Acurus ARIES User manual

ARIES
2.1 Integrated Amplifier User Guide
All models!

CAUTION:!
RISK!!!OF!!!ELECTRIC!!!SHOCK!"
DO!!!NOT!!!OPEN!#
1. Read!Instructions!–!All!safety!and!operating!instructions!should!be
read!before!operating!the!device.#
2. Retain!Instructions!–The!safety!and!operating!instructions!should!be
retained!for!future!reference.#
3. Heed!Warnings!–!All!warnings!on!the!device!and!in!the!operating
instructions!should!be!adhered!to.#
4. Follow!instructions!–!All!operating!and!safety!instructions!should
be!followed.#
5. Attachments!–!Do!not!use!attachments!not!recommended!by!the
product!manufacturer!as!they!may!cause!hazards.#
6. Water!and!Moisture!–!Do!not!use!this!product!near!water!(for
example,!near!a!bath!tub,!wash!bowl,!kitchen!sink,!or!laundry!tub;
in!a!wet!basement;!or!near!a!swimming!pool;!and!the!like).#
7. Ventilation!–!Slots!and!openings!in!the!cabinet!are!provided!for
ventilation!and!to!ensure!reliable!operation!of!the!product!and!to
protect!it!from!overheating,!and!these!openings!must!not!be!blocked
or!covered.!The!openings!should!never!be!blocked!by!placing!the
product!on!a!bed,!sofa,!rug,!or!other!similar!surface.!This!product
should!not!be!placed!in!a!built-in!installation!such!as!a!bookcase
or!rack!unless!proper!ventilation!is!provided!or!the!manufacturer’s
instructions!have!been!adhered!to.#
8. Heat!–!This!product!should!be!situated!away!from!heat!sources
such!as!radiators,!heat!registers,!stoves,!or!other!products!that
produce!heat.#
9. Power!Sources!–!This!product!should!be!operated!only!from!the
type!of!power!source!indicated!on!the!marking!label.!If!you!are!not
sure!of!the!type!of!power!supply!in!your!home,!consult!with!your
product!dealer!or!the!local!power!company.!For!products!intended
to!operate!from!battery!power,!or!other!sources,!refer!to!the
operating!instructions.#
10. Grounding!–!This!product!is!equipped!with!a!three-wire!grounding-
type!plug,!a!plug!having!a!third!(grounding)!pin.!This!plug!will!only
fit!into!a!grounding-type!power!outlet.!This!is!a!safety!feature.!If!you
are!unable!to!insert!the!plug!into!the!outlet,!contact!your!electrician
to!replace!your!obsolete!outlet.!Do!not!defeat!the!safety!purpose!of
the!grounding-type!plug.#
11. Power!Cord!Protection!–!Power!supply!cords!should!be!routed
so!that!they!are!not!likely!to!be!walked!on!or!pinched!by!items
placed!upon!or!against!them,!paying!particular!attention!to!cords
at!plugs,!convenience!receptacles,!and!the!point!where!they!exit
from!the!product.#
12. Overloading!–!Do!not!overload!wall!outlets,!extension!cords,!or
integral!convenience!receptacles!as!this!can!result!in!a!risk!of!fire
or!electrical!shock.#
13. Lightning!and!Periods!of!Non-Use!–!For!added!protection!for!this
product!during!a!lightning!storm,!or!when!it!is!left!unattended!and
unused!for!long!periods!of!time,!unplug!it!from!the!wall!outlet!and
disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to
the product due to lightning and powerline surges. #
14. Cleaning – Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do
not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.#
15. Object and Liquid Entry – Never push objects of any kind into this
product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points
or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product.#
16. Damage Requiring Service – Unplug this product from the wall outlet
and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following
conditions: #
a) When the power supply cord or plug is damaged, #
b) If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product, #
c) If the product has been exposed to rain or water, #
d) If the product does not operate normally by following the operating
instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the
operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may
result in damage and often will require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the product to its normal operation, #
e) If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way, or #
f) When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance – this
indicates a need for service. #
17. Replacement Parts – When replacement parts are required, be sure
the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or that have the same characteristics as the original
parts. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or
other hazards. #
18. Safety Check – Upon completion of any service or repairs to this
product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to
determine that the product is in proper operating condition. #
19. Servicing – Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening
or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. If this unit is
purchased outside of the U.S., please contact your local dealer or
distributor for service center information. If purchased inside the U.S.
and dealer service is not available, contact Acurus Customer Service
for a return authorization (RA) number before shipping. For further
service information, contact: #
ACURUS CUSTOMER SERVICE"
phone: [phone]#
Email: [e-mail]#
5225 EXPLORATION DRIVE#
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46241 #
CAUTION!!!To!!reduce!!the!!risk!!of!!electric!!shock!!and!!fire,!!do!!not!!remove!!the!!cover!!or!!back!!plate!!of!!the!!device"
enclosure.!!There!!are!!no!!user!!serviceable!!parts!!inside.!!Refer!!servicing!!to!!an!!Acurus!!authorized!!service!!center."
#
CAUTION!!!The!!international!!symbol!!of!!a!!lightning!!bolt!!inside!!a!!triangle!!is!!intended!!to!!alert!!the!!user!!to"
uninsulated!!“dangerous!!voltage”!!within!!the!!device!!enclosure.!!The!!international!!symbol!!of!!an!!exclamation"
point!!inside!!a!!triangle!!is!!intended!!to!!alert!!the!!user!!to!!the!!presence!!of!!important!!operating,!!maintenance!!and"
servicing!!information!!in!!the!!manual!!accompanying!!the!!device."
#
WARNING!#!To!!reduce!!the!!risk!!of!!fire!!or!!electrical!!shock,!!do!!not!!expose!!this!!equipment!!to!!rain!!or!!moisture."
#
IMPORTANT!!!SAFETY!!!INSTRUCTIONS!
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contents
2
Important Safety Instructions
3
Contents
4
Congratulations"
Unpacking"
Outer and inner Carton#
Package Contents#
Retain your Packaging#
Register your Product#
Record your Unit information#
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5
Aries Features
Front Panel#
Rear Panel
7
Aries Placement and Setup"
Shelf Mounting#
Rack Mounting"
System Planning and Optimizing
8
Making System Connections"
Connecting Loudspeaker Outputs#
Connecting Audio Source Inputs#
Trigger In and Out Control#
Connecting the IR Target#
Mains (AC) Power#
Control Networks #
9
Aries Operation (Front Panel)"
Standby Mode#
Listening Mode#
10
Aries Operation (Mobile Device)"
#Connecting to Aries#
#Adjusting Aries Settings (Front Panel)#
#Adjusting Aries Settings (Mobile Device)
15
Problem Resolution"
Troubleshooting#
Obtaining Additional Help
17
Technical Specifications"
"Architects and Engineering
18
About Acurus and Indy Audio Labs"
Warranty
U.S. and Canada#
Applicable Territories
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congratulations
"
Congratulations on your purchase of an Acurus Aries
integrated amplifier. TheAcurusAries is a state-of-the-art
component featuring high-end audio performance combined
with unprecedented control and connectivity. Years of
dedicated research, extensive testing, and engineering
refinement went into the creation of this product. Since
1993, Acurus has been delivering high-value, high-
performance electronics. Just like the first Acurus products
to roll off the assembly line more than 20 years ago, your
Acurus was designed, hand-assembled and tested with
pride by engineers, technicians and skilled assemblers in
the United States of America. You should expect years of
trouble-free operation from your product investment.#
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Acurus components offer unparalleled performance and
control flexibility for the most discriminating listener. Your
Aries integrated amplifier incorporates advanced design and
construction in a superbly crafted amplifier.#
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"
unpacking
Outer and Inner Carton"
Using a sharp object such as a knife or scissors, carefully
open the outer single-walled (brown) shipping carton and
inner double-walled (white) packaging cartons along their
top seams.#
#
Your Acurus unit is wrapped in a protective poly bag and
sandwiched between 100% recycled foam bumpers.
Carefully lift the amplifier out of the package with the foam
bumpers attached.#
Package Contents "
Inside the box you should find the following: #
1. Acurus Aries "
2. Foam Bumpers (2) "
3. AC Power Cord"
4. Programmable Universal IR Remote Control"
5. IR Target"
6. User Guide"
7. Universal IR Remote Control Manual"
8. Warranty Card "
"
In the unlikely event of any of the above items missing,
immediately contact your dealer or Acurus Customer
Service: #
"
ACURUS CUSTOMER SERVICE "
phone: [phone] "
email: [e-mail] "
5225 EXPLORATION DRIVE "
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46241 "
"
Retain your Packaging "
We highly recommend retaining your box and packaging
materials as these are the best way to protect your amplifier
in transit. Should warranty service be required, you MUST
either use your original packaging materials or request new
packaging from Acurus Customer Service (for a nominal
fee). #
"
Register your Product "
In order to validate your purchase and qualify for the full five (5)
year parts and labor manufacturer’s warranty on your newAcurus
product, you must have purchased it from an authorized Acurus
retailer AND you must return the included warranty card completely
filled out within 30 days of purchase. #
"
Record your Unit Information "
For future reference, we recommend recording your product
information here: #
#
Model No. __________________________________________#
Serial No. __________________________________________#
Date of Purchase ____________________________________#
Date Registered _____________________________________#
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ARIES features
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Your ARIES integrated amplifier has been engineered to
provide years of trouble-free enjoyment when installed and
used according to this guide. This section will help you
become familiar with the most important features of your
Acurus component. #
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Front Panel "
The front-panel of your Acurus Aries was designed with
beauty, simplicity and control confidence as the primary
goals. #
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Touch Screen: The Aries features a touch sensitive screen
for direct control and status monitoring on the unit. The full-
color, high-contrast TFT screen features familiar mobile-
device-like icons. The touch panel is also for powering the
unit on and off.#
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Rear Panel "
The rear panel of your Acurus was designed for ease of
connection and expandability. A white powder coat finish
makes connector labels easy to see in dimly lit shelving or
rack mounting situations.#
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Loudspeaker Connectors: In the back of the unit are two sets
of Rugged, 60-amp gold-plated binding posts with anti-touch,
protective clear housings. These connectors accept standard
banana-type plugs, bare wire or spade lugs. #
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Balanced Input Connectors: TheAries includes a balanced
input (input #1), ideal for making connections from a media
source with an XLR-type output such as an external DAC,
optical player, pro-audio source, or remote zone feed. #
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Unbalanced 2.1 Input: A dedicated 2.1 input (input #2) is
included for passing through down-mixed surround audio
from sources such as TVs, gaming systems or set top
boxes. The subwoofer input (“sub”) can be set to pass
directly to the subwoofer out (see section entitled “audio
settings menu”).#
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Unbalanced Stereo Inputs: Four unbalanced stereo inputs
(input #s 3,4,5 and 6) are provided for use with a wide
variety of input sources such as a video player, tape deck,
optical disc – essentially any media source with a line-level
RCA output.#
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RS-232 and Ethernet Connectors: Both RS-232 and a
dedicated 2.1 input (input #2) is included for passing through
down-mixed surround audio from sources such as TVs,
gaming systems or set top boxes. The subwoofer input
(“sub”) can be set to pass directly to the subwoofer out (see
section entitled “audio settings menu”).#
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AC Power Inlet: The mainAC input on theAries is a module
on the lower right hand side of the rear panel that
accommodates an IEC-type plug and also houses the main
AC protection fuse(s) in a slide-out drawer.#
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Expansion Port: Aries supports hardware upgrades and
added connectivity features through an expansion port.
Adding and configuring expansion cards should be
performed only by Acurus support or through authorized
Acurus dealers.
Unbalanced 2.1 Output: A line-level 2.1 output may be used to
drive an external amplifier and/or a system subwoofer. This
variable output is affected by theAries volume level and
balance settings. The sub output is affected by the subwoofer
settings (see section entitled “audio settings menu”).#
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IR In Connector: An infra-red remote (IR) input jack (“ir Rx”)
supports connection to the IR target included with Aries. The
IR target should be placed in the line-of-site from the IR
remote used to control the Aries. This feature allows the
freedom to locate the Aries in an enclosed cabinet or behind
a wall as needed.#
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12V Trigger Connectors: A 12V trigger input jack is located
below the ir Rx jack to allow for triggering the Aries on/off
from an external source such as a power conditioner or AV
receiver. Two 12V trigger outputs allow theAries to trigger
external amplifiers on and off (see section entitled “trigger
settings menu”). !
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NOTE: Consult with your authorized Acurus dealer or Acurus
support regarding pricing and availability of expansion
options for your Aries."

system planning and
optimizing
#
In order to experience the best performance from your
integrated amplifier, the entire system needs to be planned
and components carefully selected to work together. Your
authorized Acurus dealer is trained to be able to help you
ensure your components work well together. #
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The following are some helpful guidelines to ensure your
Acurus integrated amplifier is well-matched to the other
components in your system. #
#
1. Quality loudspeakers can have a dramatic impact on
overall sound quality in a system for a given room
environment. When planning or upgrading a system, as
a rule of thumb, we recommend budgeting for
loudspeakers at or somewhat above the price of your
amplifier electronics. Your Acurus dealer will be able to
advise you on best loudspeaker selection for your
electronics, your environment, and, most importantly,
your listening preferences. #
2. Using higher-efficiency loudspeakers (87dB/W/m or
greater) will reduce the average amount of amplifier
power consumed to produce a target listening loudness.
This effectively helps reserve greater peak amplifier
power when loud transient passages are reproduced. #
3. High-power amplifiers (over 100W continuous into 8
ohms) are generally OK to pair with speakers with
slightly lower power ratings, particularly if subwoofers
are involved. Higher-power amplifiers will tend not to go
into clipping distortion as readily as lower-powered
amplifiers or receivers. Clipping is a type of distortion
that is prone to damage loudspeakers. #
4. Preamps should be chosen with output voltage swing
capability equal to or greater than the amplifier
sensitivity spec for full rated power output (for example,
1.42V for full rated output). Similarly, an ideal preamp
choice has a noise spec less than or equal to that of the
power amplifier. Using the Aries line output with other
Acurus-branded amplifiers ensures a perfect match.#
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ARIES placement and
setup
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An enjoyable home entertainment experience always begins
with carefully planned placement and setup of system
components. This section will provide guidance on how to
best install your new Acurus integrated amplifier. #
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Shelf Mounting "
When planning to mount on a shelf, be aware of the physical
dimensions of your Acurus integrated amplifier as outlined in
the section entitled “Technical Specifications”. #
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It is ALWAYS advisable to: #
1. Provide ample space above the unit (1-2 inches is the
minimum preferred) #
2. Provide plenty of room (at least 1-2 inches) between the
sides of the unit at nearby surfaces or other components #
3. Locate the unit near an AC outlet or power conditioner
and avoid using extension cords or power strips #
4. Locate the integrated amplifier as close as possible to
audio source units such as optical players or music
servers #
5. Use as short length wire leads as practical, especially
on the amplifier inputs #
6. Connect the integrated amplifier to the same mains
circuit as audio source units#
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It is NEVER advisable to: #
1. Enclose the unit in a cabinet without air flow or
adequate ventilation, particularly across the heat fins
along the side and back of the unit. #
2. Place the unit near a source of moisture such as a
window or a live plant #
3. Place other components in a stack on top of the
amplifier #
4. Place the amplifier on a carpeted surface #
5. Remove the safety ground connector from the AC mains
cord #
#
Rack Mounting "
Your Acurus integrated amplifier can easily be configured to
mount in a standard 19-inch rack cabinet with an optional
Acurus rack mount accessory kit, ARM-3. Hardware and
detailed installation instructions are included with the kit. See
your authorized retailer or contact Acurus to obtain a rack kit
for your Aries. #
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Connecting the IR Target"
To enable control of the Aries with an IR remote, the IR
target must be plugged into the rear of the unit. TheAries
IR target is a 5V unit.#
IR target 3.5mm stereo plug
1 – Ground
2 – IR Signal
3 – 5V DC
NOTE: Use only the IR target included with your
Aries. Pin-out and operational voltages of IR target
devices vary. Use of an incompatible device could
possibly damage the unit."
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Mains (AC) Power "
Your Acurus Aries is equipped with a high-quality 14
gauge, 3-conductor power cord. Plug this cord into the
back of the integrated amplifier and then into a nearby AC
outlet. Avoid using any extension cords or plugging into
other components with rear-panel switched outlets. If using
Aries with a power conditioner, ensure that the receptacle
your integrated amplifier plugs into is capable of providing
the full current required. See section entitled “Technical
Specifications” for Aries AC current draw requirements.#
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Control Networks "
Ethernet: In order to take advantage of Acurus Enhanced
Ethernet Control (E2C), connect the Ethernet port to a
10/100 or faster home network router or switch port via a
standard CAT 5e or newer Ethernet cable. The network
activity indicator near the Ethernet jack illuminates green
when network activity is detected. #
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This port may also be directly connected to a system
controller utilizing Ethernet command protocols. Contact
your dealer or Acurus Customer Service in order to verify
compatibility with certain control systems. #
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RS-232: Connect this port to a system controller using a 9-
pin RS-232 serial cable in order to control and monitor the
Aries remotely. Contact your dealer or Acurus Customer
Service in order to verify compatibility with certain control
systems. #
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making system
connections
Your Acurus amplifier is designed for simple, reliable
connections in a variety of system configurations. Following
the instructions below will ensure optimal performance from
your Aries integrated amplifier. #
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NOTE: Making system connections with AC power
disconnected is ALWAYS recommended."
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Connecting Loudspeaker Outputs "
Use a high-quality loudspeaker cable with sufficient gauge
wire for the loudspeaker run lead length. Be sure to observe
consistent speaker polarity connections (plus (+) and minus
(-) speaker leads) from amplifier to loudspeaker. TheAcurus
Aries is non-polarity inverting.#
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Physical connection options supported include bare wire,
single banana post, dual banana post, spade connector and
wire lead. #
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Before powering on the Aries, check to ensure speaker plus
and minus leads are not touching each other or touching
other connectors or the unit chassis.#
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Connecting Audio Source Inputs "
Use a high quality RCA and/or XLR cabling to connect audio
source devices to Aries inputs. Avoid coiling or bunching up
of cables. Be sure RCA cables are fully inserted into Aries
input jacks so as to avoid hum and other signal integrity
problems. #
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Trigger In and Out Control"
To enable an external power conditioner or AVR to power on
your Acurus Aries, connect the trigger out from that device
to the the 3.5mm 12V trigger in on the Acurus. The jack is
wired with its tip active and will accept a stereo or mono
plug. #
12V trigger 3.5mm stereo plug
1 – Ground
2 – Ground
3 – Trigger Voltage
NOTE: the front panel power button functions
normally even if the trigger input is used. The Acurus
amplifier will automatically resume control sync with
the external device after the next time system power
is cycled.
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Volume Level Indication: Aries volume level is displayed as
a two-digit number between 01 and 99 and represents
simply the percentage of total available volume range.#
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Volume Adjust Up: To adjust Aries volume up, simply touch
the blue volume adjust up (“+”) button. TheAries volume
will increment up.#
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Volume Adjust Down: To adjust Aries volume down, simply
touch the blue volume adjust down (“-”) button. TheAries
volume will increment up.#
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Loudspeaker Mute: To Mute Aries volume, simply touch the
blue loudspeaker mute icon. #
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The Aries sound output will mute and both the mute icon
and volume indication will change from white to red as
visual feedback. Press the mute button again to unmute.#
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ARIES operation (front
panel)
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This section discusses the normal operation of your Acurus
amplifier via the front touch-sensitive screen #
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Standby Mode#
When first connected to AC power, your Acurus Aries
amplifier initializes all circuits and goes into standby mode. #
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After normal initialization, the Aries displays a universal
power on/off icon as below:#
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Turn on the Aries by touching the front panel power button
icon.#
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Listening Mode "
Home Screen Layout: Aries home screen is designed to
provide all the information and control you need for your
audio system with the least amount of complexity.#
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Input Indicator: Aries input indication is located in the middle
top of the display and represented as a yellow number 1-6.#
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Input Source Selection: To select inputs, touch the source
select icon in the upper left. The input selector screen is
then displayed as a response.#
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Input Icons: Input #s 1-6 are displayed as icons
corresponding to the input number and (refer to section
entitled “rear panel” on pages 5-6). Touch the desired input
icon to select that input as the sound source.#
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Home Icon: At the lower left of each screen other than the
home screen, simply touch the home icon to return to the
home screen.#
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ARIES operation (mobile
device)
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Your Acurus amplifier can be operated via a web browser on
a computer or mobile device such as a smart phone or
tablet.#
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Connecting to Aries#
The Aries automatically checks for the presence of an
Ethernet network. If a network is present, a network icon at
the bottom middle of the main screen appears. #
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To connect to the Aries, simply touch the network icon to
bring up the IP address screen. Then, enter this IP address
into a URL line of your mobile device web browser.#
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Main Mobile Screen: TheAries home screen as viewed on a
computer, tablet or smart phone is similar to the front panel
home screen with the icons arranged for optimal mobile
viewing. Basic audio controls such as Input Select, Volume,
and Mute are available from this view.#
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