Ayre QA-9 Owner’s Manual Analog-to-Digital Converter
Table of Contents Welcome to Ayre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Overview and Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Connections and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Optimization and Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Controls and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Numbers and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Statement of Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Welcome to Ayre Your Ayre QA-9 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 degree of performance has been implemented using the highest levels of workmanship and materials. You can be assured that the Ayre QA-9 will provide you a lifetime of musical enjoyment.
Overview and Introduction The integration of the personal computer (PC) into the home stereo system has provided a revolutionary way to purchase, organize, and play your digital music collection. The Ayre QA-9 analog-to-digital (A/D) converter provides an equally revolutionary way to store and play back your analog music via your PC with unprecedented fidelity and realism. The QA-9 is available in two versions, both covered in this manual.
Connections and Installation The Ayre QA-9 is easy to connect and use. The following guidelines will ensure that the installation goes smoothly. Analog Inputs The Ayre QA-9 offers balanced inputs. Balanced connections are made via three-pin XLR connectors. High quality singled-ended-to-balanced adapters are included for single-ended analog sources. USB Output Connection via the USB output simplifies operation, as many of the converter settings can be adjusted with your computer’s software.
AES/EBU Output In the case that a USB connection is not available, the QA-9 also incorporates an AES/EBU output for compatibility with other systems. One advantage of the AES/EBU output is that connecting cables in excess of 300 feet (100 meters) may be used. Your local Ayre dealer can supply high-quality balanced-to-single-ended digital adapters if your system does not accept a balanced XLR digital connection. When the USB output is active, the AES/EBU output is disabled.
Word Clock Outputs (QA-9 Pro only) Digital studio equipment with word clock inputs can be slaved to the QA-9 Pro with 75 Ω coaxial cable(s). The transformer-isolated BNC connectors present TTL-level signals derived directly from the ultra-low jitter master clock inside the converter. There are no standards for external word clock signals. Contact Ayre for support with compatibility. AC Power The QA-9 may be plugged directly into an unswitched wall outlet.
Configuring the Computer No matter what operating system (OS) your computer uses — Apple, Windows, or Linux — you’ll need to set up your computer with the appropriate software. Transferring analog sources is easiest with archiving software such as Vinyl Studio (Apple and Windows), Pure Vinyl (Apple), or Amarra (Apple). Creating new digital music files is easiest with recording software such as Audacity (Apple, Windows, and Linux), ProTools (Apple and Windows), or Audition (Apple and Windows).
Optimization and Customization While the Ayre QA-9 A/D is typically configured with your recording software via the USB connection, the AES/EBU settings and other options are configured with small toggle switches accessible on the rear of the unit. AES/EBU Sample Rate The AES/EBU output sample rate can be configured as detailed in the table below: 4x/1x 2x/1x 48/44 Sample Rate Down Down Down 44.1 kHz Down Down Up 48.0 kHz Down Up Down 88.2 kHz Down Up Up 96.
Digital Filter The digital filter used in the PCM encoding of the Ayre QA-9 features two user-selectable algorithms. 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.
Word Clock Outputs (QA-9 Pro only) To enable the word clock outputs at the rate indicated on the front panel display, set the switch to the position labeled “WCk En”. Switch position “WCk Dis” will turn all the word clock outputs off. DSD Output (QA-9 Pro only) Three of the BNC output connectors can be configured to output digital audio data in the professional SDIF-2 or SDIF-3 DSD format. To enable the 3-wire DSD output set the switch to “DSD En”.
Controls and Operation The Ayre QA-9 A/D uses a zero-feedback, variable-gain analog circuit to adapt to a wide range of input signal levels. This allows the full dynamic range of the analog source to be realized in the digital recording. Adjustment of the analog input sensitivity is only available via the front panel knob. Gain Adjustment (Input Sensitivity) The front panel knob is used to adjust the input sensitivity. Twelve levels, each having a step size of 2.0 dB, are provided.
It is recommended to set the audio level prior to recording by playing a loud passage from the analog source. Adjust the QA-9 gain so that the peaks occasionally illuminate the amber LEDs but not the red clipping LED. If the red clipping indicator LED(s) illuminate during recording, it is recommended to restart the recording with reduced levels.
A green LED to the right of the numeric display indicates the USB status and will be lit when there is an active USB connection. A red LED to the left of the numeric display indicates that DSD output mode has been enabled. When the green “USB” LED is lit, the AES/EBU output is not active.
Numbers and Specifications Analog Input Impedance 2 MΩ (1 MΩ per phase) Analog Input Sensitivity 10.0 Vrms – at minimum gain 0.75 Vrms – at maximum gain Analog XLR Input Polarity USB Audio Output Signal Class 2 Class 1 AES/EBU Output Signal Word Clock Output Signals DSD Output Signals Power Consumption 14 Pin 1 = Ground Pin 2 = Non-inverting (Positive) Pin 3 = Inverting (Negative) 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz at 24 bits 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz at 24 bits 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.
Dimensions Weight 8-½" W x 11-½" D x 3" H 21.5 cm x 29 cm x 7.5 cm 5 pounds 2.
Statement of Warranty North American Warranty Your Ayre QA-9 analog-to-digital converter is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship 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 Serial Number: ________________________________________ Purchase Date: ________________________________________ Dealer: ________________________________________ Salesperson: ________________________________________ 19
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Ayre Acoustics, Inc. 2300-B Central Avenue Boulder, Colorado 80301 www.ayre.
