Ayre K-3x Owner Manual

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K-3x Preamplifier

Owners Manual

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Contents

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Ayre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Phono Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Trouble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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Ayre

Please send in your warranty

registration card so we can

stay in contact with you.

The Ayre K-3x offers a significant advance in the musical
performance of audio preamplifiers. 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. Your Ayre K-3x preamplifier will provide a
lifetime of musical enjoyment.

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Operation

The Ayre K-3x is easy to hook up and use. The following
guidelines will ensure that the installation goes smoothly.

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The Ayre K-3x comprises two components - the main
preamplifier and the external power supply. If necessary,
these two pieces can be temporarily separated by your dealer
to facilitate installation into a cabinet.

The preamplifiers power
supply emits a mild hum

field, and should be located

away from other components.

The main unit produces very little heat and can normally be
stacked with other components. However, in certain
situations, hum can be induced into the audio circuitry. In
this case, try separating the components by a few feet (one
meter or so) to isolate the interfering component.

The receiver for the optional infrared remote control is
mounted behind the left-most scallop on the preamplifiers
front panel. Although the transmitters beam will reflect off
of most wall surfaces, a direct line of sight from the
listening position will ensure the maximum range. The
beam will also travel through glass if necessary.

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When you have a choice, a
balanced connection will offer
slightly higher sound quality

than an unbalanced

connection.

If a tape deck is not installed

in your system, input 4

performs like the other

unbalanced inputs.

If the phono stage is not

installed, input 2 performs

like the other balanced input.

The Ayre K-3x offers two pairs of balanced inputs and two
pairs of unbalanced inputs. Balanced connections are made
via three-pin XLR connectors, while unbalanced
connections are made via RCA jacks. In accordance with the
IEC standard, pin 2 is the positive phase (hot) of the XLR
connectors.

The input connectors on the rear panel are labeled 1
through 4.

If you are connecting a tape deck to your system,
be sure to connect it to input 4.

This will prevent the undesired possibility of a feedback
loop when monitoring a tape recording.

If the optional phono stage is installed, it will
use input 2. Do not connect a line-level source
to this input, as it may damage the phono stage.

Please refer to the section Optimizing the Phono Stage
for more detailed information on connecting your turntable.

Input 1 on the rear panel

corresponds to the top label,

while input 4 corresponds to

the bottom label.

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The front panel switches can be labeled to reflect the
components in your individual system. The faceplate must
be removed to install custom labels for the selector
switches. Use the supplied 1/8" allen wrench to remove the
four screws visible on the faceplate. Then slide the faceplate
away from the unit, taking care not to scratch the knobs.

Remove the old label by using a small object (such as an
allen wrench) to push through the access holes on the rear of
the faceplate. The labels have a self-adhesive backing, and
new ones are simply pressed into place.

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Both pairs of outputs may be

used simultaneously.

However, please note that the

level of the unbalanced output

will be 6 dB lower than the

balanced output.

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The Ayre K-3x offers one pair of balanced outputs and one
pair of unbalanced outputs.

Please note that the unbalanced outputs invert
absolute polarity.

When using an unbalanced connection between the Ayre
K-3x and your power amplifier, it is suggested that the
speaker cables plus and minus leads be reversed at the
amplifier. This will restore absolute polarity and can
enhance the sense of realism on many recordings.

Disk

Record

Phono

Video

Listen

Mute

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The Ayre K-3x draws very

little power and is designed to

be left on at all times.

The volume control and the

mute switch may be operated

either by the optional remote

control or the front panel

controls.

The Ayre K-3x features a sophisticated power monitoring
system. When first plugged in to an AC power source, the
front panel indicator light will glow red for approximately
90 seconds. During this time, the outputs are muted and
the mute switch is inoperable.

After the circuitry has stabilized, the indicator light will
change to green, indicating that the unit is ready for play,
though the unit remains muted. When the listener toggles
the mute control, the unit is operational and the indicator
light glows blue.

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There are four controls on the Ayre K-3x preamplifer - the
volume control, the input selector (Listen), the tape
record selector (Record), and the mute switch. These
controls provide the ideal combination of flexibility and
ease of use.

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Unlike other products that use conventional volume
controls (potentiometers), the Ayre K-3x uses a mil-spec,
precision stepped attenuator with solid-silver contacts to
provide the ultimate in sound quality. This volume control
features 31 distinct positions, offering precise and
repeatable settings.

The remote control transmitter furnished with the K-3x has
four buttons. The three buttons on the right side of the unit
control the volume and muting functions. The fourth
button on the left side will control the V-1x power
amplifier, should you have one in your system.