Ayre C-5xeMP 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Numbers and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Welcome to Ayre Your Ayre C-5xeMP 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-5xeMP . The Ayre C-5xeMP is a universal stereo player. It plays all currently available audio disc formats, including CD, SACD, DVD-Audio, DVD-Video (soundtrack only), and MP3. The C-5xeMP offers both stereo analog and PCM digital outputs. Multi-channel discs may also be played.
Connections and Installation The Ayre C-5xeMP universal stereo player is easy to connect 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 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 The Ayre C-5xeMP 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”. An adapter is available from Ayre should you need to connect the digital output to an S/PDIF input that uses an RCA connector.
AC Power The Ayre C-5xeMP may be plugged directly into an unswitched wall outlet. Although proprietary RFI (radio-frequency interference) filtering is built into the disc player, in some situations an AC power-line filter (such as those offered by Ayre) may provide additional sonic benefits. Break-In Playing music with the unit for 100 to 500 hours will ensure full break-in.
Controls and Operation The Ayre C-5xeMP universal stereo 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 solid aluminum housing and features lighted keys for easy use in a dark environment. This dual-function handset is able to control a complete Ayre playback system.
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 is illuminated, and the critical internal circuitry remains powered. This ensures optimal performance with a minimum of warm-up time. Open/Close The “Open/Close” button opens and closes the disc tray.
Play The “Play” button initiates playback of the disc. If the drawer is open, pressing “Play” will also close the drawer. Pause The “Pause” button will pause the disc playback. Playback may be resumed either by pressing the “Pause” button again or the “Play” button. Stop 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 on both the front panel and the remote handset can activate two separate functions, depending on how long the button is pressed. A quick button press (less than about ½ second) will activate the “Previous” function. A longer button press (greater than about ½ second) will activate the “Reverse Scan” function. The behavior of the “Previous” function varies depending on the type of disc being played.
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 automatically continue scanning backward until the “Play” button is pressed. Press “Play” when the desired location has been reached. Subsequent presses 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.
After activating the “Forward Scan” function with a longer button press of the remote control handset’s “Next” button, the unit will automatically continue scanning forward until the “Play” button is pressed. Press “Play” when the desired location has been reached. Subsequent presses 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.
stopped, pressing the number keys will instead navigate through the available groups (DVD-A) or titles (DVD-V). Please refer to the chapter “Navigation of Discs” for additional information. Display Brightness The front panel display of the C-5xeMP 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.
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 ½ second) will activate the “Display Brightness” function. A longer button press (greater than about ½ second) will activate the “Display Mode” function. The information available for display varies according to the type of disc being played.
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 and some DVD-A discs. The “Audio” function allows the selection of the various soundtracks available on most DVD-Video discs and some DVD-Audio discs.
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. Remote Control Handset Illumination The buttons of the remote control handset include a backlight for easier use in a darkened room. The backlight is turned on for three seconds by pressing the “Illumination” button, easily located by feel in the bottom center of the keypad.
Navigation of Discs The Ayre C-5xeMP universal stereo 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-5xeMP will always play the stereo area of an SACD, ignoring any multi-channel areas that may be present. A very few discs have only a multi-channel area.
may have one group with a stereo mix sampled at 192 kHz with a resolution of 24 bits, while a second group may have a multi-channel (surround sound) mix sampled at 96 kHz with a resolution of 24 bits. 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.
DVD-Audio Navigation Pressing “Play” while the DVD-A disc is stopped will automatically begin play at Track 1 of Group 1. Many DVD-A discs were designed to be played while using a video display for navigation of the on-screen menu. Nonetheless, advanced features built into the Ayre C-5xeMP allow for easy navigation of DVD-A discs without the use of a video display. The C-5xeMP will play all formats found on DVD-A discs, including PCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS.
Using the indicator LEDs on the front panel of the C-5xeMP, note which group (or soundtrack) uses the highest sample rate and does not use compressed (Dolby Digital or DTS) audio. Make a note of the group (or soundtrack) with the highest sound quality on the case of the DVD-A disc. The next time you wish to play that disc, you may navigate to that group directly using the navigation buttons (“Next”, “Previous”, and number keys) or the “Audio” button.
The main feature is almost always found in Title 1, and this is the title that would normally be played when using the C-5xeMP. Virtually all DVD-V discs will auto-play upon insertion. However, many discs will begin playing a menu that is designed to be navigated by using a video display. In this case the front panel display shows “MENU”. Simply press “Stop” and then use the navigation functions (”Next”, “Previous”, or the number keys) to access the desired title (normally Title 1) and begin play.
display for five seconds, and additional presses of the “Audio” button during this period will scroll through the available soundtracks. MP3 CD-ROM discs containing MP3 files are divided into folders (directories) and tracks. Folders may also contain further sub-folders. In addition, each folder and track may be given a name when the disc is created on a personal computer (PC). MP3 Navigation The system of tracks and folders creates a hierarchical structure for navigation.
When selecting an MP3 track for play, the front panel display will show the following information in sequence: 1.5 seconds 3 seconds Remainder of track “MP3” + folder number + track number. Track name (first eight characters). Track number + elapsed time. Most of the time there will be no indication of which folder is currently playing. To display this information, use a longer button press on the “Display” key of the remote control handset to activate the “Display Mode” function.
• This player is compatible with multi-session discs, but will only play sessions that are closed. • This player can recognize a maximum of 250 folders or 250 tracks.
Optimization and Customization The Ayre C-5xeMP 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 down-sample 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-5xeMP 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-5xeMP 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.
Numbers and Specifications Maximum Output Level (PCM) 4.10 V rms – balanced outputs 2.05 V rms – single-ended outputs Maximum Output Level (DSD) 2.00 V rms – balanced outputs 1.00 V rms – single-ended outputs Analog XLR Output Polarity 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 (176.4 kHz sample rate) DC - 88 kHz (192 kHz sample rate) DC - 100 kHz (2.
Statement of Warranty North American Warranty Your Ayre C-5xeMP universal stereo player 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.
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.
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.
A Place for Notes 36 Serial Number: ________________________________________ Purchase Date: ________________________________________ Dealer: ________________________________________ Salesperson: ________________________________________ Rev. 2.
Ayre Acoustics, Inc. 2300-B Central Avenue Boulder, Colorado 80301 www.ayre.
