Ayre Acoustics Stereo System C 5XEMP User Manual

Ayre C-5xeMP  
Owner’s Manual  
Universal Stereo Player  
 
Table of  
Contents  
Welcome to  
Ayre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3  
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4  
Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7  
Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19  
Customization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28  
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33  
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36  
Overview and  
Connections and  
Controls and  
Navigation of  
Optimization and  
Numbers and  
Statement of  
A Place for  
 
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. You can be assured that the Ayre C-5xeMP  
will provide you a lifetime of musical enjoyment.  
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 to five  
years.  
2
 
Overview and  
Introduction  
To provide the highest possible  
level of audio performance,  
there is no video circuitry in  
The Ayre C-5xeMP is a universal stereo player. It  
plays all currently available audio disc formats,  
including CD, SACD, DVD-Audio, DVD-Video  
the C-5xeMP  
.
(soundtrack only), and MP3.  
The C-5xeMP offers both stereo analog and PCM  
digital outputs. Multi-channel discs may also be  
played. In the case of multi-channel SACDs, the  
C-5xeMP will automatically select the two-channel  
area that is included on virtually all multi-channel  
SACDs. In the case of multi-channel tracks that may  
be present on DVD-Audio or DVD-Video discs, the  
C-5xeMP will automatically down-mix to stereo.  
For the foreseeable future CD  
will continue to be the  
dominant format, with a wide  
variety of titles available in  
all musical genres.  
Thanks to its advanced technological features, the  
C-5xeMP will extract the full measure of performance  
from all digital audio formats, including CD,  
maximizing your musical enjoyment, both now and  
into the future.  
3
 
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.  
A direct line of sight from the listening position  
will ensure the maximum range.  
Analog Outputs  
For best sound quality, it is  
not normally recommended to  
use both sets of analog outputs  
simultaneously.  
The Ayre C-5xeMP offers both balanced and  
unbalanced outputs. Balanced connections are made  
via three-pin XLR connectors, while unbalanced  
connections are made via RCA connectors.  
When you have a choice, a balanced connection  
will offer slightly higher sound quality than an  
unbalanced connection.  
4
 
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.  
Control Port  
The control port on the rear panel of the C-5xeMP  
allows the unit to communicate with a system  
controller such as a Crestron or AMX. Additional  
information regarding the control port may be  
found in the chapter “Optimization and  
Customization”.  
5
 
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.  
Due to the manufacturing processes used for the  
printed circuit boards, wires, and capacitors, a  
break-in period is necessary for the Ayre C-5xeMP to  
reach its full performance potential.  
6
 
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. The buttons above the Ayre logo are used to  
operate your C-5xeMP, while the buttons below the  
logo will operate an Ayre preamplifier or integrated  
amplifier.  
The remote control handset uses 4 x AAA batteries,  
which are pre-installed at the factory. When battery  
replacement is required, remove the black plastic  
end-cap at the bottom of the unit by removing the  
two screws. The battery holder will easily slide out  
so that the batteries may be replaced.  
7
 
1 – 4x  
Lights when playing a track with 176.4 or 192 kHz sample  
rate.  
2 – 2x  
3 – 1x  
Lights when playing a track with 88.2 or 96 kHz sample rate.  
Lights when playing a track with 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rate.  
Lights when playing an SACD.  
4 – SACD  
5 – DTS  
Lights when playing a DTS soundtrack.  
Lights when playing a Dolby Digital soundtrack.  
Lights when a disc is playing.  
6 – Dolby Digital  
7 – Play  
8 – Pause  
Lights when a disc is paused.  
9 – Character Display  
10 – Display Off  
11 – Remain  
12 – Chp  
Displays disc information.  
Lights when the display is turned off.  
Indicates that the display is showing the time remaining.  
Indicates that the display is showing a DVD-V chapter  
number.  
13 – Trk  
Indicates that the display is showing a CD, SACD, or DVD-A  
track number.  
14 – Title  
15 – Grp  
Indicates that the display is showing a DVD-V title number.  
Indicates that the display is showing a DVD-A group number.  
Lights when playing a DVD with video content.  
16 – V-Part  
8
 
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. An open tray may also be closed by pressing  
gently on the front edge of the tray.  
When the tray is closed, almost all DVD-Video  
discs will automatically begin playing. This is  
because the DVD format allows the disc to send  
commands to the player.  
9
 
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.  
Press “Play” to start from the memorized position,  
or press “Stop” a second time to clear the memorized  
position.  
The resume position remains memorized as long  
as the DVD-Video disc is in the player, even if you  
switch the power off.  
Previous  
While the disc is playing, the “Previous” button  
will back up to the start of the current track (CD,  
SACD, DVD-A) or chapter (DVD-V). Additional  
presses will move to previous tracks or chapters.  
10  
 
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.  
With a CD or SACD, pressing the “Previous”  
button will navigate through the tracks, whether  
the disc is playing or stopped.  
Pressing the “Previous” 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 “Previous” button will instead  
navigate through the available groups (DVD-A) or  
titles (DVD-V). Please refer to the chapter  
“Navigation of Discs” for additional information.  
Next  
The “Next” button will move to the start of the next  
track (CD, SACD, DVD-A) or chapter (DVD-V).  
Additional presses will move to subsequent tracks or  
chapters.  
The “Next” 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 “Next” function. A  
longer button press (greater than about ½  
second) will activate the “Forward Scan” function.  
11  
 
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). Please refer to the chapter  
“Navigation of Discs” for additional information.  
Reverse Scan  
The “Reverse Scan” mode scans backward through  
the disc.  
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 front panel “Reverse Scan”  
function is slightly different than the remote  
control “Reverse Scan” function.  
Pressing and holding the front panel “Previous”  
button will engage the “Reverse Scan” function. The  
unit will scan backward as long as the button is  
held. When the button is released, the disc will  
resume normal play.  
12  
 
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.  
Forward Scan  
The “Forward Scan” mode scans forward through the  
disc.  
The “Next” 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 “Next” function. A  
longer button press (greater than about ½  
second) will activate the “Forward Scan” function.  
The behavior of the front panel “Forward Scan”  
function is slightly different than the remote  
control “Forward Scan” function.  
Pressing and holding the front panel “Next” button  
will engage the “Forward Scan” function. The unit  
will scan forward as long as the button is held.  
When the button is released, the disc will resume  
normal play.  
13  
 
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.  
Additional Functions  
The following functions are available only via the  
remote control handset.  
Number Keys  
The number keys allow quick navigation to a  
desired point on the disc.  
To enter a number greater than “9”, simply press  
the desired number keys in order. For example,  
to enter “23”, first press “2” and then “3”.  
Please note that the behavior of the number keys  
varies depending on the type of disc being played.  
When playing a CD or SACD, pressing the number  
keys for the desired track number will navigate to  
that track, whether the disc is playing or stopped.  
Pressing the number keys while a DVD is playing  
will navigate through the tracks (DVD-A) or  
chapters (DVD-V). However when a DVD is  
14  
 
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. 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.  
Briefly pressing the “Display” button on the remote  
control handset will activate the “Display  
Brightness” function, scrolling through the four  
choices. A blue LED next to the display illuminates  
when the display is turned off.  
When the display is off, pressing any key will  
illuminate the display for a few seconds. If the disc  
is playing when the display is off, pressing “Play”  
will briefly illuminate the display without affecting  
playback.  
Display Mode  
Various information regarding the disc being played  
may be selected for the front panel display by using  
the “Display Mode” function.  
15  
 
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.  
Activating the “Display Mode” function with a  
longer button press will scroll through the available  
choices for each type of disc:  
CD and SACD  
DVD-Audio  
DVD-Video  
MP3  
Track number + Elapsed track time  
Track number + Remaining track time  
“DISC” + Total remaining time on the disc  
Group number + Track number + Elapsed track time  
Group number + Track number + Remaining track time  
“# GRP” + Total remaining time in the current group  
Title number + Chapter number + Elapsed time in title  
“# TTL” + Total remaining time in the current title  
Title number + Chapter number + Remaining chapter time  
Track number + Elapsed time  
Track name  
Folder name  
Repeat  
When playing MP3 discs,  
repeat folder mode is also  
available.  
Pressing the “Repeat” button selects between  
normal play mode, repeat track (chapter for DVD-V  
discs) mode, and repeat disc (group for DVD-A discs  
or title for DVD-V discs) mode.  
16  
 
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 the “Audio”button will enter the mode  
whereby the soundtrack may be selected. The “GUI”  
symbol will illuminate on the front panel display for  
five seconds, and additional presses of the “Audio”  
button during this period will scroll through the  
available soundtracks. Please refer to the chapter  
“Navigation of Discs” for additional information.  
Random  
The “Random” function is not  
available when playing  
SACDs.  
Pressing the “Random” button will play the tracks  
in random order, except with SACDs. The status of  
the “Random” mode is shown on the front panel  
display.  
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.  
17  
 
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. Additional key  
presses (of any key) will extend the illumination  
time for three seconds after the key is released.  
18  
 
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.  
CD  
The navigational structure of a CD is so intuitive  
that we often take it for granted. The music on each  
disc is broken up into numbered tracks. For popular  
music each track typically contains one song. For  
classical music each track typically contains either  
one shorter composition or one movement of a  
longer composition. Navigation of a CD is simple  
and straightforward.  
19  
 
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.  
In this case the C-5xeMP will play the stereo CD  
layer that is always present on these hybrid discs.  
All SACDs may therefore be easily navigated in the  
same way as a standard CD.  
DVD-Audio  
The DVD-Audio format is extremely flexible and  
allows for a wide variety of audio formats, including  
both stereo and multi-channel, each with a  
multiplicity of available sample rates and  
resolutions. This increased flexibility necessarily  
leads to an increased complexity of disc navigation.  
DVD-Audio Disc Structure  
On a DVD-A disc each separate audio format is  
usually contained in its own group, and each group is  
divided into numbered tracks. For example, a disc  
20  
 
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. These menu  
groups are of little use with the Ayre C-5xe, as it  
does not include any video circuitry.  
However, some DVD-A discs are organized so that  
multiple audio formats are stored as separate  
soundtracks within a group. The “Audio” button on  
the remote control handset will allow the desired  
soundtrack to be selected.  
When this type of DVD-A disc is playing, the first  
press of the “Audio” button will enter the mode  
whereby the soundtrack may be selected. The “GUI”  
symbol will illuminate on the front panel display for  
five seconds, and additional presses of the “Audio”  
button during this period will scroll through the  
available soundtracks.  
In an additional level of complexity, the groups are  
contained in a title set. Only DVD-Audio players can  
access the Audio Title Set, but nearly all  
DVD-Audio discs also contain a Video Title Set for  
backwards compatibility with DVD-Video players.  
The Ayre C-5xeMP will only access the Audio Title  
Set, ignoring any content in the Video Title Set.  
21  
 
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.  
Multi-channel tracks will automatically be  
down-mixed to stereo. Therefore, all groups (and  
soundtracks) will play properly.  
The key to navigating DVD-A discs is to recognize  
that only one group (or soundtrack) on each disc  
has the highest sound quality.  
When playing a DVD-A disc for the first time, you  
will want to determine which group (or soundtrack)  
has the highest 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.  
If the disc has only one group, or if none of the  
groups has high-resolution audio tracks, then the  
various formats are stored in different  
soundtracks, usually in Group 1. Use the “Audio”  
button on the remote control handset to access  
the various soundtracks in each group.  
22  
 
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.  
Once the desired group (or soundtrack) has been  
selected and the disc is playing, the tracks on the  
disc may be navigated in the normal way. Use either  
the “Next” and “Previous” functions or direct track  
access via the number keys of the remote control  
handset.  
Due to variations in the way DVD-A discs are  
authored, some discs may not allow for direct  
track access via the number keys. This is not a  
malfunction of the player. Use the “Next” and  
“Previous” functions to navigate these discs.  
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.  
23  
 
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.  
Many discs use UOPs (User Operation Prohibitions)  
to prevent the player from executing the “Stop”  
command while the FBI warning is playing.  
If the disc does not stop immediately after  
pressing the “Stop” button, simply wait a few  
moments until the FBI warning has finished  
playing. Then press “Stop” again.  
Once play begins in the desired title, the chapters  
may be navigated either with the “Next” and  
“Previous” functions or with the number keys on the  
remote control handset.  
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” button  
on the remote control handset will allow the desired  
soundtrack to be selected.  
While a DVD-Video disc is playing, the first  
activation of the “Audio” function will enter the  
mode whereby the soundtrack may be selected. The  
GUI” symbol will illuminate on the front panel  
24  
 
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 playing  
an MP3 disc, play will begin with the tracks in the  
root directory. When all of those tracks have been  
played, play will continue with the tracks contained  
in the first folder, and so forth, until all tracks in all  
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. (The  
first button press will return to the start of the  
current track and the second button press will back  
up to the last track in the previous folder.)  
25  
 
When selecting an MP3 track for play, the front  
panel display will show the following information in  
sequence:  
1.5 seconds  
3 seconds  
“MP3” + folder number + track number.  
Track name (first eight characters).  
Track number + elapsed time.  
Remainder of track  
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. See the  
chapter “Controls and Operation” for additional  
information.  
Creating MP3 Discs  
You can create your own MP3 discs for playback on  
the Ayre C-5xeMP by using a personal computer.  
Please keep in mind the following points when  
creating an MP3 disc:  
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.  
26  
 
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.  
27  
 
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.  
Digital Audio 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-5xeMP features a balanced AES/EBU  
digital audio output on the rear of the unit. This  
may be used when connecting to a digital recording  
unit or other device, such as an external  
digital-to-analog converter (DAC).  
The digital audio output is only active with PCM  
or compressed PCM (Dolby Digital or DTS)  
based discs (CD and DVD). It is inactive when  
playing SACDs.  
28  
 
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.  
Only change the sample rate switch while the unit  
is powered on and no disc is playing.  
If the unit is not powered on or if a disc is playing,  
the position of the switch will not be detected. This  
can lead to a mismatch between the position of the  
switch and the actual state of the unit.  
Selecting “88/96 kHz”will allow high sample rate  
PCM discs to output dual-rate PCM (88.2 or 96  
kHz) at the digital audio output. This higher  
quality format can be used with a device capable of  
accepting higher sample rates. Dual-rate discs will  
output dual-rate audio, while quad-rate (176.4 or  
192 kHz) DVD-Audio discs will be downsampled  
to dual-rate audio.  
29  
 
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. However some  
listeners may prefer the additional high-frequency  
energy provided by the “Measure” position.  
This switch only affects the analog outputs, and not  
the digital audio output.  
Control Port  
The control port on the rear panel of the C-5xeMP  
allows the unit to communicate with a system  
controller such as a Crestron or AMX. The control  
port uses opto-isolators to ensure that there are no  
unwanted ground loops created when using a system  
controller.  
Pre-terminated cables, command files, and  
detailed information regarding the control port  
are available upon request from the Ayre factory.  
There are two separate functions performed by the  
control port; reception of commands and  
transmission of the current power status (”Operate”  
or “Standby”) information.  
30  
 
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. These  
files include discrete on/off commands.  
Power Status Information  
The control port will also transmit the current  
power status (”Operate” or “Standby”) of the  
C-5xeMP information to a system controller. This  
feedback ensures that system controller remains  
synchronized with the actual state of the unit.  
31  
 
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  
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 (176.4 kHz sample rate)  
DC - 88 kHz (192 kHz sample rate)  
DC - 100 kHz (2.8224 MHz sample rate)  
Power Consumption  
Dimensions  
60 watts maximum  
17-¼" W x 13" D x 4-¾" H  
44 cm x 33 cm x 12 cm  
Weight  
26 pounds  
12 kg  
32  
 
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.  
Additionally you have the option, at no cost, to  
extend the warranty for a period of five years from  
the date of purchase (except for the disc transport  
mechanism, which will be warrantied for a period of  
two 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.  
33  
 
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.  
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-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. Units to be  
shipped outside of the USA will be shipped freight  
collect only.  
34  
 
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. This warranty is transferable to subsequent  
purchasers within the original warranty period.  
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.  
35  
 
A Place for  
Notes  
Serial Number:  
________________________________________  
Purchase Date:  
Dealer:  
________________________________________  
________________________________________  
________________________________________  
Salesperson:  
36  
Rev. 2.0  
 
 
Ayre Acoustics, Inc.  
2300-B Central Avenue  
Boulder, Colorado 80301  
+1-303-442-7300  
 

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