Ayre C-5xe Owner’s Manual Universal Stereo Player
Table of Contents Welcome to Ayre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Overview and Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Connections and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Controls and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Navigation of Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Optimization and Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Numbers and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Welcome to Ayre Please send in your warranty registration card so we can stay in contact with you. Your Ayre C-5xe 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.
Overview and Introduction To provide the highest possible level of audio performance, there is no video circuitry in the C-5xe. The Ayre C-5xe is a universal stereo (U2) player. It plays all currently available audio disc formats, including CD, SACD, DVD-Audio, DVD-Video (soundtrack only), and MP3. The C-5xe offers both stereo analog and PCM digital outputs. Multi-channel discs may also be played.
Connections and Installation The Ayre C-5xe universal stereo (U2) player is easy to hook up and use. The following guidelines will ensure that the installation goes smoothly. Location The infrared beam of the remote control will also travel through glass. A good location for your U2 player is at an easily accessible height in an open-backed cabinet or on a shelf. The receiver for the infrared remote control is mounted behind the display lens on the front panel.
Digital Output An adapter is available from Ayre should you need to connect the digital output to a device with an S/PDIF input that uses an RCA connector. The Ayre C-5xe features a balanced AES/EBU digital audio output on the rear of the unit. This output is used when connecting to a digital recording unit or other device, such as an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Additional information regarding the digital output may be found in the chapter “Optimization and Customization”.
when the player is plugged directly into the wall outlet, without using any power strips or power line conditioners. Break-In Playing the unit for 100 to 500 hours will ensure full break-in. 6 Due to the manufacturing processes used for the wires and capacitors, a break-in period is necessary for the Ayre C-5xe to reach its full performance potential.
Controls and Operation The Ayre C-5xe universal stereo (U2) player may be controlled using either the front panel buttons or the included remote control. Basic functions are available at both locations, while additional functions are available only at the remote control. Remote Control The supplied remote control handset has a housing machined from solid aluminum and features lighted keys for easy use in a dark environment.
1 – 4x Lights when playing a track with 176.4 or 192 kHz sample rate. 2 – 2x Lights when playing a track with 88.2 or 96 kHz sample rate. 3 – 1x Lights when playing a track with 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rate. 4 – SACD 5 – DTS 6 – DOLBY DIGITAL Lights when playing a DTS soundtrack. Lights when playing a Dolby Digital soundtrack. 7 – PLAY Lights when a disc is playing. 8 – PAUSE Lights when a disc is paused. 9 – Character Display 10 – DISPLAY OFF 11 – REMAIN Displays disc information.
Basic Functions The following basic functions are accessible via both the front panel buttons and the remote control handset. Standby/Operate The “Standby/Operate” button toggles the unit between normal operation and standby mode. When in standby mode a green status LED in the front panel “Standby” button is illuminated. The internal circuitry remains powered, ensuring optimal performance with a minimum of warm-up time. Open/Close The “Open/Close” button opens and closes the disc tray.
Play Pressing the “Play” button initiates playback of the disc. If the drawer is open, pressing “Play” will also close the drawer. Pause Pressing the “Pause” button will pause the disc playback. Playback may be resumed either by pressing the “Pause” button again or the “Play” button. Stop Pressing the “Stop” button will stop disc playback. However if you are playing a DVD-Video disc, the display shows “RESUME” and the position is memorized.
The “Previous” button of the remote control handset can activate two separate functions, depending on how long the button is pressed. A quick button press (less than about ¼ second) will activate the “Previous” function. A longer button press (greater than about ¼ second) will activate the “Reverse Scan” function. Please note that the behavior of the “Previous” function varies depending on the type of disc being played.
Please note that the behavior of the “Next” function varies depending on the type of disc being played. With a CD or SACD, pressing the “Next” button will navigate through the tracks, whether the disc is playing or stopped. Pressing the “Next” button while a DVD is playing will navigate through the tracks (DVD-A) or chapters (DVD-V). However when a DVD is stopped, pressing the “Next” button will instead navigate through the available groups (DVD-A) or titles (DVD-V).
After activating the “Reverse Scan” function with a longer button press of the remote control handset’s “Previous” button, the unit will continue scanning backward until the “Play” button is pressed. Press “Play” when the desired location has been reached. Subsequent activations of the remote control handset’s “Reverse Scan” function while the unit is scanning backward will toggle between the normal scan rate and a high-speed scan rate. Forward Scan The “Forward Scan” mode scans forward through the disc.
forward until the “Play” button is pressed. Press “Play” when the desired location has been reached. Subsequent activations of the remote control handset’s “Forward Scan” function while the unit is scanning forward will toggle between the normal scan rate and a high-speed scan rate. Additional Functions The following functions are available only via the remote control handset. Number Keys The number keys allow quick navigation to the desired point on the disc.
Display Brightness The front panel display of the C-5xe has three brightness settings, plus an “Off” position. The “Display” button of the remote control handset can activate two separate functions, depending on how long the button is pressed. A quick button press (less than about ¼ second) will activate the “Display Brightness” function. A longer button press (greater than about ¼ second) will activate the “Display Mode” function.
The information available for display varies according to the type of disc being played. Activating the “Display Mode” function with a longer button press will scroll through the available choices for each type of disc: CD and SACD Track number + elapsed track time. Track number + remaining track time. “DISC” + total remaining time on the disc. DVD-Audio Group number + track number + elapsed track time. Group number + track number + remaining track time.
The status of the “Repeat” mode is shown on the front panel display when the default display mode is selected. To exit the “Repeat” mode, either press the “Repeat” button to scroll through the modes or press the “Stop” button. Audio The “Audio” function is only available on DVD-V discs. The “Audio” function allows the selection of the various soundtracks available on a DVD-Video disc.
To exit the “Random” mode, either press the “Stop” button or manually select a new track with the number keys of the remote control handset. During random play, the “Previous” and “Next” buttons function somewhat differently than normal. Pressing “Previous” returns to the beginning of the current track (chapter for DVD-V discs). You cannot go back further than this. Pressing “Next” selects a track (chapter for DVD-V discs) at random from those remaining.
Navigation of Discs The Ayre C-5xe universal stereo (U2) player will play every currently available audio disc format. Each type of music disc has a structure to aid in navigation, that is, locating and playing the desired music on each disc. While there is an overall similarity, each disc format utilizes a different navigational structure. Understanding the underlying navigational structure of each type of discs will allow for greater ease of use.
SACD SACDs use a system of numbered tracks for navigation, just as CDs do. In addition, an SACD will provide distinct areas when multi-channel tracks are present in addition to the normal stereo tracks. Each audio format (multi-channel or stereo) is contained is its own separate area. The Ayre C-5xe will always play the stereo area of an SACD, ignoring any multi-channel areas that may be present. All SACDs may therefore be easily navigated in the same way as a standard CD.
Typically there are several different groups on a DVD-A disc. Normally each group contains the same number of tracks each with the same musical selections, although presented in various formats. There may also be a menu group intended for navigation when using a video display. These menu groups are of little use with the Ayre C-5xe, as it does not include any video circuitry. In an additional level of complexity, the groups are contained in a title set.
When playing a DVD-A disc for the first time, you will want to determine which group has the highest possible sound quality. While the disc is stopped, use the navigation keys (“Next”, “Previous”, and number keys) to navigate to each group on the disc. Remember that while the disc is stopped, the navigation keys (“Next”, “Previous”, and number keys) will select which group will play, but while the disc is playing the navigation keys will select which track in the current group will play.
DVD-Video DVD-Video discs typically contain a film or musical concert that is one to two hours in length. The main program is contained in a single title, which is sub-divided into chapters for easier navigation. Additional titles may also be present, containing other features such as interviews with the directors, on-screen menus, et cetera. The main feature is almost always found in title 1, and this is the title that would normally be played when using a U2 player.
Most DVD-Video discs contain multiple soundtracks. These may be in the form of various spoken languages or various audio formats (e.g., Dolby Digital, DTS, or PCM). The “Audio” function, which is activated by a longer press of the remote control handset’s “Repeat” button will allow the desired soundtrack to be selected. Please refer to the chapter “Controls and Operation” for additional information.
folders have been played. Within any given folder, the individual tracks may be accessed either with the “Next” and “Previous” functions or with the number keys of the remote control handset. To navigate to the next folder, press the “Next” button while playing the last track in the current folder. To navigate to the previous folder, press the “Previous” button twice while playing the first track in the current folder.
keep in mind the following points when creating an MP3 disc: 26 • This unit will play compressed audio files in MP3 format with a 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rate. • This player only plays tracks that are named with the file extension “.mp3”. • Variable bit-rate files are playable, but the playing time may not be shown correctly. • Use CD-R or CD-RW media for recording your MP3 files. • This player is compatible with multi-session discs, but will only play sessions that are closed.
Optimization and Customization The Ayre C-5xe is configured at the factory to provide the best performance for a typical installation. In certain situations you may wish to change the default configuration for optimal performance in your system, using small toggle switches on the rear of the unit. The default configuration settings (all switches in the “up” position) will work best for the vast majority of users.
A switch on the rear panel allows the digital audio output to be turned off if its use is not required. Turning the digital output “off” when not using it will result in slightly higher sound quality through the analog outputs. A second switch sets the sample rate available at the digital output. Selecting “44/48 kHz” will downsample high sample rate (88.2, 96, 176.4, or 192 kHz) PCM discs to single rate (44.1 or 48 kHz) PCM output.
Digital Filter The digital filter of the Ayre C-5xe features two user-selectable algorithms. A selector switch is located on the rear panel. One algorithm produces greater accuracy in the time domain and is labeled “Listen”. The other algorithm produces greater accuracy in the frequency domain and is labeled “Measure”. Normally the selector switch is set to the “Listen” position when listening to music.
Command Functions The C-5xe may either be controlled by the remote control handset via a receiver on the front panel or by a system controller via the control port. A small toggle switch on the rear panel selects which mode is active. For normal use, set this switch to “IR Receiver”. Set the switch to “Control Port” only when using a custom programmed system controller. Command files are available from the Ayre factory in both Crestron and Pronto (CCF) format. These files include discrete on/off commands.
Numbers and Specifications Maximum Output Level 2.05 V rms – unbalanced outputs 4.10 V rms – balanced outputs (PCM) 1.00 V rms – unbalanced outputs 2.00 V rms – balanced outputs (DSD) Analog XLR Output Polarity Pin 1 = Ground Pin 2 = Non-inverting (Positive) Pin 3 = Inverting (Negative) Frequency Response DC - 20 kHz (44.1 kHz sample rate) DC - 22 kHz (48 kHz sample rate) DC - 40 kHz (88.2 kHz sample rate) DC - 44 kHz (96 kHz sample rate) DC - 80 kHz (176.
Dimensions Weight 17-¼" W x 13" D x 4-¾" H 44 cm x 33 cm x 12 cm 26 pounds 12 kg 32
Statement of Warranty Please take a moment to fill out and return the enclosed warranty registration card. Your Ayre C-5xe universal stereo player is warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of five years from the date of purchase, except for the transport mechanism. The warranty period for the transport mechanism is two years from the date of purchase. This warranty is transferable to subsequent purchasers within the original warranty period.
or to Ayre’s authorized agent. 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.
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. Warranty registration cards must be completed and mailed to Ayre within 30 days of purchase. Ayre may, at its option, require from the purchaser valid proof of purchase (dated copy or photocopy of dealer's original invoice).
A Place for Notes Rev. 1.
Ayre Acoustics, Inc. 2300-B Central Avenue Boulder, Colorado 80301 www.ayre.
