A y r e K-1x Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
Table of Contents Welcome to Ayre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Installation and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Optimizing the Phono Stage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Numbers and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 In Case of Trouble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Statement of Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 A Place for Notes . . . . . . . .
Welcome to Ayre Please send in your warranty registration card so we can stay in contact with you. Page 2 The Ayre K-1x offers a significant advance in the musical performance of audio preamplifiers. 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.
Installation and Operation The Ayre K-1x is easy to hook up and use. The following guidelines will ensure that the installation goes smoothly. Location The Ayre K-1x comprises two components - the main preamplifier and the external power supply, which are joined by an umbilical cable. A detachable connector allows these units to be temporarily separated for easy installation. The preamplifier’s power supply emits a mild hum field, and should be located away from other components.
Inputs When you have a choice, a balanced connection will offer slightly higher sound quality than an unbalanced connection. The Ayre K-1x offers three pairs of balanced inputs and three pairs of unbalanced inputs. Balanced connections are made via three-pin XLR connectors, while unbalanced connections are made via RCA jacks. In accordance with the IEC standard, XLR pin 2 is the positive phase (hot). The input connectors on the rear panel are labeled “1” through “6”.
Remove the old label by using a small object (such as an allen wrench) to push through the access holes on the rear of the faceplate. The labels have a self-adhesive backing, and new ones are simply pressed into place. Outputs All three pairs of outputs may be used simultaneously if desired. The Ayre K-1x offers two pairs of balanced outputs and one pair of unbalanced outputs. ! Please note that the unbalanced outputs invert absolute polarity.
Powering the Unit Be sure to connect the umbilical cable to the power supply before plugging in the AC power. ! The Ayre K-1x draws very little power and is designed to be left on at all times. Install or remove the umbilical connector only when the AC power is disconnected. The Ayre K-1x features a sophisticated power monitoring system. When first plugged in to an AC power source, the front panel indicator light will glow red for approximately 90 seconds.
Unlike other products that use conventional volume controls (potentiometers), the Ayre K-1x uses a mil-spec, precision stepped attenuator with solid-silver contacts to provide the ultimate in sound quality. This volume control features 46 distinct positions, offering precise and repeatable settings. It is normal to listen with the volume knob advanced farther than you may be used to with other equipment. The volume control offers 1.
Unbalanced Power Amplifiers When using the Ayre K-1x with an unbalanced power amplifier, note tha t the unity-gain volume setting will now occur when the volume control is five steps below the maximum setting. Unbalanced power amplifiers with single-ended inputs only utilize one-half of the Ayre K-1x’s balanced output signal. The result is a 6 dB gain reduction, requiring that the volume control be further advanced for an equivalent listening level.
Optimizing the Phono Stage The optional phono stage in the Ayre K-1x offers the ultimate in flexibility and performance for all types of phono cartridges. Connections As the phono cartridge is an inherently balanced device, the phono stage is also balanced, using XLR jacks at the input. This configuration yields maximum sonic performance with minimum noise and hum.
Ayre manufactures both adapters and dedicated cables. These high-performance custom designs are available from your authorized Ayre dealer. In addition, termination instructions are available if you wish to reterminate your current cables. Please contact the factory for further details. Gain and Loading The gain of the phono stage is set at the factory to 50 dB, which is well suited to most modern phono cartridges.
Phono Gain Resistor Cartridge Loading The phono gain and loading can be adjusted by your authorized Ayre dealer. However, for those owners that prefer to perform this task themselves, the following tools are required: 5/64" allen wrench (supplied) Small screwdriver - 0.080" to 0.100" (2.0 to 2.5 mm) Tweezers, or small needle-nose pliers ! Changing the phono gain and loading resistors is comparable in complexity to installing a phono cartridge.
! Disconnect the preamplifier’s power supply from the AC power before working on the unit. To adjust the gain or loading of the phono stage, use the supplied 5/64" allen wrench to remove the six screws that secure the top cover. The two phono boards (one per channel) are mounted vertically on the right and left sides of the chassis. Each phono board has two small brown terminal strips used to connect small metal-film resistors.
Numbers and Specifications Gain - Line Gain - Phono Input Impedance - Line Input Impedance - Phono Output Impedance Power Consumption Dimensions 16 dB to balanced outputs, 10 dB to unbalanced outputs Adjustable — 40 dB, 50 dB (factory setting), 60 dB 10 kΩ (each phase) Adjustable — 50 kΩ (factory setting) 100 Ω, 249 Ω, 499 Ω, 1000 Ω loading resistors supplied. Other values available upon request.
In Case of Trouble Should the Ayre K-1x preamplifier ever fail to operate properly, please check the following: Symptom: Remote control not working. Check the condition of the batteries (2 x AAA) located in the remote control. Symptom: No sound, even though status indicator is glowing blue. Check all connections on the rear panel to make sure they are secure. Symptom: Status indicator lamp not lit. 1) Be sure that the power supply unit is connected to a working AC outlet. 2) Check the AC line fuse.
The condition of the fuse can be determined by a visual inspection, although an ohm-meter provides a more reliable method. If in doubt, substitute the spare for the operating fuse. If the spare fuse also blows, do not attempt further repairs. Line Voltage Always use the correct fuse! Fuse Rating (Time-Delay) 100 V . . . . . . . . . . . 1 A 120 V . . . . . . . . . . . 1 A 230 V . . . . . . . . . . . 1 A There are no user-serviceable parts in the Ayre K-1x.
Statement of Warranty Please take the time to fill out and return the enclosed warranty registration card. Your Ayre K-1x preamplifier is warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of five years from the date of purchase. This warranty is transferable to subsequent purchasers within the original five-year period. All warranty claims must be made through an authorized Ayre dealer or distributor. A complete statement of warranty is given below. Warranty Statement 1.
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). 8.
A Place for Notes Page 19
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Ayre Acoustics, Incorporated 2300-B Central Avenue Boulder, Colorado 80301 303 442.7300 www.ayre.
