Ayre DX-5 User manual

Ayre DX-5
Owner’s Manual
Universal A/V Engine

Table of
Contents
Welcome to Ayre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Overview and Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Connections and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setup and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Controls and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Optimization and Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
About Aspect Ratios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Advanced Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
On-Screen Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
On-Screen Menu Settings Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Numbers and Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Statement of Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
A Technical Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
A Place for Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Welcome to
Ayre
Your Ayre DX-5 offers a significant advance in both
video and audio performance from all digital
formats. The excitement and dimensionality of your
favorite films are apparent from the first viewing.
Music is reproduced with the warmth and
immediacy of a live performance. The combination
of superb resolution and a natural, relaxed quality
will draw you back to your home theater and music
system, time and time again.
This degree of performance has been implemented
using the highest level of workmanship and
materials. You can be assured that the Ayre DX-5
will provide you a lifetime of 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.
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Overview and
Introduction
The Ayre DX-5 is a unique universal audio/video
engine that serves as the central source component
for all of your digital media. It plays all currently
available video optical disc formats (including
Blu-ray and DVD-Video), providing reference-level
picture quality for your home theater. The DX-5
also plays all currently available audio optical disc
formats (including CD, SACD, and DVD-Audio)
with unsurpassed audio quality.
To provide the highest level of performance, the
video and audio sections are totally separate. A bank
of opto-isolators provides electrical isolation
between the two sections of the player.
In addition, the DX-5 also connects to your personal
computer (using either Windows, Mac OS X, or
Linux) via the ubiquitous USB port to create a true
high-performance music server. As digital
downloads continue to grow in popularity, this
feature will become more valuable as time goes on.
The DX-5 generates a fixed-frequency master audio
clock and requests the data from the computer at
the correct time for jitter-free playback of your
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music. The DX-5 also utilizes opto-isolators to
provide total electrical isolation for the connections
between your computer and music system. This
minimizes the introduction of unwanted
radio-frequency interference (RFI), generated by all
computers.
Avoiding the use of wireless networks (e.g.,
Wi-Fi), by employing wired connections instead,
will reduce RFI levels in your home and results in
improved sound quality for any music system.
The Ayre DX-5 A/V Engine serves as the central
source component for most systems. It plays back
virtually all digital formats, both video and audio,
and it also provides a connection to provide the full
advantages of computer-based audio playback.
Thanks to its advanced technological features the
DX-5 will extract the full measure of performance
from all digital video and audio formats,
maximizing your enjoyment both now and into the
future.
Quick Start
The Ayre DX-5 is extremely flexible and versatile.
However, many of the features are primarily of
interest to the advanced user.
The information required to get started is
contained in the first three chapters of this
manual.
The remaining chapters cover additional
information that may be read at your leisure.
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Connections and
Installation
The Ayre DX-5 is a universal audio/video engine. It
may be connected to any video display with an
HDMI input, any audio system either with HDMI
or analog inputs, and any personal computer with a
USB output. It is easy to hook up 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 DX-5 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 small lens to the left of the
display. A direct line of sight from the listening
position will ensure the maximum range.
Video Outputs
Your Ayre DX-5 is equipped with an HDMI A/V
Output that supplies both high-resolution video
and multi-channel audio on the same cable.
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While the HDMI A/V Output also includes the
audio, the best performance for both video and
audio is achieved by using separate connections
for both the video and audio signals.
Video switchers and/or scalers
may compromise the signal
integrity unless executed at the
absolute highest standards.
It is recommended to connect the HDMI A/V
Output directly to your display device and connect
one (or both) of the dedicated audio outputs to your
audio system (multi-channel HDMI Audio Output
or two-channel Analog Audio Output).
There is also an analog Composite Video Output
for troubleshooting purposes. It is not
recommended to use the Composite Video
Output as the normal connection, because it only
provides a standard definition video signal.
Audio Outputs
The DX-5 has multiple audio outputs to allow
connection with a wide variety of music systems.
However, one of two main outputs should be used
whenever possible:
•Analog Audio Output – for two-channel
playback.
•HDMI Audio Output – for multi-channel
playback.
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Isolation of Audio and Video
Any audio/video system will
achieve the best performance
when the video system is
electrically isolated from the
audio system.
The entire audio section of the DX-5 is completely
isolated from the video section via opto-isolators
that provide total galvanic isolation. This is unusual
and will require some extra effort to maintain this
isolation when also using other video sources.
For the best performance, all other video sources
should link to the audio system with an electrically
isolated connection to maintain isolation between
the video and audio systems. One simple and
effective method is to use the optical digital
output of other video sources. Coaxial digital
outputs can provide isolation if a transformer is in
the signal path. If you are unsure if your
equipment has built-in digital audio transformers,
external transformers are available. To isolate an
analog audio connection, the best solution is to
use high-quality transformers. Jensen
Transformers offers both digital and analog
isolation transformers.
Two-Channel Systems
For over 50 years, the vast majority of music has
been recorded in two-channel stereo, thus the DX-5
includes two ultra-high quality audio
digital-to-analog converters. The stereo Analog
Audio Outputs will play all sources at their absolute
highest quality, including all two-channel optical
discs as well as the USB input for computer audio.
In addition, the stereo Analog Audio Outputs will
play a two-channel mixdown of multi-channel
sources, including both movie soundtracks and
musical discs. This allows the Analog Audio
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Outputs to provide a rich and fulfilling sonic
experience for movies as well as music. If you have a
two-channel audio system, simply connect the
Analog Audio Outputs to your preamplifier and you
can enjoy all of your sources, both music and
movies.
Multi-channel SACDs may not be downmixed.
However, they nearly always contain a separate
two-channel playback area.
The Ayre DX-5 offers both balanced and
single-ended outputs. Balanced connections are
made via three-pin XLR connectors, while
single-ended connections are made via RCA
connectors.
When you have a choice, a balanced connection
will offer slightly higher sound quality than a
single-ended connection.
Multi-Channel Systems
The HDMI Audio Output
must also supply a video
signal for proper operation. It
simply sends a gray screen at
720p for full compatibility.
Multi-channel audio is provided at full resolution
via the HDMI connection. Please note that there are
two HDMI connectors on the DX-5. One is labeled
“HDMI Audio Output” and provides higher quality
audio than the HDMI A/V Output that also
supplies the video signal.
The HDMI Audio Output transmits LPCM (or
optionally, DSD in the case of SACDs). All
compressed formats from Dolby and DTS are
decompressed by the player before transmission.
Simply connect the HDMI Audio Output to your
surround-sound processor to enjoy multi-channel
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movie soundtracks and music sources. The Analog
Audio Outputs may also be connected to your
system at the same time as the HDMI Audio
Output, either directly to the surround-sound
processor or through a stereo preamplifier with a
pass-through function.
Note that both the Analog Audio Outputs and
the Digital Audio Output are disabled and the
status LED glows orange when the HDMI Audio
Output is connected to a selected (active) HDMI
input on your surround-sound processor (SSP).
The disabled outputs will be re-activated when the
SSP input connected to the HDMI Audio Output
is de-selected (de-activated).
The Ayre DX-5 also supports “Audio Rate Control”
(ARC), which allows the master audio clock in your
surround-sound processor to be the main clock in
your audio system for the lowest jitter possible in a
multi-channel system. (The Analog Audio Outputs
provide the lowest possible jitter in a two-channel
system.) The DX-5 will lock onto this clock and
adjust the rate of its playback to ensure perfect
synchronization, and the status LED glows violet.
AES/EBU Digital Audio Output
An adapter is available from
your Ayre dealer should you
need to connect the Digital
Audio Output to an S/PDIF
input that uses an RCA
connector.
The Ayre DX-5 also features a balanced AES/EBU
(S/PDIF) digital audio output. This connection is
limited to lower-quality compressed formats such as
Dolby Digital and DTS. However, it can provide
multi-channel audio to older equipment that lacks
an HDMI input for audio. The HDMI Audio
Output should be used whenever possible for
multi-channel audio.
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USB Input
The USB input allows the DX-5 to be connected to
a personal computer for use as a state-of-the-art
music server. The input uses the squarish USB “B”
type connector designed for computer peripheral
devices. The rectangular “A” type connector at the
other end of the cable is designed to plug directly
into the computer itself.
Music input at the USB Audio Input will not be
output by either HDMI connector. Only the
Analog Audio Outputs will deliver music sent to
the USB Audio Input.
The USB 2.0 standard specifies a maximum cable
length of 16 feet (5 meters). It is not recommended
to use extenders or hubs with the QB-9. Fiber optic
USB cables can be longer, but are relatively
expensive.
AyreLink Ports
The AyreLink communication system provides a
convenient way to control your audio system. There
are two AyreLink ports on the rear panel of the
DX-5. Each port has four contacts and contains both
an input and an output. Both ports function
identically and may be used interchangeably.
AyreLink connections are made with commonly
available two-line telephone line cords using
modular (RJ-11) connectors. (These are the cords
that connect the telephone set to the wall in many
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countries.) They are readily available in different
lengths and various colors at most electronics stores.
Be sure to use two-line telephone
cords to make AyreLink connections.
These can be identified by the four
gold contacts on each connector.
Single-line cords with only two gold
contacts will not function in this
application.
The linked components may be
joined in any convenient
order.
The linked components should be connected in
daisy-chain fashion, connecting each component to
another until all of the linked components have
been connected.
When connecting the linked
components to form a chain, be careful
not to connect the two ends of the
chain. Closing the chain to form a loop
will cause the AyreLink system not to
function.
Ethernet LAN Connection
On the rear panel of the DX-5 is an RJ-45 jack for
an optional connection to the internet. This
connection will allow for two functions:
•BD Live – Some newer Blu-ray titles include a
feature called “BD Live”. This allows an
internet-connected player to access additional
content such as commentaries and games.
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•Firmware update – Periodically Ayre may offer
updates to the firmware of the DX-5 that will
offer additional features. While there are several
methods for updating the firmware, perhaps the
easiest is to use an internet connection.
AC Power
The DX-5 may be plugged directly into an
unswitched wall outlet. Although proprietary RFI
(radio-frequency interference) filtering is built into
the universal A/V engine, in some situations an AC
power-line filter (such as those offered by Ayre) may
provide additional sonic benefits.
As virtually all computers use switch-mode power
supplies that introduce unwanted RFI on the AC
power line, it may be beneficial to use an AC power
line filter for the computer and its accessories (e.g.,
display monitor), many of which also utilize
switch-mode power supplies.
Break-In
Playing 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 player to reach
its full performance potential.
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Setup and
Configuration
Once you have connected the Ayre DX-5 to your
home theater system, you will need to configure it
to ensure compatibility with your display. There is
an extensive set of options as detailed in the chapter
“On-Screen Setup Menu”. To simplify the setup
process, nearly all of the options have been
pre-selected at the factory. However, a few settings
may need to be changed to match your system.
Video Setup
With the DX-5 connected to your video display and
powered on, press the “Setup” button on the remote
control handset (just above the “Red” button). This
will access the On-Screen Setup Menu. Use the
“Up/Down” arrow buttons to navigate to the
Video Setup menu item. Press the “Enter” button to
select the menu items and then once again use the
“Up/Down” arrow buttons to select the desired
option.
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TV Aspect Ratio
The Ayre DX-5 comes from the factory
pre-configured for proper operation with a
“widescreen” (16:9). This will work for the vast
majority of systems. However if you have an older
“standard” (4:3) display, you will need to change the
menu item TV Aspect Ratio.
Use the “Up/Down” arrow buttons to select the
proper menu item and the press “Enter”. Use the
“Up/Down” arrow buttons to select 4:3 Letterbox
and then press “Enter”. If you have inadvertently
changed the setting, the correct selection for a
“widescreen” display is 16:9 Wide/Auto.
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4:3 Display
16:9 Display

TV System
Around the world, there are two main video
standards in use, NTSC (North America and Japan)
and PAL (Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa).
The Ayre DX-5 can work perfectly well with either
system. From the factory the unit is set up to play
both types of discs (NTSC and PAL) in their native
format.
If your display accommodates both standards, you
need not change this setting. Similarly, if you only
play discs purchased from the same area as your
display, this setting will work well.
However, if you have purchased discs from other
parts of the world and your display only supports
one video standard, then you will need to change
the TV System setting to match your display.
Scroll down to the menu item TV System and press
“Enter”. Select the video standard (PAL/NTSC) to
match your display. The options are:
•Multi-system (default) – No system conversion is
performed. The output video system is the same
as that encoded on the disc. Requires a TV that
supports both NTSC and PAL systems.
•NTSC – When playing NTSC-encoded discs, no
system conversion is performed. PAL-encoded
content is converted to NTSC output.
•PAL – When playing PAL-encoded discs, no
system conversion is performed. NTSC encoded
content is converted to PAL output.
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Output Resolution
Not only does the Ayre DX-5 Digital A/V Engine
play high-definition Blu-ray discs, but it also has a
world-class scaling engine that up-converts standard
definition video stored on DVD discs. The
sophisticated video processor ensures that the video
will have the best possible color, detail and motion.
The player offers several video output resolutions.
To achieve the best visual result, it is important to
select the output resolution that best matches your
display device. The rule of thumb when selecting an
output resolution is to match the “native resolution”
of your display.
The default setting from the factory is Auto. This
selection allows the display to communicate with
the player in order to establish the best resolution. If
there is difficulty with this setting, or if you wish to
select the resolution manually, use the “Up/Down”
arrow buttons to select Output Resolution and then
press “Enter”.
For the latest generation of 1080p, “Full HD” or
“True HD” displays, the best output resolution will
be 1080p. (A few early model 1080p displays do
not accept 1080p signal. For these displays the best
output resolution to use is 1080i.) For all other
digital televisions this will likely be 720p. For CRT
tube or rear projection televisions this will likely be
1080i. These are general recommendations that
work for most users, but there can be exceptions.
Consult the owner’s manual for your display.
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The DX-5 also supports a special “Source Direct”
output resolution. This resolution is only
recommended for use with high-performance
external video processors. In “Source Direct” mode,
the player works as a “transport”. It decodes video
from the discs and then sends the raw video signal
in its native resolution and format, without extra
processing, to the external video processor.
Beyond the Initial Setup
If your system requires a special setup configuration,
additional advanced details are given in various
chapters, including “On-Screen Setup Menu” and
“Optimization and Customization”. The Ayre DX-5
offers many specific features that may increase the
ease of operation in your audio/video system.
Configuring the Computer
You will also need to set up your personal computer
to act as a music server, using the USB Audio Input
on the DX-5. There are a variety of software music
players that are well suited for the job.
No matter what operating system (OS) your
computer uses — Apple, Windows, or Linux —
you’ll need to set up your computer to perform
several different tasks:
•Transferring music to your computer’s hard
drive, either by converting the files from your
CD collection, commonly called “ripping”, or
17

by purchasing files that are downloaded via the
internet.
•Labeling the files you have transferred with the
names of the song, artist, album, et cetera,
commonly called “tagging”. (Downloaded files
will normally already have the “tags” included.)
•Using a music player program to organize your
music collection and play it back.
•Optionally record music selections back onto
CDs for playback in your car or other places,
commonly called “burning”.
•Optionally transfer part of your music collection
to a portable music player.
A few programs can perform all of these functions,
for example iTunes (Apple and Windows), J.River
Media Center (Windows), and Windows Media
Player (Windows). Some users will prefer to use a
combination of other specialized programs to
perform these functions.
An introductory guide to setting up your computer
is available at the Ayre website at:
www.ayre.com/usb.htm
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