Rotel Michi Q5 Transport DAC Takes CD Audio To New Levels

Michi is a flagship series of high-end audio products built on the history and heritage of Rotel, designed in Tokyo, Japan. The lineup was now expanded with the launch of the Michi Q5 Transport DAC, intended to redefine the CD player experience with state-of-the-art technology and sound quality to please the most demanding audio enthusiasts. The new Michi Q5 merges the popular 32-bit Dual-DAC architecture from ESS Technology with the company's most refined top-loading CD mechanism.
  According to Rotel, the Q5 continues to showcase Michi’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. The Michi Q5 Transport DAC was designed around the ESS ES9028PRO DAC eight-channel digital-to-analog converter. The dedicated Michi engineering team 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 and, 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 top-loading CD mechanism is constructed with the 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 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.

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 high resolution audio digital sources, as an ultra-high-performance DAC for 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 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.

Crafted for those who demand the best in both performance and aesthetics, the Michi Q5 Transport DAC is intended as the ultimate CD player for high-end audio systems. It will be available through authorized Michi dealers starting in November 2024, retailing for USD $6,999 or EUR €5999.
www.michi-hifi.com
www.rotel.com