Ayre Acoustics Stereo System C 5xe User Manual

Ayre C-5xe  
Owner’s Manual  
Universal Stereo Player  
 
Table of  
Contents  
Welcome to  
Ayre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3  
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4  
Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7  
Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19  
Customization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27  
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31  
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33  
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36  
Overview and  
Connections and  
Controls and  
Navigation of  
Optimization and  
Numbers and  
Statement of  
A Place for  
 
Welcome to  
Ayre  
Please send in your warranty  
registration card so we can  
stay in contact with you.  
Your Ayre C-5xe offers a significant advance in the  
musical performance of high-fidelity equipment.  
The warmth and immediacy of a live performance  
are apparent from the first listening. The  
combination of superb resolution and a natural,  
relaxed quality will draw you into the music, time  
and time again.  
This level of performance has been implemented  
using the highest level of workmanship and  
materials. You can be assured that the Ayre C-5xe  
will provide you a lifetime of musical enjoyment.  
2
 
Overview and  
Introduction  
To provide the highest possible  
level of audio performance,  
there is no video circuitry in  
the C-5xe.  
The Ayre C-5xe is a universal stereo (U2) player. It  
plays all currently available audio disc formats,  
including CD, SACD, DVD-Audio, DVD-Video  
(soundtrack only), and MP3.  
The C-5xe offers both stereo analog and PCM  
digital outputs. Multi-channel discs may also be  
played. In the case of multi-channel SACDs, the  
C-5xe will automatically select the two-channel area  
that is mandatory for SACD. In the case of  
multi-channel tracks that may be present on  
DVD-Audio or DVD-Video discs, the C-5xe will  
automatically downmix to stereo.  
For the foreseeable future CD  
will continue to be the  
dominant format, with a wide  
variety of titles available in  
all musical genres.  
Thanks to its advanced technological features, the  
Ayre C-5xe will extract the full measure of  
performance from all digital audio formats,  
including CD, maximizing your musical enjoyment,  
both now and into the future.  
3
 
Connections and  
Installation  
The Ayre C-5xe universal stereo (U2) player is easy  
to hook up and use. The following guidelines will  
ensure that the installation goes smoothly.  
Location  
The infrared beam of the  
remote control will also travel  
through glass.  
A good location for your U2 player is at an easily  
accessible height in an open-backed cabinet or on a  
shelf. The receiver for the infrared remote control is  
mounted behind the display lens on the front panel.  
A direct line of sight from the listening position  
will ensure the maximum range. However, the  
infrared beam will also reflect off of most wall  
surfaces with a reduced range.  
Analog Outputs  
When you have a choice, a  
balanced connection will offer  
slightly higher sound quality  
than an unbalanced  
The Ayre C-5xe offers both balanced and unbalanced  
outputs. Balanced connections are made via  
three-pin XLR connectors, while unbalanced  
connections are made via RCA connectors. It is not  
normally recommended to use both sets of analog  
outputs simultaneously.  
connection.  
4
 
Digital Output  
An adapter is available from  
Ayre should you need to  
connect the digital output to a  
device with an S/PDIF input  
that uses an RCA connector.  
The Ayre C-5xe features a balanced AES/EBU  
digital audio output on the rear of the unit. This  
output is used when connecting to a digital  
recording unit or other device, such as an external  
digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Additional  
information regarding the digital output may be  
found in the chapter “Optimization and  
Customization”.  
Control Port  
The control port on the rear panel of the C-5xe  
allows the unit to communicate with a system  
controller such as a Crestron or AMX. Additional  
information regarding the control port may be  
found in the chapter “Optimization and  
Customization”.  
AC Power  
Connect the Ayre C-5xe to an unswitched power  
source. The best sound quality is normally achieved  
5
 
when the player is plugged directly into the wall  
outlet, without using any power strips or power line  
conditioners.  
Break-In  
Playing the unit for 100 to  
500 hours will ensure full  
break-in.  
Due to the manufacturing processes used for the  
wires and capacitors, a break-in period is necessary  
for the Ayre C-5xe to reach its full performance  
potential.  
6
 
Controls and  
Operation  
The Ayre C-5xe universal stereo (U2) player may be  
controlled using either the front panel buttons or  
the included remote control. Basic functions are  
available at both locations, while additional  
functions are available only at the remote control.  
Remote Control  
The supplied remote control handset has a housing  
machined from solid aluminum and features lighted  
keys for easy use in a dark environment. It has a  
unique battery saver feature, whereby if a button is  
pressed for longer than normal, the internal  
microprocessor will revert the unit to “sleep” mode.  
This protects the batteries if, for instance, the  
remote control handset becomes wedged in the  
furniture cushions.  
The remote control handset uses 2 x AAA batteries,  
which are pre-installed at the factory. When battery  
replacement is required, remove the four rubber feet  
on the back side by pulling them straight out. Then  
the four retaining screws may be removed using the  
supplied 3/32" allen key.  
7
 
1 – 4x  
Lights when playing a track with 176.4 or 192 kHz sample  
rate.  
2 – 2x  
3 – 1x  
Lights when playing a track with 88.2 or 96 kHz sample rate.  
Lights when playing a track with 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rate.  
Lights when playing an SACD.  
4 – SACD  
5 – DTS  
Lights when playing a DTS soundtrack.  
Lights when playing a Dolby Digital soundtrack.  
Lights when a disc is playing.  
6 – DOLBY DIGITAL  
7 – PLAY  
8 – PAUSE  
Lights when a disc is paused.  
9 – Character Display  
10 – DISPLAY OFF  
11 – REMAIN  
12 – CHP  
Displays disc information.  
Lights when the display is turned off.  
Indicates that the display is showing the time remaining.  
Indicates that the display is showing a DVD-V chapter  
number.  
13 – TRK  
Indicates that the display is showing a CD, SACD, or DVD-A  
track number.  
14 – TITLE  
15 – GRP  
Indicates that the display is showing a DVD-V title number.  
Indicates that the display is showing a DVD-A group number.  
Lights when playing a DVD with video content.  
16 – V-PART  
8
 
Basic Functions  
The following basic functions are accessible via both  
the front panel buttons and the remote control  
handset.  
Standby/Operate  
The “Standby/Operate” button toggles the unit  
between normal operation and standby mode. When  
in standby mode a green status LED in the front  
panel “Standby” button is illuminated. The internal  
circuitry remains powered, ensuring optimal  
performance with a minimum of warm-up time.  
Open/Close  
The “Open/Close” button opens and closes the disc  
tray. An open tray may also be closed by pressing  
gently on the front edge of the tray.  
When the tray is closed, almost all DVD-Video  
discs will automatically begin playing. This is  
because the DVD format allows the disc to send  
commands to the player.  
9
 
Play  
Pressing the “Play” button initiates playback of the  
disc. If the drawer is open, pressing “Play” will also  
close the drawer.  
Pause  
Pressing the “Pause” button will pause the disc  
playback. Playback may be resumed either by  
pressing the “Pause” button again or the “Play”  
button.  
Stop  
Pressing the “Stop” button will stop disc playback.  
However if you are playing a DVD-Video disc, the  
display shows “RESUME” and the position is  
memorized. Press “Play” to start from the  
memorized position, or press “Stop” a second time  
to clear the memorized position.  
The resume position remains memorized as long  
as the disc is in the player, even if you switch the  
power off.  
Previous  
Pressing the “Previous” button will back up to the  
start of the current track (CD, SACD, DVD-A) or  
chapter (DVD-V). Additional presses will move to  
previous tracks or chapters.  
10  
 
The “Previous” button of the remote control  
handset can activate two separate functions,  
depending on how long the button is pressed. A  
quick button press (less than about ¼ second) will  
activate the “Previous” function. A longer button  
press (greater than about ¼ second) will activate  
the “Reverse Scan” function.  
Please note that the behavior of the “Previous”  
function varies depending on the type of disc being  
played. With a CD or SACD, pressing the  
“Previous” button will navigate through the tracks,  
whether the disc is playing or stopped.  
Pressing the “Previous” button while a DVD is  
playing will navigate through the tracks (DVD-A)  
or chapters (DVD-V). However when a DVD is  
stopped, pressing the “Previous” button will instead  
navigate through the available groups (DVD-A) or  
titles (DVD-V). Please refer to the chapter  
“Navigation of Discs” for additional information.  
Next  
Pressing the “Next” button will move to the start of  
the next track (CD, SACD, DVD-A) or chapter  
(DVD-V). Additional presses will move to  
subsequent tracks or chapters.  
The “Next” button of the remote control handset  
can activate two separate functions, depending on  
how long the button is pressed. A quick button  
press (less than about ¼ second) will activate the  
“Next” function. A longer button press (greater  
than about ¼ second) will activate the “Forward  
Scan” function.  
11  
 
Please note that the behavior of the “Next” function  
varies depending on the type of disc being played.  
With a CD or SACD, pressing the “Next” button  
will navigate through the tracks, whether the disc is  
playing or stopped.  
Pressing the “Next” button while a DVD is playing  
will navigate through the tracks (DVD-A) or  
chapters (DVD-V). However when a DVD is  
stopped, pressing the “Next” button will instead  
navigate through the available groups (DVD-A) or  
titles (DVD-V). Please refer to the chapter  
“Navigation of Discs” for additional information.  
Reverse Scan  
The “Reverse Scan” mode scans backward through  
the disc.  
Please note that the behavior of the front panel  
“Reverse Scan” function is slightly different than  
the remote control “Reverse Scan” function.  
Pressing and holding the front panel “Previous”  
button will engage the “Reverse Scan” function. The  
unit will scan backward as long as the button is  
held. When the button is released, the disc will  
resume normal play.  
The “Previous” button of the remote control  
handset can activate two separate functions,  
depending on how long the button is pressed. A  
quick button press (less than about ¼ second) will  
activate the “Previous” function. A longer button  
press (greater than about ¼ second) will activate  
the “Reverse Scan” function.  
12  
 
After activating the “Reverse Scan” function with a  
longer button press of the remote control handset’s  
“Previous” button, the unit will continue scanning  
backward until the “Play” button is pressed. Press  
“Play” when the desired location has been reached.  
Subsequent activations of the remote control  
handset’s “Reverse Scan” function while the unit  
is scanning backward will toggle between the  
normal scan rate and a high-speed scan rate.  
Forward Scan  
The “Forward Scan” mode scans forward through the  
disc.  
Please note that the behavior of the front panel  
“Forward Scan” function is slightly different than  
the remote control “Forward Scan” function.  
Pressing and holding the front panel “Next” button  
will engage the “Forward Scan” function. The unit  
will scan forward as long as the button is held.  
When the button is released, the disc will resume  
normal play.  
The “Next” button of the remote control handset  
can activate two separate functions, depending on  
how long the button is pressed. A quick button  
press (less than about ¼ second) will activate the  
“Next” function. A longer button press (greater  
than about ¼ second) will activate the “Forward  
Scan” function.  
After activating the “Forward Scan” function with a  
longer button press of the remote control handset’s  
“Next” button, the unit will continue scanning  
13  
 
forward until the “Play” button is pressed. Press  
“Play” when the desired location has been reached.  
Subsequent activations of the remote control  
handset’s “Forward Scan” function while the unit  
is scanning forward will toggle between the  
normal scan rate and a high-speed scan rate.  
Additional Functions  
The following functions are available only via the  
remote control handset.  
Number Keys  
The number keys allow quick navigation to the  
desired point on the disc.  
To enter a number greater than “9”, simply press  
the desired number keys in order. For example,  
to enter “23”, first press “2” and then “3”.  
Please note that the behavior of the number keys  
varies depending on the type of disc being played.  
When playing a CD or SACD, pressing the number  
keys for the desired track number will navigate to  
that track, whether the disc is playing or stopped.  
Pressing the number keys while a DVD is playing  
will navigate through the tracks (DVD-A) or  
chapters (DVD-V). However when a DVD is  
stopped, pressing the number keys will instead  
navigate through the available groups (DVD-A) or  
titles (DVD-V). Please refer to the chapter  
“Navigation of Discs” for additional information.  
14  
 
Display Brightness  
The front panel display of the C-5xe has three  
brightness settings, plus an “Off” position.  
The “Display” button of the remote control  
handset can activate two separate functions,  
depending on how long the button is pressed. A  
quick button press (less than about ¼ second) will  
activate the “Display Brightness” function. A  
longer button press (greater than about ¼  
second) will activate the “Display Mode” function.  
Briefly pressing the “Display” button on the remote  
control handset will activate the “Display  
Brightness” function, scrolling through the four  
choices. A blue LED next to the display illuminates  
when the display is turned off.  
When the display is off, pressing any key will  
illuminate the display for a few seconds. If the disc  
is playing when the display is off, pressing “Play”  
will briefly illuminate the display without affecting  
playback.  
Display Mode  
Various information regarding the disc being played  
may be selected for the front panel display by using  
the “Display Mode” function.  
The “Display” button of the remote control  
handset can activate two separate functions,  
depending on how long the button is pressed. A  
quick button press (less than about ¼ second) will  
activate the “Display Brightness” function. A  
longer button press (greater than about ¼  
second) will activate the “Display Mode” function.  
15  
 
The information available for display varies  
according to the type of disc being played.  
Activating the “Display Mode” function with a  
longer button press will scroll through the available  
choices for each type of disc:  
CD and SACD  
DVD-Audio  
DVD-Video  
MP3  
Track number + elapsed track time.  
Track number + remaining track time.  
“DISC” + total remaining time on the disc.  
Group number + track number + elapsed track time.  
Group number + track number + remaining track time.  
“# GRP” + total remaining time in the current group.  
Title number + chapter number + elapsed time in title.  
“# TTL” + total remaining time in the current title.  
Title number + chapter number + remaining chapter time.  
Track number + elapsed time.  
Track name.  
Folder name.  
Repeat  
When playing MP3 discs,  
repeat folder mode is also  
available.  
Pressing the “Repeat” button selects between  
normal play mode, repeat track (chapter for DVD-V  
discs) mode, and repeat disc (group for DVD-A discs  
or title for DVD-V discs) mode.  
The “Repeat” button of the remote control  
handset can activate two separate functions,  
depending on how long the button is pressed. A  
quick button press (less than about ¼ second) will  
activate the “Repeat” function. A longer button  
press (greater than about ¼ second) will activate  
the “Audio” function.  
16  
 
The status of the “Repeat” mode is shown on the  
front panel display when the default display mode is  
selected.  
To exit the “Repeat” mode, either press the  
“Repeat” button to scroll through the modes or  
press the “Stop” button.  
Audio  
The “Audio” function is only  
available on DVD-V discs.  
The “Audio” function allows the selection of the  
various soundtracks available on a DVD-Video disc.  
The “Repeat” button of the remote control  
handset can activate two separate functions,  
depending on how long the button is pressed. A  
quick button press (less than about ¼ second) will  
activate the “Repeat” function. A longer button  
press (greater than about ¼ second) will activate  
the “Audio” function.  
While a DVD-Video disc is playing, a longer press  
of the “Repeat”button will enter the mode whereby  
the soundtrack may be selected. The “GUI” symbol  
will illuminate on the front panel display for five  
seconds, and additional activations of the “Audio”  
function during this period will scroll through the  
available soundtracks. Please refer to the chapter  
“Navigation of Discs” for additional information.  
Random  
The “Random” function is not  
available when playing  
SACDs.  
Pressing the “Random” button will play the tracks  
in random order, except with SACDs. The status of  
the “Random” mode is shown on the front panel  
display.  
17  
 
To exit the “Random” mode, either press the  
“Stop” button or manually select a new track  
with the number keys of the remote control  
handset.  
During random play, the “Previous” and “Next”  
buttons function somewhat differently than normal.  
Pressing “Previous” returns to the beginning of the  
current track (chapter for DVD-V discs). You  
cannot go back further than this. Pressing “Next”  
selects a track (chapter for DVD-V discs) at random  
from those remaining.  
Remote Control Handset Illumination  
The main navigation keys of the remote control  
handset include color-coded LEDs for easier use in a  
darkened room. The LEDs are turned on for three  
seconds by pressing the illumination button, easily  
located by feel in the lower right corner of the  
keypad. Additional key presses (of any key) will  
extend the illumination time for three seconds after  
the key is released.  
18  
 
Navigation of  
Discs  
The Ayre C-5xe universal stereo (U2) player will  
play every currently available audio disc format.  
Each type of music disc has a structure to aid in  
navigation, that is, locating and playing the desired  
music on each disc. While there is an overall  
similarity, each disc format utilizes a different  
navigational structure. Understanding the  
underlying navigational structure of each type of  
discs will allow for greater ease of use.  
CD  
The navigational structure of a CD is so intuitive  
that we often take it for granted. The music on each  
disc is broken up into numbered tracks. For popular  
music each track typically contains one song. For  
classical music each track typically contains either  
one shorter composition or one movement of a  
longer composition. Navigation of a CD is simple  
and straightforward.  
19  
 
SACD  
SACDs use a system of numbered tracks for  
navigation, just as CDs do. In addition, an SACD  
will provide distinct areas when multi-channel  
tracks are present in addition to the normal stereo  
tracks. Each audio format (multi-channel or stereo)  
is contained is its own separate area.  
The Ayre C-5xe will always play the stereo area  
of an SACD, ignoring any multi-channel areas that  
may be present.  
All SACDs may therefore be easily navigated in the  
same way as a standard CD.  
DVD-Audio  
The DVD-Audio format is extremely flexible and  
allows for a wide variety of audio formats, including  
both stereo and multi-channel, each with a  
multiplicity of available sample rates and  
resolutions. This increased flexibility necessarily  
leads to an increased complexity of disc navigation.  
DVD-Audio Disc Structure  
On a DVD-A disc each separate audio format is  
contained in its own group, and each group is  
divided into numbered tracks. For example, a disc  
may have one group with a stereo mix sampled at  
192 kHz with a resolution of 24 bits, while a second  
group may have a multi-channel (surround sound)  
mix sampled at 96 kHz with a resolution of 24 bits.  
20  
 
Typically there are several different groups on a  
DVD-A disc. Normally each group contains the  
same number of tracks each with the same musical  
selections, although presented in various formats.  
There may also be a menu group intended for  
navigation when using a video display. These menu  
groups are of little use with the Ayre C-5xe, as it  
does not include any video circuitry.  
In an additional level of complexity, the groups are  
contained in a title set. Only DVD-Audio players can  
access the audio title set, but nearly all DVD-Audio  
discs also contain a video title set for backwards  
compatibility with DVD-Video players. The Ayre  
C-5xe will only access the audio title set, ignoring  
any content in the video title set.  
DVD-Audio Navigation  
Pressing “Play” while the  
DVD-A disc is stopped will  
automatically begin play at  
track 1 of group 1.  
Many DVD-A discs were designed to be played  
while using a video display for navigation of the  
on-screen menu. Nonetheless, advanced features  
built into the Ayre C-5xe allow for easy navigation  
of DVD-A discs, without the use of a video display.  
The C-5xe will play all formats found on DVD-A  
discs, including PCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS.  
Multi-channel tracks will automatically be  
downmixed to stereo. Therefore, all groups will play  
properly.  
The key to navigating DVD-A discs is to recognize  
that only one group on each disc has the highest  
possible sound quality. Once that particular group  
has been determined for each disc, it is simple to  
navigate to that group.  
21  
 
When playing a DVD-A disc for the first time, you  
will want to determine which group has the highest  
possible sound quality. While the disc is stopped,  
use the navigation keys (“Next”, “Previous”, and  
number keys) to navigate to each group on the disc.  
Remember that while the disc is stopped, the  
navigation keys (“Next”, “Previous”, and number  
keys) will select which group will play, but while  
the disc is playing the navigation keys will select  
which track in the current group will play.  
Using the indicator LEDs on the front panel of the  
C-5xe, note which group uses the highest sample  
rate and does not use compressed (Dolby Digital or  
DTS) audio.  
Make a note of the group with the highest sound  
quality on the case of the DVD-A disc. The next  
time you wish to play that disc, you may navigate  
to that group directly using the navigation keys  
(“Next”, “Previous”, and number keys).  
Once the desired group has been selected and the  
disc is playing, the tracks on the disc may be  
navigated in the normal way. Use either the “Next”  
and “Previous” functions or direct track access via  
the number keys of the remote control handset.  
Due to variations in the way DVD-A discs are  
authored, some discs may not allow for direct  
track access. This is not a malfunction of the  
player. Use the “Next” and “Previous” functions  
to navigate these discs.  
22  
 
DVD-Video  
DVD-Video discs typically contain a film or musical  
concert that is one to two hours in length. The main  
program is contained in a single title, which is  
sub-divided into chapters for easier navigation.  
Additional titles may also be present, containing  
other features such as interviews with the directors,  
on-screen menus, et cetera.  
The main feature is almost always found in title 1,  
and this is the title that would normally be played  
when using a U2 player. Virtually all DVD-V discs  
will autoplay upon insertion. However, many discs  
will begin playing a menu that is designed to be  
navigated by using a video display. In this case the  
front panel display shows “MENU”. Simply press  
“Stop” and then use the navigation functions  
(”Next”, “Previous”, or the number keys) to access  
the desired title (normally title 1) and begin play.  
Many discs use UOPs (User Operation Prohibitions)  
to prevent the player from executing the “Stop”  
command while the FBI warning is playing.  
If the disc does not stop immediately after  
pressing the “Stop” button, simply wait a few  
moments until the FBI warning has finished  
playing. Then press “Stop” again.  
Once play begins in the desired title, the chapters  
may be navigated either with the “Next” and  
“Previous” functions or with the number keys on the  
remote control handset.  
23  
 
Most DVD-Video discs contain multiple  
soundtracks. These may be in the form of various  
spoken languages or various audio formats (e.g.,  
Dolby Digital, DTS, or PCM). The “Audio”  
function, which is activated by a longer press of the  
remote control handset’s “Repeat” button will allow  
the desired soundtrack to be selected. Please refer to  
the chapter “Controls and Operation” for additional  
information.  
While a DVD-Video disc is playing, the first  
activation of the “Audio” function will enter the  
mode whereby the soundtrack may be selected. The  
“GUI” symbol will illuminate on the front panel  
display for five seconds, and additional activations of  
the “Audio” function during this period will scroll  
through the available soundtracks.  
MP3  
CD-ROM discs containing MP3 files are divided  
into folders (directories) and tracks. Folders may also  
contain further subfolders. In addition, each folder  
and track may be given a name when the disc is  
created on a personal computer (PC).  
MP3 Navigation  
The system of tracks and folders creates a  
hierarchical structure for navigation. When playing  
an MP3 disc, play will begin with the tracks in the  
root directory. When all of those tracks have been  
played, play will continue with the tracks contained  
in the first folder, and so forth, until all tracks in all  
24  
 
folders have been played.  
Within any given folder, the individual tracks may  
be accessed either with the “Next” and “Previous”  
functions or with the number keys of the remote  
control handset. To navigate to the next folder, press  
the “Next” button while playing the last track in  
the current folder. To navigate to the previous  
folder, press the “Previous” button twice while  
playing the first track in the current folder. (The  
first button press will return to the start of the  
current track and the second button press will back  
up to the last track in the previous folder.)  
When selecting an MP3 track for play, the front  
panel display will show the following information in  
sequence:  
1.5 seconds  
3 seconds  
“MP3” + folder number + track number.  
Track name (first eight characters).  
Track number + elapsed time.  
Remainder of track  
As can be seen, most of the time there will be no  
indication of which folder is currently playing. To  
display this information, use a longer button press  
on the “Display” key of the remote control handset  
to activate the “Display Mode” function. See the  
chapter “Controls and Operation” for additional  
information.  
Creating MP3 Discs  
You can create your own MP3 discs for playback on  
the Ayre C-5xe by using a personal computer. Please  
25  
 
keep in mind the following points when creating an  
MP3 disc:  
This unit will play compressed audio files in  
MP3 format with a 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rate.  
This player only plays tracks that are named  
with the file extension “.mp3”.  
Variable bit-rate files are playable, but the  
playing time may not be shown correctly.  
Use CD-R or CD-RW media for recording your  
MP3 files.  
This player is compatible with multi-session  
discs, but will only play sessions that are closed.  
This player can recognize a maximum of 250  
folders or 250 tracks.  
26  
 
Optimization and  
Customization  
The Ayre C-5xe is configured at the factory to  
provide the best performance for a typical  
installation. In certain situations you may wish to  
change the default configuration for optimal  
performance in your system, using small toggle  
switches on the rear of the unit.  
The default configuration settings (all switches in  
the “up” position) will work best for the vast  
majority of users.  
Digital Audio Output  
An adapter is available from  
Ayre should you need to  
connect the digital output to a  
device with an S/PDIF input  
that uses an RCA connector.  
The Ayre C-5xe features a balanced AES/EBU  
digital audio output on the rear of the unit. This  
may be used when connecting to a digital recording  
unit or other device, such as an external  
digital-to-analog converter (DAC).  
The digital audio output is only active with PCM  
or compressed PCM (Dolby Digital or DTS)  
based discs (CD and DVD). It is inactive when  
playing SACDs.  
27  
 
A switch on the rear panel allows the digital audio  
output to be turned off if its use is not required.  
Turning the digital output “off” when not using it  
will result in slightly higher sound quality through  
the analog outputs.  
A second switch sets the sample rate available at the  
digital output. Selecting “44/48 kHz” will  
downsample high sample rate (88.2, 96, 176.4, or  
192 kHz) PCM discs to single rate (44.1 or 48 kHz)  
PCM output.  
Only change the sample rate switch while the unit  
is powered on and no disc is playing.  
If the unit is not powered on or if a disc is playing,  
the position of the switch will not be detected. This  
can lead to a mismatch between the position of the  
switch and the actual state of the unit.  
Selecting “88/96 kHz”will allow high sample rate  
PCM discs to output dual-rate PCM (88.2 or 96  
kHz) at the digital audio output. This higher  
quality format can be used with a device capable of  
accepting higher sample rates. Dual-rate discs will  
output dual-rate audio, while quad-rate (176.4 or  
192 kHz) DVD-Audio discs will be downsampled  
to dual-rate audio.  
28  
 
Digital Filter  
The digital filter of the Ayre C-5xe features two  
user-selectable algorithms. A selector switch is  
located on the rear panel. One algorithm produces  
greater accuracy in the time domain and is labeled  
“Listen”. The other algorithm produces greater  
accuracy in the frequency domain and is labeled  
“Measure”.  
Normally the selector switch is set to the “Listen”  
position when listening to music. However some  
listeners may prefer the additional high-frequency  
energy provided by the “Measure” position.  
This switch only affects the analog outputs, and not  
the digital audio output.  
Control Port  
The control port on the rear panel of the C-5xe  
allows the unit to communicate with a system  
controller such as a Crestron or AMX. The control  
port uses opto-isolators to ensure that there are no  
unwanted ground loops created when using a system  
controller.  
Pre-terminated cables, command files, and  
detailed information regarding the control port  
are available upon request from the Ayre factory.  
There are two separate functions performed by the  
control port; reception of commands and  
transmission of the current power status (”Operate”  
or “Standby”) information.  
29  
 
Command Functions  
The C-5xe may either be controlled by the remote  
control handset via a receiver on the front panel or  
by a system controller via the control port. A small  
toggle switch on the rear panel selects which mode  
is active.  
For normal use, set this switch to “IR Receiver”.  
Set the switch to “Control Port” only when using  
a custom programmed system controller.  
Command files are available from the Ayre factory  
in both Crestron and Pronto (CCF) format. These  
files include discrete on/off commands.  
Power Status Information  
The control port will also transmit the current  
power status (”Operate” or “Standby”) of the C-5xe  
information to a system controller. This feedback  
ensures that system controller remains synchronized  
with the actual state of the unit.  
30  
 
Numbers and  
Specifications  
Maximum Output Level  
2.05 V rms – unbalanced outputs  
4.10 V rms – balanced outputs  
(PCM)  
1.00 V rms – unbalanced outputs  
2.00 V rms – balanced outputs  
(DSD)  
Analog XLR Output Polarity  
Frequency Response  
Pin 1 = Ground  
Pin 2 = Non-inverting (Positive)  
Pin 3 = Inverting (Negative)  
DC - 20 kHz (44.1 kHz sample rate)  
DC - 22 kHz (48 kHz sample rate)  
DC - 40 kHz (88.2 kHz sample rate)  
DC - 44 kHz (96 kHz sample rate)  
DC - 80 kHz (176.4 kHz sample rate)  
DC - 88 kHz (192 kHz sample rate)  
DC - 100 kHz (2.8224 MHz sample rate)  
Output Impedance  
55 – unbalanced outputs  
110 – balanced outputs (55 per phase)  
Power Consumption  
60 watts maximum  
31  
 
Dimensions  
Weight  
17-¼" W x 13" D x 4-¾" H  
44 cm x 33 cm x 12 cm  
26 pounds  
12 kg  
32  
 
Statement of  
Warranty  
Please take a moment to fill  
out and return the enclosed  
warranty registration card.  
Your Ayre C-5xe universal stereo player is warranted  
against defects in workmanship and materials for a  
period of five years from the date of purchase, except  
for the transport mechanism. The warranty period  
for the transport mechanism is two years from the  
date of purchase. This warranty is transferable to  
subsequent purchasers within the original warranty  
period. All warranty claims must be made through  
an authorized Ayre dealer or distributor.  
Warranty Statement  
1. If any defects are found in the materials or  
workmanship of this Ayre product within the  
warranty period, the unit will be repaired or  
replaced by Ayre Acoustics, Inc. (Ayre) or its  
authorized agent.  
2. Purchaser must return the product, packed in the  
original shipping carton, freight prepaid to:  
Ayre Acoustics, Inc.  
2300-B Central Avenue  
Boulder, Colorado 80301  
33  
 
or to Ayre’s authorized agent.  
3. Ayre reserves the right to inspect any product  
that is the subject of any warranty claim prior to  
repairing or replacing it. Final determination of  
warranty 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 accepted  
will be returned to the purchaser and the cost of  
shipping and insurance will be factory prepaid  
within the boundaries of the USA. Units to be  
shipped outside of the USA will be shipped freight  
collect only.  
4. Ayre strives to manufacture the finest possible  
equipment, and therefore reserves the right to make  
improvements on its products, without necessarily  
assuming an obligation to retrofit such changes  
upon its previously manufactured models.  
5. The above warranty is the sole warranty given by  
Ayre, and is in lieu of all other warranties. All  
implied warranties, including warranties of  
merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose  
shall be strictly limited in duration to five years  
from the date of original purchase, and upon  
expiration of the warranty period (five years), Ayre  
shall have no further obligation of any kind, whether  
express or implied. Further, Ayre shall in no event  
be obligated for any incidental or consequential  
damages as a result of any defect or any warranty  
claim, whether express or implied.  
34  
 
6. Ayre does not authorize any third party,  
including any dealer or sales representative to  
assume any liability of Ayre or make any warranty  
for Ayre. The unit must not have been altered or  
improperly serviced. The serial number on the unit  
must not have been altered or removed.  
7. Warranty registration cards must be completed  
and mailed to Ayre within 30 days of purchase. Ayre  
may, at its option, require from the purchaser valid  
proof of purchase (dated copy or photocopy of  
dealer's original invoice).  
35  
 
A Place for  
Notes  
Rev. 1.0a  
36  
 
 
Ayre Acoustics, Inc.  
2300-B Central Avenue  
Boulder, Colorado 80301  
+1-303-442-7300  
 

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