Ayre KX-R User Manual

Table of

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

Contents

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

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

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

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

Numbers and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

In Case of Trouble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Statement of Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

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 KX-R preamplifier 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 KX-R will provide you a lifetime of musical
enjoyment.

Quick Start

The Ayre KX-R 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 first
three chapters of this manual.

2

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

Connections and

Installation

The Ayre KX-R is easy to connect and 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

The infrared beam of the remote transmitter

will also travel through glass.

When you have a choice, a balanced

connection will offer slightly higher sound

quality than a single-ended connection.

A good location for your preamplifier is in a 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.

Inputs

The Ayre KX-R offers four pairs of balanced inputs and four
pairs of single-ended inputs. Balanced connections are made via
three-pin XLR connectors, while single-ended connections are
made via RCA connectors. The inputs are labeled “1” through

“8”, and the connectors for the two channels are arranged in a

mirror-image fashion.

3

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

Main Outputs

Balanced output connectors are provided to achieve the highest
sound quality. Should it be necessary to connect a single-ended
power amplifier, high-quality adapters are available from your
Ayre dealer. Two output connectors per channel are provided,
and may be used simultaneously if desired.

The tape outputs are controlled via a

button on the remote handset. When the

tape outputs are active, the selected source

name will be shown in inverted colors

(black text on a blue background).

4

Using an adapter to connect to a single-ended amplifier will
result in a 6 dB reduction of signal level. If the KX-R is driving
two sets of amplifiers, one balanced and one single-ended, be
sure to compensate for the difference in level.

Tape Outputs

The Ayre KX-R provides two tape outputs per channel,
allowing connection of the selected source component to a
recording device, headphone amplifier, or secondary sound
system. These 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 KX-R (including the ground connection), eliminating the
possibility of undesired ground loops.

Unlike the main 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 pin1 and 3 will be grounded. This allows a connected
balanced component to internally perform the single-ended to
balanced conversion without the need for adapters.

AyreLink Ports

The AyreLink communication system provides a convenient
way to control your audio system. There are two AyreLink ports
on the rear panel of the KX-R preamplifier. Each port has four
contacts and contains both an input and an output. Both ports
function identically and may be used interchangeably.

AyreLink connections are made with commonly available
two-line telephone line cords using modular (RJ-11)
connectors. (These are the cords that connect the telephone set
to the wall in many countries.) They are readily available in
different lengths and various colors at most electronics stores.

Be sure to use two-line telephone cords to make
AyreLink connections. These can be identified by
the four gold contacts on each connector.
Single-line cords with only two gold contacts will
not function in this application.

5

The linked components may be joined in

any convenient order.

The linked components should be connected in daisy-chain
fashion, connecting each component to another until all of the
linked components have been connected.

When connecting the linked components to form
a chain, be careful not to connect the two ends of
the chain. Closing the chain to form a loop will
cause the AyreLink system not to function.

If there are no AyreLink-equipped source components in your
system, the power status of the KX-R preamplifier may also be
controlled by a trigger output from a source component. In this
case, AyreLink-equipped amplifiers may still be connected to
the KX-R. Connect the AyreLink ports of your amplifiers in
daisy-chain fashion as described above. The unused AyreLink
port on the KX-R preamplifier can then be used as a trigger
input. Additional details can be found in the chapter

“Optimization and Customization”.

AC Power

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

6

Setup and

Ayre KX-R

FW Rev. x

Configuration

Due to the large number of available inputs (eight) on the
KX-R, activating only the desired inputs allows for simpler
operation of the unit.

Only the active inputs will be included in the list of available
source components. If no inputs are activated, the preamplifier
will automatically enter the setup mode when AC power is
applied.

Activating Inputs

The desired inputs are activated simply by naming them. When
AC power is first applied to the unit, the front panel will briefly
display “

x

” indicates “Firmware Revision x”, where “x” is a letter from

A” to “Z”.

“

Ayre KX-R” and “FW Rev. x” in sequence, where “FW Rev.

Setup Mode

Set1 Unused

Assuming that none of the inputs have yet been configured, the
unit will then automatically enter the setup mode. The front
panel will then briefly display “

After automatically entering the setup mode, the front panel
will display “

Set1 Unused”.

Setup Mode”.

7

Unused

CD

Phono

DVD

SACD

SSP

Digital

Tuner

Aux

Tape

D/A

CD-R

DAT

Sat
Cable
Video

TV

VCR

LD
PX-R
CX-R
DX-R

P-5xe

C-5xeMP

DX-5

CX-7eMP

QB-9

D-1xe

Input x

Custom x

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

Use the left-hand knob to scroll to the desired numbered input

Set1 Unused” through “Set8 Unused”).

(”

Press the right-hand button to navigate to the next menu level.
The front panel will display “

Name Unused”.

Use the right-hand knob to scroll through the list of available
names (shown at the left). Selecting “

Unused” disables that

input, while selecting any other name from the list will activate
that input. Select a name that describes the component
connected to the chosen input.

When the desired name has been selected, press the left-hand
button to navigate to the previous menu level. The front panel
will show that the selected name has been assigned to the
chosen input.

8

Exiting Setup

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 setup mode. The front panel will
briefly display “

Exiting Setup”. Then the unit will return to

standby, indicated by the green LED in the front panel.

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.

9

Controls and

Operation

To achieve the highest possible sonic performance, the KX-R
uses custom-designed rotary switches with solid-silver contacts
for both the volume control and the input selector. These
military-spec controls provide unsurpassed signal purity, as well
as a virtually unlimited lifespan.

10

These rotary switches are actuated with precision stepping
motors using aerospace “fly-by-wire” technology. Turning one
of the knobs generates pulses via contactless optical encoders. A
microprocessor decodes these commands and sends control
signals to operate the stepping motors, resulting in a reassuring
audible “thunk” as the switches are rotated.

The two front-panel buttons employ contactless, sealed
piezoelectric force sensors that will never wear. Please note that
the buttons do not move as they sense the applied force.

The piezoelectric buttons respond to a normal pressing action
or a light tap that produces a relatively rapid change in force.
They are not “touch-sensitive”, nor will they respond to a
slowly increasing pressure.

All of the front panel controls are duplicated on the included
remote control handset. This handset also includes additional
functions that are less frequently used, as well as the ability to
control an Ayre disc player.

Standby/Operate

There is a small green LED at the right-hand side of the
front-panel display. This is illuminated when the preamplifier
is in standby mode. The unit may be toggled between standby
and operate modes either with the left-hand button or via the
remote control handset.

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 eight total inputs on the Ayre KX-R, only
the activated (named) inputs will be listed among the available
sources. This greatly simplifies operation of the unit.

11

Volume Control

The volume level may be controlled with either the right-hand
knob or the remote control handset, and the volume setting is
displayed on the front panel. There are 60 individual levels,
each with a step size of 1.0 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

The mute button on the right side of the unit provides an easy
way to temporarily turn the volume of the KX-R to “zero”
while retaining the current volume setting in memory. Pressing
the mute button a second time restores the volume to the
previous level.

When the mute function is activated, the memorized volume
control setting will be shown in inverted colors (black text on a
blue background).

12

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.

Tape Output

When the tape outputs are activated, the

name of the selected source will be shown in

inverted colors (black text on a blue

background).

The tape outputs are controlled by a button on the remote
control handset. Pressing the button activates the tape outputs,
and pressing it a second time will turn them off.

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

AyreLink

The AyreLink communication system provides integrated
control functions for your audio system. Linked components
will turn on automatically with the touch of a single button,
and other features are also available. Unlike conventional
communication systems or system controllers, the AyreLink
system uses opto-isolators to eliminate the possibility of
undesired ground loops.

13

Operate

The AyreLink system transmits the

“Operate” command sequentially with a

brief delay between linked components,

avoiding power surges that could overload

the AC power circuits in your home.

Turning on a linked component will automatically turn on all
other linked components that are further down the signal chain.
For example, turning on a linked source component will also
turn on a linked preamplifier and all linked power amplifiers.

Turning on a linked source component will also automatically
select that input on the KX-R preamplifier. For additional
information, refer to the chapter “Optimization and
Customization”.

Standby

A short press on the standby button of a linked component will
turn that individual component off. A longer press (more than
two seconds) of either the front-panel button or the remote
handset will turn off all linked components.

A long button press of either the front-panel button or the
remote handset provides a simple way to turn the entire audio
system off from any linked component.

The display brightness is adjusted via the

remote control handset.

As an example, three preamplifiers may be

linked together to create a six-channel

configuration.

14

Display Brightness

Changing the brightness level on the display of any linked
component will cause a matching change in all linked
components, including the status LED of the MX-R amplifiers.

Multi-Channel Operation

The Ayre KX-R may also be used in a multi-channel system. A
change to any of the units (e.g., volume level, input selection,
mute, et cetera) will be transmitted to the other linked
preamplifiers and they will act in concert.

Remote Control

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

15

Batteries

The remote handset uses 4 x 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

MP

configured to operate the Ayre C-5xe
with three horizontal lines operates the “Audio” function that
selects between various soundtracks on a DVD disc. Please refer

MP

the C-5xe

owner’s manual for additional details.

The remote handset may also be easily configured to operate

MP

either the Ayre CX-7e

CD player or the Ayre DX-5
Universal A/V Engine, which use different command sets.
Please refer to the chapter “Optimization and Customization”
for details.

disc player. The button

100 to 500 hours of music played through

the system will ensure full break-in.

16

Break-In

Due to the manufacturing processes used for the wires ,
capacitors, and circuit board materials, a break-in period is
necessary for the preamplifier 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.

Optimization and

Customization

In most audio systems, the KX-R preamplifier only requires
that the desired inputs be activated by naming them. This
allows for easy operation of the audio system. Each source
component is clearly identified and only the connected inputs
are displayed in the list of available source components.
However in certain installations it may be desirable to
customize additional settings for each input.

Setup Mode

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

Setup Mode

• Name - for easy identification of source components

• Gain Offset - for level matching of source components

• Balance - for channel matching of source components

• Bypass - for integration with a surround-sound processor

• AyreLink - for automatic input selection of linked components

To enter the setup mode, make sure that the preamplifier is in
the standby state. Then press and hold the right-hand button
for five seconds. The front panel will then briefly display “

Mode

” and then enter the setup mode.

Setup

17

Set1 [current name]

After entering the setup mode, the front panel will display “Set1

[current name]

selected for input 1. (The factory default setting is “

”, where “current name” indicates the name currently

Unused”,

which de-activates input 1.)

18

Use the left-hand knob to select which input (

1 - 8) you wish to

configure. Then press the right-hand button to enter the next
menu level. The left-hand knob will select which setting you
wish to configure for that input.

Name

Offset

Balance

Gain

AyreLink

Unused

CD

Phono

DVD

SACD

SSP

Digital

Tuner

Aux

Tape

D/A

CD-R

DAT

Sat
Cable
Video

TV

VCR

LD
PX-R
CX-R
DX-R

P-5xe

C-5xeMP

DX-5

CX-7eMP

QB-9

D-1xe

Input x

Custom x

Name

Use the right-hand knob to select the desired name. Selecting

“

Unused” will disable that input and remove it from the list of

available source components when in the normal operating
mode.

A custom name (up to 8 characters) may also be created as
follows:

1) Use the right-hand knob to scroll to the selection “Custom
x”, where “x” represents the selected input number.

2) Press the right-hand button to enter the next menu level.
The current name will be displayed, with the first character
highlighted with a cursor (black characters on a blue
background). 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, a - z, 0 - 9, a hyphen, a decimal
point, and a blank. There are three locations for the blank
character, one between each group of characters. These
additional 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.

Offset

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

The gain offset offers an adjustment from +0 dB to +6 dB in 1
dB increments. Therefore the source components with lower
output levels may be boosted to match the source components
with higher output levels.

19

Offset +0dB

Once you have selected the “Offset” 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”.

Balance

In rare cases a source component may have a channel imbalance,
particularly phono cartridges. To adjust for this, the channel
balance for either channel can be varied from +0 dB to +3 dB in
1 dB steps on each input. If there is an asymmetry in the room
acoustics or loudspeaker placement, it may be desirable to
adjust the channel balance on all of the used inputs.

20

Balance +0dB

Once you have selected the “

Balance” menu item with the

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

Changing the balance 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”.

Gain

When using the Ayre KX-R in a surround-sound system for
home theater, it is desirable to use the “Processor
Pass-Through” mode. This allows your two-channel music
sources to be routed directly through the KX-R, avoiding the
sonic degradation of most processors, and at the same time
allows the front two channels of the theater system to

Gain Bypass

automatically integrate with the your main two-channel
playback system.

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 KX-R. When configuring that input, use the left-hand
knob to select the “
select “

Bypass”.

Gain” menu item and the right-hand knob to

The chosen input is now programmed for Processor
Pass-Through operation, disabling the now redundant volume
control of the KX-R. When that input is selected, the KX-R is
set to unity gain (0 dB), and the volume is controlled directly
from the surround-sound processor. The volume indicator of the
KX-R will display “

PP” to show that the Processor

Pass-Through mode has been selected for that input.

The unity gain (“

Bypass”) 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 “

“

Normal” for all other source components to

Gain” setting to

avoid possible damage to your loudspeakers.

Selecting an input where the “Gain” has been set to “Bypass”
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 “Gain” is set to “Normal”.

21

AyreLink

AyreLink provides for true “one-touch”

operation of the entire music system.

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., preamplifier and power amplifiers). In
addition, the appropriate input on the KX-R will also be
automatically selected.

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 KX-R.

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 “
will transmit the code “
the code “

P”, and so forth.

D”, a phono preamplifier will transmit

C”, a DVD player

22

When the inputs of the KX-R 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 KX-R will automatically select the input labeled “CD”.

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 KX-R would be
unable to distinguish which CD player transmitted the
command, and would therefore be unable to automatically

AyreLink None

Reset? Yes

select the correct input. Similarly, it is possible that the user
wishes to create a custom name for the CD player input, for
example, “

Music”. In this case there is no default AyreLink code

that would select this input.

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

AyreLink” menu item with the

left-hand knob, simply select the desired identification code
(“A” to “Z”, or “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 setup mode, turn the left-hand knob past “Set8

(input name)

next menu level. The front panel will display “
turning the right-hand knob will select either “
Press the right-hand button again to confirm the selection. If

“No” is selected, the front panel will display “Cancelled” and

return to the previous menu level. If “
panel will display “
to “

Unused”, all offsets and balance adjustments will be restored

to zero, all gain settings will be restored to “
AyreLink codes will default to “
automatically enter the setup mode so that the desired inputs
may be activated.

” to “Reset”. Press the right-hand button to enter the

Reset?”, and

Yes” or “No”.

Yes” is selected, the front

Resetting” momentarily. All inputs will revert

Normal”, and all

None”. The unit will then

23

Overall Gain

The volume control for the KX-R preamplifier comprises a 60
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. They will adjust the gain of your

KX-R to meet the needs of the rest of your

audio system.

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 both the
gain of the power amplifier and the sensitivity of the
loudspeakers are 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 KX-R, 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 preamplifier will require
adjusting the gain of the remaining channels of your
surround-sound processor to match.

Remote Control

As shipped from the factory, the supplied remote control
handset is configured to also operate an Ayre C-5xe
stereo disc player. It may also be easily configured to operate an

MP

Ayre CX-7e
RC-5 remote control protocol), or also an Ayre DX-5 Universal
A/V Engine.

CD player (or other disc player that utilizes the

MP

universal

24

To change the remote control handset to operate the CX-7eMP,
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

MP

handset to operate the C-5xe

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
that it is configured to operate the CX-7e
indicate that it is configured to operate the DX-5.

MP

, seven times to indicate

MP

, or eight times to

Trigger Control

A trigger control allows one component to control the

“Standby” state of another component. If there are no AyreLink

source components available to control the operation of the
KX-R preamplifier, it may be convenient to use the trigger
control from a source component.

The trigger signal from a source component will directly
control the KX-R preamplifier. The KX-R can 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 KX-R at one end of the chain. The
unused AyreLink port on the preamplifier is then used as a
trigger input.

25

Rear view of KX-R preamplifier.

An adapter cable must be fabricated to connect the trigger
output of the control component to the AyreLink port of the
KX-R preamplifier. 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 component for details.

26

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.

There are two signaling methods that may be used; level and
pulse. The KX-R 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

“Standby”.

In the pulse-sensitive mode, a positive-going pulse will toggle
the amplifier between the “Standby” and “Operate” states,
duplicating the action of the left-hand front-panel button.

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.

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Numbers and

Input Impedance 2 MΩ balanced (1 MΩ per phase)

XLR Input Polarity Pin 1 = Ground

Frequency Response DC – 250 kHz

Output Impedance 300 Ω balanced (150 Ω per phase)

Specifications

1 MΩ single-ended

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

Gain Variable

150 Ω single-ended

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Power Consumption 35 watts;

65 watts maximum (when operating the volume control)

Dimensions 17-¼" W x 11-¾" D x 3-¾" H

(44 cm x 30 cm x 9.5 cm)

Weight 42 pounds

(19 kg)

In Case of

Trouble

Should the Ayre KX-R preamplifier ever fail to operate
properly, please check the following:

Symptom: Mechanical noise when changing

the volume level or selected input.

Symptom: An audible “whirring” sound

when selecting or deselecting an input

connected to a surround-sound processor.

Symptom: Slight audible hum from the

loudspeakers when listening at high levels.

Symptom: Remote control not working. Check the condition of the batteries (4 x AAA) located in the

Symptom: Standby indicator LED not

illuminated.

This is a normal consequence of the precision stepping motors
moving the solid-silver contact rotary switches.

This is a normal consequence of the precision stepping motors
moving the solid-silver contact rotary switches at high speed to
reach the unity-gain setting or revert to the normal gain
setting.

This is a normal consequence of the ultra-high input impedance
picking up hum from an input that is activated (named), but
not connected to a source component. Deactivating the input or
connecting a source component will eliminate any hum pickup.

remote control.

1) Be sure that the unit is connected to a working AC outlet.

2) Check the AC line fuse on the rear panel of the unit.

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Amplifier Error Messages

Power amplifiers typically employ several different protection
circuits to avoid potential damage to the amplifier or
loudspeakers in the case of misuse or a fault. When an
AyreLink-equipped power amplifier is connected to the KX-R
preamplifier, any error detected by the power amplifier will
immediately place the preamplifier in standby mode. In
addition an error message will be displayed on the front panel of
the KX-R, allowing the source of the error to be pinpointed.

Restoring the preamplifier to the “Operate” mode will clear the
error message.

“Amp Fuse” Message

If the front panel displays “Amp Fuse”, it indicates that one of
the internal power supply (rail) fuses of a linked power amplifier
has failed. Please refer to the owner’s manual for the amplifier
for further information.

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“Amp Hot” Message

If the front panel displays “Amp Hot”, it indicates that a linked
power amplifier has overheated. Please refer to the owner’s
manual for the amplifier for further information.

“Amp DC Offset” Message

If the front panel displays “Amp DC Offset”, it indicates that a
linked power amplifier has detected excessive DC at the
loudspeaker outputs. Please refer to the owner’s manual for the
amplifier for further information.

“Amp AC Low” Message

If the front panel displays “Amp AC Low”, it indicates that the
AC line voltage of a linked power amplifier has fallen below
75% of normal. Please refer to the owner’s manual for the
amplifier for further information.

Turntable Error Message

The dps/Ayre turntable includes a sophisticated power supply
with a temperature sensor that shuts the unit down if it
overheats for any reason. In this case, the KX-R will display the
message “
AyreLink cable. Please refer to the owner’s manual for the
turntable for further information.

Phono Hot” if the two units are connected with an

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Statement of

Warranty

North American Warranty

Your Ayre KX-R preamplifier is warranted against defects in
workmanship and materials 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.

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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.

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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.

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

34

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:

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

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36 Rev. 1.2