Rotel’s hifi roots date back to 1961 in Japan and they released their first CD player in 1985. The Michi Series was introduced in 1993 and re-introduced in 2019.
Michi is the company’s flagship line comprised of pre-, power, and integrated amplifiers joined today by the new Michi Q5 Transport DAC.
The top loading—I love a top loader—fully balanced Michi Q5 relies on the ESS ES9028PRO 8-Channel DAC to convert the pits and bits, as the Q5 also offers USB, Toslink, and Coax inputs, with USB extending the compatibility reach to up to 32-bit/384kHz for PCM, DSD 256, and MQA support.
The Michi Q5 offers both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outs. That Ethernet/Network input is for software updates, IP control for integration with automation systems, and to retrieve CD album artwork that gets displayed on the Q5’s full-color TFT display according to the manual.
To my eyes, the Michi Q5 is a thing of beauty inside and out.
The Rotel Michi Q5 Transport DAC will be available beginning November 2024 for $6,999.
Here’s the press release from Rotel:
Michi Q5 – elevating CD Audio to new levels of excellence
Michi product line extended to include first ‘source’ component that offers an audiophile-grade CD Player, Transport and DAC.
Tokyo, Japan (September 20, 2024) – Michi, renowned for its legacy of high-end audio excellence, is expanding its elite lineup of audiophile-grade components with the launch of the Michi Q5 Transport DAC. The Q5 redefines the CD player experience by merging state-of-the-art technology with unmatched craftsmanship to deliver the unparalleled sound quality demanded by the most discerning of audiophiles.
The Michi Q5 Transport DAC is engineered to elevate the audio experience to new heights. At its core lies the premium ESS ES9028PRO DAC, an industry-leading eight-channel digital-to-analog converter. Michi has implemented the DAC in a fully balanced, fully differential circuit design to offer precision audio reproduction with an extremely low noise floor, ensuring pristine sound with minimal distortion to both XLR and RCA analog outputs. The Q5 dedicates four channels within the DAC to each of the left and right audio signal paths, ensuring extraordinary detail retrieval and an expansive soundstage that brings every nuance of your music to life. For additional installation flexibility the Q5 also delivers CD audio to both coaxial and optical outputs allowing the unit to act as a CD Transport.
The Q5 continues to showcase Michi’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship. The bespoke, top-loading CD mechanism is constructed with precision optical laser pickup housed in a premium CNC-machined aluminum chassis that offers exceptional durability in a sleek, modern aesthetic. The CD mechanism is further mounted on a custom floating spring assembly, reducing unwanted vibrations and providing a stable platform for flawless CD playback. This design not only enhances the Q5’s visual appeal but also ensures the highest level of performance by isolating sensitive electronic circuits from physical disturbances.
To further ensure audio purity, the Q5 is equipped with bespoke, dual in-house manufactured toroidal transformers that isolate digital and analog voltage supplies, significantly reducing noise and interference. The CD drive motor’s voltage and current supplies are also electrically isolated from the sensitive audio signals, preventing any potential motor noise from affecting the sound quality. The classic Michi meticulous attention to detail results in a listening experience that is both immersive and true to the original recording.
Beyond its superior CD playback capabilities, the Michi Q5 is a versatile digital music hub. It supports a wide range of additional audio inputs, including PC-USB (up to 32-bit / 384kHz) with MQA and DSD 4X support, plus 24-bit / 192kHz coaxial and optical inputs. These features make the Q5 compatible with all your favorite digital sources, as an ultra-high-performance DAC for your entire audio system.
The elegant front panel of the Q5 is a testament to Michi’s minimalist design philosophy, featuring a full-color TFT display that showcases CD album artwork to enhance your listening enjoyment with visual appeal. The included Michi remote provides intuitive, seamless operation, while RS232 and Ethernet ports enable integration with popular automation systems, ensuring easy management of your audio setup.
The Michi Q5 Transport DAC is crafted for those who demand the best in both performance and aesthetics. Its premium construction, exceptional audio quality, versatile connectivity, and advanced control options make it the ultimate CD player for high-end audio systems.
Company Website: Rotel
Specifications
Dimensions (W × H × D): 485 x 150x 452 mm | 19 x 6 x 17.75 ”
Front Panel Height: 132 mm (5.25″)
Power Requirements: 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption: 25 W
Standby Power Consumption: <0.5 W
Net Weight: 23.5 kg (51.8 lbs.)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) CD/Coaxial/Optical/PC-USB Input: < 0.0006%
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20k Hz, +0 dB, -0.1 dB | 10 Hz – 70k Hz, +0 dB, -3 dB
S/N Ratio (“A” Weighted): >115 dB
Dynamic Range: >99 dB
Digital to Analog Converters: ESS ES9028PRO DAC
Channel Balance: ± 0.5 dB
Channel Separation: >104 dB @ 10k Hz
