Table of Contents Welcome to Ayre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Connections and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Controls and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Customization and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Numbers and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 In Case of Trouble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Welcome to Ayre Your Ayre VX-R stereo power amplifier 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.
Connections and Installation The Ayre VX-R is easy to connect and use. The following guidelines will ensure that the installation goes smoothly. Location Do not stack the Ayre VX-R directly with other components, as this may restrict the airflow or induce hum into the audio circuitry. A good location for your stereo power amplifier is on the floor near your loudspeaker, in an open-backed cabinet, or on a shelf. The Ayre VX-R produces a moderate amount of heat during operation.
Input The VX-R stereo power amplifier can be driven by a preamplifier or directly from a line-level source (e.g., D/A converter or CD player) that has a volume control. A balanced input connector is provided to achieve the highest sound quality. Should it be necessary to connect a single-ended preamplifier or source component, high-quality adapters are available from your Ayre dealer.
Do not connect the loudspeaker outputs to any speaker switch-box, accessory, or test equipment that has a common ground connection. 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 VX-R amplifier. Each port has four contacts and contains both an input and an output. Both ports function identically and may be used interchangeably.
If there are no other AyreLink components in your system, the VX-R amplifier may also be controlled by a trigger output from another component. Should you have two VX-Rs connected for passive bi-amping, connect the AyreLink ports of your amplifiers in daisy-chain fashion as described above. The unused AyreLink port on an amplifier at either end of the AyreLink chain can then be used as a trigger input. Additional details can be found in the chapter “Customization and Configuration”.
Controls and Operation The Ayre VX-R has a front-panel button for conventional stand-alone operation. The amplifier may also may be controlled by other linked components via the AyreLink communication system. Alternatively the AyreLink port may be used to accept a trigger signal from another component, thereby controlling the amplifier’s operating state. Status LED and Standby Button There is a status LED on the amplifier’s front panel that indicates the operational status of the unit.
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. Operate The AyreLink system transmits the “Operate” command sequentially with a brief delay between components, avoiding overload of the AC power supply. Turning on a linked component will automatically turn on all other linked components that are further down the signal chain.
A long button press provides a simple way to turn the entire system off from any linked component. 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 VX-R amplifier. There is no directly accessible brightness control for the status LED on the VX-R.
Customization and Configuration The VX-R power amplifier is configured from the factory for flexible operation in most audio systems. However, in certain installations it may be desirable to change the factory default settings or create an alternate control connection. Display Brightness Normally the brightness of the status LED is controlled by other linked components connected to the VX-R via the AyreLink communications port.
One press – Low brightness Two presses – Medium brightness Three presses – High brightness After the ten-second configuration period has elapsed, the status LED will revert to green (”Standby” mode). If no button presses are detected during the ten second period, the unit will revert to the factory default setting (high brightness). Changes to the default settings will also be transmitted via the AyreLink communication system to other linked components.
Rear view of VX-R amplifier. An adapter cable must be fabricated to connect the trigger output of the control component to the AyreLink port of the VX-R amplifier. The easiest way to do this is to remove the modular (RJ-11) connector from one end of a two-line telephone line cord. (This is the type of cord that connects the telephone set to the wall. A two-line cord will have four gold contacts on each connector.) Then attach the connector appropriate for the component with the trigger output.
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 front-panel button. The front-panel button remains operative when the trigger input is used.
Numbers and Specifications Power Output Input Impedance 2 MΩ balanced (1 MΩ per phase) XLR Input Polarity Pin 1 = Ground Pin 2 = Non-inverting (Positive) Pin 3 = Inverting (Negative) Gain 26 dB Frequency Response DC – 250 kHz Power Consumption 45 watts in standby mode; 200 watts in operating mode, no signal Dimensions Weight 14 200 watts per channel continuous into 8 ohms 400 watts per channel continuous into 4 ohms 17-¾" W x 18-¾" D x 3-¾" H (44 cm x 48 cm x 9.
In Case of Trouble The Ayre VX-R provides comprehensive protection for both the amplifier and your loudspeakers, including faults that may occur in your source components. Overheating A sensor located on the audio module will shut the amplifier off if the chassis temperature reaches 145° F (65° C). If the unit is operated at high playback levels with insufficient ventilation, the internal temperature may become too high, triggering the thermal protection circuitry.
Rail Fuses Internal power supply fuses protect both the loudspeakers from excessive current and the amplifier from short-circuits. If one of these fuses blows, the amplifier will not operate and the status LED will flash red. If the amplifier is linked to an AyreLink-equipped preamplifier with an alpha-numeric display, a message indicating that the amplifier has a blown fuse will be displayed on the front panel of the preamplifier.
DC Offset The Ayre VX-R incorporates a circuit to detect the presence of DC at the output terminals which could be harmful to the loudspeaker. In this situation, the status LED glows red and the amplifier will not operate. If the amplifier is linked to an AyreLink-equipped preamplifier with an alpha-numeric display, a message indicating that the amplifier has a DC offset will be displayed on the front panel of the preamplifier.
Status LED Summary Green Blue Orange Red Flashing Red Violet Flashing Violet 18 Standby – The amplifier is ready to enter “Operate” mode. Operate – The amplifier is available for music playback. Over Temperature – The amplifier has exceeded its safe operating temperature due to poor ventilation and/or excessive playback levels. The amplifier will automatically revert to “Standby” (green) when it has cooled. Be sure to correct the problem before continuing to use the amplifier.
Statement of Warranty North American Warranty Your Ayre VX-R stereo power amplifier 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.
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.
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.
A Place for Notes 22 Serial Number: _________________________________________________ Purchase Date: _________________________________________________ Dealer: _________________________________________________ Salesperson: _________________________________________________
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