit into the basic setup mode. Thedisplay will briefly show “SET UP” and thendisplay “XXX 1” where “XXX” is the nameassigned 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.

    18

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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 KX-5 allows again offset to be applied to each input.

    19

  • 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 KX-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 KX-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 KX-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.

    20

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  • The chosen input is now programmed for ProcessorPass-Through operation, disabling the nowredundant volume control of the KX-5. When thatinput is selected, the KX-5 is set to unity gain (0dB), and the volume is controlled directly from thesurround-sound processor. The volume indicator ofthe KX-5 will display “PP” to show that theProcessor Pass-Through mode has been selected forthat 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.,preamplifiers and power amplifiers). In addition, theappropriate input on the KX-5 will also beautomatically selected.

    21

  • 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 KX-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 KX-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 KX-5 willautomatically select 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 KX-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”.

    22

  • 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.

    23

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  • Overall Gain

    The volume control for the KX-5 amplifiercomprises a 66 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 KX-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

    24

  • 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 system-sleep mode of the KX-5 or the“Standby” state of another component. If there areno AyreLink source components available to controlthe operation of the KX-5 amplifier, it may beconvenient to use the trigger control from a sourcecomponent.

    25

  • The trigger signal from a source component willdirectly control the KX-5 amplifier. The KX-5 canthen 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 KX-5 at one end of the chain.The unused AyreLink port on the amplifier is thenused as a trigger input.

    Rear view of KX-5 amplifier. An adapter cable must be fabricated to connect thetrigger output of the control component to theAyreLink port of the KX-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 KX-5 automatically senseswhich type of trigger signal is being sent andresponds accordingly.

    26

  • 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.

    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 system-sleep mode.

    In the pulse-sensitive mode, a positive-going pulsewill toggle the amplifier between the system-sleepconsumption 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.

    27

  • Numbers and

    Specifications

    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 Variable to match the required output level of thesystem without the need for attenuation.

    Frequency Response DC - 250 kHz

    Power Consumption 40 watts in operating mode60 watts in operating mode, volume control active

    Dimensions 17-¼" W x 13-¼" D x 3-¾" H44 cm x 34 cm x 10 cm

    Weight 23 pounds10.5 kg

    28

  • In Case of

    Trouble

    The Ayre KX-5 will display error messages fromconnected AyreLink equipped power amplifiers,simplifiying the task of system troubleshooting.

    Overheating

    If a power amplifier is operated at high playbacklevels with insufficient ventilation, the internaltemperature may become too high, triggering thethermal protection circuitry.

    The input selector characters will change to read“HOT” if an AyreLink equipped power amp isconnected and its temperature becomes too high.

    If overheating occurs, be sureto correct the cause before

    continuing to use theamplifier.

    Once the unit has cooled, the amplifier may returnto normal mode, but the “HOT” message willremain visible on the KX-5 so that the source of theerror is known. To restore the preamplfier to thenormal operation mode, simply press the right-handfront-panel button.

    29

  • Rail Fuses

    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.

    The input selector characters will change to read“FUS” when one of the internal fuses of aconnected AyreLink equipped power amplifierblows.

    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, but the “AC” messagewill remain so that cause of the error is known. Pressthe right-hand front-panel button to return thepreamplifier to the operate mode.

    30

  • DC Offset

    AyreLink equipped power amplifiers incorporate acircuit to detect the presence of DC at the outputterminals which could be harmful to theloudspeaker.

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

    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 KX-5 preamplifier is warranted againstdefects in materials and workmanship for a period ofninety days from the date of original purchase. Thisninety-day coverage is automatic upon acceptance ofdelivery and no registration is required.

    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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  • 36 Rev. 1.1

  • Ayre Acoustics, Inc.2300-B Central Avenue

    Boulder, Colorado 80301

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