Ayre AX-5 Owner Manual

Ayre AX-5

Owner’s Manual

Integrated Amplifier

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 American

customers, please be sure to

mail your warranty

registration card and

photocopy of your original

sales receipt within 30 days

in order to extend the

warranty to five years.

Your Ayre AX-5 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 AX-5
will 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 of
interest to the advanced user.

The information required to get started is
contained in the following three chapters of this
manual.

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

2

Connections and

Installation

The Ayre AX-5 is easy to use. The following
guidelines will ensure that the installation goes
smoothly.

As shipped from the factory, none of
the inputs are activated. The desired
inputs are activated by assigning them
names as described in the following
chapter, “Setup and Configuration”.

Location

Do not stack the Ayre AX-5

directly with other

components, as this may

restrict the air flow or induce

hum into the audio circuitry.

The infrared beam will also

travel through glass.

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

An adequate supply of air flow will
avoid overheating the amplifier.

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

3

Inputs

When you have a choice, a

balanced connection will offer

slightly higher sound quality

than a single-ended

connection.

The heavy-duty output

terminals of the Ayre AX-5

work best with speaker cables

equipped with spade lugs.

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

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

Make a written note of which source components
are connected to which numbered input. The
connected inputs will be named after AC power is
applied to the AX-5 amplifier, as described in the
chapter “Setup and Configuration”.

Loudspeaker Outputs

The Ayre AX-5 drives the loudspeakers with
balanced outputs. Since none of the output
terminals are grounded, connecting any of them to
ground may result in damage to the amplifier.

4

Do not connect the loudspeaker
outputs to any speaker switch-box,
accessory, or test equipment that has a
common ground connection.

Tape Outputs

The Ayre AX-5 provides tape outputs, allowing
connection of the selected source component to a
recording device or headphone amplifier. The tape
outputs utilize balanced XLR connectors. Should it
be necessary to connect a tape output to a
single-ended component, high-quality adapters are
available from your Ayre dealer.

Turn the tape outputs off unless they are
currently being used. This will completely
disconnect the auxiliary components from the
AX-5 (including the ground connection),
eliminating the possibility of undesired ground
loops or other interference.

Unlike the loudspeaker outputs, the tape outputs
will not convert the signal from a single-ended
source to a true balanced signal. Instead, the “hot”
signal will be present on pin 2 of the XLR and pins
1 and 3 will be grounded. This allows a balanced
component connected to the tape outputs to
internally perform the single-ended to balanced
conversion without the need for adapters.

5

AC Power

The AX-5 may be plugged directly into an
unswitched wall outlet. Although proprietary RFI
(radio-frequency interference) filtering is built into
the amplifier, in some situations an AC power-line
filter (such as those offered by Ayre) may provide
additional sonic benefits.

Break-In

100 to 500 hours of music

played through the system will

ensure full break-in.

Due to the manufacturing processes used for the
wires, capacitors, and circuit board materials, a
break-in period is necessary for the amplifier to
reach its full sonic potential.

Each input uses a different physical path on the
input circuit board. Therefore a separate break-in
period is required for each input.

6

Setup and

AX5

FWX

Configuration

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

If no inputs are activated, the amplifier
will automatically enter the setup mode
when AC power is applied. Only the active

inputs will be included in the list of available
source components.

Activating Inputs (Basic Setup Menu)

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

FWX” indicates “Firmware

SET UP

OFF 1

Assuming that none of the inputs have yet been
configured, the unit will then automatically enter
the 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

Refer to your notes describing which source
components are connected to which numbered
input.

Use the right-hand knob to scroll to the desired
numbered input (“

OFF 1” through “OFF 6”).

When you have reached the desired input number,
use the left-hand knob to scroll through the list of
available names (shown at the left). Selecting “

OFF”

disables that input, while selecting any other name
from the list will activate (enable) that input.

Select a name describing the source connected to the
chosen input, and it will automatically be entered
into memory. The display will show the name has
been assigned to the chosen input.

Repeat the process of naming the remaining desired
inputs. When all of the desired inputs have been
named, press the left-hand button to exit the basic
setup mode. The front panel will briefly display

EX SU” to indicate that the unit is exiting the

“

set up mode. Then the unit will return to the
low-power consumption mode, indicated by the
green LED in the right-hand switch.

8

SET UP

XXX 1

Re-Entering Basic Setup Mode

To re-enter the basic setup mode to make changes to
the names of inputs, make sure that the amplifier is
in the low-power consumption state (right-hand
pushbutton lit green—please refer to the chapter

“Controls and Operation” for additional

information). Then press and hold the left-hand
button for three seconds. The front panel will then
display “

“XXX” is the name assigned to input 1.

Advanced users may wish to use additional
sophisticated input configuration options, including
the creation of custom names for source
components. Please refer to the chapter

“Optimization and Customization” for further

details on using the advanced setup mode.

SET UP” briefly, and then“XXX 1” where

9

Controls and

Operation

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

On/Off (1/0)

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

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

10

Therefore a low-power consumption mode is also
included. This allows the auxiliary functions to
operate and also minimizes the warm-up time by
keeping power applied to the audio circuitry. To
reduce power consumption when not listening to
music, bias current is removed from the output
stage.

Volume Control

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

If the volume control is advanced beyond the
highest available level, the front panel will briefly
display the message “MAX”.

Mute/Low-Power Consumption

The right-hand button on the AX-5 serves two
functions—mute, and control of the low-power
consumption mode.

Mute

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

11

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

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

Low-Power Consumption Mode

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

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

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

12

Input Select

The desired source component may be selected with
either the left-hand knob or the remote control
handset, and the assigned name is displayed on the
front panel.

Although there are six total inputs on the Ayre
AX-5, only the activated (named) inputs will be
listed among the available sources. This greatly
simplifies operation of the unit.

Tape Outputs/Basic Setup Mode

The left-hand button on the AX-5 activates two
functions—the tape outputs and the basic input
setup mode.

Tape Outputs

The tape outputs may be controlled either by the
left-hand button on the front panel, or from the
remote handset. Pressing the button activates the
tape outputs, and pressing it a second time will turn
them off. When the tape outputs are activated, the
red LED in the front-panel switch is illuminated.

Turn the tape outputs off unless they are
currently being used. This will completely
disconnect the auxiliary components from the
AX-5 (including the ground connection),
eliminating the possibility of undesired ground
loops or other interference.

Basic Setup Mode

While the AX-5 is in low-power consumption mode
(green LED illuminated), pressing and holding the
left-hand front-panel button for three seconds will
enter the unit into the basic setup (input naming
and activation) mode. Additional basic setup
inform
inform
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Display Brightness

The brightness of the front-panel display may be
controlled via the remote control. There are three
brightness levels and a “display off” setting. Each
press of the remote control button scrolls through
the four available brightness settings.

A small blue light indicates that the display is
turned off. When further commands are received,
either from the front-panel buttons or the remote
control, the normal display will be activated for a
few seconds to confirm the command, and then the
display will turn off again.

Changing the display brightness of components
linked via the AyreLink communication system
will change the display brightness of all linked
components.

Remote Control

14

The provided remote control handset will operate
both the Ayre AX-5 amplifier as well as an Ayre
disc player. A backlight is also provided to allow
easy operation in a darkened listening room.

Batteries

The remote handset uses four AAA batteries. These
are accessed by removing the two screws that hold
the black end piece. The battery holder will slide
out, and the batteries may be replaced.

Disc Player Configuration

As shipped from the factory, the remote control
handset is configured to operate the Ayre C-5xe
disc player. The button with three horizontal lines
operates the “Audio” function that selects between
various soundtracks on a DVD disc. Please refer the

MP

C-5xe

Owner’s Manual for additional details.

MP

15

The remote handset may also be easily configured
to operate either the Ayre CX-7e

MP

C-5xe

Stereo Universal player, or DX-5

MP

CD player,

Universal A/V Engine, which each use different
command sets. Please refer to the chapter

“Optimization and Customization” for details.

16

Optimization and

Customization

In most audio systems, the AX-5 amplifier only
requires that the desired inputs be activated by
naming them. Each source component is clearly
identified and only the connected inputs are
displayed in the list of available source components.

This is the basic setup mode. In certain installations
it may be desirable to customize additional settings
for each input by using the advanced setup mode.

Advanced Setup Mode

The advanced setup mode allows the following
settings to be independently adjusted for each
input:

• Custom Name - for creating a custom name for

source components

• Gain Offset - for level matching of source

components

• Processor Pass-Through - for integration with a

surround-sound processor

• AyreLink - for automatic input selection of

linked components

• Reset - for resetting all of the input

customizations to the factory defaults

17

To enter the advanced setup mode, make sure that
the amplifier is in the low-current consumption
state (green LED illuminated on the right-hand
button). Then press and hold the left-hand button
for three seconds. This enters the unit into the basic
setup 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 enter
the advanced menu level. The left-hand knob will
select which setting you wish to configure for that
input:

• CN - Custom Name

• GOS - Gain Offset

• PP - Processor Pass-Through

• AL - AyreLink

• RST - Reset

18

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

Custom Name

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

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

2) Press the right-hand button to enter the next
menu level. The current name will be displayed,
with the selected character designated with a
decimal point (cursor) after the character. The left
hand knob selects the cursor position.

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

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

Gain Offset

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

19

GOS 0.0
GOS 1.5
GOS 3.0
GOS 4.5
GOS 6.0

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

Once you have selected the “

GOS” menu item with

the left-hand knob, simply select the desired offset
level with the right-hand knob.

Changing the gain offset from +0 dB will affect the
maximum displayed volume level. If the volume
control is advanced beyond the highest available
level, the front panel will briefly display the
message “Max”.

Processor Pass-Through

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

20

PP OF
PP On

If you are using a surround-sound processor, connect
the front left and right outputs of the processor to
one of the inputs on the AX-5. When configuring
that input, use the left-hand knob to select the “
menu item and the right-hand knob to select “

PP”

On”.

Press the left-hand button to return to the advanced
setup menu.

The chosen input is now programmed for Processor
Pass-Through operation, disabling the now
redundant volume control of the AX-5. When that
input is selected, the AX-5 is set to the standard
power amplifier gain (26 dB), and the volume is
controlled directly from the surround-sound
processor. The volume indicator of the AX-5 will
display “

PP” to show that the Processor

Pass-Through mode has been selected for that input.

AyreLink provides for true

“one-touch” operation of the

entire music system.

The gain (“

PP”) setting of the Processor

Pass-Through mode will result in an
excessively high sound level with a
normal source component. Be sure to
leave the “PP” setting to “OF” for all
other source components to avoid
possible damage to your loudspeakers.

Selecting an input where the “PP” has been set to

“On” will cause the stepper motors to rapidly

move the internal rotary switches to the unity
gain setting. This results in an audible “whirring”
noise and is completely normal. The “whirring”
noise will also be heard when reverting to an
input where the “PP” is set to “OF”.

AyreLink

As explained in the chapter “Controls and
Operation”, turning on a source component
connected with AyreLink will automatically turn on
all of the linked “downstream” components (i.e.,
integrated amplifiers and power amplifiers). In
addition, the appropriate input on the AX-5 will
also be automatically selected.

21

However, in certain extremely rare situations, it is
possible that the AyreLink communication system
will require adjustments to the configuration
settings. To gain an understanding of these
circumstances, it is necessary to understand how the
AyreLink automatically selects the correct input on
the AX-5.

When any AyreLink source component is turned on,
it broadcasts that information to the other linked
components. Part of the transmitted information is
an alphabetical code that identifies the source of the
broadcast. For example, an AyreLink equipped CD
player will transmit the code “
transmit the code “
transmit the code “
the code “

Q” and so forth.

D”, a phono amplifier will
P”, a D/A converter will transmit

C”, a DVD player will

When the inputs of the AX-5 are activated by
naming them, many of the common names will have
an AyreLink alphabetical code automatically
associated with it. For example, the input name

CD” is associated with the AyreLink code “C” by

“

default. In this way, when an AyreLink-equipped
CD player is turned on, the AX-5 will automatically
select the input labeled “

CD”.

22

But if a system were to have more than one
AyreLink-equipped CD player (we’re not sure why
that would be the case, but it is certainly within the
realm of possibility), the AX-5 would be unable to
distinguish which CD player transmitted the
command, and would therefore be unable to
automatically select the correct input. Similarly, it
is possible that the user wishes to create a custom
name for the CD player input, for example, “

IN3”.

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

ALA

.
.

ALZ

RST OF
RST On

To address these issues, the setup menu allows each
named input to be associated with an AyreLink
identification code. Once you have selected the “

AL”

menu item with the left-hand knob, simply select
the desired identification code (“

A” to “Z”, or “_” for

“none”) with the right-hand knob.

Do not assign any single identification
code to more than one input. Improper
operation may result.

The identification code transmitted by an
AyreLink source component will be found in the
owner’s manual for that unit.

Reset

It is possible to reset all of the setup mode
configuration items to their factory defaults by
using the reset function. After entering the
advanced setup mode, turn the left-hand knob to

“RST” and turn the right-hand knob to “On”. Press

the right-hand button to activate the "Reset"
function. All inputs will revert to “OFF”, all gain
offsets will be restored to zero, all Processor
Pass-Through settings will be restored to “
all AyreLink codes will default to “

_”, for “none”.

The unit will then automatically enter the setup
mode so that the desired inputs may be activated.

OF”, and

23

Overall Gain

The volume control for the AX-5 amplifier
comprises a 69 dB range. For most audio systems
this will provide more than enough range, allowing
for low-level late-night listening sessions as well as
the ability to totally immerse yourself in your
favorite music at high volumes.

If you need to change the

overall gain of your system,

please contact your Ayre

dealer.

However, it is possible that in some systems that
the overall gain will need to be adjusted upwards or
downwards to provide the desired range of listening
levels. For example, if the sensitivity of your
loudspeakers is unusually low, it may be necessary
to increase the system gain. Conversely, if you have
extremely sensitive loudspeakers or source
components with a very high output level, you may
wish to decrease the system gain. Either change is
easily accomplished with the Ayre AX-5, as there is
a single resistor per channel that sets the overall
gain range. This gain resistor is mounted in a
terminal block and can be changed without the need
for soldering.

If you are also using a surround-sound processor
in your system, changing the overall gain of the
amplifier will require adjusting the gain of the
remaining channels of your surround-sound
processor to match.

24

Remote Control

As shipped from the factory, the supplied remote
control handset is configured to also operate an Ayre

MP

C-5xe

universal stereo disc player. It may also be

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

To change the remote control handset to operate the

MP

CX-7e

, simply press the number button “7” five
times in succession. (Please note that the “Audio”
button used to select soundtracks on DVD discs will
have no function in this configuration.) Press the
number button “8” five times in succession to
change the remote handset to operate the DX-5. To
return the remote handset to operate the C-5xe

MP

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

To ascertain the current configuration of the
remote control handset, press the number button

“0” five times in succession. The backlight

illumination will flash five times to indicate that it is
configured to operate the C-5xe
to indicate that it is configured to operate the

MP

CX-7e
configured to operate the DX-5.

, or eight times to indicate that it is

MP

, seven times

Trigger Control

A trigger control allows one component to control
the low-power consumption or the “Standby” state
of another component. If there are no AyreLink
source components available to control the operation
of the AX-5 amplifier, it may be convenient to use
the trigger control from a source component.

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

25

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

Rear view of AX-5 amplifier. An adapter cable must be fabricated to connect the

trigger output of the control component to the
AyreLink port of the AX-5 amplifier. The easiest
way to do this is to remove the modular (RJ-11)
connector from one end of a two-line telephone line
cord. (This is the type of cord that connects the
telephone set to the wall. A two-line cord will have
four gold contacts on each connector.) Then attach
the connector appropriate for the component with
the trigger output. Please refer to the owner’s
manual of that source component for details.

The trigger voltage should be between
+5 and +12 volts DC for proper
operation. The current draw of the
trigger input on the AyreLink port is
less than 5 mA.

26

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

A positive-going pulse of greater than 250 msec is
treated as a level-sensitive trigger. Shorter pulses
are treated as a pulse-sensitive trigger. The

minimum detectable pulse length is 200 µsec.

During level-sensitive operation, applying a voltage
to the trigger input will set the amplifier to the

“Operate” mode. When the applied voltage drops to

zero, the unit reverts to the low-power consumption
mode.

In the pulse-sensitive mode, a positive-going pulse
will toggle the amplifier between the low-power
consumption and “Operate” states, duplicating the
action of the right-hand front-panel button when it
is held for three seconds.

The front-panel button remains operative when
the trigger input is used. Therefore, using the
front-panel button will put the amplifier out of

“sync” with the trigger control device. When

used with level-sensitive trigger operation, the
next trigger action will automatically restore

“sync”. However when using pulse-sensitive

trigger operation, “sync” can only be restored by
pressing the front-panel button a second time.

27

Numbers and

Specifications

Power Output 125 watts per channel continuous into 8 ohms

250 watts per channel continuous into 4 ohms

Maximum Input Level 8 V rms – unbalanced inputs

16 V rms – balanced inputs

Input Impedance 1 MΩ – unbalanced inputs

2 MΩ – balanced inputs (1 MΩ per phase)

XLR Input Polarity Pin 1 = Ground

Pin 2 = Non-inverting (Positive)
Pin 3 = Inverting (Negative)

28

Gain 32 dB (maximum, at volume level of “

Frequency Response DC - 250 kHz

Power Consumption 48 watts in low-current consumption mode

230 watts in operating mode, no signal

Dimensions 17-¼" W x 18-¾" D x 4-¾" H

44 cm x 48 cm x 12 cm

Weight 46 pounds

21 kg

46”)

In Case of

Trouble

The Ayre AX-5 provides comprehensive protection
for both your amplifier and loudspeakers, including
faults that may occur in your source components.

Overheating

If the unit is operated at high playback levels with
insufficient ventilation, the internal temperature
may become too high, triggering the thermal
protection circuitry. In this case the amplifier will
mute, the bias current to the output stage will be
removed, the warning LED in the display will glow
red, and the front-panel mute/low-power
consumption button will be inoperative.

If overheating occurs, be sure

to correct the cause before

continuing to use the

amplifier.

The input selector characters will change to read

“HOT” as long as the internal temperature

remains too high.

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

29

Rail Fuses

Four internal power supply fuses protect both the
loudspeakers from excessive current and the
amplifier from short-circuits. If any of these fuses
blows, the amplifier will not operate and the
warning 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 disconnected
from the AC power to replace the fuses.

Do not remove the amplifier cover.
Hazardous voltages may exist inside
the unit. Please refer fuse replacement
to a qualified service technician.

AC Line Voltage

30

If the AC line voltage drops below 85% of normal
(brown-out), the warning LED in the display will
glow 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, the
red warning LED will go out, the unit will revert to
the green low-operating current mode, but the

HOT” message will remain so that cause of the

“

error is known. Press the right-hand front-panel
button to return the unit to the operate mode.

DC Offset

The Ayre AX-5 incorporates a circuit to detect the
presence of DC at the output terminals which could
be harmful to the loudspeaker. In this situation, the
warning LED in the display will glow red, the input
will be muted, the bias will be removed from the
output 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 source
component, when the amplifier input mutes the red
warning LED will go out, the green LED will light
as the unit reverts to the low-operating current
mode, but the “
cause of the error is known.

Disconnect the source component that caused the
error from your system. Then press the right-hand
front-panel button to return the unit to the normal
operate mode and select a different source
component. If the system operates properly in this
case, take the faulty source component to an
authorized dealer or service center.

DC” message will remain so that

If there are any unusual noises coming
from the loudspeaker, turn the
rear-panel AC power switch to “Off/0”
immediately. Please return the unit to
your authorized dealer or service
center.

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Statement of

Warranty

North American Warranty

Your Ayre AX-5 integrated amplifier is warranted
against defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of ninety days from the date of original
purchase. This ninety-day coverage is automatic
upon acceptance of delivery and no registration is
required.

Additionally you have the option, at no cost, to
extend the warranty for a period of five years from
the date of purchase by returning the completed
Warranty Registration Card and a photocopy of
your original purchase receipt in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope to Ayre within thirty days of
product delivery. This optional warranty is only
available within the thirty-day registration period.

32

North American 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

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

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.

33

4. Ayre strives to manufacture the finest possible
equipment, and therefore reserves the right to make
improvements on its products, without necessarily
assuming any 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 to the duration of the above
warranty. 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.

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.

34

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

International Warranty

Warranty terms outside of North America may
vary. Please contact the authorized Ayre distributor
in your country of purchase for the terms of
warranty and also the service itself.

A Place for

Notes

Serial Number:

Purchase Date:

Dealer:

Salesperson:

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

35

36 Rev. 1.0

Ayre Acoustics, Inc.

2300-B Central Avenue

Boulder, Colorado 80301

www.ayre.com

[phone]