AYRE AX-5 - Manual (Page 6)

Inputs
When you have a choice, a
balanced connection will offer
slightly higher sound quality
than a single-ended
connection.
The Ayre AX-5 offers four pairs of balanced inputs
and two pairs of single-ended inputs. Balanced
connections are made via three-pin XLR connectors,
while single-ended connections are made with RCA
connectors.
In this modern era of diverse source components, it
has become impractical to pre-label the inputs with
the actual name of the source. The rear-panel inputs
are labeled “1” through “6”.
Make a written note of which source components
are connected to which numbered input. The
connected inputs will be named after AC power is
applied to the AX-5 amplifier, as described in the
chapter “Setup and Configuration”.
Loudspeaker Outputs
The heavy-duty output
terminals of the Ayre AX-5
work best with speaker cables
equipped with spade lugs.
The Ayre AX-5 drives the loudspeakers with
balanced outputs. Since none of the output
terminals are grounded, connecting any of them to
ground may result in damage to the amplifier.
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