AYRE QX-5 Twenty Full silver, QX-5 Twenty Full black, QX-5 Twenty Net silver, QX-5 Twenty Net black, QX-5 Twenty USB silver Ayre_QX5_Twenty_Manual.pdf

Ayre QX-5

Owner’s Manual

A y r e

Digital Hub

Tw enty

Twenty

Twenty

Table of

Contents

Welcome to

Connections and

Setup and

Controls and

Optimization and

Numbers and

In Case of

Statement of

A Place for

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

Installation . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Trouble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

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 from 90 days to

five years.

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.

Your Ayre QX-5 Twenty offers a significant
advance in the musical performance of high­fidelity 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 the QX-5 Twenty
will provide you a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

Quick Start

The Ayre QX-5 Twenty is a digital hub, a device
which allows you to integrate all of your digital
sources into one point of control. It is extremely
flexible and versatile, improving the performance
of all your digital sources. In order to immediately
begin enjoying music from the QX-5 Twenty, you
first need to connect any digital sources to the rear
panel of your unit.

2

Out of the box, all inputs of the QX-5 Twenty
will be active, but both the Ethernet and USB
inputs will require some configuration. Please see
the section of the manual called Ethernet Input
and USB Input, respectively (pg. 17). For all other
inputs, simply sending them a signal from your
other devices will commence playback.

For streamlined use of the QX-5 Twenty, disabling
unused inputs allows for simplified operation, see

(pg. 36).

One of the first things to

do after unboxing and

powering on the QX-5 is to

decide how you’ll use it in

your system.

The QX-5 Twenty can be listened to in three
different ways. Shipped from the factory, it is set
in preamplifier mode. For instructions on how to
change to DAC mode or Headphone mode, see
Modes of Operation (pg. 34).

The default volume level in
preamplifier mode is 60. Use the
control ring on the faceplate or
volume buttons on the remote handset
to adjust the volume.

Controls and Display

During normal operation the display of your
QX-5 Twenty will show the selected input in
the left-hand side of the window. In the right­hand side of the window, information about the
format being played back and the sample rate
will be displayed. If preamplifier mode is being
used, whenever the volume level is changed, the
right-hand side of the display will briefly show the
volume level.

3

A y r e

A y r e

1 4 5 8 7 6 2 3

1) Left-hand button

• Headphone functionality

• Menu navigation

2) Right-hand button

• Mute

• System-sleep mode

• Menu navigation

3) Control Ring

• Input selection ( )

• Volume up/down ( )

• Menu scrolling ( )

Tw enty

Twenty

4) 1/4” single-ended headphone connector

5) 3.5mm single-ended headphone connector

6) 3.5mm balanced headphone connectors (L — R)

7) Display

8) IR receiver

4

Connection and

Installation

The Ayre QX-5 Twenty is easy to set up and use.
The following guidelines will ensure that the
installation goes smoothly.

A good location for the QX-5 Twenty is in an
open-backed cabinet or on a shelf. In order not to
block the airflow to other components, the unit
should not be stacked directly on top of another
product.

The infrared beam of the

remote handset will also

travel through glass.

The receiver for the remote control is positioned
between the headphone jacks on the front panel.
A direct line of sight from the listening position
will ensure maximum range.

Inputs

The Ayre QX-5 Twenty offers ten digital inputs.
In this era of diverse source components, it is not
practical to pre-label the inputs with the name of
the source.

5

Word Clock

Output

Analog Audio Outputs

Right

AES/EBU Inputs

2

1

Left

Left

Right

S/PDIF Inputs

3

QX-5 Digital Hu b

S.N.

4

5

6

USB Host

Optical Inputs

7

10

USB Host

Ethernet Input

8

AyreLink

AyreLink

Boulder, Color ado USA

Firmware

Update

USB Audio Input

9

50/60 Hertz
60 W Max

Volts

The inputs are labeled “1” through “10”. If you
so choose, you may name each of the numbered
inputs to either one from a pre-selected list or
create a custom name, see (pg. 37). The inputs are
as follows:

Two (2) AES/EBU inputs with XLR connectors,
(labeled “1-2”)

Three (3) S/PDIF inputs with BNC connectors,
(labeled “3-5”)

Three (3) optical inputs with Toslink connectors,
(labeled “6-8”)

One (1) USB input with a USB “A” connector,
(labeled “9”)

One (1) Ethernet input which includes one
RJ45 connector and two associated USB host
connectors, (all labeled with the number “10”)

Make a written note of which source components
are connected to which numbered inputs, if you
plan to create custom names for each input in the
menu.

6

Outputs

The QX-5 Twenty has both line-level outputs
on the rear panel and headphone outputs on the
front panel.

Main Outputs

The QX-5 Twenty connects to your preamplifier,
integrated amplifier, or power amplifier via the
main outputs. The pair of XLR outputs provide
a high quality connection to your system. A
pair of RCA outputs are also provided for legacy
equipment.

Headphone Outputs

PHONES OUT

Headphones can be connected easily to the front
of the QX-5 Twenty. Directly below the display
you’ll find four connectors; two for single­ended headphones and two for a set of balanced
headphones.

The two connectors on the left (one in ¼ inch
diameter and the other in a 3.5 mm diameter) will
allow you to listen to headphones in single-ended
mode.

The two connectors (2 x 3.5 mm connectors) on
the right will allow you to listen in an optimized
configuration known as balanced mode or

7

With balanced operation, each

channel has two equal and

opposite signals, compared to

just one signal per channel
with conventional circuits.

symmetric mode. We recommend balanced mode
for your listening purposes, as it will improve
the level of performance provided to you by the
headphone amplifier in the QX-5 Twenty.

Pressing the left-hand button on the faceplate
of the QX-5 Twenty will illuminate the button
indicating the headphone outputs of the unit
are active. The display will temporarily show
PHONES OUT after pressing the button. While
the headphone outputs are active, the main XLR
and RCA outputs on the QX-5 Twenty will be
muted.

To re-activate the main outputs, press the left­hand button again. This will both mute the
headphone outputs and activate the main outputs
on the QX-5 Twenty. The button will no longer
be illuminated and the display will temporarily
show MAIN OUT.

Word Clock Output

Some digital products have word-clock inputs and
provide higher performance when supplied with a
high-quality external word clock. The word clock
output in the Ayre QX-5 Twenty is derived from
the ultra-low phase-noise master clock built into
the unit.

8

AC Power

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

AyreLink Ports

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.

AyreLink

The linked components may

be joined in any convenient

order.

The AyreLink communication system provides a
convenient way to control your audio system.
There are two AyreLink ports on the rear panel
of the QX-5 Twenty. Each port has four contacts
and contains both an input and an output.
Both ports function identically and may be used
interchangeably.

Be sure to use two-line telephone
cords to make AyreLink connections.
These can be identified by the four
gold contacts on each connector.

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

9

Setup and

Configuration

Your QX-5 Twenty offers a high level of flexibility
in terms of setup. The following information will
allow you to configure the unit in the best way for
your system and its use.

Setup Menu

While navigating the

Setup Menu, the buttons

immediately to the left

and right of the display

may be illuminated in red

(left-hand button) or green

(right-hand button) when

they are an available choice.

If they are not available as a

choice, these buttons will not

be illuminated.

10

In order to change settings or customize your
use of the QX-5 Twenty, you’ll need to access the
Setup Menu.

1) Ensure the unit is in System Sleep Mode by
holding down the button on the right-hand side
of the display for three seconds. A green light will
illuminate the silver button and the display will go
blank.

2) Hold down the left-hand button for three
seconds.

3) The words SETUP MENU will appear briefly
on the display, then the words MAIN INPUT
will be shown.

From here you have access to the Setup Menu.
You can scroll (using the right and left arrows
of the control ring) between menu options in
the menu. To select a sub-menu press the green
button and to exit a sub-menu press the red
button. If an option to select is available, the
right-hand button will be illuminated. If the
right-hand button is not illuminated, you have
reached the end of the selected sub-menu and
your only choice will be to exit the sub-menu by
pressing the left-hand button.

Setup Menu Structure

Below are diagrams of the QX-5 Twenty's menu
structure. These can be used as a reference as to
how the menu works and where each section is
located within the larger structure.

QX-5 Main Menu:

Select a Sub-menu:

Main

INPUT OUTPUT NET FW REV. RESET

Input

Sub-menu

Output

Sub-menu

Network

Sub-menu

Firmware

Revision

System

Reset

11

12

Firmware Updates

Firmware updates may be made available for the
QX-5 Twenty. These updates may provide new
features and/or improve the use and reliability
of your unit. There are two types of firmware
updates that are available for the QX-5 Twenty.

Do not turn off the QX-5 Twenty
while updates are in progress.

Network Updates

Network updates only affect the Ethernet module.
Whenever the QX-5 Twenty is turned off and
then back on again, the installed network device
will connect with the Ayre web server to check
for a network update. If one is available, the unit
will show the word UPDATE? in the display.
Choose either yes by pressing the right-hand
button (illuminated green) or no by pressing
the left-hand button (illuminated red). If you
press the right-hand button, the update will
begin and the word UPDATING along with
numbers (5…10…15…etc.) will appear on the
display, showing the progress of the update until
complete, when the display will read UPDATE
DONE. If you press the left-hand button, the
update will not begin, but will prompt you as
above every time you turn the unit off and then
on again, until the update has been completed.

13

General Updates

General updates affect the firmware for the unit’s
operating system, display, digital filters, etc. The
general firmware of the QX-5 Twenty may be
updated for ease of use and reliability. The unit’s
firmware version can be found by accessing the
Setup Menu, see (pg. 10).

1) Enter the Setup Menu, from MAIN InpuT,
scroll to the right (using the right arrow on the
control ring) until you see FW REV.

2) Press the right-hand button and the firmware
version will be displayed.

3) If the QX-5 Twenty’s firmware version does
not match the version available at www.ayre.com/
qx5_support.htm, then download the new version
from the website to your computer using the link
on the page.

14

Firmware

Update

4) Copy the newest version of the firmware to the
root directory of your USB flash drive.

5) Find the rocker switch on the back panel of the
unit and switch it to “OFF”.

6) Insert the USB flash drive into the port labeled
“Firmware Update” on the back panel.

7) Turn the rocker switch on the back panel
of the unit to “ON”. The firmware update
will commence automatically. While the unit
is updating itself, left-hand button will be

illuminated red. When complete, the unit will
return to system-sleep mode.

8) Return the unit to operation mode by pressing
the right-hand button.

Main Outputs

The QX-5 Twenty can be switched between
preamplifier mode and DAC mode. The
preamplifier mode enables an internal digital
volume control, allowing use directly into a power
amplifier or powered loudspeakers. DAC mode
bypasses the volume control, delivering a full­level signal at the outputs for use with systems
that already have a volume control (e.g., in a
preamplifier).

DAC and Preamplifier Mode

DAC mode bypasses the digital volume control
of the QX-5 Twenty and sends a full-level signal
to your preamplifier or integrated amplifier. Now
your preamplifier or integrated amplifier controls
the volume of the system.

Engaging DAC mode will cause the
QX-5 Twenty to output full-level
signal. You could cause damage to
your speakers if it is connected
directly to an amplifier without a
volume control.

15

Preamplifier mode allows the use of the unit as
a digital preamp. Please note that the level of
the volume control is retained separately for the
preamplifier outputs and the headphone outputs.

Choosing Main Output Modes

1) Access the Setup Menu, see (pg. 10). You will
see the words MAIN INPUT on the display.

2) Press the arrow on the right-hand side of the
control ring once. The words MAIN OUTPUT
will be displayed.

3) Press the right-hand button once. The current
output mode will be displayed and the display will
either read: MODE DAC or MODE PRE.

4) Using the right- and left-hand arrows on the
control ring allows you to scroll between modes.

16

5) Once the mode you wish to engage appears on
the display, press the left-hand button twice to exit
the menu.

Digital Inputs

The Ayre QX-5 Twenty provides virtually every
type of digital input available.

AES/EBU Inputs (1 and 2)

Connect your source to one of these inputs.
Please ensure you’re using a cable rated for the
transmission of a digital signal (110 ohm).

S/PDIF Inputs (3, 4, and 5)

Connect your source to one of these inputs. Please
ensure the cable you’re using is terminated with
a BNC type connector or adapter. Maximum
performance will be attained when using cables
with 75 ohm BNC terminations and 75 ohm
cabling. Ayre includes BNC-to-RCA adapters
for convenience, but the typical impedance of
an RCA connector is roughly 30 ohms and will
degrade the performance slightly by creating
reflections which can increase the jitter.

Optical Inputs (6, 7, and 8)

Connect your source to one of these inputs with a
high quality optical cable.

USB Input (9)

The USB input uses the square “B” type
connector designed for computer peripheral
devices. The rectangular “A” type connector at
the other end of the cable plugs directly into
the computer. The maximum recommended

17

If the Network input name

is set to OFF in the setup

menu, the network module

will be disabled and powered

off, potentially improving

sound quality of other inputs

due to reduced electrical noise,

but the QX-5 will no longer

be seen on the network.

cable length is 10 feet (3 meters). It is not
recommended to use extenders or hubs with the
QX-5 Twenty. For proper configuration of the
USB input on the QX-5 Twenty, please see our
computer audio setup page www.ayre.com/usb.
htm.

Ethernet Input (10)

The Ethernet Input on the QX-5 Twenty will
immediately attempt to communicate with
your home network as soon as it is physically
connected. The unit will appear on your network
as “Ayre QX-5” and can be controlled with any
UPnP control app.

If the QX-5 Twenty does not appear on your
network, please refer to the troubleshooting
section, see Network (pg. 44).

Please note that the maximum

length of Ethernet cable is

100 meters (328’).

Any USB flash drive will

need to use a FAT32 or

NTFS file format in order to

be recognized .

18

The Ethernet input utilizes a ubiquitous Ethernet
cable terminating in four pairs of copper wire
with a locking end connector. Extended lengths
of cable may be used for longer runs if your home
network is not in close proximity to the chosen
location of the QX-5 Twenty.

There are also two USB “A” ports provided as part
of the Ethernet module. The ports may be used
to connect the supplied Wi-Fi antenna or a USB
flash drive. Music on the USB flash drive can be
streamed to the QX-5 Twenty directly via this
connection using the mconnect control app.

If you are using the included Wi-Fi antenna to
connect the QX-5 Twenty to your network, please
see the instructions for “Connecting Wirelessly”
below.

Connecting Wirelessly

Wireless Ethernet connections

are not as reliable as wired

Ethernet connections. If you

are experiencing unreliable

wireless Ethernet connectivity,

please try locating your

Wi-Fi router closer to the

QX-5 Twenty.

The three methods below will allow you to
connect to your home network via Wi-Fi, without
the need for a physical connection between the
QX-5 Twenty and your Wi-Fi router.

A wireless connection is not optimal for high
performance. For a higher level of performance,
connect your router to the QX-5 Twenty with an
Ethernet cable.

AP Mode

AP mode will initiate and authenticate the QX-5
Twenty’s Wi-Fi communication protocol so that
it is wirelessly connected to your network. Before
commencing the sequence of instructions for
AP mode, please ensure you’ve downloaded the
mconnect control app, see Apps (pg. 31).

USB Host

1) Turn the QX-5 Twenty off via the rocker switch
on the rear panel.

2) Insert the included Wi-Fi antenna into one of
the USB Host connectors.

19

Ensure NO Ethernet cable is
connected.

3) Turn the QX-5 Twenty on via the rocker switch
on the rear panel. The unit will now enter System
Sleep Mode.

4) Enter the Setup Menu by holding down
the left-hand button until MAIN INPUT is
displayed.

5) Scroll to MAIN NET by using the right or
left arrows on the control ring on the right-hand
side of the faceplate.

6) Press the right-hand button. The screen will
now display NET AP.

7) Press the right-hand button. The screen will
now display AP START.

20

8) Press the right-hand button. The display will
now show moving dots, indicating that AP Mode
is engaged.

9) Using your phone/tablet, find the wireless
network “Ayre QX-5” on its list of available
networks.

10) Enter the QX-5 Twenty’s network password,
which is “password”.

11) Turn on the mconnect app.

12) Go to Settings ( symbol left hand corner).

13) Select “Device Setup” from the menu.

14) Select “Ayre QX-5” from the device list.

15) Select “Wi-Fi network selection.”

16) Find your home network on the list.

17) If your home network requires a password,
enter it at this time.

18) The QX-5 Twenty will automatically join
your home network. Once the connection
to the network is made, the display will read
CONNECTED. (This may take 10 - 15 seconds)

19) The display will then revert to NET AP.

20) Now press the left-hand button until you’ve
exited the Setup Menu, or until you reach the
next item you would like to configure.

Not every router or modem is

capable of WPS mode, please

check your router’s manual for

this feature.

WPS Mode

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to
easily connect your QX-5 Twenty to your home
network, without the use of an Ethernet cable.

1) Turn the QX-5 Twenty off via the rocker switch
on the rear panel.

21

2) Insert the included Wi-Fi antenna into one of
the USB Host connector.

Ensure NO Ethernet cable is
connected.

3) Turn on the QX-5 Twenty via the rocker switch
on the rear panel.

4) Enter the Setup Menu by holding down
the left-hand button until MAIN INPUT is
displayed.

5) Scroll to MAIN NET by using the right- or
left-arrows on the control ring on the right-hand
side of the faceplate.

6) Press the right-hand button.

7) Using the right or left arrow on the control
ring, scroll to NET WPS. Press the right-hand
button. The front panel display will now read
WPS START.

22

8) Press the right-hand button. WPS mode will
now be engaged. The unit will be in this mode
until it connects to your router, or until you exit
this menu by pressing the left-hand button once.

9) At this point you will need to press the WPS
button on the back of your home network router,
or follow its instructions to initiate WPS, or Wi-Fi
Protected Setup mode.

10) Once the wireless link has been created,
the display of the QX-5 Twenty will read

CONNECTED. The display will then revert to
NET WPS.

11) Now press the left-hand button until you’ve
exited the Setup Menu, or until you reach the
next item you would like to configure.

Wire-Aided Wi-Fi Connection

These instructions allow

you to connect to a password

protected, non-WPS enabled,

wireless router.

This connection method requires that you
temporarily use an Ethernet cable to authenticate
communication between your QX-5 Twenty
and your home network. Afterwards you may
disconnect the cable and place the QX-5 Twenty
in its permanent location.

Before beginning, please download the mconnect
control app, see Apps (pg. 31).

1) Turn off the QX-5 Twenty via the rocker switch
on the rear panel.

2) Make sure the Ethernet cable for your network
is connected to the port in the back of the unit.

3) Insert the included Wi-Fi antenna into one of
the USB Host connectors.

4) Turn on the QX-5 Twenty via the rocker switch
on the rear panel.

23

5) Press the right-hand button to bring the unit
out of System-sleep mode.

6) Access the mconnect control app through your
phone or tablet.

7) In the mconnect app, go to its Settings Menu

( symbol in the left-hand corner) select
“Device Setup”.

8) Select “Ayre QX-5” from the device list.

9) Select “Wi-Fi network selection.”

10) Find your home network on the list and select
it.

11) Type in your home network password.
A notice will appear on your phone/tablet,
indicating: “The device is attempting to connect
to the network”. Press OK.

24

12) Disconnect the Ethernet cable, now the unit
will connect via the wireless network.

IP Address

1) Access the Setup Menu, see (pg. 10). You will
see the words MAIN INPUT on the display.

2) Press the arrow on the right-hand side of the
control ring until the words MAIN NET are
displayed.

3) Press the right-hand button once.

4) Using the right-hand arrow on the
control ring will allow you to scroll to the word
INFO.

5) Press the right-hand button once.

6) Using the right-hand arrow on the control ring
will allow you to scroll between WAN and LAN.

7) Select which IP address you’d like to see
displayed and press the right-hand button once.

8) The display will now show the IP address of the
QX-5 Twenty. Make a note of it and exit the sub­menu by pressing the left-hand button.

25

Controls and

Operation

The following chapter contains information on
the controls available for your QX-5 Twenty.
These are available from the faceplate, the remote
control handset, and various software applications.

Off / On (0/1)

System-sleep can reduce

power consumption in

AyreLink connected power

amplifiers when not

listening to music.

26

The main power switch for the QX-5 Twenty
is a rocker on the rear panel. This switch
disconnects the unit completely from the AC
power. When the unit is turned “off”, none of
the auxiliary functions (e.g., the AyreLink system
communication and Ethernet input) are operable.
Once the QX-5 Twenty is turned “on”, it may
take 30 minutes to fully warm up and sound its
best. A System-sleep option is available, this allows
auxiliary functions to operate and minimizes
warm-up time by keeping power applied to the
audio circuitry, see (pg. 28).

Control Ring

The control ring on the right-hand side of the
faceplate has two functions during normal
operation. The arrow symbols scroll between
inputs with the left- and right-hand arrows, and
change volume level with the +/– buttons at the
ring’s top and bottom.

Volume Control

The volume level may be controlled with the
+/– buttons on the control ring or the remote
control handset. The volume level is indicated on
the front panel display. There are 100 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.

Input Select

The desired source component may be selected
with the right- and left-facing arrows on the
control ring (to the right of the display) or the
remote control handset, and the assigned name is
displayed on the front panel.

27

Mute / System-sleep mode

The right-hand button on the QX-5 Twenty
serves two functions; mute and control of the
Low-Power function.

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

System-sleep mode

Press and hold the right-hand button for three
seconds (or a short press of the “1/0” remote
button) to enter the system-sleep mode. All
connected AyreLink-equipped components will
enter a low power consumption state, yet the
AyreLink functions remain active. This mode is
indicated by illuminating the green LED in the
right-hand button.

28

A long press of the “1/0” remote button will
place all AyreLinked components into low-power
consumption or standby mode. A short press of
the button will put the QX-5 Twenty into sleep
mode and not affect any other components.

Front-panel Display

The display of the QX-5 Twenty has the ability
to display extra information about some of your
recordings.

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 available brightness settings.

A blue LED on the unit indicates when the
display is turned off. When further commands are
received, either from the front-panel buttons or
the remote control, the normal display is activated
for a few seconds to confirm the command, and
then the display turns off again.

Changing the display brightness of components
linked via the AyreLink communication system
also changes the display brightness of all linked
components.

Recording Indicators

The QX-5 Twenty has the ability to provide you
with information about different types of HDCD
and pre-emphasized recordings.

29

HDCD Indicators

There are different types of HDCD recordings.
Below are the different indicators which may be
displayed during playback.

1) Green LED in the right side of the display
window.

This will mean that a Pacific Microsonics analog­to-digital converter was used in the making of the
recording. There is no actual HDCD decoding
taking place if only the green LED is illuminated
in the display window. This is not a true HDCD
recording.

2) Green LED, plus the letters in front of
44 on the display are illuminated.

This means you’re listening to an actual HDCD
recording and that HDCD encoding is being
decoded.

30

Pre-emphasis Indicators

The letters Pre in front of the sample rate on
the right-hand side of the display.

This means that a track has been detected which
was recorded with pre-emphasis and the proper
de-emphasis EQ is being applied.

Top half of the remote

operates the QX-5 Twenty.

digital

analog

Remote Handset

The provided remote control handset will operate
both the Ayre QX-5 Twenty as well as an Ayre
preamplifier or integrated amplifier.

Battery

The remote handset uses one CR2032 coin cell. It
is accessed by pulling the plastic tab and opening
the cover on the back/bottom of the remote.

Network Connection and Control

In addition to the Ethernet input, the QX-5
Twenty offers additional methods of connection
for the control and streaming of music. Utilizing
the included Wi-Fi antenna to either stream music
from a phone or tablet requires that you download
the mconnect control app from the app store.

Bottom half of the remote

operates an analog Ayre

preamplifier or integrated

amplifier.

Apps

Once you’ve connected an Ethernet cable from
your home network to the QX-5 Twenty via the
Ethernet input, your network will be able to “see”
the unit. In order to make use of the network-

31

and internet-streaming features included with
the QX-5 Twenty, you must first download the
control and support app from your app store.
Finding the app is best done by locating the
“search” field in your app store and using the
search terms: “mconnect control.” The first, or
only search result should be the mconnect control
app, published by ConversDigital Co., Ltd.

If you’re using a tablet, installing the app named
“mconnect control HD” allows alternating
between portrait mode to landscape mode.

Generic UPnP Apps

While the mconnect control app is the only app
created specifically for the QX-5 Twenty, other
UPnP control apps will also work. Searching
for: “UPnP control apps” in your app store
will provide you with a list of many. The QX-5
Twenty is designed to the UPnP standard and the
majority of UPnP apps should operate it. If you
have a problem with a specific app, please contact
the specific publisher of the app in question.

32

Roon

Roon is an advanced and powerful software
application capable of relating, organizing
and playing back a large digitally stored music
collection. As shipped from the factory, the
Ethernet input of your QX-5 Twenty is a “Roon
Ready Endpoint.” This means you’ll have access

to all of your music for playback through the
QX-5 Twenty. If you are already using Roon or are
interested in using it, please go to Roonlabs.com
for instructions on doing so.

Online Streaming Services

It’s important to note that if you want to make
use of online streaming services such as Tidal and
Deezer, you will need to download the mconnect
control app. These services may charge for a
subscription separately. You will be prompted to
sign into your account from the mconnect control
app. Ensure you have the log-in information ready
when starting the app for the first time.

Spotify Connect

Spotify service can only be

accessed through the Spotify

app.

In order to begin listening to music through
Spotify Connect on the QX-5 Twenty, you
will need to ensure you are a Spotify Premium
subscription holder. Simply turn on the Spotify
app on your phone, tablet, or desktop/laptop
computer. Once turned on, the Spotify app
will “see” the QX-5 Twenty as a device available
for playback on your network. Instruct Spotify
to stream music to the unit and music should
commence immediately.

33

Optimization and

Customization

The Ayre QX-5 Twenty offers many customizable
options. It is configured at the factory to provide
the best performance for a typical installation.
However, in certain situations you may wish
to change the default configuration to fit your
system.

Modes of Operation

The Ayre QX-5 Twenty offers three distinct
output modes depending on the intended usage.
Please select the mode that best suits your system
and needs.

34

Digital Preamplifier

The QX-5 Twenty will come from the factory
with this setting as its default output mode. You
may immediately begin using the + and – buttons
(top and bottom) on the control ring to the right­hand side of the faceplate. Simply connect XLR
or RCA interconnect cables from the rear panel

Analog Audio Output connectors directly to an
amplifier of your choosing.

Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)

In order to use the QX-5 Twenty as a digital
source component without volume control,
enter the Setup Menu, see (pg.10) and select
(by scrolling once to the right) OUTPUT from
the Main Menu. Then select DAC (as opposed
to PRE) from the mode menu. Once DAC is
selected, press the left-hand button until you have
exited the Setup Menu. This mode is called “DAC
mode.” Once engaged, volume control is fixed at
maximum output level and will not be variable.

The output of the unit will be at full
volume in DAC mode and could cause
damage to stereo systems that have no
other volume control in the signal
path after the QX-5 Twenty.

Headphone Amplifier

The QX-5 Twenty is equipped with a world-class
headphone amplifier. Headphones can offer a
more intimate listening experience. In order to use
this function, simply connect a set of headphones
to the front of the unit under the display, and
press the button (to the left of the display) with
a headphone icon engraved above it. Once
pressed, the LED surrounding this button will be
illuminated in red, the Headphone Outputs will

35

For more information on the
available headphone outputs

refer to the “Headphone

Output” section, (pg. 7).

become active, and the Analog Audio Outputs
from the rear panel of the unit will be muted. In
order to re-engage the Analog Audio Outputs,
simply press the headphone button once again.
This will mute the headphone output (but
will remember the last volume level you were
using) and flow of signal from the Analog Audio
Outputs on the rear panel will resume.

Disabling Inputs

Use of the QX-5 Twenty may be streamlined if all
unused inputs are disabled in the Setup Menu.

1) Once in the Setup Menu, the first choice
available will read MAIN INPUT. Select this
option by pressing the right-hand button on
the right-hand side of the display. The input
name and number (INPUT XXX 0) will be
displayed.

36

2) Scroll to the desired input by pressing the
right and left arrow buttons on the control ring.
Once the desired input is shown on the display
(INPUT XXX 0), press the right-hand button
on the right-hand side of the display.

3) The input name and number (XXX 0
NAME) will be displayed. Press the right-hand
button once more.

4) The name and number (NAME XXX 0) of
the input will be displayed.

5) Scroll left or right by pressing the right and left
arrow buttons on the control ring until the display
shows the word OFF.

6) You may press the left-hand button once to
scroll through more inputs you may want to
disable, or exit the Setup Menu by pressing the
left-hand button on the left-hand side of the
display four times.

Naming Inputs

You will have five character

fields available for

establishing your custom

name.

Once all inputs have been connected, it may be
desirable to label selected inputs with a custom
name for greater ease of use.

Please note that the custom name you
choose will only appear during normal
operation. While using the setup
menu, the original input name will be
displayed.

Custom Names

1) Once in the Setup Menu, the first choice
available will read MAIN INPUT. Select this
option by pressing the right-hand button on
the right-hand side of the display. The input
name and number (INPUT XXX 0) will be
displayed.

37

2) Scroll to the desired input by pressing the
right and left arrow buttons on the control ring.
Once the desired input is shown on the display
(INPUT XXX 0), press the right-hand button
on the right-hand side of the display.

3) The input name and number for the input
(NAME XXX 0) will be displayed to the right­hand side of the display. Press the right-hand
arrow on the control ring twice so that the display
reads: NAME CUST.

4) Press the right-hand button on the right-hand
side of the display. The display will now read:
CUST.

5) Begin scrolling through possible character
choices by pressing the + / – buttons at the top
and bottom of the control ring. The blinking dot
“.” will indicate the selected character field.

38

6) Once the desired character is displayed, simply
press the right arrow button on the control ring to
move the blinking dot to the next character field.

7) Now press the left-hand button until you’ve
exited the Setup Menu, or until you reach the
next item you would like to configure.

AES 1
AES 2
SPDIF3
SPDIF4
SPDIF5
OPTIC6
OPTIC7
OPTIC8
USB 9
NET 10

OFF
CUST
D-1X
DX-5
DX-7
C-5X
CX-7

PC
TV

GAME

VIDEo
CABLE

SAT

CD

DVD

BLURAY

Preset Names

1) Enter the Setup Menu, see (pg. 10).

2) The display will show MAIN INPUT. Press
the right-hand button.

3) The left-hand side of the display will read
INPUT. The right-hand side of the display will
show the inputs you may select for re-naming.

4) Scroll through the input choices by pressing the
right- or left-hand arrows on the control ring.

5) Once you’ve scrolled to the input name you’d
like to change, press the right-hand button.

6) Now you will see the default input name on the
left-hand side of the display. On the right-hand
side, the word NAME will be displayed. Press the
right-hand button to enter the name selection
sub-menu.

7) Now the word NAME will appear in the left­hand side of the display and the default name of
the current name setting will be displayed.

8) Now scroll through the possible input names
by pressing the left- and right-hand arrows on the
control ring.

9) Once you see the preset name you’d like to use,
press the left-hand button to leave that sub-menu.

39

Audio Modes

The Ayre QX-5 Twenty has three different audio
modes. You may wish to select an alternate
mode in certain circumstances. The unit ships in
“Music Mode.” Below you’ll find a description
of the three modes, followed by instructions
for changing the currently selected mode. The
Mode options are not universal, each input is set
individually.

Music Mode

The QX-5 Twenty will ship from the factory with
“Music Mode” as its default setting. The Music
Mode uses a large buffer for the digital audio
data, completely eliminating jitter even for inputs
where the data flow is controlled by the source.

The video mode option is

only available for the

S/PDIF-based inputs

40

(1 - 8).

Video Mode

The data buffer used for Music Mode may cause
noticeable delay issues between audio and video
when watching video sources. The Video Mode
bypasses the data buffers, ensuring perfect audio/
video synchronization when watching video
sources.

Measure Mode

This digital filter uses an algorithm which
produces greater accuracy in the frequency
domain. Some listeners may prefer the additional
high-frequency energy provided by this mode,
but most will derive a greater sense of musical
enjoyment from “Music Mode.”

Changing Audio Modes

1) Enter the Setup Menu, see (pg. 10) and select
MAIN INPUT using the right-hand button.

2) From the MAIN INPUT menu, scroll to
(using the right- or left-arrows on the control
ring), then select the input (press the right-hand
button) whose audio mode you would like to
change.

3) The input’s menu will now be selected. Scroll
to the right once until you see the word MODE.
Press the right-hand button.

4) Now the MODE menu will appear. The current
mode will read in the display. Scroll to the desired
mode.

5) Now press the left-hand button until you’ve
exited the Setup Menu, or until you reach the
next item you would like to configure.

41

Numbers and

Specifications

Audio Inputs

Line output level

Headphone output level

Power Consumption

Dimensions

USB: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8,
384 kHz
PCM 16, 20, 24 bits
DSD64 and DSD128 (as DoP)

Optical/SPDIF/AESEBU: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96,

176.4, 192 kHz
PCM 16, 20, 24 bits
DSD64 (as DoP)

Network: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
PCM 16, 20, 24 bits
DSD64 (as DoP)

4.0 Vrms balanced, 2.0 Vrms single-ended

8.0 Vrms balanced, 4.0 Vrms single-ended

60W

17.25" W x 13.00" D x 3.75" H
44 cm x 33 cm x 10 cm

42

Weight

16 pounds

7.25 kg

In Case of

Trouble

In the event that you experience any technical
difficulties with your QX-5 Twenty, the following
items may help to solve the problem or track
down the cause.

Display Faults

If any of these fault persists,

contact the Ayre dealer for

service.

The Ayre QX-5 Twenty will display faults when
a problem occurs. The following faults are listed,
along with possible solutions to the problem.

Fault A/C

If the display shows FAULt A/C this is an
undervoltage AC mains condition. The fault
should clear itself automatically, or the unit will
lose power. Restart the QX-5 Twenty.

43

Update Error

If the display shows UPDATE ERROR there
was an error during the network update process
(Update interrupted by power failure or network
failure). Restart the unit.

If the network module is no longer responsive,
then the update failure caused the module to fail
and it will need to be replaced. Contact the Ayre
dealer for service.

Network

If the QX-5 Twenty cannot be seen as a device on
your home network follow this proceedure.

If you’re using an Ethernet cable, turn the unit
off. Verify that the Ethernet cable is attached to
the Ethernet port on the rear panel of the unit,
and that the cable is connected to a router on the
network. Turn the QX-5 Twenty back on. Ensure
the NET input is enabled (not set to OFF) in
the setup menu. If the problem persists, restart
your router. If it is not solved by restarting your
router, contact the Ayre dealer.

44

If you’re using Wi-Fi, follow the steps in the
manual for connecting wirelessly and ensure
that the unit is connected to your local wireless
network. If these steps are followed and the unit
still cannot be seen, restart the QX-5 Twenty. If

the problem persists, the Wi-Fi antenna may need
to be replaced.

Streaming

If the control app can’t stream to the QX-5
Twenty over the network (or reports an error
when trying to connect) follow these steps.

First, go to the FW REV sub menu and confirm
that the six-digit firmware revision is up to date
(current revision number will be available at
www.ayre.com/qx5_support.htm).

If it is not up to date, turn the QX-5 off, then
bring the unit out of system sleep mode and wait
for the NET UPDATE? prompt to appear.
After updating, the F/W revision should be up to
date.

Next, check that no other applications are also
trying to stream to the QX-5 Twenty. If an
application is already streaming, the unit will not
let another application take control.

Then, ensure that the streaming application being
used is supported by checking the QX-5 support
page www.ayre.com/qx5_support.htm.
Lastly, restart the unit.

If the problem persists, contact the Ayre dealer for
service.

45

USB Connection

If the QX-5 Twenty appears as “Unknown USB
device” when connected to a computer. Check
that your drivers are installed correctly, and up-to­date. Instructions for this can be found at www.
ayre.com/usb.htm.

Other Connected Products

The Ayre QX-5 Twenty will display error
messages from connected AyreLink equipped
power amplifiers, simplifying the task of system
troubleshooting.

Overheating

If overheating occurs, be

sure to correct the cause

before continuing to use the

amplifier.

46

If a power amplifier is operated at high playback
levels with insufficient ventilation, the internal
temperature may become too high, triggering the
thermal protection circuitry.

The QX-5 Twenty’s display will change to read
AMP HOT if an AyreLink equipped power amp
is connected and its temperature becomes too
high.

Once the unit has cooled, the amplifier may
return to normal mode. The AMP HOTmessage

will remain visible on the QX-5 Twenty so that
the source of the error is known.

To restore the unit to its normal operating mode,
simply press the right-hand front-panel button.

Rail Fuses

Internal power supply fuses protect both the
loudspeakers from excessive current and the
amplifier from short-circuits. If any of these fuses
fail, the amplifier will not operate.

The input selector characters will change to read
AMP FUS when one of the internal fuses of a
connected AyreLink equipped power amplifier
fails.

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

If the AC line voltage drops below 85% of normal
(brown-out), Ayre products will go into
protection and the unit will not operate.

47

The QX-5 Twenty display will change to
AMP AC LOW when the AC line voltage
is too low.

When the AC line voltage returns to normal the
AMP AC LOW 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

If there are any unusual

noises coming from the

loudspeaker, turn the rear-

panel AC power switch to

“Off” immediately. Please

return the unit to your

authorized dealer or service

center.

AyreLink equipped power amplifiers incorporate a
circuit to detect the presence of DC at the output
terminals which could be harmful to the
loudspeaker.

The QX-5 Twenty display will change to read
AMP DC OFFST when excessive DC offset is
present.

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.

48

Statement of

Warranty

North American Warranty

The Ayre QX-5 Twenty digital hub 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.

49

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.

50

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-of­warranty 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 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.

51

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.

52

A Place for

Serial Number:

Purchase Date:

Salesperson:

Notes

Dealer:

53

54

Rev. 1.0

Ayre Acoustics, Inc.

2300-B Central Ave.

Boulder, Colorado 80301

www.ayre.com

[phone]