ROTEL MICHI Q5 CD PLAYER, TRANSPORT AND DAC LAUNCHED AT ASCOT

The Rotel Michi Q5 CD Player, Transport and DAC made its debut at the UK HiFi Show Live 2024, Ascot Racecourse, over the weekend.

The HiFi PiG UK HiFi Show Live 2024 report will follow soon, but in the meantime here is more about the Rotel Michi Q5.

Japanese HiFi brand Rotel has extended the Michi product line to include its first ‘source’ component that offers an audiophile-grade CD Player, Transport and DAC.

ROTEL MICHI Q5 TRANSPORT DAC

The Rotel Michi Q5 Rotel Michi Q5 Transport DAC is a CD Player, Transport and DAC

At its core lies the premium ESS ES9028PRO DAC, an eight-channel digital-to-analogue converter. Michi has implemented the DAC in a fully balanced, fully differential circuit design to offer audio reproduction with a low noise floor, and minimal distortion to both XLR and RCA analogue outputs.

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.

CD MECHANISM

The bespoke, top-loading CD mechanism is constructed with precision optical laser pickup housed in a premium CNC-machined aluminium chassis that offers 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 CD playback. This design not only enhances the Q5’s visual appeal but also isolates sensitive electronic circuits from physical disturbances.

The Q5 is equipped with bespoke, dual in-house manufactured toroidal transformers that isolate digital and analogue 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.

HOME AUDIO HUB

The Rotel 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 are designed to make the Q5 compatible with all your favourite digital sources, as a 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.

ROTEL MICHI Q5 TRANSPORT DAC PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The Rotel Michi Q5 Transport DAC will be available in the global markets beginning in November 2024.

Suggested retail prices:  $6,999       €5,999      £5,499

HiFi PiG Says: Fantastic Japanese design and engineering from the Rotel Michi brand.