Specifications

Ease of use
To simplify the use of the system, the inputs may be
named - either from an extensive list of pre-loaded
names, or by generating a custom three character name.
Each input is only active when it is named. In this way the
customer need not scroll through several unused inputs
to reach the desired one, as the inactive inputs are simply
skipped over. This eectively turns the AX-5 into an
amplier with a custom number of inputs, to match the
number of sources the customer owns (up to a maximum
of six).
Custom remote
The included remote control is our custom metal remote.
This has a slew of great unique features. One is that the
keypad is back lit for easy operation in a darkened room.
Using a single LED to illuminate the entire front panel
via a system of optical bres, the button to activate the
illumination is physically o by itself so that it can be
found simply by feel even in a pitch-dark room.
The handset also has controls for a disc player or
transport. It is easily congured to operate the CX-7 CD
player (Philips RC-5 codes), D-1, DX-7 DVD players, C-5xe
universal stereo player (Pioneer codes), or DX-5 universal
audio engine (Oppo codes).
" Finally it has Ayre’s exclusive Battery Saver
function. If the handset becomes wedged in
the couch cushions and one of the buttons is
accidentally pressed for a long period of time, it
will not drain the battery. Instead after any key
is held for more than ten seconds continuously,
the internal µP will go to “sleep” and save the
batteries. "
EU compliance
To comply with the recent low-power regulations
enacted by the EU, the unit has a combination master
power switch and magnetic circuit-breaker. No more
looking for replacement fuses when the shops are all
closed. Furthermore the breaker chosen for the AX-5 is
not the commonplace thermal breaker that has non-
linear metal alloys chosen for their thermal expansion
properties. It is a hydraulically-damped magnetic circuit
breaker, where the AC mains power is fed through a
coil of pure copper wire. Excessive current draw creates
a magnetic eld that opens the electrical contacts,
providing not only the best sound quality, but also the
most reliable and repeatable protective action.
Low-power consumption mode
The right-hand front panel button has two functions. A
short press places the unit into mute mode, indicated
by illuminating the decimal points in the LED display.
Pressing and holding the button for more than three
seconds, places the unit into “low-power consumption
mode”, indicated by the green LED ring on the push
button.
In this state, the bias is removed from the output
stage, reducing the power consumption by a factor of
approximately 10x, the audio is muted, and the display
is turned o. However, the AyreLink function are still
operable, as are the tape out connectors. In this day and
age, the tape out connectors will more commonly be
used to connect the source components to a headphone
amplier, thereby allowing the preamplier functions to be
controlled while the power amplier section is eectively
turned o. However the voltages remain applied to the
audio circuitry allowing for a quick warm-up.
Ayrelink
Pressing and holding the right-hand button also sends
a signal out on the AyreLink connectors on the rear
panel. Levinson was probably the rst to introduce
a communication system so that a stack of separate
components could be congured to act as one
large system. But the AyreLink system takes this to a
completely new level.
For starters, the connecting cables are two-line
telephone cables (available at any RadioShack in just
about any length and in three dierent colours for only
a few dollars). Sometimes these are not used in other
countries, but we include something with every AyreLink
product and are happy to get anything specic that you
Page 14
The AX-5 Story
from Ayre Acoustics March 2014
t: 01727 865488 e: [e-mail] w: www.symmetry-systems.co.uk
Symmetry, Suite 5, 17 Holywell Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 1DT