Ayre CX-8 User manual

Ayre CX-8
Owner’s Manual
CD Player

2

3
Welcome to
Connection and
Controls and
Setup and
Streaming and
Numbers and
In Case
Statement o
A Place for
Ayre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Networking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Trouble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Contents
Welcome to
Setup and
Connection and
Controls and
Statement of
Streaming and
Numbers and
In Case of
A Place for
Table of

4
Thank you for purchasing the Ayre CX-8 Compact Disc
Player. We sincerely hope you get as much joy listening
through it as we did designing and building it.
Our team has been designing world-class, award-winning
products since 1993. It is our goal to make the most
musically accurate equipment we possibly can at any given
price range. We enjoy designing, building, and talking
about what we do. If you have any questions about your
new Ayre product, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Your CX-8 is the culmination of decades of audio
innovation, distilling elements from Ayre’s most celebrated
works into this piece of equipment that can range from a
CD player to a full network and USB DAC, allowing you to
hear music from a variety of sources.
As always, the warmth and immediacy of a live performance
are apparent from the first listening that will continue to
improve over time during its initial break-in period.
Combining superb resolution and a natural, relaxed quality,
your CX-8 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 the CX-8 will provide you a lifetime of musical
enjoyment.
Welcome to
To our North American
customers, please be sure to
mail in
your warranty
registration card
.
Ayre

5
The Ayre CX-8 is easy to connect and use. The
following guidelines will ensure that the installation
goes smoothly.
A good location for your CD player is at an easily
accessible height in an open-backed cabinet or on a
shelf. The receiver for the infrared remote control is
between the two front panel buttons. A line of site
from the listening position will ensure maximum
range.
The Ayre CX-8 provides a stereo pair of XLR balanced
output connectors as well as a pair of single-ended
RCAs.
When you have a choice, a balanced connection
will generally offer improved sound quality over
a single-ended connection.
Connection and
The infrared beam will
travel through glass
.
Location
Installation
It is not normally
recommended to use both sets
of
analog outputs
s
imultaneously.
Analog Outputs

6
The Ayre CX-8 features three digital output choices to
connect to external equipment: a balanced AES/EBU
made via a 3-pin XLR connector, a single-ended
S/PDIF made with an RCA connector, and a
TOSLINK optical output jack. Any of these
connections may be used when connecting to an
external device capable of receiving digital audio
signals, such as a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) or
digital audio recording device.
The AyreLink communication system provides a
convenient way to control your audio system. There
are two AyreLink ports on the rear panel of the CX-8.
Each port has four contacts and contain both and
input and output. Both ports function identically and
may be used interchangeably.
Be sure to use two-line telephone cords to
make AyreLink connections or the cables
provided with your CX-8. These can be
identified by the four gold contacts on each
connector. Single-line phone cables with 2
contacts will not function properly.
Incorrectly terminated cables may cause
damage to the Ayre products.
Digital Outputs
AyreLink Ports
For improved stack
integration, try connecting
your Ayre equipment together
with AyreLink.

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The linked components should be connected in a
daisy-chain fashion, connecting each component to
one another until all of the linked components have
been connected. Be careful NOT to connect the two
ends of the chain. Closing the chain to form a loop
will cause the AyreLink system to not function.
Once connected and configured, the AyreLink system
allows components to turn on and off other
components in the system necessary for playback, sync
brightness levels, and report any issues detected by any
piece in the system. It is recommended to use the
AyreLink system with your Ayre equipment whenever
possible to take advantage of the ease of use it
provides.
If your CX-8 has the USB Audio option installed, a
type B USB port is provided to access Ayre's
Asynchronous USB technology. This will allow your
Ayre CX-8 to be connected to a computer or other
USB host and operate as a digital-to-analog converter
(DAC), allowing you to play music files through your
audio system.
USB Audio Input (Optional)
To use AyreLink with an
integrated control system, an
optional RS-
232 adapter box
is available from Ayre.
Please
contact your Ayre dealer for
details.
The USB Audio option can be
purchased and installed in the
Ayre CX-8 at any time.
Please
contact your Ayre dealer for
details.

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If your CX-8 has the Ethernet option installed, it can
be connected to your home's Ethernet network to
allow audio streaming and control from a wide variety
of devices and services.
The network module offers a RJ45 input for wired
internet connection to your network. There are also
two USB type A ports (USB Host) which allow you
connect wirelessly using the included USB Wi-Fi
adapter and/or directly access files from a USB flash
drive.
It is recommended to use a wired Ethernet
connection whenever possible for the most
reliable connection to your network.
The Firmware Update port is a USB type A port that
allows you to update the CX-8’s firmware using a USB
flash drive. For more information, please see page 28.
Ethernet Input (Optional)
Firmware Update Port
The Ethernet input option
can be purchased and installed
in the Ayre CX-
8 at any time.
Please contact your Ayre
dealer for details.

9
The Ayre CX-8 may be plugged directly into an
unswitched wall outlet. In some situations an AC
power-line filter may provide additional sonic benefits.
The AC Power connection has a switch located
directly below it allowing the power to the CX-8 to be
turned on and off.
Be sure to only plug the CX-8 into an
outlet that provides the voltage the CX-8
was designed for. Connecting the CX-8 to
an incorrect voltage may result in damage to
the unit.
AC Power

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1) USB Host Ports 2) Ethernet Input 3) Analog outputs
4) Digital outputs 5) AyreLink Ports
6) Firmware Update Port
7) USB Audio Input 8) IEC Power inlet 9) AC Fuse holder 10) On/Off Power Switch

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1. Left-hand Button
a. Sleep/Mute
2. IR Receiver / Status LED 3. Right-hand Button
a. Input Select
4. Display 5. CD Drawer 6. Control Ring

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Operation
The following chapter details operation of the Ayre
CX-8. The front of the unit contains two small control
buttons, a status LED, a display, the control ring, and
the drawer for the CD transport. In addition to these
controls, some network applications can provide further
integration with the unit if equipped with the Ethernet
input option.
The Ayre CX-8 also may be controlled by the included
remote-control handset. All functions for the CX-8 must
be done while the remote control is in “disc” mode for
the CX-8 to accept the commands. To enter this mode,
simply press the “disc” button. The button will light up
to indicate the new mode is set for the remote control.
Any button presses on the remote will then light the disc
button to indicate what mode the remote is set to send.
Controls and
Remote Handset

13
The provided remote control handset will operate the
Ayre CX-8 as well as other Ayre 8 series products.
The top row of buttons contains illuminating product
selection keys. Pressing the “disc” button will allow the
remote to control the CX-8. Whenever another button is
pressed, the key corresponding to the current selection
will illuminate.
1) Product Selection Keys
2) System-sleep / Active Mode
3) Brightness Cycle
4) Mute Toggle
5) Number Keys (Input Selection)
6) Display Mode
7) Navigation keys
a. Return
b. Setup Menu
c. OK will cycle through available inputs.
d. Up/Down Arrows control the volume
on AyreLink connected components.
e. Right/Left Arrows will move to the
Next/Previous track.
f. Rewind
g. Fast forward
8) Playback Control Keys

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When first powered on, the Ayre CX-8 will
automatically enter System-sleep mode after displaying
the initial loading screens. The CX-8 will indicate that it
is in System-sleep mode and ready to switch to Active
mode by a green status LED. When in System-sleep
mode, the outputs of the unit are disabled while all
critical portions of the circuit are kept warm for optimal
sonic performance. The CX-8 may be switched to Active
mode by pressing the left-hand control button or the
power button on the remote.
Once in Active mode, all functions of the CX-8 are
enabled. The currently selected input is shown on the
display and any signal will be sent to the enabled
outputs. When available, information, or meta-data,
from a digital recording being played will be shown on
the CX-8’s display.
A quick press of the left-hand control button while the
CX-8 is in active mode will mute all outputs of the
CX-8. While muted, an icon will appear on the display.
This may also be done by pressing the mute button on
the remote control. A second press of the left-hand
control button or remote mute button will un-mute the
unit.
System-sleep Mode
Active Mode
Mute / system-sleep

15
When muted, the CX-8
prevents all signals from
reaching the outputs, but
tracks will continue to
play.
By pressing and holding the left-hand button more than
1 second, the CX-8 will return to System-sleep mode.
Continuing to hold the button for an additional second
will send a system off command to all AyreLink-
connected components to also enter System-sleep mode.
This can also be done by pressing the power button on
the remote control. A quick press of the power button
on the remote control will switch only the CX-8 to
System-sleep mode while a long hold of three seconds
will switch the CX-8 and any AyreLink-connected
devices to System-sleep mode.
Input Selection
By pressing the right-hand control button, the currently
selected input will cycle to the next enabled input. This
may also be done using the center OK button on the
remote control. The input will cycle between the CD
transport, USB Audio input (if installed and enabled),
and Ethernet input (if installed and enabled) with each
press.
Volume Control
The up and down keys on the remote will send a volume
command via AyreLink to any AyreLink-connected
preamplifier or integrated amplifier. This allows for
control of the system volume from one of those units.

16
Compact Disc Playback
To open or eject the compact disc transport of the CX-8,
press the eject button on the control ring of the CX-8 or
the eject button of the remote. The display will show,
“CD Player Tray Open” and the transport tray will
extend to allow a compact disc to be inserted or
removed. To close or load a compact disc, press the eject
button again or the play button and the tray will retract.
The display will then show, “CD Player Loading
Disc…” to indicate that the CX-8 is reading the disc
information if a disc was placed in the transport tray.
After reading the disc successfully, the display will then
show a stop icon to indicate the disc is currently stopped
if the tray was closed with the eject/close button, the
total number of tracks on the disc, and the total time of
the combined track lengths or it will begin playback on
track 1 if the tray was closed using the play button.
To play a loaded compact disc, simply press the play
button on the front of the CX-8 or on the remote
control. The disc status icon will change to a play button
to indicate the CD is now playing, the track will display
the current track playing, and the time will indicate the
elapsed time of the current track.

17
The elapsed track time can be changed to display the
remaining track time by pressing the Tape icon on the
remote control.
The current playback can be paused at any time by
pressing the pause button on the front of the CX-8 or on
the remote control. Playback will stop and the disc status
icon on the display will change to a pause icon to
indicate that playback is paused, and the time indicator
will stop counting. To resume playback, press either the
pause button again or the play button on the remote or
front panel of the CX-8 and playback will resume at the
point that it was paused.
Pressing the stop button on the front panel of the CX-8
or on the remote will stop playback on the CX-8 and
return to the disc information screen. Pressing play will
start playback over from the beginning of the disc.
The previous track button on the CX-8 or remote
control will restart playback from the beginning of the
track. Pressing the button again (within the first 2
seconds of the track) will skip to the previous track on
the CD. By pressing and holding the previous track
button on the front panel of the CX-8 or by pressing and
holding the rewind button on the remote control, the
CX-8 will scan backwards quickly through the current
track. When the button is released, playback will resume
at the position scanned to.

18
The next track button on the CX-8 or remote control
will advance the track to the beginning of the next track.
Pressing and holding the next track button on the front
of the CX-8 or by pressing and holding the fast forward
button on the remote control will scan forwards quickly
through the current track. When the button is released,
playback will resume at the position scanned to.
Pressing the repeat button on the remote will cycle
through repeat modes on the CX-8. The first press will
repeat all tracks in order and is indicated by a circle with
an arrow on the display.
The disc will play as normal and then repeat after
reaching the end of the disc. The second press will
switch to repeat track mode and will be indicated by a
“1” in the top center of the repeat circle on the display.
The disc will repeat the current track after reaching the
end of the track. Pressing the repeat button a third time
will turn off repeat mode and the disc will play through
and end as normal.
Pressing the shuffle button on the remote will change
tracks to a random track on the disc. After that track
ends, the CX-8 will then pick a new track at random for
as long as the shuffle mode is activated. Shuffle mode
activation is indicated by the shuffle icon on the display.

19
Pressing the number buttons on the remote will allow
direct navigation to the track number pressed. For discs
with 10 or more tracks, the first number selected will be
displayed with a placeholder to indicate that a second
digit is possible. If none is entered within 3 seconds then
the first number entered will be used as the track
number selection.
USB Playback
In addition to a CD player, the CX-8 can be equipped
with an optional module to allow it to operate as a USB
DAC. This allows a computer or music server to connect
to the CX-8 and send audio information to the player to
be played through your stereo system. For information
about connecting to a music server, please refer to the
documentation that came with the server. For
information about connecting to a Windows or Apple
PC, visit www.ayre.com/usb for the latest information.
For the most reliable connection, it is
recommended to use a USB cable with a
length of 1.5 meters (5 feet) or less.
To listen to music being sent to the CX-8 via USB, the
USB input must be selected. The display will show
“USB” (or user selected name) and the sample rate
detected by the USB input of the CX-8. If no USB cable
is present or not connected to another system, “No
Signal” will appear. Playback controls are handled by the
host system. Please refer to the manual for the playback
software being used for settings and playback controls.

20
While the display of the
CX-
8 is rated for years of
use, we recommend that
the display be allowed
turn off after a time-
out
period of your preference
to reduce the amount of
burn-
in the display may
experience, which can
appear as “ghost” images
on the display.
Ethernet Playback
The CX-8 can also be used to stream music from other
network devices or online through music streaming
services with its optional Ethernet module. When the
Ethernet input is selected, the display will show
“Network” (or user selected name) and additional
information based on available data from the network
service being used. This can include metadata that shows
artist and track data for the currently playing song. If the
display shows “No Signal”, then the Ethernet is not
currently receiving any information to play.
For information on how to connect and use the CX-8 as
a network streaming device, please see the Streaming and
Networking section on page 31.
Display
By default, the CX-8 will turn its display off
automatically after 5 seconds of inactivity, and the status
LED will be blue to indicate that the CX-8 is still in
Active mode. By turning off the display, the amount of
digital activity in the CX-8 is minimized, ensuring that
optimal sound quality is preserved while also extending
the lifetime of the display. This feature can be adjusted
for different lengths of time before the display is turned
off or disabled entirely through the setup options of the
CX-8. For details on how to do this, please see the Setup
and Customization section on page 22.