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Cary Audio Design AiOS Owner's Manual

Lifestyle series all-in-one system
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AiOS
All-in-One System
as of February 24, 2017
Lifestyle Series
NOTE: Before installing your new component, please read this manual
carefully as it will inform you of the product specifications, proper
installation and correct operating procedures for your unit. Also included
in this manual are guidelines on how to service and care for your new
Cary Audio Design product.

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Summary of Contents for Cary Audio Design AiOS

  • Page 1 NOTE: Before installing your new component, please read this manual carefully as it will inform you of the product specifications, proper installation and correct operating procedures for your unit. Also included in this manual are guidelines on how to service and care for your new Cary Audio Design product.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Remote Control Operation IR Remote Control ..........................17 Navigating AiOS iOS and Andriod Control Apps ....................... 18 AiOS Navigation Basics ......................... 18 Using Remote Control Alphanumeric Keys ....................18 Setting AiOS Adjustable Colors Color Operation ............................ 19 Front Panel Display Now Playing Screens ..........................
  • Page 3 USB Flash/HDD and SD Card Operation USB and SD Card Audio Playback ......................32 Operating AiOS from a Computer Sending/Pushing Music to AiOS from a Networked Computer ..............34 Creating and Editing Playback Lists (Queues) Queue Function ............................ 36 Creating and Editing Playlists Playlist Function ...........................
  • Page 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Understanding File Upsampling and Conversion PCM to DSD Conversion ........................51 PCM to DSD Upsampling ........................51 Using File Upsampling and Conversion Using PCM to DSD Conversion and Upsampling ..................52 DSD and MQA Operation Direct Stream Digital (DSD) Playback ..................... 53 Master Quality Authenticated ( MQA) Playback Notification ..............

  • Page 5: Important Safety Instructions

    If water or any metal object (such as a paper clip, coin, or staple) accidentally falls inside the unit, disconnect it from the AC power source immediately and contact Cary Audio Design for further instructions. HEAT: Position the unit away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other units (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
  • Page 6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 17. IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: • Before connecting a new product such as the Cinema 12 to your audio or home theater system, turn off all other equipment (preferably unplugging them from the AC power source). Many audio components feature automatic turn-on circuits that may activate during an installation, potentially causing damage to electronic components and/or speakers.

  • Page 7: Welcome

    WELCOME THANK YOU Congratulations on becoming a Cary Audio owner! Cary Audio would like to thank you for purchasing our products. Since its founding in 1989, Cary Audio has stayed at the forefront of home entertainment equipment by stubbornly adhering to the principles of quality and musicality upon which it was founded.

  • Page 8: Useful Terms

    GLOSSARY OF TERMS USEFUL TERMS Network Connection – A connection to a home network router (needed for Network Music) which in turn is typically connected to the Internet. Although an Internet connection is not necessary for a home network or Network Music, it is needed for Internet Music. A network connection can be either wired, or wireless. Client – A component that finds music stored on network devices and retrieves it for playback over its own music playing software. Renderer – A component that lets other devices such as computers or Apps push music to the component for playback via the media player of the computer or App. Wired Connection (Ethernet) – A connection to the router with an Ethernet (Cat5e, etc.) cable. Wireless Connection (Wi-Fi) – A connection to the router via a components built-in Wi-Fi. Router must also be Wi-Fi capable. Network Music – A broad term that refers to music originating from a computer or NAS drive that is connected to a home network for playback over a Digital Music Streamer/Network Audio Player. Digital Music Streamer/Network Audio Player – An audio component like AiOS that connects to a home network that can access Network Music for playback. NAS Drive – (Network Attached Storage) An external hard drive that connects directly to a network router (wired or wirelessly), unlike a USB hard drive that connects to a computer or audio component. Internet Music – Music from an Internet music service, such as Spotify, Tidal, Internet Radio, etc. Requires a router connected to the Internet. Server – for the purposes of this manual, a server is a software application installed on a computer or NAS drive that monitors a music library and “serves” files to a Digital Music Streamer/Network Audio Player. Server software can be lite background “server only” applications (i.e.; Twonky), or part of a larger suite of software within a Media Player application (i.e.; JRiver). Computer-less –Playback that doesn’t require a computer or network setup. For example; directly connecting a USB flash/HDD drive, or SD Card to AiOS for playback. Local Music – This includes Computer-less USB HDD, flash/thumb drives, SD Cards, or other components (CD players, Cable Boxes, etc.) connected directly to AiOS for playback. App or Control App – A free iOS or Android App that can take the place of the hand held IR remote to control all functions of AiOS from a comfortable position away from the unit itself. SMB/PC Share – A standard computer protocol for sharing files across computers & networks. UPnP/DLNA – A more specialized protocol to serve files to computers across network connections.

  • Page 9: About Aios

    ABOUT AIOS ABOUT AIOS Hello, I’m AiOS, pronounced [a-ous]. Why AiOS? It’s simple, I’m the first All-in-One System of its kind for Cary Audio. I was developed at Cary Audio by the same folks that have made the Cary Audio brand synonymous with the world’s best high-end luxury audio products since 1989, of which I embody the same DNA.

  • Page 10: Installation

    Power Requirements AiOS is designed to operate from AC main current. The design AC voltage is either 110V-120V or 220V-240V AC at 50-60 Hz.

  • Page 11: Placement

    INSTALLATION PLACEMENT In general, the location of your new AIOS is not critical. Certain precautions must be taken to ensure optimum performance. Avoid extremely hot locations such as near radiators or other heating units. Keep the top of AiOS clear of books, paper or other equipment to protect...

  • Page 12: Features

    The features are subject to change without notice or obligation. LIFESTYLE DESIGN When we say AiOS is a Lifestyle product, we mean it! About the footprint of a mid-sized laptop, AiOS’ front to back gently curved aluminum chassis embossed with “AiOS” is a modern stylized work of art.
  • Page 13 This means the sound of AiOS runs in Class A, the best sound possible, for a good range of its power. Only when you want to rock it out does it transition to Class A/B. All the world’s best amplifiers are Class A or Class A/B designs and AiOS is no exception.

  • Page 14: Disclaimer

    DISCLAIMER The operation of AiOS assumes all users have at minimum a moderate level of understanding of computers, file sharing principles, computer networks, and other associated peripherals such as; routers, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB hard disc and flash drives, SD Cards, NAS drives, computer...

  • Page 15: Controls And Displays

    CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS AUTO-SENSING FRONT PANEL TOUCH AiOS has a built-in auto-sensing sensor that detects when your hand is close to the front panel when attempting to access a feature. This illuminates the function keys of the front panel (except the center LCD display, which stays on continuously*). The time the function keys stay illuminated can be set to automatically turn off after 10, 20, 30, 45, or 60 seconds, or stay on continuously while powered on by selecting “Always On” in AiOS’ setup menu. The factory default is set to turn off after 60 seconds. *The entire front panel can be turned off, including the center LCD display, with the “BRIGHT” function on the remote. This has a low, medium, high, and off setting. FRONT PANEL 1. POWER To power on, press and hold for a few seconds until you hear a click and the front panel illuminates. Repeat to turn off. (If front panel display is set to turn off after “X” seconds, the POWER key illuminates once your finger gets close to it.

  • Page 16: Rear Panel

    CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS REAR PANEL 1. RIGHT CHANNEL SPEAKER OUTPUT Use these jacks for connecting to your RIGHT speakers positive (+) and negative (-) jacks. 2. LEFT CHANNEL SPEAKER OUTPUT Use these jacks for connecting to your LEFT speakers positive (+) and negative (-) jacks. 3.
  • Page 17 Connect to device that has DC + 12V input for remote turn-on of external devices; such as an external amplifier. 20. BLUETOOTH ANTENNA 44.1 kHz Qualcomm aptX® wireless digital audio transmit and receive port. 21. IR INPUT Connection of external IR sensors to control AiOS if unit is out of line of sight.

  • Page 18: Remote Control Operation

    REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION IR REMOTE CONTROL This section explains how to use the remote control to setup and operate AiOS. Refer to other corresponding sections of this manual for further explanation of these features. 1. POWER: Use to turn the power on and off.

  • Page 19: Navigating Aios

    Each app is highly intuitive and easy to operate. Please refer to the apps for instructions. AIOS NAVIGATION BASICS Using AiOS is very intuitive. This manual covers the operations of AiOS via the provided IR hand held remote control. (Free iOS and Android control apps are also available from the iTunes and Google Play stores).

  • Page 20: Setting Aios Adjustable Colors

    SETTING AIOS ADJUSTABLE COLORS COLOR OPERATION One of the most unique qualities of AiOS is the ability to change the illumination color of the LCD display, keys/buttons, and side panel colors. This is unlike anything else available and has the ability to seamlessly blend into your décor or lifestyle design choices.

  • Page 21: Front Panel Display

    FRONT PANEL DISPLAY NOW PLAYING SCREENS Pressing the “Now Playing” button on the remote will toggle between different display modes depending on the source being played. Each line has a maximum of 20 characters. If either line exceeds 20 characters, the information will scroll across the screen. DISPLAY SCREENS FOR NETWORK, USB, SD CARD AND INTERNET SOURCES For more on MQA Display Screens, please see the MQA section of this manual.

  • Page 22: Volume Control

    See “ANALOG LINE INPUT OPERATION” below to learn more about how analog signal are processed. VOLUME CONTROL VOLUME DISPLAY The volume control is located on the hand held remote. AiOS will display a pop-up as shown below when adjusting volume, even if the front panel display brightness is set to off.

  • Page 23: Settings Menu Overview

    SETTINGS MENU SETTINGS MENU OVERVIEW Within the Settings Menu you can adjust, control, and customize AiOS operation and settings as follows: MENU FUNCTION MENU CHOICES EXTENDED SETTINGS EXPLANATION >Input Names COAXIAL RENAME USB1 Allows you to rename OPTICAL the inputs to a custom >USB 1...
  • Page 24 >Status Connection: Status displays all the Ethernet network information IP Assign: based on the network DHCP connectivity of the IP Address: AiOS’ connection. 186.145.4.8 Net Mask Address: 255.255.255.0 Gateway Address 186.145.4.3 MAC Address 3r:8e:4m:3d:G7:2e >Reset >Bluetooth Send >BT: OFF / ON Turns Bluetooth SEND transmitter ON or OFF.
  • Page 25 WARNING: Do not select Rear if you do not have a rear mounted IR sensor. Otherwise, you could be locked out of all IR command control. If this happens and you have previously connected an iOS or Android app to AiOS, you can use the app to change this setting. If not, you must reset AiOS.

  • Page 26: File Sharing Configuration

    AiOS is an extremely versatile network audio component and can access/stream music in multiple ways. With AiOS, you can use the dedicated IR remote control or the custom AiOS app for either iOS or Android. However, this manual primarily discusses IR remote operation.

  • Page 27: Setting Up Wired Ethernet Connection

    1. For Ethernet (wired) connection , place AiOS within a cable run to your router or to an Ethernet port which is wired back to the router.

  • Page 28: Setting Up Wireless Wi-Fi Connection

    1. For WIFI (wireless) connection , place AiOS within WIFI range of your router. 2. Make sure the both WIFI antennas are screwed into place on the rear of AiOS. a. Press the MENU button on the IR remote .

  • Page 29: User Interface Icons

    USER INTERFACE ICONS GRAPHIC ICON KEY ICON KEY: As noted some icons are exclusive to the type of input source you are listening to while others may be universal.

  • Page 30: Network Audio Operations

    AiOS or any network audio player to access them. 1. Press the NETWORK/INTERNET button on the IR remote until NETWORK is displayed. 2. After a few seconds, AiOS will display a list of all network connected computers, both PC SHARE/SMB and UPnP/DLNA.
  • Page 31 NETWORK AUDIO OPERATIONS UPnP/DLNA Music Server Computer PC SHARE/SMB Computer (This mode only organizes into folder (This mode has more selections from the groups. These groups will depend on how home screen and a more graphical you have your server set up) hierarchy as opposed to all folder views) 5.

  • Page 32: Internet Music Service Operation

    1. Press the Network/Internet button on the IR remote until INTERNET displays. 2. After a few seconds, AiOS will display the list of internet music services available through AiOS. NOTE: You are required to have an account with any internet music service provider. Some are free and some have a pay for no commercials or better quality model.

  • Page 33: Usb Flash/Hdd And Sd Card Operation

    NOTE: SD Cards must be formatted to FAT, FAT32, exFAT or NTFS. It is also a good idea to set the protection to lock for playback. AIOS supports SDHC 32GB & SDXC up to 2TB. If using an SD Card to update the firmware, its best the card is formatted to FAT or FAT32.
  • Page 34 USB FLASH/HDD AND SD CARD OPERATION 10. Once a USB or SD Card is selected, note the name of the actual drive will appear in front of the category list. USB & SD Cards (Like network PC SHARE/SMB, this mode has more selections from the home screen and a more graphical hierarchy as opposed to all folder views)

  • Page 35: Operating Aios From A Computer

    SENDING/PUSHING MUSIC TO AIOS FROM A NETWORKED COMPUTER Open your media player of choice. Find the artist or music file you wish to send to AiOS and right click on the selection. Find a “Send To” or “Cast To” selection and select the AiOS from the available choices.
  • Page 36 OPERATING AIOS FROM A COMPUTER Windows Media Player 12 Example Once playback has started the media player and AiOS front panel will display the following. Computer Confirmation Pop-Up AiOS’ front Panel Display (this may vary from media player)

  • Page 37: Creating And Editing Playback Lists (Queues)

    CREATING AND EDITING PLAYBACK LISTS (QUEUES) QUEUE FUNCTION A Queue is a temporary list of music. This includes all music that is played during a given session, or manually added to the queue while listening to a Network, USB, or SD Card source. All music temporarily stored in a queue is specific to that source.
  • Page 38 CREATING AND EDITING PLAYBACK LISTS (QUEUES) To PLAY or EDIT the Queue Ø TO PLAY While viewing the Queue, Press Enter to PLAY the Queue (the solid arrow next to the track denotes the first track to be played within the Queue). Ø...

  • Page 39: Creating And Editing Playlists

    A Playlist is a queue from a Network, USB or SD Card source that has been saved. Queues can be saved as a playlist or save to an existing playlist. Playlists created by AiOS using AiOS are saved to AiOS’ Home Screen Playlists and not within the computer’s media server itself. Therefore, you can only access the AiOS created playlist from AiOS and not from the media server software on your computer.
  • Page 40 CREATING AND EDITING PLAYLISTS Ø This will display a list of any saved/created Playlists. All Playlists will have the “Playlist Icon” in front of it. To PLAY a Playlist Ø While viewing Playlists, simply highlight the desired Playlist and press Enter. To EDIT, DELETE, or RENAME a Playlist Ø...

  • Page 41: Digital And Analog Input Operation

    DID YOU KNOW? AiOS actually converts your analog line level inputs into a digital signal so Cary Audio can utilize its proprietary TruBit™ PCM and DSD Upsampling and conversion technology allowing you to get the most out of the analog input signals during playback for a superior listening experience. This converts the signal to digital then allows you to upsample it to 1 or 7 different sample rates or 1 of 3 different PCM to DSD conversion rates before converting back to analog for listening.

  • Page 42: Using Pre-Out, Main-In And Sub-Out Functions

    “unprocessed” signal via the pre-out and send it to the processor. The processor processes the signal and sends the “processed” signal back to AiOS via the MAIN-IN and then amplifies it. To activate the loop, you MUST turn on the MAIN-IN function in AiOS’ menu (or control app).

  • Page 43: Airplay And Phoneshare Operations

    AIOS is connected to your network router. The advantages of AirPlay and PhoneShare is that since it relies on Wi-Fi the range which you can send music to AiOS from your portable device is much greater than Bluetooth. Airplay only transmits at 44.1 kHz. PhoneShare will send signals greater than 44.1 kHz, even DSD natively without any conversion.

  • Page 44: Bluetooth Receive Setup

    Just like connecting a phone to your car’s Bluetooth, you can connect your phone to AiOS. Pairing a device with AiOS When connecting a Bluetooth device to the unit for the first time, you must “pair” it to AiOS. Once pairing is completed, subsequent connection can be made with a couple of easy steps.
  • Page 45 4. After pairing is complete, the device will show “Connected”. NOTE: If Cary Audio AiOS is listed but you receive an error message when trying to connect, you must delete or forget the Cary Audio AiOS device from your phone and do another search to reconnect it.

  • Page 46: Bluetooth Playback Operation

    Once pairing has successfully been completed, you can easily enjoy music from your portable device as follows. (1) Make sure “Cary Audio AIOS” is selected and connected as shown above on your device. (2) Open your desired music app and look for this icon (3) Tap on the icon and wait for available device(s) to appear.

  • Page 47: Bluetooth Send Setup And Operation

    However, this means the volume to the speakers will be at level 45, or the level you’ve adjusted AiOS to while using BT Send. The result of doing this is that the sound level of the wired speakers will be considerably higher than Bluetooth speaker(s). If enabling the wired speakers when Bluetooth SEND is on, please take caution.
  • Page 48 Once the device is connected, the display will show as follows. Operate AiOS as normal selecting whichever sources you wish to listen to. The AiOS volume will be preset to 45. Use the volume control on the Bluetooth headphones and speakers to control the volume level.

  • Page 49: Equalizer Operation

    EQ button until you find the one you like and stop. 2. You can also access the EQ setting through the Menu as discussed in the Menu Setting of AiOS. The Custom setting allows for a curve of 15 bands of the following frequencies with a +/- 12 range per band.

  • Page 50: How To Custom Name Inputs

    HOW TO CUSTOM NAME INPUTS RENAMING INPUTS One again, AiOS is all about Lifestyle audio and customization. This means you can rename any input to something more familiar or easily understood. For example, if you have a CD player connected to “LINE 1”, you can rename LINE 1 to “CD Player”. This allows anyone who uses your AiOS system to easily navigate through the connected sources.

  • Page 51: How To Change/Create Custom Turn On/Off Messages

    HOW TO CHANGE/CREATE CUSTOM TURN ON/OFF MESSAGES CUSTOM GREETINGS AND GOODBYE MESSAGES Going one step further, AiOS Lifestyle sensibility can get even more personal. AiOS comes with 4 preset turn on (WELCOME) messages and 4 preset turn off (GOODBYE) messages. Additionally, both welcome and goodbye messages allow for 1 each custom message you can create yourself.

  • Page 52: Understanding File Upsampling And Conversion

    DSD or PCM to DSD converted signal is processed as true DSD. In other words, AiOS does NOT down-convert a DSD signal to PCM within the DAC chips. This is actually somewhat rare as many so called DSD players actually down-convert the DSD signal to PCM inside the DAC chip(s) without you knowing it.

  • Page 53: Using File Upsampling And Conversion

    How it works: • When an upsample rate is selected higher than the native input rate, AiOS will upsample all incoming rates lower than the selected upsample rate up to the selected upsample rate (as well as change the bit depth to 32 bits for PCM or 1 bit for DSD).

  • Page 54: Dsd And Mqa Operation

    DIRECT STREAM DIGITAL (DSD) PLAYBACK AiOS is capable of playing native (not DoP) DSD files up to 512 via both wired Ethernet and wireless Wi-Fi inputs as well as from the USB/SD inputs. You can also choose to access a computer that is connected wirelessly to your network.

  • Page 55: Specifications

    Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) The AiOS includes MQA technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording. This ensures that MQA-encoded audio files and streams sound exactly like the source. ‘MQA’ or ‘MQA.’ (Studio indicates that the unit is decoding and playing a MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material.
  • Page 56 SPECIFICATIONS Digital Outputs Coaxial, Toslink operating at Sample Frequency (Fs) from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz, 16 bit to 24 bit ..............................Digital Inputs USB-A x 3, SD Card x 1 BLUETOOTH In & Out x1 Coaxial x1, Toslink x1 ..............................
  • Page 57 SPECIFICATIONS NETWORK, USB, SD CARD PLAYBACK ..............................dsf, .dff (DSD64, 128, 256, 512), .aif, .aiff, .alac, .flac, .m4a, PLAYBACK FORMAT SUPPORT .mp4, .wav, .ape, .mp3, .aac, .wma, .ogg, .asf ..............................Frequency Range 2 Hz - 100 kHz ..............................Signal System 16, 20, 24, & 32 bit PCM and 1 bit DSD ..............................Sampling Frequency 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz PCM and 2.822MHz – 22.5792 MHz ..............................

  • Page 58: Service And Care

    SERVICE AND CARE CARE AND CLEANING The cabinet housing and front panel of AiOS may be cleaned with a soft cloth and Windex or a window cleaner. The frequency of cleaning will be governed by how many hours AiOS is operated and by operating environment cleanliness.

  • Page 59: Limited Warranty

    LIMITED WARRANTY Cary Audio Warrants to the Original Purchaser for the Following Cary Audio Products for the Periods Indicated: 1. Power Amplifiers, Integrated Amplifiers, Surround Sound Processors, and Preamplifiers have a three (3) year parts and labor warranty from the date of the original purchase from Cary Audio.
  • Page 60 LIMITED WARRANTY What Will We Pay For? We will pay for all labor and material expenses for items covered by the warranty. Payment of shipping charges is discussed in the next section of this warranty. How Can You Get Service? In the event that the owner needs to return the unit to Cary Audio for service or repair of a possible defect, he must follow the following steps: 1.
  • Page 61 Logos, Trademarks, and Licensing The Cary Audio Design AiOS incorporates copyright protected technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. The AiOS uses the following technologies: The MQA logo is a trademark of MQA Limited. © MQA Limited 2016.
  • Page 62 CARY AUDIO DESIGN 6301 Chapel Hill Road | Raleigh, NC 27607 919.355.0010 www.caryaudio.com www.carydirect.com o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o...

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